Weekly Current Affairs (15th to 21st September 2023) Part - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

29th World Ozone Day

Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) recently marked the 29th World Ozone Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the critical issue of ozone layer depletion and the global efforts to combat it.

What is World Ozone Day?

About Ozone and Related Convention:

• The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere between 10 and 40 kilometers above Earth's surface, shields us from harmful UV radiation.
• This protective layer, known as stratospheric ozone or good ozone , prevents adverse health effects like cataracts and skin cancer and safeguards agriculture, forestry, and marine life.
• However, man-made Ozone Depleting Substances have caused ozone depletion in the stratosphere.
• The international community recognized the need for action, leading to the Vienna Convention in 1985 and the subsequent Montreal Protocol in 1987.

World Ozone Day:

• World Ozone Day is observed on the 16th of September each year, commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, a significant international treaty aimed at phasing out the production and consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).
• Theme 2023: "Montreal Protocol: Fixing the Ozone Layer and Reducing Climate Change"

What are India's Achievements in Montreal Protocol Implementation?

• India, a signatory since June 1992, has made significant strides in implementing the Montreal Protocol:
• Phase-out Success: India successfully phased out ODS like Chlorofluorocarbons, Carbon Tetrachloride, Halons, Methyl Bromide, and Methyl Chloroform for controlled uses by 1st January , 2010.
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Phase-out: HCFCs are currently being phased out, with Stage-I completed from 2012 to 2016 and Stage-II in progress until the end of 2024.
• Achieving Reduction Targets: India exceeded its target, achieving a 44% reduction in HCFCs by 1st January, 2020, compared to the baseline's 35%.
• The India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP): Launched in March 2019, ICAP focuses on reducing cooling demand, transitioning to alternative refrigerants, enhancing energy efficiency, and technological advancement.
• It aims to maximize socio-economic and environmental benefits through synergies with existing government programs.

Note:

The inclusion of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the Montreal Protocol led to the Kigali Amendment, with India ratifying it in September 2021. India's phasedown of HFC production and consumption, starting from 2032, aligns with the amendment's goals.

What is Tropospheric Ozone?

• Tropospheric (or ground-level) ozone or bad ozone is a short-lived climate pollutant that remains in the atmosphere for only hours to weeks.
• It does not have any direct emissions sources, rather it is a compound formed by the interaction of sunlight with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – including methane – and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emitted largely by human activities.
• Strategies to prevent the formation of tropospheric ozone are primarily based on methane reductions and cutting the levels of atmospheric pollution arising from cars, power plants and other sources.
• The Gothenburg Protocol was established in 1999 to address pollutants that cause acidification and ground-level ozone.
• It sets limits on air pollutants including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ammonia and volatile organic compounds that are hazardous to human health and the environment.
• It was updated in 2012 to include particulate matter (PM) and black carbon (as a component of PM) and to include new commitments for 2020.

Samudra Prahari's Deployment to ASEAN

Context: The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, has embarked on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries from 11th September 2023 to 14th October, 2023.

• The initiative was announced during the ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus meeting in Cambodia in November 2022.
• During this deployment, the ship is scheduled to make port calls in Bangkok(Thailand), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Jakarta(Indonesia).

What are the Key Features of Samudra Prahari?

About:

• The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari boasts state-of-the-art pollution response. It was commissioned at Mumbai on October 9, 2010.

Major Features:

• The vessel is outfitted with advanced pollution control gear, including containment tools like Hi-Sprint Booms and river booms to contain oil spills, as well as oil recovery devices like skimmers and side sweeping arms, along with storage facilities within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone.
• The ship is also equipped with a Chetak Helicopter in Pollution Response configuration.
• It also possesses the ability for unmanned machinery operation.

Note:

• An oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially marine areas, due to human activity. The term is usually applied to marine oil spills, where oil is released into the ocean or coastal waters, but spills may also occur on land.

Activities:

• As part of an overseas exchange program, the ship has embarked 13 National Cadet Corps cadets to participate in "Puneet Sagar Abhiyan," an international outreach program focused on beach clean-ups and similar activities in coordination with partner nations.

What are the International Initiatives Related to Marine Pollution?

• UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 calls signatory states to develop a legal framework to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment by dumping.
• India is a signatory to UNCLOS.
• The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) calls for prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.
• India is a signatory to MARPOL.
• The London Convention and London Protocol aims to protect the marine environment from pollution caused by the dumping of wastes and other matter into the ocean.
• The London Convention was adopted in 1972 and entered into force in 1975. The London Protocol was adopted in 1996 and entered into force in 2006.
• India is not a participant in either of them.
• The India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative: India and Norway are committed to share experiences and competence, and collaborate on efforts to develop clean and healthy oceans, sustainable use of ocean resources and growth in the blue economy.

Fraternity in India

Context: Fraternity, one of the core values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, plays a pivotal role in fostering unity and equality in society. However, the practical application of fraternity in India raises several questions and challenges.

What is the Origin of the Concept of Fraternity?

Ancient Greece:

• Fraternity, the idea of brotherhood and unity, has a long history.
• In Plato’s Lysis, the philosopher invokes the word philia (love) for the strong desire to pursue wisdom.
• In this context, fraternity was seen as the strong desire to share knowledge and wisdom with others, making friendship more meaningful through intellectual exchange.

Aristotle's Idea:

• Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, added to the idea of fraternity by highlighting the importance of the "polis," the city-state where people belonged as political beings and friendships among citizens in a city-state (polis) is crucial.

Middle Ages:

• During the Middle Ages, fraternity took on a different dimension, primarily within the Christian context in Europe.
• Here, fraternity was often associated with religious and communal bonds.
• It was fostered through shared religious beliefs and practices, emphasizing a sense of brotherhood among believers.

French Revolution:

• French Revolution in 1789, which gave rise to the famous motto "liberté, égalité, fraternité" (liberty, equality, fraternity).
• This marked the introduction of fraternity into the realm of politics, alongside liberty and equality.
• Fraternity, in this context, symbolized the idea of unity and solidarity among citizens as they fought for their rights and freedom.

What is the Concept of Fraternity in India?

• India's fraternity has its own journey within India's sociology, and the current nature of India's fraternity is different from the political fraternity espoused in its Constitution.
• Fraternity is a constitutional value in India, alongside liberty and equality, aimed at achieving social harmony and unity.
• The framers of the Indian Constitution recognized the importance of fraternity in a society marred by hierarchical social inequalities.
• Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar stressed the inseparability of liberty, equality, and fraternity, considering them as fundamental tenets of Indian democracy.

Constitutional Provisions Related to Fraternity:

Preamble:

• The principle of fraternity was added to the principles in the Preamble along with liberty, equality, and justice.

Fundamental Duties:

• Article 51A on Fundamental Duties, added to by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 and further amended by 86th Amendment (2002).
• Article 51A(e) generally refers to the duty of every citizen ‘to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India.’

What are the Limits and Challenges to Fraternity in India’s Context?

Social and Cultural Differences:

• India's diverse cultures and traditions can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts among different communities.
• Religious or caste-based differences often result in mistrust, discrimination, and even violence, eroding the spirit of brotherhood.
• Incidents of religious intolerance or conflicts can disrupt social cohesion and unity, making it difficult to foster fraternity.
• Religious minorities have faced such social and political opprobrium countless times in this country.

Economic Disparities:

• The significant economic gap between different sections of society can breed resentment and feelings of discrimination.
• When people perceive economic barriers to their success, they may hesitate to cooperate, hindering social cohesion, a crucial element of fraternity.

Political Differences:

• Political ideologies can create deep divisions in society, impeding cooperation and dialogue.
• Such differences often lead to polarization, fostering an atmosphere of hostility and intolerance that obstructs constructive engagement.

Lack of Trust:

• A lack of mutual trust and understanding among groups can undermine fraternity.
• When trust is lacking, working together toward common goals becomes challenging.

Failure of Constitutional Morality:

• Constitutional morality, based on Indian constitutional values, is vital for maintaining fraternity.
• Its failure can lead to a loss of confidence in institutions and the rule of law, creating instability and undermining brotherhood.

Inadequate Moral Order:

• A functioning moral order in society, including adherence to ethical values and social responsibility, is crucial for democracy's success.
• Failure in this area can result in the erosion of brotherhood, with unethical actions eroding trust among citizens.

Educational Disparities:

• Disparities in access to quality education can perpetuate social inequalities and hinder fraternity.
• Educational inequities often result in unequal opportunities, reinforcing divisions among communities.

Regional Disparities:

• India's vast geographical and regional diversity can lead to disparities in economic development and infrastructure.
• These regional inequalities may create a sense of marginalization among certain communities, challenging efforts to promote brotherhood.

Language and Cultural Barriers:

• India's multitude of languages and dialects can sometimes create communication barriers.
• Language and cultural differences can hinder effective dialogue and cooperation, affecting the spirit of fraternity.

Way Forward

• Initiatives that promote social and cultural harmony among diverse communities are essential to overcoming differences and fostering a sense of brotherhood. These programs should encourage dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among people of different backgrounds.
• Civic education should instill values of fraternity, equality, and social justice from a young age. Ethical leadership at all levels of society is essential to set an example of responsible citizenship and moral conduct.
• Encouraging respect for religious and cultural diversity is vital. Interfaith dialogues, protections for religious and cultural minorities, and promoting a culture of tolerance can help maintain social cohesion.
• Encourage ethical leadership at all levels of society to set an example of moral conduct and responsible citizenship.
• Implement policies and programs that address economic disparities, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and resources for all citizens.

Shrinking Lion Numbers in Africa

Context: The Study by Journal Nature Communications highlighted the concerns with respect to the population of Lions lying well below the carrying capacity across 62 geographic locations of African countries which also have socio-economic connotation to that.

• The Lion Population were estimated to be between 20,000 and 25,000 in number and may be declining, as per the study.

What are the Key Highlights of the Study?

• Across 62 geographic locations of Africa, around 41.9% of the regions had less than 50 lions and 10 of them reported to have around 50-100 population of Lions.
• Only seven geographic locations across Africa were reported to have more than 1000 lion populations.
• The lions face other threats such as poaching for prey, indiscriminate killing due to human-lion conflict, bushmeat and others, which are evidently found in eastern and southern Africa
• Bushmeat poaching with snares led to local extinction of lions in Nsumbu National Park in Zambia and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, which are two major national parks related to conservation of lions.
• The research observed that southern African countries such as Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia have recorded an increase of population by 12% between 1993 and 2014.
• But the remaining lion habitats have seen a decline by 60%, especially in west and central Africa.

What are the Key Points Related to Lion?

Scientific Name: Panthera leo

About:

• The lion is divided into two subspecies: the African lion (Panthera leo leo) and the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica).
• Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions.
• The most striking morphological character, which is always seen in Asiatic lions, and rarely in African lions, is a longitudinal fold of skin running along its belly.

Role in the Animal Kingdom:

• Lions hold an indispensable place in the ecosystem, they are an apex predator of their habitat, responsible for checking the population of grazers, thus helping in maintaining the ecological balance.
• Lions also contribute to keeping the population of their prey healthy and resilient as they target the weakest members of the herd. Thus, indirectly helping in disease control in the prey population.

Threats:

• Poaching, genetic inbreeding arising from a single population inhabiting one place, diseases such as plague, canine distemper or a natural disaster.

Protection Status:

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• Asiatic Lion - Endangered.
• CITES: Appendix I for populations of India, all other populations are included in Appendix II.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I

Status in India:

• India is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion, who inhabit the protected territory of Sasan-Gir National Park (Gujarat).
• The lion population escalated from 523 to 674 individuals between the years 2015 and 2020.

Population of Lion in the World:

• As per the estimates by IUCN, the population of lions is estimated to be around 23000 to 39000 overall, mostly spread across the Saharan Countries.

What are Conservation Efforts in India for Lions?

• Project Lion: The programme has been launched for the conservation of the Asiatic Lion, whose last remaining wild population is in Gujarat’s Asiatic Lion Landscape.
• Asiatic Lion Conservation Project: The project envisages scientific management with the involvement of communities in coordination with multi-sectoral agencies for disease control and veterinary care for overall conservation of Asiatic lion.

Debate over the Words Socialist and Secular in Constitution

Context: Recently, some of the Members of the Lok Sabha have claimed that the words “Socialist” and “Secular” were omitted in the New Copies of the Preamble of the Constitution of India.

• These two words were originally not a part of the Preamble. They were added by The Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act, 1976 during the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

What is the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?

About:

• Every Constitution has a philosophy. The philosophy underlying the Constitution of India was summed up in the Objectives Resolution, which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 22nd January, 1947.
• The Preamble of the Constitution puts in words the ideal contained in the Objectives Resolution.
• It serves as an introduction to the Constitution, and contains its basic principles and goals.
• The Preamble of the Constitution that Commenced in 1950 read:
• “WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
• JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
• LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
• EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all
• FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the Nation;
• IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this 26th day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.”

Insertion of the words Socialist and Secular:

• The words "Socialist" and "Secular" were added to the Preamble through the Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act, 1976, during the period of Emergency under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's government.
• The insertion of "socialist" aimed to emphasize socialism as a goal and philosophy of the Indian state, with a focus on eradicating poverty and adopting a unique form of socialism that involved nationalization only in specific sectors where necessary.
• The inclusion of "secular" reinforced the idea of a secular state, treating all religions equally, maintaining neutrality, and not endorsing any particular religion as a state religion.

What is the Debate Over Removing Socialist and Secular Words from the Preamble?

Political Ideology and Representation:

• Those advocating for the removal argue that the words "socialist" and "secular" were inserted during the Emergency in 1976.
• They believe this was an imposition of a particular political ideology and goes against the principles of representation and democratic decision-making.

Original Intent and Constitution's Philosophy:

• Critics argue that the original Preamble, as adopted in 1950, didn't include these words. They emphasize that the Constitution's philosophy already encompassed the ideas of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity without explicitly mentioning socialism and secularism.
• They argue that these values were always implicit in the Constitution.

Concerns of Misinterpretation:

• Some critics express concerns that the words "socialist" and "secular" might be misinterpreted or misused, potentially leading to policies and actions that deviate from their original intent.
• They argue for a more neutral and flexible approach in the Preamble.

Social Implications:

• The presence or absence of these words can have implications for public policy, governance, and societal discourse.
• The term "secular" is particularly significant in a country with a diverse religious population, and its removal might raise concerns about the state's commitment to religious neutrality.

Way Forward

• Foster a well-informed and inclusive public discourse on the implications of these terms in the Preamble. This should involve academia, civil society, political parties, and citizens to understand various perspectives and concerns.
• Facilitate a structured debate within constitutional bodies, such as Parliament, to deliberate on the significance, interpretation, and historical context of the words "socialist" and "secular" in the Preamble. Encourage thorough discussions to analyze the implications of any potential amendment.
• Establish an independent committee of constitutional experts, legal scholars, historians, and sociologists to study the historical context, constitutional philosophy, and legal implications of the words "socialist" and "secular" in the Preamble. Their findings can provide valuable insights.

Fostering Ethical AI

Context: Recently, some business leaders emphasized the Imperative of collaboration among governments, industry, and ecosystem players to develop Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? 

About: 

• AI is the ability of a computer, or a robot controlled by a computer to do tasks that are usually done by humans because they require human intelligence and discernment. 
• Although there is no AI that can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some AI can match humans in specific tasks. 

Characteristics & Components:

• The ideal characteristic of AI is its ability to rationalize and take actions that have the best chance of achieving a specific goal. A subset of AI is Machine Learning (ML). 
• ML is a method of teaching computers to learn from data, without being explicitly programmed. It involves using algorithms to analyze and draw insights from data, and then using those insights to make predictions or decisions. 
• Deep Learning (DL) techniques enable this automatic learning through the absorption of huge amounts of unstructured data such as text, images, or video. 

What is Ethical AI?

About:

• Ethical AI, also known as Moral or Responsible AI, refers to the development and deployment of AI systems in a manner that aligns with ethical principles, societal values, and human rights.  
• It emphasizes the responsible use of AI technology to ensure that it benefits individuals, communities, and society as a whole, while minimizing potential harms and biases. 

Key Aspects of Ethical AI:

• Transparency and Explainability: AI systems should be designed and implemented in a way that their operations and decision-making processes are understandable and explainable to users and stakeholders. This promotes trust and accountability. 
• Fairness and Bias Mitigation: Ethical AI aims to mitigate biases and ensure fairness in AI algorithms and models to prevent discrimination against certain individuals or groups based on factors like race, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. 
• Privacy and Data Protection: Ethical AI upholds individuals' right to privacy and advocates for the secure and responsible handling of personal data, ensuring consent and compliance with relevant privacy laws and regulations. 
• Accountability and Responsibility: Developers and organizations deploying AI systems should be accountable for the outcomes of their AI technologies. Clear lines of responsibility and mechanisms for addressing and rectifying errors or harmful impacts are essential. 
• Robustness and Reliability: AI systems should be robust, reliable, and perform consistently across different situations and conditions. Measures should be in place to handle adversarial attempts to manipulate or subvert the AI system. 
• Benefit to Humanity: AI should be developed and used to enhance human well-being, solve societal challenges, and contribute positively to society, economies, and the environment. 

What are the Ethical Concerns related to Artificial Intelligence?

Risk of Unemployment:  

• The hierarchy of labor is concerned primarily with automation. Robotics and AI companies are building intelligent machines that perform tasks typically carried out by low-income workers: self-service kiosks to replace cashiers, fruit-picking robots to replace field workers, etc. 
• Moreover, the day is not far when many desk jobs will also be edged out by AI, such as accountants, financial traders, and middle managers. 

Exacerbating Inequalities:  

• Using artificial intelligence, a company can drastically cut down on relying on the human workforce, and this means that revenues will go to fewer people. 
• Consequently, individuals who have ownership in AI-driven companies will make all the money. Also, AI could compound digital exclusion. 
• Further, investment is likely to shift to countries where AI-related work is already established, widening gaps among and within countries. 

Tech Addiction:  

• Technological addiction is the new frontier of human dependency. AI has already become effective at directing human attention and triggering certain actions. 
• When used right, this could evolve into an opportunity to nudge society towards more beneficial behavior.
• However, in the wrong hands, it could prove detrimental. 

Discriminating Robots:  

• We shouldn’t forget that AI systems are created by humans, who can be biased and judgemental. 
• It can lead to AI facial recognition and surveillance technology to discriminate against people of color and minorities. 

AI Turning against Humans:  

• What if artificial intelligence itself turned against humans, imagine an AI system that is asked to eradicate cancer in the world.  
• After a lot of computing, it spits out a formula that does, in fact, bring about the end of cancer – by killing everyone on the planet. 

What are the Global Standards for Artificial Intelligence Ethics?

• In 2021, the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence was adopted by UNESCO. 
• It aims to fundamentally shift the balance of power between people, and the businesses and governments developing AI. 
• UNESCO members have agreed to use affirmative action to make sure that women and minority groups are fairly represented on AI design teams. 
• The recommendation also underscores the importance of the proper management of data, privacy and access to information. 
• It calls on member states to ensure that appropriate safeguards are devised for the processing of sensitive data and effective accountability and redress mechanisms are provided. 
• The Recommendation takes a strong stance that 
• AI systems should not be used for social scoring or mass surveillance purposes 
• Attention must be paid to the psychological and cognitive impact that these systems can have on children. 
• Member states should invest and promote not only digital, media and information literacy skills, but also socio-emotional and AI ethics skills. 
• UNESCO is also in the process of developing tools to help assess the readiness in the implementation of the recommendations.

Way Forward

• AI models should be designed in a way that allows for a clear understanding of their functioning and decision-making processes. 
• AI models should be developed with a strong focus on data privacy and ensuring that individuals' sensitive information is handled appropriately and securely. 
• There is a need for governance norms developed in collaboration with industries and stakeholders rather than arbitrary legislation, pointing to advanced thinking and ongoing discussions at the government level. 
• There is a need for clarity regarding foundational models and data usage in AI systems.  
• Ethical AI can be a transformative force, capable of empowering over a billion dreams and bridging the digital divide, not only in India but globally.  
• AI and Generative AI must reach diverse populations, being accessible in various languages and regions.