The first paragraph provides an introduction to ROSHNI, an application created to support visually impaired individuals, particularly in differentiating post-demonetization currencies in India. This innovative app, developed by IIT Ropar in Punjab, aims to help alleviate the struggle faced by many visually impaired individuals after the demonetization movement in India.
Introduction to ROSHNI
In the aftermath of India’s demonetization process, visually impaired individuals faced a significant challenge. Traditionally, they differentiated currency notes based on their length and width, but post-demonetization, the similarity in sizes between old and new notes presented a problem. To address this issue, IIT Ropar in Punjab developed ROSHNI, an app designed to facilitate the identification of new currency denominations.
How ROSHNI Works
Using the app is a simple process. The user brings the currency note in front of the camera of their smartphone. The app then gives an audio notification, indicating the denomination of the note. It is the first Android app of its kind and is engineered to function effectively under varying light conditions and holding angles.
Comparison with Other Apps
There are other applications available that also recognize Indian currency notes. One such app is Seeing AI by Microsoft. However, this app runs only on the iOS platform and is therefore not accessible to all visually impaired individuals.
Translocation of Rhinos in Kaziranga
The augmentation of rhinos is an integral part of the initiative titled “Bring Back Manas,” aimed at rejuvenating the UNESCO World Heritage site, Manas National Park. Two rhinos have been recently translocated from Kaziranga to Manas National Park.
Monitored Movement of Rhinos
These relocated rhinos, raised at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) at Kaziranga, have been radio-collared to track their movement. So far, more than 50 calves stranded in the wild at Kaziranga National Park due to various reasons, primarily floods, have been rescued and cared for at CWRC.
Need for More National Tiger Reserves
| Park | Number of Rhinos |
|---|---|
| Kaziranga National Park | 2,200 |
| Jaldapara National Park | 50 |
| Dudhwa Tiger Reserve | 30 |
With over 2,200 one-horned rhinos, Kaziranga National Park is home to a large rhino population. However, to ensure biodiversity and maintain the ecosystem, more national tiger reserves are needed to sustain good populations of rhinos.
Rhinos in Asia
The Asian continent hosts two species of rhinos – Javan and Sumatran – both of which are critically endangered. A subspecies of the Javan rhino was declared extinct in Vietnam in 2011.
Indian Africa Field Training Exercise
The Indian Africa Field Training Exercise (IAFTX) is an important event aimed at enhancing strategic and military cooperation between African countries and India. Scheduled to be conducted in Pune, the exercise runs from the 18th to the 27th of March, 2019. The event focuses on synergising humanitarian mine action and joint peace operations.
Global Talent Competitive Index-2019
India has secured the 80th rank on the Global Talent Competitive Index. This index, released by INSEAD business school in partnership with Tata Communications and Adecco Group, measures a country’s ability to compete for talent. The index includes variables such as ease of hiring, gender earnings gap, and prevalence of training in firms. To improve its ranking, India needs to focus on boosting its ability to attract and retain talent, promoting gender equality, and being more tolerant towards minorities and immigrants.