9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – March 18th, 2023

Posted on March 18th, 2023 Last modified on March 20th, 2023 Comments

Dear Friends,

We have initiated some changes in the 9 PM Brief and other postings related to current affairs. What we sought to do:

Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing. Hence, the 9 PM brief now covers the following newspapers:
1. The Hindu
2. Indian Express
3. Livemint
4. Business Standard
5. Times of India
6. Down To Earth
7. PIB
We have also introduced the relevance part to every article. This ensures that you know why a particular article is important.
Since these changes are new, so initially the number of articles might increase, but they’ll go down over time.
It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.
- For previous editions of 9 PM Brief – Click Here
- For individual articles of 9 PM Brief– Click Here

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Endless delay: On the conduct of Governors and legislative agenda

Source: The post is based on the article “Endless delay: On the conduct of Governors and legislative agenda” published in The Hindu on 18^th March 2023.

Syllabus: GS – 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

Relevance: Tussle between state government and Governors

News: The Supreme court is set to hear a petition from the Telangana Government seeking directions to the Governor to grant assent to the Bills.

What are the Constitutional Provisions regarding giving assent to the bills?

The Governor can either grant assent to a Bill or decline it or reserve it for the President’s consideration. In suitable cases, it may also be returned for reconsideration.

However, none of this should be based on the Governor’s personal view on the Bill’s content. Governors should only act as per the powers granted by the Constitution.

What are areas of conflict between the state governments and the Governors?

In Punjab, the Governor delayed summoning the Assembly. The issue was later settled up by the Supreme Court.

What can be the way ahead?

Constitutional functions should not be held hostage to political and personal differences.

The Supreme Court’s recent statement that communication amongst constitutional authorities shouldn’t turn into a “race to the bottom” is noteworthy.

The US is clear that Arunachal Pradesh is a part of India. Why doesn’t it take a stand on Aksai Chin?

Source– The post is based on the article “The US is clear that Arunachal Pradesh is a part of India. Why doesn’t it take a stand on Aksai Chin?” published in “The Indian Express” on 18th March 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings

Relevance– Border dispute between India and China

News– Recently, a Democratic Senator introduced a resolution in the US Senate on February 16 reaffirming the state of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and condemning China’s provocations in South Asia.

What are the important points contained in resolution?

The latest Resolution also covers recent military provocations and aggressions by the PLA on LAC. It mentions the Chinese villages constructed along the border areas of Arunachal Pradesh.

It also underlines China’s questionable narrative on the visits by the Dalai Lama and other leaders to Arunachal Pradesh and China’s refusal to grant residents of the Indian state visas for travel to China.

It accuses China of impeding poverty alleviation and economic development in Arunachal Pradesh as its behaviour compels many international donors to be cautious of helping.

What is the position of the US on the boundary dispute between India and China?

The US position on Arunachal Pradesh has been helpful since 1962. The United States at that time announced that it recognised the McMahon Line as the traditional and generally accepted international border and fully supported India’s position in that regard.

The US was of the view that China by military action had taken territory belonging to India. Its policy was that any settlement must be accepted by India with honour.

The US felt this Chinese aggression provided an unprecedented opportunity to win over India to its side.

Official US maps depict Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India. At the same time, Washington’s position on the India-China boundary issue is far from perfect.

The US Department of State’s international travel advisory maps clearly show Aksai Chin and some other parts of the western sector as disputed.

The US has an ambiguous stand even today on the boundary dispute in Ladakh. It limits the possibility of ground-level cooperation between India and the US in the western sector.

The US position of neutrality on the India-China boundary dispute over Aksai Chin contradicts its supportive position on the McMahon Line in Arunachal Pradesh.

What are some facts about the India and China boundary dispute?

China is in illegal occupation of 38,000 sq km of Indian territory in Ladakh and has usurped a further 5,180 sq km of Indian territory in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

China Qing dynasty presence in Tibet began to emerge around 1720, following intervention in the internecine succession struggle after the death of the Sixth Dalai Lama (1683-1706).

There is no basis to the Chinese claim over Tawang on the flimsy grounds that it is the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama.

GS Paper 3

The forecast after a fake news campaign in Tamil Nadu

Source– The post is based on the article “The forecast after a fake news campaign in Tamil Nadu” published in “The Hindu” on 18th March 2023.

Syllabus: GS3 – Internal security Issues associated with fake news

Relevance– Issues related to freedom of speech

News– Recently, a malicious online disinformation campaign that migrant workers from Bihar are facing violence, led to law-and-order issues in Tamil Nadu.

What are the efforts by various countries to tackle disinformation?

The European Union has put out the Code of Practice on Disinformation 2022. The Code includes transparency in political advertising, empowerment of fact checkers and researchers, tools to flag disinformation, and measures to reduce manipulative behaviour.

The United Kingdom has proposed enacting an Online Safety Bill. It expects social media platforms to actively monitor problematic content.

What are steps taken by the government to tackle disinformation?

Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 is an important tool in the hands of the government. It gives power to the Union Government to block access to any information online that it considers necessary in the interest of the sovereignty and the integrity of India, the security of the state or public order.

The Union brought out the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 to regulate content by online publishers of news and social media intermediaries.

The recent draft amendments to the IT Rules, 2021 empower the Press Information Bureau to flag inaccurate and fake news related to government bodies on social media platforms.

What are issues with government measures to tackle disinformation in India?

There has been little or no serious discussion on the menace and the extent of disinformation in India.

The government in India has only employed knee jerk measures such as Internet shutdowns without following the doctrine of proportionality. This response is over simplistic, nontransparent and autocratic.

The government has not introduced a robust framework to tackle the root causes of disinformation. Rather, the Union has granted itself greater powers to strike down any content that is not pleasant for the government.

The focus has been more on containing criticism against the Union Government and its leaders, instead of blocking fake news.

What is the way forward to tackle disinformation in India?

A more studied, comprehensive and calculated set of legislative actions is required. The objective should be to balance between free speech under Article 19 of the Constitution of India, and protecting citizens from malicious disinformation.

In Tehseen S. Poonawalla vs Union Of Indian case of 2018, the Supreme Court of India had

held that it is the duty of the Union and State governments to take steps to curb dissemination.

Our designation of national monuments must be freed from the ‘slave’ mindset

Source– The post is based on the article “Our designation of national monuments must be freed from the ‘slave’ mindset” published in “The Indian Express” on 18th March 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Indian culture

Relevance– Preservation and management of historical monuments

News– Some historical monuments of great importance have not been given sufficient recognition by concerned government agencies.

How are steps taken by the current government contributing for preservation and management of monuments?

The current government has increased focus on decolonisation drive. It has brought out the achievements of King Suheldev, Rani Durgavati and Lachit Barphukan.

It has highlighted the story of the founder-king of Delhi, Anangpal Tomar and declared the neglected Anang Tal as a monument of national importance.

It held national and international events at the Sindhu-Saraswati site of Dholavira. A new Shivaji-era inspired naval insignia was unveiled.

What shows that some historical monuments of great significance have not given sufficient attention?

The samadhi in Satara of Maratha queen Tarabai Bhonsle, who fought the Mughals is in ruins.

There is not a single monument connected with the struggles of Dalits and B R Ambedkar’s life that has been declared as a national monument.

The birthplace of Adi Sankara, Kalady has not been declared a monument of national importance despite recommendations by the Governor of Kerala.

The Mangarh hillock in Rajasthan was recommended by the NMA, along with the Minister of State for Culture, to be declared a Monument of National Importance. This was the site of the massacre of more than 1,500 Bhils by the British army on November 17, 1913. No action has been taken.

There are more than a hundred monuments, like Tota-Maina ki Qabar and Dadi Poti ka Gumbad, which have absolutely no history. But, they are declared as Monuments of National Importance.

Not a single monument of national importance from Kashmir has been recommended to be declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There exists many important monuments like Martand Sun Temple, Parihaspora and Harwan Monastery.

What is the way forward for management and recognition of historical monuments?

There is a need for a relook at the functioning and mandates of all the agencies working on monuments. They should be freed from the British slave mindset.

India needs an Archaeological Foundation to preserve its civilisational and revolutionary monuments of India. The monuments may be given a district-level archaeological tag.

The report by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister on Monuments of National Importance should be considered. It is authored by chairman Bibek Debroy and member Sanjeev Sanyal.

Demolitions of homeless shelters in Delhi show a lack of compassion, and a disrespect for the Court

Source– The post is based on the article “Demolitions of homeless shelters in Delhi show a lack of compassion, and a disrespect for the Court” published in “The Indian Express” on 18th March 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Vulnerable sections of the population. GS1- poverty and developmental issues

Relevance– Issues related to homeless and destitute people

News– Recently, the officials of the Delhi government arrived without warning with bulldozers and pulled down the shelters for the homeless.

Why is demolishing the shelters for the homeless not a right action?

The official claimed that these shelters were unlawful encroachments. But they had been created by the orders of India’s highest court.

In the Right to Food case, the Supreme Court ruled that every person, including houseless destitute persons, had a fundamental right to life. It was the state’s constitutional duty to ensure decent shelters for all homeless people.

Studies revealed that there were at least six times more chances of dying if you were unhoused as compared to people with roofs over their heads.

What are the reasons behind the poor treatment of destitute and homeless people by the state?

There exist official prejudices against homeless people. It stereotypes homeless people as criminal, drug-abusing parasites dangerous to law-abiding residents of the city. Such criticism neglects their critical role in the city’s economy – as casual construction workers, in eateries, at wedding parties, and as head-loaders, all at dirt wages.

The homeless shelters were demolished to beautify the national capital for heads of G20 countries who will assemble in Delhi later this year. The Indian state, who wants to boost its global profile, considers these shelters as embarrassing sightings for its image.

It shows the absence of elementary public compassion. The state has little care for its poorest citizens and their dispensable lives. But the state can do this because middle-class and wealthy Indians will applaud its resolve to beautify.

Conglomerates & brandless growth

Source: The post is based on the article “Conglomerates & brandless growth” published in Business Standard on 18^th March 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Economy

Relevance: Issues with Indian Conglomerates

News: The article discusses the problem with Indian conglomerates.

Which companies in India are conglomerates and what are the common things amongst them?

Companies such as Adani, Ambani, Tata, Birla, and Vedanta are conglomerates in India, i.e., they are large corporations.

Things which are common amongst them are – a) they are all legacy or family-controlled enterprises, b) these have most of their businesses in areas which are highly regulated by the government, c) none of them owns a truly global Indian brand.

Since these conglomerates work in areas which are highly regulated by the government, the allegation of cronyism is often put forward by the opposition.

What are the arguments against cronyism?

Areas such as ports, airports, require both government as well as private players to work together for the development.

Further, it is important for the government to work closely with powerful Indian conglomerates to compete with others across the world, especially to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the nation’s interest.

Hence, the issue of cronyism or to say the government is supporting just one enterprise (Adani) is baseless. However, the government must provide a level playing field for all in these sectors rather than cooperating with a few.

What are the concerns with these conglomerates?

These conglomerates have not been able to build a global Indian brand. Global brands can be classified into three categories: Country, company and product brands.

In the first category, India has Yoga, ayurveda, etc. that has built the brand of India globally. In the second category, we have powerful Indian company brands known across the world like Tata, Reliance, etc.

However, the list in the third category is empty because none of these companies have been able to build a product brand that rules the world.

India does not have a purely homemade car, a two-wheeler, a software or operating system. Even though there are GI tags for most of the agri products, none of those acts as a brand that represents India globally.

Almost all the garments produced in our factories and exported are sold under the labels of international store chains. Although India is making a lot of mobile phones for export but none of these carry an Indian brand name.

The government has pushed for domestic manufacturing, but it is pushing it in the same direction as our software industry, i.e., outsourcing.

What can be the way ahead?

The success of Indian conglomerates not only lies in improving the domestic economy but also in making a brand that is recognised globally and represents India.

Therefore, there is a need to look in that direction by holding necessary discussions with the stakeholders.

World’s Fed Up US – central bank is caught napping, again

Source: The post is based on the article “World’s Fed Up US – central bank is caught napping, again” published in The Times of India on 18th March 2023.

Syllabus: GS – 3: Effects of liberalization on the economy.

Relevance: About US Fed policy and bank failures.

News: Recently the focus of financial markets has shifted from central banks increasing interest rates to commercial banks collapsing. Three US banks have collapsed and a fourth has received an injection of $30 billion from a consortium of banks. In Europe, Credit Suisse had to borrow $54 billion from the Swiss central bank.

About the US Fed policy post-2008

Following the 2008 global financial crisis, the US Fed unleashed waves of liquidity through a process known as quantitative easing (QE) to deal with the crisis of its own financial intermediaries. Fed’s quantitative easing (QE) had spillover effects on emerging markets like India. For example, the ‘taper tantrum’ of 2013 caused outflow of capital and Forex depletion.

Post-Covid, US Fed unleashed a loose monetary policy, then reversed course. The Fed embarked on a most aggressive policy of interest rate hikes. This led to predictable financial instability.

How US Fed policy has led to bank failures at present?

The Fed’s supervisory regime didn’t have a plan for banks likely to struggle in the wake of a fast-paced monetary tightening. So, that financial instability has spilt over to both the real economy and other countries.

To avoid such failures in future, the US Fed needs to get its supervisory act together.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

HC seeks report from Gujarat govt on mining leases granted within Wild Ass Sanctuary

Source: The post is based on the article “HC seeks report from Gujarat govt on mining leases granted within Wild Ass Sanctuary” published in the Indian Express on 16th March 2023.

What is the News?

Gujarat High Court recently sought a report from the state government on the licenses and permissions it has granted for mining activities within Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch.

A PIL has been filed against permitting and allotting plots situated within the sanctuary to salt manufacturers. The petitioners argued that the allocation is in breach of the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; the Indian Forest Act, 1927; the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and is violative of the Constitution.

About Wild Ass Sanctuary

It is the only place where the Indian wild ass, locally called Khacchar, is found. The sanctuary is home to a sizeable population of Rabari and Bharwad tribes.

Location: It is located in the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. It can be considered a large ecotone (a transitional area between marine and terrestrial ecosystems).

Significance: Gujarat is the only abode for Indian wild ass which have been pulled out from the brink of extinction by years of efforts.

About Indian Wild Ass

It is a sub-species of Asian Wild Ass.

Distribution: World’s last population of Indian WildAss is restricted to Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat.

Habitat: Desert and grassland ecosystems.

Conservation Status: a) IUCN: Near threatened, b) CITES: Appendix II, c) Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule-I.

Characteristics: It is characterized by distinctive white markings on the anterior part of the rump and on the posterior part of the shoulder and a stripe down the back that is bordered by white.

Union Minister inaugurated ‘herSTART’, a platform to encourage women entrepreneurs

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister inaugurated ‘herSTART’, a platform to encourage women entrepreneurs” published in PIB on 17th March 2023

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Science & Technology has informed about the recently launched “herSTART” platform.

What is herSTART Platform?

herSTART is an initiative of Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council(GUSEC).

Purpose: It is a platform introduced to promote women StartUps and to encourage women entrepreneurs.

Key Features: The platform will support women entrepreneurs in helping their innovative ideas take off.

– The platform will include a digital platform to provide resources and training modules free of cost to aspiring women entrepreneurs, a digital community for them and a digital publication to spread their success stories.

– The platform also encompasses the herSTART Incubator, a dedicated full-fledged startup incubator for women entrepreneurs and innovators and the herSTART Accelerator, a round-the-year accelerator programme for high-impact women-led startups.

Horseshoe crabs disappearing off Odisha’s coast; scientists worried

Source: The post is based on the article “Horseshoe crabs disappearing off Odisha’s coast; scientists worried” published in The Hindu on 18th March 2023

What is the News?

Scientists have urged the Odisha government to come up with a robust protection mechanism for Horseshoe crabs before they become extinct due to destructive fishing practices.

What is Horseshoe crab?

Horseshoe crab is a marine arthropod that is often referred to as a living fossil because it has existed virtually unchanged for millions of years.

Out of the four species of horseshoe crabs in the world, two are found in India.

India’s Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule IV

Significance: Horseshoe crabs play an important ecological role in their habitats, as they are scavengers that help to maintain the health of the marine ecosystem by consuming dead and decaying matter.

Uses: They are valuable to biomedical research, as their blue blood contains a substance called Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL), which is used to test for bacterial contamination in medical equipment and vaccines.

– Horseshoe crab eggs are considered a delicacy in some parts of Asia and are used in traditional medicine.

Threats: Threats to horseshoe crabs include habitat loss and overharvesting. Beach developments hinder horseshoe crab breeding.

International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Vladimir Putin over Ukraine ‘war crimes’

Source: The post is based on the article “International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Vladimir Putin over Ukraine ‘war crimes’” published in The Hindu on 18th March 2023

What is the News?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

What is the International Criminal Court (ICC)?

Click Here to read

Why did the International Criminal Court issued the warrants?

ICC says the Russian President bears individual criminal responsibility for the abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February last year.

Will the Russian President face trial now?

There are at least three big obstacles to that.

Firstly, ICC has no power to arrest sitting heads of state or bring them to trial, and instead must rely on other leaders and governments to act as its sheriffs around the world.

Secondly, Russia does not recognise the jurisdiction of the ICC. The court was established in 2002 by a treaty known as the Rome Statute.

– This statute lays down that it is the duty of every state to exercise its own criminal jurisdiction over those responsible for international crimes. The ICC can only intervene where a state is unable or unwilling to carry out the investigation and prosecute perpetrators.

– In all, 123 states have agreed to abide by it, but there are some significant exceptions, including Russia.

Thirdly, although it’s not unknown for trials to be held without the defendant in the dock, that’s not an option here. The ICC does not conduct trials in absentia of the defendant.

PM MITRA Scheme: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, among 7 States to get textile parks

Source: The post is based on the article “Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, among 7 States to get textile parks” published in The Hindu on 18th March 2023

What is the News?

The Union Government has selected sites in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to set up new textile parks under the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel(PM MITRA) scheme.

What is the PM MITRA Scheme?

Click Here to read

Seven sites were chosen out of 18 proposals for PM MITRA parks which were received from 13 States.

Eligible States and sites were evaluated using a transparent Challenge Method based on objective criteria taking into account a variety of factors such as good connectivity, adequate quality power infrastructure, water and wastewater disposal system, Industry Friendly labour laws, Single Window Clearances, Stable and Conducive industrial/textile policy of the state.

Funding and execution of the project: The Ministry of Textiles will oversee the execution of the mega textile park projects.

A special purpose vehicle (SPV) owned by the Centre and State Government will be set up for setting up and operationalising each park.

State governments will be responsible for providing contiguous and encumbrance-free land parcels of at least 1000 acres of land. They will also facilitate the provision of all utilities, a reliable power supply and water availability and waste disposal system, and an effective single window clearance system.

How will the PM MITRA Scheme help the Textile Sector?

Since PM MITRA offers the opportunity to create an Integrated Textiles Value Chain at one location, it will reduce the logistics cost of the Industry and ensure economies of scale.

The parks will also attract cutting-edge technology and boost local & foreign investment in the textiles sector.

It will also help in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”.

Starberry-Sense: Indian Institute of Astrophysics researchers develop low-cost star sensor

Source: The post is based on the article “Indian Institute of Astrophysics researchers develop low-cost star sensor” published in The Hindu on 17th March 2023

What is the News?

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have developed a low-cost star sensor called Starberry-Sense.

What is a Starberry-Sense?

Starberry-Sense is a low-cost star sensor that can help small CubeSat class satellite missions find their orientation in space.

The brain of the instrument is a single-board Linux computer called Raspberry Pi, which is widely used among electronics hobby enthusiasts.

Significance: Based on commercial/off-the-shelf components, this star sensor costs less than 10% of those available in the market.

What is a Star Sensor?

Any satellite needs to know where it is pointed in space and the instrument used for this purpose is called a star sensor.

The position of stars in the sky is fixed relative to each other and can be used as a stable reference frame to calculate the orientation of a satellite in orbit. This is done by correctly identifying the stars in the sky towards which the star sensor is pointed.

Hence, the star sensor is essentially a celestial compass.

U.S. bank fallout proves importance of ensuring prudent asset liability management: Das

Source: The post is based on the article “U.S. bank fallout proves importance of ensuring prudent asset liability management: Das” published in The Hindu on 17th March 2023

What is the News?

In the backdrop of the Silicon Valley Bank crisis, the RBI Governor has said that the country’s banking system continued to be resilient and stable.

What is the Silicon Valley Bank Crisis?

Click Here to read

What did the RBI Governor say about the Silicon Valley Bank crisis?

The Silicon Valley Bank Crisis brought to the fore the criticality of banking sector regulation and supervision. These are areas which have a significant impact on preserving the financial stability of every country.

They also drive home the importance of ensuring prudent asset liability management, robust risk management and sustainable growth in liabilities and assets.

In this regard, he also emphasized the need for undertaking periodic stress tests and building up capital buffers for any unanticipated future stress.

He also underlined that cryptocurrencies or their likes can also be a real danger to the banks whether directly or indirectly.

What are the other observations made by the RBI Governor?

On Globalization: Globalization must produce better outcomes for all and not just a few. The backlash against globalization had started even before the pandemic struck, as globalization created both winners and losers.

The international order could not provide cooperative solutions to make the process a win-win for all. This indeed is the biggest challenge for G20 as a multilateral group.

Climate Change and Inflation: Extreme weather events world over due to climate change could lead to sudden increases in prices, leading to inflationary pressures.

Therefore, it is essential that India should take concerted climate action to safeguard the future of our planet and its inhabitants.

PLI scheme push: Electronics is India’s fastest-growing export

Source: The post is based on the article “PLI scheme push: Electronics is India’s fastest-growing export” published in Business Standard on 16th March 2023

What is the News?

The Electronics sector has become India’s fastest-growing export for the 11-month period from April 2022 to February 2023.

About Electronics Exports Sector

Currently, India’s Electronics Exports were up 61.57% in rupee terms during the 2022-23 period. It has crossed the $20 billion mark.

India’s share of global exports has increased to approximately 1.8% in the current year from 1.2% last year. Among states, Karnataka led the electronics exports followed by Uttar Pradesh.

The big spurt in electronics is due to the growing share of mobile devices. These accounted for nearly 47% of the total electronics exports.

The government has an aggressive target for exports of electronics. It wants to reach exports of $120 billion by 2025-26, that’s around six times the current number.

What are the government initiatives to promote electronics exports?

The government has been providing various incentives to electronics manufacturers, such as production-linked incentives to encourage local production.

The government’s efforts have led to an increase in domestic production of electronic items, which in turn has led to a reduction in the country’s dependence on imports.

Indian Army procures Integrated Mobile Camouflage Systems from a start up

Source: The post is based on the article “Indian Army procures Integrated Mobile Camouflage Systems from a start up” published in The Hindu on 18th March 2023

What is the News?

The Indian Army has placed its first order for Integrated Mobile Camouflage Systems(IMCS) for Mechanised Forces with an Indian start-up Hyper Stealth Technologies Private Limited.

This is the first-ever procurement order of an Innovations for Defence Excellence(iDEX) project by the Indian Army.

What is Integrated Mobile Camouflage Systems(IMCS)?

Integrated Mobile Camouflage Systems (IMCS) is a technology to improve camouflage (hiding) capabilities for military vehicles and personnel.

The IMCS system uses a network of sensors, cameras, and screens to create an adaptive camouflage system that blends in with the environment.

The system consists of several key components including a network of sensors that detect the surrounding environment and capture images in real time.

These images are then processed by a computer system, which analyzes the data and generates a colour and texture pattern that mimics the surrounding environment.

The IMCS system then uses a network of screens and projectors to display the camouflage pattern on the surface of the vehicle or the soldier’s uniform, providing them with enhanced concealment in the field.

The system is also able to adapt to changes in the environment, such as changes in lighting or weather conditions, to ensure that the camouflage remains effective.

Significance: The IMCS technology has the potential to significantly enhance the survivability of military personnel and vehicles on the battlefield, by reducing their visibility and increasing their ability to remain concealed from enemy detection.

Peptides from snake venom could prevent, treat Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s

Source: The post is based on the article “Peptides from snake venom could prevent, treat Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s” published in PIB on 16th March 2023

What is the News?

Scientists have found that peptides derived from snake venom nerve growth factors hold promise as future therapeutic applications for preventing and treating neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease(PD) and Alzheimer’s disease(AD).

What are Peptides?

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids (typically 2 to 50) linked by chemical bonds (called peptide bonds).

Many health and cosmetic products contain different peptides for many uses, such as their potential anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, or muscle-building properties.

What are the various types of Peptides?

Milk Peptides: Formed when the digestive system breaks down a milk protein called Casein. They are also formed from proteinases arising from lactobacilli during the fermentation of milk.

Peptones: These are produced during the proteolysis of animal milk or meat. Sometimes it can also be formed from vitamins, fats, metals and some salts.

Ribosomal Peptides: These are produced by translation (a process in which cellular ribosomes create proteins) of mRNA. To achieve a mature form, they are often subjected to proteolysis.

Oligopeptides: These peptides are formed by linkage of more than two and less than 20 amino acids by peptide bonds.Example – netropsin, amanitin etc.

What is the difference between Peptides and Proteins?

What is GPT-4 and how is it different from ChatGPT?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is GPT-4 and how is it different from ChatGPT?” published in Indian Express on 18th March 2023

What is the News?

AI powerhouse OpenAI announced GPT-4, the next big update to the technology that powers ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing, the search engine using the tech.

What is Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)?

Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) refers to a series of Large Language Models (LLMs) built by OpenAI. These models use billions of data points to read written text inputs, based on which they generate content.

What is ChatGPT?

Click Here to read

What is GPT4?

GPT-4 is a large multimodal model created by OpenAI.It can generate content from both image and text prompts.

How is GPT4 different from ChatGPT?

GPT-4 can ‘see’ images now: The most noticeable change to GPT-4 is that it’s multimodal, allowing it to understand more than one modality of information. ChatGPT were limited to textual input and output meaning they could only read and write. However, GPT-4 can be fed images and asked to output information accordingly.

GPT-4 is harder to trick: One of the biggest drawbacks of generative models like ChatGPT is their propensity to occasionally generate prompts that raise eyebrows or worse, downright alarm people. They can also get facts mixed up and produce misinformation.

– On the other hand, GPT-4 is harder to trick and can generate the best-ever results on factuality, and steerability and does not generate prompts that raise eyebrows.

GPT-4 can process a lot more information at a time: ChatGPT model could handle 4,096 tokens or around 8,000 words but GPT-4 pumps those numbers up to 32,768 tokens or around 64,000 words.

GPT-4 is better at understanding languages that are not English: Machine learning data is mostly in English currently. So, training Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT in other languages models is challenging. But GPT-4 is multilingual.

What are the limitations of GPT-4?

According to OpenAI, GPT-4 has a few similar limitations as its prior versions and is less capable than humans in many real-world scenarios.GPT-4 still struggles with social biases, hallucinations and adversarial prompts.

Inaccurate responses are known as “hallucinations”, which have been a challenge for many AI programs.

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