14 September 2024 : Daily Current Affairs
1. IISc Researchers Develop Brain-like Molecular Computing Platform, Paving Way for AI Revolution
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Express Network; Page: 09)
| Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology |
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Analysis of News:
Brain-like Analogous Computing
- The platform, designed by researchers at IISc’s Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), can process and store data similar to the human brain.
- Unlike traditional digital platforms that operate on binary states (0 and 1), this platform offers 16,500 conductance states within the molecular film, enhancing processing speed and reducing energy consumption.
Revolutionizing AI and Computing
- This technological advancement could revolutionize AI capabilities by allowing the platform to be deployed on personal electronic devices like smartphones and laptops.
- It would also significantly enhance applications in Machine Learning and scientific computing.
Energy Efficiency and Neuromorphic Traits
- The molecular film allows free ionic movement, which leads to numerous memory pathways that were previously inaccessible in digital computing.
- This enables precise control over molecular kinetics, offering neuromorphic traits in a single circuit element, as described in the paper published in Nature.
Indigenous Effort to Address Neuromorphic Computing Challenges
- This development is entirely indigenous and aims to address several challenges in neuromorphic computing, such as edge training and advanced model deployment.
- The research team believes this could unlock new milestones in AI.
| What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? |
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| PYQ: Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare? (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2023) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the potential impact of the development of brain-like molecular computing platforms on the future of artificial intelligence and computing, with special reference to the recent breakthrough by IISc researchers. (250 words/15 m) |
2. India’s Transport Sector Could Cut CO2 Emissions by 71% by 2050 with High-Ambition Strategies: WRI Study
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Express Network; Page: 09)
| Topic: GS3 – Environment |
| Context: |
| The article discusses how India’s transport sector could significantly reduce CO2 emissions by 2050. |
Analysis of News:
India’s Transport Sector and CO2 Emissions
- India’s transport sector accounted for 14% of the country’s energy-related CO2 emissions in 2020.
- A new study by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India suggests a significant reduction in these emissions can be achieved through targeted strategies.
Key Strategies for Emission Reduction
- Electrification: Shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs) can lead to a substantial drop in CO2 emissions.
- Improving Fuel Economy Standards: Enhancing fuel efficiency will help curb energy consumption.
- Modal Shift to Cleaner Transport: Encouraging cleaner modes of transportation, such as railways and waterways, is vital.
Impact of High-Ambition Strategies
- If these strategies are implemented at their highest level of ambition, CO2 emissions from the transport sector could be reduced by up to 71% by 2050, compared to a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario.
Importance for India’s Net-Zero Goal
- Reducing emissions in the transport sector is critical for achieving India’s net-zero target by 2070. The study shows that electrification, combined with decarbonizing electricity generation, could further boost emission reduction to 75% by 2050.
Sectoral Breakdown of Emissions
In 2020, road transport accounted for 90% of transport sector emissions, with the following contributions:
- Two-wheelers: 16%
- Cars: 25%
- Buses: 9%
- Freight (light-duty): 8%
- Freight (heavy-duty): 45%
- Railways, aviation, and waterways contributed only 6%, 3%, and 1%, respectively.
| Practice Question: Evaluate the potential impact of high-ambition strategies in reducing CO2 emissions in India’s transport sector by 2050. How can these strategies contribute to India’s net-zero target? (250 words/15 m) |
3. India’s stance on WTO fish talks gets support from many developing nations
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. -11)
| Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy |
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India’s Stance on Fisheries Subsidies at WTO
- India demands stricter disciplines on subsidies that fuel unsustainable deep-sea industrial fishing, mainly by large fleets.
- India emphasises not burdening small-scale fishers, particularly in developing countries, as they seek to expand fishing capacities sustainably.
- The country seeks a fair agreement that supports sustainability goals without penalising developing nations disproportionately.
- India’s submissions focus on addressing loopholes in the WTO draft that may allow large-scale industrial fishing operations to evade accountability.
Support and Impact
- Support from Developing Countries & LDCs:
- Backed by many developing nations and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) concerned with protecting small-scale fishers.
- Gambia’s fishing community supports India’s call to address loopholes affecting sustainable practices in poorer countries.
- Impact:
- Expected to check harmful subsidies that fuel overfishing and depletion of global marine resources.
- Could ensure better protection for small-scale fishers in developing countries, promoting sustainable fishing practices.
- Calls for more robust commitments from top subsidisers like China, the EU, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.
4. Railway Board Chairman flags shortage of manpower
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 5)
| Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure – Railways |
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Key Information about the Railway Board
- The Railway Board is the apex body of the Indian Railways, responsible for its overall management and functioning.
- The Chairman and CEO oversee policy formulation, infrastructure development, safety, and operations.
- The Board reports to the Ministry of Railways and coordinates with other ministries for finance and infrastructure matters.
- Indian Railways has seen significant capital expenditure, from ₹1.48 lakh crore in 2019-20 to ₹2.62 lakh crore in 2023-24.
- It manages the maintenance of infrastructure, including electrified routes (63,456 km by 2024), escalators, lifts, locomotives, and loco sheds, with substantial revenue increases in passenger earnings and freight loading.
Concerns Raised by Chairman Satish Kumar
- Manpower Shortages: Urgent requirement for additional staff due to the exponential growth in railway infrastructure, new lines, and assets.
- Safety Issues: Recent major accidents highlight the need for more personnel in safety-related roles to ensure safe train operations.
- Increased Assets: The number of locomotives grew by 59.86% between 2019 and 2024, necessitating additional manpower for operation and maintenance.
- Non-feasibility of Outsourcing: Outsourcing critical activities like track, bridge, and locomotive maintenance is not viable due to safety compliance issues.
- Capex Increase: Capital expenditure growth has led to more assets, requiring more staff for infrastructure maintenance and train operations.
- Safety Clearance: More manpower is needed to comply with safety norms for clearance by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
| PYQ: The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways or the private container operators. (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2014) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the challenges faced by Indian Railways due to manpower shortages in the context of its expanding infrastructure and increased safety concerns. (150 Words /10 marks) |
5. Government has decided to rename the capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Port Blair as “Sri Vijaya Puram”
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2054647 )
| Topic: GS2 – Governance |
| Context |
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Analysis of the news:
- The renaming aligns with the government’s vision to remove colonial legacies.
- “Sri Vijaya Puram” reflects the victory in the freedom struggle and the islands’ historical significance.
- The Andaman & Nicobar Islands played a key role in India’s freedom movement, including hosting the first unfurling of the Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and housing the cellular jail where Veer Savarkar was imprisoned.
PRELIMS FACTS
1. OpenAI Unveils Advanced AI Model o1: A Leap in Reasoning and Problem-Solving
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 13)
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Analysis of News:
How OpenAI o1 Works
- The o1 model is designed to emulate human-like reasoning, particularly in approaching complex problems.
- It evaluates queries from multiple perspectives, checks its output, and learns from mistakes. This ability allows the model to approach problem-solving more intelligently, making it a substantial leap in AI capabilities.
- While it lacks features like web browsing and file management, future updates aim to match the expertise of PhD students in fields like physics, chemistry, and biology.
Safety Measures
- OpenAI has focused on enhancing the safety of the o1 model by training it to follow rules better, even when users attempt to trick it (jailbreaking).
- The new training method significantly improved the model’s adherence to safety protocols, with a dramatic increase in test scores compared to earlier versions.
- OpenAI has collaborated with governments in the UK and US for AI safety testing and has given early access to safety groups.
Potential Impact on Jobs and Research
- The advanced reasoning capabilities of o1 may affect job sectors that involve intellectual tasks like software development, data analysis, coding, and mathematical modeling.
- Automating these tasks could reduce the demand for human intervention in industries like IT, finance, and engineering.
- For researchers, o1 offers potential as an assistant in fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and healthcare, where it can accelerate problem-solving and manage large datasets, supporting breakthroughs in research.
2. Helium Leaks Pose Challenges for Space Missions, Highlighting Need for Innovation in Rocket Design
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 13)
| Context |
| The article discusses the persistent issue of helium leaks in spacecraft and rockets, their role in space missions, and the need for improved valve technology to prevent such problems. |
Analysis of News:
Helium’s Role in Spacecraft and Rockets
- Helium is crucial for spacecraft and rockets due to its inert nature, meaning it does not react or combust.
- Its light atomic weight (second only to hydrogen) allows it to be used in pressurizing fuel tanks and cooling systems.
- Rockets need to be lightweight to minimize fuel consumption and reach orbit efficiently, making helium ideal for these tasks.
Usage in Spacecraft Systems
- In spacecraft, helium pressurizes fuel tanks, ensuring a steady flow of fuel to engines, and fills empty spaces left by burning fuel, maintaining pressure.
- Its non-reactive properties also make it safe for use in fuel tanks without risking combustion with residuals.
- Additionally, helium’s extremely low boiling point allows it to stay gaseous in cold environments, a key feature since many rocket fuels are stored at cryogenic temperatures.
Helium Leaks: A Persistent Issue
- Helium’s small atomic size makes it prone to leaks, as atoms can escape through tiny gaps in storage tanks and fuel systems.
- This has been a recurring issue in space missions, affecting vehicles like Boeing’s Starliner, SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn, and ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2. However, helium leaks are easily detectable, helping engineers spot faults in fuel systems.
Need for Industry Innovation
- The frequent occurrence of helium leaks has led engineers to call for improvements in valve design and more precise sealing mechanisms across the space industry, highlighting a need for better technology to prevent such issues.
3. China signs pact with debt-ridden Maldives
(Source: Indian Express; Section: The World; Page: 14)
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Analysis of News:
Key Agreement
- China’s central bank and the Maldivian Ministry of Economic Development and Trade signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance trade and investment relations.
- This includes boosting local currency settlements for current account transactions and direct investment, aiming to stabilize Maldives’ financial situation.
Debt Distress in Maldives
- The Maldives, facing debt challenges, owes significant amounts to both China ($1.37 billion) and India ($124 million).
- Concerns have risen about the country’s ability to avoid default, particularly with a $25 million Islamic sovereign debt payment due next month.
China’s Engagement
- China, the Maldives’ largest bilateral lender, has been in discussions with Maldivian authorities to explore solutions for their debt and deepen financial cooperation, signaling a strategic partnership.
Shift in Maldives’ Foreign Policy
- Following a landslide election victory for President Mohamed Muizzu’s party, the Maldives is expected to strengthen ties with China, marking a shift away from its traditional alignment with India.
4. Indore’s Streak Prompts New ‘Golden Cities Club’ in Swachhata Rankings; Fresh Competition for Cleanest City Launched
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Govt & Politics; Page: 07)
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Analysis of News:
Introduction of Golden Cities Club
- Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, announced a new category called the “Golden Cities Club” for cities that have ranked number one repeatedly, allowing new cities to compete for the top spot.
- This was created to ensure a fair competitive environment, as consistently top-ranking cities like Indore may discourage other cities from putting in efforts.
New Competition Structure
- The cities included in the Golden Cities Club will be excluded from the regular competition.
- Future top winners from the general category will be added to this exclusive club.
- Currently, cities that have ranked first for three consecutive years will qualify for the Golden Cities Club.
Recent Cleanliness Drive Initiatives
- The government plans a cleanliness drive from September 17 to October 2, targeting two lakh locations across public buildings, commercial areas, and public toilets, as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Swachh Bharat Mission’s Success
- Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil highlighted the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission, with a World Health Organization report stating that 93% of women in India now have access to a toilet.
5. Third edition of INDUS-X Summit concludes in California
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2054372 )
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The INDUS-X Summit:
- The INDUS-X Summit is a collaborative event aimed at advancing defence innovation between India and the United States.
- It provides a platform for showcasing emerging technologies developed by startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in the defence sector.
- The summit facilitates discussions on future technology trends, funding opportunities, and the enhancement of defence supply chains.
- It includes advisory forums such as the Senior Advisory Group and the Senior Leaders Forum for strategic dialogue and insights.
- The initiative is managed by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) from India and the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) under the U.S. Department of Defense.
- The summit aims to strengthen industry-research-investment partnerships and address key challenges in defence innovation and capacity building.
- It supports the strategic collaboration between both nations to promote advanced defence technologies and innovation
6. Mahua Moitra files complaint with Lokpal against SEBI chief
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)
| Context |
| Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra filed a complaint with the Lokpal against SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, alleging “quid pro quo” ties with the Adani Group, following Hindenburg Research’s accusations of SEBI’s inaction due to potential conflicts of interest. |
Structure of Lokpal
- Composition: Lokpal consists of one Chairperson and up to eight members.
- Chairperson: Must be a former Chief Justice of India, a former Supreme Court Judge, or an eminent person with 25 years of expertise in anti-corruption, public administration, finance, law, or management.
- Members: Half of the members are judicial, and at least 50% must be from SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Women.
- Judicial Members: Must be former Supreme Court Judges or former Chief Justices of High Courts.
- Non-Judicial Members: Must have 25 years of expertise in anti-corruption, finance, law, or public administration.
- Term: 5 years or until the age of 70.
- Selection: Appointed by the President based on the recommendation of a Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of India, and an eminent jurist.
Jurisdiction and Powers
- Jurisdiction: Includes the Prime Minister (with some exceptions), Ministers, MPs, and Group A, B, C, and D officers.
- Powers: Can superintend the CBI, confiscate assets in corruption cases, and suspend or transfer public servants.
- Inquiry Wing: Functions with civil court powers, preventing record destruction during investigations.
7. DRDO completes preliminary trials of indigenous light tank
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 5)
| Context |
| DRDO’s preliminary automotive trials of the Indian light tank, Zorawar, were successful, showcasing its performance in desert terrain and accuracy in firing.Designed for high-altitude deployment, the tank is slated for Army handover by August 2025. |
More About Indian Light Tank – Zorawar:
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted successful preliminary automotive trials of the Indian light tank, Zorawar.
- The trials were carried out in desert terrain, where the tank demonstrated exceptional performance.
- The tank met all intended objectives and achieved the required accuracy in firing performance.
- Zorawar is designed for deployment in high-altitude areas.
- The light tank was developed by DRDO in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro.
- The tank is expected to be handed over to the Indian Army by August 2025.
3. Accused has right to be silent during interrogation: judge
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3
| Context |
| Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, in granting bail to Arvind Kejriwal, upheld the right of an accused to remain silent during interrogation, criticising the practice of unnecessary arrests and emphasising that investigative power should not override individual constitutional rights. |
Analysis of the news:
- Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, in his opinion allowing bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, affirmed the right of an accused to remain silent during interrogation.
- He stated that an investigating agency cannot presume guilt or draw adverse inferences from an accused’s silence.
- Invoking Article 20(3) of the Constitution, Justice Bhuyan emphasised that protection against self-incrimination applies during both trial and pre-trial stages.
- He criticised the practice of arresting first and questioning later, stressing that power to arrest does not always equate to necessity.
- Justice Bhuyan questioned the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest 22 months after the FIR, advocating a balance between individual rights and investigative powers.
