The European Union (EU) has imposed a whopping fine of 1.3 billion USD on Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, for breaching its privacy law. This punitive action comes after the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) carried out two extensive investigations starting in 2018. They discovered that Meta had violated the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), an EU law that puts the control of personal data back into the hands of the users.
Data Transfer Restrictions Imposed on Meta
Along with the heavy fine, Meta has been directed to stop using standard contractual clauses (SCCs) to transfer data from the EU to the U.S. These contracts ensure that companies respect EU privacy standards when moving data across countries. Moreover, by November 2023, Meta is required to either delete or shift the data of European Facebook users that were transferred and stored in the U.S. since 2020. This could potentially cause disruptions in services provided by Meta in Europe, affecting millions of users.
INS Sindhuratna’s Enhancements and Achievements
The Kilo-class submarine INS Sindhuratna reaches Mumbai, India, successfully after receiving substantial upgrades in Russia. INS Sindhuratna, a diesel-electric submarine from the Sindhughosh-class, has a proud history of serving the Indian Navy for over three decades. Since being commissioned in 1988, it has undergone numerous enhancements to extend its operational life and capabilities.
Role and Importance of INS Sindhuratna
INS Sindhuratna plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the force strength and operational preparedness of the Western Naval Command. Equipped with modern weapon systems and sensors, the submarine improves India’s maritime capacities, helping to protect the nation’s interests and security in the Indian Ocean Region. INS Sindhuratna also increases India’s conventional submarine fleet, which comprises seven Kilo-class submarines, four HDW submarines of German origin, and five Scorpene-class submarines from France.
INSV Tarini Crew’s Historic Voyage
A long, intercontinental voyage of 17000-nm by the crew of INSV Tarini is nearing its impressive completion. A grand ‘Flag in’ ceremony is scheduled for 23 May 2023 at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre (INWTC), INS Mandovi, Goa, to celebrate the six-member crew, including two distinguished women officers. INSV Tarini’s current journey marks a significant step towards the Navy’s forthcoming goal of sending a woman on a solo circumnavigation of the globe.
Drying Trend in Major Indian Lakes Raises Alarm
Recent research reveals a disturbing trend where over 30 large lakes in India have been drying up from 1992 to 2020. These include 16 main lakes in Southern India, with the recent droughts potentially responsible for the declining storage in these reservoirs. Despite their crucial role in regulating climate through carbon cycling, these lakes are often poorly managed and receive less attention than rivers.
Global Impact of Lake Decline
Satellite observations have shown a loss of 90,000 square kilometers of permanent water area worldwide. However, the reasons behind these losses are not yet fully understood. Recent findings indicate that 53% of the world’s largest lakes are losing water while 24% are gaining. A more pronounced drying trend is apparent in Arctic lakes, suggesting that climate change and human water consumption are major factors driving these changes. Understanding the causes of lake decline, such as changes in temperature, precipitation, runoff, and human consumption, is paramount for effective management of these lakes, and for recognizing their vital role in sustaining societies and water supplies globally.