Online sources such as Wikipedia not completely dependable SC (GS Paper 2, Judiciary)
Why in news?
- Online sources such as Wikipedia are based on a crowd sourced and user generated editing model that is not completely dependable and can promote misleading information, the Supreme Court has said.
Details:
- A bench of Justices said it acknowledged the utility of the platforms that provide free access to knowledge across the globe but also cautioned against using such sources for legal dispute resolution.
- The apex court said courts and adjudicating authorities should endeavour to persuade counsels to rely on more reliable and authentic sources.
What was the case before SC?
- The observations came in a judgment in a case regarding the correct classification of imported 'All in One Integrated Desktop Computer' under the First Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985.
- The SC noted that adjudicating authorities, especially the Commissioner of Customs (Appeal) had extensively referred to online sources such as Wikipedia to support their conclusions.
Earlier case:
- Interestingly, former apex court judge Justice Markandey Katju had referred to Wikipedia for definition of the term "common law marriage" while delivering a judgment in 2010.
- Justice Katju had made information available on Wikipedia the basis for formulating a four-point guideline and ruled that live-in relationships must satisfy it to be categorised as a "relationship" in the nature of marriage under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
G20 Infra Working Group discusses how to make cities sustainable, resilient
(GS Paper 2, International Organisation)
Why in news?
- Making cities sustainable, resilient, inclusive and how to plan these mega urban centres with a people-centric approach and meet their financial needs have been among the major themes discussed by delegates at a two-day meeting of the G20 Infrastructure Working Group (IWG).
Details:
- The first IWG meeting under the aegis of G20, whose presidency is currently with India, was attended by 64 delegates from 18 member countries, eight guest nations and as many international organisations.
- It discussed the ‘2023 Infrastructure Agenda’ under the Indian G20 presidency.
Key Highlights:
- There major areas include making cities sustainable, resilient, inclusive and financing needs of cities.
- The funding options are government, private and multi-lateral funding and there are various innovative financing mechanisms that are evolving like land value capture.
- The key concerns for all the cities globally are the rapid pace of urbanisation and climate change. Reduction of carbon emission and moving to net-zero was a major theme around which many discussions were held.
- As per the United Nations, net zero means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions re-absorbed from the atmosphere, by oceans and forests for instance.
What’s next?
- The second meeting of the IWG is scheduled to be held in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, from March 28-29.
About G20:
- The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world's major developed and developing economies.
- It comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union (EU).
Spot Bellied Eagle Owl spotted in Seshachalam forest of Andhra Pradesh for the first time
(GS Paper 3, Environment)
Why in news?
- A wildlife team recently stumbled upon a ‘Spot Bellied Eagle Owl’ (Bubo Nipalensis) for the first time in Seshachalam forest, and for the third time in Andhra Pradesh.
Key Characteristics of ‘Spot Bellied Eagle Owl’:
- The bird’s habitat, found on large trees in thick forests, is spread across the Indian sub-continent.
- But it was sighted only twice in the State earlier, and both the times it was at Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).
- The bold predatory bird, measuring 20-25 inches in length and weighing between 1.5 kg and 2 kg, feeds on small rodents and lizards.
- The bird makes a strange scream similar to humans and it is hence called the ‘Ghost of the Forest’in India and ‘Devil Bird’ in Sri Lanka.
Mottled Wood Owl:
- They also spotted a ‘Mottled Wood Owl’ (Strix Ocellata) last weekend in the fields abutting Chamala forest on the Tirupati-Annamayya inter-district border.
Status:
- Though both are labelled as ‘least concern’ in terms of population stability, the development assumes significance in view of their maiden sighting in the verdant Seshachalam ranges.
