Subject: GS-02:  Polity and Governance 

Context: The Delhi High Court recently granted requests to protect personality rights from potential misuse by third parties.

About Personality Rights:

• The name, voice, signature, images or any other feature easily identified by the public are markers of a celebrity’s personality and are referred loosely as “personality rights.” hese could include a pose, a mannerism or any aspect of their personality.
  • Many celebrities even register some aspects as a trademark to use them commercially. For example, Usain Bolt’s “bolting” or lightning pose is a registered trademark.
• The idea is that only the owner or creator of these distinct features has the right to derive any commercial benefit from it.
• Exclusivity is a big factor in attracting commercial dividends for celebrities. So unauthorized use causes a tangible loss of revenue.
• Celebrities can move the Court and seek a prohibitory order when an unauthorized third party uses their personality rights for commercial purposes.

Are personality rights different from publicity rights?

• Personality rights are different from publicity rights.Personality rights consist of two types of rights:
  • The right of publicity: The right to keep one’s image and likeness from being commercially exploited without permission or contractual compensation, which is similar (but not identical) to the use of a trademark.
  • The right to privacy: The right to not have one’s personality represented publicly without permission.
• Publicity rights are governed by statutes like the Trade marks Act 1999 and the Copyright Act 1957.

How does the law protect personality rights?

• Personality rights or their protection are not expressly mentioned in a statute in India but are traced to fall under the right to privacy and the right to property.
• Many concepts in intellectual property rights used in protection of trademarks such as passing off, deception can be applied while deciding whether a celebrity deserves to be protected through an injunction.
• Ex-parte injunction: Under this, relief is granted to a party without hearing the other side.

• An omnibus injunction refers to an injunction granted against any unauthorized use- even those that are not mentioned in the plea.

News Source: Indian Express

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context: During the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)  held recently, foreign ministers of the Quad reaffirmed the commitment to a “free and open” Indio-Pacific region.

About Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad): 

• The idea of Quad was first mooted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007.
• It is an informal strategic dialogue between the four nations, Australia. India, Japan, and the US.
• It began as a loose partnership after the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, when the four countries joined together to provide humanitarian and disaster assistance to the affected region.

Highlights of the meeting: 

• Quad’s Commitment to UN Charter Principles: The Quad committed itself to the principles of the UN charter and reform of the institution as well as settling disputes in accordance with international law.
• Coordination against Terror Attacks: The group stressed its commitment to countering terrorism, including terror financing and cross-border movement of terrorists and curbing the use of emerging technologies for terror purposes.
• Restarting BSGI: The Quad also backed the UN’s efforts to restart the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI).
  • BSGI secures the export of grain from Ukraine and Russia. The agreement had expired in July.
• UN reforms: The joint statement called for “comprehensive” UN reform, including expanding permanent and non-permanent representation on the UN Security Council.Respecting global law and order regime: emphasized the need to follow UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) rules like respecting freedom of navigation and opposing any attempts to change the current situation through force or pressure.
• Commitment to the Quad Infrastructure Fellowship Programme: The group reiterated its commitment to the Quad Infrastructure Fellowship Programme, a pandemic preparedness exercise, and the development of a “trusted and secure” telecommunications network.

News Source: The Hindu

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context: The Department of Fisheries has sanctioned 732 artificial reef units for 10 coastal states with a total investment of Rs 126 crore under  Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for rejuvenating coastal fisheries.

About Artificial Reefs: 

• They are engineering technology interventions used to rehabilitate and/or improve natural habitats, increase productivity and manage aquatic resources including habitat enhancement (FAO, 2015). 

Advantages of Artificial Reef (AR):

• Similar to natural reefs, ARs are used for aggregating fish and provide a home for fish to live and grow, reduce wave damage on coasts, help regeneration of marine ecosystems and act as a carbon sink. 
• As per CMFRI (Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute), a two to three-fold increase in catch rates and efficiency can be realized. Thus saving fuel and energy costs leading to increased income of fishermen.
• It Provides a firm substrate for marine life such as corals, algae and plankton to attach to and grow.
• They provide favorable conditions for sea ranching and serve as  spawning and nursery grounds for fish.
• Enhance recreational fisheries, snorkeling, eco-tourism, creating suitable areas for diving and reducing conflicts.
• AR structures restrict bottom trawling in the near shore areas thus helping the marine environment to regenerate and small-scale fishers get higher catch
• One AR of 300m3 is expected to support 25-30 non-mechanized boats (CMFRI).

Despite the positives of building artificial reefs, we must preserve natural reefs.

Source: PIB

DOWNLOAD PDF

Subject: GS:01: Art and Culture 

Context: A Parliamentary panel observed that the requirement of a 100-meter prohibited and a 300-meter regulated zone around Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments of India has created conflicts between local communities and the heritage sites.

Revamping Monuments of India’s Regulations

• Monument Rules Need Realism: The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport Tourism and Culture has asked the government to revise the rules to make them realistic.
• Rationalizing Rules for Monuments of India: It has also recommended rationalizing the application of such rules based on the historical significance of the monuments of India.

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958: A Law to Protect the Monuments of India

• The AMASR Act was passed by the Parliament in 1958 for the purpose of protection and preservation of archaeological and historical sites and monuments of India. 
• It also provides for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for protection of sculptures, carvings and other such objects.
• Under the provisions of the said act, 100 meters area from the protected limit of centrally protected monuments of India/site has been declared as prohibited area for new constructions.
• Beyond this, the 200 meters area has been declared as a Regulated Area.
• Repair/renovation of the existing structures in prohibited areas and new constructions in regulated areas are permissible on obtaining permission from National Monument Authority/Competent Authority meant for such purpose.

ASI: Safeguarding the Monuments of India and Heritage

• The ASI under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
• Maintenance of ancient monuments of India and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI.
• Besides, it regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• It also regulates the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

National Monuments Authority: Guardians of monuments of India

• NMA under the Ministry of Culture has been set up as per provisions of The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains AMASR (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 which was enacted in March, 2010.
• No construction work or related activity is generally permitted in these prohibited and regulated areas unless a specific approval is taken from the National Monuments Authority (NMA).

News Source: The Hindu

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context:

According to NITI Aayog, the State Institute for Transformation (SIT) Aayogs are needed to support states to ensure the development goals are achieved.

More on News:

• NITI Aayog has received requests from states to set up SIT, a NITI-like body to prepare their development strategies.
• The state government of Rajasthan, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, etc. has recently requested NITI Aayog.

About SIT Aayog:

• Aims:  Increasing the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and removing regional imbalances in development indicators.
• Objectives: Attaining sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030 and India@2047 goals.
• Partner Institutions:  Many reputed institutions of the State government and non-state government would be partner institutions.
  • For example, SIT Karnataka has partner institutions like Karnataka Innovative Authority, Fiscal Policy Institute, etc.

Role of NITI Aayog in Setting up SIT’s:

• State Support Mission: It has started the work under this mission to assist five state governments viz. Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Maharashtra are preparing their development strategies.
  • The Maharashtra government recently formed the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA).
• One Size Does Not Fit All: States are innovators and are the size of individual countries and each state will have its own development journey. 
• Cooperative Federalism: NITI Aayog with its mandate to actualise cooperative federalism has decided to play a lead role in bringing the states to work towards this National Development Agenda.
• No Role in Implementation: NITI Aayog is clear that its role remains in the realm of helping make policies and programs, not in their implementation. 

State Planning Commission vs SIT Aayog:

The discontinuation of five year plans, plaguing inefficiency and outdated working structure has led to initiation of scrutiny against the role of state planning commission, which has led to rise in demand for the SIT’s by various states in India. 

Need for SIT Aayog:

• Holistic Policy Making and Evaluation: Blueprint will be made on how SITs will guide states in policy formulation, take up monitoring and evaluation of government policies, and suggest better technology or models for delivery of schemes.
• Challenges Faced by the NITI Aayog: While it promotes cooperative federalism in its policy making, it lacks in meeting diverse state needs, ground knowledge in local context, and there is limited customisation of policies according to local needs. 
• Increase Efficiency: Managerial efficiency is extremely important for development outcomes and the core idea is that states can do a lot with existing resources.
• Ensuring National Development: Central government cannot ensure the development and sustainability of sectors under state government. For instance, health, education, and infrastructure development are sectors for which state governments are responsible.
• Ease of Doing Business: Providing assistance to state governments to reimagine the role of their planning departments. The SITs can play a crucial role in bringing various stakeholders, private sector, and experts in addressing important state specific issues.
• Training and Capacity Building: The SIT can provide training and capacity building programs for planning and implementation professionals at all levels of government. This training can focus on the latest tools and techniques, as well as on how to overcome common challenges.

Challenges Associated with SITs:

• Reliance of Individual States: Everything depends on how seriously the states take SITs, if they don’t take SITs seriously then their creation might not help the situation.
• Resource Constraints: Setting up and maintaining a SITA requires financial resources for infrastructure, staffing, training programs, and research activities. Many states face budgetary constraints, which can limit the scope and impact of these institutions.
• Data Availability and Quality: Ensuring access to accurate, timely, and relevant data can be challenging, particularly at the state level where data collection and management systems may be less developed.

Way Forward:

• Boosting Cooperative Federalism: Empowering the role of states and local governments and making them partner in national development. Cooperation with other states and local bodies can further help in sharing resources and best practices.
• Competitive Federalism: SITs are focused on innovation which can help the local economy by making it more competitive both domestically and internationally.
• Resource Mobilization: Ensuring sustainability in functioning of SITs by annual resource allocation. 
  • For example, Karnataka Government has allocated a sum of Rs 150 crore annually to SITK.
• Sustainable Development: Innovation can lead to more sustainable practices and solutions in areas like renewable energy, waste management, and resource conservation. 
  • For example, one of the primary functions of Assam’s SITA is the focus on SDGs.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Ensuring that the voice and needs of various stakeholders, including marginalized communities, are taken into account in the transformation process can be challenging. SITAs must employ inclusive and participatory approaches.

Conclusion:

The SITs can help in improving the local economy and polity which can help improve India’s GDP growth and ensure making India “Viksit Bharat” (developed country) by 2047.

News Source: Mint

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context: Quantum computing is one of the most attractive investment avenues, both from the public and private sectors, reaching about US$35.5 billion globally in 2022.

More on News:

• India is currently at the forefront of tapping the second quantum revolution through massive investments in the field. 
• Union Budget 2020-21 proposed to spend ₹8,000 crore ($ 1.2 billion) on the newly launched National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NMQTA) and ₹ 3660 Crore for National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). 

About Quantum Computing:

• Quantum computing is a rapidly-emerging technology that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for classical computers. 
• Classical computers encode information in binary “bits” that can either be 0s or 1s. In a quantum computer, the basic unit of memory is a quantum bit or qubit.

Application of Quantum Computing:

• Finance: Financial institutions may be able to use quantum computing to design more effective and efficient investment portfolios for retail and institutional clients. 
  • They could focus on creating better trading simulators and improve fraud detection.
• Healthcare: The healthcare industry could use quantum computing to develop new drugs and genetically-targeted medical care.
• Enhancing Security: For stronger online security, quantum computing can help design better data encryption and ways to use light signals to detect intruders in the system.
• Traffic Planning: Quantum computing can be used to design more efficient, safer aircraft and traffic planning systems.
• High Privacy: A Quantum computer is highly confidential and secure. It uses the phenomenon of superposition to form the supercomputer that makes hacking impossible.

Government Initiatives:

• Quantum Computing Applications Lab (QCAL): It was launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with AWS. 

• • It aims to accelerate the adoption of quantum computing in India by providing access to quantum computers, tools, and resources to researchers and developers.
• The National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NM-QTA): It  was launched in 2020 with the goal of creating a strong quantum technology ecosystem in India.
• National Quantum Mission:  With a total cost of Rs.6003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31, it aims to nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).

Limitations:

• Algorithm Creation: Quantum computers can’t work like traditional computers, they need special algorithms to do tasks in their environment.
• Low Temperature Needed: Quantum computers require extreme temperatures ( -460°F.) that are hard to maintain.
• Low Precision: Quantum computers have a low level of precision. Scientists have to create their own qubits, which is difficult. 
• Software: The field of creating quantum algorithms and software is still developing, and qualified professionals are in short supply. 
• Cost: Building and maintaining quantum computers is currently relatively expensive, and this may prevent widespread deployment
• Interoperability: Due to the lack of standards in the realm of quantum computing, it might be challenging to compare and combine various quantum computers.

Way Forward:

• Establishing centers of excellence: The government should create specialized centers of excellence dedicated to quantum science and technology within both academic institutions and government research institutes.
• Technology development: India must harness the power of startups and Big Tech corporations involved in developing quantum technology and applications.
• Indigenization: Prioritizing the development of quantum computational capabilities is imperative for our nation, as obtaining this technology from foreign sources would pose significant challenges and cost hurdles. 
• Effective Roadmap: To effectively monitor global advancements in quantum computing and evaluate and guide India’s efforts in this domain, the establishment of an Indian Quantum Computing Roadmap Group is essential. 

DOWNLOAD PDF