Daily Current Affairs UPSC 18 May 2024

IndiaAI Mission

Government Funding for AI Compute Infrastructure

• The government is willing to provide financial support of up to 50% for the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) compute infrastructure in the country.
• This initiative falls under the IndiaAI Compute Capacity (IAICC) component of the IndiaAI mission, which aims to establish a scalable AI computing infrastructure by deploying over 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) through strategic public-private collaborations.

IndiaAI Mission Overview

Objective: The goal of the IndiaAI mission is to create a strong AI ecosystem through strategic programs and partnerships involving both public and private sectors.
Implementation: The mission is being carried out by the 'IndiaAI' Independent Business Division (IBD) under the Digital India Corporation (DIC).
Components: The mission includes various components such as IndiaAI Compute Capacity, IndiaAI Innovation Centre, IndiaAI Datasets Platform, among others.

Deda Method

Deda Method of Seed Preservation by Muria Tribes.

About Deda Method:

• The Muria tribes use the deda method, a traditional way of preserving seeds by wrapping them in leaves, packing them tightly to resemble boulders, and weaving them with Siali leaves.
• Benefits of Deda Method: Protects seeds from pests and worms, allowing them to be stored and used for up to 5 years.

Muria Tribes of Chhattisgarh

• The Muria tribes are a sub-group of the Gond tribe in Chhattisgarh.
• They were involved in the Muria Rebellion of Bastar in 1876 against Gopinath Kapardas, the diwan of Bastar.
• Customs of the Muria Tribes: Dead pillars (Gudi) where the deceased are buried with a stone placed 6 to 7 feet high, and Ghotul where young boys and girls choose their own life partners.

World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)

• WOAH recently published their annual report on antimicrobial agents intended for use in animals. The report provides information on the use of antimicrobial agents in animals and their impact on animal health.

About WOAH

• Headquarters in Paris.
• Founded in 1924 as the Office International des Epizooties.
• Adopted the common name WOAH in 2003.
• Focuses on transparently disseminating information on animal diseases and improving animal health globally.
• WOAH works with 183 members, including India. Members collaborate to address issues related to animal health and disease prevention. Membership allows for sharing of information and resources to improve animal health worldwide.

National Endangered Species Day (NESD) 2024

NESD 2024 Overview

• NESD stands for National Endangered Species Day.
• The theme for 2024 is "Celebrate Saving Species".
• It is observed on the third Friday in May.
• Established by David Robinson and the Endangered Species Coalition in 2006.

Importance of NESD

• Raises awareness about the number of species facing extinction
• Calls for action to reduce harmful human activities threatening species
• Encourages individuals to contribute to the well-being of nature and endangered species

Nile River

• Researchers have recently found evidence of an extinct branch of the Nile River called the Ahramat Branch that once flowed near the pyramids in Egypt.

Significance of River Nile:

• The River Nile is the longest river in the world, flowing from south to north through Eastern Africa.
• It originates from rivers that feed into Lake Victoria and flows northward through northeastern Africa before draining into the Mediterranean Sea.
• The Nile runs through or along the border of 11 African countries, including Egypt, Burundi, Tanzania, Rwanda, and others.
• The river is fed by tributaries such as the White Nile, Blue Nile, and Atbara.

Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)

• The 'ONDC Startup Mahotsav' was organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• ONDC is a non-profit organization under DPIIT that aims to democratize digital commerce by serving as an intermediary layer between buyers and sellers.
• The founding members of ONDC are the Quality Council of India and Protean eGov Technologies.
• The benefits of ONDC include lowering entry barriers to digital commerce and providing a level playing field for all e-commerce models.

Allocation of time on state media to political parties

• The ECI allocates broadcast time on state media to both national and state political parties.
• National parties receive telecasting time on Doordarshan's national and regional channels, as well as on AIR.
• State parties are given telecasting time on the relevant regional Doordarshan channel and AIR radio station.

Guidelines for Speeches on State Media

• The ECI's guidelines prohibit criticism of other countries, attacks on religions or communities, and other forms of hate speech.
• Leaders are asked to make changes to their speeches if they violate these guidelines before they are broadcast on Doordarshan and AIR.

Port of Call

• In Cartagena, Spain, a vessel carrying arms from India to Israel was denied permission to dock at the port.
• The port of Cartagena in Spain has refused to allow a vessel carrying arms to Israel from India to make a port call.
• This decision highlights the importance of ports of call in regulating the movement of goods and ensuring compliance with international regulations.
• Ports of call serve as crucial points for ships to refuel, restock supplies, and undergo necessary inspections before continuing their journey.

New Caledonia (Capital: Noumea)

State of Emergency Declared in New Caledonia.

Political Features:

• New Caledonia is a French overseas island territory located in the South West Pacific Ocean.
• It shares maritime borders with Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu.
• While New Caledonia is one of the European Union's Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), it is not a part of the European Union, the Euro, or Schengen zones.

Geographical Features:

• The island has the Mount Panié range as its mountain range, with Mount Panié being the highest point.
• The Diahot River is a major river in New Caledonia.
• The Lagoons of New Caledonia and its associated coral reef ecosystem are designated as a UNESCO world heritage site.

"Earth's Magnetic Field Weakened 591 Million Years Ago"

Research findings on ancient rocks from South Africa and Brazil

• Research on ancient rocks from South Africa and Brazil suggests weakening of Earth's magnetic field during the Ediacaran period (635 million to 541 million years ago).
• Weak magnetic field overlaps with Ediacaran oxygenation, believed to be responsible for emergence of early animals.
• Weakened magnetic field allowed hydrogen to escape into space, leading to more free oxygen in the atmosphere and oceans.

Earth's magnetic field and its generation

• Earth is surrounded by a magnetic field forming a region called Magnetosphere.
• Earth's magnetic field is generated in the Earth's outer core by the geodynamo process.
• Convective energy from slow-moving molten iron is converted to electrical and magnetic energy.
• Magnetic field has North and South magnetic poles with opposite polarities.
• Most dramatic changes impacting Earth's magnetosphere are pole reversals.

Significance of Earth's magnetic field

• Prevents erosion of Earth's atmosphere by harmful solar wind.
• Protects Earth from particle radiation during Coronal Mass Ejection events and cosmic rays.
• Guides particles from the Sun towards poles where they create auroras.

Magnetic Pole reversal

• Forces generating Earth's magnetic field are constantly changing, causing shifts in strength.
• Location of Earth's magnetic poles gradually shift and can completely flip locations around every 300,000 years.
• During a pole reversal, the magnetic field weakens but does not completely disappear.

"Russian and Chinese Presidents Strengthen Alliance"

China and Russia Strengthen Partnership:

• China and Russia deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era.
• 2024 marks 75th Anniversary of China-Russia Diplomatic Relations.

China-Russia Relationship:

• Political: Signed "no-limits" strategic partnership before Russia-Ukraine war.
• Strategic: China top supplier of dual-use items to Russia.
• Economic: China is Russia's biggest trading partner, bilateral trade exceeded $240 billion in 2023.

Factors Uniting China and Russia:

• Similar perceptions of US hegemony.
• Common fear of NATO expansion.
• Alternative approaches to exercising international influence.
• Jointly managing shared interests.

Implications on India:

• Security concerns: Indian defence supplies come from Russia, concerns arise during confrontations with China
• Diminished support: Russia's dependence on China reduces likelihood of pressuring China in border confrontations with India
• India's Neighbourhood: Alteration to regional power dynamics, potentially limiting India's influence
• Recalibrating Strategic Priorities: China-Russia alliance directed against USA and West, impinges on India's geopolitical trajectory in Indo-Pacific and Eurasia.

Global Implications of China – Russia Relationship:

• The alliance between China and Russia has led to the strengthening of Western unity under American leadership and the expansion of NATO. This has implications for global geopolitics as it shifts the balance of power.
• The relationship between China and Russia has also resulted in increased military support from Western countries to Southeast Asian nations, as well as India aligning with US-led security groupings. This has implications for regional security dynamics.
• The failure of the multilateral security system to prevent conflicts is highlighted by the actions of China and Russia, showing the limitations of international cooperation in maintaining peace and stability.

Challenges with ARCs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) discussed concerns about the functioning of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) during a conference on governance in ARCs.

Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)

• ARCs are financial institutions that acquire and manage stressed assets from banks and financial institutions, registered under the SARFAESI Act.

Issues Identified with ARCs

• Concerns include back-door entry of defaulting promoters, selling assets to connected entities, lengthy settlement processes, and a focus on debt recovery over business improvement.
• Non-adherence to transparent and fair practices is also a key issue.

Measures to Enhance Governance in ARCs

• Suggestions to improve governance include developing a strong institutional culture focused on integrity and ethical conduct, following transparent practices in line with RBI guidelines, and prioritizing assurance functions like risk management and compliance.
• A regulation plus approach is recommended, ensuring compliance with both the letter and spirit of regulations.

Significance of ARCs:

• ARCs play a crucial role in resolving financial assets under stress.
• They help in creating a market for distressed assets.
• ARCs allow the financial system to concentrate on their main functions.
• They provide investors with an alternative investment option.

Global Economic Outlook 2024: Mid-Year Update

Report by United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Key Highlight of the Report:

• The report predicts global economic growth of 2.7% in 2024, higher than the previous forecast of 2.4%.
• India's growth rate is expected to be 6.9% in 2024 and 6.6% in 2025.
• Technological advancements in processing and use of critical minerals are creating new opportunities for economic growth.

Understanding Critical Minerals

• Critical minerals are elements that play a significant role in a country's economy or national security.
• Each country creates its own list of critical minerals based on industrial needs and supply risk assessments.
• India has identified 30 critical minerals including Antimony, Beryllium, Cobalt, and Copper.

Challenges in Investing in Critical Minerals

• Concentration of critical mineral resources in a few locations can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities, such as the Lithium triangle in South America.
• Supply chain and national security concerns are influencing policies in the critical mineral sector, as seen in the European Union's Critical Raw Materials Act.
• Unsustainable mining and processing practices pose challenges in the critical mineral sector.

Initiative taken by India for Critical Minerals:

• Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL).

1. 1. India has established KABIL to find, obtain, process, and utilize strategic minerals from foreign locations for supply in India.
   2. This initiative aims to ensure a stable supply of critical minerals for India's industrial needs.

• Mineral Security Partnership (MSP).

1. 1. India has joined the MSP led by the US to speed up the development of reliable and sustainable supply chains for critical energy minerals worldwide.
   2. This partnership will help India secure a diverse and stable supply of critical minerals for its growing economy.

• Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023.

1. 1. The Central Government in India will be auctioning areas for critical and strategic minerals to promote their exploration and extraction.
   2. This amendment aims to boost the mining sector in India and ensure a steady supply of essential minerals for the country's development.

"50th Anniversary of India's First Nuclear Test"

Test at Pokhran in 1974

• In 1974, India conducted a nuclear test at Pokhran with a plutonium device in the 10-15 kilotons range, named Operation Smiling Buddha.
• This test made India the first nation to conduct a nuclear test outside of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (P-5).

Nuclear tests in 1998

• In 1998, India conducted a series of nuclear tests at Pokhran under the code name Operation Shakti.
• These tests gave India the capability to build nuclear weapons ranging from low yields up to around 200 kilotons.

Factors driving India’s Pokhran I

• The test was conducted to establish a deterrent capability against potential adversaries and safeguard national security interests.
• India objected to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as it was seen as discriminatory to countries other than the P-5.

Response to the test

• In response to the 1974 test, the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was established.
• The NSG is made up of 48 states that have agreed to coordinate their export controls to non-nuclear-weapon states.
• It governs the transfers of civilian nuclear material and nuclear-related equipment and technology.

India’s Nuclear Doctrine:

• Credible Minimum Deterrent: India aims to have a nuclear arsenal that is just enough to deter potential adversaries from attacking, without engaging in an arms race.
• No First Use Policy: India states that it will not be the first to use nuclear weapons in a conflict, but will retaliate if attacked with nuclear weapons.
• Non-use Against Non-nuclear States: India pledges not to use nuclear weapons against countries that do not possess nuclear weapons themselves.
• Civilian Political Leadership: Only the civilian government has the authority to authorize a nuclear retaliatory attack, ensuring that decisions regarding nuclear weapons are made at the highest level of government.
• Commitment to Nuclear Disarmament: India is committed to working towards a world free of nuclear weapons, showing a dedication to global peace and security.

"Lower Tariffs Needed for GVC Participation: NITI Aayog CEO"

Global Value Chain (GVC) is the practice of dividing production tasks and activities among different countries, allowing for international production sharing.

Benefits of Global Value Chain (GVC) Integration

• Building domestic companies that can compete globally: GVC integration helps domestic companies expand their reach and compete on an international level.
• Higher foreign exchange earnings: By participating in GVCs, countries can increase their foreign exchange earnings through exports and international trade.
• Faster growth, import of skills and technology, and boost employment: GVC integration can lead to faster economic growth, the import of new skills and technology, and increased employment opportunities.

Reasons for India's Weak GVC Integration

• Lack of participation in significant trade blocs: India's absence from major trade blocs like SAARC and withdrawal from RCEP have hindered its integration into GVCs.
• Historical inward-looking industrial policies: Policies like the license Raj and import substitution have limited India's participation in GVCs.
• Slow pace of re-skilling and up-skilling of the workforce: India's workforce may not have the necessary skills to fully integrate into GVCs.
• Lack of integration with lead firms: India's failure to integrate with lead firms in GVCs has hindered its competitiveness in certain industries.

Measures for Integration with GVC

• Streamlining ports and customs operations: Improving efficiency in ports and customs can reduce turnaround times for imports and exports.
• Accelerating free trade agreements: Signing FTAs with key partners can facilitate smoother trade and integration into GVCs.
• Ensuring international quality standards: Adhering to global standards and certification systems can enhance India's reputation in international markets.
• Targeting high-value segments: Focusing on specific industries like defense and electronics can help India capture higher value in GVCs.
• Adopting e-governance and e-compliance: Implementing digital systems for trade can streamline processes and improve efficiency.

Measures Taken for GVC Integration in India

• Production Linked Incentives Scheme: Offering incentives to manufacturers can encourage them to participate in GVCs and increase production.
• Consolidation of labor laws and improvement in logistics: Improving labor laws and logistics performance can enhance India's competitiveness in GVCs.
• Infrastructure development: Projects like Bharatmala and Sagarmala can improve connectivity and logistics for smoother integration into GVCs.
• Liberalization of FDI norms: Allowing more foreign investment can attract companies to set up operations in India and participate in GVCs.