Jul 04 2024

Jaadui Pitara (Magic Box)

  • Union Education Minister recently launched an innovative learning material for foundational years of children called “Pitara”.

Jaadui Pitara:

  • About: It consists of playbooks, toys, puzzles, posters, flash cards, story books, worksheets as well as reflecting the local culture, social context and languages is designed to arouse curiosity and accommodate the diverse needs of learners in the foundational stage
  • Motto: It has been designed on the motto of ”learning through play” under the National Curriculum Framework & available in 13 Indian languages. 
  • Objective: Enriching the learning-teaching environment and making it more child-centric, lively and joyful for the Amrit Generation as envisioned in the NEP 2020.
  • DIKSHA platform: The resources on ‘Jaadui Pitara’ will be digitally available on DIKSHA platform – portal and mobile app. 

World UFO Day

World UFO Day is observed annually on July 2 to raise awareness about Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and the potential existence of extraterrestrial life. 

World UFO Day

  • About: It is an annual event that sparks interest and curiosity about Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and extraterrestrial life. 
  • This day brings together enthusiasts, researchers, and the curious to delve into the mysteries of the universe.
  • Roswell incident: The fascination with UFOs began with the famous Roswell incident in New Mexico in July 1947. 
    • The U.S. military said the crashed object was a weather balloon, but many believe it was an alien spacecraft. 
    • This and other events have kept people interested in UFOs for many years.
  • Date Changed: World UFO Day was first celebrated on June 24, the date when American pilot Kenneth Arnold reported the first widely known UFO sighting in 1947. 
    • However, the date was later changed to July 2 to match the Roswell incident anniversary.

46th session of the World Heritage Committee

The 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will be hosted by India from July 21-31 at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

More on News:

  • 45th session of the committee: It was held at Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
  • First Time: This will be the First instance of India hosting the meeting of the World Heritage Committee.
  • Significance: The event positions India as the focal point for global discussions on preserving cultural and historical heritage, presenting a momentous opportunity to showcase India’s rich cultural legacy on the world stage.
  • Objective: Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention. 
    • It allocates financial assistance from the World Heritage Fund and has the final say on whether a site is inscribed on the World Heritage List.
  • 42 UNESCO world heritage sites in India: Santiniketan, established by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, became the 41st site to be declared a world heritage site in India in September 2023.
  • About The World Heritage Committee
    • Established: It was established  under the Convention for the  Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention) adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO at its seventeenth session 
    • Members:  21 States Parties to the convention Elected by General Assembly comprising: Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon Mexico, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Türkiye, Ukraine, Viet Nam,  and Zambia.
    • According to the World Heritage Convention, a Committee member’s term of office is for six years.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF)

The executive and governing boards of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) which is a high-level body conceived to give strategic direction to scientific research in India  has no representation from Indian industry

Anusandhan National Research Foundation

  • ANRF replaces the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), established in 2008.
  • President of the Governing Board: The Governing Board is chaired by the Prime Minister 
    • Vice Presidents: Union Ministers of Science and Technology, and Education 
  • Power to Appoint:  President of the Governing Board is empowered to nominate or appoint up to five members from business organisation or industry
  • Concerns
    • Lack of Industry Representation: Current 15-member Governing Board includes only one industrialist, Romesh Wadhwani, an American billionaire of Indian origin.
      • Low Private Sector Investment: Only 36% of India’s research expenditure of roughly ₹1.2 lakh crore came from the private sector in 2019-20,
        • India’s expenditure on R&D hovers around 0.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
      • In China, Japan, South Korea and the U.S., the private sector contributed 70% of the research expenditure.
    • Absence of State Universities:
      • Only academic institutions represented are the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).

 

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The release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022 sparked an explosion of news and interest in generative AI.

Background for Artificial Intelligence Washing 

  • Many tech companies and startups are now marketing AI products, claiming they will revolutionise consumer behaviour.
    • Rise in pitch by Startups: Startups mentioning AI in their pitches increased from 10% in 2022 to over 25% in 2023.
    • AI and earnings: According to a report by NBC News: Over 50% of S&P 500 companies referenced AI in their earnings calls last year.

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Concept of AI Washing

AI Washing

  • About: AI washing is a deceptive marketing tactic companies employ to exaggerate the amount of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology they use in their products. 
  • Goal of AI Washing: The goal of AI washing is to make a company’s offerings seem more advanced than they are and capitalise on the growing interest in AI technology.
  • Derived from: AI washing is a term derived from greenwashing, where companies exaggerate their environmental friendliness to appeal to customers. 
  • Some Components of AI Washing: 
    • False Claims of AI Integration: Businesses claiming to have integrated AI into their products while using less sophisticated technology.
    • Misleading Advertisements: 
      • Advertisements that overstate the capabilities of a company’s AI tools.
      • Misleading consumers about features that are not yet operational in their AI products.
  • Coined by: It is unclear who coined the term AI washing, it was popularised by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) when it levied fines against investment advisory firms Global Predictions and Delphia in March 2024. 
    • The securities regulator found that the companies had made false statements to their clients about providing ‘expert AI-driven forecasts’ and using machine learning to manage retail client portfolios.

Reasons for AI Washing

  • Pressure to Advance Quickly: The rapid advancement and vast potential of AI have pushed many companies, including a few tech giants, to cut corners when it comes to rolling out their AI-based products.
  • Capitalise the AI rush: The rush to be branded as an AI business follows a long pattern of companies looking to capitalise on the hype surrounding new and emerging technologies.
  • Raising Funds: AI washing often stems from the desire to raise funds by exaggerating AI capabilities to attract investors who view AI as a promising sector. 

Reality of AI adoption

  • Discrepancy Between Claims and Practice:
    • AI adoption often reveals a significant gap between what companies claim and what they actually implement. 
    • Many businesses tout AI integration in their operations but struggle to fully implement or utilise AI technologies effectively.
    • A US Census Bureau survey in November last year found only 4.4% of American businesses were actually using AI to produce goods and services.

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AI washing a Concern

  • AI washing has multidimensional repercussions as it not only erodes trust and transparency in technological claims but also distorts market perceptions.
  • Diversion of Resources: AI washing redirects management attention and resources away from genuine AI innovation.
  • Misguided Investments: Companies may prioritise superficial AI enhancements over developing meaningful capabilities.
  • Slowed Progress: The focus on superficial AI could hinder real technological advancements.
  • Impact on Consumers: Misleading AI claims can lead to disillusionment and distrust among consumers.
  • Industry Implications: AI washing undermines the credibility and progress of the broader tech industry in AI development.
    • Subpar AI technology could pose data security and privacy risk
  • Complicate decision making for businesses: AI washing can complicate decision making for businesses that are genuinely looking for valuable AI solutions. This can hinder their digital transformation efforts, stifle innovation, and jeopardise performance.

Guidelines to Avoid AI Washing

  • There are several guidelines issued to avoid AI Washing. Some of them by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are as follows:
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Recommendations: 
    • Assessment: 
      • Businesses should assess if they are exaggerating their AI product’s capabilities.
      • They should avoid claiming superiority over non-AI products unless substantiated.
      • Verification is essential to confirm if the product genuinely utilises AI technology.
    • Clarification on AI Labelling: Merely using AI tools in development does not qualify a product as AI-powered.
  • Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Circular: 
    • Issued Caution: SEBI’s 2019 circular cautions companies about the risks associated with AI washing.
    • Transparency requirements: Companies are advised to ensure transparency and accuracy in their AI-related claims.
    • Financial gains from AI in financial products should be accurately represented: Artificial Intelligence( AI)/Machine Learning (ML) systems are often opaque, making it hard to understand their behaviour. 
      • Financial gains from AI in financial products should be accurately represented to avoid misleading investors.
      • Intermediaries must be clear about what AI can and cannot do in their financial offerings to maintain trust and clarity.

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Examples of AI Washing in real life

  • Google: Last year, Google unveiled Gemini with a video demonstrating its multimodal AI chatbot’s ability to recognize pictures and objects. 
    • In the video, Gemini correctly guesses a drawn animal as a duck. 
    • However, Google later confirmed that the video was not shot in real time but was created using text prompts and stitched still frames. 
  • Amazon: Amazon reportedly removed its cashier-less checkout systems from many grocery stores after Business Insider discovered that the ‘Just Walk Out’ technology, which claimed to use AI and sensors, actually relied on employees in India to review transactions.
  • Misleading Apps: There has also been a wave of AI apps that boast of chatbot functionalities when in reality they are just ChatGPT wrappers, meaning that the underlying technology powering the apps is not theirs but belongs to OpenAI.

 

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Recently, a first-of-its kind multi-city analysis in India that studied the health effects of short-term exposure to air pollution published in the peer-reviewed Lancet Planet Health.

  • The scientists analyzed pollution and death registry data from Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Shimla, and Varanasi.

Spike In Death Rates From Air Pollution, Crucial Insights on Findings of the Lancet Study

The researchers looked at 3.6 million deaths between 2008 and 2019 across the sample areas, and overlapped them with a detailed map of the distribution of PM 2.5, a compound of cancer-causing pollutants so small they can penetrate the bloodstream. 

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  • Rise in Death Trolls: The death toll from India’s air pollution is elevated even in cities previously thought to have relatively clean air, underscoring how the problem extends beyond megacities such as Delhi.
      • Spike In Death Rates From Air PollutionIt reinforces the message that there is no safe level of exposure to air pollution, even in highly polluted regions.
    • Even in the Himalayan town of Shimla, which had the cleanest air among the cities studied, 3.7% of all deaths were pollution related.
    • 11.5% of Delhi’s annual deaths are attributable to air pollution, and 4.8% in Bengaluru and had 30% more exposure to daily air pollution than the average Delhi resident.
  • Threatening Particles Exposure: An exposure as short as 48 hours to high levels of the particles could worsen life expectancy at a collective level, with 7.2% of all fatalities linked to PM 2.5 concentrations above the World Health Organization standard of 15 micrograms per cubic meter.
    • Daily deaths totalled across the 10 cities rose by 1.42% for every 10 μg/m3 increase in the average PM2.5 exposure over a two-day period.
  • Risk of Mortality: It found a “much stronger link” between air pollution and mortality than the traditional approach of correlating annual air pollution readings with mortality.
    • The risk of mortality rose more quickly at lower PM2.5 levels but became constant as levels increased. 
    • The mortality risk is very high (2.65%) even when analyzing days with PM2.5 levels below the current Indian national air quality standard of 60 μg/m3.
  • Comparison with Global Level: The variation in mortality in different cities in India mirrors findings from similar studies in other countries. 
    • Example: A 272-city study in China reporting a 0·22% increase, per 10 μg/m³ increase in PM2·5. However, death rates were higher in Greece (2·54%), Japan (1·42%), and Spain (1·96%), which had lower base pollution levels.
  • Use of Instrumental Variable Approach: Through this approach, researchers isolate the effect of locally generated air pollution since the used instruments are linked to dispersal and transport of air pollution.
    • Instrumental Variable Approach: Researchers identified three weather-related parametersplanetary boundary layer height or mixing height; wind speed; and atmospheric pressure that are directly related to variations in daily air pollution, but are unrelated to daily deaths except through air pollution changes. 

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Conclusion

The sharper mortality spike in cities with lower pollution loads than more polluted cities as an example of the ‘harvesting effect’, in epidemiology. This does not mean that risk is low at higher levels, it is just that the increase in risk slows down. There is a need to address dispersed local sources of air pollution in addition to traditional fixed and line sources. 

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A new study suggests that the Juneau Icefield in Alaska could reach an irreversible tipping point sooner than predicted, with its glaciers rapidly receding since 2005.

  • The Icefield: The Plateau icefield spans  the United States’ Alaska and Canada’s British Columbia and comprises 1,050 glaciers in 2019, covering an area of 3,816.3 square kilometers. 

The Study

  • Published In: The study was published in the journal, Nature Communications.
  • Aim: To determine the rates of icefield-wide shrinkage and thinning to quantify glacier change from the Little Ice Age period  (a period of widespread cooling that lasted from 1303 to 1850) to recent times till 2020.
  • Scope: To extend the scope of study and examine even longer-term records of icefield change, especially through previous periods of rapid climate change, such as during the last glacial-interglacial transition 19,000 to 11,000 years ago.

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Key Findings of the study

Alaska’s glaciers

  • Icefield extent: The reconstructed Little Ice Age revealed that the icefield covered 5,414.95 square kilometres of land, about 30 per cent larger than in 2019.
  • Disappearing glaciers: Between 1770 and 2019, 108 glaciers disappeared, and 100 per cent of the glaciers mapped in 2019 had receded compared to their Little Ice Age positions. 
    • Shrinkage rate: The study found that glacier shrinkage from 2015 to 2019 was five times faster than between 1948 and 1979.
  • Glacier volume loss: 
    • 1770 to 2013: Glacier volume loss was 0.4 cubic kilometres per year.
    • 1948 –1979: Glacier volume loss increased to 1.0 cubic kilometres per year
    • 1979 – 2000: Glacier volume loss rose  to 3.7 cubic kilometres per year 
    •  2000 to 2010: Glacier volume loss rate witnessed a  slight decrease to 3.1 cubic kilometres per year
    • 2010 to 2020: Glacier volume loss again increased two times to 5.9 cubic kilometres per year 
  • Temperatures rise: The temperature in the Alaskan region remained relatively stable from 1990 to 2005, as did icefield thinning and area loss. However, from 2010 to 2020, the region experienced another temperature rise which rose by 1.39°C at Juneau Airport from 1941 to 2020.
    • Reason: The temperature rise is due to a shift to predominantly positive values in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) from 1976 bringing increased precipitation and warmer temperatures to Alaska and Juneau.
      • Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO): It is a long-term ocean fluctuation in the Pacific Ocean, which alternates between warm and cool phases approximately every 20 to 30 years.
  • Contribution in global Sea level rise: With around 25 per cent of global glacier ice loss coming  from Alaskan glaciers, The large icefields here contain enough glacial ice to raise global sea levels by 46.4 millimetres if melted.
  • Ice loss: The Alaskan glaciers have lost about 66.7 billion tonnes of ice each year and at this rate, all Alaskan ice could disappear in about 250 years.

Reasons

  • Plateau Icefields: Alaskan icefields are particularly vulnerable to increased melting due to its predominantly flat, plateau landscape of its icefields. Ice loss happens across the whole surface affecting a much greater area as the climate warms.
  • Rising Equilibrium Line Altitude: One significant factor in glacier volume loss is the rising Equilibrium Line Altitude.  The melt is now occurring on the plateau itself, the snowline is on the plateau itself in particularly warm summers ( The flat plateau area was previously above the ELA, with snow remaining year-round) 
    • Because the plateau is very flat, a small rise in the ELA exposes a much greater area to melt, accelerating icefield mass loss.
    • Equilibrium Line Altitude is the zone on a glacier where snow and ice accumulation balance out with loss over a year. As summers lengthen and winters shorten, and temperatures rise, the height at which snow remains all year round is increasing.

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Alaska’s Juneau Icefield

  • Location: Juneau Icefield spanning 1500-square-mile is the fifth largest icefield in North America and is located just north of Juneau, Alaska, continuing north through the border with British Columbia.
    • Much of the icefield is contained within the Tongass National Forest
  • Glaciers: The icefield is the birthing ground of 38 major glaciers, including Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier and Taku Glacier.
  • Training for Moon: NASA has chosen the icefield as one of the places on Earth that “captured the emotional sensations that one might encounter while walking on the moon.” 
  • Notable peaks: Major peaks on the Juneau Icefield are Devils Paw, Nelles Peak, Emperor Peak
  • The Juneau Icefield Research Program:  Since 1948, the Juneau Icefield Research Program has monitored glaciers of the Juneau Icefield. 
    • On the west side of the icefield, from 1946-2009, the terminus of the Mendenhall Glacier has retreated over 700 metres.

 

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The Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA), US based, in collaboration with Blue Origin announced that India is a partner in their human space flight programme.

Spaceflight Details

  • SERA will offer six seats on a future mission of Blue Origin’s New Shepard, a reusable suborbital rocket.
  • New Shepard will take astronauts on an 11-minute trip past the Kármán line (100 km), experiencing weightlessness before descending back.

About Human Space flight Programme

Human Space flight programme

  • These programmes are Efforts by countries or organizations to send astronauts or cosmonauts into space.
  • Main Activities:
    • Designing and building spacecraft.
    • Training astronauts or cosmonauts.
    • Launching missions to explore space beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
  • SERA Blue Origin program: This program is for citizens from countries with few or no astronauts.
    • This approach promotes national conversations on space and international collaboration.
    • The minimal physical requirements for New Shepard’s flight allow more diverse and inclusive participation.
    • This programme gives communities the power to choose their astronauts. 
      • It  is driven by people, for people. 

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Benefits and Challenges of India’s Partnership in Human Spaceflight Programme on Indian Economy

Benefits

  • Increased Accessibility for Indian Citizens: Six seats on a future space mission are available for a very small registration fee, making space travel a possibility for some Indians who wouldn’t have had the chance otherwise.
  • Public Engagement and Inspiration: The program will likely spark public interest and discussions about space exploration in India. 
    • This could inspire future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, which could benefit the Indian economy in the long term.
  • Potential for Technological Spin-Offs: The program could lead to technological advancements or new ideas that benefit other sectors of the Indian economy.
    • For example, developments in materials science or life support systems could have applications in other industries.

Challenges

  • Limited Short-Term Economic Impact: This program is focused on citizen participation, not a large-scale space development project. 
    • It’s unlikely to directly create significant jobs or revenue for the Indian economy in the short term. 
    • The focus is on the individual experience, not on major technological breakthroughs.
  • Indirect Benefits Unclear: The potential long-term benefits are uncertain. It’s difficult to predict how much the program will actually inspire future generations or lead to technological spin-offs.
  • Focus on Individual vs. National Advancement: The program prioritizes sending a few citizens to space over large-scale development of India’s own spacefaring capabilities. 
    • This may not be ideal for those who believe India should focus on its own space program for national prestige and economic benefits.

Human Spaceflight endeavors 

  • Project Mercury: It was the first program initiated by the US to put humans in space. 
    • Under this project, 25 flights were made, 6 of which carried astronauts between 1961 and 1963.
    • Objective: Its aims was to 
      • Orbiting human spacecraft around the Earth
      • Probing human’s ability to function in space. 
      • Making sure recovery of both astronaut and spacecraft. 
  • Vostok Program: Vostok spacecraft was developed and launched into space in 1961. 
    • It was built by the Soviet Union. 
    • Objective: This program aimed to put the first Soviet cosmonauts into low Earth orbit and return them safely

 

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India’s Participation

  • India is also as part of human spaceflight program
  • An Indian citizen can register for the program by paying a USD 2.50 fee for verification checks.

 

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Recently, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) issued a stark warning, stating that a staggering 90 per cent of the planet’s land surface could be degraded by 2050

  • International Conference on Soils: The UNESCO International Conference on Soils held in Agadir, Morocco included developing an action plan for improved soil protection, and enhancing community engagement through education and training.

Current Status of land degradation

  • According to the World Atlas of Desertification: 75% of soils are already degraded, directly affecting 3.2 billion people globally.
  • Further Degradation: If current practices continue unchecked, the degradation rate could increase to affect 90% of soils by 2050

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What are the causes of land degradation and desertification?

land degradation

India lost over 30 million hectares of healthy land to degradation

  • From 2015-2019: According to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) data 30.51 million hectares of India’s total reported land was degraded. 
  • This means that 9.45 per cent of the country’s landmass was degraded as of 2019
  • This was 4.42 per cent in 2015.
  • 18.39 per cent of the country’s population were exposed to land degradation during the same period. 
  •  854.4 million of the country’s people were exposed to drought from 2015-2018 (reporting cycle year).

Impacts of Land Degradation and Desertification

  • Loss of Agricultural Productivity: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that soil degradation reduces global crop yields by about 33%, contributing to food shortages and poverty.
  • Global Food Security:  Pose a major threat to global food security and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) compromising the well-being of at least 3.2 billion people around the world.
  • Health & Environment: It affects our environment and health including water quality, the energy sector, urban infrastructure, and our landscapes.  
    • For example, sediments associated with soil particles displaced by wind and water can lead to off-site soil and water pollution.
    • Infiltration, storage and drainage of water in the soil, resulting in waterlogging and water scarcity
  • Land degradation negatively affects the cultural identity of some communities: Particularly Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and erodes their traditional knowledge and management systems.
    •  It also causes a loss of sense of place and of spiritual connection to the land.
  • Migration: Migration as a result of desertification and land degradation acts synergistically with climate-induced migration, conflict and violence, leading to an exponential increase in displacement over the next several decades

UNESCO

 

Government Measures to Combat Land Degradation and Desertification

  • Watershed Development Component (WDC) of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: It contributes towards restoration of land through its various interventions which include inter-alia building of water harvesting structures, area brought under protection irrigation, area brought under plantation (afforestation/ horticulture etc.).
  • Land degradation neutrality status by 2030: India has committed to achieve land degradation neutrality status by 2030. 
    • National Afforestation & Eco Development Board (NAEB), Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme “National Afforestation Programme (NAP)” for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas through people’s participation.
  • Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas: Published by Space Applications Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation.
  • Estimated land degradation and desertification in India: 97.84 million hectares in 2018-19.
    • Offers state-wise information on degraded land to aid restoration planning.
  • Online Portal for Visualization: Developed in collaboration with Space Application Center (SAC), Ahmedabad.
    • Allows visualization of degraded land areas and the processes causing degradation.
  • Centre of Excellence at ICFRE Dehradun: Envisioned at the Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun.
    • Focuses on South-South Cooperation for knowledge sharing and best practices.

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Global initiatives by UNESCO on land degradation

  • World Soil Health Index: 
    • This index will be a standardized measure for assessing and comparing soil quality across different regions and ecosystems
  • UNESCO will launch a Pilot initiative:  For the sustainable management of soils and landscapes in around ten natural sites that it helps to protect under its Biosphere Reserves programme
    • The goal will be twofold: 
    • To assess the effectiveness of the management methods implemented in these sites
    • To work to ensure that the best of these methods can be deployed in other regions of the world. 
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Recently, a new study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters questioned astronomers previously believed that spiral galaxies formed about 6 billion years ago

  • The universe is about 13.8 billion years old and is home to different kinds of galaxies, from spiral to elliptical and those with or without bulges. 

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Types of Galaxies

Spiral Galaxies

Galaxies

Elliptical Galaxies

Galaxies

Quasars

Galaxies

  • These galaxies resemble giant rotating pinwheels with a pancake-like disk of stars and a central bulge or tight concentration of stars.
  • The spiral arms can be wound tightly or loosely.
  • Thease are surrounded by halos, mixtures of old stars, star clusters, and dark matter 
  • The youngest stars form in gas-rich arms, while older stars can be found throughout the disk and within the bulge and halo.
  • They have shapes that range from completely round to oval. 
  • Unlike spirals, elliptical galaxies usually contain little gas and dust and show very little organization or structure. 
  • The stars orbit around the core in random directions and are generally older than those in spiral galaxies since little of the gas needed to form new stars remains. 
  • Scientists think elliptical galaxies originate from collisions and mergers with spirals.
  • Quasars are the most luminous type of active galaxy. 
  • They emit light across the electromagnetic spectrum, produce powerful particle jets, and can radiate thousands of times the energy emitted by a galaxy like the Milky Way. 
  • The nearest quasar, called Markarian 231, is located some 600 million light-years away.

Significance Of Findings

  • The new findings could also affect what astronomers understand about the rate of the formation of stars in the universe.

Key Findings

Following are the key findings of the research: 

  • Older Theory Of Formation & Evolution Is Now Suspected
    • Popular Belief In Astronomy: As the universe cooled down from a dense plasma state, it contained more and more hot gas
      • They formed clumps of matter that eventually gravitated to become galaxies
      • These early galaxies had irregular shapes and lacked disks
      • Spiral ‘arms’: But as they cooled as well, they formed hot, thick disks that later became thinner and finally spiral ‘arms’ — a process that took billions of years.
    • Findings: Recent work shows that this cooling down and spiral formation occur around the same cosmic time
  • Increased Fraction of Spiral Galaxies
    • Researchers compared the number of spiral galaxies to the total number of galaxies.
    • Between 3 billion and 7 billion years after the Big Bang, the fraction of spiral galaxies increased from about 8% to 48%.
    • As the universe aged: Spiral galaxies became more populous even around the time star formation peaked
    • Prior observations: It indicated an increase from 5% to 30%.
  • Future Galaxy Evolution
    • Gas Depletion: Over time, spiral galaxies have less gas in their arms, slowing new star formation.
    • Galactic Collisions: Predicted collisions, such as between the Milky Way and Andromeda, could restart star formation and create elliptical galaxies.

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Detecting Galaxies In The Early Universe

Methodology: Since light takes time to travel, scientists can use light from these galaxies as a way to peer back in time to study black hole growth and galaxy evolution

Usage of Telescope: James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) vs Hubble Space Telescope (HST)

  • Initiation and collaboration: The JWST project began in 1996 as a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
  • Successor to Hubble: It has been conceived as the next-generation space telescope succeeding the Hubble Space Telescope, with a focus on infrared astronomy.

galaxies

 

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Recently the Government approved for viability gap funding (VGF) covering 36 per cent of the total project cost for offshore wind energy projects.

Viability Gap Funding

  • The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Union Ministry of Power are responsible for the cost and construction of the entire power evacuation infrastructure.

National Offshore Wind Energy Policy 2015

  • Objective: It is designed to stimulate the expansion of offshore wind energy within the nation
    • The policy established a regulatory structure for offshore wind energy growth, spanning up to 200 nautical miles from the coastline and encompassing the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Wind Energy in India

  • India’s installed wind power capacity is the 4th largest in the world. 
  • The wind power capacity is mainly spread across, southern, western and north-western regions of India
  • Wind power accounts for nearly 10% of India’s total installed utility power generation capacity in the fiscal year 2022–23, which is nearly 4.43% of total electricity generation.
  • Gujarat has the highest share (around 24%) and Tamil Nadu’s was 2nd highest (around 23% share)  of the total installed wind power capacity of the country.

Scheme for Financial Support to Public Private Partnerships in Infrastructure (Viability Gap Funding Scheme)

  • Viability Gap Funding Scheme
    • It provides financial support in the form of grants, one time or deferred, to economically desirable but commercially unviable infrastructure projects undertaken through PPPs with a view to make them commercially viable.
    •  Administered by:  Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance 
    • AIM: This funding attracts private investment into sectors where projects would otherwise be financially unfeasible due to high initial costs or long gestation periods. Both of which we witness in wind energy installations.
  • Viability gap funding set to boost offshore wind energy space: 
    • The VGF scheme is a major step towards implementation of the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy notified in 2015 with an aim to exploit the vast offshore wind energy potential that exists within the exclusive economic zone of India.  
    • Benefits: VGF support from the Government will reduce the cost of power from offshore wind projects and make them viable for purchase by DISCOMs.

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Case Study: China Did The Same

  • China, which struggled to install offshore wind projects in 2010 due to lack of expertise and technology, had taken a similar step.
  • In 2017: It provided funding support through subsidies of up to 48 per cent of project cost to developers, leading to capacity addition of around 4.1 GW between 2014 and 2018. 
  • At present: China is the leader in this segment with 30 per cent global share.

Anticipated Benefits Of This Initiative

Followings are the anticipated Benefits:

  • Clean Energy: 1 GW offshore wind projects are expected to generate approximately 3.72 billion units of renewable electricity annually 
    • This significant production of clean energy will lead to a reduction of 2.98 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, sustained over a 25-year period. 
  • India’s ocean-based economic activities (blue economy) : It is projected to create a robust ecosystem for offshore wind energy, facilitating the development of an initial 37 GW with an estimated investment of Rs 4,500 billion.
  • Infrastructure Development: Upgraded port facilities will ensure the efficient transport and installation of heavy and large-dimension equipment, which is crucial for the smooth execution of offshore projects. 
    • It will be supported by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
  • Economic growth and energy security: This infrastructure development is expected to drive job creation, attract investment and foster the development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities, contributing to economic growth and energy security.
  • No Land Acquisition barrier:  It solves the issue of land inadequacy and remains unaffected by physical barriers that can interrupt wind flow over land, overcoming some of the challenges faced by the wind energy sector currently

Offshore Wind

  • It is the energy derived from winds blowing across the sea, transformed into electricity and supplied into the electricity network onshore.
  • MNRE has set a target of 30 GW offshore wind installations by 2030.
  • Potential with India: India is blessed with a coastline of about 7600 km surrounded by water on three sides and has good prospects of harnessing offshore wind energy.

Why Prefer Offshore than Onshore? 

  • Onshore wind energy: It is the power that’s generated by wind turbines located on land driven by the natural movement of the air. 
  • Less Obstruction: Absence of any obstruction in the sea offers much better quality of wind and its conversion to electrical energy. 
  • Larger in Size: Offshore wind turbines are much larger in size (in range of 5 to 10 MW per turbine) as against 2-3 MW of an onshore wind turbine. 
  • Higher efficiencies: Cost per MW for offshore turbines are higher because of stronger structures and foundations needed in marine environments, the desirable tariffs can be achieved on account of higher efficiencies of these turbines after development of the ecosystem.

Anticipated Challenges & Way Forward

Followings are the anticipated challenges:

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  • Financial Challenges: Would VGF amount be sufficient for Independent Power  Producers (IPPs) to generate and sell offshore wind power at competitive rates to state DISCOMs. 
    • Power Purchase agreement (PPA) tariff is a critical factor: The current rates may not fully cover the costs without further additional support in implementation. 
    • To address the financial challenges: Considerations for waiving customs duty on offshore wind turbine generators (WTGs), submarine cables and foundations, as the supply chain for these components is not well established currently in India. 
  • Regulatory Challenges: The support measures must be direct in resolving power procurement risks from DISCOMS and define various environmental standards on off-shore wind which will strengthen India’s wind energy value chain development.
  • Restrict Movements: Development of off-shore activities comes under ambit of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone regulatory rules that govern exploration and extraction. 
    • Current rules restrict movements, which may enhance cost-effectiveness of construction and installations. Such as specialized marines vessels to construct large turbines, off-shore platforms, etc.
  • Building Institutional capacity : At the National Institute of Wind Energy needs to be strengthened
  • Coordination between Departments: Offices in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu linked to the maritime, fisheries, and environment departments, to help guide, process, coordinate and approve every project’s EIA, development and other statutory process smoothly with no congestion-based barriers. 
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India’s prominence, prestige and economy is on a high trajectory at international level and China has, for the first time, realised that beyond a point, India would not shrink from confrontation.

  • A country projects its strength at the international level in direct proportion to its internal cohesion, its ability to resolve the differences within and free from terrorists or extremists threat.

About National Security

India, a vibrant democracy with a rich cultural image, faces various security challenges that threaten its stability and progress. 

  • Refers: It is the security and defence of a sovereign state, including its citizens, economy, and institutions, which is regarded as a duty of government.
  • Categorisation: Security can be categorised into two groups:
    • Internal Security: It deals with the management of the security within the border of a country. It secures the maintenance of peace and law and order, and upholding the sovereignty of the country. 
      • It comes under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • External Security:  It deals with the management of security against aggression by a foreign country. 
      • It is the sole domain of the Armed forces of the country and comes under the ambit of the Ministry of Defence.

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About Internal Security in India

Destabilising a country through internal disturbances is more economical and less objectionable, particularly when direct warfare is not an option and international borders cannot be violated. 

  • Important Aspects:
    • Rules and Laws: Upholding the rules and laws made by the authority
    • People-Centricity: Accepting the sovereign power of people
    • Protection: Protecting India’s national sovereignty
    • Integrity: Securing the territorial integrity of India
    • Rightful Place: Promoting India’s rise to its rightful place in international affairs
    • Peaceful Environment: Ensuring a peaceful internal environment within India
    • Safe and Secure Environment: Creating a climate for our citizens that is just, equitable, prosperous, and shields them from risks to life and livelihood
      • Ensured by: These aspects of Internal Security of India are ensured by the police, which is helped by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
  • Impact of External Security Environment on Internal Security: The external security environment is dynamic. It has a salutary impact on India’s internal security. 
    • External factors are usually not in India’s control and need to deal with better intelligence, improved capabilities and focussed international cooperation. Some examples are as follows:
      • Cross-border terrorism and Radicalization
      • Illegal migrations and Refugees (i.e. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar etc.)
      • Drugs and Arms Smuggling (Afghanistan-Pakistan)
      • Cyber Space (Dark net)
      • Illegal activities on the High Seas- Proliferation, Fishing, etc.
      • Instability in the neighbourhood (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar etc.)

Key Institutions Involved for Internal Security in India

Following key institutions are involved for maintenance of internal security in India:

  • Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): With an interim budget of 2,02,868.70 crore (2024-25), MHA is the nodal agency for internal security. It has several departments and agencies. 
    • A Special Secretary level officer is the in-charge of internal security.
  • Intelligence Bureau (IB): It is the premier agency for collecting intelligence on internal security matters. 
    • The Director of Intelligence Bureau (DIB) is conventionally the senior most police officer in the country. He has direct access to the Minister of Home Affairs, the Prime Minister and the National Security Advisor.
  • Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW): It is the primary agency responsible for collecting intelligence for national security from external sources. 
    • IB and R&AW work in coordination with each other as also with other agencies.
  • The National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO): It is the nodal agency for technical Intelligence. Its inputs are used by other agencies.
  • National Investigation Agency (NIA): It has emerged as the Government of India’s leading federal agency for investigating terrorism in the country. 
    • It investigates terrorism cases with cross-state connections, illicit trafficking and other activities.
    • The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act 2019 broadens the NIA’s jurisdiction and now has the authority to investigate offences committed outside India that are subject to international treaties and domestic laws of other countries.
      • It also provides for the establishment of Special Courts for the trial of scheduled offences. 
      • It allows the agency to investigate the following new offences as well:
        • Human trafficking
        • Counterfeit currency or bank notes related offences
        • Sale or manufacture of prohibited arms
        • Offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908
        • Cyber-terrorism
  • The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC): It has been strengthened by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to allow it to operate 24×7 for the collection and sharing of security-related information. 
  • The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): It was created as an IT platform to assist the security and law-enforcement agencies to counter terror for national security. 
    • To monitor terror activities and serve national security interests, the NATGRID links several databases including railways, police, stolen vehicles, immigration, etc.
  • Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Cell: The CFT Cell at the MHA deals with the policy matters on CFT and FICN (Fake Indian Currency Notes). 
  • At State Level: States have raised Special Forces, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to deal with terrorism incidents, and also Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) & National Security Guards (NSG) have been stationed at various locations to assist the States.

Earlier State Response for Internal Security in India

Over the years, the governments have paid a great deal of attention to dealing with internal security challenges. 

Internal Security Plan For India

  • Focus on Counterterrorism: The government’s focus on counterterrorism has grown enormously since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
    • NIA was created in 2008 after the Mumbai terror attack the same year. 
  • Opportunities in J&K: The abolition of article 370 has been a landmark development in J&K. It has created opportunities in the region where the incidents of terrorism have gone down.
  • Transformation in Northeast: By a combination of prudent policies aimed at fighting insurgents, focusing on development, reaching agreements with insurgent groups and deft diplomacy, the government has been able to bring insurgency in the Northeast under control and usher in a new era of development. 
  • Combat to Left-Wing Insurgency: A well thought out strategy, improved coordination, focus on development, and building of the capabilities of the CAPF in dealing with extremism has yielded positive results in dealing with Left Wing Insurgency.
  • Focus on Maritime Security: Maritime security, particularly coastal security, has received great attention in recent years, particularly since the Mumbai attacks. 
    • Attention has been given to fishermen and improving their livelihoods, strengthening coastal police, strengthening interstate coordination, improving the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard, and strengthening coastal surveillance.

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Challenges to Internal Security in India

Since its independence, India has faced numerous challenges that arise from a variety of sources including insurgency, terrorism, communal tensions and organised crime. Today, the rise of social media, dark net, crypto currency has given rise to new challenges.

  • Delay on Internal Security Doctrine: The National Security Advisory Board has, from time to time, worked on it and prepared drafts. For inexplicable reasons, those were never approved. 
    • Also, there is too much adhocism in dealing with the internal security challenges, especially when there is a change of government.
  • Heavy Burden on Ministry of Home Affairs: The Ministry of Home Affairs has become much too heavy and therefore unwieldy, while internal security demands immediate attention. 
  • Jammu and Kashmir: The state is far from normal in spite of the Home Minister’s claim that terror incidents are down by 66% since the abrogation of Article 370. Recently, terrorists also struck at four places in the Jammu region.
  • The Northeast: A Framework Agreement signed with the rebel Nagas in 2015 had raised great hopes, but these remain unfulfilled because of the NSCN (IM)’s insistence on a separate flag and constitution. 
    • Manipur has been a disaster. Ethnic conflicts continue to simmer with occasional outbursts of violence. 
    • The Home Ministry’s formation of a multi-ethnic peace committee has not been productive. 
    • Problems like illegal migration, drug trafficking and arms smuggling are also prevalent.
  • Internal Problems with Central Armed Police Forces: With an overall strength of more than a million, they are beset with serious internal problems of unplanned expansion, haphazard deployment, inadequate training, falling standards of discipline, vague criteria for the selection of top officers, friction between cadre and All India Service officers, etc. 

Way Forward

Understanding the various complex issues of internal security is important to appreciate the multifaceted nature of the internal security of India’s landscape. The internal security scenario of the country would be much better if following actions are initiated with foresight and imagination.

  • Development of Internal Security Doctrine (NSD): Ideally, the country should have a NSD. All significant powers have an NSD through which they describe the internal and external challenges facing the country and prescribe the policies for dealing with them. 
    • If there are any problems in developing the NSD, its internal security component at least, which is simpler, could be worked out. 
  • Establishment of Internal Security Ministry: It is high time that a young, junior minister working in the MHA is given an independent charge of internal security. It could significantly enhance responsiveness.
  • Multi-Pronged Approach for Jammu and Kashmir: The government must take early steps to reorganise the security grid, restore statehood to J&K and hold elections for the Assembly.
  • Comprehensive Approach for the Northeast: The PM has called the Northeast “a piece of our heart”. It is time for the PM to take charge of the situation himself and the problems of illegal migration, drug trafficking and arms smuggling would require a comprehensive approach.
    • The government should insist on rigorous implementation of the suspension of operations agreement and ensure that the rebels do not engage in extortion and forcible recruitments. 
  • Healing Touch for Naxal Problem: Recently, the Minister of State for Home Affairs claimed that the implementation of the “national policy and action plan” had resulted in a consistent decline in violence and shrinkage of the geographical spread of left-wing extremism’s (LWE) influence. 
    • Violence and the resultant deaths had declined by 73% from a high in 2010. 
    • With Naxals on the backfoot, it is now time for the healing touch. The government should offer them an offer of goodwill, declare a unilateral cease-fire for a month, persuade them to come to the negotiating table, address their genuine grievances, and try to mainstream them.
  • Strengthening of Intelligence Agencies: The two premier central police organisations, Intelligence Bureau and the CBI, require restructuring. 
    • The IB was set up through an administrative order on December 23, 1887. It is high time that it is given a statutory basis, with safeguards to prevent the misuse of intelligence to bolster the party in power. 
    • The CBI was set up through a resolution passed on April 01, 1963, and derives the power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. 
      • It is an anomalous arrangement and, as recommended in the 24th report of the parliamentary committee, “the need of the hour is to strengthen the CBI in terms of legal mandate, infrastructure and resources”.
  • Transformation from “Ruler’s” to “People’s Police”: The PM wants the PMO to function as People’s PMO, which requires transforming the “Ruler’s Police” into the “People’s Police”. 
    • It is a great opportunity for the Indian PM to create a police force that serves the people like Robert Peel, the former British PM.
  • Reform in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF): To solve the emerging problems of CAPF, the government would do well to appoint a high-powered commission to go into these problems for their long-term solution.
  • Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Security: As suggested by the PM himself, there is a need to set up a high-powered technology mission to recommend the adoption of latest technologies for the new challenges which the police are already facing or are likely to face in the future.
  • Others: More socio-economic development, high community engagement, enhancement in capacity building, implementation of strong cyber security frameworks and protocols and international cooperation to combat cross-border terrorism, organised crime and cybercrime.

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Conclusion

Tackling internal security challenges requires a multidimensional approach. The present government is committed to dealing with security challenges, which is reflected in recent developments like dealing with anti-CAA protests with a firm hand, abolition of Article 370, banning of the Popular Front of India (PFI), zero tolerance towards terrorism etc. Special attention has been given to cybercrime, preventing atrocities against women and dealing with new age crimes.

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