13 March 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Global coordination can trump efforts to undercut climate predictions

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Weather Forecasting and Climate Predictions

• Weather forecasting requires understanding global patterns, while climate predictions focus on long-term meteorological changes.
• Climate projections provide possible scenarios for the future and are coordinated by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
• Every few years, the IPCC compiles simulations from different climate models to produce an assessment report, with the most recent report issued in 2021-2022.

Need for Global Coordination in Climate Predictions

• Climate predictions require accurate models based on global observational data, including information from weather stations and satellites.
• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) oversees global coordination for these efforts, as no single country has enough data collection capabilities.
• Different climate centers use varied methodologies for data assimilation, and combining predictions from multiple centers improves accuracy.

Challenges in Climate Predictions

• Political decisions, such as the reduction of NOAA’s workforce, could impact global climate prediction systems.
• There is a need for a globally coordinated system to ensure that predictions are accurate and not affected by political instability.
• A well-organized global effort would lead to better forecasting models and improve responses to extreme weather events.
• Existing climate models do not provide sufficient detail for regional and local adaptation efforts.

Challenges in Long-Term Climate Projections

• Climate projections currently focus on predictions up to the year 2100, but experts suggest focusing on shorter, socially relevant timescales of a few decades.
• Existing models consider factors such as energy innovation, population growth, and climate policies but do not account for political disruptions, such as the downsizing of NOAA.

Need for Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Climate prediction centers must justify their funding through cost-benefit analyses rather than assuming their value is self-evident.
• If some prediction centers perform better with fewer resources, their efficiency should be studied and replicated.
• The IPCC should also conduct a cost-benefit analysis to ensure climate centers remain resilient despite financial constraints.

Conclusion

• A globally coordinated climate prediction system is necessary to ensure reliable and resilient forecasting.
• Delays in strengthening prediction efforts may lead to vulnerabilities and funding cuts for climate research centers.

2. India and Mauritius have decided to elevate ties to enhanced strategic partnership: PM Modi

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Front Page, Page – 1)

Analysis of the news:

Economic and Infrastructure Cooperation

• India has announced new projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees (₹100 crore) as part of the second phase of community development projects.
• India will also construct a new Parliament building in Mauritius, symbolizing India’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.
• Both nations have agreed to settle mutual trade in local currency, enhancing financial cooperation.

Capacity Building and Human Resource Development

• 500 Mauritian civil servants will be trained in India over the next five years, fostering knowledge exchange and governance improvements.

Strategic and Technological Collaboration

• The India-Mauritius Joint Vision Document aims to enhance cooperation in space research, artificial intelligence, digital health, ocean economy, pharmaceuticals, ICT, fintech, and cybersecurity.
• Agreements were signed on white-shipping, financial crimes, cross-border transactions, credit facilities, and ocean modeling, strengthening security and financial integrity.

Defense and Maritime Engagement

• An Indian naval ship will make a port call at Port Louis to commemorate Mauritius’s National Day, demonstrating India’s commitment to maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
• Indian defense forces, including a marching contingent, a naval helicopter, and an Air Force skydiving team, will participate in the celebrations, showcasing strong defense ties.

Geopolitical and Strategic Outreach

• Modi’s visit marks a renewed engagement with Mauritius’s new leadership, ensuring continuity in India’s past infrastructure development initiatives.
• India’s strategic interest in countering China’s influence in the Indian Ocean is a key factor behind this engagement.
• India’s swift disaster relief efforts during Cyclone Chido, utilizing its facilities in Agalega, highlight the growing humanitarian and security cooperation.

Conclusion The elevation of India-Mauritius relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership signifies deepening cooperation in economic, technological, security, and geopolitical domains. This move strengthens India’s presence in the Indian Ocean region while reinforcing historical and cultural ties with Mauritius

3. PMVIKAS FOCUSES ON UPLIFTMENT OF MINORITY COMMUNITIES

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2110892 )

Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS)

• Flagship Scheme: PM VIKAS is a major initiative by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, launched to support six notified minority communities.
• Scheme Convergence: It merges five previous schemes—‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, ‘Nai Roshni’, ‘Hamari Dharohar’, and ‘USTTAD’—to provide a comprehensive support system.
• Focus Areas: The scheme emphasizes skill development, entrepreneurship, leadership training for minority women, and education support for school dropouts.
• Awareness Campaign: Awareness is created through multimedia campaigns, including print and electronic media, FM radio, pocket booklets, and pamphlets in multiple languages.
• Public Engagement: Events such as ‘Hunar Haats’ and ‘Lok Samvardhan Parvs’ are organized to connect with minority communities.
• Inclusivity: The scheme aims to empower minorities economically and socially through structured government interventions.

Prelims Facts

1. The promise of mycelium bricks against climate change

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Mycelium Bricks: A Sustainable Alternative

• Composition: Made from fungal mycelia combined with agricultural waste like husk and sawdust.
• Production Process: The material grows and solidifies within a few days, forming a lightweight, fibrous structure.
• Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional fired clay bricks.
• Thermal Insulation: Provides good heat insulation, making it energy-efficient for buildings.
• Fire Resistance: Naturally fire-resistant but requires treatment for prolonged durability.
• Challenges:
  • Weaker load-bearing capacity compared to concrete.
  • Absorbs moisture, making it unsuitable for damp environments.
  • Susceptible to termites and biodegrades within a few years.
• Future Potential: Can be improved with non-toxic flame retardants, UV-protective coatings, and better manufacturing infrastructure.
• Applications: Used in interior panelling, liquid filters, sports equipment, and electronic circuit boards.

2. AI chatbot to help victims of digital sexual violence

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

About OlimpIA:

• OlimpIA is an AI-powered chatbot that provides legal advice and emotional support to victims of online sexual violence.
• It operates through WhatsApp and is available in several dozen languages, making it accessible to a wide audience.
• The chatbot was inspired by the experiences of two women from Mexico and Ecuador who faced digital sexual violence.
• It was developed in Mexico in collaboration with the technology company AuraChat.Ai.
• Since its launch in September, OlimpIA has increased its capacity from 100 to over 1,300 consultations per month.
• It aims to connect victims with police and officials to reduce the risk of further abuse.

3. As the sole artisan winds up his craft, it’s time for the last hat-tip to a famed cap

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3)

The Thalangara Thopi:

• The Thalangara Thopi is a traditional handmade prayer cap, deeply revered by the Muslim community and recognized as a heritage symbol.
• It has a 200-year-old legacy but is now on the brink of extinction as the last artisan has ceased production.
• The cap was an essential part of Muslim attire, especially during Ramzan, but its demand has significantly declined.
• Traditionally, it is made from pure cotton with minimal machine use, requiring 20 days of meticulous craftsmanship.
• The craft is believed to have been introduced by people from Lakshadweep and was also mentioned by Ibn Battuta in the 14th century.
• Abdul Raheem, a fourth-generation artisan, inherited the craft from his father, Abubakar Musliyar, who made it globally famous.

• Despite being recognized as a heritage item, the cap lacks institutional support for its revival.
• At its peak, the craft supported 40 families, but now it has entirely vanished from production.

4.Jio Inks Deal With SpaceX

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Economy, Page – 13)

 Analysis Of the News

• Aim: The partnership aims to expand broadband access across India, especially in remote areas, by integrating Starlink with Jio’s existing services. Jio will sell Starlink equipment through its retail and online stores while also supporting installation and activation.
• Regulatory Clearance: SpaceX is awaiting security clearance from the Indian government for Starlink’s operations.
• Spectrum Allocation Debate: Jio previously advocated for an auction-based spectrum allocation, while SpaceX preferred administrative allocation, which the government has now adopted.
• Service Expansion: The agreement enables Jio to offer Starlink solutions through its retail and online platforms, improving connectivity in remote areas.
• Strategic Collaboration: The partnership will integrate Starlink’s satellite network with Jio’s digital infrastructure, complementing JioFiber and JioAirFiber services.
• Future Cooperation: Both companies are exploring additional areas of collaboration to enhance India’s digital ecosystem.
• Significance: This partnership aims to bridge India’s digital divide by leveraging Jio’s vast mobile network and Starlink’s satellite technology to provide high-speed internet across urban and rural regions.

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