Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (22-07-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Science and Technology: PC emulator -Apple allowed it on App Store |
| Economy: India’s garment export woes are self-inflicted: report |
| Polity and Governance: U-WIN- govt’s new online vaccine portal |
| Polity and Governance: Governor’s immunity under Article 361, set to be reviewed by Supreme Court |
| Polity and Governance: 46th Session of World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam |
| International Relations: Ivory Coast joins UN Water Convention as 10th African nation |
PC emulator- Apple allowed on App Store
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Science and Technology
Context: PC emulator for iOS
Why in News
- Apple approved PC emulator for iOS for the first which will allow users to run classic software, mostly games on iOS, iPadOS and visionOS.
What is an emulator in PC?
- An emulator, as the name suggests, is software that allows a computer device to emulate another software.
- The difference in how a device operates allows it to run and use software designed for other, previously, incompatible devices.
- For example, software designed for a Windows PC will have to be redesigned to run on macOs.
- This redesign will have to be done by the developers, who may choose to not include all the functionalities available on Windows to Mac users.
- An emulator can be used in this scenario to run software designed for Windows on macOS by emulating the design architecture of Windows.
- Emulators are commonly used to run applications designed for different operating systems, play video games from older consoles, and test software across different platforms.
Why did Apple allow emulators on the iOS app store?
- Apple did not allow emulators on its platform. The Cupertino-based tech giant approved UTM SE, an app for emulating a computer, to run classic software and games.
- The move came weeks after the company rejected it and barred it from being notarised for third-party app stores in the European Union.
- The move may be an attempt by the company to shake off antitrust allegations in the U.S. for operating as a monopoly and restricting certain gaming apps on its App Store and preventing competition.
- Allowing emulators on its App Store could help the iPhone-maker ensure users do not use third-party app stores in the EU to download emulators.
Are PC emulators legal?
- Emulators come in handy when testing and designing software, and they do not use proprietary codes. So, they are considered legal to use.
- However, sharing copyrighted ROMs (Read Only Memory) online is illegal.
- But, as most emulators are used to running software not originally meant for a particular device, the question of legality becomes complicated.
- Using an emulator is considered legal if users own the software they are running on the emulator.
- However, if they use the emulator to run pirated copies of a software or use the emulator to distribute or download ROMs of software they do not own, it is considered illegal.
Are emulators risky?
- Unlike proprietary software, which receives timely updates to ensure smooth and secure functions, using an emulator can be a risky proposition.
- Especially, if the emulator is downloaded from unofficial sources. These can contain malware that can compromise the security of a system.
- Additionally, depending on the software users choose to emulate, they may inadvertently end up violating licensing agreements or copyright laws.
- This can result in refusal by the OEM to provide maintenance, or technical support and even lead to users being penalised for using proprietary ROMs.
- Emulators can also impact the performance of a device. They are resource-intensive and may lead to decreased CPU performance, overheating, and potential damage to the battery.
- Additionally, poorly designed and untested emulators may lead to data corruption, especially if the emulator crashes or if there are combability issues with the ROMs or software being used.
Are emulators banned?
- Due to their ability to help developers use different operating ecosystems for testing purposes without having to switch hardware or the underlying software, emulators are not typically banned in any country.
- However, the legal status of emulators depends on specific laws in each country, and on how they are used in that jurisdiction.
Are emulators legal in India?
- In India, the laws do not specifically ban the use of emulators. However, their use is subject to copyright and intellectual property laws.
- While it is legal to use and distribute emulators in India, users may land in trouble if they use emulators to run software such as games, operating systems, or applications) without the proper licenses or ownership. Distributing ROMs without proper ownership can be problematic.
- Additionally, the concept of fair use applies if users own an original copy of the software and are using the emulator as a backup.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements about emulators:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
|
Q. Consider the following communication technologies:(2022)
1. Closed-circuit Television 2. Radio Frequency Identification 3. Wireless Local Area Network Which of the above are considered Short-Range devices/technologies? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans d |
| Answer 1- A
Explanation
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India’s garment export woes are self-inflicted: report
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 3- Economy
Context: Indian garment export sector
Why in News
- The Indian garment export sector faces significant hurdles that impede its growth and global competitiveness.
Key Highlights
- According to a recent report by the Global Trade Research Institute (GTRI), these challenges are largely rooted in difficulties related to the procurement of quality raw materials, particularly synthetic fabrics, and the inefficiencies in current administrative processes.
- The GTRI report highlights that while countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam have streamlined their processes and benefited from less restrictive regulations, Indian garment exporters are burdened by outdated and cumbersome procedures.
- This scenario results in higher production costs and less competitive pricing, making Indian garments less attractive to global buyers.
- The report calls for a comprehensive overhaul of existing procedures and market dynamics to address these issues and enhance the industry’s growth prospects.
Challenges in Indian Garment Export Growth
- Complex Procedures and Import Restrictions
- Quality Control Orders (QCOs): Recent regulations require stringent quality checks for imported fabric. These QCOs complicate the import process for essential raw materials, which adds significant delays and bureaucratic hurdles.
- Archaic Procedures: Exporters must comply with outdated rules set by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Customs. These procedures involve detailed accounting for every component of the garment, such as fabric, buttons, and zippers, which can be both time-consuming and cumbersome.
- Impact on Costs and Competitiveness
- Expensive Domestic Raw Materials: Due to import restrictions, exporters are forced to rely on costlier domestic sources for raw materials like Polyester Staple Fibre and Viscose Staple Fibre. This significantly increases production costs.
- Price Discrepancies: The reliance on expensive domestic materials makes Indian garments less competitive on the global market. Buyers are discouraged by higher prices compared to garments from countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, which do not face similar restrictions.
- Comparison with Other Countries
- Bangladesh and Vietnam: Unlike India, these countries do not face the same import restrictions and complex procedures. This gives their garment industries a competitive edge by allowing them to source raw materials more efficiently and at lower costs.
- Recommendations for Improvement
- Overhaul of Procedures: The report suggests a comprehensive review and modernization of the existing import and export procedures. Simplifying and streamlining these processes could reduce costs and improve the efficiency of the garment export sector.
- Addressing Domestic Vested Interests: The influence of domestic suppliers who dominate the market for raw materials should be addressed to ensure fairer competition and better access to quality fabrics.
Major Government Initiatives to Promote Export Growth
- Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)
- PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP)
- Duty Drawback Scheme
- Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Product (RoDTEP)
- Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. Consider the following statements about India’s garment exports:
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
|
Q. Consider the following statements (2020):
1.The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade. 2.“Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh. 3.In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 only c) 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer : b) |
| Answer 2– C
Explanation –
|
U-WIN- govt’s new online vaccine portal
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS 2- Health, GS 3– Teachnology
Context: UWIN- govt’s new online vaccine portal
Why in News
- The U-WIN portal, part of the government’s 100-day health plan, will be a nationwide online system for managing childhood vaccinations, similar to CoWIN used during the Covid-19 pandemic.
What is U-WIN?
- U-WIN (Universal Vaccine Information Network) is a digital platform launched by the Indian government to manage and track childhood vaccinations.
- It is designed to streamline the immunization process and enhance the efficiency of vaccine distribution across the country.
Purpose and Goals
- The U-WIN (Universal Vaccine Information Network) platform aims to digitize and individualize immunization records from birth to improve the coverage and management of childhood vaccinations.
- By maintaining comprehensive digital records, the government seeks to identify and reach the small percentage of children currently missing from the vaccination net.
- The platform is currently being piloted in several states with national implementation on the horizon.
Registration and Records
- Child and Mother Registration: Children up to six years old and pregnant mothers are registered on U-WIN using government IDs like Aadhaar and their mobile phone numbers.
- Immunization Records: The platform tracks all 25 childhood vaccinations and the two vaccinations given to pregnant mothers.
- Vaccination Certificate: U-WIN generates a checkered vaccination certificate color-coded for different vaccines. Each administered shot is recorded, including its date and the due date for the next vaccine.
- SMS Reminders: The platform sends SMS notifications to parents before the next dose is due.
Features and Benefits
- Digital Convenience: The digital vaccine certificate eliminates the need for a physical vaccination booklet and facilitates vaccination anywhere in the country.
- Vaccination Centre Locator: U-WIN helps locate the nearest vaccination center and allows users to book available slots.
- Due-List Generation: U-WIN can automatically create a list of children due for vaccination in specific areas, assisting health workers in managing their responsibilities.
Birth and Immunization Data
- Comprehensive Records: U-WIN registers all births, including initial vaccines against polio, hepatitis B, and tuberculosis, along with birth weight and observed physical deformities.
- Data Utilization: This data can be used by other government programs and is intended to be connected through the ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) ID.
- Inventory Management: U-WIN will be integrated with the eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) platform, which tracks vaccine vials from central stores to vaccination sites.
- Real-Time Monitoring: eVIN monitors temperature and humidity conditions of vaccine vials in real-time to ensure proper storage and reduce waste.
Adoption and Infrastructure
- Existing Digital Infrastructure: The digital infrastructure required for U-WIN is already in place, as it utilizes similar technology to the CoWIN system used during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Familiarity of Vaccinators: Most vaccinators have experience with similar digital platforms, which should ease the transition to U-WIN.
Expert Insight
- An immunization expert highlights that the existing digital infrastructure and experience of vaccinators with comparable platforms will facilitate smooth adoption of U-WIN.
- The expert emphasizes confidence in the system’s ability to enhance vaccination coverage and management.
How will U-WIN help with immunisation?
There are a number of benefits that the government foresees with U-WIN.
- Reminders that U-WIN will furnish to parents are likely to improve compliance.
- U-WIN will ensure portability — children who have received their first vaccines in one village/city can receive the rest of the doses elsewhere in the country. This will be especially useful to ensure that children of migrant workers do not drop out.
- The portal might help reduce errors. The aforementioned immunisation expert said that the platform can act as a decision support system.
- U-WIN will provide granular, individualised details of childhood immunisation across the country.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following statements about the U-WIN platform:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
|
Q. Consider the following: (2022)
Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2, 3 and 4 only c) 1, 3 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer: d) |
| Answer 3 C
Explanation
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Governor’s immunity under Article 361, set to be reviewed by Supreme Court
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2- Polity and Governance
Context: Governor’s immunity under Article 361
Why in News
The Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea seeking to redefine the contours of the constitutional immunity enjoyed by the Governor of a state.
Background
- On July 19, the Supreme Court of India agreed to examine a petition seeking to redefine the constitutional immunity granted to the Governor of a state.
- This review comes in light of allegations against Governor C V Ananda Bose by a contractual woman employee of the West Bengal Raj Bhavan, who has accused him of sexual harassment.
Constitutional Immunity
- Article 361 Overview: Article 361 of the Indian Constitution provides that the President and the Governor are shielded from criminal prosecution and judicial scrutiny for actions taken in their official capacity. This includes immunity from arrest and imprisonment while in office.
- Scope of Immunity: The Court will assess whether this immunity encompasses the initiation of criminal proceedings, such as filing an FIR, conducting a preliminary inquiry, or a magistrate taking cognizance of an offense. The challenge is to determine if these actions can be taken against a Governor while in office.
Historical Context
- Origins: The immunity provided to the President and Governors is rooted in the Latin maxim “rex non potest peccare” (the king can do no wrong) and reflects English legal traditions.
- Constituent Assembly Debates: When Article 361 was introduced in 1949, questions were raised about whether it allowed for no proceedings against a President or Governor during their term or only while in office.
Judicial Interpretations
- State vs Kalyan Singh (2017): The Supreme Court held that Kalyan Singh, then Governor of Rajasthan, was entitled to immunity under Article 361. Proceedings against him were to be deferred until he ceased to hold office.
- Madhya Pradesh High Court (2015): In the Vyapam scam case, the High Court determined that an FIR registration against a Governor did not amount to the initiation of criminal proceedings while the Governor was in office.
- Rameshwar Prasad vs Union of India (2006): The Supreme Court clarified that while a Governor enjoys immunity under Article 361, this does not preclude judicial review of their actions if done in bad faith or beyond their constitutional duties.
International Perspective
- U.S. Supreme Court Ruling: On July 1, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former Presidents have “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution for official acts but not for personal or unofficial acts. This decision parallels the debate on the extent of immunity for high officeholders in India.
Current Proceedings
- The Supreme Court has asked the Attorney General for India, R Venkataramani, to provide input on this matter.
- The outcome of this case could significantly impact the role and accountability of constitutional heads of states in India.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements about the constitutional immunity provided to the Governor under Article 361 of the Indian Constitution:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
|
Q. Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State? (2014)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (b) |
| Answer 4 C
Explanation
|
46th Session of World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2034814
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2- Polity and Governance
Context: World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam
Why in news
- Prime Minister inaugurated the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Event Overview
- 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi marks the first time India is hosting the annual World Heritage Committee meeting, which is responsible for managing World Heritage matters and deciding on new sites for the World Heritage List.
Prime Minister’s Address
- Auspicious Occasion: The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the event coinciding with Guru Purnima and expressed delight in hosting the meeting on this auspicious day.
- Welcome and Confidence: He extended a warm welcome to global dignitaries and expressed confidence that the meeting will achieve historic milestones similar to other global events hosted by India.
Heritage and Cultural Significance
- Returned Artifacts: The Prime Minister mentioned that over 350 heritage items have been returned from abroad, reflecting global respect for history and heritage.
- Historical Highlights: He discussed India’s rich heritage, including the 2000-year-old Iron Pillar, the Kedarnath temple, Brihadeeswara Temple, Dholavira, and Lothal, emphasizing India’s historical and scientific achievements.
- Recent Discoveries: He noted new findings like the 4000-year-old horse-driven chariot from Sinauli, stressing the need for fresh perspectives to understand India’s past.
Significance of Heritage
- Global Connection: The Prime Minister described heritage as a shared human consciousness, which transcends current geopolitical factors and encourages global unity and welfare.
- Development and Heritage: He emphasized India’s vision of integrating development with heritage, citing recent projects such as the Kashi Viswanath Corridor and Shri Ram Mandir.
International Efforts
- Global Contributions: India will contribute $1 million to UNESCO for the conservation of heritage sites in the Global South and start a certificate program in World Heritage Management for young professionals.
- Promotion of Heritage: The Prime Minister invited delegates to explore India’s heritage and highlighted various exhibitions at Bharat Mandapam, including the Return of Treasures Exhibition and immersive AR & VR experiences of Indian heritage sites.
Additional Details
- World Heritage Committee Meeting: The meeting, running from July 21 to 31, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, will discuss new site nominations, conservation reports, and heritage funding.
- Side Events: The World Heritage Young Professionals’ Forum and World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum are also part of the event, showcasing India’s culture through various exhibitions and technological innovations.
UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC)
- The World Heritage Committee is composed of representatives of 21 States Parties
- to the World Heritage Convention who meet annually.
- The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural
- Heritage is an international agreement that was adopted by the General
- Conference of UNESCO in 1972.
- It is based on the premise that certain places on Earth are of outstanding
- universal value and should therefore form part of the common heritage of
- humankind.
- It basically defines the kind of natural or cultural sites which can be
- considered for inscription on the World Heritage List.
- The Committee is in charge of implementing the Convention.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Which of the following statements about the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is/are correct?
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
|
Q. Recently, which one of the following was included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage list? (2009)
(a) Dilwara Temple (b) Kalka-Shimla Railway (c) Bhiterkanika Mangrove Area (d) Visakhapatnam to Araku valley railway line Ans: (b) |
| Answer 5 D
Explanation
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Ivory Coast joins UN Water Convention as 10th African nation
Source: Down to Earth
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/ivory-coast-joins-un-water-convention-as-10th-african-nation
UPSC Relevance: GS2- International relations
Context: UN Water Convention
Why in News
- Ivory Coast joined the United Nations Water Convention, becoming the 10th African nation to do so.
Accession and Significance
- Ivory Coast has recently joined the 1992 UN Water Convention, becoming the 10th African nation to do so.
- This accession aims to bolster cooperative water management across borders, addressing challenges related to water stress and climate change.
- Ivory Coast’s entry marks it as the 53rd Party to the convention, which seeks to manage transboundary water resources sustainably.
Context and Challenges
- Transboundary Water Basins: Ivory Coast shares eight transboundary river basins with six neighboring countries. The Niger River basin, which traverses nine countries, is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including significant decreases in river flows.
- Water Insecurity: Ivory Coast faces water insecurity, ranked 40th in Africa. The nation struggles with urbanization, climate effects, and pollution. Its water resources are unevenly distributed, with the north and northeast experiencing water stress.
Convention Details
- Purpose: The UN Water Convention facilitates cooperation on both surface water and groundwater across borders. It mandates Parties to prevent and reduce negative impacts on water quality and quantity, ensuring sustainable management.
- Global Reach: Originally a regional framework for Europe, the convention expanded globally in 2016. It now includes several African nations and is crucial for managing the continent’s extensive transboundary water resources.
African Participation and Impact
- Current Status: Ivory Coast’s accession is a significant milestone for water cooperation in Africa, strengthening efforts for peace, sustainable development, and climate adaptation.
- Upcoming Accessions: Sierra Leone, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are in the final stages of joining the convention. Their accession will further support regional water management and climate resilience.
Global and Regional Benefits
- Water Cooperation: The convention supports cooperative agreements and joint bodies for managing shared water resources. It also helps countries manage groundwater reserves, crucial for climate change adaptation.
- Future Developments: With 20 more countries, mostly in Africa, in the process of joining, the convention’s role in fostering international water diplomacy and sustainable management is growing.
Statements and Future Outlook
- UN Officials: Tatiana Molcean of UNECE emphasized the convention’s role in supporting water cooperation and called for more countries to join. Claver Gatete of UNECA highlighted the significance of Ivory Coast’s accession for the continent.
- Anticipated Sessions: The 10th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Water Convention is scheduled for October 2024 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, which will continue to drive the agenda on global water cooperation and management.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q6. Which of the following statements about the United Nations Water Convention and its recent developments is/are correct?
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
|
Q. With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements(2022)
1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention. 2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. 3. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: d) |
| Answer 6 – C
Explanation:
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