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IIT Kharagpur director writes: What we are doing for future workers in a world of AI
Central idea
Key Highlights:
- IIT Kharagpur’s history dates back to 1950, founded on the recommendations of the Sarkar Committee.
- The institute has evolved over seven decades, hosting thousands of students, faculty, and employees across diverse disciplines.
- Multidisciplinary research initiatives align with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
- Major strategic initiatives include the introduction of an MBBS program, Interdisciplinary Dual Degree Programs, and extended research or industry internships for UG students.
Key Challenges:
- Balancing academic and research pursuits with industry collaboration remains crucial.
- Encouraging innovation and risk-taking within the ecosystem to retain talent and curb brain drain.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, multidisciplinary research, Interdisciplinary Dual Degree Programs, self-reliance, Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Key Quotes:
- “Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers is transformational.”
- “Our scriptures speak of Eshah Panthah — a self-sufficient India. The culture and tradition of India speak of self-reliance.”
Key Examples and References:
- IIT Kharagpur’s contributions include the development of the COVIRAP diagnostic test kit for Covid-19, painless needle, 2G Ethanol, and waste management technologies.
- Record-breaking placements, Centres of Excellence, and collaborations with tech giants highlight the institute’s achievements.
Key Facts and Data:
- IIT Kharagpur accommodates over 16,630 students, 746 faculty members, and 887 employees.
- The institute engages in research across 12 major areas, including advanced materials, energy sustainability, healthcare, and space.
Critical Analysis:
- The institute’s focus on STEM research, educational foundations, and entrepreneurship aligns with the vision of building a self-sufficient India.
- Challenges include retaining talent and fostering a culture of innovation within the ecosystem.
Way Forward:
- Continue strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to enhance research impact.
- Foster innovation, risk-taking, and entrepreneurship to create an ecosystem that retains talent and contributes to building a self-reliant nation.
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Subaltern Hindutva and the crucial social justice test
Central idea
The BJP’s success in recent Assembly elections, marked by significant support from marginalized social groups, challenges its previous image as a party of social elites. Under the umbrella of “Subaltern Hindutva,” the party employs strategies that include general welfare measures and addressing grievances of non-dominant OBC castes. However, the gap between mobilization tactics and substantive issues like economic empowerment and political representation for Dalit-Bahujan groups requires attention.
Key Highlights:
- The BJP has gained significant support from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in recent Assembly elections, challenging its earlier perception as a party of social elites.
- The phenomenon of “Subaltern Hindutva” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has contributed to the BJP’s success in mobilizing marginalized social groups.
- The BJP’s strategies include general welfare measures, addressing grievances of non-dominant OBC castes, and engaging lower strata through emotive narratives about their history, icons, and caste pride.
Key Challenges:
- Despite electoral gains, there is a gap between the BJP’s mobilization strategies and addressing substantive issues such as land distribution, representation in power, and economic participation for Dalit-Bahujan groups.
- The Bihar Caste Survey report reveals the precarious economic conditions, social insecurities, and lack of basic entitlements for Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Dalits, emphasizing the need for more inclusive policies.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Subaltern Hindutva
- Marginalized social groups
- Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs)
- Social justice policies
- Neo-liberal economic growth
- Democratisation of top political positions
- Social elites
- Communal rhetoric
- Ecological perspectives of Adivasis
- Democratization of power
Key Quotes:
- “With the arrival of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India, there has been an elevation of the party as one for the socially marginalized Hindu masses — a phenomenon now understood under the ‘Subaltern Hindutva’ rubric.”
- “The BJP’s ‘Subaltern Hindutva’ strategies offer no mandate to satisfy the aspirations of the worst-off social groups.”
- “The BJP must pass the social justice test as sections among the historically disadvantaged have moved to the BJP with deep expectations for their economic welfare and elevated political participation.”
Critical Analysis:
- The BJP’s focus on emotive narratives and cultural events has succeeded in mobilizing marginalized groups, but substantive issues of economic empowerment and political representation need more attention.
- The Bihar Caste Survey underscores the continued challenges faced by EBCs and Dalits, indicating the need for the BJP to engage with these issues more effectively.
- Inclusivity in policies, representation in power, and equitable economic opportunities are crucial for the BJP to substantiate its commitment to the welfare of India’s subaltern masses.
Way Forward:
- The BJP should align its strategies with addressing the economic, social, and political challenges faced by Dalit-Bahujan groups, ensuring their meaningful participation in India’s development.
- Effective implementation of policies to uplift marginalized social groups is essential to make the BJP a substantive democratic party with a commitment to social justice.
- Engaging with the concerns of social justice and ensuring the emergence of subaltern leaders in various spheres will contribute to a more inclusive and democratic political landscape.
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Questionable searches under the Money Laundering Act
Central idea
The Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) emphasizes a strict application tied to scheduled offences and the definition of “proceeds of crime.” Criticism of the Enforcement Directorate’s actions highlights the need for probity and fairness, urging consistency in procedures. The issue raises concerns about potential abuse of authority and its impact on federalism, necessitating clear jurisdictional delineation.
Key Highlights:
- Supreme Court Interpretation: The Supreme Court’s unique interpretation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) has raised concerns, limiting its application to “wrongful and illegal gain of property” related to scheduled offences.
- Definition of “Proceeds of Crime”: The Court emphasized that for the PMLA to apply, the property must qualify as “proceeds of crime” under Section 2(1)(u) of the Act.
- Critical Observations on ED: Instances of Enforcement Directorate (ED) actions beyond its powers, especially arrests, led to severe criticism. The court highlighted the need for the ED to function with “utmost probity, dispassion, and fairness.”
Key Challenges:
- Inconsistent ED Practices: The Court noted the lack of consistent and uniform practices within the ED, especially in furnishing written copies of arrest grounds, raising concerns about procedural irregularities.
- Abuse of Authority: The ED’s conduct in conducting searches, seizures, and arrests outside its powers resulted in strong criticism, pointing to potential abuse of authority.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Scheduled Offence: Offences specified in the schedule of the PMLA Act to which the Act’s provisions apply.
- Proceeds of Crime: Property derived or obtained as a result of criminal activity relating to a scheduled offence.
Key Quotes and Statements:
- “If the offence so reported is a scheduled offence, only in that eventuality, the property recovered by the Authorised Officer would partake the colour of proceeds of crime…”
- “The ED, mantled with far-reaching powers under the stringent Act of 2002, must be seen to be acting with utmost probity, dispassion, and fairness.”
Key Examples:
- Vijay Madanlal Choudhary Case: The Supreme Court’s interpretation in the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary case set the precedent, emphasizing the need for the existence of “proceeds of crime” for PMLA application.
- Pankaj Bansal Case: The Court’s criticism of the ED’s style of functioning in the Pankaj Bansal case highlighted the importance of adherence to probity and fairness.
Critical Analysis: The Court’s focus on the stringent application of PMLA provisions, especially tying them to scheduled offences and the definition of “proceeds of crime,” reflects a commitment to precision and legal rigor. The criticism of ED practices underscores the significance of maintaining ethical standards in enforcement agencies.
Way Forward:
- Procedural Consistency: Enforcement agencies, particularly the ED, need to establish consistent and uniform practices, ensuring transparency and adherence to legal procedures.
- Judicial Scrutiny: Ongoing cases, especially those involving political implications, should undergo thorough judicial scrutiny to prevent potential abuse of authority and protect the principles of federalism.
- Clarity on Jurisdiction: The ED’s jurisdiction, especially in non-scheduled offences like illegal mining, should be clarified to avoid overreach, respecting the powers vested with the State governments.
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Volcanic Eruption in Iceland
Central Idea
- A volcanic eruption occurred near Iceland’s capital between Sýlingarfell and Hagafell, near the town of Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Iceland: ‘Land of Fire and Ice’
- Geographical Location: Iceland is situated just south of the Arctic Circle in the North Atlantic Ocean.
- Tectonic Setting: The country lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, marking the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
- Unique Landscape: Iceland’s landscape features geysers, glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, and lava fields, housing 33 active volcanoes – the highest number in Europe.
- Historical Settlement: The first human settlement in Iceland dates back to 874 by Norsemen from Scandinavia, leading to the founding of Reykjavik.
Recent Volcanic Activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula
- Historical Dormancy: The Reykjanes Peninsula had not experienced volcanic eruptions for 800 years until recently.
- Recent Eruptions: The current eruption is the fourth in less than three years on the peninsula, indicating a potential new era of volcanic activity.
- Eyjafjallajokull Eruption: The last major volcanic event in Iceland that gained global attention was the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull.
- Eruption Timeline and Impact: The volcano erupted twice in March and April 2010, spreading an ash cloud across continents and disrupting air traffic on the North Atlantic route for six days – the longest disruption since World War II.
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Vipassana: the Ancient Buddhist Meditation Practice
Central Idea
- A political leader is set to attend a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat in Punjab, skipping a summons by the Enforcement Directorate.
About Vipassana
Details Meaning “To see things as they really are” Origin Rooted in Buddhism, attributed to Gautama Buddha, rediscovered and refined by him over 2,500 years ago. Historical Roots Preserved in Theravada Buddhism, especially in Myanmar; based on teachings in the “Satipatthana Sutta.” Technique Mindfulness or insight meditation focusing on the interconnection between mind and body through physical sensations. Practice Observing natural breath and bodily sensations, understanding their impermanent nature, typically taught in 10-day retreats. Goal Self-transformation through self-observation, leading to improved mental clarity and insight. Non-Sectarian Taught as a universal practice, suitable for all backgrounds. Global Spread Popularized globally by S.N. Goenka and others in the 20th century. Retreats Offered worldwide, often free of charge, funded by donations. Scientific Research Studies show benefits in stress reduction, mental health, and treatment of substance abuse. Code of Discipline Includes abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual activity, false speech, and intoxicants during courses. -
SAMAR Air Defence System
Central Idea
- In a major success for its in-house design and development efforts, the Indian Air Force has successfully testfired its SAMAR air defence missile system.
About SAMAR Air Defence System
Details Full Name Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR) Type Short-range air-defence system Developed By A unit under the IAF’s Maintenance Command Range 10–12 km Target Low-flying aerial targets Speed Missiles operating at a speed range of 2 to 2.5 Mach Key Features – Uses existing inventory of Vympel R-73E missiles – Twin-turret launch platform
– Capable of single and salvo modes
Role in Defence Supplementing IAF’s Akash and SPYDER systems, replacing older systems like Pechora and OSA-AK Deployment Not specified https://www.hindustantimes.com/videos/world-news/indian-missile-shield-against-potential-threats-from-pak-china-iaf-samar-system-in-action-101702815648038.html
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Prehistoric Andriamamelo Cave Art in Madagascar
Central Idea
- Unique prehistoric rock art has been found in the Andriamamelo Cave in western Madagascar, marking a first for the island.
- It reveals pictorial art with nature, human-like, and animal-like figures.
Andriamamelo Cave Art: Key Features
- Beyond Basic Symbols: Previously, Madagascar’s rock art mainly featured basic symbols. The new findings depict more complex scenes and figures.
- Egyptian Religious Motifs: Some scenes bear a resemblance to motifs from Egypt’s Ptolemaic period (300-30 BCE). Major images hint at Egyptian deities like Horus, Thoth, Ma`at, and Anubis.
- Ethiopian and Afro-Arab Connections: Symbols and writings suggest cultural links to the Ethiopian and Afro-Arab worlds.
- Borneo Cave Art Style: The art shares similarities with a two-millennia-old cave art style from Borneo.
- Depiction of Extinct Animals: The art may depict at least three extinct animals of Madagascar, including a giant sloth lemur, elephant birds, and a giant tortoise.
- Mysterious M-Figures: The ubiquitous M-shaped symbol matches the Amharic alphabet’s “hawt” and is linked to the concept of the “breath of life” in some Austronesian languages.
- Absence of Modern and Religious Symbols: The art lacks Christian, Muslim, Hindu symbols, and modern motifs, indicating its ancient origins.
Dating Challenges and Speculations
- Difficulty in Dating: Direct dating of the cave art is challenging due to the inorganic nature of the black pigment.
- Estimated Age: The presence of extinct animals and absence of modern symbols suggest the art could be around 2,000 years old.
- Potential Historical Evidence: The art might provide insights into who colonized Madagascar and when.
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Outcomes of COP28: Progress and Challenges in Climate Action
Central Idea
- Annual Climate Summit: The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) was held in Dubai, under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- High Expectations: There were significant expectations for countries to take decisive steps in addressing the climate crisis.
- Key Focus Areas: Discussions at COP28 revolved around mitigation, adaptation, finance, and the differing responsibilities of developed and developing nations.
Early Developments: Loss and Damage Fund
- COP27 Agreement Follow-up: After agreeing to create the ‘Loss and Damage’ (L&D) fund at COP27, COP28 focused on its operationalization.
- Funding Challenges: Despite the need for substantial funding, contributions have been limited, with the U.S. pledging only $17.5 million.
- Administration and Access Concerns: The World Bank’s role in overseeing the fund raised issues regarding access, legal autonomy, and responsiveness to emergencies.
Emissions Reduction and Energy Transition
- Global Stocktake Findings: The first global stocktake (GST) assessed progress towards the Paris Agreement goals.
- Fossil Fuel Transition: A commitment was made to move away from fossil fuels in energy systems, to triple renewable and nuclear energy capacity by 2030.
- Continued Use in Other Sectors: Fossil fuels remain in use in sectors like plastics, transport, and agriculture.
- Transitional Fuels and Climate Justice: The acceptance of natural gas as a transitional fuel was seen as a compromise on climate justice.
Financial Mechanisms for Climate Action
- Developed Nations’ Responsibility: The GST framework emphasized the leading role of developed nations in climate finance.
- Private Sector Involvement: The role of private investment in addressing financial gaps was acknowledged.
- Green Finance Initiatives: New mechanisms, including a $3.5 billion boost to the Green Climate Fund, were established to support sustainable practices in developing countries.
India’s Stance on Climate and Health Declaration
- UAE Declaration on Climate and Health: This declaration, partnered with the World Health Organisation, was signed by 123 countries but not by India.
- India’s Concerns: India refrained from signing due to potential impacts on its growing healthcare infrastructure and the need to prioritize healthcare requirements.
Global Methane Pledge and India’s Position
- Renewed Focus on Methane: The pledge received attention with over $1 billion in new grants for methane reduction projects.
- India’s Non-Participation: India did not sign the pledge, focusing instead on carbon dioxide emissions and considering the livelihood implications of methane reduction in agriculture.
Assessment of COP28: Achievements and Shortcomings
- Positive Developments: Notable achievements included the climate and health declaration, emphasis on nature-based solutions, and commitments to sustainable food systems.
- Contentious Issues: Disagreements persisted over fossil-fuel subsidies, the role of the World Bank in the L&D fund, and private sector engagement in climate action.
- Mixed Outcomes: While renewable energy targets marked progress, unresolved issues regarding L&D, fossil fuel use, and transitional fuels indicated ongoing challenges.
Conclusion
- Balancing Act: COP28 showcased the intricate balance between ambitious climate goals and the practical realities of economic and social factors.
- Continued Dialogue: The outcomes reflect the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to address the multifaceted aspects of climate change and sustainable development.
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In news: Mullaperiyar Dam
Central Idea
- Tamil Nadu cancelled the decision to open the spillway shutters of Mullaperiyar dam after a lull in rainfall and reduced inflow of water to the dam.
Do you know?
The Mullaperiyar dam is located in Kerala on the river Periyar but is operated and maintained by the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
John Pennycuick (the architect of this dam) sold his family property in England to mobilize money to fund the project! People of the region fondly name their children under his name a remark of reverence.
Mullaperiyar Dam
- It is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar River in Kerala.
- It is located on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats in Thekkady, Idukki District.
- It was constructed between 1887 and 1895 by John Pennycuick (who was born in Pune) and also reached in an agreement to divert water eastwards to the Madras Presidency area.
- It has a height of 53.6 m (176 ft) from the foundation, and a length of 365.7 m (1,200 ft).
Operational issue
- The dam is located in Kerala but is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu.
- The catchment area of the Mullaperiyar Dam itself lies entirely in Kerala and thus not an inter-State river.
- In November 2014, the water level hit 142 feet for first time in 35 years.
- The reservoir again hit the maximum limit of 142 feet in August 2018, following incessant rains in the state of Kerala.
- Indeed, the tendency to store water to almost the full level of reservoirs is becoming a norm among water managers across States.
Dispute: Control and safety of the dam
- Supreme court judgment came in February 2006, has allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the level of the dam to 152 ft (46 m) after strengthening it.
- Responding to it, the Mullaperiyar dam was declared an ‘endangered’ scheduled dam by the Kerala Government under the disputed Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2006.
- For Tamil Nadu, the Mullaperiyar dam and the diverted Periyar waters act as a lifeline for Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, Dindigul and Ramnad districts.
- Tamil Nadu has insisted on exercising the unfettered colonial rights to control the dam and its waters, based on the 1886 lease agreement.
Rule of Curve issue
- A rule curve or rule level specifies the storage or empty space to be maintained in a reservoir during different times of the year.
- It decides the fluctuating storage levels in a reservoir.
- The gate opening schedule of a dam is based on the rule curve. It is part of the “core safety” mechanism in a dam.
- The TN government often blames Kerala for delaying the finalization of the rule curve.
Back2Basics: Periyar River
- The Periyar is the longest river in the state of Kerala with a length of 244 km.
- It is also known as ‘Lifeline of Kerala’ as it is one of the few perennial rivers in the state.
- It originates from Sivagiri hills of Western Ghats and flows through the Periyar National Park.
- The main tributaries of Periyar are Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni, Perinjankutti.