CNA 23 July 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY 1. Captive bred vultures take wing in forest expanses D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1. In AI’s unlimited potential, the benefits and the risks SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. What has to be done to get to Zero Hunger? F. Prelims Facts 1. Launch of Security Control Center 2. Tele MANAS helpline run by government has fielded two lakh distress calls G. Tidbits 1. Invasive weed threatens elephant habitats in T.N. 2. INS Kirpan decommissioned from Indian Navy, handed over to Vietnam as a present 3. The International Seabed Authority(ISA) has agreed on a framework for mining of minerals like nickel, cobalt in the ocean H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
C. GS 3 Related
Category: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
1. Captive bred vultures take wing in forest expanses
Syllabus- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation
Prelims- Oriental White-backed Vultures, IUCN, Vulture Conservation Centers
Mains- Success of Vulture reintroduction program, Action Plan for Vulture Conservation in India: 2020-2025
Success of soft release of vultures:
- Eight Oriental White-backed Vultures were released into the wild in 2020 from Pinjore.
- Five of the vultures have survived, and two have successfully nested in the wild.
- Birds released in 2021 are also doing well and are able to find their own food. 29 of the 31 birds released in 2021 are still alive.
- One of the vultures fitted with tracking devices flew into Nepal and re-entered India. This vulture was released from the Rajabhatkhawa vulture center ( part of the Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal).
Why is conservation of vultures necessary?
- The birds have been under threat of extinction since the 1990s due to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac in cattle which these vultures feed on.
- According to a study by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the estimated population of vultures in India in 1993 was around 40 million. However, the population of three species – Oriental White-backed, Long-billed, and Slender-billed – has declined by over 97% since the 1990s.
- Conservation Status:
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- According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the oriental white-backed, long-billed, and slender-billed species are considered critically endangered.
- Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which grants them the highest level of protection.
- The BNHS and Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB) have been managing four Jatayu conservation breeding centers across the country in partnership with state governments. Through this conservation breeding program, over 700 birds have been bred in captivity since 2004.
Also read IUCN Red List.
Way Forward:
- The success of the release and nesting of the vultures has inspired conservationists to establish soft release centers in Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan, and three tiger reserves in Maharashtra.
- The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has recently recommended a ban on the use, sale, and manufacture of veterinary drugs aceclofenac and ketoprofen for animal use, which will help in vulture protection.
- Actions to achieve as part of the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation in India: 2020-2025
- Prevention of poisoning of cattle carcasses, the principal food of vultures
- Enhancement of Conservation Breeding Programme in the country
- Regular monitoring of vultures across the country
- Enhancing the vulture safe zone network by creating at least one vulture safe zone in each state and continuing to work on the existing efforts of vulture safe zones.
- Determining and preventing other causes of mortality in vultures
Nut Graf: Soft release of vultures has been successful in India. Eight vultures released in 2020 have survived, and two have nested in the wild. Birds released in 2021 are also doing well. This is a major step in the conservation of vultures, which have been under threat of extinction since the 1990s.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. In AI’s unlimited potential, the benefits and the risks
Syllabus: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.
Prelims: World Environment Situation Room, ChatGPT
Mains: Applications of AI, Impact of AI on Economy
Context:
Artificial intelligence is radically transforming education, industry and research. Some of the applications are listed below:
- Biochemistry: Google’s DeepMind has released the structure of 200 million proteins. This has assisted the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) in building treatments for Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis. This is possible by quick screening of thousands of molecules by AI.
- Robotics: Robots can read research papers and make the compounds described in it. They can rapidly screen thousands of molecules or processes for specific functions and develop strategies for optimal production.
- Environment and Climate Change: The United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) World Environment Situation Room (WESR) collects and analyzes real-time data from thousands of sensors around the world to predict carbon dioxide concentrations, glacier mass, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and more.
- Arts: Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT can create text, music, and art.
- Learning: AI can be an important aid in helping with visualization, communication, and compiling known facts for those with learning disabilities.
Also read Robots in Warfare.
Issues:
- Intellectual Property: The use of AI in generating scientific knowledge has implications on ownership of new discoveries. For example, will the knowledge produced by AI tools be covered under the Intellectual property laws?
- Errors: Scientists warn that AI products must be used with caution, as they may often miss profound insights central to articles leading to faulty conclusions.
- Bias: Existing biases in the scientific world can get entrenched in the AI tools leading to under representation of minority views and prevalence of stereotypes.
- Deep Fakes: AI generated images and videos are already being utilized for disinformation and political targeting.
- Socio-economic: Mostly societies with surplus resources have been using AI due to the infrastructure costs associated with it. This could lead to concentration of wealth, increased inequality and digital divide between the rich and the poor.
Way Forward:
- Government Policy which highlights the AI governing principles for institutions, industry is needed for responsible AI development.
- AI can be an important aid in helping authors with visualization, communication, and compiling known facts, but it must be used judiciously.
- For democratization of AI, infrastructure and resources to access it must be ensured.
Nut Graf: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education, industry, and research. AI is being used to screen molecules for new drugs, develop robots that can read research papers, and predict climate change. However, there are also some challenges associated with AI, such as intellectual property rights, bias, and deep fakes.
1. What has to be done to get to Zero Hunger?
Syllabus: Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
Prelims: Global Report on Food Crises, Global Hunger, Malnourishment
Mains: Sustainable development goals, Causes of Hunger
Context:
- The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2023 released by Food Security Information Network found that 691 million to 783 million people worldwide suffered from hunger in 2022, with levels higher than pre-pandemic i.e 2019.
Defining food security?
- According to the World Food Summit, food security is defined as having access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to lead an active and healthy life.
- Extent of food insecurity is defined by the Food Insecurity Experience Scale. This is an analysis technique where 8 questions are directly asked to the target groups to assess difficulties in accessing food.
- Global Hunger is tracked by the prevalence of undernourishment in the country.
Key Findings of the Report?
- While prevalence of Hunger is not showing an ever- increasing path year on year, absolute levels of hunger are still above the pre-pandemic levels. This has major implications on achievement of the SDG goal 2 (Zero Hunger Programme).
- The GRFC report found that nearly 2.4 billion people did not have adequate access to food in 2022 (i.e food insecurity)
- Around 9.2% of the world population are affected by hunger in 2022. In comparison, around 7.9% of the population were hungry in 2019.
- The report shows a decline in stunting(being short for one’s age) among children under five and in wasting(being too thin for a height) in comparison to levels in 2000.
- Almost 3.2 billion people worldwide could not afford a healthy diet in 2020. The cost of a healthy diet increased globally by 6.7% between 2019 and 2021.
- It is projected that almost 600 million people will be chronically undernourished in 2030.
Drivers of food insecurity?
- COVID – 19: The pandemic caused disruptions in food supply due to lockdowns. Recession and economic slowdown associated with it led to unemployment and reduced disposable income.
- Ukraine Crisis: Global supply chain disruptions associated with the conflict have led to reduced access to agricultural commodities. Food inflation is also high affecting the affordability of food.
- Government Policies: Export and import restrictions in world trade, increase in interest rates to curb inflation etc have also affected the access to food.
- Urbanisation: Food insecurity is lower in urban areas as available resources are shipped to urban areas in search of better returns. This leaves the rural areas with very limited food resources.
Also read Food Security in India.
Possible Solutions?
- Identification of vulnerable populations for a targeted response. Multi Stakeholder approach with government, civil society working together for delivery of government schemes and programmes.
- State support to outlets providing healthier foods which are fresh and minimally processed.
- Provide infrastructure support to street food outlets to improve nutritional quality and safety of food.
- Building rural infrastructure, warehousing and cold storage facilities for better food management and reduced wastage.
- Empowering the local governments in implementing policies for making healthy diets available and affordable for all.
Also read World Food Programme (WFP).
Nut Graf: The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) showed prevalence of hunger in 2022, with levels higher than 2019. The drivers of food insecurity include the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine crisis, government policies, and urbanization. Identifying vulnerable populations for a targeted response, providing state support to outlets providing healthier foods, and building rural infrastructure is key to address this challenge.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Launch of Security Control Center
- The Union Home Minister inaugurated the Aviation Security Control Center (ASCC) of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in New Delhi.
- The ASCC will have four components: Communication and Monitoring Centre, Incident Management Centre, Aviation Research Centre, and Data Centre.
- The Communication and Monitoring Centre will do real-time monitoring of threat calls, VVIP movement, and other major incidents.
- Incident management center that will have information about technical equipment, personnel, contingency plans, maps, and models of airports.
- Aviation research center that will study new technologies, the efficiency of equipment, best practices from other airports, incidents that have happened, crowds at departure gates, and security at the airport.
- Data center that will store data and provide technical support such as VPN services, intercom, etc.
2. Tele MANAS helpline run by government has fielded two lakh distress calls
- It is an initiative of the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and was launched in 2022.
- Tele-MANAS is organized as a two-tier system – State Tele-MANAS cells and District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources forming Tier 1 and Tier 2 respectively.
- The program aims to provide immediate mental healthcare services through a customized Interactive Voice Response system (IVRS) and facilitate care as a Tier 1 response. Callers requiring specialist care are linked to appropriate services and nearby healthcare facilities in the District Mental Health Programme.
- Tele-MANAS will eventually integrate various mental health services and professionals, including the National tele-consultation service, e-Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, Ayushman Bharat health and wellness centers, and emergency psychiatric facilities.
- The service is currently available in 20 languages and is staffed by over 1,900 counselors.
G. Tidbits
1. Invasive weed threatens elephant habitats in T.N.
- “Ludwigia peruviana” is an invasive species local to the Central and South American regions.
- These species are infesting the seasonally waterlogged grasslands of the hill stations known as Vayals.
2. INS Kirpan decommissioned from Indian Navy, handed over to Vietnam as a present
- INS Kirpan was commissioned in 1991.
- It is an indigenously built Khukri-class corvette built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
- These corvettes are powered by diesel engines.
- ISA is established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- Headquarters: Kingston, Jamaica
- Its mandate is to ensure responsible mining activity in the ocean and protect marine environment from any harm that could be caused by deep-sea activities.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Which of the following statements about Ludwigia Peruviana is correct?
- It is a native plant of India.
- It has pale pink flowers and grows up to 12 feet in height.
- It is an aquatic plant and an invasive species causing damage to marshlands.
- It is found only in Tamil Nadu in India.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: Ludwigia Peruviana is a non-native invasive species native to Central and South America. It is an aquatic plant that has invaded various swampy areas globally, including regions in India.
Q2.Which of the following is the main responsibility of the centralized aviation security control centre?
- Managing airport infrastructure
- Gathering real-time data on passenger traffic
- Managing air traffic control operations
- Creating airline schedules
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: The centralized aviation security control centre’s responsibility includes gathering real-time data on passenger traffic and resource mobilization for optimal utilisation at the 66 airports.
Q3. The term "Tele MANAS" is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
- Indigenous Satellite Navigation System
- Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
- Security of National Highways
- Government-run national tele-mental health programme
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: The term “Tele MANAS” refers to a government-run national tele-mental health programme, which is the digital arm of the District Mental Health Programme.
Q4. With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements:
- It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
- It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
- It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: It is an independent non-governmental organization (NGO) that works towards the conservation of nature.
Q5. Which of the following statements about the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is correct?
- ISA is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating fishing activities in international waters.
- ISA is an intergovernmental organization that oversees the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the international seabed area.
- ISA is a non-governmental organization that promotes marine conservation efforts around the world.
- ISA is a regional organization that deals with issues related to pollution in the Pacific Ocean.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: ISA is an intergovernmental organization that oversees the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the international seabed area, which is the area beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Examine the benefits and risks posed by AI in detail. (250 words, 15 marks) (GS-3; Science & Technology)
- What measures are needed to tackle global hunger and where does the world stand today with regard to achieving SDG 2 of the UN? (250 words, 15 marks) (GS-2; Social Justice)
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 23 July 2023:- Download PDF Here
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