UniFocus IAS ( UNIFOCUS UNIVERSAL )

The General Assembly on Tuesday adopted the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime. Treaty  aimed at strengthening international cooperation to combat cybercrime and protecting societies from digital threats. It is a Legally binding treaty. It will enter into force 90 days after being ratified by the 40th signatory. Extracts from the treaty text: The purposes of this Convention are to: (a) Promote and strengthen measures to prevent and combat cybercrime more efficiently and effectively;  (b) Promote, facilitate and strengthen international cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime; and  (c) Promote, facilitate and support technical assistance and capacity-building to prevent and combat cybercrime, in particular for the benefit of developing countries. Scope of application: (a) The prevention, investigation and prosecution of the criminal offences established in accordance with this Convention, including the freezing, seizure, confiscation and return of the ...

Relevance:  Frito-Lay today issued a recall of a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips that may contain undeclared milk, after being alerted through a consumer contact. Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product. The product included in this recall was distributed to certain retail stores and e-commerce distributors in Oregon and Washington. Consumers would have been able to purchase these chips as early as November 3, 2024. Reason for Recall: Presence of Potential or Undeclared Allergen namely Milk Unreported Allergens: The consumption of meat and poultry products containing ingredients of public health concern, such as Undeclared Allergens, may result in adverse health outcomes for certain individuals. The most common undeclared allergens -- wheat, shellfish, eggs, fish, peanuts, milk, tree nuts, and soybeans -- account for 90 percent of all food all...

  After five years of relentless effort, the northern giant hornet ( Vespa mandarinia ) has been eradicated from Washington State and the United States. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced this landmark achievement today. The announcement marked a significant victory in the ongoing fight against invasive species.  The northern giant hornet first captured national attention in late 2019 when it was detected near Blaine, Washington. Known for its ability to decimate a honey bee colony within hours, the hornet posed a serious threat to pollinators and all the life they support. However, this invasive predator is no longer a threat thanks to the collaborative efforts of APHIS, WSDA, researchers, and the public.  The northern giant hornet was first detected in North America in British Columbia, Canada in August 2019 and confirmed in Washington state in December 2019.  The Asian giant...

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Convention on Nuclear Safety, a landmark international treaty aimed at promoting safety of nuclear installations worldwide. On 17 December 2024, Liberia became the latest Contracting Party to the Convention, bringing the total number to 96.   “The Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) is the cornerstone of the international nuclear safety regime. As more countries are embracing nuclear power, their adherence to the convention and its principles is of paramount importance,” said Lydie Evrard, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security. Adopted in 1994 and in force since 1996, the CNS establishes fundamental safety principles and a peer review mechanism that promote continuous improvement in nuclear safety. The CNS is an ‘incentive’ convention prioritizing consensus and participation. Its main dynamic element, the peer review mechanism, provides a platform for exchange of information and experie...

  Department of Consumer Affairs will  launch 'Jago Grahak Jago App,' 'Jagriti App,' and 'Jagriti Dashboard” for public use on National Consumers Day 2024 i.e. 24th December, 2024. As part of the government's broader strategy and ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer protection in the digital era and curb unfair practices in e-commerce and online services, the Central Consumer Protection Authority notified the  Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns  in 2023 and specified 13 dark patterns, namely: False urgency, Basket Sneaking, Confirm shaming, forced action, Subscription trap, Interface Interference, Bait and switch, Drip Pricing, Disguised Advertisements and Nagging, Trick Wording, Saas Billing and Rogue Malwares. CCPA had earlier issued notices to IndiGo Airlines and BookMyShow under Consumer Protection Act, 2019 for alleged Misleading Advertisement/Unfair Trade Practices in the form of deceptive design patterns/dark patterns.  It came to...

  Introduction Farmers, the lifeblood of the nation and revered as ‘Annadatas’, are the foundation of India’s prosperity. Their relentless toil feeds the nation, sustains the rural economy, and ensures the strength of every household. National Farmers’ Day, observed on 23rd December, celebrates their invaluable contribution. This day marks the birth anniversary of Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, renowned for his deep understanding of rural issues and unwavering advocacy for farmers’ welfare. It is a moment to honour our farmers’ unwavering dedication and recognise their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s progress. Recognising the vital role of farmers, the Government of India has introduced a suite of initiatives designed to support their socio-economic upliftment and ensure sustainable agricultural growth. These programmes, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maa...

Minorit ies   Rights Day is observed annually on 1 8 th   December  to commemorate the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious, and Linguistic Minorities in 1992. It serves as an important occasion to raise awareness about the rights of minorities, acknowledge their contributions to Indian society, and continue working toward their protection and empowerment.This Declaration, though non-binding, plays a vital role in shaping the global discourse on minority rights.The Declaration, which outlines key rights such as the freedom to enjoy culture, practice religion, and speak one’s language, marks a crucial moment in international human rights law. Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens, including minorities, ensuring their protection from discrimination and promoting equal opportunity in all spheres of life. India’s commitment to diversity is exemplified in the vibrant cultures, religio...

  In light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan’s long-range missile development, the United States is designating four entities for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.    Pakistan’s National Development Complex  – which is responsible for Pakistan’s ballistic missile program and has worked to acquire items to advance Pakistan’s long range ballistic missile program – and Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise – which have worked to supply equipment and missile‐applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including its long range missile program – are being   designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 Section 1(a)(ii) for having engaged, or attempted to engage, in activities or...

Relevance: "  Modi-led panel meets to select next NHRC chief  " - The Hindu The National Human Rights Commission of India (abbreviated as NHRC) is a statutory body constituted on 12 October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Ordinance of 28 September 1993.[1] It was given a statutory basis by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (PHRA).[2] The NHRC is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights, which is defined by the act as "rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India".[3] Functions: 12. Functions of the Commission.-The Commission shall perform all or any of the following functions, namely:-  (a) inquire, suo motu or on a petition presented to it by a victim or any person on his behalf 2 [or on a direction or order of any court], into complaint of- (i) violation of human rights or abetment thereof; or...

It is a new  compact generative AI supercomputer launched by NVIDIA. It ws available to purchase at very low prise of  $249  (around Rs 21,147). It offers generative AI capabilities and performance to develop their own AI tools. Indian Express , NVIDIA

  Following a signing ceremony Monday in Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, NASA congratulates Thailand as the 51st nation to commit to the safe and responsible exploration of space that benefits humanity. “Thailand’s commitment to the Artemis Accords will enhance the country’s engagement with NASA and the international community,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “By signing the accords, Thailand builds upon an important foundation and shows great leadership for the open, responsible and peaceful exploration of space.” Pakorn Apaphant, the executive director of Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of Thailand. Thailand’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Supamas Isarabhakdi and U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec also participated in the ceremony. Nelson contributed the final remarks in a pre-recorded video message. “Thailand will enter the golden ag...