Topics
- INS Vindhyagiri and Project 17A
- Supreme Court questions selective Remission
- Organoid Intelligence
- Cannabis
INS VINDHYAGIRI AND PROJECT 17A
Context
The unveiling of INS Vindhyagiri, the concluding ship in the Project 17A Frigates lineup, signifies a pivotal advancement in India’s naval capabilities and independence in defense production.
Introduction to INS Vindhyagiri:
- Serving as the sixth member in the Project 17A Frigates series, INS Vindhyagiri exemplifies India’s dedication to homegrown defense solutions and self-sufficiency.
- The name “Vindhyagiri” follows the tradition of naming these ships after mountain ranges, coming after vessels like INS Nilgiri and INS Dunagiri.
- This series evolves from the earlier Project 17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates, integrating superior stealth capabilities, sophisticated weaponry, and modern sensor technology.
- The ship’s construction took place at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) facility located in Kolkata, India.
Principal Attributes:
- Boasts an advanced propulsion mechanism, enabling swift speeds exceeding 28 knots, which assures quick adaptability in a variety of naval situations.
- Designed with cutting-edge stealth technologies to bolster covert operations and reduce chances of detection.
- Over three-quarters of its equipment and components are acquired from local suppliers, many of which are Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
In-depth: Project 17A
- Initiated in 2019 by the Indian Navy, the Project 17 Alpha (P-17A) aimed at producing a fleet of stealth guided-missile frigates. The pioneer ship under this project, Nilgiri, was unveiled in the same year.
- Two major companies have been entrusted with the task of crafting these frigates: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
- With a design emphasizing stealth, these frigates feature radar-absorbing materials and adopt a low-profile structure, making them less detectable to adversaries.
Additionally, innovative technology has been employed to lessen the ship’s infrared signature.
SUPREME COURT QUESTIONS SELECTIVE REMISSION
Context
The Supreme Court recently discussed the inconsistent application of early release policies for prisoners, specifically referencing the Bilkis Bano case.
Bilkis Bano Case and Early Release Insight
Case Overview: Bilkis Bano suffered a horrific ordeal during the Gujarat riots in 2002, which resulted in the death of her toddler and her own assault while she was expecting.
Early Release of Convicts: On August 15, 2022, all 11 individuals convicted in this case were released early by the Gujarat government.
Government’s Perspective: The Additional Solicitor General, speaking for the Gujarat government, highlighted the difference between sentencing and remission. He noted that guidelines are under review to address inconsistencies in its application.
Examination of Early Release Practices
Inconsistencies: The top court asked why early release policies, designed to reduce prisoners’ terms, aren’t applied consistently throughout the country.
Prison Overpopulation: The issue of crowded prisons and the inconsistent application of early release policies was a significant concern.
Justice Nagarathna’s Point: Justice B V Nagarathna requested detailed data from states to determine the true application of these policies and if all qualified inmates have an equal chance to benefit.
Rudul Sah Case Reference: The court cited the Rudul Sah case as an example of systemic failures. It stressed the need for justice and fairness, both in convictions and acquittals.
Understanding Early Release
Definition: Remission involves postponing or reducing the term of a sentence.
Key Points: Though the nature of the sentence remains unchanged, its length is reduced. A set date for the inmate’s release is established. However, any violation of remission terms can lead to the re-imposition of the original sentence.
Constitutional Context for Early Release
- Constitutional Position: The Indian Constitution places prisons under the purview of states.
- Power to Pardon: Articles 72 (by the President) and 161 (by the Governor) allow for sentence adjustments.
Updated Guidelines for Early Release
Qualifying Conditions:
- Female and transgender prisoners over 50.
- Males over 60, having served half their sentence.
- Those with disabilities above 70%, having served half their sentence.
- Patients with terminal illnesses.
- Those completing two-thirds of their term.
- Impoverished inmates unable to pay fines after serving their terms.
- Young adults between 18-21, without any further criminal records, having served half their sentence.
Exemptions: Death row inmates, those with life sentences, and those convicted under specific laws, including terrorism and national security.
Outcomes and Advantages
Justice and Fairness: The new guidelines aim to offer justice to certain prisoner categories, taking into account their unique situations.
Addressing Overpopulation: The policy intends to address prison overcrowding by releasing eligible inmates.
Focus on Rehabilitation: Early release allows inmates a chance to reintegrate into society, rewarding good conduct and attending to medical needs.
Compassionate Grounds: The revised policy considers the unique needs of elderly, terminally ill, and physically challenged prisoners.
Youth Rehabilitation: It provides younger first-time offenders a chance at an early reintegration into society.
ORGANOID INTELLIGENCE
What’s the latest news?
Organoid Intelligence (OI) is advancing into uncharted territories of information processing by utilizing brain organoids derived from stem cells. This approach has the potential to make significant strides in comprehending brain functionality, learning, and memory.
Key Concept
While Artificial Intelligence (AI) has led to remarkable technological advancements, Organoid Intelligence (OI) is now extending the domain of cognitive computing. OI is an emerging interdisciplinary field that envisions innovative biocomputing models by utilizing brain organoids.
Organoid Explained
An organoid is a specialized tissue culture developed from stem cells to mimic specific organs in structure and function. These three-dimensional structures are cultivated in controlled conditions outside the body to recreate the target organ’s microenvironment.
Introduction to Organoid Intelligence (OI)
Organoid Intelligence combines biology and computing to explore the potential of brain organoids for cognitive capabilities and a deeper understanding of brain function. This novel concept aims to use brain organoids’ unique properties to develop biocomputing models capable of processing information and exhibiting basic cognitive functions.
Potential Applications
Organoid Intelligence has several potential applications:
- Cognitive Computing: Integrating brain organoids and computation for information processing and adaptive learning.
- Disease Modeling and Drug Testing: Using organoids to simulate diseases, test treatments, and study cognitive aspects.
- Understanding Brain Development: Analyzing organoids to understand early brain stages and cellular memory processes.
- Personalized Brain Organoids: Tailoring organoids to study genetics, medicine, and cognitive conditions.
- Advantages over Traditional Computing: Exploring organoids’ capabilities for intricate data tasks and energy-efficient processing.
- Biocomputers and Energy Efficiency: Developing faster and greener biocomputers using brain organoids.
Ethical Considerations
Organoid Intelligence raises ethical concerns related to informed consent, gene editing, and inclusive access. Addressing these concerns is essential as the field advances.
Case Study: DishBrain System Experiment
The DishBrain experiment exemplifies Organoid Intelligence’s application. Researchers from Cortical Labs integrated brain organoids with computational systems to achieve rudimentary cognitive capabilities. The brain organoids were trained to play the video game Pong and exhibited signs of learning within a short timeframe.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Challenges in scaling brain organoids and achieving advanced cognitive abilities are highlighted. Ethical considerations involve informed consent, preventing biases, gene editing regulations, data sharing, and addressing potential consciousness and suffering in bioengineered systems.
Technological Advancements and Future Prospects
- Scaling brain organoids, diversifying cell types, and enhancing memory storage are crucial for advancing OI’s cognitive potential.
- The success of DishBrain’s experiment indicates progress towards intelligence through OI.
- While full realization is distant, OI’s potential to address limitations in current AI and silicon technologies emphasizes the need for sustainable alternatives.
Conclusion
Organoid Intelligence offers unprecedented insights into cognitive processes and has the potential to revolutionize learning, memory, and neurological disorder approaches.
Ethical considerations and technological innovations must be carefully navigated to ensure responsible and impactful progress towards more sustainable and intelligent computing solutions.
CANNABIS
Context:
- The German government has recently approved a proposed legislation permitting the recreational purchase and possession of cannabis.
- This regulation allows adults to hold up to 25g of cannabis and cultivate a maximum of three cannabis plants for personal use.
Definition:
- Cannabis refers to a broad category encompassing various psychoactive forms of the Cannabis sativa plant.
- The primary psychoactive component is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and similar compounds are collectively referred to as cannabinoids.
- The term “marijuana,” originating from Mexico, commonly denotes cannabis leaves and plant material across the globe.
- Leading consumption of marijuana is evident in countries such as the United States, Canada, Zambia, and Nigeria.
- The effects of marijuana can persist for a duration ranging from two to six hours.
Legality in India:
- Marijuana is deemed illegal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985 (NDPS Act) in India.
- In 1985, India adopted the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (SCND) of 1961, grouping it with substances like heroin.
- While the sale of bhang is permitted, certain states like Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have prohibited it (Gujarat subsequently decriminalized it in 2017).
- Nationally, the sale and production of cannabis resin and flowers are prohibited; states hold the authority to regulate cannabis leaves and seeds.
- Bhang, which is derived from the plant’s leaves, is not explicitly mentioned in the NDPS Act.
- A specific provision allows for the cultivation of cannabis plants for industrial or horticultural purposes.
Penalties as per NDPS Act of 1985:
- The NDPS Act categorizes the consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as a punishable offense.
- Usage of substances like morphine, cocaine, diacetyl-morphine, or other specified drugs can lead to rigorous imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to twenty thousand rupees, or both.
- Unspecified narcotic or psychotropic substances may incur imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to ten thousand rupees, or both.
Significant Legal Cases:
- Arjun Singh vs State of Haryana: The High Court of Chandigarh ruled that bhang, though derived from the cannabis plant, is distinct from cannabis (hemp) under the NDPS Act. Consuming cannabis may not necessarily be unlawful.
2019 – Delhi High Court: The court addressed a petition by the Great Legalisation Movement India Trust, challenging the cannabis ban within the NDPS Act. The petition alleged that the restrictions are arbitrary, unscientific, and unreasonable.
