Weekly Current Affairs (8th to 14th November 2023) Part - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit 2023

Context: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit 2023 convened at the historic Bletchley Park, England, heralded a momentous shift in the global approach to addressing the challenges posed by advanced AI technologies.

• This groundbreaking summit brought together 28 major countries, including global giants like the United States, China, India, and the European Union, to sign the Bletchley Park Declaration—a pivotal document aimed at navigating the complexities of frontier AI technologies.

Understanding Frontier AI

Frontier AI, the crux of this summit, denotes highly advanced generative AI models capable of producing convincing outputs on demand, be it text, images, audio, or video. These sophisticated systems represent a double-edged sword, promising tremendous benefits while harboring potential risks that demand global cooperation for mitigation.

Key Highlights of the Summit

Bletchley Park Declaration

• At the heart of this milestone event lies the Bletchley Park Declaration, a monumental global pact addressing the risks associated with frontier AI. It signifies a unified commitment among major stakeholders to recognize both the potential enhancements and the possible perils posed by AI systems, particularly in domains like cybersecurity, biotechnology, and disinformation. Emphasizing international cooperation, the declaration calls for collaborative efforts involving companies, civil society, and academia to mitigate global AI-related risks.
• Moreover, the declaration outlines the establishment of a regular AI Safety Summit to foster ongoing dialogue and collaboration on frontier AI safety. France is set to host the next summit within a year, while South Korea will co-host a mini virtual AI summit in the next six months, underscoring the urgency and commitment to collective action.

India's Progressive Stance

• India, once hesitant about AI regulation, has shifted gears to actively formulate regulations based on a risk-oriented, user-harm approach. Advocating for an expanded ethical framework for AI tools, India signals its dedication to responsible AI deployment. The nation aims to establish regulatory bodies at both domestic and international levels to ensure the ethical use of AI.

Insight into Bletchley Park

• Situated north of London in Buckinghamshire, England, Bletchley Park gained prominence during World War II as the hub for the British Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS). Renowned for its role in deciphering enemy messages, Bletchley Park's Turing Bombe was instrumental in breaking the German Enigma code, a feat pivotal to the Allies' success. Additionally, the park birthed the Colossus machine, considered the world's first programmable electronic digital computer, laying the groundwork for modern computing and AI.

Conclusion

The AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park marks a transformative moment in global AI governance. The shared commitment among major nations signifies a proactive step towards harnessing AI's potential while mitigating its inherent risks. As nations gear up to navigate the uncharted territories of frontier AI, collaborative efforts and ethical considerations remain paramount for a safer, more responsible AI-powered future.

India-Bhutan Relations

Context: In the realm of international relations, the bond between India and Bhutan stands as a testament to a longstanding friendship rooted in strategic, economic, cultural, and environmental collaboration. The recent discussions between the two nations during the visit of the Bhutanese King to India have emphasized the commitment to bolstering trade, connectivity, and partnership.

• This delves into the key highlights, significance, challenges, and future prospects of the India-Bhutan relationship.

Recent Developments

During the bilateral discussions, India and Bhutan showcased a shared vision to amplify regional connectivity through the initiation of new cross-border rail links and the upgrading of immigration posts. The agreement to establish rail links between Gelephu-Kokrajhar and Samtse-Banarhat signifies a leap forward in bolstering connectivity and trade facilitation.

Key Discussion Points

• Regional Connectivity: The proposal for a cross-border rail link between Gelephu in Bhutan and Kokrajhar in Assam (58 km) aims to enhance transport links.
• Trade and Connectivity: Collaborative efforts to facilitate trade routes, allowing Bhutanese goods to transit through Indian territory to reach Bangladesh.
• Immigration Check Post: Designating the Darranga-Samdrup Jongkhar border as an immigration checkpoint for various nationals fosters tourism and connectivity.

Economic Collaboration and Support

• India's commitment to bolster Bhutan's socio-economic development underlines the enduring partnership. Notably, Bhutan acknowledges India's support during the G20 Summit, showcasing India's advocacy for Global South countries.

India-Bhutan Energy Partnership

• Progress on the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project and the extension of energy collaboration beyond hydroelectricity to include solar energy and green initiatives illustrate the evolving energy ties between the nations.

Significance of Bhutan for India

• The relationship between India and Bhutan holds multifaceted significance encompassing strategic, economic, cultural, and environmental aspects.

Strategic Importance

• Bhutan's location as a buffer state between India and China elevates its strategic value, emphasizing India's role in fortifying Bhutan's sovereignty during times of regional turmoil.

Economic, Cultural, and Environmental Ties

• India's pivotal role in Bhutan's economy, cultural preservation, and environmental initiatives cements the interwoven nature of their association, reflecting shared values and aspirations.

Challenges in the Relationship

• Despite the historical ties, several challenges loom over the India-Bhutan relationship.

Chinese Influence and Border Disputes

• China's burgeoning presence in Bhutan raises concerns for India's strategic interests. Incursions along the border, exemplified by the Doklam standoff in 2017, pose challenges to regional stability.

Hydropower Projects and Trade Imbalance

• Concerns over terms in hydropower projects and a trade imbalance, with Bhutan importing more from India than exporting, present hurdles that require diplomatic resolutions.

Key Facts About Bhutan

• A glance at Bhutan's geography, governance, and cultural heritage sheds light on its unique identity and geopolitical positioning.

Way Forward

Strengthening Ties for Mutual Growth

• The future trajectory of India-Bhutan relations hinges on strategic investments, cultural exchanges, and collaborative efforts to address shared security concerns.

Collaborative Strategies

• Economic Boost: India's investment in Bhutan's infrastructure and tourism sector can drive economic self-reliance and employment opportunities.
• Cultural Exchange: Encouraging cultural programs and visa-free movement can deepen mutual understanding and cooperation.
• Security Collaboration: A joint approach to combatting transnational crimes and security threats can fortify regional stability.

Conclusion

The enduring India-Bhutan relationship, characterized by cooperation, mutual respect, and shared values, holds immense potential for further growth and collaboration across various domains. The collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives discussed lay a robust foundation for a promising future between the two nations.

Global TB Report 2023

Context: The World Health Organization's (WHO) release of the Global Tuberculosis (TB) Report 2023 has shed light on the persisting high burden of TB cases worldwide, especially emphasizing India's alarming statistics.

• The report encompasses crucial insights into the current scenario, key findings, India's specific situation, recommendations, and ongoing initiatives to combat this infectious disease.

Key Findings of the Global TB Report 2023

Burden of TB:

• In 2022, TB remained the world's second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, surpassing even HIV/AIDS fatalities. Shockingly, more than 10 million people fell ill with TB, with 30 high-burden countries accounting for 87% of global cases.

TB Diagnosis and Mortality:

• The year 2022 marked the highest global TB diagnosis, yet without treatment, the mortality rate stands alarmingly high at about 50%. However, with WHO-recommended treatments, approximately 85% of TB cases can be cured.

TB Incidence and Trend Reversal:

• The TB incidence rate surged by 3.9% between 2020 and 2022, reversing the declining trend observed over the past two decades, signifying the urgent need for sustained efforts in combating this disease.

Insights Related to India

• India continues to grapple with the staggering burden of TB cases, accounting for a significant portion of global instances. With 2.8 million reported cases in 2022, India remains the highest contributor to the global TB burden. Furthermore, India reported a case fatality ratio of 12%, signifying a dire situation, with over 3,42,000 TB-related deaths in the country.
• The report also highlights India's struggle with Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB), recording 1.1 lakh cases in 2022, which remains a persistent public health crisis.

Recommendations for Tackling TB

• The report emphasizes the urgency to end the global TB epidemic by 2030, aligning with the United Nations' goal. It underscores the importance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and calls for multisectoral action to address determinants such as poverty, HIV infection, smoking, and diabetes, which contribute significantly to TB cases.

Understanding Tuberculosis

• Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, affects various organs, commonly impacting the lungs, pleura, lymph nodes, intestines, spine, and brain. It spreads through airborne transmission, especially in densely populated areas with poor ventilation.

Symptoms and Treatment:

• Common symptoms include persistent cough with sputum, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. TB is treatable with a standard 6-month course of antimicrobial drugs, although the emergence of drug-resistant strains poses a challenge.

MDR-TB and XDR-TB:

• Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB) doesn't respond to standard anti-TB drugs, while Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB) is an even more severe form that doesn't respond to second-line drugs.

Initiatives to Combat TB

• Globally, WHO has launched the "Find. Treat. All. #EndTB" initiative in collaboration with the Global Fund and Stop TB Partnership. In India, efforts like the National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination (2017-2025), the Nikshay Ecosystem, and various campaigns like "TB Harega Desh Jeetega" aim to curb the TB crisis.

Additionally, ongoing clinical trials for TB vaccines like VPM 1002 and MIP offer hope for preventive measures. The Nikshay Poshan Yojna, providing financial support to TB patients, and other welfare schemes stand as pillars of support in India's fight against TB.

Conclusion

The Global TB Report 2023 serves as a crucial guidepost in understanding the current state of TB globally and in India. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies, improved healthcare access, and sustained efforts to combat this highly infectious disease and aims to pave the way for a TB-free world by 2030.

8-Point Plan in NCR and Nearby Regions under GRAP Stage-IV

Context: In a bid to combat the escalating air quality crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas has set forth an exhaustive eight-point strategy, aligning it with Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

• This crucial initiative aims to curb any further deterioration in the region's air quality, addressing urgent concerns regarding escalating pollution levels.

Understanding GRAP

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) stands as a critical tool comprising a series of emergency measures. Its primary objective is to prevent the degradation of air quality once specific thresholds in the Delhi-NCR area are breached. Instituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2017, the implementation of GRAP falls under the jurisdiction of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM).

Deciphering the GRAP Stages

• GRAP operates within a structured framework across four distinct stages. Each stage corresponds to the severity of deteriorating air quality. As the air quality shifts from 'poor' to 'very poor,' measures outlined in both sections of the plan are progressively enforced.

The Eight-Point Action Plan in GRAP Stage-IV:

Restriction on Truck Traffic Entry:

• Entry into Delhi is prohibited for all truck traffic, except those transporting essential goods and services, alongside LNG/CNG/electric trucks.

Control on Non-Delhi LCVs:

• Non-Delhi-registered Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) are barred from entering Delhi unless they meet specific criteria such as being EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel, except for essential service carriers.

Ban on Delhi Diesel Vehicles:

• Operation of Delhi-registered diesel Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) is strictly prohibited, with exceptions made only for transportation of essential items.

Halting Construction Activities:

• Construction and demolition (C&D) activities are suspended in linear public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission, and pipelines.

Shifting to Online Education:

• NCR State Governments and GNCTD are advised to transition physical classes for grades VI to IX, XI to online mode to reduce vehicular movement and associated emissions.

Implementing Remote Work:

• Directing NCR State Governments/GNCTD to consider allowing 50% capacity in public, municipal, and private offices, with the remaining workforce operating remotely, curbing unnecessary commuting.

Central Government Guidelines:

• Empowering the Central Government to establish work-from-home protocols for employees in Central Government offices, minimizing unnecessary travel and congestion.

Urgent Emergency Measures:

• Encouraging State Governments to consider additional emergency measures like closure of educational institutions, non-essential commercial activities, and implementing an odd-even vehicle registration scheme.

Main Causes and Sources of Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR Region

The issue of air pollution in Delhi-NCR stems from several factors:

• Stubble Burning: Despite reduction efforts, burning crop residue in neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh remains a significant contributor to air pollution, especially during October and November.
• Vehicle Emissions: The large volume of cars, trucks, buses, and two-wheelers in Delhi-NCR generates substantial vehicular emissions, contributing significantly to pollution levels.
• Industrial Emissions: Multiple industries in and around the NCR region release harmful emissions like sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, amplifying the air pollution crisis.
• Construction Activities: Construction sites, particularly brick kilns in the outskirts, produce high levels of pollutants, aggravated by non-compliance with environmental regulations.
• Waste Burning and Landfills: Improper waste disposal, including open burning of garbage and landfill sites like Ghazipur, emits harmful gases and particulate matter, further degrading air quality.
• Geographical and Meteorological Factors: The geographical location of the NCR region, coupled with specific meteorological conditions during winters, traps pollutants close to the ground, exacerbating pollution levels, as observed in October 2023 due to minimal rainfall.

The Way Forward

To address this crisis, several key strategies and interventions must be implemented:

• Enforcement of Stricter Emission Control Policies: Rigorous enforcement of emission norms for industries, vehicles, and construction activities to limit pollutants released into the atmosphere.
• Enhancing Public Transport and Traffic Management: Encouraging the use of public transportation to reduce vehicular emissions. Expanding and improving public transport networks can alleviate congestion and emissions.
• Effective Waste Management and Regulation: Implementing stringent regulations in waste management to minimize open waste burning and landfill emissions. Promoting recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy initiatives is crucial.
• Crop Residue Management Initiatives: Addressing crop burning by providing sustainable and cost-effective alternatives for residue management to farmers, reducing the necessity for burning.

Conclusion

The implementation of the eight-point action plan aligned with GRAP Stage-IV marks a pivotal step towards combating the alarming air pollution crisis in the NCR and adjacent regions. Addressing the multifaceted sources of pollution and enforcing sustainable measures are imperative for restoring and maintaining acceptable air quality levels for the well-being of the populace.