6G is the sixth generation future mobile network that is presently being developed for wireless communications that enable cellular data networks. It is expected to be much quicker than 5G.

6G Network

What is 6G Technology?

6G technology refers to the sixth-generation technology, which when operational, will be an inexpensive and much faster way to transmit data. 6G is futuristic technology and when launched will provide excellent data quality and fast Internet bandwidth for on-air connections through wireless and hand-held devices. 

Mobile technology has evolved on a relatively stable basis over a period of time, for instance, 3G came in 2000, 4G in 2010 and 5G in 2020 and is believed 6G will be launched around 2030. 

6G technology's primary objective is to provide end-users with entertainment, internet access, and weather awareness facilities at a much faster rate without interruption. Moreover, its coverage will not be limited to even remotest areas around the globe but will be available in space too at brisking speed. For instance, 5G takes milliseconds for data to reach the destination from its source 6G will reduce it to microseconds.

Working of 6G

It is believed that 6G will operate between 95GHz and 3THz spectrum bands. 

One major drawback to operate at such high spectrum is that the transmission cannot travel far and penetrate objects like walls making the whole idea defunct. 

Thus we can see that higher wireless frequencies enable more information to be transmitted, although not as efficiently as the lower frequencies like 4G, because the signals may be more easily obstructed. To overcome this problem, 6G will operate on Nano Antennas installed in places such as roadsides, towns, markets, airports, and hospitals to broadcast electromagnetic high-speed signals. This would, in turn, shift networked communications off traditional base stations. 

 

The system implies that rather than one central station, operators can divide the network into thousands of smaller cells with a base station at the center. According to reports, One hundred gigabits-per-second frequencies and relatively minimal latency can be delivered to 6 G subscribers.

  Image Courtesy: https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/why-do-we-need-6g-and-what-are-the-challenges/28805

Companies Participating in 6G Race

6G technology is presently being in the development and testing stage. Since it holds good potential and is futuristic applications are immense, a lot of research is underway in various countries who are competing against time and with each other for a larger pie of the market. 

Companies like Apple, Qualcomm in the USA, Samsung of S.Korea, Sony of Japan are all in the process of developing and testing equipment which is in different stages of execution. 

6G Benefits

It is estimated that by 2025, the 6G network would be in operation in several cities and countries across the globe. 

Among other benefits, 6G will boost the overall experience of subscribers like never before. Some of the functions it may facilitate involves features such as:

 

1)  A hologram that is transmitting the whole image of the person through waves during the conversation. Though exciting, speaking about it is still early. 

2)  The second major advantage would be the riddance of the buffering problem to consumers that we all encounter during video streaming. Another benefit would be online TV with superior quality will become popular at relatively cheaper rates and more choices for viewers.  

3)  6G would also be beneficial for traffic laws, as traffic management and tracking can be best accomplished by 6G. 

4)  It can also become a blessing for medical practitioners with operations through robotic arms on the 6G network, supporting surgeons and saving precious lives may become more normal. 

5)  One may like it or not, but thanks to 6G technologies, Artificial Intelligence(AI), which is a highly discussed subject in numerous organizations and think-tank across the globe, can get a major fillip. 

6) 6G can improve the gaming business immensely by attracting players and respective customers by greater performance, speed, and graphics.

Conclusion

6G though futuristic has the potential to change our outlook towards life. With an enriching user interface, it can transform science fiction into fact.

Discarded electronic or electrical devices and products are referred to as electronic waste. This article covers the fundamentals of electronic waste management in India.

E-waste Management 

 

What is E-waste?

E-waste or electronic waste is the term that refers to discarded or dumped electrical or electronic goods. If we observe carefully, human beings are dependent on different kinds of electronic gadgets in their daily routine. These electronic products such as refrigerators, computers, batteries, mobile phones, etc. have a shelf life, after which they are discarded.

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The piled-up discarded electronic scrap contains potentially toxic heavy metals such as lead, lithium, cadmium, mercury, etc. When discharged unchecked or processed without regulations, these heavy metals affect not only human health but also pollute the environment. However, the heavy metals in e-waste can be recycled and reused.

 

Recycling Of E-waste

The recycling of e-waste is a tedious process and poses a significant danger to workers' health and the general population in close vicinity. Hence a great deal of caution must be taken to avoid toxic discharge of pollutants during the recycling process. It is essential to understand that even the accidental release of harmful materials can extensively damage the local flora and fauna.

According to studies, there has been a steady increase in e-waste generation in the country, and the trend is likely to continue. This is corroborated by a report on Global e-waste by the UN monitor group, where India ranked 5th in the e-waste generation in 2014.

 

E-waste Management

As the problem of e-waste starts mounting, the government sprung into action to deal with the problem of e-waste disposal. Steps were taken to regulate and process e-waste in an organized manner.  In its endeavor to effectively address the increasing problem of e-waste management, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has come out with the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016. The new rules have superseded the earlier notified e-waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011.

 

The new rules underline the commitment of the government to safeguard human health and the environment. An obligation on the government to uphold the directive principles of the state policy inscribed in the constitution.

What’s New In E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016?

1)  Mercury-containing equipment, Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), or other lamps containing mercury are now subjected to the new rules.

2)  For the first time, manufacturer, distributor, refurbisher, and product responsibility association (PRO) are added as new stakeholders in the law.

3)   Components and spare parts of consumer goods(EEE) are also brought under the ambit of the new law.

4)  For the first time, the regulations shall bind together producers within the framework of the Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR with the goals. They are now held responsible for the collection and exchange of e-waste. The collected e-waste has to be disposed of in an environmentally safe and secure manner.

5)  Solid waste treatment facilities should be established within a period of two years by local municipal bodies with a population of 1 lakh or more.

6)  Towns with a population below lakh are given three years to set up a solid waste treatment facility.

7)  It was further announced to shut down or bio-treat the old or discarded dumping sites inside five years period.

8)  Urban local bodies were assigned the responsibility to collect and dispose of municipal waste. They were also given the authority to collect fees and even impose a penalty on violators.

9)  In the new framework, the State governments were assigned the responsibility to ensure the safety, security, and health of workers who are engaged in the e-waste recycling process.  

10)  Endangering the environment or third party due to improper management of e-waste is strictly prohibited. Provisions have been made in the law to impose a financial penalty on the violators.  

 

Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB), in association with the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), ensures the compliance of e-waste rules formulated by the government.

Web-based Integrated Waste Management System 

The Union Ministry (MoEFCC), in its endeavor to simplify the process of waste management, inaugurated a web-based application- (IWMS) in May 2016. The main objective of the app is to manage solid waste properly. Through this app, the government can keep an eye on the movement of hazardous scrap material and ensure proper management.

Key Benefits Of The App

1)  The monitoring of 43000 industries that are producing hazardous waste becomes easy.

2)  The app will help in providing national and state-wide data on the different types of waste generated and processed by industries at one location.

3)  People can now apply and receive permission online for import and export of specific types of waste for reuse, recycle, or recovery of material.

4)  The applicants can now track their application status any time with the help of this online portal.

5)  The application is instrumental in bringing transparency in the functioning of regulatory bodies.

6)  The app is user friendly and expedited the process of granting permission or analysis of waste.

7)  The launching and use of the online portal have made the whole process paperless and environmentally friendly.

 

First e-Waste Clinic In India

Continuing with its efforts to manage e-waste properly, the first e-waste clinic in India started functioning in Bhopal on January 24. The clinic was conceived and executed in accordance with the rules and regulations. It is a three-month pilot project and, if successful, would pay the way for the establishment of such e-clinics in other parts of the country. The e-clinic is a joint effort by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Objective 

The main objective of this initiative is to segregate, process, and dispose of e-waste in an eco-friendly manner. The e-waste is collected either directly through the door to door campaign or submitted by an individual at the clinic. The e-waste collected from the residential and commercial establishments will be sent to Bengaluru for recycling. This initiative would help bring a long-term solution to the ever-increasing problem of e-waste in the country.

Requirement Of E-waste Clinic

According to the survey conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), around 2 million tons of e-waste is generated every year in the country. In the absence of a proper mechanism to handle e-waste, it is dumped along with the other kind of solid household waste. Under these circumstances, the establishment of e-waste clinics across the country will help address the problem of piled up e-waste.

Image Courtesy - Google Images 

A COVID-19 outbreak was planned. Everything about the epidemic is perplexing, starting with the name. Even today, falsehoods, conspiracy theories, and fallacies concerning COVID-19 vaccinations persist on the internet.

Debunking The Conspiracy Theories Around Covid-19 

Terrifying Conspiracy Theories on Covid-19

The world is in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, and virus-affected morbidity is rising with each passing day. The virus is highly contagious and has created mayhem across the continents. 

 

The ease with which it has transcended national boundaries and posed a challenge to modern medicine is unmatchable in human history. Yet, with no explanations forthcoming, insecurity and apprehension among the general public are rising. 

 

As is often the case, mysterious, terrifying major world events present a scenario for conspiracy theorists to fill the vacuum without updated information. The situation isn't different from the coronavirus pandemic, with thousands of wild stories on social media.

COVID-19 Myths That Won't Go Away

The bizarre theories without fact check compound the problem for everyone. The social media is riddled with ghost stories such as a bat soup consumption by inhabitants of Wuhan, a plot hatched by a shadowy organization to control the world population or a bioweapon unleashed by China to alter the world order while catapulting herself as numero uno. 

 

Not just individuals, conspiracy theories are also, at times, endorsed by the incumbent government to divert people's attention from their shortcomings. The proliferation of false information through social media or otherwise contributes to 'infodemic' and, according to WHO, fake news "spreads faster and more easily than this virus" in an interconnected world.

Infodemic A Curse?

The infodemic leads to panic in society, causes a loss of confidence in government and institutions and may even create a wedge within the society. 

 

For a few, the situation is ripe to benefit by exploiting the opportunity to sell products. The black-marketing of essential commodities or an unprecedented increase in the sale of immunity booster products, food supplements, and even medicines like hydroxychloroquine summarizes the ground realities. People often endanger their lives by following home remedies or medications based on hoax information that isn't verified by any source. The death of more than 50 people and hospitalization of hundreds more in Iran was attributed to a false rumour that consumption of locally available ethanol can cure or prevent the coronavirus, which is one such painful news.

 

To make matters worse, the cauldron arising due to lack of information, conspiracy theories, mass reliance on social media and panic like situation among the sizeable population presents a unique opportunity for cybercriminals to capitalize on. Moreover, the lockdown situation enforced in most countries has created a perfect environment for scamsters to have a field day.

People are lured into investing in magic COVID-19 remedies, delivery of nonexistent home test kits, fake protective gear or appeal for donations to help victims of coronavirus, are some of the scams detected and alerted by WHO. To steal personnel information or passwords, hackers and cyber scammers disguised as WHO also send malicious attachments through emails or WhatsApp messages. In the present situation, it is warranted to protect oneself from such fraudsters and to take remedial action such as informing the authorities.

5G And Corona Virus Interrelated?

Not just people, fake news can prove to be destructive to national resources, which is evident in Britain. For example, the mass hysteria created by social networking sites took dangerous connotations when the 5G networks across Britain were blamed for transmitting coronavirus. The conspiracy theorists distorted reality, twisted facts and somehow found a link between the installation of 5G towers and the COVID -19 pandemic. 

 

The coronavirus outbreak was linked to the rollout of 5G services, instigating arsonists to damage the towers across Britain, despite a lack of evidence to prove the rumour. This vandalism has demonstrated the vulnerable side of the developed world, where false information can lead to the destruction of property and even loss of life. The severity of the situation can be gauged from the fact that, as the country is battling the COVID-19 pandemic, the unfounded news is jeopardizing the ability of authorities to communicate effectively. 

Some Other Consequencies

Another fallout of conspiracy theories is that crisis accompanied by misinformation creates xenophobia in society, and the rising hate crimes against Chinese people worldwide are testimony to it. The French newspaper calling the virus 'yellow peril' or the University of Berkeley normalizing xenophobic acts like a normal human reaction of fear, points to the appalling state of affairs in the society which has just surfaced. 

 

The fake news leads to racial stereotyping and persistent targeting of Chinese people through unending jokes or other means, causing fear-mongering, which is despicable. It is essential to understand that words like 'Chinese virus' propagated by a few media houses accentuate the problem. It may lead to discrimination among communities and trivialize our efforts to address the pandemic.

 

Blind faith and ignorance are also part of myth-making, posing obstacles to the authorities in dealing with the pandemic. The mischievous gathering of many people in a religious congregation and the unsubstantiated claims made by religious leaders created a distressing situation in India. Followers of a sect openly flunked medical guidelines to maintain social distancing, and the result is the multiplication of new coronavirus cases. Circulating myths during a health emergency only creates confusion among people and hampers our efforts to cope successfully with a pandemic.   

Government At Forefront

In the present circumstances, it becomes the responsibility of the government to remain proactive in providing updated information to the citizenry. The government and its agencies should gain people's confidence with transparent details. Furthermore, they should give clear guidance on COVID-19 to weed out fear and anxiety, thus ending the cycle of misinformation. Not just providing the information essential but equally important is the curtailment of false or fake news as it creates a panic situation. The government can also cite WHO, where experts work with social media channels to counter umpteen conspiracy theories and myths concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.

Piece Of Advice  

As witnessed around the globe, conspiracy theories create anxiety in society, making people behave irrationally to the situation. Understanding those conspiracy theories propagate most efficiently when they originate out of fear is crucial—and so does hate. Stern action against conspiracy theorists who generate fake news and complete filtering of social networking platforms can substantially help mitigate the situation from getting any muddier. 

Image Courtesy - Yahoo Images 

Covid -19

As we all know, Covid-19 arrived on our shores and appeared as the biggest dystopian threat our generation has ever faced. Not only the unprecedented scenario has thrown life out of balance with travel bans, lockdowns, and eventually curfew enforced by the respective Indian state governments, but our fiscal, medical, administrative capabilities are stretched to the hilt. While the most significant element in avoiding local transmission of the virus is the engagement of people with the right knowledge and precautions, yet the impact of Covid-19 on individuals and society can't be ignored. While India is struggling to rid itself of Covid-19's stranglehold, its impact is noticeable in several forms like physical, mental and economical.

Physical Impact - 

As the spread of Covid-19 takes place in phases, through imposing travel restrictions, the government has taken measures to prevent the spread of the virus from imploding in society by community dissemination which is analogous to the third level. The closing down of schools and colleges and the postponement of both academic and competitive examination was the first step the government initiated to frisk children out of the path of injury, and to sensitize parents by creating awareness about the disease and retain children indoors. The measure was taken to ensure children who have a relatively weaker immune system can be protected from Covid-19. 

Other steps introduced to curb the spread of the virus include stringent adherence to medical surveillance at international airports to detect and isolate any Covid-19 infected inbound traveler and closure of all popular tourist destinations.

Subsequently, the government's restrictive measures involve lockdowns in 75 districts accompanied by the full lockdown of vulnerable states until March 31, which is rational and may be expanded further depending on the emerging conditions. The lockdown was followed by a curfew in several states, such as Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttrakhand, etc., and the imposition of the epidemic act on mischievous elements violating the administrative actions. 

The complete shutdown of public transportation, minimal attendance of public servants in government departments and rigid compliance to travel restrictions were initiatives intended to scuttle the transmission of the virus in the community. 

The government's action has brought the country to a standstill, with a significant section of people are confined indoors.

Mental - 

As social isolation becomes necessary to mitigate the transmission of the virus, confinement of a large population in their respective homes can become extremely stressful for few. There is a great deal of panic, irritability, paranoia, and stress that builds up due to a lack of information or misinformation. The mass hysteria created by media and unsolicited advice and assumptions through social media further create anxiety, confusion, and stress among people making them behave irrationally like stockpiling of essentials. The mental health of children should be closely monitored as they are not only vulnerable but also most threatened under such circumstances. 

"Medical studies analyzed have shown that more than 20 percent of the people quarantined during SARS epidemic registered feelings of anxiety, while 18 percent claimed they felt worried, 18 percent sad and 10 percent guilty. Some reported post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms."

When a large section of the population is debarred from attending social recreational activities in addition to self-isolation or quarantine guidelines, such restrictions may have immediate and probably long-term mental health impacts. In such challenging times when outdoor social interaction is limited sticking together as a family and participating in creative activities not only strengthens family bonds but also is an effective method to deal with mental stress.

Economic Impact -

The global economic impact of Covid-19 is catastrophic with a bloodbath in equity and commodity markets wiping out investor's wealth across continents. With quarantines and lockdowns in China have crippled supply chains across the world and across industries, India isn't insulated from the economic meltdown either. The severe shortage of essential components and raw materials have exposed the vulnerabilities of the manufacturing sector thoroughly dependent on China. From electronics to pharmaceutical and electrical to automobile the embattled industrial sector is battered and sulking in uncharted territory. 

The MSME ( Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) sector which is the backbone of the Indian economy is passing through the toughest phase. It provides employment to 18 crore people while contributing significantly to the growth and India's GDP($1,183 billion). With the economic recession looming, these MSMEs who were already reeling from the paucity of funds due to NBFC credit crises are facing double whammy one of the dwindling demand scenarios and raw material supply and are unlikely to recover unless immediate fiscal stimulus is provided by the government.

With travel regulations in a place bustling restaurants, markets, sprawling malls bore deserted look leading to job losses at a rapid pace. Health emergency leading to restrictions is stifling the economy and is turning into a financial crisis in India.

Rating agency Moody's has slashed its 2020 growth projection for India to 5.4% from 6.6% forecast earlier on the back of slower recovery, citing largely domestic factors and cautioning that global economy will be adversely impacted by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.