Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming India’s industry, economy and society.

• India is positioning itself as a major player in the global AI landscape, especially following its hosting of the G20 and Global Partnership on AI meetings in 2023.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Definition: Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are designed to think, learn, and solve problems autonomously. 
• Coined by: The term “Artificial Intelligence” was coined by American computer scientist John McCarthy in 1956. 

Significance of AI for India

• Projected Growth of India’s AI Market: According to the Nasscom report, India’s AI market is expected to reach $17 billion by 2027, growing at an annual rate of 25-35%. 

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• • By 2025, AI could contribute $450-500 billion to India’s GDP, accounting for around 10% of its goal to achieve a $5 trillion economy.
• Transformative Tool: For India, an economy with over 1.4 billion people, AI can act as a tool in addressing challenges like poverty, healthcare access, and education while propelling its economy into new dimensions. Example:
  • The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) uses AI to integrate Electronic Health Records (EHR), to make quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for the underprivileged.
  • Pune’s Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) uses artificial intelligence and data analytics to streamline vehicle flow and bolster road safety. 
  • Use of Smart Drones and Agribots for cropping, weeding, applying fertilisers and harvesting  in agricultural farms.
  • In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, AI Sowing App provides farmers information on optimal sowing dates and depths.

Factors Contributing to India’s AI Potential

• Strong AI ecosystem: India has a strong AI ecosystem, featuring skilled engineers, data scientists, and researchers from top institutions like the IITs and IISc. 
• Robust Digital Infrastructure: India’s Aadhaar and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have significantly advanced its digital infrastructure, making it one of the world’s most digitally connected nations.
  • This robust digital ecosystem generates a vast pool of data essential for training AI algorithms. 
• Rising Adoption and Workforce Readiness: There has been a 117% increase in AI-related course enrollment among non-technical professionals in the past year, indicating a broadening scope of AI skill development beyond tech experts.
  • In 2023, hiring of AI talent in India increased by 16.8 per cent,
  • Many organisations are implementing internal training initiatives to address the skill gap.
• Start-up Culture and Innovation Hubs: India’s startup ecosystem is the third-largest in the world, with several AI-focused startups emerging across sectors such as healthcare (Niramai), agriculture (Intello Labs), and education(Jungroo Learning). 
• Government Support: The Indian government’s proactive stance on AI is a critical factor. 
  • Example:  National AI Strategy, AI for All, Centers of Excellence for AI.

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Challenges Facing India on the Path to AI Leadership

• Data Related Challenges: 
  • Quality of Data: The effectiveness of AI models is hindered by inconsistent data availability and quality across various sectors in India.
    • Additionally, the absence of standardised data formats complicates the development of robust AI models.
  • Insufficient Data Center Infrastructure in India: Despite producing 20 percent of the world’s data, India is home to only 2 percent of global data centres. 
  • Data Privacy and Security: There are concerns over data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical use of AI are significant barriers.
  • Language Barriers: The lack of structured data in local Indian languages contributes to issues of bias and underrepresentation in AI applications.
• Infrastructural Challenges: 
  • Digital Divide: Large sections of the population, especially in rural areas, remain digitally excluded. 
  • Limited Computing Infrastructure Capacity in India: Current computing infrastructure accounts for less than 2 percent of the world’s capacity.
• Skill Related Challenges:  There is a shortage of specialised skills required for advanced AI research and development. 
• Ethical and Governance Challenge: Ethical concerns in AI emerge from issues like algorithmic bias, lack of transparency in decision-making, and potential misuse for surveillance.

Government Initiatives for AI promotion in India

• Enhancing Computational Infrastructure: The central government is enhancing computational capabilities, with plans to procure 10,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) within the next 18 to 24 months.
• India’s National Semiconductor Mission: It was launched in 2021 under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) with an aim to build a domestic chip industry, supported by over $10 billion in production-linked incentives.
• Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI): In 2020, India joined with 15 other countries to form the GPAI to establish frameworks for the responsible utilisation of emerging technologies.
  • Delhi Declaration of the GPAI Summit: Acknowledges the need to harness new opportunities and mitigate the risks arising from the development, deployment, and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• INDIAai Portal: It is the National artificial intelligence Portal of India launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), and the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM).
• IndiaAI Mission: The Indian government has allocated Rs 10,372 crore for the next five years  under which the government will allocate funds towards subsidising private companies looking to set up AI computing capacity in the country.
• ‘AI for All’: It is a self-learning online program designed to raise public awareness about Artificial Intelligence. 
• Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day: It is celebrated on July 16 every year to highlight AI’s transformative impact across industries and emphasises collaboration, ethical development, and innovation. 
• Other Initiatives: 
  • Digital India, Make in India, and Smart Cities Mission, National Digital Health Mission (NDHM), BharatNet, GI Cloud (MeghRaj) and Global INDIAai Summit hosted by India are driving AI adoption across sectors. 

Way Forward/Strategies for Global AI Leadership

• Investing in Education and Skill Development: There is a need to integrate AI education in universities and technical institutes to help bridge the skills gap. 
• Inclusive AI: Promoting Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, especially for women and marginalised communities, will foster inclusive participation in the AI economy.
• Enhancing Computational Infrastructure: There is a need to address the bottleneck of data centre capacity by increasing local data centre investments to meet growing demands.
• Investment in Research and Development: Indian businesses must prioritise R&D.
  • Substantial investment in core compute capabilities and talent will be the cornerstones for developing a successful AI ecosystem in India. 

• • • Building a Strong Regulatory Framework: There is a need for clearer data protection laws, robust guidelines on AI ethics, and a focus on developing transparent AI systems.
    • Leveraging AI for Social Good: Example: AI applications like predictive analytics for crop yields, diagnostic tools, and personalised learning platforms can significantly enhance quality of life.
    • Bridging the Skilling Gap: To enhance workforce AI capabilities, expanding initiatives like FutureSkills PRIME is essential. Furthermore, skilling rural youth is crucial to bridge the rural divide. 

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Conclusion

India is at a crucial juncture, ready to leverage strong government support and industry collaboration to lead in the global AI landscape. By harnessing AI’s transformative power, the nation can drive significant economic prosperity and social growth.

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India’s forex reserves exceeded $700 billion for the first time, reaching $704.89 billion, following a seven-week climb.

India’s Forex Reserves Surge by $87.6 Billion in 2024, Crossing $700 Billion Mark

India’s forex reserves have surged by $87.6 billion in 2024, surpassing last year’s total increase of nearly $62 billion.

• In the week ending September 27, the reserves increased by $12.6 billion, marking the largest weekly rise since mid-July 2023.
• India is now the fourth-largest economy globally to have forex reserves exceeding $700 billion, following China, Japan, and Switzerland.

Factors which led to rise in India’s Forex Reserves

• Investment Boost: Since 2013, India has strengthened its forex reserves through improved macroeconomic conditions, attracting foreign investments.
• Foreign Inflows: In 2024, foreign inflows have reached $30 billion, primarily driven by local debt investments included in a J.P. Morgan index. RBI Interventions: The recent increase was partly due to $4.8 billion in dollar purchases by the RBI and $7.8 billion from valuation gains linked to the U.S. Treasury yields, the dollar’s strength, and rising gold prices.
• Market Stability: Adequate forex reserves help reduce currency volatility, providing the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) with the capability to intervene if necessary.
• Controlled Volatility: The RBI has managed the rupee’s volatility, keeping it stable among emerging market currencies.

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About Foreign Exchange Reserves

• Foreign Exchange Reserve are assets denominated in a foreign currency that are held on reserve by a central bank. 
• Reserve Bank of India Act and the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 set the legal provisions for governing the foreign exchange reserves.
• Composition of Forex of India (in descending order)
  • Foreign Currency Assets
  • Gold Reserves
  • Special Drawing Rights (SDR)
  • Reserve Position in IMF 

Significance of foreign currency reserves

• Economic Crisis Liquidity: In crises, central banks can exchange foreign currency for local currency, ensuring companies remain competitive in imports and exports.
• Currency Depreciation: Japan, using a floating exchange rate, purchases US treasuries to keep the yen lower than the dollar, enhancing export competitiveness.
• International Finance Obligation: Forex reserves help meet international financial commitments, such as paying debts and financing imports.
• Internal Project Funding: Foreign currency reserves can be utilized to finance domestic infrastructure and industry projects.
• Reassurance to Investors: Holding forex reserves can instill confidence in foreign investors during times of unrest or uncertainty.
• Portfolio Diversification: Central banks diversify their reserves by holding various currencies and assets, mitigating risk from declining investments.

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National Commission for Backward Classes recommended the inclusion of at least seven communities and their synonyms in the Central List of Other Backward Classes.

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New Communities Added to Central OBC List for Government Benefits and Schemes

• Eligibility for Benefits: Inclusion in the Central OBC list will make these communities eligible for Central government schemes and appointments.
• Communities Cleared: The communities approved include:
  • Lodh, Lodha, Lodhi
  • Badgujar
  • Suryavanshi Gujar
  • Leve Gujar, Reve Gujar, Reva Gujar
  • Dangari
  • Bhoyar, Pawar
  • Kapewar, Munnar Kapewar, Munnar Kapu, Telanga, Telangi, Pentarreddy, Bukekari
• State Recognition: These communities are already categorized as OBCs in Maharashtra’s state list and benefit from state schemes and reservations.
• Hearing Process: The NCBC conducted hearings over the past six months, with a two-member bench led by Chairperson Hansraj Gangaram Ahir.
• Pending Requests: The NCBC chairperson mentioned that three to four more communities might be recommended for inclusion soon, from a total of 21 requests.
• Criteria:Inclusion decisions are based on current socio-economic data, specifically data from 2015 or later, as per a Supreme Court requirement.
• Previous Cases: The NCBC has previously stalled inclusion requests for around 80 communities, mainly Muslim, from West Bengal due to lack of current data on their backwardness.
• Focus on Expediency: Since taking charge in December 2022 the Chairperson has prioritized expediting pending inclusion requests for various communities in the Central OBC list.

Other Backward Classes (OBCs)

• Other Backward Class is a Collective term used to classify castes which are educationally or socially disadvantaged. 
• Central List : Article 342A (1) authorized the President (in consultation with the governor of the state) to specify the Central list of the OBCs, in relation to a particular State or Union Territory. 
  • Any modification to the central list of the OBCs can be done only by the Parliament.
• State List : Article 342A (3) empowers every State or UT to prepare and maintain for its own purposes, a list of SEBC entries which may be different from the Central List.
• The Constitution’s 127th Amendment (2021) empowered States and Union Territories to create their own lists of socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs) and allocate reservations accordingly.

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Constitutional Provisions OBC

• Article 15(4): State has the power to make special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward class i.e., the OBC.
• Article 16(4): State is empowered to enact laws for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of OBCs.
• Article 340: President, may by order appoint to investigate the conditions of SEBCs and to make recommendations as to the steps that should be taken by the Union or any State to remove such difficulties and to improve their condition. 

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The global wildlife populations have declined by 73 per cent in the last 50 years per biennial the Living Planet Report of the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF).

Key findings of the report

• Vulture Population Crisis: The White-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, and slender-billed vulture in India are facing particularly severe declines, highlighting a critical conservation issue
• Drivers of Decline: The report highlights that wildlife population declines are primarily driven by habitat loss, degradation, climate change impacts, and invasive species.
• Decline in Ecosystems: Freshwater ecosystems experienced the highest decline at 85%, followed by terrestrial ecosystems at 69% and marine ecosystems at 56%.
• Regional Impacts: In the Asia Pacific, pollution exacerbates threats, leading to an average decline of 60% in wildlife populations. The steepest declines are observed in South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, while Europe and North America show lower negative trends.
• Species at Risk in India: Specific species in India, including mammals, birds, bees, amphibians, and freshwater turtles, are experiencing significant declines.

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About WWF

• Founded: In 1961 with headquarters at Gland, Switzerland.
• Mission: To preserve wilderness and reduce human environmental impact.
• Publications: The Living Planet Report, published biennially since 1998, utilizes the Living Planet Index and ecological footprint calculations.
• Key Initiatives of WWF:
  • Earth Hour: A global event to encourage energy conservation.
  • Debt-for-nature swaps: Forgiving part of a developing nation’s debt in exchange for investments in conservation.
  • Healthy Grown Potato: An eco-brand promoting sustainably grown potatoes through integrated pest management.

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The 2024 Nobel Prize for Chemistry was shared by David Baker “for computational protein design” along with Demis Hassabis and John Jumper “for protein structure prediction”.

More on the news

• David Baker receives half of the Nobel Prize for his pioneering efforts in computational protein design.
• The other half has been awarded to Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper for developing AlphaFold 2, an artificial intelligence model that can predict the structures of millions of proteins.

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Computational protein design

• In 2003, Baker led a team that utilised bespoke software methods to create a new protein.
  • Since then, his team has refined these techniques, enabling the design of ‘designer’ proteins tailored for specific applications
• The technology has potential to develop different varieties of proteins with the possibility of constructing nearly any type of protein

Bespoke Software Methods

• Bespoke software : It refers to custom solutions developed to meet the specific needs of an organisation or project.
• Rosetta Software: It was developed by David Baker’s team.
  • It employs computational algorithms to predict protein structures and design novel proteins with designated functions.
• Significance: The newly designed proteins can perform functions that naturally occurring proteins are not capable of, such as:
  • Example: Creating synthetic proteins that can degrade plastics, which are otherwise non-biodegradable.

Protein structure prediction

In 2020 Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper Developed AlphaFold 2.

It can predict the structures of millions of proteins.

• Prior to their work, human scientists had only mapped approximately 170,000 protein structures.

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AlphaFold 2 

• Foundation: It is developed by DeepMind using the Deep Neural Network system.
• Data Utilization: Neural networks utilize large datasets, specifically from the Protein Data Bank (PDB), to train the model, mimicking the human brain’s learning process.
• Learning Mechanism: After training, AlphaFold can make structural predictions for proteins not included in the PDB.
• Input/Output Process: Protein sequences enter one end of the system, and the predicted three-dimensional structures  from amino acid sequences with atomic-level accuracy.

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Significance of Protein Structure

• Having a protein structure provides a greater level of understanding of how a protein works, which can allow us to create hypotheses about how to affect it, control it, or modify it.
  • For example, knowing a protein’s structure could allow you to design site-directed mutations with the intent of changing function.

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RBI maintained its benchmark interest rate at 6.5% for the 10th successive monetary policy review since April 2023.

More on news

• The RBI maintained the repo rate at 6.5% due to robust domestic growth and concerns over inflation despite a slight dip in Q1 FY2025 growth. 
• The stance shifted to ‘neutral’ focusing on growth, cautious of potential geopolitical risks impacting inflation

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About Repo rate

• Repo rate refers to the rate at which commercial banks borrow money by selling their securities to the Central Bank of our country i.e. Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• It is one of the main tools of RBI to keep inflation under control.

Monetary Policy Committee

• Monetary Policy Framework Agreement 2015: MPC was set up consequent to the agreement reached between Government and RBI to task RBI with the responsibility for price stability and inflation targeting.
• Under Section 45ZB of the amended RBI Act, 1934, the central government is empowered to constitute a six-member Monetary Policy Committee. 
  • The first such MPC was constituted in 2016.
• Inflation Target: RBI is responsible for containing inflation targets at 4% (with a standard deviation of 2%) in the medium term.
  • The Central Government determines the inflation target in terms of the Consumer Price Index, once in every five years in consultation with the RBI. 
• Function MPC: To determine the policy interest rate required to achieve the inflation target.
• Quorum for a meeting: Four Members, one of whom shall be the Governor and, in his absence, the Deputy Governor, who is the Member of the MPC.
• Decision making of MPC: 
  • The MPC takes decisions based on majority vote (by those who are present and voting). 
  • In case of a tie, the RBI governor will have the second or casting vote. 
  • The decision of the Committee would be binding on the RBI.
• Members of MPC
  • RBI Governor as its ex-officio chairperson
  • Deputy Governor in charge of monetary policy
  • An officer of the Bank to be nominated by the Central Board
  • Three persons to be appointed by the central government
• Policy stance: The policy stance tells everyone what the MPC is trying to achieve by its actions. 
  • A policy stance tells us whether the MPC is trying to contain inflation or boost growth while containing inflation or simply being neutral.
  • Various policy stance of MPC can be categorised as shown in table below:

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Finance Minister  called out the European Union’s initiatives such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Deforestation rules as ‘unilateral’ and ‘arbitrary’

More on the news

• She highlighted that the European Union’s decision to impose a carbon tax on Indian products such as steel and cement is aimed at hurting Indian industries.
• The levy is a pretence to convert the EU’s own “dirty” steel into green at another’s cost.
• India has decided to retaliate against EU steel tariffs, which have led to trade losses of $4.41 billion from 2018 to 2023.

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Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

• It is part of the EU’s “Fit for 55 in 2030 package” .
• It aims to achieve the target of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

• Importers will be required to surrender annually the corresponding number of CBAM certificates.
• Applicability: Applied to the actual declared carbon content embedded in the goods imported to the EU. 
• EU’s Emission Trading System (ETS): EU’s Carbon Border Tax is intended to work like the EU-ETS, which sets a cap on the amount of GHG emissions permitted. 
  • Importers will need to acquire these certificates at prices reflecting the carbon cost, incentivizing cleaner production practices globally.

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Implications of CBAM

• Adverse Impact: India is among the top 8 countries that will be adversely affected by the CBAM. 
  • Few of its core sectors such as steel will be greatly affected by the CBAM.
  • India exports 27% of its iron, steel, and aluminium products worth $8.2 billion to the EU
• Costlier Export: The EU carbon tariffs could raise costs of Indian exports by 20% to 35%, particularly affecting iron, steel, and aluminium.
• Complex process : Indian exporters are concerned about the burdensome requirements of the CBAM, which involve submitting nearly 1,000 data points regarding production methods.
• Other regulations: EU’s Deforestation Regulation, could disrupt supply chains and increase transition costs for compliant countries.
  • The EU has proposed delaying the implementation of the Deforestation Regulation by one year due to pushback from several countries.

India’s Commitment to Green Transition

• India is advancing its green transition through initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for emerging sectors, including green energy.
• The government is committed to meeting its 2070 climate targets, with interim milestones set for 2030.
• There are ongoing efforts to explore new blended finance options to support funding for green projects, fostering a conducive environment for sustainable investments.

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The Union Cabinet has extended the universal supply of fortified rice in all central government schemes under the National Food Security Act, 2021 until December 2028.

Rice Fortification Initiative to Combat Anaemia with 100% Central Funding

• Rice fortification initiative would continue as a central sector initiative with 100% funding
• The initiative aims to address anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies in the population.

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What is Food Fortification?

Food fortification involves deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients in food to improve its nutritional quality and provide public health benefits with minimal health risks.

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) defines this process and oversees its implementation.

Fortification of Rice

• Rice is fortified using various technologies such as coating, dusting, and extrusion.
• The extrusion process produces fortified rice kernels (FRKs) by mixing dry rice flour with a premix of micronutrients, which is then processed through an extruder to create kernels resembling regular rice.
• Fortified rice is blended with regular rice, ensuring 10 grams of FRK is combined with 1 kilogram of regular rice.
• Fortified rice is enriched with essential micronutrients, including:
• • Iron: 28 mg – 42.5 mg
  • Folic Acid: 75 – 125 micrograms
  • Vitamin B-12: 0.75 – 1.25 micrograms
• Additional nutrients may include zinc, vitamin A, and various B vitamins.

Progress of the Fortification Initiative

• The rice fortification initiative was announced in 2015, with a goal for implementation across various central government schemes by 2024.
• The initiative has been rolled out in three phases:
  • Phase 1: Covered programs like Integrated Child Development Services and PM POSHAN by March 2022.
  • Phase 2: Extended to Public Distribution System (PDS) in 112 Aspirational Districts and 291 high stunting burden districts by March 2023.
  • Phase 3: Aims for full coverage across remaining districts by March 2024.

• Annual cost: Approximately Rs 2,700 crore, accounting for less than 2% of India’s total food subsidy bill.
• Distribution so far: By March 2024, about 406 lakh metric tonnes of fortified rice are expected to be distributed through the PDS.
• Facility for Fortification: The Centre has invested Rs 11,000 crore to develop the fortified rice supply chain in India, with 925 manufacturers producing fortified rice.

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Benefits of Fortified Rice

• Fortified rice retains the same cooking and eating properties as regular rice, making it easy to integrate into daily diets.
• It is packaged in jute bags labelled with the logo (‘+F’) and the statement “Fortified with Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12”.

Need of Fortified Rice

• India faces significant malnutrition challenges with  one in two women is anaemic and one in three children is stunted.
• The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) shows that anaemia affects diverse demographics across age and income levels, with deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid being prevalent.
• Fortifying rice, a staple food for two-thirds of the Indian population, provides a strategic approach to supplement the diets of economically vulnerable groups.

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The Union Cabinet recently approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex Lothal in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

About the project 

• Project: Development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat.
• Aim: To showcase India’s 4,500-year-old maritime heritage, making it the world’s largest maritime complex.
• Nodal Authority: Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

Key Features

• Phase 1A:
  • Currently under implementation with over 60% progress, expected completion by 2025.
• Phase 1B:
  • Involves the construction of a Lighthouse Museum, expected to be the world’s tallest.
  • Will feature eight galleries, including:
    • Indian Navy & Coast Guard Gallery (with external naval artefacts like INS Nishank, Sea Harrier aircraft, and UH3 helicopter).
    • A replica of Lothal township with an open aquatic gallery and a jetty walkway.
  • Funding for the Lighthouse Museum will come from the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.
• Phase 2:
  • Coastal States Pavilions to be developed by the respective coastal states and union territories.

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About Lothal

• Discovered: 1954 by S.R. Rao, Indian archaeologist.
• Location: Southernmost site of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), only port-town.
  • Situated along the Bhogava River, a tributary of the Sabarmati, near the Gulf of Khambhat.
• Etymology: Derived from the Gujarati words “Loth” (dead) and “thal” (mound), meaning “the mound of the dead.”
• Trade: Thriving centre for trade in beads, gems, and ornaments, with exports reaching West Asia and Africa.
  • This dockyard facilitated maritime trade with Mesopotamia, Egypt, and other regions.

Key Features

• Tidal Dockyard:
  • Oldest known artificial dockyard in the world.
  • Connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River.
• Architecture:
  • Divided into two parts:
    • Citadel (Upper Town)
    • Lower Town
• Seals:
  • Lothal has the 3rd largest number of seals among IVC sites.
  • Depicted animals: short-horned bulls, mountain goats, tigers, composite animals like the elephant bull.
• Pottery: Redware pottery used for daily activities.
• Terracotta Art:
  • Gamesmen resembling modern-day chess pieces.
  • Animal figures with wheels and movable heads (used as toys).

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A new analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reveals that fewer women are working in sustainable industries, despite rising job opportunities in the green sectors.

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About The Green Sector

• The green sector encompasses industries and practices that prioritize environmental protection and sustainability. 
• Objective: It aims to reduce carbon emissions, conserve natural resources, and combat climate change.
• Key characteristics 
  • Sustainability: Focuses on practices that do not harm the environment or deplete resources.
  • Renewable Energy: Utilizes clean energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power.
  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Significance of the green sector 
  • Environmental Protection: Mitigate climate change and preserve ecosystems.
  • Economic Growth: Create  jobs in emerging green industries.
  • Public Health: Reduce pollution and promote healthier living conditions.

Key Findings of IMF analysis: Gender Disparities in Green Jobs

• Underrepresentation of Women: Despite growth in green job opportunities, fewer women are employed in sustainable industries compared to men.
  • They are particularly underrepresented in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management sectors.
  • STEM Education Disparities
    • Low Female Graduates: There is a significant gap in the green sector because very few women are graduating from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, which are crucial for many green jobs.
      • This limits their access to many green job opportunities.
      • Regional Variations: Countries like Brazil, Colombia, and South Africa have a significant gender gap in STEM education and managerial positions.
• Job Distribution in Green Sectors
  • Dominance of Men: Men hold approximately two-thirds of green jobs globally, while women occupy only one-third.
  • Advanced vs. Emerging Economies: In advanced economies, green jobs represent 20% of men’s employment but only 6% of women’s.
    • In emerging markets, the figures are 16% for men and 4.6% for women.
• Continuing Growth of Polluting Jobs
  • Growth in EMDEs: Polluting jobs are still increasing, particularly in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs), often occupied by men.
  • Health Hazards: Women in low-income countries (LICs) face greater exposure to environmental and health risks associated with polluting industries.
• Economic Implications of Green Jobs
  • Wage Premium: Green jobs offer a wage premium—7% for men and 12% for women—indicating higher demand for skilled workers.
  • Gender Pay Gap: The gender pay gap in green jobs is 30% narrower than in the overall economy, suggesting a potential for improving pay equality.
• Importance of Gender Equality for Climate Policies
  • Effectiveness of Climate Strategies: Economies with a higher proportion of STEM-educated workers and more inclusive labor markets are better positioned for a successful green transition.
  • Impact of Gender Parity: Countries with greater gender equality experience more significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions when implementing climate policies.
• Recommendations for Closing the Gap
  • Enhance STEM Education: Focus on increasing STEM education access for women.
  • Promote Gender Equality: Foster gender equality in the workforce.
  • Retrain Workers: Provide retraining for workers in polluting sectors to transition to green jobs.
  • Address Recruitment Bias: Tackle gender bias in hiring and management practices.

Reasons for Women’s Underrepresentation in Sustainable Sectors

• Gender Norms and Stereotypes
  • Traditional views often push women toward jobs in areas like textiles and food.
  • Men typically dominate fields like infrastructure and manufacturing, limiting women’s opportunities in sustainable sectors.
• Workplace Discrimination
  • Women often face unfair treatment in hiring, promotions, and pay in male-dominated sectors.
    • Discrimination can make women feel unwelcome and undervalued, discouraging them from pursuing careers in sustainable fields.
• Limited Access to Resources and Networks
  • Women may not have the same access to training and professional connections necessary for success.
    • This lack of support can hinder their chances of securing jobs in sustainable sectors.
• Policy and Institutional Barriers
  • There may be insufficient policies and support systems to promote gender equality in green jobs.
  • Without targeted initiatives, women may find it hard to enter these industries.
• Challenges in Work-Life Balance
  • Jobs in sustainable sectors often require long hours and travel.
  • This can be difficult for women who are trying to balance work and family responsibilities.

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Way Forward

• Gender sensitive policies: Government should promote and frame gender sensitive policies and promote gender equality in hiring, promoting, and pay. 
• Ensure access to resources and Network: There should be training, mentorship programmes, and professional networks for women so that they can increase their skills and progress upward in their professional journey. 
• Create Flexible work environment: Government should make arrangements for a flexible work environment for women so that they can accommodate the work life balance. 
• Raise Awareness and challenge stereotypes: conduct awareness campaigns and challenge stereotype thinking related to sustainable industries and create programs to encourage  men allies  to support women. 

Conclusion

The “green glass ceiling” highlights the persistent gender disparities in sustainable sectors, where women remain underrepresented. Addressing this issue is crucial for achieving gender equality and ensuring a more inclusive and efficient transition to a green economy. By promoting education, implementing supportive policies, and fostering inclusive work environments, we can empower women to take on more significant roles in these vital industries.

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The Red Panda Program of Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Conservation Award 2024. 

Reason for its selection

• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has undertaken several habitat restoration initiatives between 2022 and 2024 nine captive-bred red pandas (seven females and two males) were released into Singalila National Park in West Bengal.

About Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

• Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.
• Established: Founded in 1958, the zoo is situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet.
• Specialization: Breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions
  • Notable Breeding Programs: 
    • Red Pandas
    • Snow Leopards
    • Himalayan Wolves
• Global Affiliation: The zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), demonstrating its commitment to global conservation standards.
• Legacy: Named after Padmaja Naidu, the daughter of Sarojini Naidu, the zoo honors her contributions to Indian society.

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About Red Panda

• It is a small endangered mammal. 
• Red pandas have dense reddish-brown fur, a black belly and legs, white-lined ears, a mostly white muzzle, and a ringed tail
• Scientific name: Ailurus fulgens
• It is also known as the lesser panda.
• Conservation status: They are classified as 
  • Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
  • listed in CITES Appendix I. 
  • Listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• It is the state animal of sikkim. 
• It is found  in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and the northern mountains of Myanmar and southern Chin
• In India, it is found in  Sikkim, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh 
• Diet: Herbivores
• In India, both subspecies are found
  • Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
  • Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani)

Conservation of Red panda in India (Key strategies)

• Preservation and Restoration of Natural Habitats
• Establishing protected regions and wildlife corridors
• Maintain ecological integrity and biodiversity
• Engage local communities in promoting sustainable land use. 

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