Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Legislation related to AI
Mains level: Why Emissions are higher due to data centres?
Why in the News?
Google is in the news due to its recent annual environment report, which revealed a 13% increase in its emissions footprint for 2023 compared to the previous year.
Why Emissions are higher?
- Increased Electricity Consumption: Google reported a 13% increase in its emissions footprint in 2023, primarily due to a 17% rise in electricity consumption in its data centres.
- Energy-Intensive AI Operations: AI models require significantly more computational power than traditional searches, leading to higher energy consumption. For instance, a single AI query can use 10 to 33 times more energy than a standard Google search.
- Cooling Demands: The increased workload from AI operations generates more heat, necessitating stronger cooling systems in data centers leading to a high demand of water.
Indian Scenario
- Growing Demand for Data Centers: As AI and data center deployment increases in India, the environmental impact, particularly in terms of electricity and water consumption, is expected to rise.
- Water Resource Strain: Data centers require significant water for cooling. For example, a data center serving OpenAI’s GPT-4 model reportedly consumed 6% of its district’s water supply in Iowa, highlighting there could be potential challenges in water-scarce regions like India.
- Need for Sustainable Practices: The experts advise the importance of planning AI and data center expansion in India to minimize environmental impacts. Companies must adopt efficient processes to reduce their emissions footprint.
The initiative taken by Govt to regulate AI
- National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence: In 2018, NITI Aayog released a discussion paper outlining India’s National Strategy for AI.
- Draft Personal Data Protection Bill: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released a draft Personal Data Protection Bill in 2019 which had provisions related to data used for AI systems.
- Ethical AI Principles: In 2021, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released a set of “Ethical AI Principles” as part of India’s AI governance framework
- Regulatory Sandbox for AI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has created a regulatory sandbox to test AI applications in the financial sector.
- AI Skilling and Research: The government has launched initiatives like the National AI Portal, AI Hackathons, and AI Research, Analytics and Knowledge Assimilation (AIRAWAT) to promote AI research and skills in the country.
Alternatives for Government Action (Way Forward)
- Promote Energy Efficiency: The government can encourage data centers to adopt energy-efficient technologies and practices. This includes optimizing cooling systems and utilizing renewable energy sources to power operations.
- Regulatory Framework: Need to implement regulations that require data centres to report their energy and water consumption can help monitor and manage their environmental impact.
- Investment in Renewable Energy: The government should promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to power data centers.
- Research and Development: Government should support R&D in sustainable AI technologies and energy-efficient data processing can help mitigate the environmental impact of AI deployment.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The need to educate businesses and the public about the environmental impacts of AI and data centres can foster more sustainable practices and encourage responsible usage of technology.
Mains PYQ:
Q The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About BIMSTEC
Mains level: Importance of Strengthening Eastern Ties
Why in the news?
India hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in New Delhi, creating an informal forum to enhance regional cooperation in security, connectivity, trade, and investment in the Bay of Bengal
About BIMSTEC:
- BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, is a regional organization established in June 1997.
- seven countries: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
- It aims to foster multifaceted cooperation across various sectors, including security, connectivity, trade, and investment, particularly in the Bay of Bengal region.
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Importance of Strengthening Eastern Ties
- Regional Stability and Security: The growing presence of China in the Bay of Bengal is perceived as a potential threat to regional stability. By strengthening ties with countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar, India aims to reinforce its position as a preferred security partner in the region.
- Economic Development: Enhanced relations with eastern neighbors facilitate India’s access to essential maritime routes, particularly for its landlocked northeastern states.
- Indo-Pacific Strategy: Improved relations with Myanmar and Thailand are integral to India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy. These countries are key members of ASEAN, which India considers central to its vision for the region.
- Strengthening ties can enhance India’s influence and presence in the Indo-Pacific, aligning with its “Act East Policy” and “Neighbourhood First” approach.
Major Components of the Retreat
The 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat was structured into two main segments:
- Assessment of Regional Cooperation: The first part focused on evaluating the current state of cooperation within BIMSTEC, building on outcomes from the previous retreat.
- Member states discussed various initiatives, including the establishment of Centers of Excellence in areas like Agriculture and Maritime Transport, and emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in trade and entrepreneurship.
- Expectations for the Upcoming Summit: The second segment involved discussions on each country’s expectations for the upcoming summit.
- Key proposals included mapping mineral resources, promoting the Blue Economy, enhancing tourism and cultural exchanges.
Bilateral merits
- India-Myanmar Concerns: Mr. Jaishankar addressed issues with Myanmar regarding the flow of displaced persons, narcotics, and arms across the border, and urged the return of unlawfully detained Indian nationals.
- India-Bangladesh Cooperation: In his meeting with the Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Mr. Jaishankar was requested to ensure the smooth supply of daily essentials and send a technical team for the Teesta project, signifying efforts towards resolving long-pending concerns.
Way forward:
- Enhance Security Collaboration: Need to prioritize discussions on security cooperation among BIMSTEC members, particularly in countering transnational crimes such as narcotics and arms trafficking.
- Develop Connectivity Projects: Indian government should expedite the implementation of connectivity projects, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, to facilitate trade and movement. This will not only enhance economic ties but also improve regional stability.
Mains PYQ:
Q Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? Waht are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? (2022)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Location of Manila Bay
Mains level: Impact of oil spill on environment
Why in the news?
Typhoon Gaemi caused widespread damage in Taiwan, the Philippines, and southeastern China, leading to the sinking of the oil tanker MT Terra Nova in Manila Bay.
MT Terra Nova Incident
- The MT Terra Nova, an oil tanker, capsized in Manila Bay due to severe weather conditions caused by Typhoon Gaemi. It was en route to Iloilo, Philippines, when it sank, resulting in one crew member’s death and the rescue of 16 others.
- The sinking of the MT Terra Nova has raised alarms about a potential oil spill that could become the largest in Philippine history, threatening marine life and coastal ecosystems. The spill has already spread several kilometers, prompting urgent containment efforts.
- The Philippines’ Coast Guard and other agencies are deploying containment booms and skimmers to mitigate the environmental damage. Booms are used to slow the spread of oil, while skimmers are boats that remove oil from the water surface.
How Oil Spills impact the environment?
- Immediate Effects on Marine Life: Oil spills disrupt photosynthesis in marine plants and phytoplankton, which are crucial for oxygen production. The toxic exposure from oil can harm fish and other marine animals, particularly those near the surface.
- Impact on Birds: Oil can coat the feathers of birds, compromising their insulation and leading to hypothermia and drowning.
- Long-term Ecological Damage: Oil spills can result in bioaccumulation of toxic substances in the food chain, affecting higher-level predators, including humans.
- Threat to Coastal Ecosystems: Coastal habitats like mangroves, coral reefs, and marshlands are especially vulnerable, as oil can suffocate these environments and kill vital plants and animals. Recovery from spills can take decades, with some species facing extinction.
- Economic Impact: Communities that rely on fishing and tourism suffer economically due to oil spills, as cleanup efforts are costly and lengthy, diverting resources from other critical areas.
Major Oil Spills from the Past
- Exxon Valdez Spill (1989): One of the worst oil spills, it released approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound, killing an estimated 250,000 seabirds, 2,800 sea otters, and numerous other marine animals.
- Deepwater Horizon Disaster (2010): This incident saw an estimated 210 million gallons of oil spill into the Gulf of Mexico over 87 days.
Conclusion: Need to implement advanced containment measures and cleanup technologies to effectively manage oil spills. This includes deploying more sophisticated skimmers and absorbent materials, as well as utilizing drones and remote sensing to monitor the spread of oil and assess environmental damage.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About NATO
Mains level: Security Issues with European Countries and US Support
Why in the news?
When Donald Trump suggested during the 2016 presidential campaign that he might not honor the U.S. commitment to defend NATO allies if attacked, it alarmed the trans-Atlantic alliance.
NATO country member’s flags flutter at the bloc’s headquarters in Brussels
- NATO’s Structure and Membership: NATO, established in 1949, comprises 31 member countries, including the United States, Canada, and various European nations. The alliance was formed to ensure collective defence against potential threats, particularly from the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
- The flags of these member countries flutter at NATO’s headquarters in Brussels, symbolising unity and cooperation.
- Evolving Role of European Nations: In light of recent geopolitical challenges, particularly Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, European leaders recognize the need to take on greater responsibility for their own defense.
- This shift is partly a response to the U.S. focus on other global threats, such as China, and the changing dynamics within NATO
Security issues with European Countries and US support:
- European Acknowledgement: European leaders recognize the need to evolve NATO to meet 21st-century challenges and are prepared to take on more responsibility for their defense.
- US Military Support: Mr Trump’s presidency highlighted that US military support is not guaranteed, prompting Europe to reconsider its security strategies.
- Threats from Russia and China: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the US’s focus on China’s expansion in the Asia-Pacific, as well as Iran and North Korea, underscore the need for Europe to enhance its own security measures.
- NATO’s Evolution: European nations must increase their defense spending and capabilities, including troop numbers, equipment upgrades, and countering technological threats.
A wake-up call for all:
- Trump’s “America First” Rhetoric: Trump’s suggestion that the US might not honour its NATO commitments triggered the alarm and a reevaluation of NATO’s future.
- Increased European Defense Spending: European NATO members have significantly increased their defense spending commitments, with 23 out of 31 non-US members meeting or exceeding the 2% GDP target, up from just three members ten years ago.
- EU Defense Industry Boost: The EU is planning to enhance its defense industry, with calls for more independence in airspace defence and relocating production to Europe, especially in response to the threat posed by Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Conclusion: European NATO members should continue to enhance their defense spending, focusing on upgrading military equipment, increasing troop numbers, and improving technological capabilities to counter both conventional and emerging threats such as cyber warfare and foreign interference.
Mains PYQ:
Q The new tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (UPSC IAS/2021)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Collegium System
Why in the News?
The Union government has said that 219 proposals for the appointment of High Court judges by the Collegium are in various stages of processing.
What is Collegium System?
- The collegium system is the method used for the appointment and transfer of judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts of India.
- It is the Indian Supreme Court’s invention.
- The term ‘Collegium’ does not find mention in the Constitution.
- Constitutional Provisions:
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- Article 124: The President appoints the Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court after consultations with judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts as deemed necessary.
- Article 217: The President appoints High Court judges after consultations with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the state, and the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned
Composition:
- Supreme Court Collegium:
- A five-member body.
- Headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
- Includes the four other senior most judges of the Supreme Court at that time.
- High Court Collegium:
- Led by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court.
- Includes the two senior most judges of that High Court.
- Recommendations for appointments by a High Court collegium are sent to the government only after approval by the CJI and the Supreme Court collegium.
Evolution: Three Judges Cases
- First Judges Case (1981) ruled that the “consultation” with the CJI in the matter of appointments must be full and effective.
- The Supreme Court, in a majority decision, held that the opinion of the Chief Justice of India is not binding on the executive in the matter of appointments and transfers of judges. The court ruled that the executive has primacy in judicial appointments.
- Second Judges Case (1993) introduced the Collegium system, holding that “consultation” really meant “concurrence”.
- The Supreme Court, by a majority of 7:2, overruled the First Judges Case and held that the CJI’s opinion regarding judicial appointments and transfers should be given primacy.
- The court established that the CJI should consult with the two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court before making recommendations for appointments and transfers, thereby creating a collegium system.
- Third Judges Case (1998): On a Presidential Reference for its opinion, the Supreme Court, in the Third Judges Case (1998) expanded the Collegium to a five-member body, comprising the CJI and four of his senior-most colleagues.
The procedure followed by the Collegium:
Appointment of CJI
- The President of India appoints the CJI and the other SC judges.
- As far as the CJI is concerned, the outgoing CJI recommends his successor.
- In practice, it has been strictly by seniority ever since the supersession controversy of the 1970s.
- The Union Law Minister forwards the recommendation to the PM who, in turn, advises the President.
Other SC Judges:
- For other judges of the top court, the proposal is initiated by the CJI.
- The CJI consults the rest of the Collegium members, as well as the senior-most judge of the court hailing from the High Court to which the recommended person belongs.
- The consultees must record their opinions in writing and it should form part of the file.
- The Collegium sends the recommendation to the Law Minister, who forwards it to the Prime Minister to advise the President.
For High Courts:
- The CJs of High Courts are appointed as per the policy of having Chief Justices from outside the respective States. The Collegium takes the call on the elevation.
- High Court judges are recommended by a Collegium comprising the CJI and two senior-most judges.
- The proposal, however, is initiated by the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned in consultation with two senior-most colleagues.
- The recommendation is sent to the Chief Minister, who advises the Governor to send the proposal to the Union Law Minister.
Qualifications for Appointment as a Supreme Court Judge:
According to Article 124(3) of the Constitution, a person can be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court if he or she:
- Is a citizen of India.
- Has served as a judge of a High Court for at least five years or in two such courts in succession.
- Alternatively, has been an advocate of a High Court for at least ten years or in two or more such courts in succession.
- Is a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President.
Qualifications for Appointment as a High Court Judge:
- The person must have held a judicial office for at least 10 years in India, or
- Must have been a practising advocate in a High Court for at least 10 years.
- The person must be enrolled under the Bar Council of India.
PYQ:
[2012] What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?
- While appointing the Supreme Court Judges, the President of India has to consult the Chief Justice of India.
- The Supreme Court Judges can be removed by the Chief Justice of India only.
- The salaries of the Judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India to which the legislature does not have to vote.
- All appointments of officers and staffs of the Supreme Court of India are made by the Government only after consulting the Chief Justice of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Paris Olympics
Why in the News?
The Paris Olympics has began and will run from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
Some lesser known facts about Olympics:
- The Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece in 776 BC in Olympia.
- Held every 4 years, they featured athletic competitions among representatives of various city-states.
- The modern Olympics were revived by Baron Pierre de Coubertin of France.
- The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896.
- The Olympic Rings represent the union of the 5 inhabited continents (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania).
- The Winter Olympics were introduced in 1924 in Chamonix, France and it features sports practiced on snow and ice, like skiing, ice skating, and ice hockey.
- The Olympic Torch Relay was introduced in the 1936 Berlin Games.
- The number of participating countries has grown from 14 in the 1896 Games to over 200 in recent editions.
- Women were first allowed to compete in the 1900 Paris Olympics.
- The Paralympics, for athletes with disabilities, were first held in Rome in 1960.
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About Paris Olympics
- The Paris Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, will be held in Paris, France.
- This event, commonly referred to as the 2024 Summer Olympics, is an international multi-sport competition featuring athletes from around the world.
- Sports include: Athletics, Aquatics, Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Modern Pentathlon, Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Sailing, Shooting, Skateboarding, Sport Climbing, Surfing, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.
India’s Participation:
India is set to participate in various sports at the Paris Olympics 2024, with several medal prospects across disciplines.
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Athletes and Key Events |
| Athletics |
- Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw): Defending Olympic gold medallist, aiming for another podium finish.
- Key Events: Track and field events with several athletes competing in sprints, long jump, and discus throw.
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| Badminton |
- PV Sindhu (Singles): Two-time Olympic medallist, aiming for her third medal.
- Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty (Doubles): Top doubles pair, strong medal contenders.
- Ashwini Ponnappa/Satwiksairaj Rankireddy: Promising mixed doubles pair with several international wins.
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| Boxing |
- Mary Kom (Flyweight): Veteran boxer and former Olympic medallist.
- Amit Panghal (Flyweight): Strong contender in the men’s category.
- Lovlina Borgohain (Welterweight): Bronze medallist from Tokyo, aiming for a higher podium finish.
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| Shooting |
- Manu Bhaker (10m Air Pistol, 25m Pistol): Young and promising shooter with several international accolades.
- Saurabh Chaudhary (10m Air Pistol): Consistent performer and medal hopeful.
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| Wrestling |
- Vinesh Phogat (50kg): Experienced wrestler and strong medal prospect.
- Antim Panghal (53kg): Young talent with significant potential.
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| Weightlifting |
Mirabai Chanu (49kg): Silver medallist from Tokyo, aiming for gold in Paris. |
| Hockey |
- Men’s Team: After winning bronze in Tokyo, the team aims for gold.
- Women’s Team: Strong contenders with improving performance over recent years.
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| Table Tennis |
- Manika Batra: Leading Indian player with potential for a breakthrough performance.
- Sharath Kamal: Veteran player with considerable international experience.
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| Archery |
- Deepika Kumari: Leading female archer with multiple international medals.
- Atanu Das: Strong contender in men’s archery events.
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| Gymnastics |
Dipa Karmakar: Known for her Produnova vault, aiming for a comeback and podium finish. |
PYQ:
[2021] Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000 :
1. American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award.
2. The award was received mostly by ‘Formula One’ players so far.
3. Roger Federer received this award maximum number of times compared to others.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Charaideo Moidam, UNESCO World Heritages
Why in the News?
The Charaideo Moidams, a unique 700-year-old mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty from Assam, has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
About Charaideo Moidams
- The Charaideo moidams represents the late medieval (13th-19th century CE) mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahom community in Assam.
- Charaideo, more than 400 km east of Guwahati, was the first capital of the Ahom dynasty founded by Chao Lung Sukaphaa in 1253.
- The Ahoms preferred to place the deceased family members at Charaideo where the first king Sukapha was laid to rest.
- The historical chronicles inform that wives, attendants, pet animals and huge quantity of valuables were buried with the departed kings.
- After 18th century, the Ahom rulers adopted the Hindu method of cremation and began entombing the cremated bones and ashes in a Maidam at Charaideo.
- Out of 386 Maidams explored so far, 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best preserved, representative of and the most complete examples of mound burial tradition of the Ahoms.
Architecture details:
- Architecturally it comprises a massive underground vault with one or more chambers having domical superstructure.
- It is covered by a heap of earthen mound and externally it appears a hemispherical mound.
- At the top of the mound, a small open pavilion chow-chali is provided.
- An octagonal dwarf wall encloses whole maidam.
Significance of this addition:
- Moidams has become the 43rd property from India to be included in the UNESCO List.
- India now stands at the 6th position globally for the most number of World Heritage Properties.
- The Moidams are the first site from the North East to be recognized as a World Heritage Site in the cultural category.
- Assam has 2 other World Heritage Sites in the natural category: Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park, both upgraded to tiger reserves.
Who were the Ahoms?
- The Ahom, also known as the Tai-Ahom, are an ethnic group from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India.
- This ethnic group is made up of interbred descendants of the Tai people, who first came to Assam’s Brahmaputra valley in 1228, and indigenous people who later joined them.
- The current Ahom people and culture are a mix of the ancient Tai people and culture, as well as indigenous Tibeto-Burman people and cultures that they assimilated in Assam.
- Sukaphaa, the Tai group’s leader, and his 9000 supporters founded the Ahom empire (1228–1826 CE), which ruled over part of modern-day Assam’s Brahmaputra Valley until 1826.
- It retained sovereignty for 600 years until annexed by British India in 1826 (Treaty of Yandaboo).
- Lachit Borphukan (1622-1672) is the most celebrated ruler of Ahom Dynasty.
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Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Aspect
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Details
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| Definition |
Sites of outstanding cultural or natural value to humanity, are protected under the UNESCO Convention of 1972. |
| Classification |
- Cultural Heritage Sites: Historic buildings, archaeological sites, monumental sculptures/paintings.
- Natural Heritage Sites: Unique geologic processes, rare phenomena, habitats for endangered species.
- Mixed Heritage Sites: Both natural and cultural significance.
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| Benefits |
- Raises awareness for conservation
- Provides technical assistance and training
- Encourages local participation
- Boosts tourism
- Offers financial aid and expert advice for preservation
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| Criteria for Declaration |
Cultural Criteria:
- Human creative genius
- Interchange of human values
- Testimony to cultural tradition
- Significant stage in human history
- Traditional human settlement
- Associated with significant events/traditions
Natural Criteria:
- Natural beauty and aesthetic importance
- Earth’s history and geological processes
- Ecological and biological processes
- Biodiversity and conservation
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| PYQ:
[2021] Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.
(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.
(c) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.
(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river. |
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