The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into governance systems marks a transformative era in public administration.

About Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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• 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. 
• Types of Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be categorised:
  • Based on Capability
    • Narrow AI (Weak AI): Designed for specific tasks (e.g.,Siri, Google Translate).
    • General AI (Strong AI):Theoretical AI that can perform any intellectual task like a human.
  • Based on Functionality
    • Reactive Machines: No memory, focuses on specific tasks (e.g., Deep Blue chess program).
    • Limited Memory: Can handle complex classification tasks, Uses past data for decisions (e.g., self-driving cars).
    • Theory of Mind: Understands emotions and interactions (under development).
    • Self-Aware AI: Hypothetical AI with consciousness and self-awareness, considered as a long shot goal.

India’s Transformation in Governance Due to Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Over the last decade, India has emerged as the fifth-largest economy in the world, with the government budget tripling in size.
• Technology-driven governance has replaced inefficiencies with citizen-centric, digital public infrastructure (DPI).

Key Applications of AI in Governance (“GovAI”)

Artificial Intelligence can redefine governance by enabling:

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Leveraging big data analytics for informed policymaking, resource allocation, and identifying societal needs.
  • Example: Aadhaar-Linked Welfare Programs in India uses big data analytics to ensure targeted delivery of subsidies and benefits, reducing leakages and duplication.
• Automation of Processes: Reducing manual effort and human error in public service delivery through automation.
  • Example: Passport Seva Kendras in India automates appointment scheduling, improving efficiency.
    • GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network) uses AI to analyse transaction data, detect fraud, and optimise tax collection.
• Personalized Citizen Services: AI-powered chatbots and platforms providing tailored services to diverse populations.
  • Example: MyGov Portal has AI-powered features personalising citizen engagement and suggestions for public schemes.
• Predictive Analytics: Anticipating challenges like natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or economic trends.
  • Example: Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) uses AI to predict cyclones and improve disaster preparedness.
• Improved Monitoring and Evaluation: Real-time assessment of policy implementation and feedback mechanisms.
  • Example: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) features real-time dashboards to monitor housing scheme progress and allocate resources efficiently.
• Policy and Scheme Performance: Enhancing the design and effectiveness of social security programs. Example: AI-powered platforms like Aarogya Setu and UMANG in India.
• Economic Sectors: Improving livelihoods in agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry.
• Language Translation: Bridging linguistic barriers for better service delivery.
  • Example: eSanjeevani’s app provides a multilingual interface to enable assisted teleconsultations (doctor to doctor) in Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) across the country.

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Three Drivers of GovAI In India

• Rapid Digitalisation
  • India is set to become the most connected and digitised country, with internet users projected to rise from 90 crore to 120 crore by 2026.
  • Government-led digital initiatives have catalysed over 1,00,000 startups, especially in the fintech space.
  • GovAI can further enhance the IndiaAI ecosystem, encouraging innovation in AI-based models, products, and platforms.
• Data as the Foundation of AI
  • India has become one of the largest data repositories due to digitalisation and DPI initiatives.
  • Governments, as custodians of vast personal and non-personal data, can leverage the data to train high-quality AI models.
    • The India Datasets Programme will provide the foundation for government-led AI models while adhering to personal data protection laws.
    • Small language models (SLMs) interacting with large language models (LLMs) can create a unique ecosystem for governance.
• Efficiency as a Political Goal
  • Post-COVID, governments globally are striving for efficiency with limited resources.
  • India’s digital government transformation has showcased how DPI and AI can extend the impact of public spending, reimagining governance to achieve ‘maximum governance with minimal resources’.

Challenges in Implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Governance

• Data Privacy and Security: AI systems require large datasets, including personal data, to function effectively. This raises concerns about privacy, data protection, and surveillance.
  • Example: Aadhaar data breaches highlight risks of unauthorised access to citizen data.
• Digital Divide: There is a gap in access to digital services, especially in marginalised communities, which limits the reach of AI-driven governance.
  • Example: Rural areas face limited access to AI-driven government services due to infrastructure gaps.
• Skill Gap: A lack of technical expertise among government personnel hinders the effective deployment and management of AI systems.
  • Example: Government employees may not have the necessary training to manage AI technologies or interpret their outputs.
• Cost of Implementation: Developing, maintaining, and scaling AI systems is expensive, which can be a barrier for governments with limited budgets.
  • Example: The Smart Cities Mission involves high costs for building and sustaining AI-driven infrastructure.

Ethical Issues in Implementing AI in Governance

• Bias and Fairness: AI models are trained on data that may reflect societal biases, and if not properly managed, these systems can perpetuate or worsen existing inequalities.
  • Example: AI recruitment tools and facial recognition systems may perpetuate discrimination due to inherent biases in training data.
• Concerns of Violations of Civil Liberties: AI systems, particularly in surveillance, may infringe upon personal freedoms if used without proper oversight, leading to violations of privacy and civil rights.
  • Example: Mass surveillance by governments or corporations could erode civil liberties and infringe on citizens’ rights.
• Accountability and Transparency: Many AI systems operate as “black boxes,” making it difficult to understand how decisions are made. This lack of transparency raises concerns about accountability, particularly in high-stakes applications.
  • Example: In autonomous vehicles, accidents caused by AI decision-making raise questions about who is responsible: the manufacturer, the developer, or the AI itself.
• Job Displacement: Automation powered by AI has the potential to displace workers across sectors, leading to economic inequality and social instability.
  • Example: AI-driven automation in manufacturing or service industries could lead to significant job loss, worsening unemployment rates.
• Informed Consent:  Citizens may not fully understand how their data is being used by AI systems, nor the implications of AI decisions in governance. 

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Government Initiatives for Integrating AI in Governance

• 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.
  • India is the current Chair of GPAI (Global Partnership of AI).

• Declaration on Digital Public Infrastructure, AI and Data for Governance: It is a Joint Communiqué by the G20 Troika (India, Brazil and South Africa), endorsed by several G20 countries, guest countries and international organisations.
• 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. 
• IndiaAI Innovation Centre: The IndiaAI Innovation Centre will undertake the development and deployment of indigenous Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and domain-specific foundational models in critical sectors.
• Smart Cities Mission: Under the Smart Cities Mission, AI is being used to enhance urban governance through smart traffic management, waste management systems, and surveillance to improve quality of life.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Data Infrastructure and Security: Governments must prioritise building robust data infrastructures that securely store and manage personal and non-personal data.
  • Ensuring data privacy and security through strong encryption, access controls, and compliance with global data protection laws will build public trust in AI-driven governance.
• Reskilling and Upskilling the Workforce: To thrive in the AI-driven era, it is essential to focus on reskilling and upskilling the workforce. 
  • Programs like MeitY’s FutureSkills PRIME, can equip individuals with the skills necessary for the AI economy.
  • The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced Artificial Intelligence as an elective for students from classes 9 to 12.
• Strengthening Cyber Regulations: As AI technology evolves, governments must tighten cyber regulations to address the new risks and challenges posed by AI, such as data security, privacy concerns, and the ethical use of AI.
• Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: Governments must ensure AI systems in governance are transparent, with clear frameworks explaining decision-making, especially in critical areas, to ensure accountability.
• Promoting Inclusive Access: To ensure inclusive governance, it is crucial that AI-driven public services are accessible to all citizens, including marginalised and rural communities.
• Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships: Governments should foster collaborations with the private sector, universities, and research institutions to leverage their expertise in developing AI applications tailored to public service needs.

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Conclusion

GovAI can transform governance by improving efficiency, transparency, and public service delivery. However, its success depends on ethical deployment, data privacy, and balancing AI’s transformative power with accountability, social justice, and human values. 

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The report titled “Charting New Paths for Gender Equality and Empowerment: Asia-Pacific Regional Report on Beijing+30 Review” was launched by ESCAP and UN Women at the UN Ministerial Conference on Women’s Empowerment, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

• It analyses the progress made and the challenges faced in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA).

About the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA)

• Adoption of BPfA: The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted unanimously by 189 countries at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing,China.
  • It is a landmark global framework and key policy document for advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

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• Key Areas of Focus: The report covers 12 key areas impacting women: poverty, education, health, violence, armed conflict, economic participation, leadership, institutional support, human rights, media representation, environmental roles, and the girl child.
• Review Mechanism: Reviews of the BPfA have been conducted regionally  and globally every five years since 1995 to facilitate the tracking of its implementation.
  • The 30 year review and appraisal of the Beijing Platform for Action will take place during the  69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women to be held in March 2025.
• Asia-Pacific Regional Review: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) leads the regional review of BPfA implementation in collaboration with UN-Women and in consultation with key stakeholders.
  • The ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions under the jurisdiction of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (one of the six principal organs of the United Nations).

About Asia-Pacific Regional Report on Beijing +30 Review

• The Asia-Pacific Regional Report on Beijing +30 assesses the progress made in gender equality and women’s empowerment since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995. 
  • As part of the 30 year review process of BPfA, the report reflects on achievements, persistent challenges, and emerging priorities across the region.

Key Highlights of the Asia-Pacific Regional Report on Beijing +30 Review

• Gender-Responsive Budgeting in Asia-Pacific: The adoption of Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) by Asia-Pacific countries like India and Philippines demonstrates their strong commitment to ensuring the efficient allocation of resources based on the identified needs of women and girls.

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• India’s Achievements in Gender Budgeting:
  • 218% Increase in Gender Budgeting: India has experienced a 218% decadal increase in gender budgeting.
  • Current Financial Year Allocation: In the current financial year, India has allocated $37 million for gender budgeting.
  • Women’s Leadership in Governance: India showcased its model of “women-led” development at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference, particularly through women’s leadership in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), driven by 33% reservation
  • Empowerment through Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Women’s collectives and SHGs have played a significant role in the financial empowerment of women, demonstrating India’s commitment to gender equality.
• India has worked on gender-responsive solutions to reduce “time poverty” of women such as clean cooking fuels, tap water connections and construction of toilets.
  • Time Poverty refers to the lack of sufficient time to meet essential needs and engage in activities that improve well-being, often due to excessive work or caregiving responsibilities. 
• Challenges: Despite progress, India faces challenges in implementing GRB due to the lack of sex-disaggregated data and the exclusion of key programmes that benefit women.
• Youth NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) in the Region:
  • Many young women and men in the region are not in employment, education or training (NEET).
  • Women are benefitting less from the structural transformation of the region’s economies from agriculture to manufacturing and services. 
  • They are often confined to informal, low-skilled, precarious jobs and excluded from STEM fields.
    • For example, in 12 out of 20 Asia-Pacific countries, women make up less than 40% of the STEM workforce, limiting their participation in high-growth industries.
• Women’s Representation in Politics: Women hold 20.8% of parliamentary seats in the Asia-Pacific region, below the global average of 26.5%.
• Legislative frameworks remain largely inadequate: Legal frameworks for gender equality exist in less than half of ESCAP member States (regionally based).

Factors Affecting Gender Equality in India

• Entrenched Social Norms: Patriarchal mindsets, prevalence of the child marriage, son preference etc leads to restricted mobility, education, and opportunities, contributing to skewed sex ratios in states like Haryana and Punjab.
• Unpaid Care Work: Women spend nearly five times more time on unpaid domestic work than men (UN Women), limiting their access to education and paid employment.
• Female Labour Participation Rate: Despite an increase in women’s labour force participation to 37.0% in 2022-23, factors like childcare responsibilities and the desire to pursue education continue to hinder gender equality in India, as highlighted by the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2021-22.
• Gender Pay Gap: Significant pay disparities exist, with India achieving only 36.7% parity in economic participation (Global Gender Gap Index 2023).
• Property Ownership: National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) indicates that more men as compared to women own property. 
  • Overall, 42.3% of women and 62.5% of men own a house.
  • 31.7% of women and 43.9% of men own land either alone or jointly with someone else.
• Violence Against Women: According to the latest report by The National Family Health Survey (NFHS): 
  • 29.3% married Indian women between the ages of 18-49 years have faced domestic violence/or sexual violence. 
  • 3.1% of pregnant women between the ages of 18-49 have experienced physical violence during any pregnancy.
• Education Gaps: According to the 2011 census, only 63 percent of women in the total population are literate, significantly lower than the male literacy rate of 80 percent. 
  • In the Global Gender Gap Report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) for 2024, India has been ranked 129th out of 146 economies.
    • There is a 17 percent literacy rate gap between males and females
• Political Underrepresentation: As on April 2024, India ranks 143 in the list of countries in the ‘Monthly ranking of women in national parliaments’ published by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a global organisation for national parliaments.
  • India’s Lok Sabha, 2024: Includes 74 women MPs, comprising only 13.63% of the Lower House, far below the 33% reservation target set for implementation after the next delimitation exercise.

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Measures taken to Improve Gender Equality In India 

• Legal Reforms:
  • Nari Shakti Vandana Adhiniyam 2023: Provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies (pending implementation).
  • Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005: Provision of Equal property inheritance rights under it.
• Women-Centric Schemes:
  • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Aims to improve child sex ratios and promote girls’ education.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: Offers financial incentives for maternity care.
  • Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Encourages savings for girl children’s education and marriage.
• Economic Empowerment: Increased participation in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
  • Focus on skilling women through programs like Skill India and the Mahila E-Haat platform.
• Addressing Gender-Based Violence: Enactment of laws like The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
• Health and Nutrition: Janani Suraksha Yojana and POSHAN Abhiyaan: Ensure maternal and child health and combat malnutrition.
• Education: Free or subsidised education for girls under schemes like Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya.
• Awareness and Advocacy: Initiatives like Mahila Shakti Kendras promote awareness of gender equality and empower women at the grassroots level.

Way Forward

• Policy and Legal Reforms: Strengthen gender-sensitive laws and their enforcement.
  • Expedite the implementation of 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
• Investment in Social Infrastructure: Increase funding for health, education, and social protection systems.
• Data and Accountability: Enhance gender-disaggregated data collection to monitor progress effectively.
• Transforming Social Attitudes: Encourage male participation in domestic responsibilities to reduce the burden of unpaid care work.
• Digital Empowerment: Addressing the gender digital divide by ensuring equitable access to technology and digital literacy programs.
• Promote gender-sensitive education:  by incorporating gender equality into curricula, training teachers to address biases, and creating safe, inclusive learning spaces to empower all students equally.

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Conclusion

Achieving gender equality requires sustained efforts across legal, social, and economic fronts to create an inclusive society where everyone can realise their full potential.

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India and Australia sealed an ambitious renewable energy partnership at the 2nd India-Australia Annual Summit on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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• India-Australia committed to advancing a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) to unlock the full potential of their bilateral economic relationship.
• The joint statement of Summit highlighted the complementarity between India’s ‘Make in India’ and Australia’s ‘Future Made in Australia’ initiatives to create jobs and drive economic growth.

Key Highlights of 2nd India and Australia Annual Summit

• Renewable Energy Partnership (REP): India and Australia finalised an ambitious Renewable Energy Partnership, focusing on Solar energy, Green hydrogen, Energy storage investments in renewable energy projects and allied areas.

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• Defence and Security: A shared vision of long-term collaboration in defence and security to enhance mutual strength and contribute to regional peace and stability.
  • Affirmed commitment to freedom of navigation, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to international law, particularly under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), amid tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Indo-Pacific Vision: Reiterated support for an open, inclusive, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, addressing regional challenges like China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.
  • Highlighted the Quad as a “force for global good,” delivering positive outcomes in the Indo-Pacific.
• Commitment to Global Peace and Reform: Stressed the importance of resolving global conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and the need for reform in global institutions  to address emerging challenges effectively.
• Education, Mobility, and Cultural Exchange: Australian PM assured the protection of the Indian diaspora and students in Australia, strengthening ties at the community level.

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The COP29 Presidency introduced the Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration to set sectoral targets to mitigate methane emissions from organic waste. 

About the Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration

• This initiative builds on previous climate pledges and aligns with the Global  Methane Pledge (GMP) to achieve significant emission reductions by 2030.
• Launch: Announced at COP29 in partnership with the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
• Signatories: Over 30 countries, including seven of the world’s top 10 methane emitters from organic waste.
  • Combined representation from nations responsible for 47% of global methane emissions from organic waste.
  • India has not signed the COP29 Declaration.
• Goals: Reduce methane emissions by targeting the organic waste sector.
  • Incorporate these targets into future Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

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Focus Areas of the Declaration

• NDC Integration: Including organic waste methane targets in national climate plans.
• Regulation: Establishing robust policies to improve waste management practices.
• Data Enhancement: Strengthening data systems for tracking waste generation and methane emissions.
• Finance: Mobilising funding for waste management and methane reduction initiatives.
• Global Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships for sharing knowledge and best practices.

Priority Actions

• Preventing the generation of organic waste.
• Encouraging separate collection of organic waste.
• Enhancing the management of organic waste in landfills and wastewater systems.

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About Methane Emissions

• Methane is the second most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide (CO2) but it warms the planet more. 
  • Over a century, methane has a global warming potential 28-times greater than CO2, and even higher over shorter periods like two decades.
• Its Sources: Scientists are increasingly recognising various sources of methane, most of which fit in two categories: biogenic and thermogenic. 
• Thermogenic: When fossil fuels such as natural gas or oil are extracted from deep within the earth’s crust, thermogenic methane is released. 
• Biogenic: This methane comes from microbial action.
• Methane from Organic Waste:
  • Methane is produced by anaerobic digestion of organic waste. 
  • Anthropogenic activity includes waste and landfills, rice fields, enteric fermentation, oil and gas, and coal.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his historic visit to Guyana for the second India-CARICOM Summit, proposed seven pillars to strengthen India-CARICOM ties and received Dominica’s and Guyana highest honour.

Key Seven Pillars of India-CARICOM Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined seven key pillars to deepen ties between India and CARICOM nations, aligning with the acronym C-A-R-I-C-O-M:

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• Capacity Building: Proposal to establish a forensic centre for the CARICOM region.
  • Suggestion to create a portal similar to India’s iGOT Karmayogi for continuous training of civil servants in areas like technology, administration, law, and education.
• Agriculture and Food Security: Emphasis on collaboration to improve agricultural practices and ensure food security in CARICOM nations.
• Renewable Energy and Climate Change: Focus on renewable energy projects and climate change mitigation.
  • $150 million credit line announced earlier for renewable energy initiatives.
• Innovation, Technology, and Trade: Strengthening technological collaboration and trade relationships.
  • Proposal for an online portal to connect private sectors and stakeholders.
  • $1 million grant for SME development announced in 2019, with an emphasis on implementation.
• Cricket and Culture: Promotion of cricket as a shared cultural passion and a bridge for people-to-people ties.
  • Preservation and sharing of cultural heritage between India and CARICOM.
• Ocean Economy: Harnessing the potential of blue economy sectors for sustainable development.
• Medicine and Healthcare: Strengthening healthcare systems and addressing public health challenges.

Key Proposals by PM Modi

• Online Portal: Suggested creation of a portal to connect the private sector and stakeholders of India and CARICOM nations.
• Support for SMEs: $1 million grant announced in 2019 to boost small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region.
• Economic Cooperation:Commitment to renewable energy, climate change, and economic growth.
  • $150 million credit line for renewable energy initiatives announced earlier in 2019.
• Vision for Collaboration: PM Modi emphasised promoting the “five Ts” trade, technology, tourism, talent, and tradition as key pillars for enhancing India-CARICOM ties, ensuring mutual growth, and addressing shared global challenges.

About Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

• Founded: 1973, by the Treaty of Chaguaramas as the Caribbean Community and Common Market.
• Secretariat: Located in Georgetown, Guyana.
• Chairmanship: Rotates every six months among Heads of Member States.
  • Current Chair: Antigua and Barbuda.
• Objectives of CARICOM
  • Economic Integration: Promote economic cooperation and integration among member states.
  • Equitable Benefits: Ensure the benefits of integration are shared fairly.
  • Foreign Policy Coordination: Harmonise the foreign policies of the region.
• Members (15): Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
• Observers and Associate Members
  • Observer States: Aruba, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela.
  • Associate Members: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands.
• Global Status: Recognized as an Official United Nations Observer.

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Significance of India-CARICOM Partnership

• Strategic Significance:
  • Global South Alliance: Strengthens India’s position in the Global South.
  • Diplomatic Leverage: Provides additional platforms for international cooperation.
• Climate Action and Sustainability:
  • Shared Concerns: Both regions face threats from climate change, particularly small island nations.
  • India’s Leadership: India’s role in the International Solar Alliance and CDRI offers solutions.
  • Financial Support: India’s $140 million line of credit for renewable energy projects.
• Economic Cooperation:
  • Trade and Investment: Opportunities for Indian businesses in IT, renewable energy, healthcare, and medical tourism.
  • Capacity Building: India’s expertise in digital healthcare and renewable energy can benefit CARICOM.
• Cultural Ties and Diaspora:
  • Shared Heritage: Indian diaspora in the Caribbean strengthens people-to-people connections.
  • Cultural Exchange: Fosters understanding and cooperation between the two regions.

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Recently, UNICEF released  ‘State of the World’s Children 2024’ report on November 20.

UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2024 Report Findings

• Projected Child Population: India will house 350 million children by 2050, making up 15% of the global child population.
• Climate Risks: By 2050, nearly eight times more children will be exposed to extreme heat compared to the 2000s.
• Digital Divide: A stark digital divide persists, with only 26% of people in low-income countries having internet access, compared to over 95% in high-income countries.
• Impact on Health and Education: Climate crises are expected to disproportionately impact children’s health, education, and access to essential resources like water, especially in rural and low-income communities.
• Urbanization Needs: As nearly half of India’s population is projected to live in urban areas by 2050, there is an urgent need for child-friendly, climate-resilient urban planning and infrastructure investments.

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About UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) 

• UNICEF originally the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, officially United Nations Children’s Fund since 1946  is an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide
• Founded: 1946; operates in 192 countries and territories.
• Funding: Supported by government contributions and individual voluntary donations.
• Guiding Framework: The Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
• Awards: Nobel Peace Prize (1965) for promoting international brotherhood.
• Flagship Reports:
  • The State of the World’s Children.
  • UNICEF Annual Report.

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India, Italy to Negotiate Defence Industrial Roadmap

Context: India and Italy will negotiate a defence industrial roadmap, ensure classified information protection, and enhance maritime and port sector cooperation under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29.

India-Italy Defence Cooperation Highlights

• Defence Industrial Roadmap:
  • Promotion of an MoU between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Italian Industries Federation for Aerospace, Defence, and Security (AIAD).
• Military Exchanges:
  • Increased interactions between Armed Forces to enhance interoperability, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Historic maritime exercise with carrier strike groups, including INS Vikramaditya and ITS Cavour, showcasing naval collaboration.
• Technology Collaboration: Focus on co-production, co-development, and technology sharing for defence platforms and equipment.

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Key Highlights of India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029

• Political Dialogue
  • Regular meetings and visits between Heads of Government and Ministers.
  • Annual Foreign Office Consultations at the Senior Officials’ level.
  • Enhanced interaction between ministries for sectoral cooperation.
• Economic Cooperation and Investments
  • Boost bilateral trade and investment in sectors like transportation, food processing, green technologies, and pharmaceuticals.
• Connectivity
  • Collaborate on sustainable transport and maritime infrastructure under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
  • Agreement on maritime and port sector cooperation.
• Science, Technology, and Innovation
  • Expand collaboration in critical technologies like AI, telecom, and digitalization.
  • Joint initiatives in Industry 4.0, clean energy, and critical mineral refining.
  • Launch of the Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme.
• Space Sector
  • Strengthen Italian Space Agency (ASI) – Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) cooperation in Earth observation, heliophysics, and lunar science.
  • Organise an Italian space industry delegation visit to India in 2025.
• Energy Transition
  • Collaboration in green hydrogen, biofuels, and renewable energy.
  • Promote the Global Biofuels Alliance and International Solar Alliance.
  • Share best practices in energy efficiency and grid development.
• Defence Cooperation
  • Annual Joint Defence Consultative (JDC) meetings and Joint Staff Talks (JST).
  • Develop a Defence Industrial Roadmap and facilitate co-development of platforms.
• Security Cooperation
  • Annual Joint Working Group meetings on international terrorism and crime.
• Migration and Mobility
  • Promote safe and legal migration pathways and training for Indian health professionals for employment in Italy.
• Culture, Academic, and People-to-People Exchanges
  • Strengthen university collaborations and vocational education exchanges.

SANYUKT VIMOCHAN 2024′

Context: Recently, The Indian Army successfully organised an exercise, ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ at Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat.

About Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan

• It is a  multilateral annual joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise.
• The exercise was conducted by the Konark Corps of Southern Command of the Indian Army.
• Objective:
• • To improve India’s ability to respond effectively to natural disasters by enhancing preparedness and readiness.

Key Highlights of the Exercise

• About Table Top Exercise on Cyclone Management
  • Location: Ahmedabad
  • Theme: ‘Cyclone in Coastal Region of Gujarat’
  • A Tabletop Exercise (TTX) simulated a cyclone affecting the Okha-Porbandar coastline, focusing on disaster relief strategies.
  • Key aim: Identify gaps in inter-agency cooperation and establish mechanisms for a swift, coordinated disaster response.
• About  Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration
  • The day featured a live simulation of disaster management in a cyclone scenario.

Green World Awards 2024

Context: Coal India Limited (CIL), under the Ministry of Coal, received the Green World Environment Award 2024 in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) category.

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• This  international award has been given to CIL for exemplary work in the field of CSR i.e Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna. 
• The company was also honoured with the title of Green World Ambassador for its contributions to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

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• Award Ceremony
• • The award was presented by The Green Organization.
  • The ceremony took place at The Orangery, Kensington Palace, London.

About Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna

• It offers curative treatment for Thalassemia patients through stem cell transplant called Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT).
• Achievements of the Scheme:
• • Over 600 patients have received permanent treatment under the program.
  • Financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh is provided as per BMT procedure.
  • The initiative partners with 17 leading hospitals across India.

About Coal India Limited (CIL)

• It is a  state-owned coal mining corporate.
• Established: 1975
• Classification: classified as a ‘Maharatna’ enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India.
• Headquarters- Kolkata

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Context: Recently, the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2023 was given. 

Event Details

• Award Recipients
  • Daniel Barenboim: He is Argentine-born distinguished classical pianist and conductor.
    • Recognized for promoting peace through musical and cultural dialogue.
  • Ali Abu Awwad: Palestinian peace activist honoured for his non-violent advocacy and dialogue efforts through his organisation, Roots an outfit that he started after spending time in an Israeli jail. 

About Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

• The Indira Gandhi Prize, also known as the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, is an annual award presented by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust.
• Location: New Delhi
• First awarded: 1986
• Naming: After former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. 
• Eligibility and Criteria
  • It honours individuals or organisations for their exceptional contributions in
    • Promoting international peace and development.
    • Advocating for a new international economic order.
    • Ensuring scientific discoveries benefit humanity.
    • Expanding the scope of freedom.
• Award Components
  • The prize includes:
    • A cash award of 2.5 million Indian rupees.
    • A citation recognizing the recipient’s contributions.

African Penguins

Context: The African Penguin was recently listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

About African Penguins

• They are also known as Cape penguin or South African penguin, as they are confined to southern African waters. 
• Scientific name: Spheniscus demersus
• Present Status: Less than 10,000 breeding pairs are left globally, mainly concentrated in South Africa, down from 42,500 in 1991
  • African Penguins are feared to go extinct in the wild by 2035.
• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.
• Habitat: Large colonies of penguins are found along the southwestern rocky coast of Africa from Namibia to Port Elizabeth, and many of the surrounding islands. 
  • The largest colony is located on Dyer Island. 
• Prey: The preferred prey of the penguins are sardines or anchovies, capelin, and night smelt as well as squid and crustaceans.
• Features: 
  • Size: The African penguin is one of the smallest penguin species.
  • Appearance: They are covered in a black, white, and gray dense, waterproof feathers. They also have a distinct, sharply pointed beak and black feet.
    • Flecks: They have a number of dot-like markings flecked across their white chests which are unique to each penguin.
  • Communication: Penguins communicate with each other through vocalisations and body language. 
  • Cause of Decline:
    • Lack of Nutrition and Food: When Penguins starve and don’t eat enough they tend to abandon breeding.
    • Other Causes: Climate change, disturbances, predators, disease, oil spills etc.
• Threats: 
  • Tourism: Each year thousands of people visit the penguin colonies making them susceptible.
  • Industrial Fishing: Direct competition for their primary food source with the industry is resulting in a lack of food affecting their breeding behaviour.
  • Climate Change: Climate Change induced global warming is altering their habitat and ecosystem. 
• Conservation:
  • No Fishing Zones: A commercial fishing ban has been imposed around six penguin colonies for 10 years.
  • Artificial Nests and New Colonies are being made up to support breeding.

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India-Japan MOI for Co-development of UNICORN Masts

Context: India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) for the “co-development” of UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) Nora-50 integrated mast for Indian Naval Warships.

• The agreement will be implemented under the framework of the India-Japan Defence Technology Cooperation 2015 and will be the first export case of defence technology from Japan to India.

About the UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) Mast

• The Mast is a conical structure housing antennas and integrated communication systems atop Naval Platforms increasing their stealth characteristics.
• Built by: It is a result of collaboration between three Japanese companies ie. NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo K.K, and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd
• Indian Partner: For the Indian Warships the UNICORN Mast will be co-developed by Bharat Electronics Limited in India with Japanese collaboration. 
  • The Indian Navy currently uses the BEL-supplied Advanced Composite Communication System (ACCS).
• Key Features:
  • Radome: It consolidates multiple communication antennas into a single, state-of-the-art radar dome, known as a radome minimising electronic signatures and enhancing stealth.
  • TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation System): UNICORN is an improvement on the TACAN antenna design framework.
    • The TACAN system constitutes a mobile transmitting unit. The airborne unit, in conjunction with the Naval platform, processes the transmitted signals to a visual presentation of both azimuth and distance information 
  • Wider Detection Range: The UNICORN system can detect the movement of missiles and drones from afar by sensing radio waves over a wide area.

India- Japan Defence Collaboration

• Tarang Shakti Exercise 2024: It is the first multilateral exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force and Japan participation marked the first air visit by Japanese fighters to India 
• Veer Guardian 2023: It is the maiden edition of the bilateral fighter exercise between the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• The Indian Navy and JMSDF interact bilaterally during JIMEX every year in addition to meeting in Multilateral settings of exercises MALABAR and MILAN.
• Development of the Andaman and Nicobar Island: Japan has aided India with 4.02 billion yen ($31 million) to develop the islands. This was the first time that India accepted foreign assistance for development on the island

Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative

Context: Tzeporah Berman, Chair and Founder of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, recently, spelt out the latest threats to the planet at COP29 in Baku.

About Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative

• Launched: The idea was conceptualised in 2016 and officially launched in 2019 through a Climate Breakthrough award.
• Endorsed by: The treaty is endorsed by 14 nations-states comprising, 
  • Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Niue, Antigua and Barbuda, Timor-Leste, Palau, Colombia,  Samoa, Nauru, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia
• First Ministerial Meeting: The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative convened its first meeting in May 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda.
• Objective: The FF-NPT desires to make it legally binding on the nations to end fossil fuel extraction and phase down existing production, and manage a just transition to renewable energy.
• Pillars: 
  • Non-Proliferation: It is a global cooperation model to end the expansion of coal, oil and gas production 
  • Fair Phase-Out: A fair and equitable plan to shut down existing fossil fuel production by inculcating the Common yet Differentiated Responsibility Principle. 
  • Just Transition: To fast-track the adoption of renewable energy and economic diversification away from fossil fuels universally.
• Aligned with Paris Agreement Goals: The Treaty aims to support the work of Paris Agreement through,
  • Implementing the New Collective Quantified Goal: It aims to establish a new financial target to assist developing countries in their climate actions post-2025.
  • Through Nationally Determined Contributions (the climate action plans submitted by countries) and Just Transition Work Programmes

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Salil Chowdhury 100th Birth Anniversary

Context: Artistes in West Bengal celebrated the centennial of Salil Chowdhury, whose body of works spans across various genres of Indian music.

About Salil Chowdhary

• Birth and Background: Born on November 19, 1925, in West Bengal, India.
• Musical Training: He was deeply rooted in Hindustani classical music, skillfully blending diverse musical styles in his compositions.
• IPTA Membership: He was an cctive member of the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), composing revolutionary songs during his tenure.

Contributuions of Salil Chowdhary

• Film Contributions: Created music for 100+ films across multiple languages, including Bengali, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Assamese, and others.
• Chemmeen (1965): A groundbreaking project that combined Bengali folk music with Western orchestration to portray Kerala’s coastal culture.
• Revolutionised music in Indian cinema, particularly Malayalam, through unique blending of Hindustani classical, Western classical, and folk styles.
• Legacy: Pioneered a melody-first approach to film music, now a standard in Malayalam cinema.
  • In Melody First Approach the composition of music is done before writing the Lyrics.

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