9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – December 11th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Significance of NAMO Drone Didi Scheme – Why rural India needs women drone pilots

Source: The post benefits of the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme has been created on the article “Why rural India needs women drone pilots” published in “Indian express” on 11th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society- social empowerment & GS paper 2- governance- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre.

News: This article discusses the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme, which supplies drones to women’s self-help groups in India. These drones are used in agriculture, helping women to become central to rural economies and modernizing farming practices.

What is NAMO Drone Didi Scheme?

Read here

What are the benefits of the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme?

Empowerment of Rural Women: It enables women’s Self-Help Groups, to rent these drones to farmers for agricultural purposes, thus playing a key role in rural economies.

Modernizing Agriculture: It introduces advanced technology in agriculture. For example, the use of drones for the foliar application of innovative liquid fertilizers like Nano Urea and Nano DAP.

Employment Opportunities: Creates jobs for rural women in drone operation and maintenance, supporting the government’s push for indigenous drone aeronautics development.

Safety and Efficiency in Farming: Replaces traditional, hazardous methods like hand-held pumps for spraying pesticides and fertilizers, reducing risks and increasing efficiency. This’ll enhance crop yield and reduce cost of operation for the benefit of farmers.

Reduced Physical Hardship for Farmers: The use of drones for agricultural tasks alleviates the physical strain traditionally associated with farming activities.

Way forward

To ensure the success of the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme, continuous training for women in drone technology is crucial. Strengthening rural infrastructure and providing financial support to SHGs will also be key. Furthermore, fostering partnerships with tech companies can enhance the scheme’s technological aspect.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key benefits and strategies for ensuring the success of the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme in India,

GS PAPER - 2

On Listing of Cases in the Supreme Court

Source: This post has been created based on the article “On listing of cases in the Supreme Court” published in “The Hindu” on 11^th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Indian Polity – Structure, organization and functioning of the Judiciary.

News: The article discusses the issues with the listing of cases in the Supreme Court.

Recently, concerns were raised by two senior lawyers on the “irregularities” in the listing of cases in the Supreme Court.

What is the role of the CJI in the allocation of cases?

The Chief Justice of India, as master of roster, has administrative control over the allocation of cases.

The Handbook on Practice and Procedure of the Court and Office Procedure says that the Supreme Court Registry functions on the instructions and orders of the Chief Justice of India as regards allocation of work to a Bench and assignment of cases from one Bench to another Bench (on account of non-availability).

What were the concerns raised by the senior lawyers?

Firstly, the movement of cases which were already listed and in which notices were issued by one Bench, to another Bench.
It was claimed that some cases had been suddenly taken away from Benches hearing them and listed before other Benches.

Secondly, whether a case, instead of remaining with the presiding judge of the Bench before which the matter was listed, can be transferred to the puisne judge (a judge part of the Bench, but lower in seniority than the Presiding judge) when he/she (the puisne judge) starts heading a new Bench.
This was being done even when the senior judge was still available, which is against rules, procedure and established conventions.

Terminology Used:

Puisne Judge: A puisne judge is a judge who is ranked lower in seniority than the Chief Justice of that court.

Question for practice:

Transparency in the Supreme Court’s functioning is the need of the hour. Discuss in the context of the role of the CJI as Master of Roster.

Basic Structure Doctrine-Protecting Basic Structure from judicial arbitrariness

Source: The post Basic Structure Doctrine has been created on the article “Protecting Basic Structure from judicial arbitrariness” published in “Indian express” on 11th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Polity- Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

News: This article discusses the Basic Structure Doctrine of India’s Constitution, introduced 50 years ago. It talks about its origins, debates around it, and the need for limits on government powers. The doctrine’s future and ways to avoid judicial bias are also explored.

What is the Basic Structure Doctrine?

The Basic Structure Doctrine, established by India’s Supreme Court in 1973, states that Parliament cannot alter key elements of the Constitution.

Inspired by German jurist Dietrich Conrad’s ideas, it limits government power, ensuring fundamental features of the Constitution are protected. For example, it played a crucial role during the Emergency of 1975, preventing the Prime Minister from drastically changing the Constitution. This doctrine maintains a balance between different government branches.

For more information on the Basic Structure Doctrine read here

What are the arguments supporting the doctrine?

Limitation of Powers: It imposes necessary restrictions on all government bodies, including the judiciary. The doctrine ensures that Parliament cannot unilaterally alter the Constitution’s core aspects.

Safeguarding Fundamental Features: The doctrine protects the Constitution’s most fundamental features from amendment, thus preserving the democratic framework and fundamental rights.

Upholding Constitutional Supremacy: It emphasizes the Constitution’s supremacy over all government organs. The judiciary, tasked with interpreting the Constitution, uses this doctrine to maintain a balance of power and prevent any one branch from becoming too dominant.

What are the arguments against the doctrine?

Excessive Power to the Supreme Court: Critics argue that the doctrine gives the Supreme Court too much authority to decide what constitutes the ‘Basic Structure’, potentially undermining other institutions. For instance, Former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley criticized the Supreme Court’s NJAC judgment. He pointed out that it prioritized judicial independence in basic structure, while overlooking five key constitutional elements: parliamentary democracy, elected government, council of ministers, Prime Minister, and leader of the opposition.

Risk of Judicial Arbitrariness: There’s a concern that the open-ended nature of the doctrine might lead to subjective interpretations, reducing its legitimacy as a constitutional safeguard.

What should be done?

Enhancing Judicial Legitimacy through Public Trust: Justice Nambiar’s thesis (“The Judicial Role in Constitutional Protection: Examining the Legitimacy of Basic Structure Review in India”) emphasizes the need for the judiciary to earn public trust. It can be done through the efficacy of its judgments and through demonstrating the legitimacy of its decisions, especially in the context of the Basic Structure Doctrine.

Addressing Concerns of Constitutional Validity: While the doctrine has been consistently upheld, there are ongoing doubts about its constitutional validity and application scope. Addressing these concerns is crucial to maintain a healthy balance between the judiciary’s power and the roles of other institutions.

Inclusive Debates and Discussions: Encourage broader debates and discussions about the interpretations and applications of judicial doctrines, including the Basic Structure Doctrine. This promotes a comprehensive understanding and allows for more inclusive perspectives in shaping its future.

For more information on 50 years of Basic Structure Doctrine read here

Question for practice:

Discuss the Basic Structure Doctrine’s role in balancing government powers and the concerns about its potential for excessive judicial authority.

GS PAPER - 3

On Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) – Next level in AI

Source: This post on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has been created based on the article “Next level in AI” published in “Business Standard” on 11^th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Science and Technology – Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

News: The article discusses Project Q* which might lead to the development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). It highlights its significant features and the associated challenges as well.

Read more about AGI here.

What is Project Q*?

1. Project Q* refers to a new AI model being developed by the ChatGPT owner OpenAI.
2. It is rumoured that it can solve mathematical problems of up to high-school standards, including those that are not part of its training data, with better accuracy than previous AI models like ChatGPT-4.
3. It is being considered as a breakthrough in Artificial General Intelligence.

What are the prominent features of AGI?

Better Reasoning Capability: Perfect scores on high-school maths could imply Q* is capable of logical reasoning, rather than merely recognizing and duplicating familiar patterns ingrained in its training data.
This would bring the new AI one step closer to becoming AGI — artificial general intelligence — a program that is capable of reasoning as well as absorbing, deciphering, and replicating variations on patterns.

Not Limited to Narrow Tasks: With more advancements, AGI may achieve a high level of intelligence, surpassing the current limitations of most AI, which predominantly focuses on specific, limited tasks through tailored algorithms.

May mimic a Living Being: An authentic AGI model would exhibit characteristics of self-awareness or consciousness, enabled by its capacity to introspect on its own being. It may possess qualities like curiosity, self-will, and an inclination toward self-preservation—traits often associated with living organisms.

Ability to Teach Itself: It would enable autonomous models to solve a really vast range of problems and tackle a wide range of tasks better than humans can. It should also be able to teach itself to perform new tasks without instructions.

Learn about the Difference between General AI and Narrow AI here.

What are the challenges with AGI?

Existential Risk: Such immense cognitive abilities, combined with a misunderstanding of human values or goals, could lead AGI to make decisions harmful to humanity or disrupt existing systems, inadvertently posing existential risks to our civilization.

Ethical Issues: Ensuring such a model is “ethical” and “altruistic” would be difficult. E thical principles vary across cultures and contexts, making it complex to codify universal rules.

Question for practice:

Artificial Intelligence brings with it not just vast opportunities, but grave challenges as well. Discuss in the context of the emergence of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

India’s economic growth-Calibrating a strategy for India’s future growth

Source: The post India’s economic growth has been created on the article “Calibrating a strategy for India’s future growth” published in “The Hindu” on 11th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- Indian Economy- growth, development and employment.

News: The article discusses India’s economic growth. It mentions different growth predictions from the RBI, IMF, and World Bank. It talks about challenges like global conflicts, supply chain issues, and the need for India to focus on domestic growth and savings. It also covers employment trends, climate commitments, and fiscal responsibility.

What are India’s Growth Projections?

The Reserve Bank of India predicts a 7% growth rate for 2023-24.

The International Monetary Fund and World Bank estimate it at 6.3% for 2023-24.

Working age population growth in India will decrease from 1.2% in 2023-24 to 0% by 2048-49.

According to United Nations population projections, the peak of India’s working age population is projected at 68.9% in 2030, with a low dependency ratio of 31.2%.

What are the factors affecting India’s Growth?

Positive Factors Affecting India’s Growth

Robust Early Growth: In 2023-24, India experienced strong growth rates of 7.8% and 7.6% in the first two quarters.

High Investment Rate with Potential for Increase: The nominal investment rate was 29.2% of GDP in 2022-23. Adjusting for the deflator of capital goods, the real investment rate stands at about 33%. To reach a 7% growth target, this rate needs to increase to 35% of GDP.

Improving Employment: according to a preorder labor force survey, the worker population ratio increased to 51.8% in 2022-23 from 44.1% in 2017-18.

Note: worker population ratio- showing the number of employed persons in the population above 15 years of age

Negative Factors Affecting India’s Growth

Global Tensions and Supply Chain Disruptions: Conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars have led to sanctions, supply chain disruptions, and settlement issues due to restrictions on systems like SWIFT.
Decline in Household Savings: The decrease in household savings to 5.1% of GDP in 2022-23, from 7.8% pre-COVID, limits the availability of domestic funds for investment, which is crucial for economic growth.

Fiscal Responsibility Challenges: Struggling to meet fiscal deficit targets of 6% of GDP affects India’s economic stability and investor confidence. This could potentially lead to higher borrowing costs and reduced public investment.

Climate Change Initiatives Impacting Growth: India has commitments to reduce carbon emissions, like achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and reducing total carbon emissions by one billion tons between 2021 to 2030. It needs a shift to climate-friendly technologies. These changes may slow growth rates initially.

What should be done?

Adjust Export Strategies: With exports peaking at 25% of GDP in 2013-14 and dropping to 22.8% in 2022-23, India must evolve from its previous export-led growth strategy to a more diversified approach.

Boost Employment through Skill Development: With a working-age population peak projected at 68.9% in 2030, prioritizing training and skill development is essential for harnessing this demographic advantage.

Emphasizing Service Sector and Climate-Friendly Technologies: To offset the potential reduction in growth from climate-promoting technologies, focusing on the service sector. Which is more climate-friendly.

Maintain Fiscal Discipline: Aiming to reduce combined fiscal deficit and debt to GDP ratios to 6% and 60%, respectively, will help in economic stability.

Prepare for Medium-Term Challenges: Addressing issues like the decline in household savings and adapting to technological advancements.

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Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day: 

Cyclone Disaster Management in India 
7 PM Article - 75 Years of Universal Declaration of Human Rights- Explained Pointwise+ Infographics

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

EU Artificial Intelligence Act: What does the world’s first law on regulating AI propose?

Source: The post is based on the article “EU ‘historic’ deal: What does the world’s first law on regulating AI propose?” published in “Indian Express” on 11th December 2023

Why in the News?

European Union (EU) lawmakers have reached a provisional deal on a comprehensive set of rules regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

What is the proposed European Union (EU) Artificial Intelligence Act?

It is the world’s first set of comprehensive law to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Aim: To ensure that fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law and environment are protected from high risk AI while boosting innovation.

Key Provisions of the AI Law:

Specifications	Details
Four Levels of Risks	1) Unacceptable risk: These are banned. Example- deployment of mass scale facial recognition. 2) High risk: These are allowed but are subject to certification. Example- AI tools for self-driving cars. 3) Medium Risk: They can be deployed without restrictions but require detailed documentation. Example- generative AI chatbots. 4) Minimal risk: There are no restrictions on this. Example- AI powered spam filters and video games.
Biometric Surveillance	Governments can only use real-time biometric surveillance in public areas only when there are serious threats involved such as terrorist attacks.
Empowering Consumers	Consumers can launch complaints against any perceived violations.
Penalties for Non Compliance	The fines will be based on a percentage of their global annual turnover or a predetermined amount whichever is higher.
EU AI Office	The EU will establish the EU AI Office, tasked with monitoring and fining violators of the law.

How are other countries planning to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

1) US: Released an AI Bill of Rights and an Executive Order on AI.

2) China: Released its own set of AI regulations.

3) India: India wants to take the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) approach with AI where the underlying technology is sanctioned by the government and is later offered to private entities to develop various use cases.

What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?

Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

Global Cooling Watch 2023

Source: The post is based on the article “Global Cooling Watch 2023” published in “UNEP” on 11th December 2023

Why in the News?

Recently, the Global Cooling Watch 2023 Report titled “Keeping it Chill: How to meet cooling demands while cutting emissions” was released.

What is the Global Cooling Watch Report?

1) The report was released by UN Environment Programme (UNEP)-led Cool Coalition.

2) It has been released in support of the Global Cooling Pledge.

3) It is a comprehensive analysis of the global cooling sector and focuses not only on space cooling but also on cold chains for food and health.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

1) Currently, cooling equipment currently accounts for 20% of total electricity consumption and is expected to more than double by 2050.

2) Under a business-as-usual scenario, emissions from cooling are predicted to account for more than 10 per cent of global emissions in 2050.

3) The report focuses on three key measures for sustainable cooling–
a. Passive cooling
b. Higher-energy efficiency standards
c. Faster phase down of climate-warming hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants through the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

4) These measures could lead to 60 per cent cut off predicted 2050 sectoral emissions.

What is the Global Cooling Pledge?

1) Signed at COP28, the pledge aims to address the growing demand for cooling while mitigating its climate impacts.

2) 63 countries have signed the pledge. However, India has not signed it yet.

Click here to read more

What is India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP)?

Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

DRESS Syndrome: Painkiller Meftal can have adverse reactions; govt issues drug safety alert

Source: The post is based on the article “DRESS Syndrome: Painkiller Meftal can have adverse reactions; govt issues drug safety alert” published in “Business Standard” on 8th December 2023

Why in the News?

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has warned about risks linked to the painkiller Meftal. They have cautioned about possible harmful reactions with the drug such as a severe condition called DRESS syndrome.

What is DRESS Syndrome?

1) DRESS syndrome stands for Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms.

2) It is a severe, idiosyncratic reaction to a drugs such as such as abacavir, allopurinol, and lamotrigine.

Note- Idiosyncratic drug reaction is used for unpredictable reactions that occur in only a small percentage of patients receiving the drug

3) It is characterised by a delayed onset of symptoms including fever, skin rash, lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes), eosinophilia (an increase in a type of white blood cells) and various systemic manifestations.

4) The syndrome has an estimated mortality rate of 10 per cent.

What is Meftal?

1) Meftal is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain and inflammation.

2) It contains the active ingredient mefenamic acid, which belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

3) It is often prescribed for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain, dental pain, inflammation, fever, etc.

4) Other commonly used NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin

What is the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)?

Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology

Cauvery basin lost nearly 12,850 sq. km of green cover

Source: The post is based on the article “Cauvery basin lost nearly 12,850 sq. km of green cover” published in “The Hindu” on 11th December 2023

Why in the News?

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have released a study on the natural vegetation cover in the Cauvery basin.

What are the Key Findings of the Study?

1) Over 12,850 sq.km of natural vegetation in the Cauvery basin was lost in the 50 years between 1965 and 2016.

2) Karnataka lost the most natural vegetation, accounting for one third of the lost cover, while Tamil Nadu accounted for one fifth share.

3) Overall, there was a 46% decrease in natural vegetation with dense vegetation cover reducing by 35% and degraded vegetation by 63%.

4) Protected areas like Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary were most affected.

– For instance, Bannerghatta National Park saw its moist deciduous forest area drop from 50% in 1973 to 28.5% in 2015 due to human activities impacting the park and its surroundings.

Where is Cauvery River?

Specifications	Details
Origin	Talakaveri on the Brahmagiri range near Cherangala village of Kodagu district of Karnataka.
Drains into	Bay of Bengal at Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu
States covered	Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Union Territory of Puducherry.
Important Tributaries	1) Left Bank: Harangi, Hemavati, Shimsha and Arkavati. 2) Right Bank: Lakshmantirtha, Kabbani, Suvarnavati, Bhavani, Noyil and Amaravati.
Major Projects	Krishnaraja sagar dam, Nugu, Mettur and Grand Anicut projects
Protected areas along Cauvery Basin	Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Bannerghatta National Park and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
Cauvery River Water Dispute	Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus: Geography

Operation Storm Makers II: Cases of human trafficking victims being forced to commit cybercrimes on the rise

Source: The post is based on the article “Operation Storm Makers II: Cases of human trafficking victims being forced to commit cybercrimes on the rise” published in “The Hindu” on 11th December 2023

Why in the News?

Interpol has conducted a major operation called Operation Storm Makers II.

What is Operation Storm Makers II?

Specifications	Details
Conducted by	Interpol
Aim	To target fraud schemes fuelled by victims of human trafficking.
Participating countries	27 including India
Key findings of the operation	1) Human trafficking-fuelled frauds are expanding beyond Southeast Asia. 2) Victims are lured by fake job ads and forced to commit online fraud such as: Fake cryptocurrency investments, Work-from-home scams and Lottery and online gambling scams. 3) Victims are also subjected to physical abuse.

What is Interpol?

Specifications	Details
Full Name	International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO-INTERPOL)
Type	Inter-governmental organization
Established in	1923
Purpose	It facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control.
Functions	1) It provides investigative support, expertise and training to law enforcement worldwide, focusing on three major areas of transnational crime: terrorism, cybercrime and organised crime. 2) It facilitates cooperation among national law enforcement institutions through criminal databases and communications networks.
Members	196 (India has been member since 1949)
Headquarters	Lyon, France
INTERPOL Notices	Notices are international requests for cooperation or alerts allowing police in member countries to share critical crime-related information.
National Central Bureau (NCB)	1)  Each of the member countries hosts a National Central Bureau (NCB) which acts as a country’s focal point for all INTERPOL activities 3) CBI is the NCB for Interpol in India.

UPSC Syllabus: International Organisations

India to host 27th WAIPA World Investment Conference in New Delhi

Source– This post is based on the article “India to host 27th WAIPA World Investment Conference in New Delhi” published in “PIB” on 9th December 2023.

Why in the News?

India is going to host the 27th World Investment Conference (WIC) in New Delhi.

What is World Investment Conference (WIC)?

Specification	Details
What is it?	1) It is an annual flagship event of World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA). 2) It serves as a platform for global investment promotion and innovation stakeholders.
2023 WIC theme	Empowering Investors: IPAs Pioneering Future Growth.
Organising body	Invest India (Current President of WAIPA)- 1) It’s India’s investment promotion agency under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 2) It empowers investors under the ‘Make in India’ initiative to establish, operate, and expand businesses in India.
Key features of 2023 WIC	1) The WIC is being held in India for the first time and is set to be the largest WIC ever. 2) This conference unites stakeholders to discuss investment policies and trends, offering a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, and building partnerships. 3) Experience India Centre (EIC)- Invest India will establish an EIC to showcase India’s top services, technology, and products using various technologies, including virtual and augmented reality.

What is World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA)?

Specification	Details
What is it?	It’s a non-governmental organization serving as a forum for investment promotion agencies (IPAs), facilitating networking, and promoting best practices in investment promotion.
Established in	1995 by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
Secretariat	Istanbul
Members	It has more than 120 member agencies representing more than 100 countries.
Objectives	1) Promote and develop understanding and cooperation amongst IPAs. 2) Assist IPAs in advising their respective governments on the formulation of appropriate investment promotion policies and strategies. 3) It acts as a bridge between the public and private sector

UPSC Syllabus- Miscellaneous/ International Organisations

Urban Flood Mitigation Project

Source– This post is based on the article “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approves the first urban flood mitigation project of Rs. 561.29 crore, NDMF, for Integrated Urban Flood Management activities for Chennai Basin Project” published in “PIB” on 7th December 2023.

Why in the News?

PM Shri Narendra Modi has approved the India’s first urban flood mitigation project.

What is ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management activities for Chennai Basin Project’?

Specification	Details
What is it?	It is India’s first project to tackle urban floods after Chennai heavy floods.
Funding	This project will be implemented through the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank.
Key features	1) It boosts Chennai’s resilience to natural disasters through effective flood management strategies. 2) This project proactively tackles urban flooding challenges

Note- Under the impact of Cyclone Michaung, Chennai is facing major floods. This is the third such occurring in the last eight years.

What is National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF)?

1) NDMF is constituted under Section 47(1) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

2) This fund is exclusively for the purpose of mitigation projects in respect of disasters covered in National Disaster Response Fund (NDMF) guidelines only.

3) The Mitigation Fund supports local and community interventions that minimize risks and encourage eco-friendly settlements and livelihood practices.

4) Major mitigation efforts like building coastal walls and flood embankments will be undertaken through standard development schemes, not through the mitigation fund.

UPSC Syllabus- Disaster management