07 March 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Govt. launches AI Kosha, repository of data to build models and tools

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

What is AI Kosha?

• AI Kosha is a government-launched platform that provides access to non-personal datasets for AI development.
• It is part of the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to boost artificial intelligence research and innovation in India.
• The platform initially hosts 316 datasets, with most supporting language translation tools for Indian languages.
• It includes health data, census data, satellite imagery, and pollution data for research and development.
• AI Kosha helps start-ups, researchers, and industries by providing structured data for AI model training.
• It aligns with India’s goal of self-reliance in AI development and strengthens computing resources with shared GPUs for AI projects.

Significance/Importance of AI Kosha

• Boosts AI Research: Provides essential datasets for training and improving AI models.
• Supports Indian Languages: Aids in developing translation tools for better accessibility.
• Empowers Start-ups: Offers data and computing resources to help new AI businesses grow.
• Enhances Government Data Use: Encourages efficient data sharing among researchers and industries.
• Strengthens India’s AI Ecosystem: Contributes to India’s global AI competitiveness.
• Improves Decision-Making: Helps in policy planning and development using AI insights.
• Encourages Collaboration: Bridges the gap between government, academia, and private firms for AI innovation.

2. USAID Funding Cuts: Impact on India’s Health, Technology, and Development Programs

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 16)

Analysis of the news:

What is the US Agency for International Development?

• USAID is the primary US agency for global humanitarian and development aid.
• Support: In 2024, USAID was allocated USD 44.2 billion, just 0.4% of the total US federal budget, but accounted for 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations.
  • USAID funds healthcare, food aid, disaster relief, and policy advocacy worldwide.
  • Top aid recipients Include Ukraine, Ethiopia, Jordan, Somalia, and Afghanistan.
• USAID and India: India’s association with USAID began in 1951 with the India Emergency Food Aid Act, evolving over decades from food aid to infrastructure, capacity building, and economic reforms.
  • The agency has been supporting education, immunization, polio eradication, and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) /Tuberculosis (TB) prevention.
  • In the last decade, India is said to have received around USD 1.5 billion from USAID (about 0.2 % to 0.4 % of USAID’s total global funding).

Termination of Key Development Programs

• The Trump administration’s decision to halt USAID funding as part of the January 20 Executive Order will disrupt several crucial projects in India.
• Key initiatives such as the development of a secure 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), environmental programs, and numerous health initiatives will be discontinued.
• USAID has played a vital role in India’s health sector, contributing significantly to polio eradication, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis control.
• The sudden withdrawal of funds will leave a critical gap in these areas, affecting vulnerable populations.

USAID’s Role in India’s Development

• USAID has been one of the top contributors to India’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), with a total disbursement of $2.8 billion since 2001.
• The agency provided $228 million in 2022, $175 million in 2023, and $151 million in 2024 until mid-December.
• Post-pandemic, USAID’s support for India increased, particularly in the health sector, where it allocated $148 million in 2022 and $81 million in 2023 to economic recovery funds.

Sector-Wise Impact of Funding Cuts

• Health and Population Programs: In 2024, $80 million of USAID funds went to basic health programs, maternal health, and family planning. In previous years, allocations were even higher, with $140.7 million in 2022 and $120 million in 2023 dedicated to health, including COVID-19 relief.
• Tuberculosis Control: The Breaking the Barriers program, aimed at raising TB awareness in Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, and Assam, received $7 million in USAID funding. Its closure will halt innovative interventions in these regions.
• HIV/AIDS Programs: USAID has been a major backer of HIV/AIDS prevention through PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). Experts warn that funding cuts could lead to an increase in HIV transmission and fatalities.

Broader Global Consequences

• USAID’s withdrawal will affect not just India but also several underdeveloped and developing nations across Asia and Africa.
• German Consul General Achim Burkart highlighted that the funding cut could have dire consequences, stating that in Zambia alone, 150,000 people require urgent HIV medication to survive.
• The situation underscores the broader responsibility of wealthier nations to support global healthcare initiatives.

Legal Challenge and Temporary Reprieve

• A US Federal Court stayed the executive order on February 13, preventing the immediate halt of all foreign aid.
• However, the Trump administration appealed to the US Supreme Court, arguing that only 500 out of 5,800 foreign aid programs were being retained.
• On March 5, the Supreme Court rejected the appeal in a 5-4 verdict, temporarily allowing the continued flow of some aid. However, the long-term future of US foreign assistance remains uncertain.

Conclusion

• The abrupt cessation of USAID funding will significantly impact India’s health, environment, and technology sectors, particularly programs focused on TB, HIV/AIDS, and maternal health.
• While a temporary legal stay offers some respite, the long-term uncertainty of US foreign aid highlights the need for India to explore alternative funding sources and strengthen its domestic healthcare and development infrastructure.

3. India’s AI Revolution

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2108810 )

AI Ecosystem Development

• The Indian government is actively shaping an AI ecosystem with affordable access to computing power, GPUs, and research opportunities.
• Initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission and Centres of Excellence for AI aim to foster innovation and self-reliance.
• These efforts align with Viksit Bharat 2047, positioning India as a global AI powerhouse.

AI Compute and Semiconductor Infrastructure

• IndiaAI Mission 2024 allocated ₹10,300 crore over five years to strengthen AI capabilities.
• A high-end computing facility with 18,693 GPUs is being developed, making it one of the largest AI compute infrastructures globally.
• Open GPU marketplace ensures AI access for startups, researchers, and students.
• Indigenous GPU development planned within 3-5 years to reduce import dependency.
• Affordable compute access: ₹100/hour for AI computing, compared to the global cost of $2.5-$3/hour.
• Semiconductor manufacturing boost: Five semiconductor plants under construction to support AI and electronics.

Advancing AI with Open Data & Centres of Excellence (CoE)

• IndiaAI Dataset Platform provides access to anonymized, non-personal datasets.
• Three AI Centres of Excellence (CoEs) established in Healthcare, Agriculture, and Sustainable Cities.
• AI CoE in Education (Budget 2025) with ₹500 crore outlay.
• Five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling to train AI professionals.

India’s AI Models & Language Technologies

• Development of indigenous Large Language Models (LLMs) and Small Language Models (SLMs).
• Digital India BHASHINI: AI-led language translation platform for Indian languages.
• BharatGen: Government-funded multimodal LLM initiative for public service delivery.
• Sarvam-1 AI Model: 2-billion parameter LLM supporting 10 Indian languages.
• Hanooman’s Everest 1.0: Supports 35 Indian languages, expanding to 90.

AI Integration with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

• AI-enhanced Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker services drive innovation.
• AI-powered crowd management solutions used at Mahakumbh 2025.
• Bhashini-powered Kumbh Sah’AI’yak Chatbot enabled multilingual services.

AI Talent & Workforce Development

• IndiaAI Future Skills initiative expanding AI education across UG, PG, and PhD levels.
• India ranks 1st in AI skill penetration (Stanford AI Index 2024).
• AI workforce has grown 14-fold from 2016-2023; demand to reach 1 million AI professionals by 2026.

AI Adoption & Industry Growth

• 80% of Indian businesses consider AI a strategic priority (BCG report).
• AI startup funding surged 6x in Q2FY2025 to USD 51 million.
• AI adoption in workplaces: 70% of Indian employees used AI in 2024, up from 50% in 2023.
• AI-driven SMB growth: 78% of Indian SMBs using AI reported revenue growth.
• India’s AI market CAGR projected at 25-35%, boosting innovation and job creation.

Conclusion

• India’s artificial intelligence strategy has the potential to drive economic growth, enhance productivity, and foster digital inclusion.
• However, addressing challenges like data privacy, skill gaps, and ethical concerns is crucial for its effective implementation.

Prelims Facts

1. UN report finds women’s rights were ‘weakened in a quarter of countries’

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 15)

Important Findings of the Report

• A report by UN Women states that women’s rights regressed in about one-quarter of countries worldwide.
• Factors responsible include climate change and weakening democratic institutions.
• Anti-rights groups are actively opposing gender equality efforts.

Challenges in Implementing Women’s Rights Policies

• Many countries report difficulties in implementing the Beijing Platform for Action, a key global framework for women’s rights since 1995.
• While progress has been made, setbacks in gender equality continue.

Progress and Remaining Gaps

• Women’s representation in parliaments has doubled since 1995, yet men still make up about 75% of parliamentarians.
• Social protection benefits for women increased by one-third between 2010 and 2023, but two billion women and girls still lack such protections.
• Gender employment gaps have remained unchanged for decades, with 63% of women aged 25-54 in paid jobs compared to 92% of men.

Increase in Gender-Based Violence and Conflict Impact

• Conflict-related sexual violence has risen by 50% in the past decade, with 95% of victims being children or young women.
• In 2023, 612 million women lived within 50 kilometers of an armed conflict, a 54% increase since 2010.
• At least 53% of women in 12 European and Central Asian countries have faced online gender-based violence.

Steps Suggested for Gender Equality

• Promote equal access to new technologies like AI.
• Take measures to address climate-related gender injustices.
• Invest in poverty reduction strategies.
• Encourage women’s participation in public affairs.
• Strengthen actions against gender-based violence.

2. An ancient Ethiopian instrument that is healing souls, reviving traditions

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 15)

The Begena:

• Ancient Instrument: The begena is a very old musical instrument from Ethiopia, believed to have come from Israel in ancient times.
• Shape and Size: It looks like a large harp, is about one meter tall, and has a trapezium shape.

• Strings and Material: It has 10 strings, which were traditionally made from sheep’s intestines, and is played with fingers or a small tool.
• Religious Use: It has been used for centuries in Ethiopian churches for prayers and meditation.
• Banned and Revived: It was banned during Ethiopia’s communist rule (1974–1991) but is now becoming popular again.
• Healing Power: Its calming music helps lower stress, improve mood, and even benefits people with memory loss or autism.
• New Uses: Today, musicians play it in hospitals and nursing homes to help patients feel peaceful and relaxed.

3. Pashu Aushadhi Kendras

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 16)

Analysis of the news:                                  

Concept and Inspiration

• The Pashu Aushadhi initiative is modeled after the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK), which provide affordable generic medicines for humans.
• Similarly, Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will supply cost-effective, high-quality generic veterinary medicines to farmers and livestock owners, reducing their financial burden on animal healthcare.

Objective: Enhancing Livestock Health

• This initiative is part of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP), which has a total budget of ₹3,880 crore for 2024-26, with ₹75 crore allocated specifically for Pashu Aushadhi Kendras.
• It aims to prevent and treat livestock diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Lumpy Skin Disease, and others, thereby improving productivity and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for farmers.

Importance of Pashu Aushadhi Kendras

• India has a livestock population of 535.78 million, with 302.79 million bovines (cattle, buffalo, mithun, and yak).
• Diseases severely impact their productivity, leading to economic losses for farmers.
• While vaccination drives have been implemented, affordable access to veterinary medicines remains crucial for disease management and prevention.

Implementation and Operation

• The cooperative societies and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK) will run these stores.
• The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying will soon release operational guidelines to ensure smooth implementation.

Incorporating Traditional Medicines

• Apart from modern generic medicines, Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will also sell ethnoveterinary medicines, which are based on traditional and indigenous knowledge.
• The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has identified various formulations using natural ingredients like turmeric, neem, tulsi, garlic, cumin, and jaggery to treat ailments such as mastitis, fever, diarrhoea, bloating, and FMD lesions.

4. Iftar: The Spiritual, Social, and Cultural Essence of Breaking the Fast During Ramzan

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 16)

Analysis of the news:

Timing and Rituals of Iftar

• Iftar, meaning “breaking of the fast” in Arabic, is the evening meal consumed at sunset to mark the end of the daily roza (fast) during Ramzan.
• It is eaten immediately before the Maghrib namaz (evening prayer) after an entire day of fasting.
• While there are no strict rules on what to eat, it is customary to begin with dates, following the practice of Prophet Muhammad.
• The meal is often shared with family, friends, and the community, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness.

Spiritual Significance of Iftar

• Fasting in Ramzan serves as a reminder of God’s blessings and provisions, encouraging gratitude and self-discipline.
• Breaking the fast with a single meal teaches moderation, restraint, and mindfulness about food and other worldly pleasures.
• It is a time for reflection, prayer, and strengthening faith, reinforcing devotion to Allah and adherence to Islamic teachings.

Social and Cultural Importance

• Iftar fosters community bonding and charity, as families and neighbors come together to share meals, and food is distributed to the needy.
• It serves as an opportunity to strengthen family and social ties. Recognizing its cultural significance, UNESCO inscribed iftar on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023, highlighting its role in promoting solidarity, storytelling, music, and communal gatherings.

Ramzan vs. Ramadan: The Name Debate

• Both Ramzan and Ramadan refer to the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
• While “Ramadan” follows the Arabic pronunciation, “Ramzan” is derived from Persian influence, which is commonly used in the Indian subcontinent.
• Similarly, sehri (pre-dawn meal) is known as suhur in Arabic. Both terms are correct and reflect linguistic variations across regions.

check more – 06 March 2025 : Daily Current Affairs