The recent edition of Exercise Udara Shakti was recently concluded in Malaysia.
About Exercise Udara Shakti
Udara Shakti is a bilateral air force exercise conducted between India and Malaysia.
The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance military cooperation, improve mutual understanding, and share operational expertise.
Features of the Exercise
Both India and Malaysia deploy their Sukhoi-30 fighter jets for the exercise, facilitating direct comparison and operational cooperation.
A distinctive feature of this initiative is the HOP (Hands-On Participation) Exercise, where pilots from both nations swap aircraft.
The Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) component focuses on sharing knowledge and skills in aviation and engineering specific to the Sukhoi-30 aircraft.
PYQ:
[2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?
This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operation was a goal of this operation.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the long-range glide bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’.
The test was carried out from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of IAF.
About LRGB GAURAV
LRGB Gaurav is a 1,000 kg class long-range glide bomb developed by the DRDO.
It is air-launched from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the Indian Air Force.
The bomb is designed and developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
Adani Defence and Bharat Forge participated as Development cum Production Partners in the Gaurav project.
Key Features:
It uses a hybrid navigation system that combines Inertial Navigation System (INS) with Global Positioning System (GPS) data for highly accurate targeting.
The glide bomb is capable of hitting targets at long distances, although the exact range is not publicly disclosed.
Gaurav enhances India’s precision strike capabilities, allowing for significant impact on various target types with reduced risk to aircraft.
PYQ:
[2014] Which reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q. Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (UPSC IAS/2020) Q. “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Note4Students:
Mains: Challenges due to AI in 2024;
Mentor comment: Concerns in 2024 were fueled by fears of new threats from Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Generative AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The growing potential for disinformation and cyber threats made the outlook particularly grim. The 33rd Summer Olympic Games in France during July-August 2024 were seen as prime targets for digital criminals, prompting experts to prepare for unprecedented attacks. Fortunately, the Games concluded peacefully, without any major incidents. However, the absence of a significant attack shouldn’t lead to complacency, as new digital threats continue to emerge, requiring ongoing vigilance from security agencies.
Let’s learn!
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Why in the News?
As 2024 began, there were warnings of new security threats on the horizon, and security experts around the world were preparing for a series of attacks across various areas.
Challenges due to AI in 2024:
Increased Disinformation: The year began with asurge in disinformation, particularly surrounding the Taiwanese elections in January 2024. The atmosphere was rife with fake posts and videos, largely attributed to external influences, notably China.
National Security Concerns: The combination of AI-generated disinformation and cyber attacks poses a serious threat to national security. This is particularly evident in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where both sides have employed disinformation tactics, leading to disruptions in critical infrastructure such as telecommunications and power grids.
Global Electoral Impact: As elections are scheduled in at least 64 countries in 2024, the potential for AI to disrupt electoral processes has raised alarms.
A recent software glitch in Microsoft Windows
Global Outage: The outage began on July 19, 2024, affecting Microsoft’s Azure cloud service and quickly spreading to various regions, including the United States and India.
It disrupted critical operations such as flight schedules, air traffic control, and stock exchanges, showcasing the vulnerability of interconnected systems.
Severity Rating: The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) issued a ‘critical’ severity rating for the incident, indicating the serious nature of the disruption, even though a cyberattack did not cause it.
Impact on Devices: Microsoft reported that over eight million Windows devices experienced failures due to the glitch, leading to widespread operational issues.
Many users encountered the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), which trapped them in boot loops and rendered their devices inoperable.
Do you know?
This incident recalls previous significant cyberattacks, such as WannaCry in 2017, which infected over 230,000 computers globally, and Stuxnet in 2010, which specifically targeted Iran’s nuclear program.
Steps taken by the Indian government:
• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Established to provide a comprehensive framework for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to address cyber crimes effectively. It includes various components such as the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, facilitating state coordination. •Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): It acts as the central agency to help control cybersecurity incidents and disseminate alerts. •Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative: Launched to raise awareness about cyber crimes and improve safety measures for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and IT staff across government departments. •Cyber Swachhta Kendra: This initiative focuses on detecting and removing malicious botnet programs from computers.
Way forward:
Strengthening Cybersecurity Infrastructure: The government should focus on enhancing the existing cybersecurity frameworks and expanding the capabilities of agencies like CERT-In and I4C.
Public Awareness and Education: The need to increase awareness about the risks associated with AI-generated disinformation and cyber threats is crucial. Initiatives like Cyber Surakshit Bharat should be expanded to include broader public education campaigns.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued operational guidelines for the Implementation of ‘Model Solar Village’ under PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
The centre recently allocated ₹800 crore for the same.
About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Description
Purpose
To provide 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries through an investment of ₹75,000 crores.
Deadline
Extended the deadline from 2022 to 2026.
Announcement
Initially announced in an Interim Budget 2024-25 speech by the Finance Minister.
Target
Aimed to light up 1 crore households.
Implementation
Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats are incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems.
Financial Support
Average Monthly Electricity Consumption (units)
Suitable Rooftop Solar Plant Capacity
Subsidy Support
0-150
1-2 kW
₹ 30,000 to ₹ 60,000
150-300
2-3 kW
₹ 60,000 to ₹ 78,000
> 300
Above 3 kW
₹ 78,000
Features of the ‘Model Solar Village’ Initiative:
Details
Comprehensive Solarization
Solarize all households and public areas with home lighting, water systems, pumps, and streetlights.
Seeks to create one Model Solar Village per district.
Implementing Agency
State Renewable Energy Development Agency (SREDA) or another entity nominated by the State/UT Government will implement the scheme.
24×7 Solar-Powered Village
Develop villages powered entirely by solar energy, promoting self-reliance in meeting energy needs.
Central Financial Assistance (CFA)
₹1 crore grant per village based on a Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the Implementing Agency.
The total financial allocation for this initiative is ₹800 crore.
Eligibility Criteria
Revenue village with a population over 5,000 (or 2,000 in special category states).
Based on installed renewable energy capacity, overseen by the District Level Committee (DLC) 6 months after the declaration.
Fund Disbursement
40% on the award of works, 40% after completion, 20% after 6 months of operation.
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:
1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
US Federal court ruled Google’s $26 billion payments to default on smartphone browsers violated US antitrust law, blocking competitors and benefiting the Justice Department.
About Google’s Antitrust Case
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) brought an antitrust case against Google, accusing it of maintaining a monopoly in the online search and advertising sectors.
The DOJ argued that Google’s dominance was achieved through exclusive distribution agreements, which prevented competitors from succeeding in the market.
What Did the Ruling State?
Google Monopolistic Practices: Google broke antitrust laws to keep its monopoly on “general search services” and “general search text ads.”
Note: The Sherman Antitrust Act is a landmark U.S. federal law enacted in 1890 to promote competition and prevent monopolistic practices.
Advantageous position due to the “default” search engine: The Google company has an unseen advantage over its competitors where it’s search engine processes an estimated 8.5 billion queries per day worldwide.
The present judgment by US District of Colombia limits itself to the relevant geographic market of the US.
Paying billions to smartphone makers: Google was accused of paying billions to smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung to ensure Google was the default search engine on their devices and browsers.
How Do Monopolistic Practices Harm Consumer Experience?
Impact on Competition: Monopolistic practices, like those exhibited by Google, stifle competition by preventing rivals from entering the market and can lead to higher prices and reduced innovation.
Unfair Platform for Start-ups: The new start-ups would have to surmount the entry barriers to create a GSE of comparable quality to Google. These barriers would cost high capital, access to distribution channels, and brand recognition.
Quality Degradation: A monopolist may lose the incentive to improve the quality of its products, as there is little risk of losing customers to competitors.
The ruling highlighted that Google conducted a study in 2020 that showed it would not lose search revenue even if it significantly reduced the quality of its search product.
Limites the choices of consumer: When a company holds a monopoly, consumers are often left with few alternatives, allowing the monopolist to exploit its position.
Government Initiatives taken in India for similar line:
The Draft Competition Bill 2024: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ Bill prevents giant tech companies/ Systemically Significant Digital Enterprises (SSDEs) from participating in anti-competitive practices.
The Bill imposes restrictions on SSDEs, barring them from favouring their own products and services, and from using or sharing users’ personal data without their consent.
Big tech companies have objected to the Bill because the compliance burdens would shift focus from innovation and research.
Way forward:
Encouraging Innovation: Governments and regulatory bodies should support the development of alternative search engines and platforms through incentives, grants, and support for startups.
Banning Exclusive Agreements: Prohibit exclusive distribution agreements that make one product or service the default, ensuring that consumers have a choice and that competitors can fairly compete.
Mains question for practice:
Q Discuss the significance of India’s Competition Act, 2002 in regulating anti-competitive practices and promoting a fair market environment. 10M
While vital for treating infections, antibiotics can disrupt the microbiome by indiscriminately killing both harmful pathogens and beneficial gut bacteria, especially broad-spectrum types.
Various roles played by Antibiotics (Applications):
Treatment of Infections
Antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections, significantly reducing mortality rates associated with infectious diseases
For example, penicillin and other antibiotics, the mortality rate from strep throat dropped dramatically from 1% to less than 0.1%.
Preventing Disease Spread
Treating bacterial infections, antibiotics can prevent the spread of disease to other individuals
For instance, during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, antibiotics were used to treat secondary bacterial pneumonia, which was a major cause of death.
Reducing Complications
Antibiotics can reduce the risk of serious complications from bacterial infections.
For instance, In the case of urinary tract infections (UTIs), untreated infections can lead to kidney damage or life-threatening conditions like sepsis. However, with prompt antibiotic treatment, the risk of complications is greatly reduced
Supporting Medical Procedures
Antibiotics are used prophylactically to prevent infections before certain medical procedures
For example in surgery
Concerning Aspects of Antibiotic Use
Dysbiosis: The disruption of the microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can lead to severe health issues, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Increased Infection Risk: Antibiotics can reduce colonization resistance, which is the microbiome’s ability to prevent pathogenic microorganisms from establishing infections. This reduction increases the risk of infections by harmful bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Overuse of antibiotics contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance, making it more challenging to treat infections. The global crisis of antibiotic resistance is exacerbated by the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes within the gut microbiota due to antibiotic exposure.
Long-term Health Consequences: Repeated antibiotic use can prevent full recovery of the microbiome, leading to chronic health issues. Research shows that children who receive multiple courses of antibiotics are at higher risk for developing conditions like IBD later in life.
Impact on Other Organ Systems: Dysbiosis can affect various organ systems through gut-organ axes, influencing conditions such as mental health disorders (via the gut-brain axis), liver diseases (via the gut-liver axis), and skin conditions (via the gut-skin axis) due to altered immune responses and increased permeability.
Government initiatives:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated an antibiotic stewardship program (AMSP) on a pilot basis in 20 tertiary care hospitals across India to control the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in hospital wards and ICUs.
ICMR collaborated with the Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries, and the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to ban the use of Colistin as a growth promoter in animal feed in poultry.
The Government of India launched the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) in April 2017, focusing on a One Health approach.
Way forward:
Antibiotic Stewardship Programs: Implement and promote antibiotic stewardship programs in healthcare settings to ensure antibiotics are prescribed only when necessary and with the appropriate dosage and duration.
Probiotic Supplementation: Encourage the use of probiotics alongside antibiotic treatments to help maintain a healthy microbiome and mitigate the risks of dysbiosis and related health issues.
Mains PYQ:
Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (2014)
A new calculation suggests that climate models might be overestimating how long plants keep carbon before releasing it as per the recent study published in Science by an international research team.
Study by an International Team of Researchers:
A recent study published in Science by an international research team suggests that plants absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere than previously thought but release it back into their surroundings sooner than expected.
Researchers utilized climate models to analyze the impact of radiocarbon (carbon-14) from nuclear bomb tests on the carbon cycle. They tracked changes in radiocarbon levels in the atmosphere and how it was absorbed by plants during photosynthesis.
The study estimates that plants store around 80 billion tonnes of carbon per year, primarily in leaves and finer roots, which is higher than previous estimates of 43-76 billion tonnes. This indicates that plants may be cycling carbon through the atmosphere and soil more rapidly than previously thought.
Study from the Relics of the Cold War:
The nuclear bomb tests conducted during the Cold War inadvertently provided scientists with valuable data for climate research.
The tests released significant amounts of radiocarbon into the atmosphere, allowing researchers to study its movement and absorption by vegetation.
The presence of radiocarbon in the atmosphere serves as a marker for understanding carbon dynamics.
The study analyzed the radiocarbon levels before and after the 1963 Limited Test Ban Treaty, which halted atmospheric nuclear testing, providing insights into how carbon is cycled between the atmosphere and vegetation.
The study highlights that many climate models have not incorporated radiocarbon data, which could lead to inaccuracies in predicting carbon cycling and its impact on climate change.
Only one model, the Community Earth System Model 2, has accounted for radiocarbon, but it predicted lower absorption levels than the study found.
How the Whole System is Cycling Faster?
Accelerated Carbon Exchange: The researchers concluded that the entire carbon cycle is operating faster than previously understood.
This means that while plants absorb more CO2, they also release it back into the atmosphere more quickly, leading to a more dynamic and less stable carbon storage system.
Implications for Climate Mitigation: The findings suggest that strategies relying on plant carbon sequestration to offset fossil fuel emissions may need to be reevaluated.
If plants are releasing carbon sooner than expected, the potential for mitigating climate change through natural carbon sinks could be less effective than previously thought.
Way forward:
Incorporate Radiocarbon Data: Integrate radiocarbon data into existing and future climate models to more accurately predict carbon cycling and the role of vegetation in carbon sequestration. This will lead to more reliable forecasts of climate change impacts and inform better policy decisions.
Develop Dynamic Carbon Cycle Models: Improve models to account for the faster carbon cycling observed, ensuring they reflect the actual pace at which carbon is absorbed and released by plants. This will help in refining strategies for climate mitigation.
Japanese authorities have warned its citizens of a ‘megaquake’ and large tsunamis along the Nankai Trough.
What is the Nankai Trough?
The Nankai Trough is an extensive subduction zone, nearly 900 km long.
It is the place of collision of the Eurasian Plate over the Philippine Sea Plate.
This trough has a history of producing large earthquakes approximately every 100 to 150 years.
The most recent Nankai Trough quake happened in 1946 with magnitude 8.0 tremor and 6.9 metre tsunami, killing 1,330 people.
Potential for a Megaquake:
Japan’s researchers estimated in January 2022 that there is a roughly 70% chance of a magnitude 8-9 megaquake striking the Nankai Trough within next 30 years.
Such a quake could affect a vast region stretching from central Shizuoka, about 150 km south of Tokyo, to southwestern Miyazaki.
PYQ:
[2014] Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.
![[13th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Disinformation, AI and ‘cyber chakravyuh’](https://www.civilsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/13-Aug-1568x882.jpg)
