CURRENT AFFAIRS – 09/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 09/12/2023

Farm dos and don’ts

(General Studies- Paper I and III)

Source : The Indian Express

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The Narendra Modi government is credited with effectively managing the volatility in international fertilizer prices over the past two years, particularly for urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP).

• Despite fluctuations in global prices, the maximum retail prices (MRPs) for urea and other fertilizers in India have remained stable, insulating farmers from external shocks.

Key Highlights

• Impact of Price Controls:
  • While these price controls ensured stable fertilizer supplies and shielded farmers from global price shocks, they come at a significant cost.
  • The fertiliser subsidy outgo from the government has seen a substantial increase, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability.
  • Additionally, there are environmental consequences as farmers may be applying excessive nitrogen and phosphorus, neglecting other essential nutrients, affecting soil health and crop productivity.
• Need for Reform:
  • To address these challenges, the government must take prompt actions.
  • The first recommendation is to bring urea under the nutrient-based subsidy regime, allowing for more flexible pricing.
  • This would involve decontrolling the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for urea and other decontrolled fertilisers.
  • Subsidies could then be provided per tonne based on the nutrient content of each fertiliser, encouraging farmers to consider a broader range of fertilisers.
  • The second crucial step is to extend subsidies on a per-hectare basis, providing farmers with flexibility in choosing fertilisers.
  • This approach would encourage the development of new, cost-effective fertiliser products tailored to specific crops, soils, and agro-climatic regions.
  • By promoting a balanced use of nutrients, this strategy aims to improve long-term soil health and overall agricultural productivity.
• The current imbalance in nutrient use, particularly the overemphasis on nitrogen and phosphorus at the expense of other essential elements raises some concerns.
• The suggested reforms aim to address these issues while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the efficiency of fertiliser use.

Fertilizer Subsidy Mechanism

• The Indian government provides subsidies to fertilizer producers, enabling farmers to purchase fertilizers at rates below the market prices.
• The subsidy is calculated as the difference between the production/import cost of a fertilizer and the amount paid by farmers
• There are 3 basic fertilisers in India – Urea, DAP and Muriate of Potash (MOP).
• Urea holds a central position in India’s fertilizer landscape, being the most produced, imported, consumed, and physically regulated fertilizer.
• The government disburses subsidies on urea to fertilizer manufacturers, determined by the production cost at each plant.
• Fertilizer units are obligated to sell urea at a government-set Maximum Retail Price (MRP) to ensure affordability for farmers.

Issues with Fertilizer Usage in India

• Imbalance in Fertilizer Use:
  • India’s recommended fertilizer ratio of 4:2:1 (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium – NPK) is not adhered to in practice.
  • The observed ratio, as per a NITI Aayog report, was 8:3:1 in 2015-16, leading to nutrient imbalances, soil degradation, and reduced crop yields.
• Excessive Use of Nitrogenous Fertilizers:
  • India ranks third globally in urea production and second in consumption.
  • Excessive reliance on urea negatively impacts soil health, water quality, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Subsidies on urea further distort the fertilizer market.
• Lack of Domestic Production and Import Dependency:
  • India faces challenges with limited domestic production of Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) fertilizers, heavily relying on imports.
  • This dependence exposes the country to global price fluctuations and availability issues.
  • The domestic production capacity of P&K fertilizers, at 24.66 million metric tons, meets only half of the demand.
  • Imports, primarily from countries like China, Russia, Morocco, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, are crucial to meet the deficit.
• Budgetary Impact:
  • The fertilizer subsidy constitutes a significant portion of the Union Budget, with Rs 1.75 trillion earmarked in the 2023-24 budget.
  • This sustained high expenditure poses challenges for fiscal management.
• Dependency on LNG
  • The use of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) for fertilizer production exposes India to volatile global gas prices.
  • In FY 2020-21, LNG accounted for 63% of total gas consumption in the fertilizer sector, contributing to a soaring fertilizer subsidy bill.

About Fertiliser Subsidy in India: A Standing Committee Report

• The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers, chaired by Ms. K. Kanimozhi, submitted a report on the ‘System of Fertilizer Subsidy’ in India on March 17, 2020.
• The report addresses the existing fertilizer subsidy policy, its impact on agricultural productivity, and recommendations for potential changes.
• Importance of Fertilizer Subsidy:
  • The committee acknowledged the vital role of fertilizer subsidies in promoting agricultural productivity for ensuring food security in a densely populated country like India.
  • However, it also highlighted negative consequences, including overuse and imbalanced application leading to soil degradation.
• Proposed Changes in Subsidy Policy:
  • The government is studying the current subsidy regime, with NITI Aayog circulating a draft report for stakeholder feedback.
  • The committee recommended caution in making drastic changes, suggesting in-depth studies, wider consultations, and consideration of international best practices.
  • Emphasis on the need for education and awareness programs for farmers to encourage balanced fertilizer use.
• Direct Subsidy to Farmers:
  • Acknowledged inefficiencies in fertilizer manufacturing plants.
  • Proposed freeing companies to manufacture, supply, and sell fertilizers independently, with farmers receiving subsidies directly in their bank accounts.
  • Advocated for a clear roadmap toward a market-driven system to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
• Delay in Subsidy Payments:
  • Highlighted a significant backlog of pending subsidy bills due to delayed payments.
  • Cited inadequate budget allocations as a major reason for delays.
  • Recommended a transparent assessment of funds needed for subsidies and a more timely settlement of subsidy bills.
• Financial Support to Companies:
  • Noted the practice of allowing fertilizer companies to take loans against unpaid subsidy bills.
  • Proposed a one-time additional budget allocation to clear pending dues, avoiding interest payments on loans.
  • Recommended the development of a system ensuring prompt payment of a certain proportion (e.g., 75%) of subsidy claims within seven working days, with the remaining amount subject to documentation verification.
• Containing Expenditure on Subsidy:
  • Acknowledged the increasing government expenditure on fertilizer subsidy.
  • Proposed measures to contain costs, including modernizing manufacturing plants, adopting best practices, adhering to strict energy norms, and investing in research and development for advanced manufacturing technologies.

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What is Article 99 of the UN Charter?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

• Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter in a letter to the UNSC President, calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza due to the severe risk of the collapse of the humanitarian system.

Key Highlights

• Article 99 of the UN Charter:
  • Article 99 of the UN Charter empowers the Secretary-General to bring any matter that may threaten international peace and security to the attention of the Security Council.
  • It is considered a discretionary power, requiring the exercise of political judgment, tact, and integrity.
  • The Secretary-General’s invocation of Article 99 is a discretionary move aimed at addressing urgent situations that may jeopardize international peace and security.
• Invoking Article 99 is considered a dramatic constitutional move by the Secretary-General, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
• Rare Invocation of Article 99:
  • Article 99 has been rarely invoked in the past, emphasizing its significance and reserved use.
  • Examples include the upheaval in the Republic of the Congo in 1960 and a complaint by Tunisia in 1961 against France’s military actions.
• The Secretary-General is expected to address the Security Council on the Gaza situation, emphasizing the need for a humanitarian ceasefire.
  • Guterres highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, emphasizing the appalling human suffering, destruction, and trauma across Israel and the Occupied Palestine Territory.
  • The Secretary-General urged the Security Council to avert a humanitarian catastrophe and called for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire to spare the civilian population from greater harm.
• Impact on Conflict Resolution:
  • The invocation led to the United Arab Emirates presenting a draft resolution to the UNSC, demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict.
  • A vote on the resolution is scheduled, requiring at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes from the permanent members.

What is UN the Security Council?

• The UNSC is one of the principal organs of the United Nations responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
• It has 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for specific terms.
• Permanent Members (P5):
  • The P5, or permanent members with veto power, are:
    • United States
    • United Kingdom
    • France
    • China
    • Russia
  • Role of Permanent Members:
    • Permanent members hold a unique position with the authority to veto substantive resolutions, preventing their adoption, irrespective of the level of support from other members.
    • The P5 were granted veto power to ensure major global powers’ cooperation and prevent actions contrary to their interests.
  • Functions of the UNSC:
    • The UNSC is responsible for:
      • Investigating disputes or situations that might lead to international friction.
      • Formulating plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments.
      • Determining the existence of a threat to peace or an act of aggression and recommending what actions should be taken.

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India’s alarming ‘fixed dose combination’ problem

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

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A recent study, published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice in 2023, involved academics from India, Qatar, and the United Kingdom.

• The study sheds light on the concerning prevalence of unapproved and banned Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) antibiotics in India.

Key Highlights

• Findings from the Study:
  • In the year 2020, the study reveals that 60.5% of FDCs of antibiotics (comprising 239 formulations) were unapproved.
  • Additionally, 9.9% of FDCs (comprising 39 formulations) were being sold in India despite being officially banned.
  • The study highlights the alarming aspect that a significant number of these unapproved or banned FDCs contain antibiotics.
  • This is particularly concerning due to the growing issue of Antibacterial Microbial Resistance (AMR) in India.
• Role and Challenges of FDCs:
  • Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) involve combining two or more known drugs, potentially improving patient compliance.
  • For diseases like AIDS, FDCs have proven beneficial in enhancing patient adherence to multiple medications, thereby improving treatment outcomes.
  • Despite the potential benefits, formulating FDCs is a complex task.
  • Combining drugs can lead to interactions, affecting therapeutic efficacy or creating more toxic elements (metabolites).
  • The study emphasizes the importance of a scientifically designed approval process to evaluate such interactions.
  • All drugs, even those with known safety and efficacy profiles, may have side effects.
  • Formulating drugs together raises concerns about how active ingredients and inactive ingredients (excipients) may interact.
• Regulatory Oversight and Approval Process:
  • The study underscores the need for a rigorous approval process for all FDCs, where potential interactions are scientifically evaluated.
  • Regulatory oversight is crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of FDCs, given the complexities involved in their formulation.
• Implications for Public Health:
  • The presence of a significant percentage of unapproved and banned FDCs, especially those containing antibiotics, poses a serious risk to public health.
  • Addressing this issue is vital to mitigate the risks of antibiotic resistance and ensure the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical treatments.
• Utilization of FDCs to Evade Regulatory Control:
  • The pharmaceutical industry in India strategically employs Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) to circumvent liabilities imposed by various laws, demonstrating a prioritization of market interests over public health concerns.
  • The Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), which governs individual drug prices, does not cover drug combinations, providing a loophole for the industry to escape price controls through FDCs.
  • The vast variety of FDCs lacks standardized testing protocols by bodies like the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, preventing legal action under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
  • FDCs provide companies with an opportunity to charge higher prices by presenting them as unique products catering to specific needs, fostering a pseudo-innovative environment.
• Market-Driven Proliferation of Unjustified FDCs:
  • The proliferation of FDCs in India is primarily market-driven, lacking a genuine focus on public health.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs combined with vitamins, anti-histamines with anti-diarrhoeal agents, penicillin with sulphonamides, and vitamins with analgesics, showcasing combinations not seen in other countries.
  • The success of FDCs also depends on doctors willing to prescribe them, with many physicians assuming regulatory bodies are effectively overseeing drug quality.
  • Manufacturers are rewarded within the existing market and regulatory structure for creating FDCs, fostering a system that values pseudo-innovation over genuine medical advancements.
• Regulatory History and Inadequacies:
  • The problem of FDCs has been on the regulatory radar since 1978 when the first government committee acknowledged the issue.
  • Legislative amendments in 1982 empowered the central government to “prohibit” drugs lacking therapeutic value.
  • In 1988, further amendments required manufacturers to prove safety and efficacy to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for all “new drugs,” including FDCs.
• Ignoring Regulatory Law:
  • Despite clear legal provisions, State drug controllers have blatantly ignored the law by continuing to issue manufacturing licenses for FDCs not approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).
  • Manufacturers selling these unapproved FDCs technically face the possibility of prosecution by the Central government for violating regulatory laws.
  • Section 26A Powers:
    • The Ministry of Health, instead of pursuing criminal prosecutions, has been utilizing its powers under Section 26A to prohibit the manufacture of specific FDCs.
    • The Ministry appears to be engaged in a reactive “whack-a-mole” strategy, repeatedly issuing orders under Section 26A to ban FDCs.
    • Since 1983, 444 orders have been issued, primarily targeting FDCs.
  • Proliferation of Unapproved FDCs:
    • The study conducted by academics uncovered 239 unapproved FDCs being sold in 2020 within one therapeutic category alone.
    • The revelation serves as an indictment of the regulatory framework’s incompetence, persisting for more than 42 years since the issue was initially identified.
  • Legal Complexities and Inconsistent Decisions:
    • Many of the Section 26A orders have led to complex litigation, with inconsistent decisions by the courts.
    • The legal processes have muddied the regulatory landscape, contributing to a lack of clarity and resolution regarding the fate of these unapproved FDCs.
  • Implications for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
    • The study emphasizes that unregulated FDCs may contribute to the Antibacterial Microbial Resistance (AMR) problem in India.
    • Given the potential public health risks, the Ministry of Health is urged to take immediate and decisive action.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) refers to the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to resist the effects of medications, specifically antimicrobial drugs.
• These drugs are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of the microorganisms that cause infections.
• AMR occurs when these microorganisms evolve and develop resistance to the drugs intended to treat them, rendering the medications ineffective.

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Glacial Decline and Climate Crisis

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

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Glaciers, crucial components of the cryosphere, are highlighted in the World Meteorological Organization’s recent report on the global climate from 2011 to 2020.

• On average, the world’s glaciers thinned by about a meter per year during this period, signifying the climate crisis’s impact on these icy formations.

Key Highlights

• Regional Variability and Disappearance of Reference Glaciers:
  • While there is variability across regions, the overarching pattern is clear—glaciers globally are diminishing in size.
  • Some reference glaciers, vital for long-term assessments, have already disappeared, erasing essential benchmarks for evaluating glacier health.
  • Projections indicate the disappearance of glaciers on the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Kenya by 2030, and on Kilimanjaro by 2040.
  • Rapid growth of pro-glacial lakes raises the risk of glacier lake outburst floods (GLOF), posing additional threats to ecosystems and livelihoods.
• Real-world Impact:
  • The report highlights the Uttarakhand floods of June 2013 as a disastrous consequence of glacial melt contributing to one of the decade’s worst flooding events.
  • The destruction of the Chungthang dam in Sikkim this year underscores the real-world impact of GLOF events triggered by melting glaciers.
• Accelerated Melting in Hindu Kush Himalayas:
  • A separate report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development notes a 65% faster disappearance of glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayas in the 2010s compared to the previous decade.
  • Global greenhouse gas emissions’ current trajectory is expected to lead to a 55% to 75% decline in glacier volume, resulting in significant reductions in freshwater supply by 2050.
• Urgent Calls for Action and Risk Management:
  • Despite the known risks, there is currently no early warning system for GLOF events related to contracting glaciers.
  • Similar to warnings for natural disasters, authorities are urged to elevate threats from declining glaciers to the same risk category.
  • There is a crucial need for comprehensive risk assessments, vulnerability mapping, and infrastructure development adhering to the highest standards of care to address the impact of glacial decline on ecosystems and communities.

What is Cryosphere?

• The cryosphere refers to the portion of the Earth’s surface where water is in solid form, including snow and ice.
• This encompasses various frozen elements of the Earth’s system and plays a crucial role in regulating climate and influencing global ecosystems.
• Key components of the cryosphere include:
  • Glaciers and Ice Caps:
    • Glaciers are large masses of ice formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow over an extended period.
    • They move under their weight, shaping landscapes through processes like erosion and deposition.
    • Ice caps are smaller ice masses, often covering mountainous regions.
  • Ice Sheets:
    • Ice sheets are enormous continental-scale ice masses covering large land areas.
    • The two major ice sheets on Earth are the Antarctic Ice Sheet and the Greenland Ice Sheet.
  • Sea Ice:
    • Sea ice forms when seawater freezes.
    • It covers polar oceans and undergoes seasonal variations, expanding in winter and contracting in summer.
  • Snow Cover:
    • Snow cover refers to the accumulation of snow on the ground. It plays a crucial role in reflecting sunlight back into space, contributing to Earth’s energy balance.
  • Permafrost:
    • Permafrost is soil, rock, or sediment that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. It is found in cold regions and can extend to considerable depths.
  • Icebergs:
    • Icebergs are large pieces of freshwater ice that have broken off from glaciers or ice shelves and are floating in the ocean.

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FDA Approval of Gene Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for two gene therapies for sickle cell disease, marking a significant advancement in treatment options.

Key Highlights

• Approved Therapies:
  • Lyfgenia by bluebird bio:
    • One of the approved gene therapies, designed by bluebird bio, aims to address sickle cell disease by inserting modified genes into the body through disabled viruses, enabling red blood cells to produce normal hemoglobin.
  • Casgevy by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Crispr Therapeutics:
    • The second therapy, a collaboration between Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Crispr Therapeutics, utilizes Crispr gene editing technology, which earned its inventors the Nobel Prize in 2020.
    • This therapy involves harvesting stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow, editing them using Crispr/Cas9 technology, and then infusing them back into the patient during a month-long hospital stay.
  • Both therapies are approved for individuals aged 12 years and older.
  • Transformative Therapy, Not a Cure:
    • While both therapies are presented as one-time treatments, the long-term effectiveness is not fully established.
    • Medical experts, prefer to refer to these therapies as transformative rather than curative, emphasizing that patients may still have sickle cell disease post-gene therapy.
  • Treatment Process and Challenges:
    • The therapies involve complex processes, including gene insertion through disabled viruses and Crispr gene editing.
    • Vertex’s therapy requires stem cell harvesting and editing, followed by infusion back into the patient.
    • Both therapies entail several months of treatment involving high-dose chemotherapy, posing potential risks of infertility.
  • Regulatory Concerns and Future Prospects:
    • Prior to approval, FDA staff raised concerns about unintended genomic alterations from Vertex’s therapy.
    • The company plans a 15-year follow-up study to assess long-term safety risks.

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

• Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder characterized by an abnormality in hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells.
• SCD is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning an individual must inherit a mutated gene from both parents to develop the disease.
• The specific mutation involves a change in the hemoglobin gene, leading to the production of abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S (HbS).
• The presence of HbS causes red blood cells to assume a sickle or crescent shape, especially under conditions of low oxygen levels.
• Clinical Features:
  • SCD is associated with recurrent episodes of severe pain, known as vaso-occlusive or pain crises, resulting from the clumping of sickle-shaped cells and blockage of blood vessels.
  • The altered shape of red blood cells also leads to hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), resulting in anemia.
  • Sickle cells can cause damage to various organs, leading to complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, and impaired organ function.
• SCD is prevalent worldwide, with a higher incidence in populations of sub-Saharan African, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Indian descent.
• It disproportionately affects individuals of African descent, and it is more prevalent in Black communities.

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RBI enhances UPI payment limits for healthcare and education

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the UPI payment limits for healthcare and education transactions from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh.

• The move aims to facilitate larger transactions in critical sectors, providing users with higher payment flexibility.

Key Highlights

• Revised Recurring E-Payment Mandate Limits:
  • The limit on recurring e-payment mandates for credit card payments, insurance premia, and mutual fund investments has been revised to ₹1 lakh from the existing limit of ₹15,000.
  • The adjustment in limits reflects the evolving nature of transactions and seeks to accommodate larger recurring payments.
• Fintech Repository Proposal:
  • RBI proposed the creation of a Fintech Repository by April 2024 to gain better control over the increasing collaboration between banks, non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), and Fintechs.
  • Fintechs are encouraged to voluntarily provide relevant information to the repository, although specific details on the information required are yet to be clarified.
  • The repository is seen as a mechanism to collect data that could inform policy approaches regarding Fintech partnerships with traditional financial institutions.

What is Fintech?

• Fintech, short for financial technology, refers to the innovative use of technology to deliver financial services and products.
• Key Characteristics:
  • Fintech companies leverage technological advancements for innovative solutions in various financial areas, including payments, lending, investments, insurance, and more.
  • Focused on providing user-friendly, convenient, and efficient financial services to consumers and businesses.
  • Often operate through digital platforms, mobile apps, and online channels.
• Here are some prominent Fintech companies in India across different categories:
  • Digital Payments and Wallets:
    • Paytm: A leading digital payments platform offering services such as mobile recharge, bill payments, and online transactions.
    • PhonePe: A popular UPI-based digital wallet and payments platform.
    • Google Pay: Google’s digital wallet and online payment system using UPI.
    • Mobikwik: Provides mobile phone and DTH recharge services, bill payments, and a digital wallet.
  • Online Lending:
    • Lendingkart: Offers working capital loans and business loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
    • Razorpay: Provides payment gateway services, business loans, and other financial solutions for businesses.
    • Capital Float: Offers flexible and quick business loans to SMEs.
    • EarlySalary: Focuses on providing short-term loans and salary advances.
  • Robo-Advisors and Investments:
    • Zerodha: A prominent online brokerage platform with a focus on discount broking and investment services.
    • Upstox: Another online brokerage platform offering trading and investment services.
    • Sqrrl: A Robo-advisor app that helps users invest in mutual funds based on their financial goals.
  • Insurtech:
    • Digit Insurance: A digital-first general insurance company offering a range of insurance products.
    • PolicyBazaar: An online insurance aggregator providing a platform to compare and buy insurance policies.
    • Acko: A digital insurance provider offering innovative and customer-centric insurance solutions.
  • Personal Finance Management:
    • Wise (formerly known as TransferWise): Offers international money transfers with lower fees.
    • Niyo: Provides digital banking solutions with features like salary accounts and expense management.
    • Walnut: A personal finance management app that helps users track expenses and manage finances.
  • Digital Banking:
    • DBS Digibank: A mobile-only bank with digital banking services and products.
    • Open: Provides business banking solutions for SMEs, including business accounts and expense management.
    • Yono by SBI: State Bank of India’s digital banking platform offering various financial services.
  • Wealth Management:
    • Kuvera: An online platform for mutual fund investments and financial planning.
    • Groww: A platform for investing in mutual funds, stocks, and other financial products.
    • Paytm Money: A platform for mutual fund and stock investments.

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How Google Deep Mind’s AI breakthrough could revolutionise chip, battery development!

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

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Researchers at Google DeepMind have unveiled a groundbreaking AI tool named Graph Networks for Materials Exploration (GNoME).

• GNoME was used to predict the structures of over 2 million new materials, potentially revolutionizing material science and discovery.

Key Highlights

• Implications for Multiple Industries:
  • The breakthrough has broad applications in renewable energy, battery research, semiconductor design, and computing efficiency.
  • The AI tool accelerates the design and generation of potential recipes for new materials.
  • GNoME increases the number of ‘stable materials’ known to humanity ten-fold.
  • Stable materials are crucial for various technologies, including computer chips and batteries, as they must withstand decomposition.
  • GNoME aids in the search for solid electrolytes to replace liquid electrolytes in Li-ion batteries, providing stability, specific conduction properties, and non-toxicity.
  • It facilitates the exploration of new layered compounds akin to graphene, with transformative potential in electronics and superconductors.
• AI Scaling Up Material Discovery:
  • The AI tool uses filters to narrow down a list of synthesizable materials that meet specific requirements.
  • It can delve down to the atomic bond level, making predictions about the stability and composition of materials.
  • Historically, stable materials were discovered through trial and error in laboratories, involving tweaks to known materials or fusing elements, a costly and time-consuming process.
  • The new AI-led approach exponentially expands the scope of material discovery.
• Practical Output:
  • DeepMind has published a list of 381,000 predicted crystal structures out of the 2.2 million, identified as potentially stable.
  • While these predictions still require synthesis and testing, the AI tool streamlines the initial material selection process.
  • The AI-led discovery offers a data-driven and efficient approach to material science, providing insights into atomic-level structures and enhancing the development of cutting-edge technologies.
• Working Mechanism of GNoME
  • GNoME is a state-of-the-art graph neural network (GNN) model developed by Google DeepMind.
  • The model utilizes input data in the form of a graph, representing connections between atoms in materials.
  • GNoME is trained using “active learning,” a technique that scales up the model from a small specialized dataset.
  • Developers can introduce new targets, allowing machine learning to label new data with human assistance.
  • Active learning is particularly suitable for material science, where patterns not found in the original dataset need to be discovered.
  • Dual Pipelines for Discovering Materials:
    • GNoME employs two pipelines for discovering low-energy (stable) materials: the structural pipeline and the compositional pipeline.
    • The structural pipeline creates candidates with structures similar to known crystals, while the compositional pipeline follows a more randomized approach based on chemical formulas.
  • Evaluation and Database Update:
    • Outputs from both pipelines are evaluated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, a method used in physics, chemistry, and materials science.
    • The results are added to the GNoME database, informing the next round of active learning.
    • The model’s precision rate for predicting materials stability has been boosted from 50% to around 80%.
  • Equivalent to 800 Years of Knowledge:
    • DeepMind claims that its research is equivalent to nearly 800 years of knowledge, as it has made 380,000 stable predictions publicly available.
    • This extensive dataset is intended to assist researchers in making further breakthroughs in materials discovery.
  • GNoME was originally trained on crystal structure data from The Materials Project, a collaborative initiative providing data on the properties of inorganic materials for researchers.
    • To assess the model’s predictive power during training cycles, its performance is monitored using Density Functional Theory (DFT), a computational technique in physics and chemistry.
    • DFT helps understand the atomic structures of materials, crucial for assessing the stability of crystals.

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