Current Articles (Mains)

Deep Fake – The Greatest Threat to the Idea of Truth

Shanoob (IE Staff) November 24, 2020 [GS3] Basics of cybersecurity

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing technologies have led to rapid development in the sophistication of audio, video, and image manipulation techniques. This synthetic media content is commonly referred to as “deepfakes.” Deepfakes are one of the serious threat of our times. The word ‘deepfake’ is a combination of deep learning (a subset of the artificial intelligence) and the word ‘fake’. The result of the increase in deepfakes has caused across the globe in damaging and sinister ways. Recently, the US Senate has approved a deepfake bill to defend against manipulated media and the proposed legislation calls for research to detect synthetic shams online. Also, the Bombay High Court recently has sought a report on Telegram DeepFake bot creating fake nudes of women. In this context, let’s make a detailed analysis of Deepfake.

Natural Gas Economy – Need, Government Measures, Way Ahead

Karishma (IE Staff) November 21, 2020 Energy / EODB / Policies/Plans/Guidelines/Frameworks

In a bid to move towards the market-based gas economy, series of measures were recently taken by the Indian government, including the approval of the Natural Gas Marketing Reforms and the launching of India’s first gas exchange. Though well-intended, these measures fail to cover the majority of gas producers, leading to lesser investments for the development of this sector. Measures need to be taken by the government to address these issues to increase demand for domestic gas and reduce import dependence.

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[Updated] Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict – All You Need to Know

Karishma (IE Staff) November 18, 2020 Central Asia / Countries and Regions / International Security

e 6-week war in Nagorno-Karabakh has been brought to an end following the signing of the peace agreement brokered by Russia. After the signing of this pact, it is evident that Azerbaijan is the clear winner as Armenia was forced to concede several of its territories to its rival. Two other countries became unlikely victors in this conflict – Russia and Turkey. Both these countries have ensured that they had a key role to play in this conflict, leading to their presence growing in South Caucasus.

Shadow Pandemic – Meaning, Challenges, Way Ahead

Karishma (IE Staff) November 16, 2020 Judiciary/Justice / Society & Social Justice / Women (Rape/Harassment)

With the coronavirus pandemic roiling across the world, most of the government measures focus on containing the spread of the infection. In this situation, social issues, many of which are gender-related, are given lesser priority. This, along with the lockdown orders, has led to increased instances of violence against women, creating a new “shadow pandemic” amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Common Electoral Roll in India – Need, Challenges, Way Forward

Shanoob (IE Staff) November 14, 2020 Elections / Important Legislation (Bills & Acts) / Legislature

Elections are the life and blood of modern democracies. The health and vitality of parliamentary democracy are sustained by ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections where the verdict of the people finds full expression. Free and fair elections are important in ensuring the government authority derives power from the will of the people. It is expected that electoral reforms will contribute to better participation of the citizens in electoral practices, reduce corruption and strengthen democracy in India. As a foundation for the electoral reforms, recently, the Prime Minister’s Office had held a meeting with representatives of the Election Commission and the Law Ministry to discuss the possibility of having a common electoral roll for elections to the Panchayat, municipality, state assembly and the Lok Sabha.

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Adjusted Gross Revenue Issue and its effect on Economy

Ravikiran (IE Staff) November 14, 2020 Electronics & Telecommmunication / Industries/Sectors / Taxation/Finance

Recently, the Supreme Court in the case of Adjusted Gross Revenues allowed the telecom companies 10 years’ time to pay the AGR dues to the department of telecommunications. The decision comes after the last years’ judgment which upheld the government definition of AGR calculations. The judgment is important with respect to its detailed and strict plan and its possible impact on the telecom and Banking sector and overall Indian Economy.

Terrorism in France – All You Need to Know

Karishma (IE Staff) November 10, 2020 Europe / International Security / Right to free speech & expression / Secularism

“I may not agree with what you say, but I shall defend until death your right to say it” is one of the most profound arguments for freedom of speech and expression. This quote has never been more relevant than under current circumstances when a series of Islamic terror attacks in France has reignited the debate between freedom of speech and blasphemy. These attacks were a response to an offensive depiction of Prophet Mohammad by a satirical magazine. The recent terror attacks and the freedom of expression and religion followed in France have spilled over to the international arena, with several Muslim majority countries like Turkey, Pakistan, Malaysia and others criticising French President Macron’s strategy to reform Islam in France in accordance with its constitutional principles.

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