Prajna Context: Prajna is an AI-enabled satellite imaging system developed to improve real-time decision-making for security agencies. It has been provided to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Developed By Created by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Built by its specialised lab, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR). Key Features Uses Artificial Intelligence to analyse satellite imagery. Can process large volumes of data quickly. Detects patterns and anomalies that may be missed by traditional systems. Purpose and Functions Enhances surveillance and intelligence gathering. Supports real-time operational response. Helps in better situational awareness. Strategic Importance Useful for monitoring sensitive and border areas. Assists in tracking suspicious activities. Strengthens counter-terrorism and border management efforts. Significance Represents a major technological advancement in security infrastructure. Improves efficiency, accuracy, and speed of decision-making using AI. Supreme Court’s Road Safety Guidelines Context: The Supreme Court of India issued nationwide (pan-India) guidelines to improve safety on expressways and national highways. Emphasised that highways must not become “corridors of peril” due to poor administration or infrastructure gaps. Concern over Road Fatalities National highways make up only 2% of total road length but account for ~30% of road deaths. Indicates serious safety deficiencies. Constitutional Perspective Court linked road safety to Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Declared that ensuring safe roads is a constitutional duty of the State. Used powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India to issue directions. Ban on Highway Parking Strict prohibition on parking/stopping heavy or commercial vehicles on highways. Allowed only at designated bays or lay-byes. Use of Technology for Enforcement Implementation through Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS): Real-time alerts to police GPS-based photographic evidence Integrated e-Challan system Institutional Responsibilities Directions issued to: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) State governments &…
