UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 9th March 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Chhau Dance

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

As an independent art form, Chhau stands at a critical crossroad. Its easy adaptability has diluted its essential form, rising concerns about its originality.

Background:

• Chhau, the dance form, defies every label. It is too codified to be folk, too folk to be classical, and too classical and too folk to be martial.

About Chhau Dance :

• Chhau dance is a tradition from eastern India (West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha.) that enacts episodes from epics including the Mahabharata and Ramayana, local folklore and abstract themes.
• Its three distinct styles hail from the regions of Seraikella, Purulia and Mayurbhanj, the first two using masks.
• The Seraikella Chhau developed in Seraikela, the present day administrative headquarters of the Seraikela Kharsawan district of Jharkhand, the Purulia Chhau in Purulia district of West Bengal and the Mayurbhanj Chhau in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.
• The Chhau dance is mainly performed during regional festivals, especially the spring festival of Chaitra Parva which lasts for thirteen days and in which the whole community participates
• Its origin is traceable to indigenous forms of dance and martial practices.
• The Chhau blends within it forms of both dance and martial practices employing mock combat techniques (called khel), stylized gaits of birds and animals (called chalis and topkas) and movements based on the chores of village housewives (called uflis)
• The dance is performed at night in an open space to traditional and folk melodies, played on the reed pipes mohuri and shehnai. The reverberating drumbeats of a variety of drums dominate the accompanying music ensemble.
• In 2010 the Chhau dance was inscribed in the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Source: Scroll

GS-II

The Birth and Death (Amendment) Act of 2023

Subject: Polity and Governace

Why in News?

Recently, the Birth and Death (Amendment) Act of 2023 was passed.

Background:

• The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023 that paves way for digital birth certificates which will be a single document to be used for admission to educational institutions, applications for driving licence, government jobs, passports or Aadhaar, voter enrolment, and registration of marriage, among others, will come into effect from October 1.

Key features of the Birth and Death (Amendment) Act of 2023:

• It adds that the Registrar General of India will maintain a national database of registered births and deaths.
• Chief Registrars and Registrars will be obligated to share data on registered births and deaths with the national database. The Chief Registrar shall maintain a similar database at the state level.
• It provides digital registration and electronic delivery of certificates of births and deaths.
• It collects the Aadhaar numbers of parents and informants in case of birth registration.
• It states that the national database may be made available to other authorities preparing or maintaining other databases like population registers, electoral rolls, ration cards, etc.
• The information will be used for purposes including admission to an educational institution, preparation of voter lists, appointment to a government post, etc.
• Any person aggrieved by any action or order of the Registrar or District Registrar may appeal to the District Registrar or Chief Registrar, respectively, within 30 days.

Concerns/Issues with the Birth and Death (Amendment) Act of 2023:

• Denying admission to school without a birth certificate may violate the fundamental right to education under Article 21A.
• Linkage across databases does not require consent from the person whose data is being linked, which is against the right to privacy.
• It does not provide alternative proof if a person does not have a birth certificate.
• It centralizes the database which may lead to mass surveillance.

Source: The Hindu

Gender Equality as the Plank of Sustainable Development

Subject: Polity and Governance

Why in News?

Conversations surrounding gender equality and women's empowerment have gained considerable momentum.

However, there is a connection between gender equality and sustainable energy development which is often overlooked.

Therefore, the issue of intricate relationship between these two domains, emphasising their fundamental role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) needs to be explored and discussed.

GS-III

Kerala declares man-animal conflict a state-specific disaster

Subject: Environment

Why in News?

Kerala on Wednesday (March 6) declared man-animal conflict as a state-specific disaster (as per Disaster Management Act), becoming the first state in the country to do so.

Background:-

• Kerala has been reeling under increasing count of man animal conflicts

What difference will it bring?

• At present, managing man-animal conflict is the responsibility of the forest department, which acts as per the Wild Life Protection Act.
• Once the issue is declared a state-specific disaster, the onus to deal with it shifts to the state disaster management authority, which, powered by the Disaster Management Act, can take quicker and more decisive action.
• The Chief Minister is theex officio chairman of state disaster management authority and several departments, including the forest department, are stakeholders.
• In the districts, the district disaster management authority is headed by the district collector, who is also the executive magistrate.
• Once an issue is declared a state-specific disaster or a national disaster, the disaster management authority can take quick decisions and actions overriding all other norms. Also, district collectors can directly intervene in their capacity as the chairman of the district disaster body.
• In the past, every time a life has been lost to man-animal conflict, there has been mounting chorus to tranquilise/capture/kill the animals responsible.At present, the chief wildlife warden — there is only one such post in the state — is the only authority to take a call on a wild animal wreaking havoc in human settlement. Also, in the past, there have been cases where the decision to tranquilise a killer animal, such as a wild elephant, has been questioned in court.Once the issue is under the disaster management authority, it can take actions overriding other norms, including those under the Wildlife Protection Act.
• As per section 71 of the Disaster Management Act, no court (except the Supreme Court or a High Court) shall have jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect of anything done by relevant authorities in pursuance of any power conferred by the Disaster Management Act. Section 72 of the Act says that the provisions of this Act will have an overriding effect on any other law during the specific period that a disaster has been declared.
• Other state-specific disasters: In 2015, Odisha had declared snakebite a state-specific disaster. In 2020, Kerala declared Covid as a state specific disaster.

Source: Indian Express

‘FY’ ALGAE

Subject: Environment

Why in News?

Recently, ‘Fy’ algae was spotted in Yellowstone National Park.

Background:

• The Yellowstone National Park, located in the western United States.It holds the distinction of being the world’s first national park, established on March 1, 1872.

About ‘FY’ ALGAE

• ‘Fy’ algae is a fungus.
• It belongs to the Fusarium strain flavlolapis family and has been trademarked as ‘Fy’.
• It has been discovered in 2009 by NASA researcher Mark Kozubal.
• ‘Fy’ algae is an extremophilic organism, meaning it can thrive under extreme conditions such as high temperatures and acidity.
• One of its remarkable traits is its ability to break down various materials and convert them into food.
• Scientists have recognized its potential as a source of packed proteins for space missions.
• This protein-packed microbe has potential use in meatless burgers, dairy substitutes, and protein powders.
• The ‘Fy’ algae can be cultured by feeding it a simple mixture of water, salts, and sugar. Ordinary metal catering trays serve as the growth medium.
• A tray of this algae reportedly contains proteins equivalent to 35 chickens.

Source: Frontiers

Fireflies

Subject: Environment

Why in News?

Researchers recently identified the key transcription factors that regulate the development of light organs and bioluminescence in the firefly.

About Fireflies:

• Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are beetles renowned for their ability to produce flashes of light, a phenomenon termed bioluminescence.
• There exist approximately 2,000 species of fireflies, inhabiting temperate and tropical regions across all continents except Antarctica.

Characteristics:

• They are soft-bodied beetles varying in size from 5 to 25 mm (up to 1 inch) in length.
• Fireflies utilize bioluminescence to illuminate the ends of their abdomens, employing this light to communicate with other fireflies.
• Special organs beneath their abdomens intake oxygen, which, combined with luciferin within specialized cells, generates light without significant heat production.
• Each firefly species exhibits a distinct pattern of light flashing, with males utilizing this pattern to attract conspecific females.
• Fireflies are highly efficient in bioluminescence, with nearly 100% efficiency, minimizing energy wastage in light production.
• Their lifespan spans from egg to adulthood, lasting up to a year, with most species being nocturnal, though exceptions exist with some being diurnal.
• They predominantly feed on plant pollen and nectar.

Source: Deccan Herald

IndiaAI Mission launched

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet’s recent approval of the IndiaAI Mission marks a pivotal step towards harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for national development.

• With a significant financial outlay and multifaceted objectives, this mission aims to bolster India’s AI capabilities across various sectors, fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges.

What is IndiaAI Mission?

• Establishment of a Robust AI Ecosystem: Launched under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), the IndiaAI Mission aims to create a thriving AI ecosystem that promotes innovation and facilitates growth.
• Enhancement of Computing Infrastructure: The mission focuses on bolstering computing infrastructure to support the development and deployment of AI technologies.
• Promotion of AI Applications in Critical Sectors: Initiatives within the mission target vital sectors such as healthcare and governance, aiming to integrate AI-driven solutions for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.
• Synergistic Collaboration: Through a public-private partnership model, the mission seeks to combine governmental resources with private sector expertise. This collaborative approach ensures efficient implementation and scalability of AI initiatives, fostering sustainable growth and innovation.

Core Pillars of IndiaAI Mission

• IndiaAI Compute Capacity: Objective: Building scalable AI computing infrastructure to cater to the increasing demands of AI startups and research endeavors.
• IndiaAI Innovation Centre: Objective: Leading the development and implementation of homegrown AI models customized to meet the specific requirements of various sectors.
• IndiaAI Datasets Platform: Objective: Providing a platform to access high-quality datasets, essential for fueling AI innovation and research efforts.
• IndiaAI Application Development Initiative: Objective: Encouraging the utilization of AI solutions to tackle challenges across critical sectors through targeted application development efforts.
• IndiaAI FutureSkills: Objective: Nurturing AI talent by expanding educational programs and training initiatives across different academic levels.
• IndiaAI Startup Financing: Objective: Offering support to deep-tech AI startups via streamlined funding mechanisms to stimulate innovation.
• Safe & Trusted AI: Objective: Ensuring responsible deployment of AI technologies by developing indigenous tools and frameworks focused on safety and trustworthiness.

Strategic Significance

• National Development Agenda: The IndiaAI Mission aligns with the government’s vision of leveraging technology for inclusive growth and development.
• Global Competitiveness: By showcasing India’s prowess in AI innovation and application, the mission enhances the country’s global standing and competitiveness.
• Economic Impetus: By fostering AI-driven entrepreneurship and innovation, the mission catalyzes economic growth and job creation, leveraging India’s demographic dividend.
• Regulatory Landscape: While fostering innovation, the mission underscores the need for responsible AI governance and regulatory frameworks to address ethical and safety concerns.

Integration with National Policy

• Comprehensive Approach: The IndiaAI Mission synergizes with ongoing national initiatives, notably the Digital India campaign and endeavors to bolster electronics manufacturing.
• Strategic Alignment: The mission's emphasis on AI infrastructure and talent cultivation aligns strategically with overarching policy goals aimed at nurturing an environment conducive to technology-driven innovation.
• International Parallels: India's approach mirrors global trends, with many nations prioritizing AI development alongside the establishment of regulatory frameworks to balance innovation with considerations of safety and ethics.

Challenges and Regulatory Considerations

• Navigating Regulatory Landscape: Policymakers face the challenge of navigating intricate regulatory landscapes while promoting AI innovation, ensuring ethical deployment, and mitigating potential risks associated with AI technologies.
• Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Achieving a delicate balance between encouraging innovation and implementing regulatory measures is crucial for policymakers worldwide.
• Lessons from International Models: India can learn from international experiences and models to develop a regulatory framework that fosters innovation while maintaining ethical standards and ensuring safety in AI deployment.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, the IndiaAI Mission heralds a new era of AI-driven innovation and development in India, offering a strategic roadmap to harness the transformative potential of AI for societal benefit.
• By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors and prioritizing talent development, this mission underscores India’s commitment to emerging as a global leader in AI innovation while navigating regulatory challenges to ensure responsible and ethical AI deployment.

Source: MSN