+91 83196 18002
office@raosacademy.in
Pre Booking Open For UPSC Civil Services Coaching 2024-2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS - 16/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16/12/2023

admin
Contents
  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16/12/2023

Opportune moment to rediscover Chennai’s hydrology

(General Studies- Paper I and II)

Source : TH

The recent surge in heavy rainfall, attributed to climate change, has intensified the frequency of floods in India, notably affecting Chennai.

  • The city faced severe flooding in 2005, 2015, and 2023, with the latest being deemed the worst in 47 years.
  • Despite the uniqueness of each event, the cumulative impact has escalated over time, raising concerns about the adequacy of learned lessons and implemented corrective measures

Key Highlights

  • Human Errors and Flood Causes: Learning from past
    • The extent to which historical human errors or blunders contribute to floods requires examination.
    • Evaluation of the efficacy of conventional wisdom and state interventions in mitigating floods and droughts.
    • The importance of learning from past extreme events and implementing measures to enhance resilience.
    • The need for strategic actions to make Chennai flood-resilient and transform disasters into opportunities.
    • Addressing the coastal city’s vulnerability to coastal floods, seawater rise, and climate change impact.
    • Highlighting the urgency to decode urban and peri-urban hydrology, emphasizing holistic ecosystem management.
  • Rehabilitating Chennai’s Watersheds for Flood Mitigation
    • Chennai and its adjoining districts boast rich watersheds, encompassing 3,588 irrigation tanks in Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur.
    • These man-made marvels, designed with interconnected embankments, face neglect, siltation, and encroachments, leading to minimal water storage and high runoff (over 80%), exacerbating damage to Chennai during heavy rainfall.
  • Proposed Actions
    • Conducting a thorough study of urban and peri-urban water dynamics, emphasizing interconnected hydrological conditions.
    • Mapping approximately 4,000 water bodies across the 5,904 sq.km Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) to include Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and parts of Ranipet districts.
    • Urgent protection measures for water bodies, including tanks, catchment areas, inlet and surplus channels, foreshore areas, and tank bunds in the substantially urban districts.
    • Restoration of water bodies to their original capacity, with consideration for doubling capacity where feasible, to save excess water and significantly reduce runoff.
    • Restoration of missing links between tanks to ensure a seamless flow and enhance the overall efficiency of the water management system.
    • Developing a comprehensive hydro-elevation (drainage) map that covers upstream-downstream watersheds, spanning Chennai and extending to the sea.
  • Chennai’s Unique Waterways
    • Chennai enjoys a unique geographical advantage with three rivers—Kosasthalaiyar, Cooum, and Adyar—flowing through distinct parts of the city, a feature unparalleled in the country and South Asia.
    • The Palarriver further south complements this network, collectively feeding numerous tanks before reaching the Bay of Bengal.
    • The Buckingham Canal, intersecting all four rivers near the sea, adds to the city’s natural drainage.
  • However, these vital waterways face significant challenges:
    • Major rivers and the Buckingham Canal suffer from severe encroachments, particularly on flood plains, hindering their functionality.
    • Sludge and silt deposits have compromised the gravity and velocity of these waterways.
    • Despite multiple attempts to restore rivers and the Buckingham Canal, current conditions remain unsatisfactory, necessitating more effective interventions.
    • Emphasizing the need for consistent year-long attention and maintenance over cosmetic solutions like river-front and canal front developments.
    • Highlighting the importance of numerous macro and micro drains, including Okkiammaduvu, Mambalam canal, and others, in managing water flow.
    • Underscoring the significance of the 2,900-kilometer Storm Water Drain network in the GCC area, all of which demand year-long attention and maintenance.
  • Impact of Unregulated Urban Expansion
    • Chennai has experienced rapid and largely unregulated urban expansion, ranking among the fastest-growing cities in the country.
    • The expansion, marked by an increase from 174 sq.km to 426 sq.km within the city limits and further to 1,189 sq.km in the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA), has been detrimental to ecological hotspots.
    • The lack of foresight during previous expansions resulted in the loss of water bodies, including lakes and ponds, significant portions of the Pallikaranai marshland, and coastal wetlands.
    • The situation is poised to worsen with the proposed expansion of the CMA from 1,189 sq.km to 5,904 sq.km in Master Plan III, encompassing Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and parts of Ranipet district.
    • Urgent calls are made for the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to identify and declare ecological hotspots and “no development zones” in the new plan.
    • Protection measures are crucial for preserving existing lakes, flood plains, forests, major drains, flood buffers, and wetlands, averting continued reliance on climate change as an excuse for accumulated urban planning blunders.

About Chennai

  • Chennai, the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, sprawls along the Coromandel Coast.
  • Its geography encompasses a mix of urban and suburban areas, with the Bay of Bengal to the east.
  • The city’s landscape includes beaches, parks, and a network of rivers and water bodies.
  • Cultural Significance:
    • Chennai is a cultural powerhouse, renowned for its classical arts and traditions.
    • It hosts the annual Madras Music Season, a celebrated festival featuring classical music and dance performances.
    • The city is home to numerous temples, including the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Parthasarathy Temple, reflecting its deep-rooted religious and architectural heritage.
    • Chennai is also a significant center for Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form.
  • Port and Trade:
    • Chennai boasts one of the oldest and largest ports in India, facilitating trade and commerce.
    • The Chennai Port plays a pivotal role in the region’s economic activities, handling a diverse range of cargo and contributing to the city’s maritime significance.
  • Film Industry (Kollywood):
    • Chennai is a significant center for the Tamil film industry, known as Kollywood.
    • It produces a substantial number of Tamil-language films annually, making a substantial contribution to the Indian film industry.
    • The Kodambakkam neighborhood is particularly famous for housing film studios and production houses.

Sultan of Oman’s State Visit to India and Bilateral Relations

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman is embarking on a state visit to India from December 16, marking his first visit since ascending to the throne in January 2020.

  • This visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark trip to Oman in February 2018, resulting in pivotal agreements on trade, defense, and security.
  • The bilateral relations between India and Oman have witnessed significant diplomatic milestones.

Key Highlights

  • Strategic Importance of Oman:
    • Oman holds a paramount strategic position as India’s closest neighbor in the Arabian Gulf region.
    • The proximity of key Omani ports along the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, positions Oman as a vital strategic partner, completing the trio alongside Saudi Arabia and the UAE in India’s Gulf strategy.
    • The ruling family of Oman has maintained a robust connection with India, exemplified by Sultan Qaboos’ favorable disposition towards India.
    • India and Oman enjoy strong people-to-people ties, with a large Indian community of nearly seven lakh people contributing to the evolving and vibrant relations between the two nations.
  • Oman’s Role in Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution:
    • Oman’s foreign policy, marked by moderation and mediation, has established it as an “island of peace” in a conflict-prone region.
    • During the Cold War era and beyond, when many Arab nations were ambivalent towards India, Oman remained open and welcoming.
    • Oman played a crucial role in diffusing tensions between the United States and Iran during the Persian Gulf crisis in 2019.
    • Oman has skillfully balanced relations with Western powers and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, maintaining deliberate neutrality in regional conflicts.
    • The country’s pragmatic approach to neighboring Iran, emphasizing the non-closure of the Straits of Hormuz, underscores its commitment to regional stability.
    • Oman’s significant contributions include its key role in the Iran nuclear deal in July 2015 and its refusal to sever diplomatic ties with Qatar during the GCC-Qatar diplomatic standoff in June 2017.
    • The country’s proactive engagement is highlighted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit in 2018, preceding the Abraham Accords signed in 2020.
  • India-Oman Strategic Partnership:
    • The India-Oman strategic partnership, established in 2008, serves as a crucial pillar of India’s West Asia policy.
    • Rooted in mutual trust and shared interests, the partnership has evolved into a multi-faceted engagement with strategic implications.
    • Defense and security engagement constitute a key aspect of the partnership, governed by a 2005 memorandum of understanding (MoU).
    • Oman holds the distinction of being the first Gulf country where all three wings of India’s defense forces conduct joint exercises.
    • Both nations collaborate on maritime security in the Indian Ocean region, with India deploying naval ships for anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Oman.
    • ‘Operation Sankalp’ during the Persian Gulf crisis in 2019 exemplifies India’s commitment to ensuring the safe passage of Indian-flagged ships off the Omani coast.
    • The historic MoU on Duqm Port enhances security cooperation, providing basing facilities and logistical support for Indian naval ships in the region.
  • Trade and Commerce: A Strong Economic Pillar:
    • Bilateral trade between India and Oman reached $12.388 billion in FY2022-23, highlighting the economic significance of their partnership.
    • There are over 6,000 India-Oman joint ventures, with an estimated investment exceeding $7.5 billion.
    • India stands as the second-largest market for Oman’s crude oil exports after China.
    • The launch of the Rupay debit card in Oman in October 2022 demonstrates India’s commitment to promoting digital public infrastructure globally.
  • Future Collaborations: Strategic Areas and Infrastructure Projects:
    • Both countries are poised to enhance cooperation in strategic areas, including space collaboration, as signified by the MoU signed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit.
    • The exploration of joint ventures for rare earth metals, crucial for modern electronic equipment, is under consideration, adding depth to the partnership.
    • The proposed India-Middle-East-Europe Connectivity Corridor (IMEEC) infrastructure project could see Oman playing a pivotal role, linking India to Europe across West Asia.
    • Additionally, the South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE) proposes a deep-sea pipeline from Oman to India for gas transfer, aligning with the future undersea connectivity aspirations of IMEEC.
  • The strategic partnership between India and Oman is characterized by a dynamic interplay of defense, trade, and future collaborations in vital sectors.
  • As both nations explore new avenues, such as undersea connectivity and joint ventures in emerging technologies, the prospects for continued growth and mutually beneficial cooperation remain promising.

India and Oman military cooperation

  • India and Oman conduct regular biennial bilateral exercises between allthree services.
    • Army exercise: Al Najah
    • Air Force exercise: Eastern Bridge
    • Naval Exercise: Naseem Al Bahr

About India’s Energy Security – SAGE’s Deepwater Gas Pipeline Project

  • South Asia Gas Enterprise Pvt. Ltd. (SAGE) is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to enhance India’s energy security through the construction of the “Middle East to India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP).”
  • This ambitious project, promoted by the Siddho Mal Group in New Delhi and a UK-based Deepwater Technology Company, aims to establish the Deepest Underwater Transnational Gas Pipeline, creating an “Energy Corridor” to transport natural gas from the Gas Rich Gulf & Middle East regions to India.
  • Project Overview:
    • SAGE, in collaboration with a global consortium, is developing a Multi-Billion Dollar Energy Corridor with the MEIDP.
    • The pipeline will connect the Gas Rich Gulf and Middle East regions to India, ensuring a secure and direct route for transporting natural gas.
    • The project involves collaboration with reputed companies in the field of Deepwater Pipelines as part of a global consortium.
  • Pipeline Route and Distance:
    • The Deep-Water route through the Arabian Sea is considered the shortest secure distance between the Gas Rich Gulf region and the industrial hub of India (Gujarat/Maharashtra).
    • The offshore distance of 1300 kilometers with a maximum water depth of 3400 meters makes it a technically feasible route.
    • The SAGE gas transmission pipeline is designed to transport up to 1.1 billion standard cubic feet per day (BSCFD) of gas into the Indian energy markets.
    • Gas reserves from Qatar, Iran, Iraq, and Turkmenistan, totaling 2,000 trillion cubic feet, are targeted for transportation to India.
  • Global Cooperation:
    • High-level dialogues and discussions are underway with gas-rich nations such as Qatar, Iran, Iraq, and Turkmenistan.
    • The project explores the option of gas swaps among these nations to optimize gas transportation.
    • SAGE plans to supply natural gas to Oman/UAE along its pipeline route and aims to strengthen cooperative relations with friendly Gulf and Middle East countries.

In Image: Proposed SAGE route.

Hungary blocks EU aid for Ukraine

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has blocked €50 billion ($55 billion) in EU aid for Ukraine.

  • The move follows EU leaders’ decision to open talks with Kyiv on joining the bloc, despite Orban’s opposition.

Key Highlights

  • The EU summit in Brussels faced challenges as Orban refused to approve funding to support Ukraine’s government over the next four years.
  • Orban called for the unlocking of all frozen funds from the EU for Hungary before considering lifting his veto on additional aid to Ukraine.
  • Orban emphasized Hungary’s desire for fair treatment and insisted on receiving the full amount it deserves.
  • EU Divisions on Gaza:
    • EU countries show divisions on the Gaza issue, with some supporting calls for a ceasefire and others aligning with Israel and the U.S.
    • Hungary, led by Orban, is known for its nationalist stance and has been seen as a close ally of Russia.

Why India’s green push needs balancing?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, concluded with an agreement to “transition away from fossil fuels.”

  • The most contentious issue during the conference was the wording related to the “phase-out” of fossil fuels.

Key Highlights

  • Exclusion of “Phase-Out” Language:
    • A proposal suggesting that no new coal-fired power plants be commissioned without built-in carbon capture and storage faced resistance from India, China, South Africa, and others.
    • The final climate deal reached in Dubai did not include the explicit mention of the “phase-out” of fossil fuels.
    • India, along with China and South Africa, played a significant role in resisting the proposal, particularly related to coal-fired power plants.
  • India’s Policy Reversal on Coal:
    • In a review meeting held a week before COP28, India’s Union Power Ministry decided to increase coal-powered generation capacity, targeting an addition of at least 80 gigawatts (GW) by 2031-32.
    • This move marked a notable shift from previous policies focused heavily on renewable energy, indicating a reversal in the approach toward coal.
    • The review emphasized the need for baseload capacity, leading to a decision to add 60 GW of new coal-fired capacity, in addition to the 27 GW already under construction.
    • The decision to boost coal capacity contradicted the National Electricity Plan for 2022-27, which had prioritized renewable energy for capacity addition.
    • India’s move to increase reliance on coal reflects a policy shift and raises questions about the country’s commitment to renewable energy and the global push for fossil fuel phase-out.
  • Renewable Energy Capacity and Challenges:
    • Over the past decade, the Indian government has consistently increased renewable energy capacity as part of its commitment to reduce emissions.
    • India is currently the world’s third-largest producer of renewable energy, with over 40% of installed electricity capacity coming from non-fossil fuel sources.
    • The significant growth in solar and wind capacity, constituting over 30% of the total, has led to challenges related to intermittency in power generation.
      • Intermittency refers to the variability in power generation from renewable sources, creating challenges in grid management.
    • Need for Energy Storage:
      • Policymakers recognize that sustaining the rapid addition of renewable capacity requires viable energy storage options.
      • The absence of effective energy storage solutions poses challenges for grid managers, particularly in dealing with the intermittent nature of renewable power.
      • The increasing share of renewables in the grid has led to a situation where the grid is increasingly powered by intermittent sources.
      • The intermittency issue makes it challenging for procurers, such as state-owned distribution companies, to solely rely on renewables to meet base load demand.
    • Impact on Thermal Power Usage:
      • To counter intermittency, power utilities are compelled to keep old thermal units on standby, incurring high fixed costs.
      • The cost of standby thermal power, coupled with intermittency challenges, raises questions about the actual grid-parity of renewable power.
    • Emission Reduction and Challenges:
      • While the green push has contributed to a 24% reduction in the emission intensity of GDP between 2005 and 2016, challenges related to intermittency and storage need to be addressed for sustained renewable capacity addition.
      • The concept of renewables achieving grid-parity is questioned, with experts suggesting that when accounting for the cost of standby thermal power, renewable power may be almost twice its cost on paper.
      • Electricity generation from renewables is not always in sync with demand cycles, requiring alternatives to counter intermittency.
    • Need for Energy Storage:
      • Acknowledging the intermittent nature of renewable energy, a November 22 review by the Union Power Ministry emphasized the urgent need for energy storage to counter the variability in renewable generation.
      • The review implied that alongside green energy sources, energy storage is essential as renewables become a significant part of the installed generation capacity.
      • The decision to step up thermal generation, especially coal and nuclear, reflects a policy shift away from excessive reliance on solar and wind-based generation.
    • Challenges with Renewable Energy Policies:
      • Challenges arise from inflexible power purchase agreements (PPAs) conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), limiting scope for innovation among green developers.
      • Current lithium-ion storage battery options for grid applications are considered unviable due to high costs.
      • The government is exploring alternatives such as hydrogen and hybrid generation models blended with off-stream pumped storage for effective energy storage solutions.
    • Coal as Base Load Capacity:
      • Recognizing constraints on ramping up nuclear capacity, there’s a realization that coal-fired capacity needs to remain as a base load for the time being.
      • The decision to add 60 GW of new coal-fired capacity exceeds the Electricity Plan draft’s recommendation of 17 GW to 28 GW until 2031-32.
      • This move is deemed necessary to ensure reliable base load capacity amid the current challenges associated with renewable energy.
    • Battery Storage Requirement:
      • The last decade’s focus on renewable energy would have required a projected battery storage capacity of 51 GW to 84 GW in 2031-32, assuming a daily usage rate of 5 hours.
      • Estimates suggest that this could lead to significant investments of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh crore over the next decade for backup of renewable capacity.

About National Electricity Plan for 2022-27

  • National Electricity Plan (NEP):
    • The NEP is a critical document guiding the development of India’s power sector, formulated every five years by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) under the Electricity Act, 2003.
    • It includes short-term (5-year) and prospective plans (15-year) to assess demand, plan capacity addition, and coordinate planning activities for optimal resource utilization.
    • NEP covers a review of the past five years (2017-22), capacity addition requirements for 2022-27, and projections for 2027-2032.
    • The first NEP was notified in 2007, followed by the Second Plan in December 2013, and the third plan in 2018, covering the detailed Plan for 2017-22 and the perspective Plan for 2022-27.
  • New Draft of NEP:
    • Recognizes the need for additional coal-based capacity, ranging from 17 GW to nearly 28 GW, till 2031-32, in addition to the 25 GW of coal-based capacity currently under construction.
    • Highlights the necessity for significant investments in battery storage, estimating a requirement of 51 GW to 84 GW by 2031-32.
    • Projects an increase in the Plant Load Factor (PLF) of coal-fired power plants from 55% (up to 2026-27) to 62% in 2031-32.
    • Emphasizes the challenges posed by the growing reliance on renewables, requiring careful management and planning in the future.
    • Projected Electricity Demand (2026-27 and 2031-32):
      • Peak electricity demand: 277.2 GW (2026-27), 366.4 GW (2031-32).
      • Electrical energy requirement: 1907.8 BU (2026-27), 2473.8 BU (2031-32).
      • Inclusive of factors like Electric Vehicles, Solar rooftops, Green hydrogen, Saubhagya scheme.
    • Likely Installed Capacity (2026-27):
      • Total Installed Capacity: 609,591 MW.
      • Conventional Capacity: 273,038 MW (Coal: 235,133 MW, Gas: 24,824 MW, Nuclear: 13,080 MW).
      • Renewable Capacity: 336,553 MW (Large Hydro: 52,446 MW, Solar: 185,566 MW, Wind: 72,895 MW, Small Hydro: 5,200 MW, Biomass: 13,000 MW, Pump Storage Plants: 7,446 MW, BESS: 8,680 MW).
    • Likely Installed Capacity (2031-32):
      • Total Installed Capacity: 900,422 MW.
      • Conventional Capacity: 304,147 MW (Coal: 259,643 MW, Gas: 24,824 MW, Nuclear: 19,680 MW).
      • Renewable Capacity: 596,275 MW (Large Hydro: 62,178 MW, Solar: 364,566 MW, Wind: 121,895 MW, Small Hydro: 5,450 MW, Biomass: 15,500 MW, PSP: 26,686 MW, BESS: 47,244 MW).
    • Aligned with the national target of achieving around 500 GW of non-fossil-based installed capacity by 2029-30.
    • Share of Non-Fossil Based Capacity:
      • Expected to increase to 57.4% by the end of 2026-27.
      • Projected to further increase to 68.4% by the end of 2031-32.

How the hottest summer ever affected the Arctic?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its annual Arctic Report Card, revealing the warmest Arctic summer on record in 2023.

  • The study, conducted by 82 scientists from 13 countries, emphasized the significant impact of rising temperatures on the region, with consequences extending beyond climatic data.

Key Findings

  • Record-Warm 2023 Summer:
    • The Arctic experienced its warmest summer on record in 2023.
    • Overall, the past year ranked as the sixth-warmest in Arctic history since reliable record-keeping began in 1900.
  • Unprecedented Consequences:
    • Rising temperatures led to severe consequences, including unprecedented wildfires, evacuation of communities, decline in sea ice extent, floods, food insecurity, and rising sea levels.
    • The study highlights the tangible impact on people’s health, travel, access to subsistence resources, and Indigenous ways of living in the Arctic region.
    • Thawing of Subsea Permafrost:
      • Warmer ocean temperatures accelerated the thawing of subsea permafrost, frozen soil beneath the seabed containing organic matter.
      • Thawing releases methane and carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming and worsening ocean acidification.
      • Scientists express concern over the lack of research on estimating the amount of greenhouse gases released by subsea permafrost in the coming years and its impact on global warming.
    • Food Insecurity:
      • Western Alaska experienced extremely low numbers of Chinook and chum salmon, recording 81% and 92% below the 30-year mean, respectively.
      • Reduced salmon populations led to fishery closures, exacerbated user conflicts, and had profound cultural and food security impacts on Indigenous communities.
      • Interestingly, while some salmon species declined, sockeye salmon increased by 98% above the 30-year mean in Western Alaska.
    • Raging Wildfires:
      • Canada, with 40% of its land considered Arctic and Northern, faced its worst wildfire season on record, burning over 10 million acres in the Northwest Territories.
      • More than two-thirds of the territories’ population (46,000 people) were evacuated due to wildfires, impacting air quality as far as the southern United States.
      • High temperatures, dry vegetation and soil, along with below-average rainfall, created favorable conditions for widespread and severe wildfires.
    • Severe Flooding:
      • Rising temperatures have led to substantial thinning of Alaska’s Mendenhall Glacier over the past two decades.
      • The glacier’s meltwater annually causes floods, with a notable event in August 2023 when a glacial lake burst through its ice dam, causing unprecedented flooding and severe property damage in Alaska’s Juneau.
    • Greenland Ice Sheet Melting:
      • The highest point on Greenland’s ice sheet experienced melting for only the fifth time in the 34-year record.
      • Despite above-average winter snow accumulation, the Greenland ice sheet lost roughly 350 trillion pounds of mass between August 2022 and September 2023.
      • Greenland’s ice sheet melting ranks as the second-largest contributor to global sea-level rise.

About the Arctic

  • The Arctic is a polar region located at the northernmost part of the Earth.
  • It encompasses the Arctic Circle and the area north of it, including parts of the Arctic Ocean, Canada, Russia, Greenland, the United States (Alaska), Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.
  • Climate and Environment:
    • The Arctic is characterized by extremely cold temperatures, with Arctic temperatures often dropping below freezing.
    • The region is covered by sea ice, a vital component of the Arctic climate system.
    • The extent of sea ice varies seasonally.
    • Due to its high latitude, the Arctic experiences polar day (continuous daylight) in summer and polar night (continuous darkness) in winter.
  • Arctic Circle:
    • The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line encircling the northernmost part of the Earth. Areas north of the Arctic Circle experience at least one day of continuous daylight (midnight sun) in summer and one day of continuous darkness (polar night) in winter.
  • Arctic Ocean:
    • The Arctic Ocean is the smallest and shallowest of the world’s oceans.
    • It is largely covered by sea ice, and its depths house unique ecosystems adapted to extreme conditions.
  • The Arctic Ocean plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate, influencing weather patterns and ocean currents.
  • Wildlife:
    • Despite harsh conditions, the Arctic supports diverse wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, seals, walruses, and various bird species.
    • The region serves as a habitat and migratory route for several species.

On AI, innovation vs safety

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), consisting of 29 members, unanimously adopted the New Delhi declaration.

  • The declaration emphasizes the need to address risks associated with AI development and deployment while promoting equitable access to critical AI innovation resources.

Key Highlights

  • Contrast with UK AI Safety Summit:
    • The New Delhi declaration differs from the agreement signed at the UK AI Safety Summit, where countries committed to addressing AI risks as a primary focus.
    • New Delhi seeks a balance between acknowledging economic benefits and addressing concerns related to fairness, privacy, and intellectual property rights in AI systems.
  • Core Principles of the Declaration:
    • Economic Growth and Innovation:
      • Recognizes the potential of advanced AI systems for economic growth, innovation, and job creation across sectors.
    • Global Framework Rooted in Democratic Values:
      • Advocates for a global AI framework based on democratic values, human rights, personal data protection, intellectual property rights, privacy, and security.
    • Equitable Access:
      • Promotes equitable access to essential AI innovation resources, including computing, diverse datasets, algorithms, software, and testbeds.
    • Thematic Priority: AI in Agriculture:
      • The declaration identifies AI innovation in the agriculture sector as a new thematic priority.
    • Membership and Steering Committee:
      • GPAI commits to pursuing diverse membership, focusing on low- and middle-income countries to ensure a broad range of expertise and shared values.
      • Senegal, an existing GPAI member, is elevated to the steering committee of the organization.
    • The declaration acknowledges concerns related to fairness, privacy, and intellectual property rights in AI, emphasizing responsible, sustainable, and human-centered AI use.
    • The declaration underscores the importance of a global AI framework rooted in democratic values and human rights, emphasizing dignity, personal data protection, privacy, and security.
    • The GPAI New Delhi declaration takes a balanced approach, acknowledging AI’s positive impact while highlighting the necessity of responsible and ethical considerations in its development and deployment.
    • Contrasting Declarations: New Delhi vs. Bletchley
      • The GPAI New Delhi Declaration and the UK AI Safety Summit’s Bletchley Declaration represent contrasting approaches to AI regulation.
      • The New Delhi Declaration, while acknowledging the need to address AI-related risks, primarily supports innovation, considering AI as a catalyst for economic growth.
        • It emphasizes that while AI is inherently beneficial, some harms must be mitigated.
      • In contrast, the Bletchley Declaration, signed by 28 major countries, prioritizes security and safety risks associated with AI.
        • It recognizes the potential for serious harm, deliberate or unintentional, stemming from the significant capabilities of AI models.
        • The focus extends beyond frontier AI, addressing concerns of bias and privacy.
      • India’s Evolving Position on AI Regulation
        • India’s stance on AI regulation has evolved significantly.
        • Previously hesitant about legal intervention, India now actively formulates regulations, adopting a “risk-based, user-harm” approach.
        • Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the GPAI Summit, highlighted AI’s dual potential—both a development tool and a potential threat.
        • This shift follows incidents like deepfakes gaining traction, prompting discussions on concrete legislative steps.
        • In April, the Ministry of Electronics and IT stated no plans for AI regulation.
        • However, facing ethical concerns and the rise of AI-based misinformation, the IT Ministry shifted its stance, considering a new law or amendments.
        • TRAI’s consultation paper proposed a domestic statutory authority for AI regulation, emphasizing a “risk-based framework” and advocating global collaboration for responsible AI use.
        •  India’s evolving position aligns with a global trend recognizing the importance of regulating AI for responsible and ethical development.