Transforming Crime Reporting: The Case for e-FIRs in India
In a significant stride towards modernising the Indian criminal justice system, the Law Commission of India, under the guidance of former Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, recently presented its 292nd report.
The report’s primary recommendation-
The introduction of electronic First Information Reports (e-FIRs) for a more efficient and transparent crime reporting process.
Key aspects:
| Aspect | Details |
| Purpose | Addressing delays in FIR registration, enabling real-time reporting, and enhancing transparency. |
| Scope | E-FIRs recommended for all cognizable offenses where the accused is not known. For known accused, applicable for offenses with up to three years of punishment. E-Complaints for non-cognizable offenses. |
| Preventing misuse | Verification through e-authentication using OTP and mandatory ID proof upload. False e-complaints or e-FIRs to incur minimum punishment. |
| Ensuring continuity in serious cases | Limited rollout to avoid disruption in reporting and investigation of serious offenses. |
Criticism of E-FIR:
- Digital Divide: Critics argue that not all citizens have equal access to digital technology, potentially leaving some marginalized groups at a disadvantage in reporting crimes.
- Privacy Concerns: There are concerns about the security of personal information provided during e-FIR registration, potentially exposing individuals to privacy breaches.
- Misuse and False Complaints: While verification measures are in place, there is a risk of false e-complaints or e-FIRs, potentially burdening law enforcement agencies with unnecessary investigations.
- Technical Challenges: The effective implementation of e-FIRs may require significant technical infrastructure and training, which could pose challenges, especially in rural areas.
The introduction of e-FIRs holds the potential to revolutionize the Indian criminal justice system, making it more responsive and accountable to citizens. However, addressing the criticism and challenges associated with this digital transition will be crucial to ensure its success and equitable access for all citizens.
Source: Indian Express
Illuminating the Invisible: 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics Honors Attosecond Pioneers
Key Aspects:
- Nobel Prize Recognition: The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier for their groundbreaking work in the generation of attosecond pulses of light.
- Significance of Attosecond Pulses: Attosecond pulses are ultra-short bursts of light that last only a fraction of a billionth of a second. They are a revolutionary tool for observing and understanding the rapid movements and energy changes of electrons within atoms and molecules.
- Unveiling the Invisible: The laureates’ work has enabled scientists to capture snapshots of electrons in motion, allowing them to investigate processes that were previously too fast to be tracked. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of the subatomic world.
- Diverse Achievers: The Nobel laureates represent a diverse range of expertise and nationalities, highlighting the global nature of scientific collaboration.
- The Nobel Prize in Physics: The Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, recognizes individuals whose contributions have had a profound impact on humankind’s understanding of the universe.
Understanding Attosecond Pulses:
Attosecond pulses of light are an extraordinary scientific achievement that opens new frontiers in the study of electron dynamics.
- An attosecond is one quintillionth of a second (10^-18 seconds).
- These pulses are incredibly short, allowing scientists to observe processes that occur on the timescale of electronic motion, such as the rearrangement of electrons during chemical reactions.
- Attosecond pulses are generated using high-intensity lasers that can create extremely short bursts of light.
- They enable researchers to take “snapshots” of electron movements, akin to capturing the incredibly fast-paced dance of electrons as they change energy states or positions within atoms and molecules.
Attosecond pulses of light empower scientists to peer into the heart of matter, providing unprecedented insights into the fundamental processes that govern the subatomic realm. This technology not only deepens our understanding of the universe but also has the potential to drive advancements in fields ranging from chemistry to materials science, promising a brighter future for science and technology.
Source: INDIAN EXPRESS
