UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 16th November 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Kazi Nazrul Islam and his Iconic Song

Subject: Modern History

Why in News?

A movie-maker has issued an apology for the unintended distress caused by its rendition of the iconic song “Karar Oi Louho Kopat” penned by Bengali poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in 1922.

Who was Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899-1976)?

• Kazi Nazrul Islam was born on May 24, 1899, in Churulia, a village in the Burdwan district of West Bengal, India.
• He was a famous poet, writer, and musician from Bengal.
• He is well-known for his songs, which are called “Nazrulgeeti.”
• These songs are very popular and loved by in West Bengal, Bangladesh, almost as much as Rabindrasangeet of Rabindranath Tagore.
• Nazrul is often called the “Vidrohi Kavi (Rebel Poet)” because he wrote more than 4,000 songs, and many of them were about protesting and fighting against unfair rules and powerful rulers.
• These songs inspired the freedom fighters of Bengal who were fighting against the British colonial rule.
• He is celebrated as the national poet of Bangladesh and is also revered in West Bengal, India.

Understanding “Karar Oi Louho Kopat”

• Nazrul was an ardent supporter of India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. He used his poetry and writings to inspire and mobilize people against British oppression.
• Published in 1922 in “Banglar Katha” and later included in Nazrul’s “Bhangar Gaan,” the song was penned as a call to break down the iron gates of prison, symbolizing resistance against British oppression.
• He wrote the song of revolution after the British threw Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das (1870-1925) in prison in 1922.

Source: The Hindu

Mount Etna in Italy erupts

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

Volcanic eruptions often make headlines only when iconic volcanoes like Etna, Kilauea, or Eyjafjallajokull erupt.

• However, throughout any given year, our planet witnessed numerous volcanic eruptions, with as many as 50 to 80 occurring worldwide.

About Mount Etna

• Mount Etna, located in Italy, holds the title of Europe’s most active volcano and ranks among the world’s largest.
• Its recorded volcanic activity dates back to 1500 B.C., with over 200 eruptions documented since then.
• Etna’s recent eruptions have disrupted air travel, leading to flight cancellations at the nearby Catania airport.
• Additionally, the accumulation of volcanic ash on roads prompted authorities to temporarily ban the use of cars and motorbikes due to safety concerns.

Volcanic Eruptions this Year

Many of the world’s most active volcanoes are concentrated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, encompassing regions like New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the western coast of the Americas. This volatile area also experiences about 90% of all earthquakes globally.

• Kilauea, Hawaii: The Kilauea volcano in Hawaii captivated the world with a nearly nonstop eruption that began in 1983 and continued for an astonishing 35 years until 2018. Remarkably, it rekindled in 2021, with the eruption still ongoing.
• Dukono, Indonesia: Erupting since August 1933, Dukono volcano in Indonesia stands as a testament to long-term volcanic activity, defying the passage of time.
• Santa Maria, Guatemala: The eruption of Santa Maria in Guatemala commenced in June 1922 and persists to this day, underscoring the enduring nature of certain volcanic phenomena.
• Yasur, Vanuatu: Yasur in Vanuatu first erupted around 1270 and has maintained its volcanic activity, continuing as of June 9, 2023.

Understanding Volcanoes

• Volcanoes are geological features characterized by openings or vents through which lava, tephra (small rocks), and steam erupt onto the Earth’s surface.
• They result from both their own eruptions and the broader processes of tectonic plate movement.
• Volcanic eruptions are essentially the result of magma, or molten rock, beneath the Earth’s surface rising, bubbling, and ultimately overflowing, much like boiling milk spilling out of a pot on a stove.
• The magma seeks pathways to vents within the volcano, where it erupts and is expelled across the land and into the atmosphere, a phenomenon referred to as lava.

Types of Volcanoes

Source: The Hindu

GS-II

Pradhan Mantri-Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PM-PVTG) Development Mission

Subject: Government Schemes

Why in News?

The Prime Minister will launch the PM-PVTG Development Mission in a bid to empower the tribals on the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, which has been celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

Who are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?

• PVTGs are a more vulnerable group among tribal groups in India.
• These groups have primitive traits, geographical isolation, low literacy, zero to negative population growth rate and backwardness.
• Moreover, they are largely dependent on hunting for food and a pre-agriculture level of technology.
• In 1973, the Dhebar Commission set up a separate category for Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs). In 1975, the Centre identified 52 tribal groups as PTGs. In 1993, 23 more groups were added to the list. Later, in 2006, these groups were named PVTGs.
• Currently, there are 2.8 million PVTGs belonging to 75 tribes across 22,544 villages in 220 districts across 18 states and Union Territories in India.
• According to the 2011 Census, Odisha has the largest population of PVTGs at 866,000. It is followed by Madhya Pradesh at 609,000 and Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana) at 539,000.
• The largest PVTG is Odisha's Saura community, numbering 535,000.

About PM-PVTG Development Mission:

• The Rs 24,000-crore project is aimed at the development of the PVTGs. 
• It has been designed to bring critical infrastructure like power, water, road connectivity, housing, education, and healthcare to the PVTG communities living in remote villages.
• Under the scheme, about 11 interventions like the PM-Gram Sadak Yojana, PM-Gram Awaas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and others will be taken to these target villages through the coordinated work of nine ministries.
• In addition, saturation will be ensured for schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna, Sickle Cell Disease Elimination, TB Elimination, 100 percent immunisation, PM Surakshit Matritva Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, PM Poshan, and PM Jan Dhan Yojana.

Source: The Hindu

6th India-OPEC Energy Dialogue

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

The 6^th High-Level Meeting of the India-Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Energy Dialogue, held on 9^th November 2023, brought together key representatives at the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna, Austria.

• The meeting delved into critical aspects of oil and energy markets.

What are the Key Highlights of India-OPEC Energy Dialogue?

• The Meeting focused on key issues related to oil and energy markets with a specific emphasis on ensuring availability, affordability and sustainability, which are necessary to ensure the stability of energy markets.
• The meeting concluded with both parties underscoring the importance of fostering enhanced cooperation between OPEC and India moving forward.
• World Oil Outlook 2023, which forecasted that India would be the fastest-growing major developing economy, averaging long-term growth of 6.1% between 2022-2045 and accounting for over 28% of incremental global energy demand during the same period.
  • Both sides have recognized the importance of India as the third-largest energy consumer, crude oil importer and the fourth-largest global refiner, in global economic growth and energy demand.
• The meeting also acknowledged the achievements and initiatives of India in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, hydrogen economy, and climate change mitigation.
• It was agreed to hold the next High-Level Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue in 2024 in India.

What is the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)?

• About:
  • The OPEC is a permanent, intergovernmental Organization, created at the Baghdad Conference in 1960, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
  • It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
• Objective:
  • OPEC's objective is to coordinate and unify petroleum policies among Member Countries, to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the industry.
• Members:
  • Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.
  • OPEC nations produce about 30% of the world's crude oil.
  • Saudi Arabia is the biggest single oil supplier within the group, producing more than 10 million barrels a day.
• Reports and Outlooks:
  • Monthly Oil Market Report, Annual Statistical Bulletin and the World Oil Outlook.
• OPEC+:
  • In 2016, largely in response to falling oil prices driven by significant increases in U.S. shale oil output, OPEC signed an agreement with 10 other oil-producing countries to create what is now known as OPEC+.
  • OPEC+ now includes the 13 OPEC member countries along with Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan, and Sudan.
  • OPEC+ countries produce about 40% of all the world's crude oil.

Source: The Hindu

GS-III

Sagar Kavach

Subject: Defence and Security

Why in News?

The coastal security exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ is set to unfold its strategic manoeuvres along the Kerala and Mahe coasts.

About Sagar Kavach:

• The exercise, conducted semi-annually, is a collaborative effort with active participation from various central and state agencies, showcasing a unified approach to fortifying India's coastal defences.
• Coordinated by the Indian Coast Guard, 'Sagar Kavach' brings together an amalgamation of forces, including the Indian Navy, Coastal Police/State Police, Intelligence Bureau, Customs, CISF, Department of Port, Department of Fisheries, Directorate General of Lighthouse and Lightships (DGLL), and Kadalora Jagiratha Samithi.
• The exercise is designed to address the unique complexities of the coastal terrain, ensuring that security mechanisms are robust and adaptive to various scenarios.
• Strategic Division: Attack vs. Defence Forces
  • The participating units in the exercise are strategically divided into two teams: Attack (Red) and Defence (Blue) forces.
  • The Red Forces simulate infiltration attempts into coastal areas from seaward, challenging the coastal defences.
  • In contrast, the Blue Forces counteract these simulated threats by establishing Coastal Security Surveillance to intercept and neutralise any infiltration attempts.
  • Recognising the pivotal role of fishermen in coastal security, the exercise emphasizes the need for their active involvement.
  • Fishermen are urged to promptly report any unknown vessels operating in proximity to the coast to the Indian Coast Guard.
  • This collaborative approach aims to enhance the eyes and ears along the coastal region, turning the local fishing community into a valuable asset for security.

Source: Republic World

Kavro Doma 360

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

Kanpur-based MKU Limited recently unveiled the Kavro Doma 360 at Milipol Paris.

About Kavro Doma 360:

• It is the world-first rifle-rated ballistic helmet.
• It was indigenously developed by Kanpur-based MKU Limited.
• Features:
  • The world's first uniform rifle protection helmet: It offers uniform protection in all 5 zones of the head (front, back, left, right, and crown) against threats like the AK-47 MSC, M80 NATO BALL, and M193 rifle bullets.
  • The only boltless rifle protection helmet to date:
    • It’s the first anti-rifle helmet in the world that does not have bolts or any metal parts.
    • When a helmet is bolted, the risk of the bolt penetrating the skull on impact is higher due to weakened areas. 
    • Furthermore, there are no rifle-rated bolts at the moment.
    • It has a boltless shell, which means it provides 40% more protection area against even AK-47 assault rifles than standard helmets.
  • 20mm Back Face Signature (Blunt Impact Trauma): 
    • It’s the first rifle-rated helmet that can maintain a resulting Back Face Signature/Trauma of less than 20 mm, against bullet impact from AK-47 bullets.
    • The ‘Back Face Signature’ is a way to measure how much a protective helmet deforms or indents on the inside due to the impact of a high-energy bullet. 
    • The Kavro Doma 360 absorbs impact, substantially reducing the risk of injury due to resulting trauma to the wearer’s head.
  • Advanced Harness System with Dynamic Impact Technology: 
    • It provides protection from not just straight impacts but also rotational/angular impacts, which are known to cause concussions or brain injuries.
    • In addition, it comes with top-to-chin and side-to-side harness adjustment functionality for the highest stability and a snug fit.
• Maximum Compatibility (with MACS): It allows seamless integration with all advanced head-mounted devices and combat equipment.

Source: Financial Express

[Question: 907261]

Prospect of a World without Work: AI and Economic Paradigms

Subject: Economy

Why in News?

Elon Musk’s recent remarks at the Bletchley Park summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI) have stirred discussions about the potential of AI to replace all forms of human labor.

• While such a future may seem theoretical, it raises critical questions about the nature of work, economic paradigms, and societal well-being.

AI’s impact and Labour and Work

• Elon Musk’s Vision: Musk envisions a future where AI replaces all forms of human labor, leaving individuals to seek work solely for personal fulfillment.
• Reality of AI: AI, while capable of substituting certain jobs, also generates new employment opportunities, such as AI programmers and researchers.
• AI’s Self-Awareness: A truly workless future implies AI becoming self-aware, capable of designing, operating, and maintaining itself, a scenario that remains theoretically possible but practically improbable.

Historical Perspectives on Work

• John Maynard Keynes: Keynes believed that reducing working hours would enhance welfare, as work often represented drudgery. He foresaw technological advancements reducing work hours and increasing well-being.
• Karl Marx: Marx viewed work as integral to human identity, providing meaning through material interaction with nature. Capitalism’s exploitation of labor alienates individuals from their work.
• AI’s Impact on Work: Musk’s vision aligns with Keynes’ thinking, suggesting that AI’s advancements could eliminate work, a positive outcome in this context.

Role of Capitalism in a Workless World

• Capitalism and Income: Under capitalism, individuals rely on income from work to access essential resources. Lack of work equals deprivation.
• Access to Resources: Musk’s vision allows for voluntary work but doesn’t address how individuals without work can access basic needs within the capitalist framework.

Imagining a Workless Economy

• Alternative Economic System: A workless world necessitates an economic system with different rules governing production and distribution, possibly involving a universal basic income.
• Institutional Questions: This alternative world raises questions about determining income levels, resource distribution, and balancing future growth with current consumption.
• Challenges of Change: Implementing such a system may be met with resistance within the existing capitalist society marked by rising inequality and a billionaire class.

Conclusion

• While the prospect of a world without work as envisioned by Elon Musk may seem speculative, it underscores the need to understand the potential disruptions caused by technological innovations.
• The impact of AI on work cannot be fully comprehended without considering the economic institutions that shape our society.
• Addressing these challenges requires a thoughtful examination of our current economic system and its adaptability to a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Source: The Hindu