The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 26th February 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Human smuggling must engage Parliament’s attention

Introduction

Why in News?

• The article focuses on the difficult situation faced by Indians who are deported from the U.S., where they endure cruel treatment and humiliation.
• It also highlights the larger issue of human smuggling and irregular migration originating from India.

Plight of Deported Indians

• Indians deported from other countries often experience inhumane treatment.
• They are subjected to being shackled, handcuffed, and humiliated before their return.
• Some illegal immigrants from India face dangerous situations, such as being abandoned in ammunition fields in Iraq.

Growing Problem of Irregular Migration

• Every year, thousands of young Indians attempt illegal migration, also known as irregular migration.
• This activity is facilitated by human smugglers operating in various states, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, and Gujarat.
• Human smuggling, locally referred to as “ kabootarbazi,” is a highly profitable business that requires no special skills, investment, or fear of legal repercussions.

Horror and Exploitation of Migrants

• Young individuals are often deceived by human smugglers into believing they will find success abroad.
• Instead, they become victims of exploitation and face extreme risks such as:
• Death from suffocation in shipping containers.
• Drowning at sea.
• Being forced into labor camps.
• Survivors of these harrowing experiences report horrific conditions, including being deprived of food and water or being forced to sit in unsanitary environments.
• Human smugglers operate with complete disregard for human life, generating significant profits that fuel organized crime and corruption.

Criminal Networks and the Organized Nature of Human Smuggling

• Human smuggling has evolved into an international criminal enterprise, often involving mafia networks.
• Migrants are frequently sent to perilous regions where they are forced to work under inhumane conditions.
• The low risks and high profits associated with this trade encourage criminals to expand their illegal operations.

Need for Stronger Legal Frameworks

• The Emigration Act, 1983, does not adequately define or address the issue of human smuggling.
• The current legal framework is insufficient to combat this illegal trade effectively, leading to calls for a stronger national law.
• A proposed law, the Emigration (Overseas Mobility Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, remains uncertain in its implementation.

Efforts by Punjab and Their Limitations

• Punjab has implemented the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2012, aimed at regulating travel agents and curbing human smuggling.
• This law defines human smuggling as the illegal transportation of individuals abroad in exchange for money.
• The Act includes licensing requirements for travel agents and penalties for fraudulent activities.
• However, the enforcement of this law has been weak, limiting its effectiveness in combating human smuggling.

Need for a Strong Central Law

• The existing legal frameworks at both the state and national levels are inadequate to address the issue of human smuggling effectively.
• A comprehensive central law is necessary to regulate human smuggling and protect Indian citizens from falling victim to this dangerous trade.
• Urgent action by Parliament is required to create a robust legal mechanism to safeguard lives and control illegal migration.
• A national law with strict enforcement provisions is essential to combat human smuggling and protect vulnerable individuals.

AI has an environmental problem

Why in News?

The rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not only transforming the economy but also raising significant environmental concerns. This is due to the high energy consumption, carbon emissions, and electronic waste (e-waste) associated with AI technologies.

Introduction

• AI has become a crucial part of everyday life, affecting how people work, live, and do business.
• It involves technologies that mimic human thinking and decision-making processes.
• The global AI market is currently valued at $200 billion and is projected to contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the world economy by 2030.
• There are significant investments being made in AI infrastructure worldwide, with notable projects in the United States and India.
• However, the rapid advancement of AI also brings along risks, particularly concerning the environment.

Environmental Impact Across AI’s Lifecycle

• Infrastructure Development: The construction and setup of AI infrastructure have environmental implications.
• Hardware Production: The manufacturing of hardware necessary for AI contributes to environmental degradation.
• Data Centre Operations: Data centres play a crucial role in AI and are responsible for about 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Their electricity demand is expected to double by 2026, exacerbating environmental issues.
• Model Training: Training advanced AI models requires significantly more computing power—10 to 100 times more than earlier versions—leading to increased hardware demand and energy consumption.
• E-Waste Generation: The expansion of data centres also contributes to rising e-waste due to outdated or discarded electronic equipment.

Software Life Cycle and Carbon Emissions

• AI’s environmental footprint extends beyond hardware to include emissions generated during software processes.
• Processes such as data collection, training, validation, and maintenance of AI models are energy-intensive.
• For instance, training a single advanced AI model can emit up to 552 tonnes of carbon dioxide, comparable to the annual emissions of multiple cars.
• To mitigate these environmental challenges, it is essential to incorporate sustainability into the development and use of AI technologies.

Global Discussions on Sustainable AI

• International climate forums, such as COP29, have underscored the necessity for more sustainable AI practices.
• Over 190 countries have embraced ethical AI guidelines considering environmental impacts, although these are not legally binding.
• Regions like the European Union and the United States have implemented regulations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of AI.
• Despite this, comprehensive policies on AI sustainability remain uncommon, and many national AI strategies, particularly in the private sector, tend to overlook sustainability aspects.

Steps Towards Sustainable AI

• Investing in Clean Energy: AI companies should shift towards renewable energy sources and purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions.
• Optimising Data Centres: Placing data centres in regions with abundant renewable energy can significantly reduce their environmental impact.
• Improving AI Efficiency: AI technologies can enhance the management of energy grids and the integration of renewable energy sources, leading to better overall efficiency.
• Using Energy-Efficient Hardware: Regular maintenance and the use of specialised, energy-efficient hardware can lower the energy consumption associated with AI.
• Developing Smaller AI Models: Creating domain-specific models can deliver effective outcomes while consuming less processing power.
• Reusing Pre-Trained Models: Adapting existing models instead of developing new ones can save energy and resources significantly.

The Need for Transparency and Accountability

• Companies should measure and publicly disclose the environmental impact of their AI operations to monitor emissions effectively.
• Establishing standard frameworks for emissions tracking will promote consistency and accountability within the AI industry.

Conclusion

 Integrating sustainability into the design of AI systems is crucial for ensuring their long-term viability. By finding a balance between innovation and environmental responsibility, the benefits of AI can be harnessed without compromising the planet’s future.