• 20 Dec 2024

International Conference on Data Science

Why in News? 

The Department of Statistics and Operational Research, Kurukshetra University, is going to organise an international conference on “Innovative trends in statistics, optimisation, and data science”.  

• It is in conjunction with the 44^th annual convention of Indian Society for Probability and Statistics (ISPS) and the eighth convention of the Indian Association for Reliability and Statistics. 

 Key Points 

• Details of the International Conference: 
  • The three-day international conference is scheduled to be held from 21st to 23rd December 2024. 
• Objective and Topics of Discussion: 
  • According to Kurukshetra University Vice-Chancellor the conference will serve as a platform to discuss: 
    • Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) 
    • Data-centric AI 
    • Edge intelligence 
    • Automation of data cleaning 
    • Industry-specific data applications 
    • Data privacy 
    • Other relevant AI-related topics 

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

• About: 
  • AI is the ability of a computer, or a robot controlled by a computer to do tasks that are usually done by humans because they require human intelligence and discernment. 
    • Although there is no AI that can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some AI can match humans in specific tasks. 
• Characteristics & Components: 
  • The ideal characteristic of artificial intelligence is its ability to rationalize and take actions that have the best chance of achieving a specific goal. A subset of AI is Machine Learning (ML). 
  • Deep Learning (DL) techniques enable this automatic learning through the absorption of huge amounts of unstructured data such as text, images, or video. 

Development Initiatives in Haryana

Why in News? 

Haryana Chief Minister announced developmental initiatives for the Pundri Assembly segment and assured the public that it would soon be granted subdivision status. 

 Key Points 

• New Subdivision Proposals: 
  • The state government has constituted a committee to evaluate proposals for new subdivisions and districts. 
  • A proposal for granting subdivision status to Pundri (Kaithal district) has been submitted and will be approved after the committee's report is received. 
• Infrastructure Development Initiatives: 
  • Education and Health Projects: 
    • Rs 5 crore allocated for renovating old school buildings. 
    • Plans to construct health centres in Fatehpur and Badnara villages, subject to land availability. 
  • Road Infrastructure: 
    • Rs 5 crore earmarked for repairing marketing board roads. 
    • Rs 10 crore allocated for strengthening and repairing Public Works Department (PWD) roads. 
• Inauguration: 
  • Projects worth Rs 15 crore were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid, including: 
    • Construction of a link road from Pundri to Sega. 
    • Strengthening the Nilokheri-Karsa-Dhand Road. 
    • Improvements to six other roads. 

High-Level Security Review Meeting on J&K

Why in News? 

Recently, the Union Home Minister chaired a high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir.  

• It was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Union Home Secretary, Director Intelligence Bureau (IB), RAW Chief, Chief of Army Staff, GOC-in-C (Northern Command), Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Chief Secretary & DGP of Jammu and Kashmir, heads of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and other senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

 Key Points 

• Commitment to a Terror-Free Jammu and Kashmir: 
  • The Union Home Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to achieve a ‘Terror-Free Jammu and Kashmir’ at the earliest. 
  • He emphasized that all necessary resources will be made available to meet this objective. 
  • The unprecedented participation of the people in Jammu and Kashmir during the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections reflects their faith in the country’s democracy. 
• Progress Against Terrorism: 
  • The Union Home Minister commended security agencies for: 
    • A significant decline in terrorist incidents. 
    • Reduced infiltration activities. 
    • Lower recruitment of youth into terrorist organizations. 
• Directives to Security Agencies: 
  • Directed all security agencies to work in a coordinated manner to eradicate terrorism. 
  • Emphasized the need for implementing: 
    • Area Domination Plan 
    • Zero Terror Plan in a mission mode. 

Deduction from School Syllabus

Why in News? 

Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister assured that a chapter on Kashmiri patron Sufi saint, Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Wali, also called Sheikh-ul-Alam, will not be deleted from class 9 syllabus. 

 Key Points 

• Concerns Over Dropping of Chapter on Sufi Saint: 
  • Kulgam MLA expressed concerns about the reported removal of a chapter on Sheikh-ul-Alam, the revered Sufi saint, from the Class IX textbook. 
  • He termed the decision “deeply troubling” and criticized it as unacceptable for a society deeply rooted in Sufi traditions. 
  • He also urged the Chief Minister to intervene and ensure the reinstatement of the chapter to preserve the region's rich cultural and Sufi heritage. 
• Response from CM: 
  • The Chief Minister responded that the chapter will not be deleted. 
  • The Education Minister directed the Principal Secretary to investigate and rectify the issue found in the PDF version of the textbook. 
• Criticism by Peoples Conference Chief: 
  • This incident was described as “cultural terrorism” and an assault on Kashmir’s culture and ethos. 
  • The saint's teachings were highlighted as a beacon of hope and a role model, especially in current times of violence, greed, and hatred. 

 Sheikh Ul Alam 

 

• Early Life: 
  • Born in the 14^th century in a small village in Kashmir. 
  • Raised in a devout Islamic household, deeply rooted in Kashmir's cultural heritage. 
  • Childhood marked by simplicity, peace, and early exposure to spiritual teachings. 
• Influences and Education: 
  • Grew up in a Kashmir rich in Sufi traditions, Persian poetry, and ancient Vedic knowledge, fostering harmony and inclusiveness. 
  • Displayed a strong passion for spiritual awakening and poetry from a young age. 
  • Pursued knowledge under the guidance of renowned academics and Sufi masters. 
• Teachings and Philosophy: 
  • Emphasized spiritual wisdom, unity, and social consciousness. 
  • His teachings reflect the harmony of diverse traditions and the pursuit of inner peace. 
• Legacy: 
  • Left an indelible mark on Kashmiri culture, the Sufi tradition, and beyond. 
  • Remembered as a spiritual and literary icon whose lessons continue to inspire.