9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 27 February, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
Reduction in poverty and income inequality in India
Source: The post reduction in poverty and income inequality in India has been created, based on the article “India’s development landscape has undergone a structural shift” published in “Live mints” on 27th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1- Society-poverty and developmental issues.
News: The article talks about the Indian government’s recently released Fact Sheet on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for 2022-23. It highlights a major reduction in poverty and income inequality in India over the last 11 years.
How has poverty been measured?
Poverty is measured using the World Bank’s purchasing power parity (PPP)-based $1.9 per capita per day line. Adjustments for inflation and rural-urban differences were made to calculate the poverty rates for 2022-23.
For information on Poverty Measurement in India read here
What does the new government report say about poverty in India?
Dramatic Decline in Poverty: The new government report shows a significant reduction in poverty in India, from 12.2% in 2011-12 to just 2% in 2022-23.
Poverty Lines Updated: The poverty lines have been revised to ₹1452 for rural and ₹1752 for urban areas per month, accounting for inflation rates of 5.7% and 5.6% respectively since 2011-12.
Extreme Poverty Nearly Eliminated: Based on the World Bank’s $1.9 per day poverty line, the report suggests that extreme poverty in India is almost eradicated.
Shift in Higher Poverty Line: Even with a higher poverty line of $3.2 PPP, poverty in India decreased significantly from 53.6% in 2011-12 to 21% in 2022-23.
Reduction in Inequality: The report also indicates a decline in income inequality, with the Gini coefficient from 28.7 to 27.0, and urban from 36.7 to 31.9.
Economic Growth: This reduction in poverty and inequality has coincided with substantial economic growth in both rural (3.1%) and urban (2.6%) regions.
What does critics say about poverty levels in India?
Skepticism About Poverty Reduction: Critics were of the opinion that poverty levels hadn’t significantly changed over the past 11 years.
Questioning Data Quality: The skepticism partly stems from the non-release of the 2017-18 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey data, which was cited for poor quality.
Debate on Poverty Estimation: There is an ongoing debate among experts about the methodologies and data used to estimate poverty levels in India.
Diverse Estimates: The range of poverty estimates by various entities, from 5% to 20%, using the World Bank’s $1.9 poverty line, adds to the confusion and debate.
Question for practice:
Examine how the recent Fact Sheet on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey for 2022-23 reflects the changes in poverty and income inequality in India over the last 11 years.
GS PAPER - 2
Democratizing Entertainment Industry
Source-This post on Democratizing Entertainment Industry has been created based on the article “Everyone should be able to watch TV — including those with disabilities” published in “The Indian Express” on 26 February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus–GS paper 2-Social justice- Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States.
News-The article highlights the need for making entertainment space accessible to all.
Background– Persons with audio and visual disabilities have
approached the Delhi High Court to ensure that all films in theatres, on TV, and OTT provide accessibility features like Audio Description (AD) for the visually impaired and Same Language Captions (SLC).
What is the legal status of accessibility in the entertainment industry?
There are four legislative policy and judicial interventions in 2016, 2019 and 2023 which aims to ensure accessible entertainment space to disabled.
1) The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 empowers every person to have the right to entertainment.
2) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Accessibility Standards (AS, 2019) for TV mandates that half the entertainment content on TV should be accessible to disabled.
3) The Delhi High Court ordered Yash Raj Films in 2023 to deposit AD and SLC files of their blockbuster film, Pathaan, with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
4) The Delhi High Court recently ordered the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to designate a special officer to deal with accessibility features on specific films.
A detailed article on Persons with Disabilities: Rights, Challenges and Solutions can be read here.
What are the Challenges in the Entertainment space for Disabled in India?
1) Lack of Accessibility: There is lack of accessibility features like Audio Description (AD) for the visually impaired and Same Language Captions (SLC) for the hearing impaired.
2) Limited Awareness: Disabled people in India are not aware of their rights.
3) Language Barriers: There is a significant language barrier in India, with a vast population speaking different regional languages. The number of accessible TV serials, across all languages, is around 60.
4) Ineffective implementation of existing provisions: TV networks have not implemented Same Language Captions (SLC) on serials.
For ex– SLC on TV serials in the top five languages averaged just over 8 per cent. In the other Indian languages, and content genres, it is near zero.
What should be the Way Forward?
1) Accessibility Standards-India should implement accessibility standards to ensure that entertainment space is accessible to persons with
isabilities.
2) Sensitization-The government can sensitize the entertainment service providers, developers, and designers on accessibility and inclusive design.
3) Disabled Friendly Policies-The Indian government can create policies that can incentivize companies to implement accessibility standards and inclusive design in their entertainment services. For ex- MIB’s needs to notify the long overdue AS, 2019 for TV.
GS PAPER - 3
Rise of deepfake-Threat to election integrity
Source-This post on Rise of deepfake-Threat to election integrity has been created based on the article “A deep threat to election integrity” published in “Business Standard” on 26 February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus– GS Paper- 3- Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges.
News-The article discusses the potential impact of deepkake on upcoming general elections.
A detailed article on Deepfakes can be read here.
What is deepfake technology?
Deepfakes are synthetic media that use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to manipulate or generate visual and audio content.They are manipulated usually with the intention of deceiving or misleading someone.
A detailed article on New IT Rules for social media and its Challenges can be read here.
How does deepfake technology pose a threat to integrity of elections in India?
1) Emergence of generative adversarial networks (GANs)– This is a variant of generative AI which facilitates the rapid generation of deepfakes on a real-time basis.
Due to its easy accessibility, it may lead to the creation of a large number of deepfake accounts that can suppress factual information in every constituency. For ex-deepfake videos of Indian Prime minister.
2) Weaponization of social media– Deepfake videos evoke emotions and exaggerate confirmation bias by spreading more misinformation on social media platforms.
3) External election interference- Digital businesses can create context-specific fake videos for politicians and foreign powers. These fake videos may be abused by hostile foreign countries to threaten the integrity of Indian elections.
What are the issues in regulating deepfakes?
The April 2023 amendment to IT rules empowers the central government to instruct social media platforms and intermediaries to remove deepfakes or objectionable content. There are certain issues:
A) This provision may be abused by the ruling party for targeting political adversaries.
B) The current IT rules focus on content takedown but do not provide penal provisions for creating deepfakes.
C) The Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita places the burden of proof on the prosecution for establishing deep fake related crime.
D) Most deepfakes are uploaded from abroad with masked entities. However, Indian law does not have extra-territorial jurisdiction to prosecute entities outside India which endangers Indias interest.
What steps can be taken to preserve the sanctity of the electoral process?
1) Continuous monitoring– The ECI (Election Commission of India) can continuously monitor social media posts which are trending. The ECI may collaborate with IITs to deploy Fakecatcher technology which is capable of identifying tampered videos in real-time.
2) Empowering the ECI– There is a need to amend the IT rules to grant the ECI the power to directly instruct intermediaries to take down fake videos. This will also ensure political neutrality.
3) Overcoming regulatory hurdles-
a) The IT rules need to be amended to put the burden of proof on fake content creators. There should be penal provision for creating deepfakes.
b) There should be enactment of some laws which can be extra-territorial in nature.
4) Global Cooperation– This involves collaborating with global platforms to share information regarding uploads, assistance in investigation and quick removal of objectionable content.
Conclusion: Deepfake poses a great challenge to the 2024 general elections. Nonetheless, the ECI must take all the necessary steps to ensure the sanctity of electoral process and uphold the democratic ethos of India.
Government’s new grain storage plan to be executed by cooperatives
Source-This post on Government’s new grain storage plan to be executed by cooperatives has been created based on the article “Express View on government’s new grain storage plan: More in store” published in “The Indian Express” on 27 February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper 3– Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce, Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security.
News-The article discusses the importance of cooperatives in storage of food grains.
What is the state of food grain storage in India?
The Food Corporation of India currently has a storage capacity of 361.62 lakh tonnes and state government agencies have capacities of another 400.74 lakh tonnes.
What is the world’s largest grain storage plan?
The pilot project will be carried out in 11 states by primary agricultural credit societies. The government aims to build storage capacity of 700 lakh metric tons which is almost double the existing storage capacity in the country.
A detailed article on World’s largest grain storage plan: benefits and challenges can be read here.
What are the benefits of an increase in storage facilities?
1) It will cut down losses due to lack of adequate infrastructure.
2) It will enable farmers to sell their output at an opportune time in terms of prices.
3) It points towards the increasing emphasis of the government on cooperatives.
What is the importance of primary agricultural credit societies?
1) Large network of societies– As per Reserve Bank of India’s report, there are 1.02 lakh societies in the country at the end of March 2021.
These societies have a sizeable presence in the western part of the country, serving 13.7 crore members and 5.4 crore borrowers.
2) Empowerment of small farmers– The data shows that small and marginal farmers and others accounted for 81 per cent of these 13.7 crore members. Around 60 per cent of lending of district central cooperative banks is through these societies.
3) Collective Strength-They operate through group/collective strength ensuring that no one is left behind. For ex: Amul and Lijjat Papad
What are the steps taken by the government to promote primary agricultural credit societies?
1) Establishment of new cooperatives– The government aims to establish two lakh primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) and dairy and fisheries cooperatives in the country.
2) Modernization of PACS -The Union Budget 2023-24 has started the process of computerization,63000 PACS with an investment of Rs 2,516 crore.
3) Creation of separate ministry– The government has created a dedicated ministry namely Ministry of Cooperation for promoting cooperative societies in India.
Challenges of land reforms in India – An expansive land management policy is overdue
Source: The post challenges India faces in managing its land has been created, based on the article “An expansive land management policy is overdue” published in “The Hindu” on 27th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – environment- conservation
News: The article discusses the challenges India faces in managing its land due to its growing population and varied land use. It suggests creating a multi-stakeholder platform to improve land management and calls for integrated approaches to address these issues effectively.
Background
Land degradation costs the world about $6 trillion in ecosystem services annually.
In 2019, the UN’s COP14 and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change highlighted the need for land management improvements.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s special report on ‘Climate Change and Land’ (2019) suggested country-level stocktaking of land management practices.
A 2021 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report stressed the urgency of caring for land, soil, and water.
What is the challenges India faces in managing its land?
High Population Pressure: India has over 17% of the world’s population but only 2.4% of its land area, leading to intense competition for land use.
Land Degradation: Approximately 30% of India’s total geographical area is degraded, impacting agricultural productivity and environmental health.
Diverse Land Use: With 55% arable land and 22% forest cover, managing diverse land uses like agriculture, forestry, and urban development is a complex task.
Rapid Urbanization: Increasing urbanization demands more land for infrastructure, intensifying the strain on available land resources.
Sectoral Approach to Land Management: Different government departments follow their own land management practices, leading to a fragmented and inefficient system.
Private Land Ownership: Much of the cultural land is privately owned, complicating broader land-use planning and management.
What should be done?
Establish Multi-Stakeholder Platforms: Create platforms at district and sub-district levels to bring together farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders for collaborative land management.
Activate District Planning Committees: Utilize Article 243ZD (1) of the Constitution to activate district planning committees for comprehensive land management plans.
Implement a Landscape Approach: Adopt a landscape approach to assess land potential and make informed decisions about land allocation and use.
Focus on Climate-Smart Practices: Incorporate climate-smart strategies in land management to address climate change impacts and enhance agricultural production.
Institutional Support for Integrated Management: Seek systematic support for integrated landscape management, learning from global experiences such as the European Landscape Convention and the UK’s sustainable land management practices.
Question for practice:
Evaluate the effectiveness of existing land management practices in India and the potential impact of implementing multi-stakeholder platforms.
Issues with this traditional model of scientific conferences in India – Drop the ‘garland model’ to let science in India blossom
Source: The post issues with this traditional model of scientific conferences in India has been created, based on the article “Drop the ‘garland model’ to let science in India blossom” published in “The Hindu” on 27th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Science and technology
News: The article discusses how scientific conferences in India traditionally follow a bureaucratic and hierarchical approach, with formalities like bouquet giving. It suggests adopting more modern, inclusive, and informal practices.
What is the traditional model of scientific conferences in India?
In India, scientific conferences often follow a formal and hierarchical structure. This includes having institute administrators involved in organizing, listing members by seniority, and starting events with talks by science administrators. Meetings often feature formalities like segregated seating, bouquet and shawl ceremonies, and gift-giving for speakers.
What are the issues with this traditional model of scientific conferences in India?
Bureaucratic and Hierarchical Framework: The traditional model upholds a hierarchical system, evident in the organization and execution of the conferences.
Inclusion of Non-Secular Elements: Practices like lamp lighting, devotional songs, and religious symbolism in conference materials are common, which may not align with secular scientific practices.
Gender and Diversity Issues: The model often overlooks gender representation and diversity. Instances of all-male panels (‘manels’) and inadequate consideration of marginalized groups are noted.
Formalities and Inefficiencies: The model includes prolonged inaugural talks by administrators and waits for dignitaries, leading to delays in actual scientific sessions.
Elaborate Ceremonies: Traditional practices like segregated seating, bouquet and shawl ceremonies, and gift-giving rituals emphasize hierarchy over scientific discourse.
Lack of Modern Practices: This approach lacks contemporary practices like career-stage equity, diversity, and sustainability, which are increasingly important in global scientific communities.
What are the modern approaches to scientific conferences in India?
Informal and Non-Hierarchical Engagement: Modern conferences like the ‘No Garland Neuroscience’ (NGN) adopt a simpler, more informal approach, focusing on scientific content rather than formalities.
Alphabetical Speaker Lists: This practice, seen in the Young Investigators’ Meeting (YIM), removes hierarchy in speaker representation.
Round Table Seating: Used in YIM, this facilitates open interactions among scientists at different career stages.
Equal Gender Representation: Modern meetings ensure balanced representation of genders in speakers and panels.
Absence of Religious Symbolism: Contemporary conferences avoid religious elements in their proceedings and materials.
Sustainable and Low-Cost Models: These meetings focus on sustainability, avoiding unnecessary expenses on formalities like bouquets and gifts.
Way forward
To modernize scientific meetings in India, adopting approaches like the ‘No Garland Neuroscience’ and Young Investigators’ Meeting, which emphasize non-hierarchical, inclusive formats, is crucial. This shift towards egalitarian, diverse, and secular practices reflect global scientific trends and will position India as a progressive player in the international research community.
Question for practice:
Discuss the differences between traditional and modern approaches to scientific conferences in India.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Calling Name Presentation (CNAP)
Source-This post on Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) is based on the article “Who’s calling? True caller faces Indian challenge” published in “Live Mint” on 27th February 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended the introduction of the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) Supplementary Service in the telecom network.
What is Calling Name Presentation (CNAP)?
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1. About– The feature would provide the recipient with details about the caller, similar to the functionalities of ‘Truecaller’ and ‘Bharat Caller ID & Anti-Spam’.
2. Operating Pattern– True caller achieves caller information by employing cross-referenced contact information from its user base. Meanwhile, TRAI’s proposal for CNAP aims to display the name with which a user or a business’ number is registered with a telecom company.
3. User request directive– TRAI recommended that all phone service providers offer Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) to their customers upon request.
What is its Significance?
1. Improved Caller Identification: CNAP allows recipients to see the name associated with the caller’s number, enhancing their ability to identify who is calling.
2. Enhanced User Experience: CNAP improves the user experience by giving more details about incoming calls, helping users decide whether to answer them or not.
3. Reduced Unwanted Calls: CNAP can help users distinguish between legitimate calls and unwanted ones, such as spam or telemarketing calls, leading to a reduction in the number of unwanted calls being answered.
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology
EU sanctions Indian tech Firm-Si2 Microsystems for dual-use items
Source-This post on EU sanctions Indian tech Firm-Si2 Microsystems for dual-use items is based on the article “Government ‘examining’ Indian tech company in EU, U.S. sanctions list” published in “The Hindu” on 27th February 2024.
Why in the News?
The European Union (EU) has recently sanctioned Si2 Microsystems, an Indian tech firm, for its alleged connections with Russia regarding dual-use items. Previously, the U.S. also banned it from transferring “dual-use” technology.
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What are dual-use items?
1. About– Dual-use items are products and technology that can be used both for civilian and military applications.
2. Regulatory oversight– Governments strictly regulate the export, transfer, and use of dual-use items to prevent their misuse in activities such as weapons development, terrorism, or other illicit purposes.
3. Examples– Global positioning satellites, missiles, nuclear technology, chemical and biological tools, night vision technology, thermal imaging, some models of drones, aluminum pipes with precise specifications or certain kinds of ball bearings.
What are the global control mechanisms for dual use items?
1. Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)- It is a multilateral export control regime aimed at reducing the risks of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation.
a. Established in 1987 by G7 countries.
b. It Consists of 35 member countries.
c. India became its 35th member in 2016.
2. Wassenaar Agreement– It is a multilateral export control regime that aims to regulate the export of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.
a. Established on 12 July 1996, in Wassenaar, near The Hague, Netherlands
b. It consists of 42 participating countries.
c. India is a member of it.
3. Nuclear Suppliers Group– NSG is a group of nuclear supplier countries that frames and implements agreed rules for exporting nuclear equipment with a view to controlling the spread of nuclear weapons
a. It was set up in 1974 as a response to India’s nuclear tests.
b. It has 48 member states and the European Commission acts as an Observer.
c. India is not a member of it.
UPSC Syllabus- International Relations
Banihal-Sangaldan railway line
Source-This post on Banihal-Sangaldan railway line is based on the article “PM Modi flags off railway project in Jammu and Kashmir: Route, challenges, benefits” published in “The Indian Express” on 27th February 2024.
Why in the News?
PM Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Banihal-Sangaldan section of the railway line which aims to connect Baramulla in North Kashmir to Udhampur in Jammu. He also flagged off Jammu and Kashmir’s first electric train from Sangaldan to Srinagar and Baramulla
About Banihal-Sangaldan railway line
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1. About– It is the 48-kilometer-long railway line which connects Banihal in the Ramban district to Sangaldan in the Doda district.
2. Part of USBRL project– It is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL) project.
3. Features:
a. Over 90% of this 48 km line runs through tunnels in the hilly Ramban district.
b. It includes the country’s longest 12.77-km tunnel (T-50). It also has 16 bridges.
c. It has three escape tunnels for passenger safety and emergency rescues.
Why it is significant?
Alternative mode of transportation to the Valley when roads are not accessible:
a. The train to Sangaldan offers a new travel option between Jammu and Kashmir, especially when landslides block National Highway-44 between Ramban and Banihal.
b. Travelers can cover a distance of 30-35 km by road from Ramban town to Sangaldan, from where they can catch the train to Kashmir.
2. Promote tourism and economy– The train route also connects remote parts of Jammu division to tourists, enhancing economic activity. Hot springs are just 5 km from Sangaldan, and the scenic Gool Valley is nearby. Limited road access has kept these areas largely unexplored.
Additional Facts:
1. The British constructed the first railway line in the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir in 1897. |
UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy (Infrastructure)
Garbhini-GA2: AI Model of India to find gestational age
Source- This post on Garbhini-GA2: AI Model of India to find gestational age is based on the article “India-specific model to give accurate gestational age of foetus” published in “The Hindu” on 26th February 2024.
Why in the News?
Researchers have developed an India-specific artificial intelligence model- Garbhini-GA2. It accurately determine the gestational age of a fetus during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (months 4-9 of pregnancy).
About Garbhini-GA2 AI Model of India
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1. About- It is the first computer model for estimating late-trimester gestational age to be developed and validated using data from the Indian population.
2. Developed by– Indian Institute of Technology-Madras and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad.
3. Component of the GARBH-Ini initiative:
a. It is part of a research program called GARBH-Ini which focuses on advanced research about birth outcomes in India.
b. The GARBH-Ini program is a flagship programme of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt of India.
4. Funding of Garbhini-GA2:
a. Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India
b. Grand Challenges India program under the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
c. Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBC-DSAI)
d. Centre for Integrative Biology and Systems Medicine (IBSE) at IIT Madras
What are the issues with current models?
1. Currently, the gestational age (GA) of a fetus is assessed using a formula designed for Western populations.
2. Existing Models like Hadlock and INTERGROWTH estimate pregnancy age, but they are based on Western data.
3. Indian and Western babies grow differently during pregnancy. So these models give inaccurate results for Indian women in the later months. This can affect due date prediction, care quality, and risk assessment for premature birth in India.
What is the Significance of Garbhini-GA2 model?
1. The new Garbhini-GA2 formula for the second and third trimesters accurately determines the fetus’s age for Indian population, reducing errors by nearly three times.
2. Precise gestational age is crucial for providing proper care to pregnant women and accurately determining delivery dates.
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology
Energy Charter Treaty (ECT)
Source-This post on Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is based on the article “UK to quit ‘outdated’ fossil fuel friendly treaty” published in “Energyworld” on 23rd February 2024.
Why in the News?
The UK, along with France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, is pulling out of the Energy Charter Treaty. It permits fossil fuel companies to take legal action against governments regarding climate policies.
This decision comes after unsuccessful negotiations aimed at updating the treaty have concluded.
What is the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT)?
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1. About– It is an international agreement that establishes a multilateral framework for collaboration across borders in the energy sector.
2. Signed-The agreement was signed in December 1994 and became legally effective in April 1998.
3. Objective– The aim of the ECT is to encourage long-term cooperation in the energy sector, emphasizing complementary interests and mutual advantages.
4. Areas Covered– It covers various facets of commercial energy operations, including trade, transit, investments, and energy efficiency.
5. Signatories– Presently, there are 56 signatories and contracting parties to the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), which include both the European Union and Euratom (European Atomic Energy Community).
6. Established Energy Charter Conference– It founded the Energy Charter Conference, an inter-governmental organization that convenes regularly to address matters concerning energy collaboration.
What is its Significance?
1. Promoting Energy Cooperation: It encourages cooperation among countries in the energy sector, promoting discussions and teamwork on energy-related matters.
2. Investment Protection: The ECT safeguards foreign investments in the energy sector. This ensures a stable and predictable environment for investment, which is important for attracting capital and fostering economic growth in the energy industry.
3. Technology Transfer: The treaty facilitates the transfer of energy-related technologies among member states.
4. Dispute Resolution: The ECT provides mechanisms to solve disagreements between investors and member states. This reduces investment risks and gives investors a way to address disputes about government rules or other issues.
UPSC Syllabus- International Relations
Bitcoin halving
Source-This post on Bitcoin halving is based on the article “What is Bitcoin Halving and what it means to the crypto community? published in “The Hindu” on 24th February 2024.
Why in the News?
Crypto traders and Bitcoin miners are eagerly awaiting their quadrennial event known as Bitcoin halving, which is predicted to occur in April 2024.
What is Bitcoin halving?
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1. About- Bitcoin halving means 50% reduction in the reward paid to Bitcoin miners who process cryptocurrency transactions for inclusion in the public digital ledger, known as the blockchain.
2. Quadrennial event– This event programmed into the Bitcoin algorithm and it occurs approximately every four years.
How does it work?
1. A decentralized network of miners, validates and confirms all Bitcoin transactions through a process called mining on the blockchain network.
2. Miners solve complex math problems with powerful computers to add transactions to the Bitcoin blockchain as part of its proof-of-work mechanism. As a result, they receive a reward of 6.25 BTC.
3. Given the current Bitcoin price, 6.25 BTC amounts to approximately $193,750, serving as a considerable motivation for miners to maintain the smooth addition of Bitcoin transaction blocks.
4. Bitcoin transactions consume a lot of electricity and create large carbon footprints because of the intense computational activity involved, even though no physical mining occurs.
Did you know? 1. Bitcoin began in 2009 with a block reward of 50 bitcoins. 2. In 2012, the first halving reduced it to 25 bitcoins, then to 12.5 bitcoins in 2016, and to 6.25 bitcoins in 2020. 3. The next halving in 2024 will cut the reward to 3.125 bitcoins per block. |
What is its significance?
1. Limited Supply– The maximum supply of Bitcoin is 21 million coins, and halvings are essential to prevent this limit from being reached too quickly. By decreasing the pace of new Bitcoin creation, Bitcoin reflects the extraction pattern of a finite resource like gold- becoming harder.
2. Lowered inflation rate– Halving events slow down new Bitcoin creation thereby reducing inflation in the Bitcoin system. This differs from fiat currencies, where central banks can print money freely, risking high inflation.
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology
Island On The Air (IOTA) Programme
Source-This post on Island On The Air (IOTA) Programme has been created based on the article “ HAM Operators from Cyclone Shelters of Nachugunta Island, Andhra Pradesh, excel in Island On The Air (IOTA) Expedition” published in “PIB” on 25th February 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, a dedicated team of amateur radio operators (HAMs) embarked on a significant journey from the cyclone shelters of Nachugunta Island, Andhra Pradesh, to participate in the Island on the Air (IOTA) expedition Programme.
About Island on the Air (IOTA) expedition
1) About- IOTA, or Islands On The Air, is a pioneering programme that connects radio amateurs worldwide with stations on islands.
2) Established by- 1964.
3) Managed by- IOTA Ltd in collaboration with the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), categorizing islands into groups for communication.
4) Aim- It aimed at integrating HAM education in primary and secondary schools for widespread adoption and enhanced disaster response across the country.
About Amateur Radio (HAM Radio)
1) Amateur radio is a popular hobby involving the use of radio frequency spectrum for non-commercial purposes.
2) HAM radio operators communicate using designated radio frequencies, engaging in diverse activities like contests, emergency communication support, experimentation, technical learning, and community engagement.
3) The hobby offers a unique blend of technical learning, community engagement, and global connectivity through radio waves, emphasizing innovation and service.
UPSC Syllabus- Schemes and Programs
G-33 Group
Source-This post on G-33 Group has been created based on the article “G-33 countries call for permanent public stockholding solution for food security” published in “Mint” on 26 Feb 2024.
Why in the news?
Ahead of the 13th ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), most G-33 countries have urged for a permanent solution to public stockholding for food security.
About G-33
1) About- G-33 countries is a coalition of developing nations known as the “Friends of Special Products”.
2) Origin- It was established before the 2003 Cancun ministerial conference that was coordinated during the Doha Round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations, specifically in regard to agriculture.
3) Members- Despite the name, there are currently 47 member nations. Some of the main countries include India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Turkey, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Korea.
4) Aim:
i) They emphasize on the need for a rules-based, non-discriminatory, and transparent trading environment to address global food security challenges.
ii) The group has “defensive” concerns regarding agriculture in relation to WTO negotiations and seeks to limit the degree of market opening required of developing countries.
UPSC Syllabus- International Relations (International Organisations)
Purple Fest 2024
Source-This post on Purple Fest 2024 has been created based on the article “Purple Fest 2024: A Symphony of Inclusivity Echoes at Rashtrapati Bhawan” published in “PIB” on 26th February 2024.
Why in the news?
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India presented Purple Fest 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
About Purple Fest 2024
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Description | It was a first-of-its-kind inclusive festival in India. |
Theme & Venue | ‘Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity’ was held on January 6, 2023, in Amrit Udyan in Rashtrapati Bhavan. |
Organised by | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
Objective | 1. The festival aims to raise awareness about different disabilities and their impact on people’s lives 2. To promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion of persons with disabilities within society. |
Features | 1) It will showcase best practices in the disability field, focusing on enhancing accessibility and addressing implementation challenges in various disability schemes and programs. 2) The workshop will highlight innovations and action plans in accessibility, with participation from stakeholders nationwide. |
UPSC Syllabus- Schemes and Programs
EXERCISE ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ 2024
Source-This post on Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ 2024 has been created based on the article “INDIA-JAPAN Joint exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ commences in Rajasthan” published in “PIB” on 27th February 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, the 5th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India.
About Exercise Dharma Guardian
Aspect | Details |
Description | 1) Dharma Guardian’ is a bilateral military exercise held alternately in India and Japan. 2) It is the 5th edition of the exercise. 3) The Japanese contingent is being represented by soldiers of the 34th Infantry Regiment, and the Indian Army contingent is being represented by a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles. 4) The exercise will also showcase India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the growing defense industrial capability of the country. |
Frequency | It is an annual exercise. |
Objective | 1) To foster Military Cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. 2) To develop inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops |
Areas of cooperation | 1) The exercise will focus on the basics of high-level physical fitness, joint planning and special weapons skills. 2) Sharing their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting tactical operations. |
UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises in News