Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 23 May 2023

Meta's EU Privacy Case: Fine and Data Transfer Restrictions

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has been hit with a record-breaking fine of 1.3 billion USD by the European Union (EU) for violating its privacy law. The fine, imposed by the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), comes after two lengthy investigations that began in 2018. The DPC found that Meta had breached the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU's flagship privacy law that grants users greater control over their personal data. Additionally, Meta has been ordered to cease using standard contractual clauses (SCCs) to transfer data from the EU to the U.S. SCCs are contracts that ensure companies adhere to EU privacy standards when transferring data across borders.

Meta has been instructed to either delete or relocate the data of European Facebook users that have been transferred and stored in the U.S. since 2020 by November 2023. This decision could potentially disrupt Meta's services in Europe and impact millions of users.

INS Sindhuratna

The Kilo-class submarine INS Sindhuratna has successfully reached Mumbai, India, after undergoing a significant upgrade in Russia. INS Sindhuratna, a diesel-electric submarine belonging to the Sindhughosh-class, has a rich history and has served the Indian Navy for over three decades. Commissioned in 1988, it has undergone several upgrades and refits to extend its operational life and capabilities. Notably, in 2010, it was equipped with the Klub-S cruise missile system, enhancing its striking range. In 2018, it underwent a comprehensive Medium Refit Life Certification (MRLC) process in Russia, involving the replacement of crucial systems.

INS Sindhuratna plays a significant role in enhancing the force level and operational readiness of the Western Naval Command. With its modernized weapon and sensor suite, the submarine strengthens India's maritime capabilities and contributes to safeguarding the nation's interests and security in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Kilo-class submarines have a displacement of 2,300 tonnes, a maximum diving depth of 300 metres and a top speed of 18 knots.

The Navy has 16 conventional submarines in service. These are seven Russian Kilo-class submarines, four German-origin HDW submarines and five French Scorpene-class submarines.

Read more: INS Sindhukesari in Indonesia

INSV Tarini Crew Returns Home After Historic Voyage

A 17000-nm long trans-ocean inter-continental voyage by the crew of INSV Tarini is reaching its completion, marking a remarkable achievement in the field of ocean sailing. A grand 'Flag in' ceremony will be held on 23 May 2023 at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre (INWTC), INS Mandovi, Goa, to honour the six-member crew, including two exceptional women officers.

The Navika Sagar Parikrama, a previous sailing expedition by six women naval officers, further increased the popularity of ocean sailing within the navy and the country. The current voyage of INSV Tarini is a significant step towards the Navy's upcoming endeavour to send a woman on a solo circumnavigation of the globe.

INSV Tarini is the second sailboat of the Indian Navy that was constructed at Aquarius Shipyard in Goa. She was commissioned to Indian Navy service on 18 February 2017 and named after the Tara Tarini Temple in Odisha, which was the patron deity for sailors and merchants of ancient Odisha.

Read More: Tara Tarini Temple in Odisha.

Drying Trend in Major Lakes of India Raises Concerns

New research reveals a concerning trend of more than 30 large lakes in India experiencing a drying trend from 1992 to 2020. Among these lakes, 16 are major lakes located in southern India, including Mettur (Tamil Nadu), Krishnarajasagar (Karnataka), Nagarjuna Sagar (between Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh state and Nalgonda district of Telangana state), and Idamalayar(Kerela). It suggests that recent droughts may have contributed to the decline in reservoir storage in southern India.

Lakes, covering 3% of the global land area, play a crucial role in regulating climate through carbon cycling. Despite their importance, lakes are often not well managed and receive less attention compared to rivers, which have a higher profile.

Satellite observations have recorded a loss of 90,000 square kilometers of permanent water area globally, but the factors driving these losses remain unclear.

A recent study reveals that 53% of the world's largest lakes have been losing water, while 24% have experienced an increase. Approximately 33% of the global population resides in a basin with a large, dry lake. A more pronounced drying trend is observed in Arctic lakes and suggests that climate change, along with human water consumption, plays a significant role in driving these changes.

Understanding the drivers of lake decline, such as temperature, precipitation, runoff, and human consumption, is crucial for effective lake management and recognizing their importance in sustaining societies and water supplies worldwide.

Read More: Lakes in India