27 May 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

27 May 2024 CNA
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A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
Governance
1. An overview of Europe’s AI convention
C. GS 3 Related
Economics
1. What is the current status with respect to spice exports?
Disaster Management
1. This century, heatwaves are moving slower and lasting longer
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. The spectre of nuclear conflict, once again
Governance
1. A door to a housing scheme, tribals find hard to open
F. Prelims Facts
1. Astronomical transients: burning bright in the blink of an eye
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation

Mains: EU model of AI convention

Introduction:

• Europe’s AI convention aims to ensure that activities within the AI lifecycle align with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
• It covers AI systems’ activities that have the potential to impact human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

Applicability to Public and Private Actors:

• Parties are required to apply the convention to activities within the AI lifecycle conducted by both public authorities and private actors acting on their behalf.
• Risks and impacts from AI systems’ activities by private actors must be addressed in line with the convention’s objectives.

Exemptions and National Security Concerns:

• The convention includes broad exemptions related to national security interests, research, development, testing, and national defense.
• Military applications of AI are not covered by the convention due to the lack of consensus on regulating such applications.
• While exemptions exist, the convention’s applicability to national security and testing is not entirely ruled out.

General Obligations:

• The convention imposes general obligations related to the protection of human rights, integrity of democratic processes, and respect for the rule of law.
• Parties are expected to take measures against issues like disinformation and deep fakes under these obligations.
• Parties have the flexibility to exceed the specified commitments and obligations outlined in the convention.

Nut Graf: The Framework Convention on AI and Human Rights ensures AI activities align with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. It applies to both public and private actors, with exemptions for national security concerns.

Syllabus: Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints 

Mains: Quality checking concern in Agriculture export 

Spice Export Trends and Recent Concerns:

• Indian spice exports remain robust, with a significant global market share. In 2023-2024, exports amounted to $4.4 billion, marking a 12.3% increase from the previous fiscal year.
• Recent concerns arose when Hong Kong and Singapore recalled certain spice mix products from MDH and Everest Group due to elevated levels of Ethylene Oxide (ETO), a sterilizing agent.

Reasons for Ethylene Oxide Usage and Contamination Sources:

• Ethylene Oxide (ETO) is primarily used as a sterilizing agent to reduce microbial load in finished spice goods, not as a pesticide.
• Contamination typically occurs during the process of storage and transportation, particularly in mandies (auction yards), where spices are susceptible to human, bird, reptile, and insect contact.

Impact of Recall and Industry Response:

• While the recall led to disruptions in exports, particularly to Singapore and Hong Kong, it did not result in bans. Exports have since resumed to these countries.
• Indian spice stakeholders are advocating for discussions with the European Union to relax stringent ETO and Maximum Residue Level (MRL) norms, aiming to boost exports to the EU market.

Measures Taken by Spices Board:

• In response to the recall, the Spices Board issued a detailed protocol to manufacturing exporters to prevent ETO contamination.
• Additionally, mandatory testing of spice consignments bound for Singapore and Hong Kong for ETO contamination has been initiated by the Board.
• Efforts are underway to address the variation in ETO usage limits across different importing countries through engagement with international food standards bodies.

Nut Graf: Recent spice recalls due to Ethylene Oxide contamination prompted Indian authorities to implement measures ensuring compliance with global food safety standards. Despite disruptions, stakeholders seek to address norms and resume exports

Category:Disaster Management

1. This century, heatwaves are moving slower and lasting longer

Syllabus: Disaster and Disaster Management

Mains: Changing nature and frequency of heatwaves

Introduction:

• Heatwaves in the 21st century are becoming slower and lasting longer, causing significant impacts globally.
• Scientists attribute this trend to changes in upper atmosphere air circulation patterns, particularly the weakening of the jet stream.

Impact of Heatwaves:

• Heatwaves have severe consequences including increased risk of wildfires, crop damage, and health issues for humans and animals.
• An analysis spanning 1979 to 2020 revealed that heatwaves have slowed down by nearly 8 km/day per decade and have increased in frequency and duration, with notable effects in North America and Eurasia.

Understanding Heatwave Dynamics:

• Previous studies mainly focused on heatwave frequency and intensity, overlooking their movement.
• Researchers classified heatwaves based on temperature and duration, then tracked their movement over space and time.
• By studying how heatwaves propagate, scientists bridged the gap between thermodynamic and dynamic aspects of heatwaves.

Factors Contributing to Slower Heatwaves:

• A weakening jet stream in the upper atmosphere has been identified as a key factor.
• The jet stream guides atmospheric waves, and its weakening leads to slower-moving weather events, including heatwaves.
• Human activities and greenhouse gas emissions have played a dominant role in altering heatwave dynamics, according to simulations.

Future Research and Mitigation Strategies:

• Further research aims to understand regional differences in heatwaves and their relationship with atmospheric circulation patterns.
• Climate adaptation strategies, such as planting trees and increasing green infrastructure, are proposed to mitigate the impacts of heatwaves.
• Education and community engagement efforts, such as teaching climate adaptation science and collaborating with NGOs, are crucial for addressing the challenges posed by climate change-induced heatwaves.

Nut Graf: In the 21st century, heatwaves are becoming slower and longer globally, with significant impacts. Scientists attribute this trend to a weakened jet stream, influenced by human activities. Mitigation strategies include planting trees and education on climate adaptation.

Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT):

Q2.PM-JANMAN Scheme often seen in news is aimed at:

Q3.Consider the following statements with respect to Council of Europe (CoE):

Q4. They are located at the centre of massive galaxies.
They feature supermassive black holes actively consuming nearby matter,
causing energy interactions that result in fluctuating brightness​​.
They are among the brightest and most energetic objects in the universe.

Q5.Consider the following statements with respect to Ethylene Oxide (ETO):