9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 15 May, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
Impact of climate change on heatwave
Source: The post attribution science studies the impact of climate change on specific weather events (heatwave) has been created, based on the article “Explained Climate: Heatwaves and climate change” published in “Indian express” on 15th May 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1– geography- Important Geophysical phenomena (heatwave)
Context: The article discusses how climate change has made extreme heat more likely in eastern and southern India. It highlights the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves, their health impacts, and the need for better heat action plans and regulations to mitigate these effects. Impact of climate change on heatwave
For detailed information on Heatwaves in India read this Article here
What is Attribution science?
Attribution science studies the impact of climate change on specific weather events. It uses new tools and methodologies to determine if climate change made an event more or less likely. Scientists have been cautious about linking individual weather events to climate change.
However, recent advancements allow for more accurate assessments. For example, the World Weather Attribution group found that April’s extreme heat in eastern and southern India was 45 times more likely due to climate change.
This field is becoming crucial for understanding climate change’s effects.
How has climate change increased heatwaves?
This is the third consecutive year that early summer heatwaves in India have been attributed to climate change.
For example, Odisha experienced an 18-day heatwave in April, one of its longest ever.
Gangetic West Bengal recorded the most heatwave days in 15 years.
Eastern India had its warmest April ever, illustrating the growing impact of climate change on heatwaves.
What are the concerns of heatwaves in India?
Heat waves cause severe health issues like dehydration, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and sudden deaths.
Data on heat-related illnesses and deaths in India is poorly maintained. In 2022, the Health Ministry reported only 33 heat-related deaths, but the NCRB reported 730 deaths. The Health Ministry reported 264 heat-related deaths in the first six months of 2023.
Early warnings and heat action plans have reduced heat-related deaths, but recent trends show an increase, possibly due to better reporting or more severe heatwaves.
How are heatwaves mitigated?
Heat Action Plans:
Twenty-three states in India have heat action plans to manage heatwaves. These plans help reduce the impact of extreme heat on people.
Experts emphasize the need for adequate funding for heat action plans to enhance their effectiveness.
Public Measures:
Cool drinking water is provided at public places.
Oral rehydration solutions are distributed to prevent dehydration.
Parks and shaded places are made accessible to offer relief from the heat.
Regulation of Activities:
Schools and colleges are closed during peak hours to protect students from the heat.
Local administrations regulate activities in unorganized sectors like construction during peak heat hours.
Office timings can be adjusted to avoid peak heat.
Organized outdoor activities, including sports, are strictly regulated.
Question for practice:
Examine how climate change has impacted the frequency and severity of heatwaves in eastern and southern India, and discuss the measures implemented to mitigate their effects.
GS PAPER - 2
Delhi High Court judgment on protecting minors online
Source: The post Delhi High Court judgment about protecting minors online has been created, based on the article “Delhi High Court’s ‘virtual touch’ judgment ignores agency of teenagers” published in “Indian express” on 15th May 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
Context: The article critiques a Delhi High Court judgment about protecting minors online. It argues that the court overlooks teenagers’ knowledge and roles in online safety, misjudges the balance between protection and normal adolescent behavior, and suggests a need for better victim support systems. Delhi High Court judgment on protecting minors online
For detailed information on Child, law, and consensual sex read this Article here
What are the major outcomes of the Delhi High Court judgment about protecting minors online?
Denial of Bail: The Delhi High Court denied bail to an accused of drugging, kidnapping, and sexually exploiting a minor, met initially through a social media platform.
Educational Emphasis on Online Safety: The judgment stresses the need for minors to be educated about navigating online spaces safely. It introduced the concept of “virtual touch” to help them recognize potential dangers, similar to the “good touch/bad touch” exercise.
Assumption of Teenager’s Online Awareness: The court frames teenagers as generally unaware of the risks posed by online interactions.
What are the major criticisms of the Delhi High Court judgment about protecting minors online?
Misjudgment of Teenagers’ Digital Literacy: The court assumes that teenagers are less aware of online risks. It overlooks the reality that many teenagers are more digitally proficient than adults and often educate their elders about technology.
Overreliance on Parental Guidance: The judgment emphasizes a parent/guardian-centric approach, neglecting the significant role that peers and siblings play in shaping teenagers’ online experiences and responses to risks.
Simplistic Framework for Complex Issues: The introduction of “virtual touch” in the context of good touch/bad touch is critiqued for oversimplifying the complexities of online interactions and the sophisticated strategies used by perpetrators.
Legal and Social Implications for Adolescents: The application of the POCSO Act is criticized for stigmatizing normal adolescent behaviors. It will potentially discourage teenagers from reporting abuses or seeking help, thus perpetuating vulnerability to exploitation.
Prolonged Legal Proceedings: Legal proceedings related to online harassment can be excessively prolonged. It contradicts the POCSO Act’s recommendation for cases to be resolved within a year to ensure swift justice and support for victims.
For detailed information on Functioning of the POCSO Act read this Article here
Question for practice:
Evaluate the Delhi High Court judgment on protecting minors online, considering its implications for teenagers’ digital literacy, reliance on parental guidance, and the efficacy of the “virtual touch” concept.
India’s road fatality
Source-This post on India’s road fatality has been created based on the article “We should mobilize resources to bend India’s road fatality trend” published in “Live Mint” on 15 May 2024.
UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-2– Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Context-The article highlights the urgent need to mobilize resources for minimizing fatalities in road accident in India. Indian Road Fatality
What is the present status of road accidents and fatalities in India?
1) According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the number of fatalities rose to 168,000 in 2022 from about 150,000 the previous year.
2) As per the World Bank, India loses more than 5% of its GDP to road accidents, and more than 80% of those affected are in the productive age group.
3) As per WHO (World Health Organization) India has the highest road fatalities, despite having only 1% of the world’s vehicles.
What are the reasons for India’s high road fatalities?
1) Reports suggest that half of those killed in accidents could not receive appropriate medical assistance in the ‘golden hour’.
2) Trauma care emergency services are not always available along national highways.
3) There are lapses in terms of time taken for evacuation and quality of treatment.
A detailed article on road accident in India can be read here.
What measures has the government introduced to address road safety?
1) The government has introduced measures such as steep penalties and prison sentences for traffic violations under the Motor Vehicles Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
2) A committee for road safety headed by a retired Supreme Court judge was set up by the government.
What should be the way forward?
A Johns Hopkins study (2012) concluded that victims taken to hospitals by air are more likely to survive than those transported by ground.
1) Learn from best global practices-
A) In some states in the US, the police have integrated helicopter-based traffic surveillance with medical evacuation procedures, with trained pilots and paramedics on standby.
B) A trained team of paramedics should reach the accident site to conduct a ‘stay and play’ exercise, stabilizing victims before transporting them to trauma care units via well-equipped ambulances.
C) Recipient trauma hospitals with critical care super-specialties should be pre-identified and have suitable landing facilities.
D) In India, Madhya Pradesh government has initiated such an emergency service as a pioneering effort
2) Standardizing Emergency Measures Nationwide- The central government should define protocols and standard operating procedures for undertaking such measures in a systemic and coordinated manner across the country.
3) Financial Solutions -Innovative insurance options for accident treatment should be provided as per the financial capabilities of an individual.
4) Dedicated Fund Allocation– The government should allocate a small portion of the significant funds that are earmarked for road construction towards addressing the rising number of road fatalities.
5) Reassessing reasons -There is a common misconception about bad roads being the prominent reason behind road accidents. However, improvements in the road quality and length of expressways and highways have led to higher vehicle speeds and recklessness, contributing to accidents. Thus, there is a need to find out correct reasons behind increasing road fatalities in India.
Question for practice
What are the reasons for India’s high road fatalities? What steps can be taken to minimize it?
Regulatory Sandboxes for AI Governance
Source-This post on Regulatory Sandboxes for AI Governance has been created based on the article “On the importance of regulatory sandboxes in artificial intelligence” published in “The Hindu” on 14 May 2024.
UPSC Syllabus
GS Paper 2- Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability
GS Paper 3 – Awareness in IT, Space, Computers, and Robotics
Context-The article highlights the significance of adopting innovative approaches such as “AI regulatory sandboxes” to strike a balance between fostering AI innovation and ensuring responsible development. This assumes great importance in the backdrop of continued AI application across industries such as healthcare, finance etc. Regulatory Sandboxes for AI Governance
What is the significance of AI regulatory sandboxes in artificial intelligence?
1) It allows a controlled environment to test innovations for a limited period, under regulatory supervision and with certain restrictions in place.
2) It empowers policymakers to craft well-informed legal and policy responses for technologies. This will foster innovation and responsible governance.
3) It promotes transparency and accountability by requiring participants to disclose information about their AI models. This will address the concerns about opacity and enable tailored regulations.
4) It encourages mitigation of potential societal impacts of AI applications by mandating risk assessments and safeguards.
5) It guides businesses, researchers, and policymakers, steering AI development towards sustainable growth.
6) It can position India at the forefront of shaping effective and adaptive regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies.
What are the steps taken by the countries to regulate AI?
1) The European Union’s AI Act (Article 53) has a provision for a regulatory sandbox to test technology before mainstream deployment.
Read more- European Union adopts first AI Law
2) Spain became the first European country to establish the Spanish Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligence (AESIA).
3) There is a competitive race to regulate and harness AI’s potential, with initiatives like the EU’s AI Act, the U.S. AI Bill of Rights, the U.K.’s national AI Strategy, and China’s efforts to regulate aspects like generative AI.
What has been the India’s approach in regulating AI?
In India, all financial sector regulators have launched their respective regulatory sandboxes. The Karnataka Innovation Authority Act, 2020, and the Telecommunications Act 2023 propose regulatory sandboxes for various innovative technologies. Some other steps are as follows-
1) NITI Aayog released a discussion paper outlining a national strategy for AI, leading to the establishment of the national AI Portal.
2) The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released a report on AI Innovation 2023, highlighting India’s AI vision through seven working groups.
3) The proposed Digital India Act, 2023, also talks about regulating AI by creating a separate set of laws and regulations.
The regulatory sandbox should be viewed as a progressive step before enacting formal legislation. It’s customized to suit India’s needs and sets the stage for future regulations.
Question for practice
Explain how deployment of regulatory sandboxes can create balance between fostering AI innovation and ensuring responsible development?
Concerns Associated with Extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis
Source-This post on Concerns associated with Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis has been created based on the article “The challenge of extra-pulmonary TB” published in “The Hindu” on 14 May 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Context– Almost one out of every five TB patients have EPTB. Many of them aren’t diagnosed, and even those who are diagnosed can’t get proper care unless they go to specific specialist hospitals. Thus, the article highlights the need for proper diagnosis and treatment of Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB). Concerns Associated with Extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis
What is Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB)?
EPTB refers to tuberculosis infections that occur outside the lungs, affecting organs such as lymph nodes, brain, gut, eyes, and others.
A troubling aspect of EPTB infection is the prolonged presence of disease markers even after the infection is resolved with treatment.
It can affect various organs, leading to irreparable damage if left untreated. For ex- EPTB in the eyes can result in vision loss or blindness.
What are the challenges in estimating the burden of EPTB?
1) Detecting Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis– It is difficult to detect through regular TB stain tests as it may not present with corresponding lung infections. This stain-negative nature and the ability of EPTB to imitate other non-TB conditions make its prevalence difficult to detect.
2) Awareness– Lack of awareness among physicians and the absence of accurate diagnostic and treatment criteria contribute to the challenge.
3) Expert working in silos-Because TB can affect different organs, the absence of proper protocols for doctors from various fields to share information creates separate areas of expertise. This makes it difficult to collaborate effectively.
4) Implementing EPTB Guidelines– Experts from various health institutions, the WHO, and the Cochrane Infectious Disease Group made guidelines called INDEX-TB for managing EPTB in India.
Unfortunately, this effort hasn’t moved forward, and there are still no diagnosis and treatment plans for all affected organs.
5) Data Collection standards-The specialized departments in large public hospitals have different ways of collecting data, and their information isn’t shared with the National TB Control Program. Therefore, it is not known how common EPTB is.
For ex- Ni-kshay- the national patient management portal for TB control, do not have adequate data on EPTB patients.
6) Underexplored Aspects of EPTB Infection-Important aspects of EPTB, such as how the infection spreads and how the TB bacterium interacts with organs, are under-explored.
Read more- Tuberculosis- Role of private sector in Elimination
What should be the way forward?
1) It is essential to develop diagnosis and treatment protocols for all organs affected by EPTB based on high-quality data from clinical trials.
2) Advanced tools like single-cell RNA sequencing could aid in uncovering more effective treatment approaches.
3) The INDEX-TB guidelines were created more than ten years ago and should be updated with new information and knowledge. They should also involve experts from different healthcare fields to be more comprehensive.
Question for practice
What is extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB)? What are the challenges in estimating the burden of EPTB?
GS PAPER - 3
Social Impacts of Deepfakes
Source: The post trust is crucial for technology adoption has been created, based on the article “Curb deepfake velocity, vulnerability and viciousness” published in “Live mint” on 15th May 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Internal Security – Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges.
Context: The article discusses how trust is crucial for technology adoption. Deepfakes, which spread quickly and are harmful, erode this trust. It highlights the legal and societal challenges deepfakes pose and suggests regulations, responsibilities for tech platforms, and support for victims. Social Impacts of Deepfakes
For detailed information on Rise of deepfake read this article here
What are Social Impacts of Deepfakes?
Trust is essential for the adoption of technology because it ensures users feel secure and confident in using new innovations.
Deepfakes erode trust by creating believable fake content that spreads rapidly on social media, causing severe harm.
Women and children are frequent targets of deepfakes, facing significant psychological distress.
Deepfakes can manipulate evidence, threatening the judiciary and leading to wrongful convictions.
They undermine user-verification methods like facial recognition, critical for services in India.
Deepfakes spread misinformation, impacting democratic processes. The World Economic Forum’s 2024 risk report highlights misinformation as a critical global risk.
What are the legal challenges related to deepfakes in India?
Sections 66D, 66E, 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act penalize impersonation and obscene material but do not fully address deepfakes.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act could be more effective if it included reputational loss in its definition of “loss.”
Data fiduciaries are required to notify individuals of data breaches but need stricter measures like disabling private-media downloads.
Rule 4(2) of the 2021 IT Guidelines mandates social media to identify originators of harmful content, but platforms like WhatsApp and Meta contest this, citing privacy concerns.
The Anil Kapoor vs. Simply Life India case highlights privacy and publicity rights violations by deepfakes.
For detailed information on legal provisions exist against deepfakes in India read this article here
What should be done?
Social media platforms must limit the spread of deepfake content and crack down on bots amplifying misinformation.
Tech developers should incorporate consistent labeling features to identify artificial content, as suggested by the Union IT ministry’s advisory.
Implement mandatory user verification for content creation to establish accountability.
Provide clear legal paths and psychological support for deepfake victims.
Criminalize the creation of non-consensual deepfakes, like the proposed UK law.
Invest in media literacy efforts and promote responsible digital citizenship to help individuals critically evaluate online content and identify deepfakes.
Question for practice:
Examine the impact of deepfakes on trust in technology adoption and the legal challenges they present in India.
U.S. increasing tariffs on Chinese imports, especially electric vehicles
Source: The post U.S. increasing tariffs on Chinese imports, especially electric vehicles has been created, based on the article “New tariff walls: US tariffs will further increase trade friction” published in “Business standards” on 15th May 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– Economy -Effects of liberalisation on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Context: The article discusses the U.S. increasing tariffs on Chinese imports, especially electric vehicles, to 100%. This move aims to win industrial workers’ support for Biden’s re-election. It also covers global reactions, India’s tariff policies, and the need for innovation and investment in the EV sector.
Why is the U.S. increasing tariffs on Chinese imports, especially electric vehicles?
The U.S. increased tariffs on Chinese imports, including a fourfold rise to 100% on electric vehicles (EVs), to support President Biden’s re-election campaign.
Biden is trailing in battleground state polls and aims to win back industrial workers to the Democratic Party.
Former President Trump proposed even higher tariffs of 200% on EVs.
The previous 25% tariff effectively limited Chinese EVs in the U.S. market.
Chinese EV manufacturers, like BYD, have become innovation leaders, producing advanced vehicles.
The tariff increase aims to protect American car manufacturers and their market share.
What has been the reaction from other countries?
The European Union (EU) is uncomfortable with setting tariffs at levels similar to the U.S.
The EU has launched an investigation into whether “unfair subsidies” are given to Chinese EV manufacturers by Beijing.
This investigation could enable the European Commission to impose tariffs or other restrictions later this year.
India has high tariffs on cars, particularly high-end EVs.
What is India’s policy on EV tariffs?
Recently, the Indian government announced it would reduce these tariffs on a case-by-case basis for companies planning to set up manufacturing units in India.
This policy is widely interpreted as an incentive for the American manufacturer Tesla.
The top Chinese EV company, BYD, has long sought to increase manufacturing in India. However, BYD has not received clearance for its proposed billion-dollar investment.
Indian policy aims to balance promoting domestic manufacturing with providing efficient cars to consumers.
The government seeks to attract investment and innovation in the EV sector to meet domestic and international demand.
Question for practice:
Discuss the impact of the U.S. increasing tariffs on Chinese imports, particularly electric vehicles, on both domestic and global fronts, including reactions from other countries such as the European Union and India.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Solar Storm
Source-This post on Solar Storm is based on the article “Sun’s fury: The dangers from solar storms:” published in “The Hindu” on 14th May 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently powerful solar storm struck Earth, creating vivid displays of color in the skies of the Northern Hemisphere.
About Solar Storm
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1. About Solar flare: Solar flares are intense storms of plasma that occur on the sun’s surface, releasing a surge of charged particles into space. This phenomenon generates a solar wind that carries a magnetic field across space.
2. Earth’s Defense Mechanism to solar flares
i) Earth is shielded by its own magnetic field, known as the magnetosphere. It is the outermost layer of our atmosphere. This shield helps to block most of the solar flares, which are bursts of energy and particles that come from the sun. However, when really strong solar flares happen, they can sometimes get through this shield.
ii) Strong flares introduce charged particles into the lower atmosphere, leading to natural phenomena like the Aurora borealis (Northern Lights) and disrupting electronic systems.
3. Impact on Technology
i) Solar flares can cause significant damage to satellites, similar to a bolt of lightning striking electronic equipment.
ii) These flares can also severely affect power grids by overwhelming their protective measures, leading to potential destruction due to the unpredictable magnitude of flares.
iii) Solar activity can heat up the Earth’s atmosphere, affecting satellites’ trajectories and operational integrity.
iv) Strong solar storms have the potential to disrupt power systems, communication networks, and navigation services which are essential for modern society to function.
4. Future Risks and Protective Measures
i) The sun’s evolving nature suggests that solar storms could intensify in the future, increasing risks for our satellite-based, radio, and electrical infrastructure.
ii) Enhanced global monitoring and predictive capabilities via solar observatories could mitigate some risks by allowing timely interventions.
iii) Innovations in AI and potential shielding technologies are being explored to improve defences against these cosmic threats.
Why is the Sun currently so active?
i) The Sun experiences an 11-year cycle called the solar cycle, characterized by alternating periods of increased and decreased solar activity.
ii) The peak of this cycle, known as the solar maximum, is marked by a higher frequency of sunspots and solar storms.
iii) During this phase, the Sun’s magnetic field becomes more tangled and chaotic, leading to more intense solar activity.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
GPT-4 Omni
Source-This post on GPT-4 Omni is based on the article “Explained: GPT-4o, OpenAI’s newest AI model that makes ChatGPT smarter and free for all” published in “The Indian Express” on 14th May 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, OpenAI launched GPT-4omni. This is CHAT GPT’s newest and most advanced large language model yet. This model is designed to enhance the performance and user-friendliness of ChatGPT, making it the fastest and most powerful AI from OpenAI to date.
About GPT-4o
1. About GPT-4o: GPT-4o, or GPT-4 Omni, is an advanced AI model developed by OpenAI. It is designed to interact with users through text, images, and audio. This is a multimodal model, which means it can understand and generate content in different formats.
2. Key Features of GPT-4o
i) Multimodal Interaction: It can process and respond to text, images, and audio inputs all in one place.
ii) Improved User Interaction: It acts like a digital personal assistant, handling tasks like real-time translations and spoken conversations.
iii) Enhanced AI Capabilities: It has the ability to interpret emotions, background noises, and visual cues from images and videos.
iv) Availability: The text and image functionalities are already available, with audio and video capabilities to be released gradually to ensure safety and quality.
iv) Fast Response Time: It responds to queries almost as quickly as a human, within about 232 to 320 milliseconds.
v) Multilingual Support: It is better at understanding and responding in multiple languages.
3. Why GPT-4o Matters
i) Competition in AI Technology: It positions OpenAI and its partner Microsoft to compete more strongly in the AI market against companies like Google and Meta.
ii) Integration into Services: It can be integrated into existing services and devices, improving their functionality with AI features.
4, Limitations and Safety Concerns
i) Early Development Stage: Some features, especially in audio, are still in early development and are available in a limited capacity.
ii) Safety Measures: It includes filtered training data and refined behaviours to address potential risks like cybersecurity threats, misinformation, and bias.
iii) Continuous Improvement: OpenAI is actively working to enhance the model’s safety and capabilities.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX)
Source-This post on India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) is based on the article “SBI is 1st bank as trading-clearing member of IIBX” published in “The Times of India” on 14th May 2024.
Why in the News?
State Bank of India (SBI) has become the first trading-cum-clearing member of the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) located in GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
About India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX)
1. Location: It is situated in GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tech City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
2. Purpose: IIBX serves as India’s first international bullion exchange, facilitating the import of bullion and offering a comprehensive ecosystem for bullion trading and investment.
3. Functions and Features:
i) Transparent Price Discovery: It ensures clear pricing mechanisms for bullion.
ii) Responsible Sourcing: It focuses on integrity and ethical sourcing within the supply chain.
iii) Quality Assurance and Standardization: It maintains high standards of quality and uniformity in bullion trading.
3. Regulation and Management: It is governed by the International Financial Services Centers Authority (IFSCA), which oversees financial products, services, and institutions within IFSCs.
4. Competitive Edge: It offers a variety of products and technologies at competitive prices compared to both Indian and major global exchanges like those in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, London, and New York.
About Bullion
1. Bullion is high-purity gold and silver, typically stored as bars, ingots, or coins.
2. It can occasionally serve as legal tender and is commonly held as reserves by central banks or by institutional investors.
About International Financial Services Centers Authority (IFSCA)
Aspects | Description |
About | It was created under the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019. |
Objectives and Functions | 1. It aims to connect with global financial markets and cater to the needs of the Indian economy. 2. It has been tasked with developing and regulating financial services and institutions within IFSCs. |
Regulatory Framework | Before IFSCA, various domestic financial regulators like RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, and IRDAI were responsible for regulatory functions in IFSCs. |
Significance of GIFT-IFSC | GIFT-IFSC is India’s inaugural International Financial Services Centre, pioneering the integration of financial services with global markets under a unified regulatory body. |
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy
Soil nailing
Source-This post on soil nailing is based on the article “A ‘green’ solution to prevent landslips in the Nilgiris” published in “The Hindu” on 14th May 2024.
Why in the News?
The State Highways Department of Tamil Nadu is carrying out Soil Nailing exercise. This project called ‘slope stabilization using soil nailing and Hydroseeding method’ is being conducted along major roads in the Nilgiris area of Tamil Nadu.
About Soil Nailing
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1. About Soil nailing: It is a geotechnical engineering technique that involves the insertion of reinforcing elements into the soil in a specified area to strengthen it.
2. Material: It involves drilling steel tendons into the soil and grouting them in place to form a composite structure akin to a gravity wall.
3. Applications: It is commonly used for stabilizing slopes and landslides, supporting excavations, and repairing existing retaining walls.
4. Methods of application:
Soil Nailing Method | Description | Common Uses |
---|---|---|
Drilled and Grouted | Nails are inserted into pre-drilled holes and then filled with grouting material to bond with the soil, forming a composite mass similar to a gravity wall. | Stabilizing slopes, supporting excavations |
Driven Soil Nailing | Nails are driven into the soil for temporary stabilization. It is a faster method but lacks corrosion protection for the steel. | Temporary slope stabilization |
Drilling Soil Nailing | Utilizes hollow bars that are drilled into the soil; grout is injected through these bars, making this method faster than driven nails. | Supporting excavations, stabilizing slopes |
Jet Grouted Soil Nailing | Steel bars are installed in holes created by jet grouting, then filled with concrete grout, particularly used in eroding soils. | Repairing existing retaining walls, stabilizing eroded slopes |
Launched Soil Nailing | Steel bars are launched into the soil using an air compression mechanism in a single shot, rapidly placing nails into position. | Rapid stabilization in urgent situations |
UPSC Syllabus: Environment & Ecology
Exercise SHAKTI
Source- This post on Exercise SHAKTI is based on the article “India -France joint military exercise Shakti commences in Meghalaya” published in “PIB” on 14th May 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently India and France commenced the 7th edition of India- France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI commenced at Umroi, Meghalaya.
About Exercise SHAKTI
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Aspects | Description |
About | 1. It is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France. The last edition was conducted in France in November 2021. 2. The 7th edition of India- France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI commenced at Meghalaya. |
Participating Nations | India and France |
Objectives | Objectives of Joint Training: i) Achieve a high degree of physical fitness. ii) Rehearse and refine tactical level operations. iii) Exchange best practices between forces. |
Focus | The joint exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban and mountainous terrain. |
What will happen during the exercise | 1. The tactical drills will cover a range of operations including responding to terrorist actions that involve seizing a specific territory, setting up a Joint Command Post. 2. It also includes establishing an Intelligence & Surveillance Centre, securing helipads or landing sites, conducting Small Team Insertion & Extraction. |
Benefits | 1. It will enable the two sides to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting joint operations. 2. The joint exercise will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between armed forces personnel of the two countries. 3. This will also enhance the level of defence cooperation and foster bilateral relations between the two friendly nations. |
UPSC Syllabus: Defence Exercises
Xenotransplantation
Source-This post on Xenotransplantation is based on the article “First human recipient of pig kidney transplant dies: What is xenotransplantation, why pigs are used” published in “The Indian Express” on 14th May 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, the first person to receive a transplant of a genetically modified pig kidney through Xenotransplantation passed away approximately two months after the procedure.
About Xenotransplantation
1. About Xenotransplantation: It involves using live animal cells, tissues, or organs to treat human medical conditions.
2. History and Need for Xenotransplantation: The first attempts to use animal hearts in human transplants happened in the 1980s. There was a big shortage of human organs which were needed for transplant. This led doctors to look at animal organs as an alternative.
3. Xenotransplantation Process:
1. Animal organs, like pig kidneys, are genetically altered to prevent the human body from rejecting them. This involves removing certain animal genes and adding human ones to make the organ more compatible.
2. After the transplant, continuous monitoring is required to see how the body reacts to the new organ.
4. Risks and Complications:
1. Infection Risks: There is a risk of transmitting infections from the animal to the human recipient. This can affect not only the individual but potentially spread to others.
2. Long-term Health Risks: There is also a concern about retroviruses. These are viruses that could remain dormant and cause diseases years after the transplant.
Why are pigs commonly used in xenotransplantation
1. Similar Body Structure as Humans: Pigs are often chosen because their body structure and functions are similar to humans. Pigs are easy and cost-effective to breed.
2. Enhanced possibility of Organ Size Matching: Different pig breeds offer a variety of organ sizes. This makes it easier to find a match for human recipients.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
India Volatility Index (VIX)
Source: This post on India Volatility Index VIX is based on the article “India VIX Index rallies: What does market volatility mean for investors?” published in “The Indian Express” on 14th May 2024.
Why in the News?
Recent, surge in the India VIX reflects the anticipated near-term volatility in the market.
About Volatility Index (VIX)
1. About Volatility Index (VIX): The Volatility Index, commonly known as VIX or the Fear Index, measures how much volatility market players expect in the near future.
2. Role of Volatility in Finance: Volatility refers to the rate and extent of price changes in the market, which is often associated with financial risk.
3. Behavior of the VIX: During periods when the market is highly volatile, the VIX tends to increase. Conversely, when market volatility decreases, the VIX tends to fall.
4. Calculation of the VIX: The VIX is calculated based on the expected annualized volatility, expressed in percentage terms, derived from the order book of options on a specific underlying index.
About India VIX
1. About India VIX: The India VIX is an index that shows the expected level of volatility in the stock market over the next 30 days. Higher numbers mean more expected volatility.
2. How It Works: It uses the prices of options on the NIFTY Index to calculate expected future volatility. This is expressed as a percentage.
3. Why Is India VIX Important?
i) Indicator of Fear: It is sometimes called the “Fear Index” because it indicates how worried traders are about the market.
ii) Decision-Making: Investors look at the VIX to take decisions regarding investments. When the VIX is high, the market is considered riskier.
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy