Daily Current Affairs UPSC 22 May 2024

Arab League

• During a recent Arab League Summit, the UN chief called for a ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the importance of regional unity.
• The Arab League is a group of Arab states in the Middle East and North Africa that was established in Cairo, Egypt in 1945 after the adoption of the Alexandria Protocol in 1944.
• The headquarters of the Arab League is located in Cairo, Egypt.
• The organization's mandate includes strengthening relations between member states, coordinating policies, and promoting cooperation on political, security, economic, and legal issues.
• The Arab League has 22 member states, with India holding observer status.

Copernicus EMS

• The EU activated the Copernicus Emergency Management Service to locate the Iranian President's helicopter.
• The Copernicus Emergency Management Service has been in place since 2012 under the European Commission's Copernicus Programme.
• Copernicus is an Earth observation program of the EU that provides geospatial information to support disaster management.
• The program has two components: On-demand Mapping, which includes Rapid Mapping for quick geospatial information, and Risk and Recovery Mapping.
• Copernicus also includes Early Warning and Monitoring for disasters like floods, forest fires, and droughts.

Project Udbhav

• An event took place in New Delhi as part of Project Udbhav.
• Launched in 2023, Project Udbhav is a collaboration between the Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India (USI).
• The project aims to integrate ancient wisdom with modern military practices to address current security challenges.
• It seeks to deepen understanding of Indian knowledge systems and philosophies and their relevance in today's world.
• For example, Chanakya's Arthashastra emphasizes the significance of strategic partnerships, alliances, and diplomacy, which align with modern military practices.

Ferroptosis

• A recent study from Columbia University revealed that Ferroptosis is a key mechanism of cell death in COVID-19 lung disease.
• Ferroptosis is a type of cell death that relies on iron levels within the cell and involves high levels of iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation during the process.
• Research has shown that ferroptosis is linked to the development of various diseases, including tumors, nervous system disorders, and kidney damage.
• Other types of cell death include apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, each with their own distinct processes and implications.

Naegleria Fowleri

• A girl from Malappuram in Kerala recently passed away due to an infection caused by Naegleria Fowleri.
• Naegleria Fowleri is an amoeba that can be found in soil, warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs.
• When the amoeba enters the nose and reaches the brain, it can lead to a deadly infection known as Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).
• Referred to as the "brain-eating amoeba," Naegleria Fowleri can infect the brain and destroy brain tissue.
• While brain infections caused by Naegleria Fowleri are rare, they are almost always fatal.

Travel & Tourism Development Index, 2024

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) in 2024.
• TTDI assesses the factors and policies that support the sustainable growth of the Travel and Tourism industry.
• This is the second edition of the index, which originated from the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) series.
• The TTCI has been a key index produced by WEF since 2007.
• India's ranking in the TTDI improved from 54 in 2021 to 39 in 2024.

R21/Matrix-M

• Serum Institute of India (SII) has begun exporting the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to Africa.
• Malaria is a dangerous illness caused by a single-cell parasite transmitted to humans by certain mosquitoes.
• The R21/Matrix-M vaccine was created by the University of Oxford and SII, utilizing Novavax's adjuvant technology to enhance the immune response.
• This vaccine is the second malaria vaccine endorsed by WHO in 2023, following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine.
• It targets P. falciparum, the most deadly malaria parasite and the most common in Africa.

Sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• India is working towards creating its own independent AI technology.
• Sovereign AI involves a country's capability to create, implement, and regulate AI technologies on its own.
• The goal is to enhance a nation's capacity to safeguard and promote its interests through the strategic application of AI.
• This concept is built upon the framework of digital sovereignty, which involves having control over one's own digital technologies.
• The development of sovereign AI in India is guided by six strategic pillars: digital infrastructure, workforce training, research and innovation, regulatory and ethical guidelines, promoting the AI industry, and fostering international collaboration.

Bipin Chandra Pal (1858-1932)

The death anniversary of the renowned freedom fighter and nationalist leader Bipin Chandra Pal was commemorated.

• Born in Sylhet district, now in Bangladesh.
• Part of the Lal Bal Pal trio of extremist nationalist freedom fighters.

Key Contributions of Bipin Chandra Pal

• Popularized Swadeshi and Swaraj concepts.
• Preached composite patriotism over Hindu nationalism.
• Imprisoned for 6 months in the Bande Mataram sedition case.
• Wrote on Bengal Vaishnavism philosophy.
• Important publications include Bande Mataram, New India, and Hindu Review.

Values upheld by Bipin Chandra Pal

• Nationalism.
• Patriotism.
• Secularism.
• Rationalism.

 Microplastics Found in Testicles of Humans and Dogs

Scientists identified 12 different kinds of microplastics and discovered that they were present in the testes of both dogs and humans.

Study Findings:

• Both humans and canines had similar proportions of major polymer types in their male reproductive systems, with Polyethylene (PE) being dominant.
• Presence of microplastics in testes suggests potential consequences on male fertility, possibly leading to a reduction in sperm count.

Microplastics:

• Defined as small plastic pieces less than five millimetres long, harmful to living organisms.
• Two categories: primary microplastics (from commercial use and textiles) and secondary microplastics (from breakdown of larger plastic items).

Impact of Microplastics:

Human Health Risks:

• Microplastics can lead to endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, decreased reproductive health, and cancer.
• Found in human blood, lungs, breast milk, and placentas.

Harm to Wildlife:

• Ingestion of microplastics can have toxic and mechanical effects on wildlife, leading to reduced food intake, suffocation, behavioral changes, and genetic alteration.

Environmental Pollution:

• Microplastics cause disturbance to ecosystems and reduction in biological activity due to their ubiquitous and non-biodegradable nature.

Steps taken to reduce microplastics:

Indian initiatives to reduce microplastics:

• Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 implemented under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Project REPLAN launched by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).
• LiFE Mission aimed at preserving the environment.

Global efforts to reduce microplastics:

• CounterMEASURE II project.
• Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML).
• UNEP Plastics Initiative.

"Promoting Joint Culture in Armed Forces"

During a lecture, the CDS encouraged the three services to work together to establish a unified culture as they transition to creating Joint Operational Structures, referring to this as Jointness 2.0. The CDS also emphasized the importance of Jointness & Integration in developing effective Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs).

About ITCs

• Theaterisation involves the creation of unified tri-service organizations responsible for combat operations in specific geographic areas.
• Assets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force would be placed under a theater commander for joint operational planning and synergy in battle.
• This approach separates operational functions from administrative functions like Raise-Train-Sustain operations.

Current Organization of Armed Forces

• 9 commands in total.
• 17 single-service oriented commands (7 Army, 7 Air Force, 3 Navy).
• Andaman and Nicobar Command and Strategic Forces Command are tri-services commands.
• Strategic Forces Command manages the country's nuclear stockpile.

Challenges in the creation of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs)

• Difficulty in developing ITCs due to the absence of a clear National Security Strategy.
• Problems with ensuring interoperability between arms and equipment from various military branches.
• Constraints on resources, especially within the Air Force, for operations in different theatres such as land-based and maritime environments.

Steps taken for Integration of Armed Forces:

1. Institutional Changes:

• The appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the creation of the Department of Military Affairs under the Ministry of Defence are steps taken to promote jointness in procurement, training, and staffing for the armed services.

2. Legislative Changes:

• The enactment of the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Act in 2023 is a legislative measure aimed at facilitating integration within the armed forces.

3. Other Initiatives:

• The establishment of the Defence Space Agency under the HQ Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) is another measure taken to enhance coordination and cooperation among the different branches of the armed forces.

"Rangelands and Pastoralists: Global Land Outlook Report"

• The UNCCD report focuses on the connection between rangelands and the communities that rely on them, particularly pastoralists, in order to find ways to protect these ecosystems.
• Rangelands are natural or semi-natural areas where livestock and wild animals graze. They consist of various ecosystems like grasslands, savannahs, and deserts.

Key Findings of the Report

• Rangelands cover more than half of the Earth's surface, with a majority located in drylands. Around half of these rangelands are degraded due to factors like soil erosion and overgrazing.
• Degradation is caused by changes in land use, population growth, and policies that encourage exploitation.

Rangeland Situation in India

• India has approximately 121 million hectares of rangelands, with a significant portion considered underutilized. Pastoralists in India face challenges such as insecure land rights and restricted access to resources.
• Pastoralists are often excluded from forests and protected areas, and mining and energy projects further limit their access to vital rangeland resources.

Key Recommendations:

• Implement strategies that combine efforts to reduce climate change impacts and improve the ability of pastoralist communities to adapt to changing conditions.
• Focus on preserving the diversity and functionality of rangelands by limiting land use changes that can harm these ecosystems.
• Promote and invest in pastoralism-based approaches that support the health of rangelands and mitigate negative impacts on these environments.

Importance of Rangelands:

• Key role in achieving Land Degradation Neutrality: Rangelands play a crucial role in helping to maintain the health and productivity of the land, contributing to efforts to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality.
• Support for extensive livestock production systems: Rangelands support extensive livestock production systems, contributing to 16% of global food production.
• Rich in biodiversity: Rangelands are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, representing one-third of global diversity.
• Provision of ecosystem services: Rangelands provide important ecosystem services such as nutrient recycling, carbon sequestration, recreation, and ecotourism, benefiting both the environment and society.

Closing the Gap: ILO's Social Protection Working Paper

• Universal Social Protection (USP) refers to policies that ensure social security for all individuals and households.
• USP includes guarantees for children, persons with disabilities, mothers of newborns, older persons, and the unemployed, along with healthcare.

Key Highlights:

• LMICs have a financing gap of 3.3% of GDP annually to achieve USP, requiring an additional US$1.4 trillion per year.
• In 2024, additional government spending needed to achieve USP in LMICs represents 10.6% of their annual government expenditure.
• India needs US$135.3 billion to ensure universal social protection, with a financing gap of 3.3% of GDP and 11.8% of government expenditure.

Strategies to close financing gap:

• Increase domestic resource mobilization through higher tax revenue and social security contributions.
• Remove explicit and implicit fuel subsidies and introduce carbon pricing schemes
• Eliminate illicit financing flows such as money laundering, tax evasion, and financial corruption
• Manage sovereign debt effectively and create new international financing mechanisms.

Measures taken for Universal Social Protection in India

• Code on Social Security 2020: Implemented to gradually expand social security coverage in India.
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Provides rural employment opportunities to ensure economic security.
• Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Aims to offer universal health coverage to all citizens.
• National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): Provides financial assistance to vulnerable groups for their social security needs.

"CCI Marks 15 Years of Success"

• Established in 2009 under the Competition Act, 2002.
• Initially created in 2003, but gained enforcement powers in 2009.

Composition of CCI

• Consists of a Chairperson and 6 Members appointed by the Central Government.

Functions of CCI

• Preventing practices that harm competition.
• Example: Imposing penalty on Google in 2022 for abusing its dominant position.
• Promoting and sustaining competition in markets.
• Example: Investigating Apple for forcing app developers to use its payment solution.
• Protecting consumer interests.
• Ensuring freedom of trade for all market participants in India.
• Providing opinions on competition issues as requested by statutory authorities.

Challenges faced by CCI

• Jurisdictional issues due to overlap with sectoral regulators like TRAI and SEBI.
• Difficulty in ensuring competition in the digital space due to unique dynamics and business models.

The Way Forward for CCI

• Clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and jurisdictions of CCI in relation to other regulators.
• Improving understanding of digital space dynamics to enhance CCI's effectiveness.

"EU Council Approves AI Rules"

Purpose of the legislation

• Aim to foster safe and trustworthy AI systems in the EU.
• Ensure respect for fundamental rights of EU citizens.

Risk-based approach

• Stricter rules for higher risk AI systems.
• Defines 4 levels of risk: Unacceptable, High-risk, Specific Transparency, Minimal.

General Purpose AI (GPAI)

• Limited requirements for models with no systemic risks.
• Stricter rules for models with systemic risks.

Tackling bias

• High-risk systems must use representative datasets to minimize biases.

Banned applications of AI

• Biometric categorization based on sensitive characteristics.
• Scraping facial images for recognition databases.
• Emotion recognition in workplace and educational institutions.

Other measures for regulation of AI (Globally):

• Bletchley Declaration, 2023: India has signed this declaration which focuses on fostering scientific cooperation to address the risks and responsibilities involved in AI.
• Global Partnership on AI Ministerial Declaration (New Delhi Declaration), 2023: Members of GPAI have agreed to advance safe, secure, and trustworthy AI through consensus building.
• Hiroshima AI Process by G7 nations: G7 nations are working together to determine the best way forward for regulating AI.