10 Mar 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Why India urgently needs a legal framework for genomics
2. Why has government issued an AI advisory?
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
F. Prelims Facts
1. Kozhikode to get India’s first cooperatives museum
2. Navy demonstrates twin-carrier operations
3. CO₂ from chemical weathering has its limits
4. India to gain higher investments from FTA pact with EFTA
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

2. Why has government issued an AI advisory?

Syllabus: Developments in Science and Technology, Applications of scientific developments in everyday life

Prelims: AI advisory

Mains: Government regulations on AI 

Context​: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry on March 1.

• This advisory pertains to the release of generative AI products and their compliance with government regulations.

Government’s Stand on AI Regulation:

• The advisory reflects a shift in the government’s approach to AI research and policy, particularly regarding AI models’ responses and compliance with IT laws.
• The advisory followed concerns raised by the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, regarding Google’s Gemini chatbot’s response to certain queries.

Reception and Interpretation of the Advisory:

• Industry and observers are divided on whether the advisory is a recommendation or a mandate.
• Legal experts and industry professionals have raised concerns about the advisory’s legality and its potential impact on innovation and experimentation in AI development.

Significance

• The advisory raises questions about the government’s approach to regulating AI and its implications for tech firms.
• It highlights the tension between regulating AI to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards and fostering innovation and experimentation in the AI industry.

Way forward:

Clarity and Consultation:

• The government should provide clarity on the scope and applicability of the advisory to AI firms.
• Stakeholders, including tech firms and legal experts, should be consulted to ensure that regulatory measures are effective and balanced.

Promoting Innovation:

• Measures should be taken to encourage innovation and experimentation in the AI industry while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Support for local AI developers and startups should be prioritized to foster a competitive and diverse AI ecosystem.

Nut Graf: The government’s issuance of an AI advisory signals a shift in its approach to regulating AI in India. While compliance with legal obligations is essential, measures should be taken to ensure that regulatory efforts do not stifle innovation and experimentation in the AI industry.

2. Navy demonstrates twin-carrier operations

Context: The Naval Commanders’ Conference of 2024 concluded, with its first part held at sea aboard INS Vikramaditya, showcasing twin-carrier operations.

• The operations involved MiG-29K fighter jets taking off simultaneously from INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, followed by cross-deck landings.

Twin-Carrier Operations:

• Demonstrated coordination and capability of the Indian Navy to conduct operations with multiple aircraft carriers simultaneously.
• INS Vikrant, the first indigenous aircraft carrier, has been fully integrated into operational activities, marking a significant milestone.

Operational Tempo:

• The conference occurred amidst heightened operational activity, including developments in the Red Sea and renewed piracy attempts in the Gulf of Aden.
• Highlighted the Navy’s readiness to respond to emerging challenges and maintain maritime security in strategic regions.

Significance

Operational Capability Showcase:

• The successful execution of twin-carrier operations underscores the Navy’s proficiency in conducting complex manoeuvres at sea.
• Demonstrates India’s growing maritime prowess and capability to project power across the Indian Ocean Region.

Leadership Role in Maritime Security:

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the Indian Navy’s leadership role in ensuring peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Reflects India’s commitment to safeguarding maritime interests and promoting stability in vital sea lanes.

3. CO₂ from chemical weathering has its limits

Context: A recent study explores the relationship between the chemical weathering of rocks and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) drawdown.

• Chemical weathering plays a crucial role in regulating CO₂ levels in the atmosphere and consequently influences the Earth’s climate.

Carbon Dioxide Drawdown:

• Chemical weathering processes contribute to the removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere through reactions with rocks and minerals.
• Understanding the factors influencing the efficiency of CO₂ drawdown is essential for climate modelling and predicting future climate change.

Impact of Erosion Rates:

• The study suggests that CO₂ drawdown peaks at moderate erosion rates, indicating a limit to the effectiveness of chemical weathering in reducing atmospheric CO₂.
• Identifying these limits provides valuable insights into the Earth’s carbon cycle and helps refine climate models.

Significance

Insights into the Carbon Cycle:

• The findings offer new insights into the mechanisms governing the Earth’s carbon cycle, shedding light on the processes regulating CO₂ levels in the atmosphere.
• Improved understanding of chemical weathering limits enhances climate projections and informs strategies for mitigating climate change.

Read more on the carbon cycle in the linked article.

Climate Modeling Accuracy:

• Accurate representation of chemical weathering processes in climate models is crucial for predicting future climate scenarios and assessing the efficacy of climate mitigation strategies.
• Incorporating findings on the limitations of CO₂ drawdown from chemical weathering improves the accuracy of climate models and enhances predictive capabilities.

4. India to gain higher investments from FTA pact with EFTA

Context: India is set to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, including Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.

• The agreement aims to enhance trade liberalization and promote economic cooperation amidst global protectionist trends.

Investment Focus:

• Gains for India from the FTA primarily rely on the promised $100 billion investment and creation of one million jobs by the EFTA bloc over 15 years.
• Minimal benefits are expected in terms of goods exports due to existing low or zero tariffs within the EFTA.

Market Access Challenges:

• India faces limited scope for increasing market access for goods in the EFTA countries, particularly in light of a significant trade deficit, especially in sectors like gold and precious metals.

Competition and Diversification:

• Identified joint venture (JV) areas for investment do not pose direct competition to India, offering opportunities for diversification of imports and reducing dependence on specific sectors dominated by countries like China.

Significance

• Showcase of Commitment: The FTA underscores India’s commitment to trade liberalization and economic cooperation, particularly in the face of rising protectionism globally.
• Economic Boost: The influx of investments and job creation promised by the EFTA bloc has the potential to boost India’s economy and create employment opportunities, contributing to overall growth and development.
• Diversification of Imports: The agreement facilitates diversification of imports by reducing dependency on specific countries for crucial sectors like medical devices, thus enhancing resilience in supply chains.

Image Source: The Hindu

Q1) Consider the following statements about the Ayushman Bharat scheme:

Q2) With the establishment of IN-SPACe, consider the following statements:

Q3) Which of the following sources are considered natural sources from where 
methane-based fuel can be extracted?

Q4) Consider the following statements about the 'Samudrayaan' mission:

Q5) What is blue carbon?