DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd July 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – Polity

Context: With no elected MP in Lok Sabha and its vote share this general election down to 2.04%, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) could lose its national status once the Election Commission carries out its customary review post general elections.

Background:-

• Founded in 1984 by Kanshi Ram who later named Mayawati as his successor, BSP was recognised as a national party in 1997.

Key takeaways

• Currently, there are six political parties recognised as national parties by the Election Commission – BJP, BSP, Congress, AAP, National People’s Party, and CPM.
• According to the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, a national party is one that has :
  • at least 6% of the total valid votes in four or more states in the last general election and at least four MPs;
  • or wins at least 2% of the seats in the Lok Sabha, with the winners being from at least three states;
  • or is a recognised state party in at least four states.
• With the party failing to win any seat in the 18th Lok Sabha and getting only 2.04% of the total votes, as per the results available on the ECI website, it fails the first two criteria for retaining its national party status. The final results and statistics for the 2024 elections are yet to be published.
• For the third criterion, the party has to meet the conditions for being a recognised state party in four or more states, which it also does not meet as of now.
• In all state Assembly elections held between 2019 and now, the BSP meets the criteria for being a state party only in Uttar Pradesh, where it won 12.88% votes in the 2022 state polls. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it met the state party criteria, of having at least 8% of the valid votes polled in a particular state, in Uttar Pradesh, where it got 9.39% of the votes.
• As per the Symbols Order, a state party is one which has got :
  • at least 6% of the total valid votes in a state and at least two MLAs;
  • or at least 6% of the total valid votes polled in the state in the last Lok Sabha elections and at least one MP from that state;
  • or at least 3% of the total seats in the Assembly or three seats, whichever is higher;
  • or at least one MP for every 25 seats allotted to that state in the Lok Sabha;
  • or at least 8% of the total valid votes in the last Lok Sabha election in that particular state or Assembly election.
• This is not the first time that BSP’s national status is under scanner. In 2014, when it also had no seat in Lok Sabha and 4.19% vote share, it could have lost its national party status, but an amendment made by EC in 2016 came to its rescue.
• Post the 2014 elections, the Symbols Order was amended in 2016 with effect from January 1, 2014 saying that a party’s national or state recognition would not be reviewed in the first election after the one in which they gain the status, meaning the first review would be after 10 years. This benefit was given to all parties, even the BSP, which became a national party in 1997.
• As a national party, a political party gets certain benefits, including the guaranteed use of their common election symbol for candidates across the country, land or accommodation for an office in Delhi, free copies of the electoral roll and airtime on Doordarshan and All-India Radio during elections.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT

Context: Soon after the release of ChatGPT in 2022, there was an explosion of news and a surge of interest in AI, triggering a hype cycle that continues unabated. Suddenly, it seems every tech company or startup is marketing an AI product. Tech companies and startups marketing themselves as using AI, but not doing so forms the basis of ‘AI washing’

Background:

• The summit will take place from July 3-4 in Astana. Kazakhstan took over the SCO presidency from India, which was the president last year. India hosted the SCO summit virtually in July 2023.

About AI WASHING

• AI washing is a term derived from greenwashing, where companies exaggerate their environmental friendliness to appeal to customers. Similarly, businesses that claim to have integrated AI into their products, when they’re actually using less sophisticated technology, can be accused of AI washing.
• When it comes to AI washing, there are several types. Some companies claim to use AI when they’re actually using less-sophisticated computing, while others overstate the efficacy of their AI over existing techniques, or suggest that their AI solutions are fully operational when they are not.
• While it is unclear who coined the term AI washing, it was popularised by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) when it levied fines againstinvestment advisory firms Global Predictions and Delphia in March 2024.
• The securities regulator found that the companies had made false statements to their clients about providing ‘expert AI-driven forecasts’ and using machine learning to manage retail client portfolios.

What are some real-life examples of AI washing?

• Recently, Amazon reportedly removed its cashier-less checkout systems from many physical grocery stores afterBusiness Insider found that the ‘Just Walk Out’ technology, which claimed to use AI and sensors to detect what was in a customer’s shopping cart, actually relied on employees in India to review the transactions.
• Not just tech companies, the AI-related claims of multinational brands such asMcDonalds and Coca Cola have also come under scrutiny.
• McDonalds recently decided to ditch its AI technology at drive-thru restaurants in the US after customers complained that their orders had been incorrectly taken down.
• The rush to be branded as an AI business follows a long pattern of companies looking to capitalise on the hype surrounding new and emerging technologies.

Why is AI washing a growing concern?

• While AI washing may seem like harmless hyperbole, it could have far-reaching consequences for consumers and the tech industry itself.
• AI washing diverts management attention and resources away from practical AI innovation. Instead of developing meaningful AI capabilities, companies might make misguided investments in superficial enhancements, slowing real progress with the technology.
• AI washing can complicate decision making for businesses that are genuinely looking for valuable AI solutions. This can hinder their digital transformation efforts, stifle innovation, and jeopardise performance.
• As for consumers, subpar AI technology could pose data security and privacy risks while additionally pushing consumers away from using the technology.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims – CURRENT EVENT

Context: A new Android malware called Snowblind has emerged and it’s using a clever trick  to bypass security.

Background:

• Snowblind specifically targets apps that handle sensitive user information.

About Snowblind Malware:

• Snowblind is a type of Trojan malware that targets Android devices.
• Discovered by cybersecurity firm Promon, this malicious software masquerades as legitimate software to infiltrate Android phones and tablets.
• Once installed, it remains dormant until triggered by specific actions or commands. Its stealthy approach allows it to avoid detection by users and security software.
• When activated, Snowblind is capable of capturing your banking login credentials and performing unauthorized transactions without your consent.

How it gets into your system

• People usually get this virus by downloading a malicious app that looks legitimate. The malware repackages an app to avoid detection and misuses accessibility features to steal sensitive information and control the app remotely, said Vidar Krey, VP of engineering at Promon.

How does Snowblind malware work?

• Unlike other Android malware, Snowblind bypasses Android’s built-in security by exploiting a feature called “seccomp” in the Linux kernel, which is supposed to check for tampering.
• Snowblind injects code before seccomp activates, allowing it to bypass security checks and use accessibility services to monitor your screen, making it easier to steal your login information or interrupt your banking app sessions.
• This lets it disable biometric and two-factor authentication (2FA) protections, putting you at higher risk for fraud and identity theft. The malware works quietly in the background, so you might not even realise it is on your device.

Source: NDTV

Syllabus

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT

Context: The Pench Tiger Reserve recently launched an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for the early detection of forest fires.

Background:

• The use of AI for early forest fire detection can significantly improve response times and help protect wildlife and habitats.

About PENCH TIGER RESERVE

• The Pench Tiger Reserve is named after the Pench River.
• Inside the park, the river flows from North to South before going on to join the Kanhan River, while splitting the Park into two, and forming the boundary of Seoni District and Chhindwara District districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• The Meghdoot dam built across Pench River at Totladoh has created a large water body of 72 km2 out of which 54 km2 falls in M.P. and the rest in the adjoining state of Maharashtra.
• The Pench River which emerges from Mahadeo Hills of Satpuda Ranges and the various nallas and streams which drain into it, all flow through the forests of the protected area.
• The Pench Tiger Reserve spans the southern reaches of the Satpura hills in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• It also extends into the Nagpur district in Maharashtra.

Biodiversity:

• This reserve is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna.
• Tigers are the main attraction, but it also hosts large herds of Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, and Gaur (Indian Bison).
• The area supports over 325 species of resident and migratory birds, including the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Osprey, and Grey Headed Fishing Eagle.

Vegetation:

• The undulating terrain features a mosaic of vegetation, ranging from moist sheltered valleys to open, dry deciduous forests.
• Teak, saag, mahua, and various grasses and shrubs thrive here.
• The Pench region is the real-life setting of Rudyard Kipling’s famous novel, “The Jungle Book”.

Source: PTI

Syllabus

• Prelims – CURRENT EVENT

Context: The Indian Navy’s INS Shivalik has arrived at Pearl Harbour to participate in the 29th Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.

Background:

• The indigenously designed and built 6000-tonne guided missile stealth frigate sailed to Pearl Harbour on June 27 after completion of JIMEX 24, a bilateral exercise between India and Japan.

About RIMPAC:

• RIMPAC stands for the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, which is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise.
• It is hosted and administered by the United States Navy’s Indo-Pacific Command.
• Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise is a biennial multinational maritime exercise that fosters cooperative relationships among approximately 29 nations.
• RIMPAC 2024 will take place from June 26 to August 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands.
• The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen strategic maritime partnerships, and ensure the safety of sea lanes in the free and open Indo-Pacific region.
• This year’s theme is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.” Participating countries include Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among other.

Source: Indian Navy

Syllabus

• Prelims – CURRENT EVENT

Context: Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has assumed command as the 30th Chief of the Indian Army, succeeding General Manoj Pande after his 26-month tenure.

Background:

• General Dwivedi has a deep understanding of modern and emerging technologies, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness by leveraging India’s technology ecosystem.

About Chief of the Army Staff :

• The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) is the professional head of the Indian Army (IA), which is the land forces branch of the Indian Armed Forces.
• The COAS typically serves a three-year term or until reaching the age of 62, whichever comes earlier.
• Extensions are rare and usually granted only during times of war or national emergency.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Highest-Ranking Officer: The COAS is the highest-ranking officer in the Indian Army.
• Operational Commander: Customarily held by a four-star general officer, the COAS is the senior-most operational officer of the IA, tasked with the roles of overseeing the overall functioning of the force during peace and wartime, committing to the preparation and maintenance of the force’s operational effectiveness and defending the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
• Military Advisor: The COAS advises the Government of India and the Ministry of Defence on military matters.
• Strategic Decision-Making: They play a crucial role in formulating and implementing strategic decisions related to defence and security.

Source: Economic Times

Q1.) Consider the following statements about National Party status

1. A national party gets several benefits, which includes land or accommodation for an office in Delhi and airtime on Doordarshan and All-India Radio during elections.
2. Currently, there are six political parties recognised as national parties by the Election Commission – BJP, BSP, Congress, AAP, National People’s Party, and CPM.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 & 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q2.) Consider the following statements:

1. Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise is a biennial multinational maritime exercise.
2. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen strategic maritime partnerships, and ensure the safety of sea lanes in the free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 & 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q3.) In which of the following states is the Pench Tiger Reserve, recently seen in the news, located?

1. Karnataka
2. Uttarakhand
3. Madhya Pradesh
4. Assam

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  2nd July 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) –  a

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – d