APRIL 7, 2024 | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR APSC/UPSC
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Ancient Indian Knowledge
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(APSC/UPSC SYLLABUS: GS-I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.)
- Why in News?
- Recently, Governor of Assam Gulab Chand Kataria emphasized India's role as a reservoir of knowledge that has profoundly influenced the world throughout history.
- Rich Tradition:
- He highlighted the richness of India's knowledge tradition, which aimed at the holistic development of individuals encompassing Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
- Governor Kataria pointed out significant milestones in Indian education, such as the establishment of Taxila and Nalanda Universities, which attracted scholars from around the world.
- He underscored Sanskrit's significance as the mother of all languages, asserting its purity and suitability. Studies worldwide are being conducted to understand its utility.
- The Governor highlighted India's contributions to science, including the atomic theory by Rishi Kanad, advanced astronomical calculations by Bhaskaracharya, and mathematical concepts by mathematicians like Aryabhatta and Sridharacharya.
- India's pioneering role in mathematics was emphasized, with Governor Kataria mentioning the origin of algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and the concept of zero to infinity.
- Reviving Ancient Knowledge:
- He praised the National Education Policy 2020 for incorporating multidisciplinary education rooted in Indian knowledge systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Vedanta, and Vedic science.
- Governor Kataria commended the efforts of the Centre for Indian Knowledge System and IIT Guwahati for organizing the conference, aiming to connect students and teachers with India's rich knowledge tradition.
- The Governor expressed optimism that initiatives like this would inspire youth to contribute to India's global stature, acknowledging IIT Guwahati's significant role in promoting India's knowledge heritage.
(Image Credit: Microsoft Designer) |
(APSC/UPSC SYLLABUS: GS-II: Elections; Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
GS-III: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.)
- Why in News?
- Recently, Microsoft has cautioned that China may utilize Artificial Intelligence-generated content via social media to influence public opinion during elections in nations like India, South Korea, and the US.
- These insights are part of the latest East Asia report published by Microsoft's Threat Analysis Centre, highlighting China's use of fake social media accounts and AI-generated content to influence global politics.
- The warning comes as major elections are scheduled worldwide, including India's Lok Sabha elections, South Korea's general election, and the US presidential election.
- Potential Impact:
- While the immediate impact of such AI-generated content on election outcomes is deemed low, China's increasing experimentation in this area poses a future threat. Collaboration with North Korea in this regard is also anticipated.
- China's objectives include sowing division and potentially influencing the outcome of elections, particularly in the US. The use of AI-generated content is part of its broader strategy to achieve geopolitical interests.
- North Korea is reported to be increasing its cryptocurrency heists and supply chain attacks to fund military goals and intelligence collection, also incorporating AI for operational efficiency.
- The report anticipates continued Chinese and North Korean cyber activities targeting elections in India, South Korea, and the US, with China likely to amplify AI-generated content in its favor.
- Preparedness and Response:
- Microsoft underscores the need for vigilance against Chinese cyber actors' reconnaissance efforts on US political institutions and potential engagement with Americans. Additionally, North Korea's evolving strategies, including cryptocurrency heists, require attention.
- Sophisticated cyberattacks, including supply chain attacks, targeting the defence sector, serve to fund regimes and bolster military capabilities, requiring enhanced security measures.
(Image Credit: Microsoft Designer) |
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- Why in News?
- Recently, the Russian Soyuz MS-24 capsule carrying two women, Marina Vasilevskaya of Belarus and NASA's Loral O'Hara, along with Russia's Oleg Novitsky, successfully landed in Kazakhstan's steppe on Saturday after completing their missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
- The landing occurred southeast of the remote town of Dzhezkazgan at 12:17 pm Kazakh time (0717 GMT).
- Key Points:
- Those remaining aboard the ISS include NASA astronauts Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominick, Tracy Dyson, and Jeannette Epps, along with Russian cosmonauts Nikolai Chub, Alexander Grebenkin, and Oleg Kononenko.
- O'Hara spent a total of 204 days aboard the ISS after arriving on September 15, 2023.
- Despite geopolitical tensions, the ISS remains a symbol of international cooperation, with NASA and its partners aiming to continue operations until 2030 amidst tensions over Russia's actions in Ukraine.
India's EV Landscape
- Why in News?
- Recently, industry experts anticipate a surge in EV battery production, supported by the 'Make in India' initiative. This development is expected to reduce manufacturing costs and drive EV sales within the country.
- Government Initiatives:
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC) and the recent reduction in import duties on EVs priced under $35,000 to 15%, asserting their transformative impact.
- These initiatives not only pave the way for companies like Tesla but also signal India's readiness to attract substantial investments and nurture a new ecosystem for EVs and their component suppliers, accelerating India's emergence as a major player in the global EV market.
- Way Forward:
- Need for development of a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing various aspects such as battery technology, infotainment, sensors, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS/ADS).
- The convergence of government support, technological advancements, and industry collaboration is poised to drive India's transition towards becoming a prominent player in the global EV market.
India-Singapore
- Why in News?
- Recently, bilateral trade between Singapore and India surged by 18.2% to reach $35.6 billion during the fiscal year 2022-23, as announced by a senior diplomat at the Indian High Commission in Singapore.
- Singapore maintains its position as India's eighth-largest trade partner, contributing 3.1% to India's overall trade volume during the same period, according to T Prabakar, the First Secretary (Commerce) at the high commission.
- Import-Export Dynamics:
- Imports from Singapore to India experienced significant growth, reaching $23.6 billion, marking a 24.4% increase.
- Meanwhile, exports from India to Singapore amounted to $12 billion, reflecting a 7.6% rise compared to the previous financial year.
- Singapore stands as the sixth-largest export destination for India globally and the eighth-largest source of imports for India during the fiscal year 2022-23.
- The bilateral relationship between India and Singapore extends beyond merchandise trade.
- The substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflows into India from Singapore, which amounted to $17.2 billion during the fiscal year 2022-23.
India's Energy Sector
- Why in News?
- Recently, the Ministry of Power reports that hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 15 GW are currently under construction in India.
- This development is expected to increase the country's hydropower capacity by more than 50%, from 42 GW to 67 GW by the fiscal year 2031-32.
- Forcast:
- The Indian Meteorological Department's forecast of higher rainfall in the current financial year is expected to positively affect hydropower generation.
- Additionally, projects in the Himalayan region, reliant on snowmelt for water flow, are anticipated to benefit from increased melting due to rising temperatures.
- Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs):
- The development of PSPs, also known as 'Water Batteries,' is gaining importance in providing grid stability and balancing power supply.
- Currently, 2.7 GW of PSPs are under construction, with an additional 50 GW in various stages of development. By 2031-32, PSP capacity is projected to increase to around 55 GW.
- Challenges:
- While India's hydropower sector faces challenges such as natural calamities and geological surprises, recent events like flash floods in Himachal Pradesh and the eastern region have impacted operations and generation. However, the government remains optimistic, especially with predictions of a good monsoon in FY2024-25.
- Government Initiatives:
- India is undergoing an energy transition, with significant additions of solar and wind power to the energy mix.
- Despite challenges, the government remains proactive, aiming to achieve ambitious targets set under the COP Paris Agreement, including reducing emissions intensity and increasing the share of non-fossil fuel sources in the energy mix.
- Despite hurdles, the government is committed to accelerating hydropower development to align with climate goals and ensure energy security for the nation.
India-Pakistan
- Why in News?
- Recently both India and Pakistan are experiencing conducive weather conditions, leading to expectations of record wheat output this year. However, India stands out due to its better preparedness to handle climate change impacts.
- How India is Better Performing than Pakistan?
- India is self-sufficient in wheat output, while Pakistan still relies on imports to meet domestic requirements. India is projected to achieve a record wheat output of 114 million tonnes in the 2023-24 crop year.
- India has developed numerous indigenous heat-resistant and short-duration seed varieties, which are crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on wheat crops. Over 100 climate-resilient wheat varieties are currently in use, out of a total of 600 released varieties.
- India has implemented various agronomic measures, including changing planting dates, adopting short-duration varieties, promoting raised bed cultivation, sprinkler irrigation, and soil-water-nitrogen management, to enhance wheat production resilience.
- Challenges in Pakistan:
- Pakistan faces challenges in seed development and adaptation to climate change.
- Despite sharing similar agro-climatic conditions with India,
- Pakistan has struggled to produce quality seeds capable of withstanding climate shocks.
- Importance of Climate-Smart Agriculture:
- Climate-smart seed varieties developed by India can potentially benefit neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, helping them adapt to changing climate conditions and enhance agricultural productivity.
- Pakistan faces significant water management challenges, transitioning from a net exporter to a net importer of wheat due to climate change and population growth. Addressing water scarcity and improving water storage capacity are crucial for sustainable agriculture in Pakistan.
- Way Forward:
- There is a pressing need for countries like Pakistan to prioritize climate-smart agriculture, invest in seed development, and improve water management practices to mitigate the impact of climate change on wheat production and ensure food security.
Dr. Pranav Jyoti Deka
- Why in News?
- Recently, Dr. Pranav Jyoti Deka, a renowned writer, Sahitya Akademi awardee, and academician, passed away at the age of 84. He was a celebrated figure in Assamese literature and had a diverse career that spanned geology, academia, and writing.
- Background:
- Born in Kolkata, Dr. Deka was the son of the late Justice Holiram Deka, the first Assamese judge of the Gauhati High Court.
- Achievement:
- Dr. Deka received prestigious awards such as the Sahitya Akademi award in 2023 for his short story collection "Dr. Pranav Jyoti Dekar Srestha Galpa."
- He was also recognized by organizations like Assam Prakashan Parishad and Asam Sahitya Sabha for his contributions to literature.
The Assam Tribune Editorial Summary (April 7, 2024)
Deepor Beel
- Why in News?
- Recently, Assam Government's decision to de-notify the bird sanctuary raises alarms as it removes legal protection from the wetland, paving the way for harmful activities such as real estate development and industrialization.
- The hosting of a water festival in Deepor Beel resulted in blocking the wetland's outlet to the Brahmaputra for six months, causing abnormal water level rise and disrupting migratory bird arrivals.
- Impacts:
- The government's neglect is evident in its failure to address issues such as municipal waste dumping near the wetland, lack of enforcement of eco-sensitive zone norms, and pending demarcation of Ramsar Site boundaries.
- Despite directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) aimed at preserving Deepor Beel, government authorities have shown apathy towards implementing necessary measures.
- Deepor Beel is facing alarming levels of pollution, shrinking area due to encroachment, industrial activities, and construction works, threatening its survival and ecosystem health.
- Way Forward:
- Immediate halt to plans for de-notifying the bird sanctuary.
- Implementation of NGT directives and enforcement of eco-sensitive zone norms.
- Address pollution and encroachment issues through strict regulations and conservation efforts.
- Engage stakeholders, including local communities and environmental organizations, in conservation efforts.
- Ensure proper waste management and restoration of wetland ecosystem health.
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