Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CSR and ESG frameworks and other such initiatives
Mains level: CSR and ESG corporate governance and responsibility
What’s the news?
- The growing importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental-Social-Governance (ESG) frameworks in the business world.
Central Idea
- In recent years, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a mere obligation into a potent tool for companies to contribute to society and the environment. Concurrently, the ESG disclosures gained prominence as a means to showcase energy conservation efforts and align with global commitments to combat climate change.
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
- CSR refers to the practice of companies and businesses taking on initiatives and actions that contribute positively to society, the environment, and various social causes beyond their core profit-making activities.
- CSR has become a legal requirement for certain companies under the Companies Act of 2013 in India.
What is Environmental-Social-Governance (ESG)?
- The ESG framework assesses a company’s performance and impact in three key areas: environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and corporate governance.
- ESG goes beyond traditional financial metrics to measure a company’s efforts and policies related to issues such as energy conservation, carbon footprint reduction, diversity and inclusion, employee well-being, community engagement, ethical business practices, and more.
The significance of ESG
- Addressing Climate Change: ESG provides a structured approach for businesses to tackle environmental issues, particularly climate change. It helps companies mitigate risks, enhance sustainability, and contribute to global climate goals.
- Social Responsibility: ESG encompasses social aspects such as diversity, employee well-being, and community engagement. Prioritizing these areas fosters ethical practices and positive relationships with stakeholders.
- Strong Governance: The “G” in ESG underscores effective corporate governance, which promotes transparency, accountability, and ethical business conduct. This builds investor trust and long-term sustainability.
- Financial Performance: Companies emphasizing inclusion and diversity tend to achieve financial goals more consistently. Additionally, ESG integration enhances resilience during crises and supports innovation.
- Meeting Stakeholder Expectations: ESG aligns with consumer and investor preferences for environmentally and socially conscious practices. Companies embracing ESG attract responsible consumers and investors.
- Regulatory Compliance: ESG disclosure requirements are evolving, reflecting their increasing importance. Adhering to ESG standards positions companies to comply with changing regulations.
- Long-Term Value: ESG contributes to long-term value creation by managing risks, fostering stakeholder relationships, and positioning companies for sustainable growth.
The confluence of ESG and CSR and their advantages
- Enhanced Sustainability: By aligning sustainable business goals with the established CSR framework, companies can expedite the transition to environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices. This alignment ensures that sustainability becomes a central tenet of the company’s operations.
- Multi-Stakeholder Approach: Implementing both ESG and CSR requires the collaboration and shared vision of internal and external stakeholders. This approach fosters better communication, cooperation, and effective execution of CSR initiatives, which benefits the company’s overall impact.
- Boosted Brand Recognition: The combination of ESG and CSR efforts enhances a company’s brand image, portraying it as environmentally conscious, socially responsible, and committed to ethical practices. This positive perception resonates with customers and stakeholders alike.
- Risk Mitigation: Effective CSR practices coupled with ESG considerations help companies manage risks associated with environmental and social factors. This proactive approach minimizes potential negative impacts on the business’s reputation and bottom line.
- Supply Chain Optimization: The confluence of ESG and CSR prompts companies to rethink and optimize their supply chains, from procurement to production. This transformation encourages environmentally friendly practices and reduces the overall environmental footprint.
Case Studies: Embodied Synergy
- Global giants such as Google and the luxury brand Chanel exemplify the positive outcomes of blending CSR and ESG principles.
- Google’s substantial investment in an energy-efficient supply chain significantly boosted its brand while catalyzing its green transition.
- Similarly, Chanel’s partial stake acquisition in a natural fiber manufacturer demonstrates a commitment to sustainable supply chain practices.
- These examples illustrate the potential of combining CSR and ESG for transformative impact.
What are the concerns raised?
- Transition Costs: The transition from traditional to sustainable business practices can be accompanied by high costs. Integrating ESG principles and expanding CSR initiatives might require substantial investments in infrastructure, technology, and employee training, which could strain financial resources.
- Risks and Uncertainties: Certain environmental or social initiatives might not yield immediate returns or could face opposition from stakeholders.
- Smaller Businesses: The smaller businesses might find it challenging to prioritize ESG given their limited resources. Balancing ESG considerations alongside day-to-day operations could be more difficult for smaller enterprises compared to larger corporations.
- Legitimacy of Self-Regulation: CSR is legally mandated in India but is self-regulated and voluntary in some regions, like the EU, UK, and US. Some experts raise concerns about the legitimacy of private self-regulation compared to regulation imposed by legislative bodies.
Way forward
- Advocating Regulatory Mandates for ESG: Push for regulatory mandates for ESG similar to CSR to ensure a structured approach. Collaborate to define legal integration, especially for smaller businesses.
- Incentivizing ESG Investments: Reforms in economic policies and taxation can offer incentives like tax concessions, spurring ESG investments for sustainable practices.
- Comprehensive Policy Frameworks: Implement organization-wide policy frameworks, embedding sustainability into all decisions, ensuring accountability, and facilitating regulatory compliance.
- Holistic Integration: Infuse CSR across supply chains, led by transparent, larger corporations setting standards for others.
- Digital connectivity and financial inclusion: with a projected 40 percent of the population transitioning to urban life by 2030, the aspirations of rural regions are harmonizing with urban benchmarks. However, the translation of intentions into action necessitates addressing crucial imperatives such as digital connectivity and financial inclusion.
- Unified Approach: Blending CSR and ESG aligns business goals with sustainability, benefiting consumers, investors, employees, and society overall.
Conclusion
- The amalgamation of CSR and ESG provides a dynamic route towards sustainable growth. This synergy encapsulates responsible corporate citizenship and offers a transformative pathway to address challenges collectively. By harmonizing these two pillars, businesses contribute to a future where progress is intertwined with responsibility, promising a thriving world for all.
Also read:
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Yasuni National Park
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Ecuadorians made a historic decision by rejecting oil drilling by a referendum in Yasuni National Park, a biodiverse Amazonian region.
About Yasuni National Park
- Yasuni National Park, declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1989, spans 1 million hectares and harbors exceptional biodiversity.
- It is part of the Amazon rainforest, which itself is a global hotspot for species diversity.
- It is situated in the northeastern part of Ecuador, within the Napo and Pastaza provinces.
- It covers an area of approximately 9,820 square km (3,791 square miles).
- The park is considered one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth.
Unique features
- Biodiversity: It is estimated that Yasuni contains around 670 species of birds, over 150 species of amphibians, and numerous large mammals like jaguars, pumas, and tapirs.
- Indigenous Communities: Yasuni is home to several indigenous communities, including the Waorani and Kichwa peoples, who have lived in the area for generations and have a deep connection to the land.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: North Sea
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Recent endorsement by U.K. Prime Minister of plans for fresh fossil fuel drilling off Britain’s coast has sparked a debate among environmental experts.
- Amidst global concerns about climate change, the decision raises questions about the country’s commitment to sustainability and its impact on climate goals.
Evolution of North Sea Drilling
- Origins and Legislation: The North Sea drilling history dates back to the 1958 Geneva Convention on the Continental Shelf, which set the stage for exploration in the region.
- Continental Shelf Act: The U.K. Parliament’s enactment of the Continental Shelf Act in 1964 established the country’s jurisdiction over oil and gas resources beneath its seabed.
Milestones and Concerns in Drilling
- Early Exploration and Challenges: British Petroleum (BP) was granted the first exploration license in 1964, leading to natural gas discovery the following year.
- Forties Field Discovery: BP’s breakthrough commercial oil discovery in the Forties Field in 1970 marked a significant milestone.
- Expanding Operations and Safety Revamp: The following years witnessed increased exploration activities and installation of oil platforms. The Piper Alpha disaster in 1988 prompted crucial safety reforms.
Rationale and Concerns
- Government’s Position: In an official statement, the government justified the move as a strategy to enhance Britain’s energy independence.
- Environmental Alarm: However, environmental experts express apprehension, especially given the global push towards averting irreversible climate change.
North Sea Transition Authority and Offshore Licensing
- NTSA’s Role: The North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA) is responsible for regulating the oil, gas, and carbon storage sectors.
- Offshore Licensing Round: The NTSA is currently conducting the 33rd offshore oil and gas licensing round, aiming to award more than 100 licenses.
- Timing and Awards: The first licenses are expected to be granted in the autumn, furthering the expansion of drilling operations.
Shaping Geopolitical Energy Dependence
- Energy Security Concerns: The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of domestic oil and gas sources, even as the country aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Strategic Implications: The decision is portrayed as an effort to reduce reliance on oil and gas imports, which could originate from potentially unfavourable sources.
Ecological Concerns and Climate Impact
- Adverse Environmental Effects: Offshore drilling poses risks to workers, marine ecosystems, and climate health. It contributes to ocean warming, rising sea levels, and threatens marine biodiversity.
- Carbon Pollution Impact: Carbon pollution settling into oceans contributes to acidification, endangering coral reefs and shellfish.
Evaluating UK’s Climate Commitments
- Climate Change Committee Report: The Climate Change Committee (CCC) pointed out deficiencies in the U.K.’s preparations for climate change under the National Adaptation Programme.
- Adaptation Implementation: The CCC’s assessment highlighted a lack of substantial implementation of adaptation measures to address climate risks.
- Inconsistent with Paris Agreement: The Climate Action Tracker assesses the U.K.’s climate action as not fully aligned with the Paris Agreement.
- Long-Term Targets: The U.K.’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term targets do not reflect a fair share of global efforts to mitigate climate change.
- Incompatibility with Limits: Licensing new oil and gas extraction plans contradicts the 1.5°C temperature rise limit set by the Paris Agreement.
Conclusion
- The UK’s endorsement of offshore drilling reflects a complex balancing act between energy security, economic considerations, and environmental stewardship.
- As the world grapples with the imperative of combating climate change, the decisions made today hold the potential to shape the course of a sustainable future.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PLI Scheme
Mains level: Smartphone manufacturing ecosystem in India
Central Idea
- A recent dispute between former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan and Minister of State for Electronics Rajeev Chandrasekhar has brought to light differing opinions on the effectiveness of a Central government initiative aimed at bolstering electronics manufacturing in India.
- The disagreement centers around whether the scheme truly promotes self-sufficiency and robust manufacturing or merely generates low-level assembly jobs dependent on imports.
Critical Overview of the PLI Scheme
- Government Intentions: Around five years ago, India embarked on a mission to invigorate domestic manufacturing as a cornerstone of economic growth.
- Dual Strategy: The government employed a dual strategy of raising import duties (the ‘stick’) and providing incentives (the ‘carrot’) to stimulate manufacturing. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme emerged as a key component, offering financial support to companies engaged in production within India.
Triumphs and Concerns
- Focus on Smartphone Manufacturing: Among various sectors, smartphone manufacturing stood out as the frontrunner in embracing the PLI scheme.
- Impact of PLI on Smartphone Exports and Imports: The program yielded impressive results, witnessed by a surge in mobile phone exports from $300 million in FY2018 to a remarkable $11 billion in FY23. Furthermore, imports of mobile phones saw a decrease from $3.6 billion in FY2018 to $1.6 billion in FY23.
Delving into Critiques
- Rising Component Imports: A central point of contention involves the surge in imports of mobile phone components like display screens, batteries, cameras, and printed circuit boards between FY21 and FY23.
- Redefining Manufacturing: The critique challenges the conventional notion of localized manufacturing, asserting that manufacturers primarily assemble imported components.
Counterarguments
- Diverse Component Uses: The response counters the claim by asserting that imported components, such as screens and batteries, could serve multiple industries beyond mobile phones.
- Partial PLI Implementation: The response clarifies that only approximately 22% of mobile production in India is supported by the PLI scheme.
- Import Dependency Clarification: It is emphasized that not all imports are utilized for mobile phone production.
Central Disagreement
- Critical Viewpoint: One perspective underscores that even if a percentage of imports are used for production, India’s net exports remain in the red.
- Crux of Disagreement: The heart of the disagreement centres on whether the PLI program can generate sustainable job growth and elevate India’s manufacturing prowess to encompass value-added production.
Conclusion
- The spirited exchange encapsulates the intricacies of India’s electronics manufacturing scheme.
- While both sides present compelling viewpoints, a fundamental question persists: Can the PLI program truly foster enduring job opportunities and propel India towards becoming a hub of value-enriched manufacturing?
- As India charts its economic course, striking the right balance between incentivizing domestic production and investing in comprehensive socio-economic advancement remains a formidable challenge.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gene-Edited Mustard, Crispr, Cas9
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Among India’s domestically grown oilseeds, rapeseed-mustard stands out.
- However, its pungent oil and unpalatable meal have posed challenges for both consumers and livestock.
- Scientists have undertaken breeding efforts to create Canola-quality (white) mustard with reduced pungency and improved meal quality.
About Rapeseed-Mustard
- Rapeseed-Mustard: India’s significant oilseed is rapeseed-mustard, contributing significantly to vegetable oil production and meal availability.
- Pungency: Mustard seeds contain glucosinolates, compounds that give the oil and meal their pungent flavor and odor.
Quest for Canola-Quality Mustard
- Canola-Quality Pursuit: Scientists aimed to breed mustard lines with low glucosinolate content similar to Canola.
- Reducing Pungency: Efforts to create low-pungency oil and meal have faced challenges due to the necessity of glucosinolates in plant defense.
- Vulnerability to Pests and Diseases: Canola-quality mustard lines have not been cultivated extensively due to their susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Role of Gene Editing
- Innovative Research: Gene editing emerges as a solution to balance glucosinolate levels for improved quality and plant defence.
- CRISPR/Cas9 Approach: Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tool to target and modify 10 out of 12 GTR genes in Indian mustard.
- Achieving Desired Changes: Editing GTR genes led to lower glucosinolate content in seeds while preserving higher levels in leaves and pod walls.
Benefits of GE Mustard
- Easy Synthesis: Glucosinolates are synthesized in mustard leaves and pod walls before translocation to seeds.
- Dual Benefit of Glucosinolates: The study revealed that edited mustard lines with low-seed glucosinolates exhibited improved defence against pests and diseases.
Distinction between GE and GM
- GE Mustard: The new mustard lines are genome-edited (GE), not genetically modified (GM).
- Transgene-Free Solution: Unlike GM crops with foreign genes, GE lines have no foreign DNA and no residual gene-editing tools.
Regulatory Considerations and Future Prospects
- Regulation Changes: India’s regulatory environment is shifting, exempting GE plants free of exogenous introduced DNA from stringent approval requirements.
- Potential Field Trials: Scientists are preparing for open field trials of GE mustard, with expectations to conduct them in the upcoming planting season.
- Importance of Self-Reliance: With massive edible oil imports, domestic oilseed production through breeding advancements like GE mustard becomes vital for self-reliance.
Economic Implications and Self-Sufficiency
- Importance of Oilseeds: India’s substantial edible oil imports highlight the need for boosting domestic oilseed production.
- Mustard’s Role: Mustard’s high oil content and protein-rich meal position it as a significant oilseed crop.
- Potential Benefits: Both GE mustard and GM hybrid mustard have the potential to reduce dependence on imported vegetable oils.
Conclusion
- The journey of rapeseed mustard from its pungent state to a potentially improved, self-sufficient crop demonstrates the power of innovative breeding techniques.
- The breakthrough in gene editing opens doors to balancing quality and plant defence.
Back2Basics: CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing Tool
- CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary technology allowing precise genetic modifications by altering DNA sequences.
- It’s a cutting-edge tool in genetic manipulation, generating excitement in the scientific community.
How does it work?
- CRISPR-Cas9 employs two crucial components for DNA change:
-
- Cas9 enzyme: Functions as molecular scissors, cutting DNA strands at a specific location.
- Guide RNA (gRNA): Composed of a short, pre-designed RNA sequence within a longer scaffold. The scaffold guides Cas9 to the right genomic spot.
- Guide RNA complements a target DNA sequence. It binds only to the specific DNA region, avoiding unintended interactions.
- Cas9 follows guide RNA to the DNA sequence, creating a cut across both strands.
- Cell recognizes the DNA damage and initiates repair.
- Scientists harness repair processes to modify genes in a cell’s genome.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PFA, Forever Chemicals
Mains level: Residual chemicals and the pollution caused
A recent study published in Environment Science and Technology has found that rainwater from many places across the globe is contaminated with “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,” (PFAs) also called “forever chemicals”.
What are PFAs?
- PFAs are man-made chemicals used to make non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, cosmetics, fire-fighting forms and many other products that resist grease, water and oil.
- They refer to a group of over 3,000 widely used human-made chemicals linked to cancer and other health risks.
- They have tendency to stick around in the atmosphere, rainwater and soil for long periods of time.
- PFAs can migrate to the soil, water and air during their production and use.
- Since most PFAs do not break down, they remain in the environment for long periods of time.
- Some of these PFAs can build up in people and animals if they are repeatedly exposed to the chemicals.
What harm do PFAs cause?
- A variety of health risks are attributed to PFA exposure, including decreased fertility, developmental effects in children, interference with body hormones, increased cholesterol levels and increased risk of some cancers.
- Recent research has also revealed that long-term low-level exposure to certain PFAs can make it difficult for humans to build antibodies after being vaccinated against various diseases.
How can these chemicals be removed from rainwater?
- There is no known method that can extract and remove PFAs from the atmosphere itself.
- There are many effective, albeit expensive, methods to remove them from rainwater that has been collected through various rainwater harvesting methods.
- One way to do this would be to use a filtration system with activated carbon.
- The activated carbon will need to be removed and replaced regularly.
- Also, the old contaminated material must be destroyed.
Remedial measures
- A cheaper method is under trial.
- The researchers first placed a PFA compound in a solvent called DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide).
- They then mixed it with sodium hydroxide (lye) in water.
- They found that when this mixture was heated up to boiling temperature, the PFA compound began to degrade.
- However, this method doesn’t work for all PFAs and only works for certain PFA subsets.
UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Heatwaves
Mains level: Heatwaves carry a dual impact: physical discomfort and psychological distress, coping strategies
What’s the news?
- As heatwaves grow fiercer and more frequent, their influence on mental health becomes undeniable, prompting experts to explore the intricate connections.
Central idea
- In recent times, the intensifying and prolonged heatwaves have gone beyond scorching temperatures and have started to scorch minds as well. The impact of soaring temperatures on mental health has gained newfound recognition, necessitating a deeper examination of the interplay between climate change and our psychological well-being.
What are Heat Waves?
- Heatwaves generally occur in India between March and June.
- IMD declares a heatwave event when the maximum daytime temperature for a location in the plains crosses 40 degrees Celsius.
- Over the hills, the threshold temperature is 30 degrees Celsius.
What is meant by Climate Distress?
- Climate Distress is a term coined to describe a range of emotions triggered by the environmental changes brought about by climate change.
- It encompasses feelings such as anxiety, terror, sadness, shame, and guilt, all of which stem from the recognition of the broader consequences of climate change
Frequency of Heatwaves in India
- Increase in frequency and intensity: India has been witnessing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in recent years.
- For instance: In April and May 2022, around 350 million Indians were exposed to strong heat stress. On average, six heat wave events occur every year in the northern parts of the country.
- Rise in summer temperatures as well as winter temperatures: Summer temperatures have risen by an average of 0.5–0.9 °C across districts in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan between 1990 and 2019. In addition, around 54% of India’s districts have seen a similar rise in winter temperatures.
- Temperature rise projection: It is expected that between 2021 and 2050, the maximum temperature will rise by 2–3.5 °C in 100 districts and by 1.5–2°C in around 455 districts. Winter temperatures will also rise between 1°C and 1.5°C in around 485 districts.
Heatwaves: The Looming Threat
- Studies have uncovered alarming correlations between elevated temperatures and a rise in suicides, violent crimes, aggression, hospitalizations for mental disorders, and even mortality.
- Patients with conditions like schizophrenia, dementia, psychosis, and substance use disorders are particularly vulnerable.
- For every 1-degree Celsius increase, the risk of death among patients with such disorders rises by nearly 5%.
- A seminal study analyzed data from over 2 million individuals with private insurance, revealing a spike in emergency department visits for mental health issues during the hottest days of summer.
The Physical-Mental Connection
- Heat’s influence isn’t confined to discomfort; it sets off a cascade of physiological changes that translate into emotional and mental shifts.
- Increased heart rates due to heat can lead to heightened anxiety.
- The neurotransmitter serotonin, linked to mood regulation, anxiety, and depression, also affects temperature perception.
- Certain drugs can amplify heat’s impact on body temperature regulation, such as common medications for schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Heatwaves: The Potent Agents of Psychological Distress
- Rise in Suicides and Violent Crimes: Research has uncovered a striking connection between heatwaves and a surge in suicides, violent crimes, and aggression. Studies have reported a 0.7% increase in suicides linked to rising temperatures. Additionally, a 4% to 6% increase in interpersonal violence, including homicides, has been observed during heatwaves.
- Aggravation of Mental Illnesses: Conditions like anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression are exacerbated by heatwaves. Irritability, anger, and anxiety intensify, making symptom management challenging.
- Sleep Impact: Heatwaves disrupt sleep patterns, impacting mental health. Disturbed sleep leads to mood disorders, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.
- Vulnerable Groups: Older adults, adolescents, and those with preexisting mental issues are especially vulnerable. Physiological vulnerabilities worsen their mental distress during heatwaves.
- Physiological Stress Response: Heatwaves trigger increased heart rates, heightening anxiety levels. The physiological stress response amplifies emotional arousal.
- Medication Interaction: Mental health medications interacting with heat worsen physical and mental effects, exacerbating psychological distress.
- Routine Disruption and Isolation: Heatwaves disrupt routines and limit social interactions, fostering loneliness and frustration, amplifying psychological distress.
- Climate Change Impact: Heatwaves are part of climate change’s wider impact, contributing to environmental uncertainty. This awareness triggers anxiety, fear, and helplessness.
Coping Strategies
- Recognizing the Reality: Understanding that the threats posed by heatwaves and climate change are real is the first step. Acknowledging the potential impact on mental health helps individuals prepare and seek appropriate support.
- Traditional Coping Strategies: While traditional coping strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy and medications are valuable, the unique nature of climate distress requires acknowledging that the threat is tangible and not just a matter of perception.
- Advocating for Change: Channeling distress into advocacy can be empowering. Participating in climate initiatives and advocating for policies addressing the root causes of climate change can provide a sense of purpose.
- Fostering Resilience: Building resilience through mindfulness techniques and stress reduction practices can help individuals manage the anxiety and fear associated with climate distress.
Conclusion
- Heatwaves carry a dual impact: physical discomfort and psychological distress. Recognizing and addressing the mental health implications of climate change is an urgent endeavor. As our understanding evolves, it becomes imperative to support individuals and communities in navigating the profound mental effects of escalating temperatures.
Also read:
Heat domes, anticyclones and climate change: What’s causing heat waves across the world?
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BRICS and other multilateral forums
Mains level: India’s multipolarity rhetoric and challenges
What’s the news?
- India’s pivotal role in the upcoming BRICS summit in South Africa from August 22 to 24 underscores its evolving diplomatic challenges and potential impact on global geopolitics.
Central idea
- The global geopolitical stage is once again witnessing the active participation of India. With the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit around the corner, India finds itself at a crucial juncture of international diplomacy. This summit not only tests the waters of Indian diplomacy but also holds clues to the trajectory of global geopolitics.
All you need to know about BRICS
- BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
- Jim O’Neill, a British economist, coined the term ‘BRIC’ to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. He made a case for BRIC on the basis of econometric analyses projecting that the four economies would individually and collectively occupy far greater economic space and become among the world’s largest economies.
- The importance of BRICS is self-evident: it represents 42% of the world’s population, 30% of the land area, 24% of global GDP, and 16% of international trade.
- The five BRICS countries are also members of the G-20.
Agenda of the BRICS
The regular annual summit and deliberation of BRICS has considerably widened over the years to encompass topical global issues such as:
- International terrorism
- Climate change
- Food and energy security
- International economic and financial situation
- Reform of the Bretton Woods Institutions
- Trade protectionism and the WTO
Significance of BRICS for India
- Economic Cooperation: BRICS countries together account for a substantial portion of the world’s population and GDP. For India, being part of this grouping allows for enhanced economic cooperation, trade, investment, and collaboration in various sectors, contributing to economic growth and development.
- Global Influence and Voice: BRICS provides India with a platform to engage on the global stage and express its views on important international issues. As a member of BRICS, India’s voice is amplified in discussions related to global economic governance, trade, climate change, and more.
- Geo-political: BRICS offers India the opportunity to diversify its economic and diplomatic engagements beyond traditional partners. It helps India strengthen ties with fellow emerging economies, reducing dependency on a few major economies.
- Strategic : The BRICS Summit provides India with a forum for engaging in strategic dialogues with like-minded countries on various geopolitical and security matters. This is particularly important given India’s strategic interests in its neighborhood and beyond.
- Trade and Investment Opportunities: BRICS countries offer substantial trade and investment opportunities for India. The collective market potential of these nations can help Indian businesses expand their global footprint and increase exports.
- Development Cooperation: BRICS member countries often cooperate in areas of mutual interest, such as development financing, infrastructure projects, and technology sharing. This cooperation can benefit India’s efforts to address its development challenges.
- Technology and Innovation Sharing: BRICS cooperation can facilitate the sharing of technology, innovation, and best practices among member countries, aiding India’s efforts to modernize its industries and infrastructure.
- Joint Efforts on Global Challenges: BRICS members often work together to address global challenges, such as climate change, sustainable development, and poverty alleviation. Collaborative efforts can amplify India’s contributions to these issues.
Achievements of BRICS
- Establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB): BRICS countries established the New Development Bank in 2014 to fund infrastructure and sustainable development projects in member countries and other emerging economies.
- Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA): The CRA was established to provide member countries with financial support in times of crisis. It acts as a mechanism to address short-term liquidity pressures and enhance financial stability among BRICS nations.
- Economic Cooperation and Trade: BRICS countries have increased economic cooperation and trade among themselves.The BRICS Trade Fair promotes business-to-business interactions, showcasing products and services from member countries and facilitating trade deals.
- Joint Efforts on Global Challenges: BRICS members have collaborated on addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and poverty alleviation. BRICS members issued a joint declaration at the 2018 summit in South Africa, emphasizing their commitment to the Paris Agreement and sustainable development.
- Academic and Cultural Exchanges: BRICS countries have promoted academic and cultural exchanges, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among scholars, students, and cultural groups from member states.The BRICS Network University fosters collaboration among universities in member countries, promoting academic research and exchange programs.
- Strengthened Global South Voice: BRICS has become a platform for emerging economies to assert their interests and perspectives on global issues. It has strengthened the representation of the Global South in international discussions.
- Infrastructure Investment: The BRICS NDB has funded various infrastructure projects in member countries, contributing to development and job creation while addressing critical infrastructure gaps.The NDB approved a $1 billion loan to South Africa for renewable energy projects, supporting the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
The 15th BRICS Summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 22-24 August 2023.
The important highlights of the Summit are as follows:
- Theme: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”.
- Gifts from India: The PM of India gifted Bidri Surahi, Nagaland Shawl, and Gond Paintings to BRICS leaders.
- BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue: India participated in the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue:
- Participation: The meeting included leaders from BRICS countries along with guest countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
- Invitation for International Initiatives: India extended invitations for countries to join international initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, One Sun One World One Grid, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, One Earth One Health, Big Cat Alliance, and Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.
Joint Statement: Leaders express support for India’s G20 Presidency.
- Support for G20 Presidencies: Backed Brazil and South Africa’s G20 Presidencies in 2024 and 2025, focusing on global South representation.
- Opposition to Unilateral Measures: Condemned unilateral coercive actions, advocated inclusive multilateralism, and upheld international law.
- Global Governance Enhancement: Aimed to improve global governance through agility, efficiency, representation, and democratic accountability.
- Human Rights Cooperation: Committed to cooperating on human rights under equality and mutual respect principles within BRICS and international platforms.
- Agriculture and Food Security: Strived for fair agricultural trade, ending hunger, sustainable agriculture, and resilient practices.
- UN Reform: Supported comprehensive UN reform, including the Security Council, for enhanced democracy, effectiveness, and developing country representation.
- Peaceful Conflict Resolution: Committed to peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue and inclusiveness while recognising women’s participation in peace processes.
More than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS, and 22 have formally asked to be admitted. Therefore, leaders of the BRICS in the 15th Summit have agreed on mechanisms for considering new members.
- First phase of expansion: The countries including Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have received invitations to join BRICS. This new membership is set to take effect from January 1, 2024.
Reasons for the BRICS expansion:
- China’s strategic move for global influence.
- FOMO: Fear of missing out on a visible club.
- Limited options in other groups.
- Anti-western sentiment and Global South unity
Challenges faced by BRICS
- Divergent National Interests: BRICS members have diverse economic and political priorities, which can sometimes lead to conflicting interests. Example: China’s emphasis on export-led growth might conflict with India’s efforts to reduce its trade deficit with China, creating economic tensions within the group.
- Economic Inequalities: Challenge: Economic disparities among BRICS countries can hinder equitable distribution of benefits from cooperation. Example: South Africa, with a smaller economy compared to China and India, might find it challenging to compete for investment and trade opportunities within the group.
- Geopolitical Competition: Geopolitical rivalries and regional conflicts among BRICS members can strain cooperation. Example: China’s territorial disputes in the South China Sea have led to tensions with other BRICS countries like India, which has concerns over freedom of navigation.
- Differing Political Systems: BRICS countries have different political systems and levels of political freedom, impacting their approaches to governance and international relations. Example: Russia’s political landscape differs significantly from the democratic systems in Brazil, India, and South Africa, potentially affecting consensus on certain issues.
- Infrastructure and Connectivity Gaps: Inadequate infrastructure and connectivity gaps within BRICS countries can hinder trade and collaboration. Example: Insufficient transport and logistics infrastructure in some member countries can hinder smooth movement of goods and services.
- Institutional Limitations: The institutional structure of BRICS, including the New Development Bank, might face limitations in terms of resources, decision-making processes, and lending capacity. The NDB might struggle to finance large-scale projects without relying on external resources beyond the BRICS nations.
- Economic Volatility: Economic fluctuations and market vulnerabilities can impact the stability of BRICS economies. Example: The global economic recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic affected BRICS nations differently, leading to varying levels of economic contraction and recovery.
- Regional and Bilateral Disputes: Regional and bilateral disputes among BRICS members can strain the group’s unity and shared objectives. Example: The Doklam standoff between India and China in 2017 created tensions and highlighted potential areas of conflict within BRICS.
- Leadership Rotation and Priorities: Each BRICS member country holds the rotating presidency for a year, which can impact the continuity of the group’s priorities. Example: Each new presidency might emphasize different areas of cooperation based on its national interests and foreign policy goals.
Reforms needed in BRICS
- Inclusion of Civil Society and Private Sector: Involve civil society organizations and the private sector in discussions and initiatives to broaden perspectives and encourage innovation.
- Promotion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Align BRICS activities more explicitly with the United Nations’ SDGs to foster sustainable and inclusive development across member countries.Launch joint projects on renewable energy deployment across member countries, addressing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
- Humanitarian and Disaster Response Collaboration: Establish a BRICS Disaster Response Task Force to coordinate resources and expertise during natural disasters.
- Expanding Membership or Partnerships: Consider the possibility of expanding the membership or establishing strategic partnerships with other emerging economies that share similar interests and values.
- Promotion of Digital Connectivity: Foster digital connectivity and technological collaboration among BRICS members to capitalize on the benefits of the digital economy.
- Regular Assessment of Goals and Progress: Periodically evaluate the achievements, challenges, and relevance of BRICS objectives to ensure they remain aligned with member countries’ evolving interests.
- Climate Change and Environmental Cooperation: Establish a BRICS Environmental Fund to finance joint environmental protection and conservation projects.
Way Forward for India
- BRICS’ Role: BRICS can serve as an alternative platform to address global governance deficiencies, despite its imperfections. It could initiate discussions on more inclusive global governance.
- Navigating Complexity: India’s geopolitical choices are complex due to its affiliations in various forums. India’s participation in non-Western platforms reflects a response to historical inequities.
- Balancing Geopolitical Shifts: As competing blocs emerge, India must balance affiliations between a China-centric and a West-centric world order. Striking this balance is crucial to India’s global positioning.
- Managing China’s Rise: India needs to consider whether its actions inadvertently support China’s ascent. While India must moderate China’s influence, it should avoid alienating other global South nations.
- Safeguarding National Interests: India’s active participation in global forums must align with promoting equitable global governance while ensuring its national interests are safeguarded.
Conclusion
- Amid global uncertainties, India’s role in the BRICS summit gains prominence. Balancing between non-Western forums and Western ties, India aims for equitable global governance while managing China’s ascendancy. These decisions could mold India’s path and impact the evolving international landscape.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ajnala Massacre
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- A recent collaborative effort of professional geneticists has resulted in a scientific confirmation of the Ajnala massacre – an event lost to history for 165 years.
- This project, marked by emotional intensity and rigorous analysis, brought long-lost victims to light through molecular and isotope data.
Ajnala Massacre
- Buried Tragedy: 282 soldiers of the 26th Native Bengal Infantry Regiment met a brutal fate during the 1857 uprising, drowned in a well by the British East India Company.
- Discovery of Location: Cooper’s book provided clues that helped locate the 1857 Kallianwala Martyrs’ Well beneath the Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Ajnala.
- Chance Encounter: In 2003, historian Surinder Kochhar found a reference to ‘Ajnala’ in a discarded book titled “Crisis in Punjab” by Frederick Henry Cooper.
- Massacre Rediscovered: Kochhar’s research led to the revelation of the Ajnala Massacre, a grim incident hidden for over 157 years.
Excavation and Revelation
- Unveiling the Remains: The well was excavated in 2014, exposing the skeletal remains of the soldiers.
- Gruesome Discovery: During the 1857 Sepoy mutiny, many Indian soldiers revolted against the British. Around 500 revolted at Mian Mir Cantonment in Lahore.
- Evading execution: They swam across the Ravi River to reach the town of Ajnala, now in Amritsar district. Of them, 218 were killed by British soldiers at Dadian Sofian village near Ajnala.
- Dumped into a well: The remaining 282 were stuffed in a small room, where many died of asphyxiation. The rest were shot dead and their bodies were thrown into a well, which was later named “Kalianwala Khu” and “Shaheedan da Khu”.
Verification and Acknowledgment
- Scientific Verification: DNA-based evidence confirmed that the remains belonged to soldiers of the 26th Native Bengal Infantry regiment.
- Historical Importance: The Ajnala Massacre adds to the narrative of the 1857 Indian uprising against the British East India Company’s oppression.
Conclusion
- The Ajnala Massacre underscores the often-overlooked brutalities of the 1857 Indian uprising.
- The lack of acknowledgement and memorials can be attributed to the government’s hesitance to address uncomfortable aspects of history.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GIDH
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In a significant stride towards global healthcare innovation, the World Health Organization (WHO) and India’s G20 presidency have jointly unveiled the ‘Global Initiative on Digital Health’ (GIDH).
- The announcement was made at the Health Minister’s Meeting during the G20 Summit, hosted by the Indian Government.
What is GIDH?
- WHO and G20 Partnership: The WHO and India’s G20 presidency collaboratively introduced the ‘Global Initiative on Digital Health’ (GIDH).
- Strategy Implementation: GIDH functions as a WHO-managed platform, supporting the implementation of the ‘Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025.’
- Transformation Acceleration: The WHO, as the strategy’s Secretariat, facilitates the global convergence of standards, best practices, and resources for expediting digital health system transformation.
Objectives of the GIDH Initiative
- Measurable Outcomes: GIDH aspires to unite nations and partners, aiming to achieve tangible results through concerted efforts.
- Prioritizing Investment Plans: The initiative seeks to establish focused investment plans for the transformation of digital health, driven by clear priorities.
- Enhancing Resource Transparency: GIDH works towards greater transparency in reporting digital health resources, ensuring effective resource allocation.
- Facilitating Global Collaboration: The initiative fosters the exchange of knowledge and collaboration among regions and countries to expedite progress.
- Comprehensive Governance: GIDH supports holistic government approaches to digital health governance within countries.
- Boosting Support: The initiative aims to enhance both technical and financial support for the implementation of the ‘Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025’ and its forthcoming phase.
India’s Role and Vision
- Digital Health Innovation: India’s G-20 Health Minister emphasized India’s role in digital health innovation at the G-20 Health Ministers’ Meeting.
- National Digital Health Architecture: India’s efforts for a comprehensive digital health ecosystem, exemplified by the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), were highlighted.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Piripkura Tribe
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Deep within the Amazon rainforest, the story of Tamandua Piripkura unfolds, embodying the struggle of Indigenous people.
- This man is one of the last three survivors of the Piripkura people.
Who are the Piripkura?
- The Piripkura tribe is a small and isolated indigenous group in Brazil.
- They are known for their extreme isolation and limited contact with the outside world.
- They have intentionally avoided contact with mainstream society and have maintained their traditional way of life for generations.
- The Piripkura territory is located in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
- Their land lies within the Amazon rainforest, an area that is rich in biodiversity and crucial for the ecological balance of the region.
Their dwindling population
- The Piripkura tribe is estimated to consist of only 3 individuals.
- Exact population figures are difficult to determine due to their isolation and the challenges associated with conducting a comprehensive census.
- They face numerous challenges to their survival, including threats from illegal logging, mining, and land encroachment.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Thoppikkallu
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Recent archaeological excavations in Tirunaya near Nagaparamba (Kerala) have brought to light a collection of hemispherical laterite stones known as hat stones or Thoppikkallu in Malayalam.
Nagaparamba Megalithic Treasure
- Thoppikkallu: Hat stones, referred to as Thoppikkallu in Malayalam, served as lids for burial urns during the megalithic era, offering a unique glimpse into burial practices.
- Cultural Insights: The discoveries may provide valuable insights into the life and culture of the ancient inhabitants of the area, dating back more than 2,000 years.
Unraveling the Mystery of Megaliths
- Megalithic Structures: Megaliths were constructed as either burial sites or commemorative memorials, creating a distinctive landscape of archaeological significance.
- Burial Remains: Examples of burial megaliths include dolmenoid cists, cairn circles, and capstones, each with its unique design and purpose.
- Non-Sepulchral Megaliths: Non-burial megaliths, such as menhirs, hold a different purpose and significance.
- Historical Context: The majority of Indian megaliths are attributed to the Iron Age, spanning from 1500 BC to 500 BC.
- Regional Concentration: These intriguing structures are concentrated in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 370, K.N. Rajagopal v. M Karunanidhi Verdict (1971)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- A landmark Supreme Court judgment from over four decades ago has become an obstacle to the Centre’s assertion that the “breakdown of constitutional machinery” in J&K.
- Over this, the centre had justified the events leading to the abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019.
- This judgment poses a significant challenge to the narrative surrounding the abrogation.
Rajagopal versus M Karunanidhi Verdict (1971)
- Governor’s Role: The judgment underscores that the Governor, though appointed by the President, does not lead to a breakdown of constitutional machinery when a legislative Assembly is dissolved.
- Historical Precedent: The Constitution Bench judgment in K.N. Rajagopal versus M Karunanidhi, authored by Chief Justice S.M. Sikri in 1971, supports this view.
Essence of the Judgment
- Central Tenet: The judgment clarifies that when a Governor dissolves a State’s legislative Assembly and assumes its powers, the premise of “failure of constitutional machinery” under Article 356 becomes untenable.
- Absurdity of Claim: It is pointed out that it’s illogical for the President to assert a “breakdown of constitutional machinery” when the Governor, whom the President appointed, already holds control.
Application to J&K’s Scenario
- J&K’s Timeline: In Jammu and Kashmir, the Governor dissolved the State legislative assembly on November 21, 2018.
- President’s Rule: A proclamation of President’s rule was issued on December 19, 2018, followed by Parliament’s approval on January 3, 2019. Extension of President’s rule occurred on July 3, 2019.
- Abrogation of A370: The Centre, on August 5, 2019, introduced the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, changing the provisions of Article 370.
- Legislating the abrogation: The next day, Parliament abrogated Article 370, reorganizing the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Legal issues with Article 370 Abrogation
- Challenging Constitutionality: Litigants argues that beneath the perceived constitutionality, there lies evident illegality. Once the State Assembly was dissolved, there was no breakdown of machinery.
- Governor’s Powers: The Governor’s assumption of powers contradicts such a breakdown, making the President’s proclamation under Article 356 jurisdictionally flawed.
- Constitutional Entity: Referring to the S.R. Bommai case, it is highlighted that a State as a “constitutional entity” should outlast Article 356’s intervention.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: History of Kashmir's accession
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The intricate tale of Kashmir’s “special status” has been a source of enduring conflict and turmoil within India and its neighbouring Pakistan.
- Unravelling the events that led to rolling in of the UN in the Kashmir dispute, requires delving into verified historical facts.
Kashmir: Birth of a Princely State
- Origins: The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir emerged in 1846 when the British sold Kashmir to Gulab Singh, the Dogra jagirdar of Jammu, after the first Anglo-Sikh War.
- Hari Singh’s Heritage: Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler during India’s independence, was Gulab Singh’s descendant and envisioned an independent and neutral Kashmir.
Dilemma of Accession
- Independence Aspiration: Hari Singh aspired for Kashmir’s independence post-British rule, with a vision of a “Switzerland of the East.”
- Viceroy’s Visit: Viceroy Lord Louis Mountbatten suggested Hari Singh’s accession to either India or Pakistan, but the state wanted to remain independent.
- Gurdaspur’s Significance: The Radcliffe Boundary Commission’s decision on Gurdaspur was pivotal. The district’s inclusion in India secured a practical route for Kashmir’s potential accession.
The Turning Point
- Infiltration and Conflict: Infiltrators crossed over from Pakistan in October 1947, advancing swiftly. The identity of the infiltrators and their motivation remains disputed between India and Pakistan.
- Pakistani Motivation: Pakistan claims the raiders acted independently, avenging atrocities against Muslims in India, while India asserts their involvement was orchestrated.
- Jinnah’s Knowledge: Opinions diverge on whether Jinnah was informed about the infiltrators’ plan, with conflicting accounts of his awareness.
Imperative of Accession
- Hari Singh’s Request: Hari Singh requested military aid from India in response to the infiltrations, leading to India’s intervention.
- Instrument of Accession: VP Menon brought the Instrument of Accession from Hari Singh, formalizing the state’s accession to India.
Plebiscite and the UN Involvement
- Mountbatten’s Stance: Mountbatten’s recommendation to involve the UN stemmed from his pessimism about bilateral negotiations between India and Pakistan.
- UN Involvement: India took the Kashmir issue to the UN in 1948, seeking intervention to resolve the conflict. The framing of the issue as the “India-Pakistan question” was seen as a symbolic defeat for India.
- Stance of World Powers: US and UK’s inclination toward Pakistan, in part due to geopolitical considerations, influenced the UN’s approach to the issue.
Why did India go to the UN?
- International Attention: India sought global attention and legitimacy by involving the UN in the Kashmir conflict.
- Bilateral Stalemate: Unsuccessful bilateral negotiations pushed India to explore UN mediation.
- Mountbatten’s Advice: Lord Mountbatten’s pessimism about the India-Pakistan agreement led to UN recommendation.
- Symbolic Significance: Framing the issue at the UN highlighted its international nature.
- Legitimacy and Process: UN involvement provided a structured platform for presenting arguments.
- Conflict Avoidance: UN mediation aimed to prevent further conflict escalation in the region.
Post-UN Scenario
- Plebiscite Debate: India and Pakistan both agreed on the need for a plebiscite, but differing circumstances delayed its execution.
- India’s Hardened Stand: As Pakistan aligned with the US, Nehru’s stance against a plebiscite intensified, fearing bias due to Sheikh Abdullah’s inclination towards India.
- Integration with India: Jammu and Kashmir participated in India’s democratic processes, and Article 370, granting the region “special status,” was incorporated into the Indian Constitution.
Conclusion
- The complex history of Kashmir’s “special status” remains a subject of fervent debate, with deeply entrenched narratives on both sides.
- It is within this intricate framework that the ongoing discussions and negotiations surrounding Kashmir’s future continue to unfold.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Huricances, Tropical Cyclones
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Hurricane Hilary’s unexpected trajectory towards Southern California and Mexico has caught meteorologists and residents off guard.
- The only recorded instance of a tropical storm with hurricane-force winds hitting Southern California dates back to 1858, impacting San Diego.
What is a Hurricane?
- A hurricane, also known as a tropical cyclone or typhoon in different regions, is a powerful and intense tropical storm characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and low atmospheric pressure.
- Here are the key features and characteristics of a hurricane:
- Formation: Hurricanes typically form over warm ocean waters, where the sea surface temperature is at least 26.5 degrees Celsius (about 80 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher. Warm ocean water provides the energy needed to fuel the storm’s growth.
- Energy Source: Hurricanes derive their energy from the heat released when moist air rises and condenses into clouds and rain. This process, known as latent heat release, powers the storm and leads to the development of strong winds.
- Eye: At the center of a hurricane is a relatively calm and clear area known as the “eye.” The eye is surrounded by a circular band of intense thunderstorms called the “eyewall,” where the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall occur.
- Wind Speeds: Hurricanes are characterized by extremely strong winds that can reach speeds of over 74 miles per hour (119 kilometres per hour) for a storm to be classified as a hurricane. Major hurricanes can have wind speeds exceeding 111 miles per hour (179 kilometers per hour).
- Categories: Hurricanes are categorized based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which ranges from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (strongest). Category 1 hurricanes have sustained winds of 74-95 mph, while Category 5 hurricanes have winds greater than 157 mph.
About Hurricane Hilary
- Unlike hurricane-prone states on the Gulf of Mexico, California and Mexico’s west coast lack experience in dealing with such events.
- Hurricane Hilary’s expected landfall in the Baja peninsula of Mexico poses risks of landslides, flooding, and extensive damage due to the region’s geographical features and population density.
Factors behind its intensification
- Ocean Temperature Factor: Hurricanes require ocean waters above 26 degrees Celsius to form. The west coast’s colder waters are less conducive to hurricane formation.
- Vertical Wind Shear: Strong upper-level winds can disrupt hurricanes’ structure and prevent their formation. West coast’s stronger wind shear reduces the likelihood of hurricanes.
- Trade Wind Influence: Trade winds, which steer hurricanes, play a pivotal role in directing them toward the east coast while diverting them away from the west coast.
- Westward Trajectory: Hurricanes originating in the eastern Pacific tend to move west-northwest, taking them away from the west coast and out to sea.
Climate Change induced factors
- Climate Change Impact: Climate change leads to more frequent and intense hurricanes. Rising ocean temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions contribute to increased hurricane intensity.
- Ocean Heat Absorption: Oceans have absorbed 90% of excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, leading to higher sea surface temperatures and stronger hurricanes.
- Marine Heat Waves: Elevated sea surface temperatures result in marine heat waves, intensifying storm systems and amplifying their impact on land.
- El Nino’s Role: El Niño, an abnormal warming of equatorial Pacific Ocean waters, can weaken wind shear in the eastern Pacific, creating conditions conducive to hurricane formation.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Gender stereotypical vocabs in Indian Legal System
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court of India has taken a significant step to challenge outdated ideas, especially those affecting women, by releasing a special guide.
- This guide introduces new words for lawyers and judges to use in court, aiming to fight harmful beliefs.
Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes
- The handbook provides a list of biased words and suggests better alternatives for legal documents.
- Its main aim is to provide legal experts with the means to “identify, understand, and challenge stereotypes about women.”
- It includes a list of terms that promote gender bias and offers alternative, fairer terms to be used in legal documents.
Objective and Scope of the Handbook
- Challenging Old Beliefs: The Supreme Court’s initiative aims to discard old-fashioned and harmful stereotypes, particularly those related to women, through the ‘Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes.’
- CJI’s Vision: The handbook is introduced by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who explains its purpose: to help legal professionals recognize and counter gender-based stereotypes.
- Language Transformation: The handbook includes a glossary of terms that contribute to gender bias and suggests better alternatives to be used in legal writings.
Why such a move?
[A] Language inflicting Stereotypes
- The handbook points out terms in legal language that promote gender bias and provides suggestions for change.
- Examples of Change: Instead of using “adulteress,” the handbook recommends using “Woman who has engaged in sexual relations outside of marriage” to avoid disrespectful language.
- Removing Biases: The handbook encourages using simple terms like “woman” and “wife” instead of prefixes like “chaste” or “obedient.”
- Using Neutral Language: Instead of negatively using “effeminate,” the handbook suggests using neutral terms like “confident” or “responsible.”
[B] Avoiding labelling
- Empowering Language: The handbook suggests using “survivor” or “victim” to describe individuals affected by sexual violence.
- Respecting Preferences: The choice between “survivor” and “victim” should be based on the individual’s preference.
[C] Conscious Reporting of Cases
- Separating Attire and Consent: The handbook emphasizes that a person’s clothing should never excuse unwanted touching; consent remains essential.
- Breaking Stereotypes: The handbook rejects the idea that delayed reporting of sexual assault means it didn’t happen.
- Encouraging Reporting: The handbook acknowledges the bravery required to report sexual offenses due to societal pressures.
Negative Effects of Gender Stereotypes
- Widespread Impact: Gender stereotypes lead to exclusion and prejudice in workplaces, schools, and public places.
- Education Example: The handbook illustrates how stereotypes affect students from marginalized communities, adding stress during exams.
- Government Data: Minister Subhas Sarkar’s data on dropout rates among marginalized students is shared as an example.
Legal reforms rebutting Gender Stereotypes
- Cases for Equality: The Supreme Court points out cases that reject stereotypes, like Joseph Shine vs. Union of India, which struck down the “adultery” law.
- Example Rulings: The court’s decisions in cases like the State of Jharkhand vs. Shailendra Kumar Rai and the State of Punjab vs. Gurmit Singh are explained.
Conclusion
- By offering alternatives to outdated and biased language, the handbook aims not only to reshape legal discussions but also societal viewpoints.
- Its potential impact is anticipated to extend beyond legal matters, influencing everyday perspectives and contributing to a more equitable society.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Seventh Schedule, NEET
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The conflict between Tamil Nadu and the Centre over the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) has intensified.
- It has reignited discussions about the transfer of education back to the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
Why in news?
- Educational Autonomy: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called for education’s transfer back to the State List, originally placed in the Concurrent List during the Emergency.
- NEET Controversy: Tamil Nadu’s opposition to NEET escalated dramatically after the tragic suicides of a student and his father due to exam-related stress.
Why Tamil Nadu Opposes NEET?
- Undue competition: NEET, a centralised entrance exam for medical courses, faces opposition in Tamil Nadu due to its mechanical focus on marks.
- Impact on Local Models: NEET disrupted models like Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, known for emphasizing aptitude over marks.
- In-Service Quota Impact: NEET dismantled Tamil Nadu’s in-service quota for medical graduates, adversely affecting healthcare quality.
- Disadvantages Marginalized: The exam favours affluent sections who affords lakhs worth coaching (esp. repeaters), disadvantaging underprivileged groups and hindering their aspirations.
Emotive Nature of the Issue
- Equity and Social Justice: Opposition to NEET is deeply rooted in demands for educational equity and autonomy, driven by social justice concerns.
- Kamaraj’s Vision: Tamil Nadu’s education vision, shaped by Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, emphasized accessibility and empathy for unlettered masses.
Legislative Struggles
- AIADMK Bills: The previous AIADMK government introduced Bills in 2017 seeking state autonomy in medical admissions. They were returned by the President.
- Stalin’s Efforts: In 2021, CM M.K. Stalin’s government passed the Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses Bill, 2021, aiming to abolish NEET and base admissions on Class 12 marks for social justice.
- Governor’s Opposition: Governor R.N. Ravi, opposed to the anti-NEET Bill, delayed its forwarding to the President, leading to political tensions.
Justice A.K. Rajan Committee
- Committee Formation: The Justice A.K. Rajan Committee was established in 2021 to assess NEET’s fairness in medical admissions.
- Critical Findings- Rich vs. Poor: The committee criticized NEET for favouring repeaters and coached students while disadvantaging first-time applicants, leading to reduced admissions among marginalized groups.
Why is TN now fuming?
- Concurrent List: Medical course admissions fall under the Concurrent List (Entry 25), allowing states to legislate on these matters.
- Amending Central Laws: States can enact laws related to admissions and amend central laws on admission procedures, as long as they don’t contradict parliamentary laws.
Current Scenario
- Historic Public Health Practices: Tamil Nadu’s public health infrastructure thrived on retaining PG doctors, indicating the state’s effective healthcare practices.
- Balancing Uniformity and Fairness: The NEET stalemate reflects the challenge of balancing uniformity with local values and needs.
- Clash of Values: The conflict highlights the broader tension between central standardization and local autonomy, revealing deeper debates about democracy, equality, and social justice in India.
Conclusion
- The NEET controversy in Tamil Nadu is not merely about an entrance exam; it represents a larger struggle for educational equity, autonomy, and social justice.
- The state’s commitment to its unique vision of education and healthcare clashes with central standardization, sparking a crucial dialogue about the nature of democracy and fairness in the country.
Back2Basics: Seventh Schedule
- The Seventh Schedule under Article 246 of the Indian Constitution is a pivotal component that delineates the allocation of powers between the central government and the states.
- This framework ensures an efficient governance structure by classifying subjects into three lists:
- Union List: The Union List outlines subjects on which only the Parliament can legislate. This list includes crucial aspects like defense, foreign affairs, currency, communication, and more.
- State List: The State List enumerates matters solely under the jurisdiction of state legislatures. It encompasses areas such as public health, agriculture, police, local government, and others.
- Concurrent List: The Concurrent List incorporates subjects on which both Parliament and state legislatures can enact laws. However, in case of a conflict, federal supremacy grants authority to the Parliament’s law.
Evolution and Dynamics
- Over time, the Union List expanded to encompass significant areas such as defense, banking, and foreign affairs.
- The State List’s scope included subjects like public order, police, and agriculture, critical for regional governance.
- The Concurrent List reflects matters of shared importance like criminal law, civil procedure, population control, and more.
Amendments and Special Provisions:
- 42nd Amendment Act (1976): It transferred select subjects like education, forests, and administration of justice from the State List to the Concurrent List.
- 101st Amendment Act (2018): It introduced a special provision for Goods and Services Tax (GST), allowing both Parliament and state legislatures to make laws regarding GST.
Power Distribution and Conflict Resolution:
- Parliament’s jurisdiction prevails over the State List and the Concurrent List in cases of overlap.
- In cases of overlap between the Union List and the State List, the Union List takes precedence.
- If there’s a conflict between the Union List and the Concurrent List, the Union List prevails.
- In situations of conflict between central and state laws on a Concurrent List subject, central law prevails. An exception exists if the state law has the president’s assent.
Consultative Approaches
- Sarkaria Commission (1983) recommended maintaining the existing list allocation, emphasizing the absence of a strong case for transferring items from the Concurrent List to the State List.
- Venkatachaliah Commission (2002) underscored the lack of a formal institution requiring consultation between the Union and states while legislating under the Concurrent List.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GM crops and recent developments
Mains level: Gene-edited mustard and its advantages
What’s the news?
- Scientists have used gene editing to create mustard plants with lower glucosinolate levels in seeds, improving their suitability for cooking oil and animal feed, potentially reducing India’s reliance on imported vegetable oils.
Central idea
- India’s domestically grown oilseeds, like rapeseed and mustard, provide cooking oil and protein-rich livestock meals. However, the pungent flavor from high glucosinolate levels limits consumer appeal, and an unpalatable meal poses livestock challenges. A genetic breakthrough offers hope, potentially transforming mustard’s applications.
Rapeseed-Mustard: A Key Crop
- Rapeseed-mustard plays a vital role in India’s oilseed landscape, accounting for 42.6% of vegetable oil production and 30.3% of meal production, second only to soyabean.
- Glucosinolates in mustard seeds contribute to the characteristic pungency of their oil and meal.
What is glucosinolate?
- Glucosinolates are a group of sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds found in plants, including rapeseed-mustard.
- These compounds contribute to the distinctive pungent taste and aroma of mustard seeds and other cruciferous vegetables.
- The glucosinolates in mustard seeds are responsible for their characteristic flavor but can also limit their acceptability for consumption and livestock feed due to their strong taste and potential negative effects on animals.
The Distinction Between GE and GM Crops
- Genetically Modified (GM) Crops:
- Contain foreign genes from other species, such as Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria in cotton or Bar-Barnase-Barstar in GM hybrid mustard.
- Subject to stringent environmental release regulations in India, requiring clearance from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment.
- GEAC’s approval is not solely binding; final authorization comes from the Union Government.
- Genetically Edited (GE) Crops:
- Are transgene-free or non-GM, containing no foreign genes.
- The Cas9 enzyme, used for gene editing, is eliminated in subsequent generations, resulting in transgene-free lines.
- Benefit from an exemption provided by the MoEFCC on the requirement for GEAC approval for open field trials of GE plants free of exogenous introduced DNA.
- Approval is now necessary at the level of an Institutional Bio-Safety Committee (IBSC) comprising scientists engaged in GE crop development and the DBT.
A Breakthrough in Gene Editing
- Researchers, including those at Delhi University and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, have employed CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to address the glucosinolate issue.
- They edited 10 out of 12 GTR genes in the Varuna mustard variety, significantly reducing glucosinolate content in seeds while maintaining higher levels in leaves and pod walls.
- This editing also improved resistance to fungal pathogens and insect pests, enhancing the plant’s defense mechanisms.
Significance of this development
- Reducing Edible Oil Imports: India’s significant dependence on edible oil imports, valued at $20.84 billion (Rs 167,270 crore) for the FY ending March 2023, underscores the need to curb foreign exchange outflow and enhance domestic production.
- Addressing Economic Strain: The extensive import value strains India’s trade balance and foreign exchange reserves, making it imperative to boost self-reliance in edible oil production.
- Promoting Agricultural Self-Sufficiency: This development aligns with India’s goal of achieving greater agricultural self-sufficiency by reducing reliance on imports and enhancing domestic oilseed production.
- Impact on Oilseed Crops: Mustard and soyabean, cultivated across 9 million and 12.5 million hectares, respectively, are key to India’s oilseed sector. Mustard’s higher oil-extractable content of 38% accentuates its significance.
- Nutritional and Livestock Benefits: Mustard’s improved suitability for culinary and animal feed purposes positively impacts both human nutrition and the livestock sector.
- Scientific Innovation: The creation of genetically edited (GE) low-seed, high-leaf glucosinolate mustard lines and GM hybrid mustard showcases India’s scientific capabilities and innovation in agriculture.
- Enhanced Food Security: By augmenting domestic oilseed production and quality, this development contributes to India’s food security and reduces its vulnerability to global market fluctuations.
Conclusion
- The genetic breakthrough in editing mustard genes offers potential to revolutionize India’s oilseed sector. By lowering seed glucosinolate levels and maintaining higher leaf levels, it improves culinary and feed suitability. As the GE variety undergoes trials, it addresses oil seed production, import reliance, and self-sufficiency needs.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: India's remarkable poverty alleviation journey, factors behind, persisting challenges and way forward
What’s the news?
- On the 77th Independence Day of our nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the historic Red Fort in Delhi, heralding a remarkable achievement in the fight against poverty.
Central idea
- The Prime Minister’s announcement highlighted the lifting of 135 million people from poverty in five years, as confirmed by the MDPI from NITI Aayog. This aligns with UNDP’s estimate of 415 million lifted out of poverty between 2005–06 to 2019–21, a commendable milestone in India’s history.
Remarkable Achievements in the Fight Against Poverty
- 135 Million Uplifted: Between 2015-16 and 2019-21, 135 million people were lifted out of poverty.
- 415 Million Escaped Poverty: From 2005–06 to 2019–21, India lifted 415 million people out of poverty (MDPI).
- Extreme Poverty Reduced: Extreme poverty decreased from over 80% to around 15% based on the MDPI.
- Leading Rice Exporter: Successful policies resulted in India becoming the largest exporter of rice.
- Top Producer of Milk and Cotton: India emerged as the largest producer of milk (222 MT) and cotton (39 million bales).
- Infant Mortality Decreased: Infant mortality decreased significantly from 57% in 2005–06 to 35% in 2019–21.
Factors Behind This Achievement
- Economic Policy Transition (1991): The shift to a market-oriented economy in 1991 generated substantial resources for poverty reduction.
- Strategic Government Initiatives: Targeted policies like the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana directly impact poverty reduction by providing essential commodities.
- Education and Skill Development: Prioritizing education and skill enhancement empowers individuals, grants access to improved livelihood opportunities, and contributes to child nutrition.
- Agricultural Reforms (Green Revolution): Innovations like the Green Revolution augmented rural incomes, lifting communities out of poverty by enhancing agricultural productivity.
- Women’s Empowerment: Focusing on women’s education and participation correlates with positive effects on family welfare and economic growth, as exemplified by proposals to train women in self-help groups for drone operation.
- Technological Advancements: Technological breakthroughs have streamlined service delivery, as seen in the provision of commodities through the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana and enhanced agricultural productivity via the gene revolution in cotton.
- Global Integration: Embracing globalization and trade expanded economic horizons, fostering growth, job creation, and effective poverty reduction.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Society’s adaptability to changing economic conditions bolstered resilience against poverty, preventing further economic deterioration.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between the government and the private sector magnified poverty reduction efforts, as evident from Punjab Agricultural University’s role in the Green Revolution.
- Civil Society Participation: Non-governmental organizations and civil society groups complemented government initiatives, actively contributing to poverty alleviation and service delivery.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data to identify poverty pockets and target interventions precisely enhances the efficacy of poverty reduction strategies.
- Foreign Exchange Reserves: India’s growth in foreign exchange reserves from $1.4 billion in July 1991 to approximately $600 billion bolstered the economy against external shocks, enhancing its ability to sustain poverty alleviation efforts.
Challenges and Concerns
- Child malnutrition: Despite progress, 32% of children are underweight and 35% are stunted, according to the NFHS-5.
- Climate Change Impact: Increasing extreme weather events due to climate change pose a threat to food security and poverty alleviation.
- Gender Gap in the Labor Force: Women’s participation rate in the labor force remains low at around 30% (2021–22).
- Quality Education Gap: Ensuring quality education and skill formation for women beyond the 12th grade is a challenge.
- Access to Nutritious Food: Ensuring equitable access to nutritious food, especially for vulnerable populations, is a challenge.
Way Forward: A Blueprint for Transformation
- Education Empowerment: Strengthen education programs beyond the 12th grade, providing quality education and skill formation for women to enhance their contribution to poverty reduction.
- Enhanced Gender Participation: Implement measures to boost women’s participation in the labor force, aiming to bridge the gender gap and empower women economically.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Prioritize sustainable agricultural practices that address climate change challenges, ensuring food security and rural income stability.
- Nutrition Interventions: Develop targeted interventions to address child malnutrition, focusing on reducing underweight and stunting rates among children under five.
- Data-Driven Approach: Continuously utilize accurate and comprehensive data to inform policy decisions, ensuring effective poverty alleviation strategies.
Conclusion
- India’s remarkable poverty alleviation journey reflects recent unparalleled progress. Leveraging inclusive growth, women’s education, and agricultural innovation can drive lasting transformation. Safeguarding against climate change and enhancing food systems can pave the way for a prosperous and equitable future.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Generative AI Models in News
Mains level: Generative AI revolution, advantages, concerns and measures
What’s the news?
- The advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) presents a world of possibilities and challenges.
Central idea
- The rapid rise of generative AI is reshaping our world with technological wonders and societal shifts. LLMs like ChatGPT promise economic growth and transformative services like universal translation but also raise concerns about AI’s ability to generate convincingly deceptive content.
What is generative AI?
- Like other forms of artificial intelligence, generative AI learns how to take actions based on past data.
- It creates brand new content—a text, an image, even computer code—based on that training instead of simply categorizing or identifying data like other AI.
- The most famous generative AI application is ChatGPT, a chatbot that Microsoft-backed OpenAI released late last year.
- The AI powering it is known as a large language model because it takes in a text prompt and, from that, writes a human-like response.
What are large language models (LLMs)?
- Large Language Models (LLMs) are advanced AI systems designed to understand and generate human-like language.
- They use vast amounts of data to learn patterns and relationships in language, enabling them to answer questions, create text, translate languages, and perform various language tasks.
Potential of large language models
- Economic Transformation: LLMs are predicted to contribute $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy.
- Enhanced Communication: LLMs redefine human-machine interaction, allowing for more natural and nuanced communication.
- Information Democratization: Initiatives like the Jugalbandi Chatbot exemplify LLMs’ power by making information accessible across language barriers.
- Industry Disruption: LLMs can transform various industries. For example, content creation, customer service, translation, and data analysis can benefit from their capabilities.
- Efficiency Gains: Automation of language tasks leads to efficiency improvements. This enables businesses to allocate resources to higher-value activities.
- Educational Support: LLMs hold educational potential. They can provide personalized tutoring, answer queries, and create engaging learning materials.
- Medical Advances: LLMs assist medical professionals in tasks such as data analysis, research, and even diagnosing conditions. This could significantly impact healthcare delivery.
- Entertainment and Creativity: LLMs contribute to generating creative content, enhancing sectors like entertainment and creative industries.
- Positive Societal Impact: LLMs have the potential to improve accessibility, foster innovation, and address various societal challenges.
Case study: Jugalbandi Chatbot
- Overview: The Jugalbandi Chatbot, powered by ChatGPT technology, is an ongoing pilot initiative in rural India that addresses language barriers through AI-powered translation.
- Universal Translator: The chatbot’s core function is to act as a universal translator. It enables users to submit queries in local languages, which are then translated into English to retrieve relevant information.
- Accuracy Challenge: The chatbot’s success relies on accurate translation and information delivery. Inaccuracies could perpetuate misinformation.
- Ethical Considerations: Ensuring accuracy and minimizing biases in translation is crucial to avoid spreading misconceptions or causing harm.
- Cultural Sensitivity: The initiative highlights the need for culturally sensitive deployment of advanced AI technology in diverse linguistic contexts.
- Positive Transformation: Jugalbandi Chatbot showcases the potential benefits of leveraging AI for bridging language gaps and providing underserved communities with access to information.
- Complexities and Impact: As the pilot progresses, its effectiveness and impact will become clearer, shedding light on the complexities and possibilities of utilizing AI to address real-world challenges.
Concerns associated with large language models
- Misinformation Propagation: LLMs can be harnessed to spread misinformation and disinformation, leading to the potential for public confusion and harm.
- Bias Amplification: Biases present in training data may be perpetuated by LLMs, exacerbating societal inequalities and prejudices in generated content.
- Privacy Risks: LLMs could inadvertently generate content that reveals sensitive personal information, posing privacy concerns.
- Deepfake Generation: The capability of LLMs to create convincing deepfakes raises worries about identity theft, impersonation, and the erosion of trust in digital content.
- Content Authenticity: LLMs’ production of sophisticated fake content challenges the authenticity of online information and poses challenges for content verification.
- Ethical Considerations: The development of AI entities indistinguishable from humans raises ethical questions about transparency, consent, and responsible AI use.
- Regulatory Complexity: The rapid progress of LLMs complicates regulatory efforts, necessitating adaptive frameworks to manage potential risks and abuses.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Malicious actors could exploit LLMs for cyberattacks, fraud, and other forms of digital manipulation, posing security risks.
- Employment Disruption: The widespread adoption of LLMs might lead to job displacement, particularly in sectors reliant on language-related tasks.
- Social Polarization: LLMs could exacerbate social polarization by facilitating the dissemination of polarizing content and echo chamber effects.
What is the identity assurance framework?
- The identity assurance framework is a structured approach designed to establish trust and authenticity in digital interactions by verifying the identities of entities involved, such as individuals, bots, or businesses.
- It aims to address concerns related to privacy, security, and the potential for deception in the digital realm.
- The framework ensures that parties engaging in online activities can have confidence in each other’s claimed identities while maintaining privacy and security.
- The key features:
- Trust Establishment: The primary objective of the identity assurance framework is to foster trust between parties participating in digital interactions.
- Open and Flexible: The framework is designed to be open to various types of identity credentials. It does not adhere to a single technology or standard, allowing it to adapt to the evolving landscape of digital identities.
- Privacy Considerations: Privacy is a core concern within this framework. It employs mechanisms such as digital wallets that permit selective disclosure of identity information.
- Digital Identity Initiatives: The framework draws from ongoing digital identity initiatives across countries. For example, India’s Aadhaar and the EU’s identity standard serve as potential building blocks for establishing online identity assurance safeguards.
- Leadership and Adoption: Countries that are at the forefront of digital identity initiatives, like India with Aadhaar, are well-positioned to shape and adopt the framework. However, full-scale user adoption is expected to be a gradual process.
- Balancing Values and Risks: The identity assurance framework acknowledges the delicate balance between competing values such as privacy, security, and accountability. It aims to strike a balance that accommodates different nations priorities and risk tolerances.
- Information Integrity: The framework extends its principles to information integrity. It validates the authenticity of information sources, content integrity, and even the validity of information, which can be achieved through automated fact-checking and reviews.
- Global Responsibility and Collaboration: The onus of ensuring safe AI deployment lies with global leaders. This requires collaboration among governments, companies, and stakeholders to build and enforce a trust-based framework.
Way Forward
- Identity Assurance Framework:
- Establish an identity assurance framework to verify the authenticity of entities engaged in digital interactions.
- Ensure trust between parties by confirming their claimed identities, encompassing humans, bots, and businesses.
- Utilize digital wallets to enable selective disclosure of identity information while safeguarding privacy.
- Open Standards and Adaptability:
- Design the identity assurance framework to be technology-agnostic and adaptable.
- Allow the integration of diverse digital identity credential types and emerging technologies.
- Digital Identity Initiatives:
- Leverage ongoing digital identity initiatives in various countries, such as India’s Aadhaar and the EU’s identity standard.
- Incorporate these initiatives to form the foundation of the identity assurance framework.
- Privacy Protection and Selective Disclosure:
- Prioritize privacy by using mechanisms like digital wallets to facilitate controlled disclosure of identity information.
- Empower individuals to share specific attributes while minimizing unnecessary exposure.
- Global Collaboration and Leadership:
- Encourage collaboration among global leaders, governments, technology companies, researchers, and policymakers.
- Establish a collaborative effort to ensure the responsible deployment of AI technologies.
- Balancing Values and Risks:
- Address tensions between privacy, security, accountability, and freedom.
- Develop a balanced approach that respects civil liberties while ensuring security and accountability.
- Information Integrity:
- Extend the identity assurance framework principles to information integrity.
- Validate the authenticity of information sources, content integrity, and information validity.
- Ethical Considerations:
- Recognize and address ethical dilemmas arising from the use of AI-generated content for harmful purposes.
-
- Ensure that responsible and ethical practices guide the development and deployment of AI technologies.
Conclusion
- The generative AI revolution teems with potential and peril. As we venture forward, it falls upon us to balance innovation with security, ushering in an era where the marvels of AI are harnessed for the greater good while safeguarding against its darker implications.
Also read:
What is Generative AI?
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now