19 Oct 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

19 October 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
ECONOMICS
1. The measure of the working woman
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. The explosion of digital uncertainty
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. The BRI at 10, some hits, many misses
F. Prelims Facts
1. Sea service
G. Tidbits
1. MQ - 9B drones
2. Centre raises MSP for Rabi crops
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

E. Editorials

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. The explosion of digital uncertainty

Syllabus: Effects of scientific developments in everyday life

Mains: Growing concerns about the exponential rise in digital uncertainty

Context:​ Recent advancements in Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) have gained widespread attention, with governments, businesses, and the public recognizing the opportunities and challenges it presents. 

  • In India, the government has released a comprehensive report on AI’s potential. However, amidst this AI revolution, there’s a growing concern about the exponential rise in digital uncertainty, which is poorly understood. 
  • This digital uncertainty poses significant threats and implications that demand our attention.

Concerns:

  • Scant Understanding of Implications
    • The complexity of digital infrastructure, composed of machine intelligence, human-coded software, and hardware components, is not well understood by the majority.
    • This complexity leads to vulnerabilities, yet there’s limited awareness of the potential risks.
  • Cognitive Warfare
    • Cognitive warfare, akin to other forms of modern warfare, involves destabilizing institutions and manipulating media using advanced techniques.
    • It relies on technology to alter human cognition subtly, which can result in a loss of trust, breaches of confidentiality, and changes in population behaviour.
  • Digital Transformation Risks
    • With companies investing heavily in intangible assets and migrating to the cloud, they expose themselves to AI-related risks.
    • As sensors continuously transmit sensitive data, these risks multiply, leading to concerns about the future.
  • Morphing into Radical Uncertainty
    • Digital uncertainty is evolving into radical uncertainty at a rapid pace, with misinformation and disinformation causing “truth decay.”
    • Governments are struggling to combat the impact of AI-driven misinformation and manipulation of information.
  • The Emergence of AGI
    • Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), on the horizon, is seen as more disruptive and dangerous than current AI.
    • AGI’s capacity to influence thinking and decision-making across various domains can have far-reaching consequences, including social and economic inequalities.
  • Geo-Political Implications
    • AGI could reshape the geo-political balance of power, leading to digital colonialism where a few locations control AGI-based power centres.
    • This new form of exploitation, resembling data colonialism, can exacerbate inequalities and disparities.
  • The ‘Oppenheimer Moment’
    • There’s a need to consider the ethical implications and control of AGI’s development, as it has the potential to reshape the world in unexpected ways.
    • The challenges of controlling AGI development and fostering collaboration between states and the technology sector are complex.
Artificial general intelligence (AGI)

  • Artificial general intelligence (AGI) is the representation of generalized human cognitive abilities in software so that, faced with an unfamiliar task, the AGI system can find a solution. The intention of an AGI system is to perform any task that a human being is capable of.
  • An AGI system should have the following abilities and understanding:
    • Abstract thinking
    • Background knowledge
    • Common sense
    • Cause and effect
    • Transfer learning

The Hamas-Israel Conflict: A Case Study

  • AI’s role in the Hamas-Israel conflict highlights the dangers of over-reliance on AI. Israel’s intelligence failure was attributed to an excessive dependence on AI, which Hamas manipulated. This incident serves as a cautionary tale against blind trust in AI.

Nut Graf: The explosion of digital uncertainty, coupled with the imminent emergence of AGI, presents profound challenges and opportunities. As we stand at the crossroads of computing and technology ethics, it is crucial to understand and control the power of AI and AGI. Fostering collaboration between states and the technology sector is a necessary step in managing these transformations and preventing catastrophic consequences. 

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. The BRI at 10, some hits, many misses

Syllabus: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Mains: Significance and concerns about Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

Context: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been a significant global undertaking by China, aimed at fostering economic connectivity and development. As the initiative completes a decade, it is crucial to assess its impact, achievements, and challenges. The recent Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing brought the initiative into focus, shedding light on its evolution and repercussions.

Issues:

  • BRI’s Intent and Early Debates: BRI was conceived as a means for China to transition from a regional power to a global one and to reboot globalization. It sought to address concerns about the vulnerability of China’s economy due to the Strait of Malacca.
  • Global Influence and Branding: BRI served as a platform for President Xi Jinping to project China’s global power and influence. It entered the Chinese Communist Party’s constitution and gained prominence in the nation’s plans and international cooperation pacts.
  • Massive Infrastructure Gap: The World Bank has identified significant global infrastructure deficits in areas like electricity, potable water, and broadband coverage. BRI aimed to bridge these gaps with substantial investments in infrastructure projects.
  • Unsavoury Realities: Despite the lofty goals, BRI has faced criticism and challenges. Ecological damage, displacement of people, disputes over payments, and labour issues have marred its progress. Examples from Indonesia, Laos, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) illustrate these concerns.
  • Perceptions of Inequality: BRI’s “win-win cooperation” slogan has been tarnished by perceptions that it primarily benefits China at the expense of other stakeholders, as seen in cases like Gwadar Port’s revenue distribution.

Significance:

  • Global Infrastructure Investment: BRI’s significance lies in its substantial investments in infrastructure, addressing critical global infrastructure deficits.
  • China’s Global Power Projection: BRI has allowed China to assert itself as a global power, with economic and political influence across nations.
  • Alternative Initiatives: The challenges posed by BRI have spurred the development of alternative initiatives, such as the United States-Japan infrastructure investment, the Build Back Better World (B3W) initiative, and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).

Solutions:

  • Addressing Environmental and Social Concerns: China should address ecological and social issues associated with BRI projects to improve its reputation and ensure genuine cooperation.
  • Transparency and Equity: Promote transparency and equitable agreements in BRI projects to counter perceptions of inequality.
  • Global Alternatives: Encourage global alternatives to BRI, like the B3W initiative and IMEC, that prioritize sustainable development and equitable cooperation.

Nut Graf: As the Belt and Road Initiative reaches its ten-year mark, it is essential to recognize both its successes and challenges. While it has contributed to global infrastructure development and elevated China’s global influence, it has also faced criticism for issues related to environmental and social impacts, perceived inequality, and opaque agreements. The emergence of alternative initiatives underscores the need for cooperation that benefits all stakeholders. 

F. Prelims Facts

1. Sea service

Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations

Prelims: Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai ferry service

Introduction

  • The recent launch of a passenger ferry service between Kankesanthurai, Sri Lanka, and Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, fulfils a long-standing demand for a sea link across the Palk Strait.
  • The civil war in Sri Lanka disrupted traditional maritime routes between the two nations.

Historical Context

  • In the past, there were ferry services such as Colombo to Thoothukudi and Chennai to Talaimannar via Rameswaram.
  • Multiple transport links were disrupted due to the 1964 cyclone in Dhanushkodi and the Sri Lankan civil war.
  • People in both countries were left to rely solely on air services, with the Chennai-Jaffna air service resuming ten months ago.

Importance of the Ferry Service

  • The new ferry service strengthens cultural, economic, and civilizational ties and supports cooperation in disaster management and maritime security.
  • It may facilitate the repatriation of Sri Lankan refugees living in Tamil Nadu.

Challenges to Address

  • The ferry service is set to resume normal operations in January. Authorities must work to ensure its sustainability.
  • The fare, approximately ₹7,670 per person, is not competitive with airfares, and increasing baggage allowance could attract more passengers.
  • Nagapattinam port needs to provide amenities like a dormitory and improve rail connectivity for passengers visiting Chennai.

Promoting Economic Ties

  • Sri Lanka should consider promoting economic ties, including exports from the Northern Province, to address the bilateral relationship’s inherent asymmetry.
  • Sustained policy attention is crucial to the success of the Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai ferry service.

G. Tidbits

1. MQ – 9B drones

Introduction

  • India is set to acquire 31 MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from the United States.
  • The agreement is projected to be finalised by February 2024, and deliveries are scheduled to commence in February 2027, marking a three-year gap after the contract is signed.

Key Developments

1. Deal Status and Timeline

  • The MQ-9B UAV deal is progressing as planned.
  • The Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) from the U.S. government is awaited.
  • The contract is anticipated to be finalised by February 2024.

2. UAV Maker’s Commitment

  • The UAV manufacturer, General Atomics (GA), is in the process of setting up a worldwide facility for maintenance, repair, and overhaul within India.
  • The exact location for the facility is yet to be determined, but Bengaluru is a likely choice.

3. Clearance and Costs

  • In June, India’s Defense Ministry approved the procurement of 31 MQ-9B UAVs from GA, valued at an estimated cost of $3,072 million.
  • The procurement consists of 15 Sea Guardians designated for the Navy, as well as eight Sky Guardians allocated to both the Army and the Air Force.

4. Procurement Process

  • The Letter of Request (LoR) was issued to the U.S. government just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s talks with U.S. President Joe Biden at the G-20 summit.
  • The LoR serves as the basis for finalising the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), specifying equipment and procurement terms in line with the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

5. Approval and Conclusion

  • The U.S. administration is required to inform the U.S. Congress about the sale.
  • The deal will then need approval from the Indian government’s Cabinet Committee on Security before the contract can be concluded.

2. Centre raises MSP for Rabi crops

Introduction

  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has announced an increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all Rabi crops for the financial year 2024-25.
  • The increment has been criticised by farmers’ organisations as insufficient to cover rising input costs.

Key MSP Increases

1. Wheat

  • Wheat, a major Rabi crop, receives a ₹150 per quintal increase in MSP.
  • The new MSP for wheat is ₹2,275 per quintal.

2. Lentils (Masur)

  • The MSP for lentils has seen the highest increase compared to the previous year, with a ₹425 per quintal rise.
  • The new MSP for lentils stands at ₹6,425 per quintal.

3. Rapeseed and Mustard

  • Rapeseed and mustard crops have an MSP increase of ₹200 per quintal.
  • The new MSP for rapeseed and mustard is ₹5,650 per quintal.

Farmers’ Criticisms

  • Farmers’ organisations have expressed dissatisfaction with the MSP hikes, stating that they do not adequately account for increased input costs.
  • They point to rising prices of fertilisers and diesel, which have added to the farmers’ expenses.

Procurement Concerns

  • Some farmers’ representatives have questioned the meaningfulness of MSP without an effective procurement system in place.
  • They highlight the importance of ensuring that farmers can actually sell their produce at the MSP rates to benefit from these increases.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. With reference to the Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai ferry service, 
which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
  1. It improves cooperation in disaster management and maritime security.
  2. The ferry service aims to strengthen cultural, economic, and civilizational ties between India and Sri Lanka.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: Both statements are correct.

Q2. On whose recommendations does the government decide the Minimum Support Price 
(MSP) in India?
  1. Ministry of Finance
  2. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  3. Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
  4. Reserve Bank of India
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: The government of India determines the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices.

Q3. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Third Belt and Road 
Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China?
  1. It primarily focused on military cooperation among Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries.
  2. The forum was held to discuss the Belt and Road Initiative’s economic and infrastructure development goals.
  3. It exclusively involved countries from the European Union.
  4. The forum aimed to promote cultural exchanges between China and its neighbouring nations.
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: The Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing focused on discussing the economic and infrastructure development goals of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Q4. With reference to MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which of the following 
statements are correct?
  1. MQ-9B has no variants.
  2. It is designed to fly over the horizon via satellite for up to 40 hours.
  3. It cannot integrate into civil airspace.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: MQ-9B has two variants – the Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian, and it is designed to fly over the horizon via satellite for up to 40 hours, safely integrating into civil airspace.

Q5. With reference to Generative artificial intelligence (Generative AI), 
which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
  1. Generative AI can only generate text.
  2. Generative AI models learn patterns and structures from training data to generate new data.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: Generative AI can generate various types of data, not limited to text. It learns patterns to create data with similar characteristics.

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