Web3.0

• Web3 is the "internet for the next generation," so discussions about it are growing.

What is the World Wide Web?

• The World Wide Web, commonly referred to as the Web, is a collection of websites or web pages that are kept on web servers and linked to local computers over the internet.
• There are text pages, digital photos, audio files, videos, etc. on these websites. Users can use their internet-connected devices, such as PCs, laptops, mobile phones, etc., to access the content of these websites from anywhere in the world.
• In contrast to the current Web 1.0 and Web 2.0, Web 3.0 is a decentralised internet that will be powered by blockchain technology.
• In contrast to the current situation, where tech corporations dominate the platforms, users will have ownership shares in platforms and applications in Web 3.

About Web 3.0

• Web3 has the ability to transform corporate-owned networks into user-controlled networks while preserving Web2 functions.
• It is also known as read/write/own. Through cryptocurrency tokens, users can control these blockchain-based networks. Value may be added to the community as a result of the network's expansion as token prices rise.
• The decentralised web, sometimes referred to as dApps and smart contracts in the blockchain system, enables the creation and trade of digital assets.
• Cooperative governance arrangements, as opposed to a single entity, govern decentralised applications (dapps).
• A community of token holders, rather than a CEO, manager, or board of directors, decides what to do.

Web 1.0:

• The first version of the internet, or the world wide web, was released in 1989. From 1993 on, it gained popularity. The period ended in 1999.
• In the early days of Web 1.0, most of the internet's content consisted of static web pages that users would visit, read, and interact with.
• Even though there were e-commerce websites in the beginning, the internet was still a closed environment, and users were unable to upload material or leave reviews.

Web 2.0:

• Although most of its features weren't completely accessible until 2004, Web 2.0 actually got its start in some manner in the late 1990s. Web 2.0 is still in its infancy.
• Because users can now produce content, Web 2.0 differs from Web 1.0 in this regard.
• They can participate and give back by leaving comments, giving likes, sharing and uploading their images and videos, and engaging in other similar activities.
• The primary distinguishing characteristic of Web 2.0 is a social media-style of engagement.

Feature

• Artificial intelligence is a major driver of increased automation.
• Based on blockchain, it prevents the use or control of user personal data by tech oligopolies. User data is encrypted and safeguarded by blockchain technology.
• Users can log in anonymously because of decentralised governance.
• permits the use of cryptocurrencies in place of fiat money.
• It involves a semantic web, which by understanding the meaning of searched words, may produce or share content. Content is created on web 2.0 utilising any keywords or integers.
• information is more connected since the semantic web is involved. Users can get all the information here.
• The extensive use of three-dimensional designs throughout its websites and services is another noteworthy aspect.

Significance of Web 3.0

• Decentralised and fair internet is important in Web 3.0. Users will have independent access to their own data on a decentralised, fair internet that Web3 will give.
• Getting Rid of Middlemen The transaction's time and location are logged in the block chain for all time.
• By doing away with the need for an intermediary, Web3 enables peer-to-peer (seller to buyer) transactions. Decentralisation and transparency can also be included in this idea: Decentralised Autonomous Organisation, or DAO, is the foundation of Web 3.
• In DAO, everything is governed by business rules, which are transparently visible to everyone and will be followed when writing software.

What distinguishes Web3 from Web2?

• Centralization vs. decentralisation: Web2 is centralised, which means that data is kept on centralised servers that are owned and managed by big businesses. Web3 is decentralised, in contrast, which means that data is kept on a network of computers that are owned and managed by the users themselves.
• Peer-to-peer vs. intermediaries: To enable transactions and interactions, Web2 mainly relies on intermediaries like banks, social media platforms, and online marketplaces. Peer-to-peer interactions and transactions are made possible by Web3, allowing users to conduct business with one another without the aid of middlemen like banks.

Blockchain

• Blockchain is a decentralised digital system created to store data securely in a way that makes hacking and compromising difficult, unlike on current platforms and Internet versions.
• The usage of it in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, where it is employed to store and move digital currency in a secure and open manner, is what makes it most well-known.

Way to Go

• There is no agreement on whether Web3 will catch on the way that Web 1.0 or Web 2.0 did because it is still in its infancy. Top technologists in the business and in academia are very sceptical about Web3, believing it does not address the issues it claims to.
• It will be necessary to depart from the front end, middle layer, and back end architecture that is used today in order to support Web3.

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

• The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has been in effect for 51 years, and throughout that time, it has been successful in preserving a number of endangered species. The law has been essential in preserving the various fauna of the nation.
• In order to guarantee environmental and ecological security, this Act provides for the protection of the nation's wild animals, birds, and plant species. The Act, among other things, imposes limitations on the hunting of several animal species. The Act was most recently modified in 2006. A Standing Committee was consulted when an amendment bill was presented in the Rajya Sabha in 2013; however, it was withdrawn in 2015.

About wildlife protection act 1972

• The Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972 establishes a legislative framework for the preservation of different wild animal and plant species as well as for the management of those species' habitats and the regulation and control of the trade in those species' parts as well as in products manufactured from them.
• The act also includes schedules of plants and animals that are subject to varied levels of government protection and oversight.
• The Wildlife Act facilitated India's admission to the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
• Jammu and Kashmir was not previously included in the 1972 Wildlife Protection Act. As a result of the restructuring act, J&K is now covered under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act.

Constitutional Provisions for the Wildlife Act

• The State must safeguard the environment, improve it, and protect wildlife and forests, according to Article 48A of the Indian Constitution. The 42nd Amendment, which was adopted in 1976, added this provision to the Constitution.
• Certain fundamental obligations are placed on Indian citizens by Article 51A. A couple of these include having compassion for all living things and preserving and enhancing the natural environment, which includes woods, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.

Histroical prespective

• The British Indian Government passed the Wild Birds Protection Act, 1887, which was the first such law, in 1887. The rule aimed to make it illegal to own and sell certain wild birds that were either shot or captured while mating.
• The Wild Birds and Animals Protection Act was introduced as a second statute in 1912. With the passage of the Wild Birds and Animals Protection (Amendment) Act 1935, this was modified.
• Wildlife preservation was not given a high priority during the British Raj. The concern about wildlife preservation and keeping some species from going extinct didn't really take off until 1960.

Feature of the act

• The Act establishes wildlife advisory boards and wildlife wardens and outlines their responsibilities and authority.
• It facilitated India's ratification of the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) convention.
• A multinational agreement called CITES aims to preserve threatened species of plants and animals.
• It was approved as a consequence of an IUCN member meeting and is also referred to as the Washington Convention.
• For the first time, a thorough list of the nation's endangered animals was created.
• Hunting endangered species was outlawed by the Act.
• The Act's provisions forbid the trading of animals that have been scheduled.
• A licence is required by the Act in order to buy, sell, or possess certain wildlife species.
• It enables the creation of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, etc.
• Its clauses made it possible to establish the Central Zoo Authority. This is the main organisation in charge of managing India's zoos. 1992 saw the establishment of it.
• The Act established six schedules with differing levels of protection for various flora and wildlife classes.
• Schedule I and Schedule II (Part II) are completely protected, and offences that violate these schedules are subject to the harshest punishments.
• The schedules also list the huntable animals.
• Under the terms of this Act, the National Board for Wildlife was established as a statutory organisation.
• The central government of India is advised by this advisory council on matters pertaining to wildlife protection in India.
• The top body is also responsible for reviewing and approving all items pertaining to wildlife, projects in national parks and sanctuaries, etc.
• The Board's main responsibility is to encourage the preservation and development of forests and animals.
• The Prime Minister is in charge of it.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority was to be established in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
• It is a formal division of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change with general coordination and supervision responsibilities as specified by the Act.
• Its mission is to improve tiger conservation efforts in India.
• It gives Project Tiger formal power, which was started in 1973 and has successfully prevented the extinction of the endangered tiger by putting it on a guaranteed road to revival.

Schedule under act

• The endangered species listed in Schedule I require strict protection.
• For breaking the law as set forth in this Schedule, a person is subject to the harshest punishments.
• In India, it is against the law to hunt any of the species included in this Schedule unless a threat to human life or an incurable illness exists.
• The Black Buck, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Bear, and Asiatic Cheetah are just a few of the creatures in Schedule I.
• Schedule II: Trade in the animals on this list is prohibited, and they also receive strong protection.
• The Indian Cobra, Himalayan Black Bear, and Assamese Macaque are just a few of the creatures in Schedule II.
• Schedules III and IV comprise species that are not in risk of extinction.
• This includes species that are protected from hunting, though the penalty for doing so is less severe than it is under the first two schedules.
• Chital (spotted deer), Bharal (blue sheep), Hyena, and Sambhar (deer) are among the species protected under Schedule III.
• The flamingo, hare, falcon, kingfisher, magpie, and horseshoe crab are among the animals protected under Schedule IV.
• Schedule V: Vermin (tiny wild animals that spread disease and eat and destroy crops) are included in this schedule. These creatures are huntable.
• Only four types of wild animals are found there: common crows, fruit bats, rats, and mice.

Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022:

• The Act aims to expand the list of species protected by law and put CITES into effect.
• A total of four schedules are now available:
• Animal species with the highest level of protection are listed in Schedule I.
• Animal species with less protection are listed in Schedule II.
• Plant species that are protected are included in Schedule III, and CITES specimens are listed in Schedule IV.
• According to the Act, elephants may be used for "religious or other purposes."
• For offences involving both generally and specifically protected animals, the penalties have also been enhanced.

Challanges

• Despite being in place for more than 50 years, the Act has not been successful in effectively reaching the general public. The significance of wildlife conservation and the rules governing it are still largely unknown to many people.
• Conflict between humans and wildlife has increased as a result of the growing human population and the encroachment on wildlife habitats. This frequently results in the WPA-prohibited slaughter of wildlife.
• India has seen a sharp rise in the illegal wildlife trade, which poses a serious threat to the species there. Poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife items are still very much in existence despite strict restrictions.

Conclusion

• Despite being in place for more than 50 years, the WPA 1972 still faces a number of difficulties. It will take a coordinated effort from the government, civil society, and the general public to address these issues. Some actions that can be performed to safeguard India's wildlife and its ecosystems include effective enforcement, community involvement, and awareness-raising efforts.

State of World Population Report, 2023

• The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) just unveiled its State of World Population Report, 2023.

India Passes China As The Most Populous Nation

• By the middle of 2023, India's population is anticipated to reach 142.86 crores, putting it slightly ahead of China's 142.57 crores.
• According to the UNFPA's State of the World Population Report 2023, 68% of India's population is employed and is within the 15–64 age range.

The population is made up of the following:

• 25 percent of people in the population are aged 0 to 14 years.
• 18% of the population is between the ages of 10 and 19.
• The population between the ages of 10 and 24 makes up 26%.
• 7% of the population over 65 years old
• According to the UN's World Population Prospects 2022 study, India's population will reach 166.8 crores by 2050, while China's population would fall to 131.7 crores.
• The population of China was 114.4 crores in 1950, compared to 86.1 crores in India.
• According to UN estimates, India's population will increase over the course of the next 30 years before beginning to fall.
• While the population of the world reached 8 billion in November 2022, the UNFPA report stated that the rate of growth is the slowest since 1950 and will be less than 1% in 2020.

The State of the World's Population Report

• An UN report focuses on bodily autonomy for the first time, which is the ability and agency to make decisions about your body without being threatened with violence or having them made for you by another person.
• Beyond the terrible injury to individual women and girls, a severe lack of bodily autonomy has far-reaching effects that could lower economic productivity, undermine skills, and increase costs for the legal and healthcare systems.
• The study assesses women's autonomy in making decisions about their bodies as well as the degree to which national laws promote or obstruct this freedom.
• The SoWP (State of world population ) report 2021 is the first to explore physical autonomy in-depth and to present major findings from an international poll.

Key Findings from the SoWP Report 2021

• Despite the fact that many nations have constitutional protections for gender equality, women generally only have 75% of the same legal rights as men worldwide.
• Only about half of adolescent girls and women can make their own decisions that support bodily autonomy and integrity, as measured by these two indicators, according to data collected so far from 57 countries.
• In all three areas of physical autonomy—healthcare, contraception, and the choice to engage in or refrain from sexual activity—only 55% of girls and women can make their own decisions.
• Only 71% of nations guarantee universal access to maternity care.
• Only about 80% of nations have legislation promoting sexual health and wellbeing.

Deadnaming

• A rule that forbade transgender people from being misgendered or deadnamed on the social networking site has been abolished by Twitter.

Information on news

• Twitter has also stated that it will only put warning labels on specific messages that may contravene its policies against hate speech. The tweets had already been deleted from the website.

Deadnaming

• A transgender, non-binary, or gender-expansive person's previous name before changing it to one that is more embracing of their identity is known as a "deadname."
• Deadnaming, which can have negative effects, is the act of calling a transgender, non-binary, or gender-expansive person by their deadname, whether knowingly or unintentionally.
• Deadname became well-known in the 2010s because to transgender activists.

Why is it harmful?

• Deadnaming is hurtful because it is a type of transphobia or cissexism to refuse to use a person's preferred name or pronouns.
• Suicidality and other mental health issues, such as depression, can be exacerbated by sexism. Additionally, it may result in abuse that is both verbal and physical.
• It might disclose details about the person's assigned sex that they may not want others to know; as a result, they might face harassment, discrimination, or even physical harm.

Read Also: Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000