10 Oct 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. What did Hamas achieve from the attack on Israel? C. GS 3 Related SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1. What is multimodal artificial intelligence and why is it important? D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INDIAN POLITY 1. The silence around the state’s seizure of India’s press SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. Mental health and the floundering informal worker F. Prelims Facts 1. Urban unemployment rate drops to 6.6% in Q1 G. Tidbits 1. Claudia Goldin wins 2023 Economics Nobel Prize for research on workplace gender gap 2. ICMR to conduct study to develop solutions to remedy childhood undernutrition H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. What did Hamas achieve from the attack on Israel?
Syllabus: International relations, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests and Indian diaspora.
Mains: International relations in the Middle East, Israel-Palestine issue and the involvement of Hamas
Context
The article discusses Hamas’s recent attack on Israel in comparison to the Yom Kippur War, examining Hamas’s objectives, deterrence, and implications for the Palestinian cause.
Introduction
- The surprise attack launched by Egyptian and Syrian troops on Israeli forces during the Yom Kippur War in 1973 serves as a historical backdrop to understand the recent attack by Hamas on Israel.
- In both cases, Israel was caught off guard despite its earlier military successes against Arab nations.
- This article examines whether Hamas can achieve strategic gains from its attack on Israel and the implications for the Palestinian cause.
Read more on the Israel Palestine Conflict in the linked article.
Hamas’s Objectives
- While Egypt and Syria were national armies in 1973, Hamas is an Islamist militant group.
- The Yom Kippur War involved territorial conflicts, but Hamas’s recent attacks targeted Israeli towns, resulting in casualties.
- Hamas’s objectives may differ from territorial gains, raising questions about its intentions.
Stalemate in the Peace Process
- Since the Oslo process froze in the mid-1990s, there has been limited progress in the Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.
- Israel adopted a status quoist approach, maintaining occupation without compromise.
- Gaza faced a blockade, and the West Bank had security checkpoints and settlements.
Collapse of Deterrence
- Hamas’s coordinated attack challenged Israel’s security model and its perceived invincibility.
- Israel’s intelligence and military superiority failed to prevent the attack, leading to a crisis in deterrence.
- Asymmetric conflicts often weaken deterrence, and Hamas exploited this vulnerability.
Palestine Issue in West Asian Politics
- Hamas’s attack underscored the continued centrality of the Palestinian issue in West Asian geopolitics.
- Recent geopolitical realignments, such as Israel-UAE reconciliation and Saudi-Iran detente, did not diminish the significance of the Palestine question.
- Hamas aimed to bring the Palestine issue back to the forefront.
Risks and Consequences
- Hamas’s attack, resulting in Israeli civilian casualties, may risk its reputation and return to terrorist labelling.
- Israel’s response may include a ground offensive and massive airstrikes, leading to more Palestinian casualties.
- The duration of Hamas’s resistance in Gaza remains uncertain.
Conclusion
- Hamas’s attack challenged Israel’s security model, but its strategic objectives remain unclear.
- The Palestinian issue remains central in West Asian politics, despite geopolitical shifts.
- The consequences of this attack, including further violence and casualties, are uncertain, raising concerns about the prospects for peace in the region.
Nut Graf: Drawing parallels between Hamas’s attack on Israel and the Yom Kippur War, this article explores Hamas’s goals, challenges to Israeli deterrence, and the enduring centrality of the Palestinian issue in West Asian politics.
C. GS 3 Related
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. What is multimodal artificial intelligence and why is it important?
Syllabus: Recent developments and their applications and effects in everyday life, General awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, biotechnology
Mains: Idea of multimodal artificial intelligence, its working, competition, application and future.
Prelims: About Multimodal Artificial Intelligence
Context
Multimodal AI, which integrates various sensory inputs, is the next frontier in artificial intelligence, with companies racing to develop versatile and capable models.
Introduction
- Multimodal AI models are emerging as the next frontier in artificial intelligence development.
- These models enable AI systems to understand and interact with users through various modes, including text, images, speech, and more.
- Leading AI companies, such as OpenAI and Google, are actively working on multimodal AI systems to enhance their capabilities.
OpenAI’s Move Towards Multimodal AI
- OpenAI recently announced that its GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 models can now analyze images and engage in full-fledged conversations via mobile apps.
- This move was accelerated in response to Google’s upcoming multimodal large language model called Gemini.
- OpenAI is actively hiring multimodal experts and working on a new project called Gobi to develop a multimodal AI system from scratch.
How Multimodality Works
- Multimodal AI systems combine different modes of data, such as text and images, during the training stage.
- For example, DALL-E, a text-to-image model by OpenAI, links text prompts with visual data to generate images based on textual descriptions.
- Similarly, GPT’s voice processing capabilities are built upon its Whisper speech-to-text translation model.
Applications of Multimodal AI
- Multimodal AI systems have various applications, including:
- Automatic image caption generation.
- Detecting hateful content in social media.
- Predicting dialogue lines in videos.
- Processing complex medical datasets like CT scans.
- Enabling speech translation for multiple languages.
- Enhancing autonomous driving and robotics.
Future of Multimodal AI
- The future of multimodal AI could involve the integration of additional sensory data, such as touch, smell, and brain signals.
- This would allow AI systems to provide richer, more immersive experiences in fields like virtual reality.
- Multimodal AI is also crucial in industries like medicine, where complex data analysis and communication are essential.
Conclusion
- Multimodal AI models represent a significant advancement in AI technology, enabling more natural and versatile interactions between AI systems and users.
- Leading AI companies are investing in multimodal AI development to stay at the forefront of this evolving field and address real-world challenges across various industries.
Nut Graf: Leading AI companies like OpenAI and Google are competing to develop multimodal AI systems that can process text, images, sounds, videos, and speech, expanding the possibilities of artificial intelligence applications.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
1. The silence around the state’s seizure of India’s press
Syllabus: Indian Constitution: Features, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.
Prelims- ADM Jabalpur case, Justice K.S. Puttaswamy case, Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution, World Press Freedom Index
Mains- Concerns on Freedom of Press, Right to Privacy
Context:
- The recent arrest of journalists and seizure of their personal devices has raised concerns about the right to privacy and digital data protection.
Supreme Court’s View
- In the ADM Jabalpur case, the Supreme Court of India ruled that during an Emergency proclamation, individuals could not challenge illegal detentions.
- However, Justice H.R. Khanna’s dissent in this case has been lauded for standing by the fundamental rights of citizens.
- In the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy case, the court recognized the right to privacy and repudiated the observations made in the ADM Jabalpur case.
Impact on Fundamental Rights –
- With the increasing use of digital devices, the balance between legitimate police action for evidence and right to privacy of the accused is not clearly defined.
- Existing procedure:
- Chapter 8 of the Code of Criminal Procedure outlines provisions for
- Voluntary document submissions by people
- Outlines police actions based on properly obtained warrants,
- Critics highlight that these are often disregarded in practice.
- People also willingly comply with law enforcement demands without warrants, due to risks such as physical threats or prosecution under an unrelated charge.
- There have been instances where police officers sidestep the need for a warrant by using broad exceptions, and magistrates rarely provide a thorough check when issuing such warrants.
- A survey by Lokniti-CSDS-Common Cause found that 47% of respondents believed that the police could access their phones without consent.
- Chapter 8 of the Code of Criminal Procedure outlines provisions for
- Violation of Fundamental Rights:
- The provision for forced unlocking of smartphones and retrieval of backups by the police has implications on the right to privacy and protection against self-incrimination as stated under Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution.
- India ranks 161st out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index.
- Legal Uncertainty
- The Karnataka High Court’s ruling in the Virendra Khanna vs State of Karnataka case allows the police to coerce individuals to unlock their smartphones, giving law enforcement unrestricted access to personal data.
- This ruling has led to mass searches where officers can intrude into restaurants or stop people on the road and demand that they unlock their phones and scan their WhatsApp conversations for certain keywords.
- However, a Central Bureau of Investigation special court opinion has differed with this approach causing confusion.
- Scope of Investigation: In case of the recent arrests, forced unlocking of devices revealing years of personal and professional communications and confidential sources might go beyond the scope of investigation.
Way Forward
- Due to the chilling effect on freedom of speech and expression and right to privacy, the judiciary should clarify the procedures which fall under lawful police action in case of search and seizure of digital devices.
- Protective measures like compulsory warrants, seizure specificity, protection against forced device unlocks could also be considered.
- Upholding India’s constitutional framework in all actions of the government is the need of the hour.
Nut Graf: Recent arrests and seizure of their personal devices in India have raised concerns about the right to privacy and digital data protection. The judiciary should clarify the procedures for search and seizure of digital devices, and the government should consider protective measures like compulsory warrants and seizure specificity.
Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Mental health and the floundering informal worker
Syllabus: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Prelims- World Mental Health Day, International Labour Organization, NCRB, The State of Inequality in India Report 2022, Code on Social Security, Sustainable Development Goals
Mains- Impact of informal work on mental health in India
Context
- The theme of World Mental Health Day (October 10) this year is ‘Mental health as a universal human right’.
- A study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) states that 15% of working-age adults globally live with a mental disorder.
Factors affecting Mental health and caregiving:
- Unemployment and job instability:
- More than 90% of India’s working population operates in the informal sector where they are underpaid and work in unfulfilling job roles.
- According to UNDP, unemployment and poor-quality employment have been linked to negative impacts on mental health.
- According to the NCRB, 26% of individuals who committed suicide in 2021 were daily wagers.
- Indian youth are highly susceptible to negative emotions due to unemployment and the stigma surrounding it.
- Workplace Conditions:
- Lack of regulation and concerns around safety.
- Long working hours.
- Gender disparities.
- Inadequate Social Security:
- Limited access to financial and social protections – For example, educated young women have a high unemployment rate of 42% (The State of Inequality in India Report 2022), indicating a need for long-term social security measures.
- With the demographic shift and rapidly growing elderly population, there is no clear plan for their social security.
- 33 million elderly individuals continue to work in informal jobs after retirement, with many experiencing poverty due to economic dependence and restricted access to financial resources.
- Informal workers experience mental distress due to accumulating debt and rising healthcare costs, which are further reinforced by each other.
- A WIEGO study found that post-COVID-19 recovery has been uneven among informal worker groups in Delhi, with many still experiencing food insecurity.
- Concerns regarding the social security of India’s casual labour force have not been addressed completely in the 2020 Code on Social Security.
- Policy:
- India’s mental health budget is only around 1% of the total health budget with a focus on digital mental health.
Way Forward
- Mental health must be considered essential for all employees because good mental health promotes better productivity at the workplace.
- Employers should prioritize creating mentally healthy workplaces where staff feels valued, respected, and supported.
- Job assurance initiatives can improve mental health outcomes in the informal sector. An updated version of the MGNREGA scheme can be considered in this regard.
- Social security measures should be promotional (boosting income), preventative (avoiding economic hardship), and protective (offering protection against external shocks).
- The World Mental Health Report 2022 suggests that community-based care, people-centred, recovery-oriented, and human rights-oriented care should be prioritized.
- Good mental health is a basic human right and essential for achieving SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 8 (decent work for all/economic growth).
Nut Graf: Unemployment, poor workplace conditions, inadequate social security, and insufficient mental health policies are major factors affecting mental health in India. Government and employers must take steps to create mentally healthy workplaces, expand social security measures, and prioritize mental health care.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Urban unemployment rate drops to 6.6% in Q1
Syllabus: GS 3 – Economics
Prelims: Periodic Labour Force Survey and unemployment rate.
Introduction
- The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) has reported a decrease in the unemployment rate in urban areas of India during April-June 2023.
- Other labour market indicators, such as the labour force participation rate (LFPR) and worker-population ratio (WPR), have also shown improvements during this period.
Key Labour Market Indicators
- LFPR Increase: The LFPR in urban areas increased from 47.5% in April-June 2022 to 48.8% in April-June 2023.
- For men, the LFPR remained around 73.5% during this period.
- For women, the LFPR increased from 20.9% to 23.2% during the same period.
- WPR Increase: The worker-population ratio (WPR) for individuals aged 15 and above in urban areas rose from 43.9% in April-June 2022 to 45.5%.
- For men, the WPR increased from 68.3% to 69.2%.
- For women, the WPR increased from 18.9% to 21.1%.
- Decrease in Unemployment Rate (UR): The unemployment rate in urban areas decreased from 7.6% in April-June 2022 to 6.6% in April-June 2023 for individuals aged 15 and above.
- For men, the UR decreased from 7.1% to 5.9% during this period.
- For women, the UR decreased from 9.5% to 9.1%.
Comparison with Pre-Pandemic Period
- The PLFS findings highlight an improvement in key labour market indicators in urban areas compared to the pre-pandemic period (April-June 2018 to October-December 2019).
- The LFPR increased from a range of 46.2% to 47.8% during the pre-pandemic period to 48.8% in the latest survey.
- The WPR increased from a range of 41.8% to 44.1% before the pandemic to 45.5% in the recent survey.
- The current unemployment rate of 6.6% is reported to be lower than the unemployment rates observed in the pre-pandemic period.
Conclusion
- The Periodic Labour Force Survey reveals positive trends in labour market indicators in urban India during April-June 2023, including a decrease in the unemployment rate, increased labour force participation, and a higher worker-population ratio.
- These improvements are seen in comparison to both the previous year and the pre-pandemic period, indicating a recovery in urban labour markets.
G. Tidbits
1. Claudia Goldin wins 2023 Economics Nobel Prize for research on workplace gender gap
Introduction
- Harvard University professor Claudia Goldin has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics for her groundbreaking research on the gender gap in the labour market.
- Ms. Goldin’s work spans 200 years of women’s participation in the workforce and sheds light on the persistent gender pay gap despite women’s increased education levels.
- She became only the third woman among 93 economics laureates to receive this prestigious award.
Key Findings of Claudia Goldin’s Research
- Despite economic growth, the gender pay gap has not continuously narrowed, indicating a persistent divide.
- Women’s labour force participation rates have changed over time, with the United States having the highest rate in the 1990s but no longer holding that position.
- The analysis highlights that the dynamics within families and households play a crucial role in understanding gender disparities in the labour market.
- Women often opt for jobs that allow them to balance work and family responsibilities, even if these positions tend to pay less.
Policy Implications
- Claudia Goldin’s research may not provide direct solutions, but it offers policymakers valuable insights into addressing the entrenched issue of the gender pay gap.
- Understanding the underlying reasons is essential for crafting effective policy measures.
- By accurately identifying and naming the problem, society can pave the way for better strategies to achieve gender equality.
Individual Decision-Making and Generational Impact
- Women’s choices regarding education and career paths are influenced by individual decisions, which are often shaped by observing their mothers’ experiences.
- Young girls make decisions based on the successes and failures of previous generations.
- This generational evaluation of prospects has contributed to the slow pace of change in gender gaps in the labour market.
Conclusion
- Claudia Goldin’s Nobel Prize-winning research sheds light on the complexity of the gender pay gap and its deep-rooted societal influences.
- While her work does not offer immediate solutions, it empowers policymakers with valuable knowledge to address gender disparities effectively.
- Understanding the interplay between individual decisions, family dynamics, and labour market realities is crucial for achieving gender equality in the workforce.
2. ICMR to conduct study to develop solutions to remedy childhood undernutrition
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is forming a team for a research study.
- The study aims to assess the effects of providing appropriate take-home foods.
- These foods will be combined with behaviour change interventions to ensure good complementary feeding practices for young children.
- This is important between the ages of 6 and 24 months to prevent issues like wasting, stunting, and undernutrition.
- Complementary feeding begins when breast milk alone can’t meet an infant’s nutritional needs.
- Challenges in complementary feeding include poor practices, insufficient food quality or quantity, and improper timing.
- The Take Home Ration (THR) program aims to improve children’s nutrition but faces challenges.
- The ICMR suggests reevaluating the THR program and improving its quality and nutrition.
- Ensuring that infants and young children consume the provided food is equally important.
- The selected researchers will collaborate to create a research proposal and conduct a multi-centre research project coordinated by ICMR.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Scheduled Areas:
-
- The President is empowered to declare an area as a Scheduled Area.
- The power to decide whether any central legislation applies to a state with scheduled areas lies with the State Legislature.
- The Governor can repeal or amend any regulations related to the state with scheduled areas, but only with the assent of the President of India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect. The power to decide whether any central or state legislation applies over the state having scheduled areas lies in the hands of the Governor.
Q2. Who won the 2023 Nobel Prize for Economics for research on the gender gap in the labour market?
- Claudia Goldin
- Esther Duflo
- Abhijit Banerjee
- Angus Deaton
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: The 2023 Nobel Prize for Economics was awarded to Harvard University professor Claudia Goldin for her research that has advanced the understanding of the gender gap in the labour market.
Q3. What is the full form of GPT in ChatGPT, recently seen in the news?
- Global Privacy Toolkit
- Generative Pre-Trained Transformer
- Graph Processing Toolkit
- Google Product Technology
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: GPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer.
Q4. With reference to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
- PLFS aims to estimate employment and unemployment indicators.
- PLFS is carried out by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: Both statements are correct.
Q5. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR):
- It regulates medical education in India.
- ICMR promotes and coordinates biomedical research in India.
- Its governing body is presided over by the Minister of Science and Technology.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: ICMR does not regulate medical education. It primarily focuses on biomedical research coordination and promotion in India. The Governing Body is presided over by the Union Health Minister.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
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