Science and Tech Weekly Brief: Important Updates from February 28 to March 5, 2021

Science and Technology have been an integral part of our Indian culture. It was named Natural philosophy in those ancient times and was pursued vigorously at institutions of higher learning. Take a look at the major happenings in this field of Science and Technology and prepare yourself for various exams like UPSC, SSC etc. 

New IT Rules in India and their effect on OTT Platforms:

As per the latest announcements by the Government of India new Information Technology Rules for the social media and OTT platforms will be implemented. These are called  Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.

What are the rules?

1. These rules require the social media giants like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, Twitter to take down any unlawful content within a specific time limit as served by either a court or a Government agency's notice.
2. The social media giants would have to follow the constitution of India at all times. 
3. These rules that would be implemented empower the ordinary citizens of India who are avid users of social media. 
4. Rules about digital media and OTT focus more on in house and self-regulation

Details about Social Media users in India:

Some New Rules:

1. The new IT rules, along with the Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill and an upcoming law on cybersecurity, would help to show the internet and internet-based companies functioning in the country in future.
2. Social media platforms would have to review their own policies and ensure they comply with these rules, and more that may follow with the PDP Bill.
3. In some cases, they would also need to review their algorithms that ensure compliance. This could lead to higher research and development (R&D) costs.
4. Social media platforms must put grievance redressal officers that are Indians. 
5. They must trace content to first originator within India.
6. Digital media will have to follow the Journalistic Conduct of the Press Council of India and the Programme Code under Cable TV Networks Regulation Act.

The issue:

The major concern is that the encrypted messaging apps would be required to collect more user data to trace messages back to the first originator. This would conflict with the extraterritorial jurisdiction norms made in the IT Act. 

Co-WIN 2.0: All about Covid 19 App 

1. The second drive of COVID19 Vaccination began on March 1, 2021 in India. A registration portal was opened online for the beneficiaries and the App was developed for the administrators. 
2. This drive is considered to be the world's largest inoculation drive against COVID-19.
3. Those above the age of 60 and those who are 45 years of age with co-morbidities would be vaccinated this time. 
4. The beneficiaries would have to register themselves on the portal created by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for Co-WIN 2.0 inoculation. 
5. There is no new App, but an upgraded version of the older one used in the first phase of vaccination.  

How does Co-WIN Work?

The citizens need to follow these steps:

1. Registration:Citizens can register on cowin.gov.in.
2. Login:Citizens need to login their identification. A detailed process has been listed below. 
3. Schedule Vaccine Appointment: Choose a date and enter the details for the appointment 
4. Confirmation of Appointment: Complete the appointment process by choosing the centre from the availability list 
5. Completion of Vaccination: Get vaccinated on the date
6. Reschedule: The citizens can reschedule to some other date

Features of CoWIN App:

1. The App is considered to be the digital backbone of the vaccination drive in India
2. As informed by the Ministry of health, this App is only for administrators and would facilitate registration and scheduling of vaccination sessions. 
3. The new version of the Co-WIN app has an advanced feature of a GPS-enabled setting

What is the Mobile Train Radio Communication System?

1. Mobile Train Radio Communication system is based on the Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) technology. It uses TDMA on the Air Interface and Internet Protocol based Network Architecture. 
2. It is a technically advanced communication system that can establish immediate interaction between the train crew, the station master and the control centre. 
3. These calls can be connected within a time limit of 300 milliseconds. 
4. The system is able to monitor, track and aid to communicate which would ensure smooth movements of rakes. 

What is Global Bio-India 2021?

This is the biggest BioTechnology event of India. It is conducted to showcase India's capabilities in this sector on a global and national level. 

The stakeholders include international bodies, regulatory bodies, Central and State Ministries, SME's, research institutes, startups etc. These help India being recognized as a Global Hub of Innovators in Biotechnology. 

As expected, the sector of Biotechnology is recognized as one of the major contributing drivers to India's USD 5 Trillion economy target by 2024.

Objectives of the meet:

1. It would enhance biopartnering and conduct discussions on various policies. It helps in identification of key biotechnological innovations, products, services, technologies from various national and international organizations.
2. It provides collaboration opportunities for Research and Development and gives a peek into the licensing options. 
3. It provides opportunities for the Indian Government to attract foreign investment and launches discussion on various modules of Biotech like bio-pharma, bio-agriculture, bio-industrial, bio-energy, bio-manufacturing, bio-services etc.
4. It thus is tasked with bringing Indian Biotech ecosystem at par with the international ecosystem.

Science and Tech Weekly Brief: Summarized topics

Take a look at previous week's science and tech events here