Study shows no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in animal samples from Huanan seafood market

• A study published in Nature on April 5 analyzed environmental and animal samples for SARS-CoV-2 in the Huanan seafood market, Wuhan, China, in early 2020.
• The study detected the virus in environmental swabs but not in samples taken from animals.
• Raccoon dogs, which have been hypothesized to be potential intermediate hosts for the virus, were present at the market, but the study did not find any animal species to be infected.
• The absence of the virus in samples collected from raccoon dogs and the inability of the study to establish the origin of the virus contradicts the conclusions of a team led by evolutionary biologist Michael Worobey.
• George F. Gao and colleagues from China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), who carried out the study, found the virus in the environmental samples in the Huanan seafood market during the early stages of the pandemic.
• However, no animal samples (including raccoon dogs) tested positive, and the study has not been able to provide evidence of potential spillover of the virus from animals to humans. Environmental samples alone cannot prove that animals were infected with the virus.
• Even if the animals were infected, the study cannot rule out the possibility of human-to-animal transmission since the sampling time was after the human infection in the market.
• The possibility of the virus being introduced to the market through infected humans or cold chain products cannot be ruled out.
• A report by Michael Worobey’s team contradicts the findings of this study, as his team was able to establish the origin of the virus using genome data from GISAID.
• The researchers collected 1,380 samples from the environment and animals in and around the market from January 1 to March 30, 2020.
• The virus was detected in 73 environmental samples but none of the animal samples.
• Three live viruses were successfully isolated, and they were found to be 99.99-100% similar to the human isolates.

Finnish people, with National and NATO flags, celebrate the Finnish Nato membership at the Senate Square in Helsinki, Finland, on April 4, 2023. | Photo Credit: AP

Finland’s decision to join NATO deals a significant blow to Russia amid Ukraine conflict

Finland’s leaders signalled they wanted to join NATO after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine sent a shiver of fear through its neighbours

The Nordic country’s membership doubles Russia’s border with the world’s biggest security alliance. Finland had adopted neutrality after its defeat by the Soviets in World War II, but its leaders signalled they wanted to join NATO after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine sent a shiver of fear through its neighbours.

“The era of nonalignment in our history has come to an end -– a new era begins,” President Sauli Niinistö said before his country’s blue-and-white flag was raised outside NATO headquarters.

A short distance away, outside the security fence, a few dozen people wrapped in flags of their own chanted, “Ukraine needs NATO.”

• Finland’s leaders signaled their desire to join NATO after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused fear among its neighboring countries.
• Finland had previously adopted neutrality after its defeat by the Soviets in World War II.
• The country’s membership in NATO doubled Russia’s border with the world’s biggest security alliance.
• The move is a strategic and political setback for Putin, who has complained about NATO’s expansion towards Russia.
• The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Putin’s aggression may have caused countries to do more to protect their defence and deter possible Russian aggression.
• Finland previously adopted neutrality after WWII, but has signalled its desire to join NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• Membership in NATO would double Russia’s border with the world’s largest security alliance.
• U.S. President Joe Biden praised Finland’s potential membership on NATO’s 74th anniversary.
• Putin has complained about NATO’s expansion towards Russia, making this move a strategic and political setback for him.
• U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that Putin’s aggression may have caused neighbouring countries to take steps to protect themselves and deter Russian aggression.
• NATO’s “iron-clad security guarantee” protects the country and all member countries vow to defend any ally that comes under attack.
• Mr. Stoltenberg did not rule out the possibility of more military exercises in the country and said that NATO would not let Russia’s demands dictate their decisions.
• NATO is constantly assessing their posture and presence in the Nordic area, with more exercises and more presence.
• In 1939 and 1940, Finland’s ill-equipped forces fought in the Winter War against the Soviet Union and lost some territory but forced out the invaders.
• Finland has a 280,000-strong fighting force built on near-universal male conscription, a large well-trained reserve, and modern artillery, warplanes, and tanks.
• The country joined the European Union in 1995.
• Finland’s Parliament experienced a denial-of-service attack, making their website hard to use with many pages not loading and some functions unavailable.

World Bank and ADB Issue Lower Growth Forecasts for India in FY24, Predicting 6.3% and 6.4% Growth Respectively

• The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have lowered their economic growth forecasts for India for the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24).
• The World Bank revised its forecast down by 30 bps to 6.3%, citing global slowdown spillovers and slower consumption growth as the reasons.
• The ADB, on the other hand, revised its forecast down by 80 bps to 6.4% and cited risks from both global and domestic factors.
• The ADB mentioned that if global conditions don’t worsen as expected, higher global demand could spur growth in India, but geopolitical tensions could exert further downward pressure on global demand.
• The World Bank warned that consumer spending by lower-income groups is expected to be hit in FY24 due to slower growth in their incomes.
• The ADB is more optimistic about domestic consumption growth, citing a robust labor market, rising consumer confidence, and a higher tax rebate and income threshold for tax exemption announced in the most recent budget.
• The World Bank predicts that private investment demand will recover in the second half of FY24, but this is contingent on global growth recovery and lower borrowing costs.
• The ADB believes that private investment growth is likely to be lower in FY24 due to tightened monetary policy, high lending rates, global uncertainty, and moderating optimism on business conditions.
• Both the World Bank and the ADB predict that retail inflation will moderate in FY24, with the World Bank projecting it to be 5.2% and the ADB predicting it to be 5.0%, assuming moderation in oil and food prices.
• The World Bank expects core inflation to remain elevated but on a downward trajectory as the impact of monetary policy tightening starts to materialize from mid-FY24. The ADB predicts that monetary policy will become more accommodative in FY25.
• Both the World Bank and the ADB expect India’s current account deficit (CAD) to narrow to 2.1% and 2.2% of GDP, respectively, due to a substantial decline in the merchandise trade deficit.
• The ADB predicts that with rising global uncertainty and interest rates, foreign direct investment and portfolio inflow are likely to remain weak in FY24 before picking up slightly in FY25. However, India’s overall balance of payments will remain strong.
• The World Bank says that India’s elevated public debt-to-GDP ratio is stable but subject to risks arising from macroeconomic uncertainty, while the ADB maintains that India’s public debt is on a sustainable path. The World Bank also notes that faster consolidation would be needed to reduce the debt burden over the medium-term if nominal GDP growth were to moderate more than currently projected.

India Justice Report, 2022

The India Justice Report (IJR) was originally released in 2019 as a joint effort between Tata Trusts and several organizations, including the Centre for Social Justice, Common Cause, and Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative

Key concept – The third India Justice Report, 2022 analyses the changes – both positive and negative – in India’s justice delivery system across four parameters: police, judiciary, prisons and legal aid.

Salient findings of the report

• overcrowded prisons,
• not enough training centres for police personnel,
• a rising number of pending cases per judge, and more.

Finding	Highlights	Recommendations
1. Policing concentrated in urban areas	60% of India’s population lives in rural areas, yet police forces are concentrated largely in urban areas.Only six states meet the recommended area coverage of 150 sq. km for a rural police station.	Increase recruitment and training of police personnel in rural areas to ensure adequate coverage.Increase police-community engagement and build trust in rural communities.
2. Police training academies are overloaded	India has only 211 training schools and academies for 26.88 lakh police personnel.Training across fields cannot be a one-off event for police personnel.	Increase the number of training institutes and the number of personnel trained each year.Allocate a larger portion of the police budget to training.
3. Prison overcrowding is getting worse	Prison populations have risen steadily with the number of people admitted to 1,319 prisons during 2021 increasing by 10.8%.The average prison in the country has an occupancy rate of 130%. In some states, this number is far worse.	Invest in building new prisons and expanding existing ones.Explore alternative forms of punishment and rehabilitation for non-violent offenders.
4. Number of undertrial prisoners increasing	77% of the incarcerated population comprises undertrials.This number has nearly doubled since 2010.	Streamline legal processes to reduce the number of undertrials.Increase the use of bail and release on personal recognizance.
5. Cases pending per judge rising	4.9 Crore cases remain pending across high courts and district courts in the country.Many cases have been pending for over 10 years.	Increase the number of judges to reduce the backlog of cases.Modernize court processes with technology to streamline proceedings.
6. Share of women high court judges remains low	Between 2020 and 2022, there was a little less than a two percentage point increase in women’s representation in high courts.Women account for 35% of the total number of judges at the district court level.	Implement policies to encourage more women to become judges.Provide training and support for women judges to advance in their careers.
7. No state/UT fulfilled all quotas for SC/ST/OBC judges at district court level	No state/UT could fully meet all its quotas for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.	Increase recruitment of judges from marginalized communities.Implement policies to encourage and support their advancement in the judiciary.
8. Allocation to legal aid increasing, but no state/UT used its entire budget allocation	Over the last two years, the overall allocation for legal services has increased substantially.No state/UT used its entire budget allocation for legal aid.	Ensure efficient utilization of resources for legal aid.Implement monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the impact of legal aid on access to justice.
9. Implementation of victim compensation schemes remains subpar	Implementation of victim compensation schemes “remains subpar.”State Legal Aid Service Authorities disposed of only 66% of the 97,037 applications seeking compensation received.	Increase awareness of victim compensation schemes. Improve efficiency in processing and disposing of compensation applications.Provide support services for victims, including legal and mental health services.

Findings from the report

• The report emphasizes that India’s criminal justice system has several shortcomings that require attention for ensuring the rule of law and equal access to justice.
• Immediate attention is needed in key areas such as police training and infrastructure, reducing prison overcrowding, and improving the speed and efficiency of the judicial system.
• The report also suggests focusing on the needs of crime victims, including improving access to legal aid and victim compensation schemes.
• Addressing these challenges can help India move towards a more equitable and effective criminal justice system.

World Bank lowers India’s growth forecast to 6.3% (G.S)

• In its South Asia Economic Focus report titled “Expanding Opportunities: Toward Inclusive Growth”, released ahead of the Spring Meetings in Washington DC, the World Bank downgraded India’s economic growth forecast for the current fiscal year (FY) ending on March 31, 2024 by 0.7 percentage points to 6.3%. The report attributed this downgrade to high borrowing costs, slower income growth leading to weaker consumption, and the government’s tighter fiscal expenditure.

Situation for Sri Lanka and Pakistan

• World Bank forecast for Sri Lanka in the current year is a contraction of -4.3%.
• World Bank forecast for Pakistan for the year ending June 30, 2023 is a growth of only 0.4%.
• Political uncertainty in Pakistan makes it difficult to implement decisive reforms.
• Islamabad is negotiating the release of a $1.1 billion tranche of a larger $6.5 billion bailout package with the IMF.
• IMF is awaiting assurances from Pakistan that it can finance this year’s balance of payments deficit.
• Sri Lanka negotiated a $3 billion loan from the IMF in March.
• Sri Lanka is hoping to secure further financing from international institutions.
• The IMF program in Sri Lanka makes it easier for the World Bank to support the country.

UN 2023 Water Conference

“Our watershed moment: uniting the world for water’’

Vision statement

Conference information

Date and venue: 22-24 March 2023, New York, UN Headquarters

Theme: Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the

International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028

Key objective: Support to achieve the internationally agreed water-related goals and targets,

including those contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Format: 6 plenary meetings and 5 interactive dialogues

Presidents of the Conference: Governments of Tajikistan and the Netherlands

Secretary-General of the Conference: Mr. Liu Zhenmin, Under-Secretary-General for

Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations

Preparatory meeting: a one-day preparatory meeting, by November 2022, New York, UN

Headquarters, stakeholders are welcome as observers

Website: https://sdgs.un.org/2023-un-conference-water-action-decade

Vision

The Netherlands and Tajikistan are co-hosts of a Conference aiming to make it a watershed moment for the world.

The vision of the Conference is for all to fundamentally understand, value and manage water better, and take concerted action to achieve the internationally agreed water-related goals and targets, including those contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Water Action Decade is crucial for the 2030 Agenda, including SDG 6, but an additional enhancement of a UN system-wide approach to water is necessary for the achievement of water-related goals and targets.

The preparatory process and the Conference will be consistent, continuous and committed, ensuring that coalitions forged, opportunities identified and promises made lead to impactful results, replication and scaling up, and that 2023 is the springboard for catalyzing action for water security for all.

Both the preparatory process and the Conference itself will focus on commitments that create impact and set a clear agenda for the second half of the Decade and beyond until 2030, promoting a longer-term approach and perspective, going beyond 2030.

To scale up commitments, successful and scalable solutions will be promoted through concrete actions and agreements.

What is the conference all about

• Evaluate progress in implementing the objectives of the Decade and the Water Action Decade 2018-2028, while reaffirming internationally agreed water-related goals and targets.

• Identify challenges, obstacles, opportunities, and innovative approaches to support progress and acceleration towards sustainable water management.

• Strengthen local, national, and international action for WASH and IWRM and promote an integrated, comprehensive, and preventive approach towards water challenges.

• Develop actions and initiatives to accelerate progress, share ongoing efforts, best practices, and experiences, and involve all relevant stakeholders in assessing challenges and opportunities.

• Encourage States and stakeholders to announce voluntary commitments and support an action agenda for change in the way societies use, allocate, and value water.

• Showcase water as a catalyst for sustainable development and connect it to all SDGs at the Conference.

• Contribute to the follow-up and review process of the 2030 Agenda by providing input to the HLPF.

Principles

The Conference and its preparatory process will be organised based on the following three principles:

Inclusive: both in terms of (a) the Conference process (ensure vertical and horizontal inclusiveness) and in terms of (b) the results (leaving no-one behind).

 This participatory, collaborative and inclusive approach helps to ensure strengthening capacity at all levels: individual, informal and institutional.

Action-oriented: the Conference aims to lead to concrete results through concrete actions and plans on the ground.

 2023 cannot pass by without challenging the status quo and reaching beyond our vested

interests.

Cross-sectoral: The Conference should mobilise all other sectors to improve the way they manage and utilize water resources. These sectors need to bring their plans and actions to the

Conference.

 Water can drive the different partners apart – as a scarce resource or even a source of conflict – but water also brings them together, forging partnerships through inclusive collaborations. We need better water governance, finance, assessment and collaborative  mechanisms to validate these cross-interest collaborations, ensuring a water secure world for all by all.

 Context

Water is undoubtedly one of the most vital resources that our planet possesses. It is a fundamental part of all aspects of life, and its importance cannot be overstated. Water is not just a basic need for humans, but it is inextricably linked to the three pillars of sustainable development – economic, social, and environmental. It integrates social, cultural, economic, and political values, and it supports the achievement of many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Water has close linkages with climate, energy, cities, the environment, food security, poverty, gender equality, and health, amongst others. It is a cross-cutting issue that plays a crucial role in achieving internationally agreed water-related goals and targets, including those contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

However, the ongoing water and sanitation crisis is a threat to everyone, and poor water management increases or multiplies the risks in all aspects of life. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed our shared vulnerabilities and reminded us of our common destiny. With populations growing, agriculture and industry getting more water-intensive, and climate change worsening, the need for a functioning, resilient water cycle for all people everywhere has never been more critical.

Despite the importance of water, today, a quarter of the global population – 2 billion people – use unsafe drinking water sources. Half of humanity – 3.6 billion people – live without safely managed sanitation. And 1 in 3 people – 2.3 billion – lack basic handwashing facilities at home. Over 80% of wastewater is released to the environment without being treated or reused. And, droughts could be the next pandemic. Almost three quarters of all recent disasters are water-related, having caused economic damage of almost US$700 billion in the past 20 years.

The water crisis affects not only people’s health but also the environment. With inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, people are at a higher risk of contracting water-borne diseases, which could be fatal. The environment is also impacted by the excessive use of water resources and the release of untreated wastewater. This, in turn, leads to a decline in biodiversity and ecosystem services, which are essential for human survival.

Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the sustainable management of water resources to ensure a resilient future for all. This requires a holistic approach that integrates social, economic, and environmental considerations. Governments, organizations, and individuals must work together to develop and implement strategies that prioritize water conservation, increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and protect the environment.

In conclusion, water is a fundamental part of all aspects of life. It plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals and targets, and it is essential for human health and environmental integrity. With the ongoing water crisis and climate change, it is imperative to prioritize the sustainable management of water resources to ensure a resilient future for all. We must act now to secure the future of water resources and secure our future on this planet.

Water is a precious resource that is essential to life on earth. However, as our global population continues to grow, so does the demand for water, which has led to numerous challenges and issues related to water management. Despite these challenges, water also presents us with a great opportunity to create a more sustainable and inclusive world.

If we can understand the complex relations and interlinkages between water and other aspects of our environment and society, and value water holistically, then it can become a dealmaker and leverage point for a green economy, climate resilience, and more sustainable practices. By managing water inclusively at all levels and across all interests, we can bring together stakeholders from various sectors and backgrounds to forge coalitions, strengthen capacities, and provide scalable solutions.

However, to achieve this, we need to move away from single, targeted, and reactive short-term actions towards more holistic, integrated, and future-oriented approaches and projects. We must meet environmental, cultural, social, and economic challenges with sustainable, equitable, and resilient solutions, identify hotspots and innovative opportunities that can be scaled up, and build capacities across all layers of society.

To do this, we must act quickly and with urgency. We need to work four times faster to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed the period from 2018 to 2028 as the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development,” to further improve cooperation, partnership, capacity development, and catalyze actions in response to the ambitious United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In 2018, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 73/226 on the midterm comprehensive review of the implementation of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development,” 2018-2028. In March 2023, the United Nations Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development,” 2018-2028, or the “UN 2023 Water Conference,” will be convened in New York. This conference aims to successfully implement the goals and objectives of the Water Action Decade, including SDG 6 and other internationally agreed water-related goals and targets.

In conclusion, water presents us with both challenges and opportunities. By managing water inclusively, we can bring together stakeholders from various sectors and backgrounds to forge coalitions, strengthen capacities, and provide scalable solutions. To do this successfully, we need to move away from reactive short-term actions towards more holistic and future-oriented approaches, and act with urgency to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 6 and other water-related goals and targets. The UN 2023 Water Conference is an essential step towards achieving these objectives, and we must work together to ensure its success.

Study finds over 170 trillion plastic particles floating in oceans, forming polymer plume

According to a recent study, the amount of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans has grown significantly, with over 170 trillion plastic particles currently floating in the water.

This is a stark increase from 2014, when it was estimated that there were only 5 trillion plastic particles in the ocean.

The majority of these plastic particles are microplastics, which are less than 5mm in diameter.

Microplastics are particularly dangerous to marine life because they do not break down easily and can harm marine organisms that mistake them for food.

This can lead to a loss of biodiversity and disrupt the balance of ocean ecosystems.

Highlights of the Study

• Researchers analyzed plastic pollution data from 12,000 ocean stations in 6 marine regions from 1979 to 2019.
• They estimated the current amount of microplastics in oceans and how their concentration has changed over the years.
• Plastic particle count varied from 1990 to 2005, but remained relatively stable.
• International laws such as MARPOL Annex 5 enforced against sea trash dumping were effective in the 1980s and 90s.
• Since 2005, more than 5 million tons of new plastic have been produced, leading to increased pollution.
• The study calls for a strong, enforceable UN treaty on plastic pollution focused on prevention rather than clean up and recycling.

 How micro plastics impact marine life and oceans

• Microplastics have been found in various marine organisms, from phytoplankton to whales and dolphins.
• The presence of microplastics in marine organisms may pose a risk to their health.
• Ingested plastics can cause chemical problems by releasing chemicals into organisms.
• Microplastics have the ability to absorb hydrophobic compounds such as DDT, PCBs, and other industrial chemicals, which may be released when ingested.
• Microplastics can also disrupt the carbon cycle of the oceans.

Policy Interventions

In 1988, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships added Annex V, which established legally-binding agreements among 154 countries to end the discharge of plastics from naval, fishing and shipping fleets.

These interventions were followed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982 and the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Plastic by Dumping of Wastes and other Matter in 1972.

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In 1991, the Plastic Industry Trade Association launched ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ with the goal of zero loss of plastic pellets, powders and flakes from factories with decreasing pellet ingestion in biota observed. However, these and others were voluntary agreements.

Cost-effective solutions to manage plastic waste differ considerably across countries. Various solutions to the plastic pollution problem have been proposed at local, national, and regional levels.

Despite these efforts, “a global evidence-based strategy that includes practical and measurable interventions aimed at reducing plastic pollution does not yet exist,” said a paper published in Science on July 23, 2020.

On March 2, 2022, heads of state, ministers of environment and other representatives from UN member states adopted a resolution to end plastic pollution and forge an international legally binding agreement by 2024. The resolution looked at the full lifecycle of plastic, including its production, design and disposal.

Breaking the plastic wave, a 2020 report by Pew said we can cut annual plastic flows into the ocean by about 80 per cent in the next 20 years by applying existing solutions and technologies. There is no single solution to achieve this goal; rather, the plastic wave can be broken by taking immediate, ambitious and concerted actions.

Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans has reached unprecedented levels over the past 15 years. A significant increase has been observed in the presence of oceanic microplastics after 2005.

Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak Warn about the Profound Risks AI Poses to Society and Humanity

An open letter titled “Pause Giant AI Experiments” has been signed by prominent figures such as Twitter owner and entrepreneur Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. The letter, posted on the Future of Life (FLI) Institute’s website, urges the cessation of artificial intelligence-powered tools like ChatGPT. It calls on all AI labs to halt the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4 for at least six months.

About Chat gpt

Chat GPT: Is an unbiased and neutral entity that can provide objective responses to users.

• Can facilitate communication between two or more parties, such as in a customer service or support setting.
• Can maintain confidentiality and privacy by not disclosing personal information.
• Can be integrated into various platforms, such as social media or messaging apps, to enhance user experience.
• Can offer a range of functionalities, such as language translation or chatbot automation, to streamline communication.
• Can be programmed to comply with various regulations and standards, such as data protection laws or industry-specific requirements.
• Can be customized to match the brand voice and tone of a particular organization or business.
• Can provide 24/7 support and assistance to users, without the need for human intervention.
• Can collect and analyze data on user interactions and behavior, providing valuable insights to organizations.
• Can be continuously trained and updated to improve its accuracy and effectiveness over time.

What  the Open Letter says

• A chatbot is a computer program that can converse with a person and is commonly found on websites.
• Chatbots assist customers with returns and refunds on websites such as Amazon and Flipkart. OpenAI created a highly advanced chatbot, Chat GPT, based on their GPT 3.5 series of language learning models.
• ChatGPT can answer follow-up questions, acknowledge its errors, challenge false premises, and reject inappropriate requests.
• GPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3, which is a computer language model that produces human-like text based on inputs using deep learning techniques.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) feeds large amounts of data into a system, allowing the program to train itself to understand information in a meaningful way without requiring human input.

Criticisms Raised

• The FLI posted a letter on their website, describing their work in grant making, policy research, and advocacy in AI-related areas.
• The letter points out that AI systems have achieved human-competitive intelligence and this could have a profound impact on the history of life on Earth, requiring careful planning and management.
• The authors believe that the necessary planning and management is not happening, while an uncontrolled race is underway to develop digital minds that even their creators cannot understand or predict.
• The letter raises several questions, including whether machines should be allowed to flood information channels with propaganda and untruth, whether all jobs should be automated away, and whether nonhuman minds should be developed that could replace us and jeopardize civilization.
• The authors stress that these decisions must not be left to unelected tech leaders.

The Supreme Court Allows Bail under NDPS Act Based on Undue Delay Despite Strict Requirements

The Supreme Court has emphasized the importance of the right to a speedy trial by ruling that “undue delay” in a trial can serve as a basis for granting bail to an accused, even under strict special legislation like the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. This decision holds particular significance as the criteria for bail are generally stringent under the law, comparable to those in anti-terror legislation.

About the case

• The Supreme Court has highlighted the significance of the right to a speedy trial.
• It ruled that “undue delay” in a trial can be a basis for granting bail to an accused.
• This applies even under strict special legislation like the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985.
• This decision is important because bail criteria are generally stringent under the law.
• The criteria are comparable to those in anti-terror legislation.

Meaning of Undue Delay In Law

• The accused Mohammad had been in custody for over 7 years and 4 months, and the trial was progressing slowly with 34 witnesses remaining to be examined.
• The Court stated that the strict conditions under Section 37 of the NDPS Act cannot take precedence over the general law of granting bail in cases of undue delay in the trial.
• As per Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, an accused must be granted bail if the trial is not completed within specified time frames.
• The term “reasonable grounds” used in Section 37 is not defined in the statute, thereby increasing the scope of judicial interpretation.
• Section 436A also mandates that no individual can be detained for more than the maximum imprisonment period specified for the offense during the investigation, inquiry, or trial.
• In the 1979 landmark ruling in ‘Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar,’ the Supreme Court recognized the right to a speedy trial as implicit in Article 21’s broad scope and content.

Eravikulam National Park features a Fernarium.

• The Fernarium in Munnar is a collection of ferns and the first of its kind.
• There are currently 52 varieties of ferns in the collection, and the plan is to eventually have all 104 varieties found in the park.
• The initiative aims to raise awareness among visitors about the park’s biodiversity.

Ferns are fascinating plants that have been around for millions of years, and they can be found in many different environments all over the world. These ancient plants are beloved for their unique appearance and their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. In this article, we will explore what ferns are, their characteristics, and why they are such a valuable addition to any garden or home.

What are Ferns?

Ferns are a type of vascular plant that reproduces via spores. They have roots, stems, and leaves, but unlike most other plants, they do not produce flowers or seeds. Instead, ferns have specialized structures on the underside of their leaves called sori, which contain the spores that will eventually grow into new ferns. Ferns belong to the class Polypodiopsida, which contains over 10,000 species of ferns.

Characteristics of Ferns

Ferns are known for their distinctive leaves, which are called fronds. These fronds can vary greatly in size and shape, depending on the species of fern. Some ferns have fronds that are only a few centimeters long, while others have fronds that can grow up to 30 feet in length. Fern fronds are typically divided into smaller leaflets, which give them a delicate, lacy appearance.

Ferns are also characterized by their ability to thrive in a variety of environments. Some ferns grow in wet, swampy areas, while others prefer dry, rocky soil. Ferns can grow in full sun or partial shade, and some species are even able to grow indoors. Additionally, ferns are often used to help control erosion and to add visual interest to gardens, parks, and other natural areas.

Why are Ferns Valuable?

Ferns are an important part of many ecosystems. They provide habitat and food for a wide variety of animals, including insects, birds, and small mammals. Additionally, ferns can help to improve soil health and prevent erosion. Ferns are also valued for their aesthetic appeal. Their delicate fronds and unique shapes make them a popular addition to gardens, both indoors and outdoors.

In addition to their aesthetic and ecological value, ferns also have some practical uses. For example, certain species of ferns have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headaches, and joint pain. Some species of ferns have also been used to create natural dyes, which can be used to color fabrics and other materials.

Ferns are fascinating plants that have been around for millions of years. Their unique appearance, ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, and ecological and practical value make them a valuable addition to any garden or home. Whether you are looking to add some visual interest to your indoor space or control erosion in your outdoor space, ferns are a versatile and beautiful option.

About Eravikulam National Park

Location	Perched 7000 ft. above sea level, the Park was a former hunting preserve of British planters
Designation	Declared a Sanctuary in 1975, and a National Park in 1978
Significance	Protects the highly endangered mountain goat, Nilgiri Tahr, and is the land of the Neelakurinji flower that blooms once in twelve years
Extent	Covers an area of 97 sq. km of rolling grasslands and high-level sholas
Climate	Receives heavy showers during the southwest (June/July) and retreating (October/November) Monsoons; one of the wettest areas in the world
Topography	Undulating terrain with grass, hillocks, and sholas; the highest peak south of the Himalayas, the Anamudi, is located here
Vegetation	Majorly covered with rolling grasslands, with several patches of shola forests; important flora includes Actinodaphne bouillon, Microtropis ram flora, Strobilanthus Kunthianus (Neela Kurinji), etc.
Wildlife Population	29 species of mammals, including the endemic Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Tiger, Leopard, Giant Squirrel, and wild dog; 140 species of birds, including 10 unique to the Western Ghats; more than 100 varieties of butterflies and 20 species of amphibians are also recorded here.