Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Puducherry is planning to set up an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) to boost its AI ecosystem and technological capabilities.
Key points
- The AI CoE is proposed under the India AI Mission.
- It aims to support AI research, adoption in government, and use by PSUs.
- The project involves a ₹20 crore budget with a 40:40:20 funding model (Govt of India, UT Govt, Industry/Academia).
- The centre will focus on AI infrastructure, product development, data consolidation, ethical AI, and skilling/reskilling.
Background & context
The India AI Mission is a government initiative to foster AI development and adoption across the country. Centres of Excellence are established to create focused environments for research and innovation.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The funding model for the Puducherry AI CoE is 40:40:20.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Science and Technology, Digital India Initiative, Innovation.
Why in news?
The Haryana Human Rights Commission has initiated an inquiry into serious allegations of custodial torture, illegal detention, and extortion against the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Ambala Cantonment.
Key points
- Allegations include illegal detention, torture, assault, humiliation, and extortion.
- The complainant was allegedly detained without an FIR or incriminating material.
- He claims he was subjected to third-degree methods and threatened with false implication.
- The Commission has recommended a high-level inquiry into the matter.
Background & context
Custodial torture and abuse of power by law enforcement agencies are significant human rights concerns. Human Rights Commissions are established to investigate such violations and recommend action.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The alleged incident took place at the GRP station, Ambala Cantonment.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Human Rights, Police Reforms, Accountability.
Why in news?
Academics and scholars are being urged to direct their research efforts towards solving real-world problems and addressing societal and industrial needs.
Key points
- JSS Science and Technology University organized a Doctoral Research Conference (DRC 2.0) to promote research excellence.
- Scholars are encouraged to pursue research that addresses societal and industrial impact.
- Emphasis on embracing emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches.
- Importance of originality, integrity, perseverance, and continuous learning in research.
- Call for strengthening national and international research collaborations.
Background & context
The shift towards applied research that has direct benefits for society and industry is a global trend, aiming to make academic contributions more relevant and impactful.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Doctoral Research Conference (DRC 2.0) was organized by JSS Science and Technology University.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Education, GS Paper III: Science and Technology, Innovation, Research.