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  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    Govt. introduces Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha     

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: About NDMA

    Mains level: Roles and functions of NDMA

    Why in the news?

    Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai presented the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

    Proposed Provisions in the Bill

    • Creation of a Disaster Database: The Bill mandates the establishment of a comprehensive disaster database at both national and state levels, which will include disaster assessments, fund allocation details, expenditures, preparedness and mitigation plans, and a risk register based on the type and severity of risks.
    • Urban Disaster Management Authority: It proposes the formation of an “Urban Disaster Management Authority” for state capitals and large cities with municipal corporations, aimed at enhancing local disaster management capabilities.
    • Empowerment of NDMA and SDMAs: The Bill empowers the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to prepare disaster management plans, replacing the previous role of the National Executive Committee and State Executive Committees.
    • Periodic Risk Assessment: The NDMA is tasked with periodically assessing the entire range of disaster risks in the country, including emerging risks due to extreme climate events.
    • Statutory Status for Pre-Act Organizations: The Bill provides statutory recognition to certain pre-existing organizations, such as the National Crisis Management Committee and the High-Level Committee.
    • Penalties for Non-Compliance: It includes provisions allowing the Central and State governments to impose penalties for actions that hinder disaster management efforts, with fines not exceeding ₹10,000.

    Substantial Questions on Excessive Powers

    • Concerns Over Central Authority: Opposition members, including Congress leader Manish Tewari, raised concerns that the Bill grants excessive rule-making powers to the Central government, potentially encroaching upon the legislative powers reserved for State governments.
    • Constitutional Validity: Questions were raised regarding the constitutional basis for the Bill, as disaster management is not explicitly mentioned in the subjects of the Concurrent List.
    • Multiplicity of Authorities: Critics, including Trinamool Congress member Sougata Roy, expressed concerns that the creation of multiple authorities could lead to confusion and bureaucratic inefficiencies, potentially hampering effective disaster response.

    Need to aim for more clarity

    • Clarification of roles: The Bill aims to bring more clarity and convergence in the roles of various authorities and committees involved in disaster management, addressing the need for streamlined coordination among stakeholders.
    • Enhanced Local Management: By empowering local authorities through the establishment of Urban Disaster Management Authorities, the Bill seeks to ensure that disaster management plans are more relevant and tailored to specific regional challenges.
    • Alignment with Development Plans: The Bill emphasizes the need to mainstream disaster management into development plans, aligning with recommendations from the Fifteenth Finance Commission and ensuring that disaster risk reduction is integrated into broader governance frameworks.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Collaboration with State Governments: To address concerns about excessive central authority and potential overlaps with state powers, it is crucial to establish a framework for ongoing collaboration between the Central and State Disaster Management Authorities.
    • Implementing a Comprehensive Training and Capacity-Building Program: The successful implementation of the proposed Urban Disaster Management Authorities and the broader disaster management framework will depend on the capacity of local officials and stakeholders.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q  Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (2020)

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  • Government Budgets

    On discarding indexation for LTCG    

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Indexation, Capital Gains Tax Regime.

    Mains level: Significance of indexation

    Why in the news?

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s decision to eliminate indexation for calculating long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax in the Union Budget has received a lukewarm response from stakeholders.

    Changes in the LTCG Regime

    • The new LTCG regime removes the indexation benefit for property, gold, and other unlisted assets.
    • The LTCG tax rate is reduced from 20% to 12.5%.
    • For assets purchased before 2001, the fair market value as of April 1, 2001, is considered the cost of acquisition.

    What is long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax? 

    • LTCG refers to the profit realized from the sale of an asset that has been held for more than one year. This includes various types of assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and mutual funds. 
    • If an asset is sold before this holding period, the gains are classified as short-term capital gains (STCG) and are taxed at different rates.

    Why has the Union Finance Minister done away with indexation for computing long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax?

    • Simplification of Tax Computation: The Finance Minister proposed the change to “ease computation of capital gains for the taxpayer and tax administration.” The intention is to simplify the tax process.
    • Uniform Tax Rate: Long-term gains on all financial and non-financial assets would now be taxed at a flat rate of 12.5%, replacing the previous tiered structure.
    • High real estate return: The Income Tax department believes that the real estate returns (12-16% per annum) are higher than indexation for inflation (4-5%). Thus, it predicts “substantial tax savings” for a “vast majority” of taxpayers under the new system.

    What is indexation?

    • Indexation is a mechanism used to adjust the original purchase price of an asset to account for inflation. It helps in calculating the real gains and prevents inflation from inflating the tax liability. The adjusted purchase price is called the indexed cost of acquisition.

    How does Indexation help in Tax Savings?

    • Adjusts the purchase price for inflation: Indexation increases the original purchase price of an asset to account for inflation between the time of purchase and sale. This results in a lower taxable capital gain.
    • Reduces the taxable capital gains: By revising the purchase price upwards using the Cost Inflation Index, indexation reduces the difference between the sale price and purchase price. This lowers the taxable capital gains amount.
    • Leads to lower tax liability: With a reduced taxable capital gain, the tax payable on it also decreases. For example, on a ₹48 lakh gain from selling a house, indexation can bring down the taxable gain to ₹28.6 lakh, saving ₹4,264 in tax (assuming 20% LTCG rate).

    What has been the feedback from corporates and industry regarding the move?

    • Concerns Over Increased Tax Liability: Many stakeholders expressed apprehension that the removal of indexation would lead to higher tax obligations for ordinary investors, particularly in the real estate sector.
      • There are fears that this might encourage the undervaluation of properties to reduce capital gains tax and potentially increase black money transactions in real estate.
    • Mixed Reactions from Realty Players: While some real estate developers and consultants indicated that the removal of indexation might not significantly impact demand and prices, especially for primary home buyers, they noted that high-end properties could see a drop in demand.
      • Some developers viewed the changes positively and said that the lowered tax rate (from 20% to 12.5%) could make real estate a more attractive long-term investment.
    • Government Justifications and Clarifications: The government has argued that the new tax regime simplifies the capital gains tax structure and is beneficial for most taxpayers.

    Way forward: 

    • Transitional Provisions: Govt. should implement transitional provisions for existing investments to ease the shift from the old system to the new one.
    • Strengthen the monitoring system: Need to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent the undervaluation of properties and reduce black money transactions.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long-term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019. (UPSC IAS/2018)

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    AI needs cultural policies, not just regulation    

    Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Large Language Models (LLMs)

    Mains level: Challenges related to the data source used by AI

    Why in the news?

    Only by providing fair and broad access to data can we unlock AI’s full potential and ensure its benefits are shared equitably.

    Present Scenario of ‘Data Race vs. Ethics’

    • Data Demand vs. Quality: The race for data has intensified as AI systems, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), require vast amounts of high-quality data for training. 
      • However, there is a growing concern that this demand may compromise ethical standards, leading to the use of pirated or low-quality datasets, such as the controversial ‘Books3’ collection of pirated texts.

    What are Large Language Models (LLMs)?

    Large Language Models (LLMs) are advanced AI systems that can understand and generate human-like text by learning from vast amounts of data, enabling a wide range of language-related applications.

     

    • Feedback Loops and Bias Amplification: The reliance on existing datasets can create feedback loops that exacerbate biases present in the data.
      • As AI models are trained on flawed datasets, they may perpetuate and amplify these biases, resulting in skewed outputs that reflect an unbalanced and often Anglophone-centric worldview.
    • Ethical Considerations: The urgency to acquire data can overshadow ethical considerations. This raises questions about the fairness and accountability of AI systems, as they may be built on datasets that do not represent the diversity of human knowledge and culture.

    Challenges towards the Sources

    • Lack of Primary Sources: Current LLMs are primarily trained on secondary sources, which often lack the depth and richness of primary cultural artefacts.
      • Important primary sources, such as archival documents and oral traditions, are frequently overlooked, limiting the diversity of data available for AI training.
    • Underutilization of Cultural Heritage: Many repositories of cultural heritage, such as state archives, remain untapped for AI training.
      • These archives contain vast amounts of linguistic and cultural data that could enhance AI’s understanding of humanity’s diverse history and knowledge.
    • Digital Divide: The digitization of cultural heritage is often deprioritized, leading to a lack of access to valuable data that could benefit AI development.
      • This gap in data availability disproportionately affects smaller companies and startups, hindering innovation and competition with larger tech firms.

    Case Studies from Italy and Canada

    • Italy’s Digital Library Initiative: Italy allocated €500 million from its ‘Next Generation EU’ package to develop a ‘Digital Library’ project aimed at making its rich cultural heritage accessible as open data. However, this initiative has faced setbacks and deprioritization, highlighting the challenges of sustaining investment in cultural digitization.
    • Canada’s Official Languages Act: This policy, once criticized for being wasteful, ultimately produced one of the most valuable datasets for training translation software.

    Conclusion: There is a need to implement robust ethical guidelines and standards for data collection and usage in AI training. These standards should ensure that datasets are sourced legally, represent diverse cultures and perspectives, and minimize biases. Encourage collaborations between tech companies, governments, and cultural institutions to develop and adhere to these guidelines.

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  • Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Global Implications

     Why the Ukraine war makes India and Europe important for each other?    

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Bordering countries of Russia and Ukraine

    Mains level: India’s geopolitical priorities

    Why in the news?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to Ukraine next month should signify a reconfiguration of India’s strategy towards European security.

    European Scenario

    • The war in Ukraine has put the question of Europe right at the top of India’s international agenda, necessitating a reconfiguration of India’s approach to European security.
    • India should see the war in Ukraine as an imperative for long overdue re-engagement with European peace and security, moving beyond treating it as a “pressure point” from the West or a moment for solidarity with Russia.
    • Europe is facing hard geopolitical dilemmas, torn between criticizing China, pleasing the US, and dealing with a resentful Russia willing to restructure the European security order.
    • India’s peace diplomacy in Ukraine, even in a limited way, would be worthwhile given the implications of the war for the Indian economy and security, as history shows that China benefits from conflicts between Russia and the West.

    India’s Priorities

    • Re-engagement with European Security: The war in Ukraine has prompted India to reassess its approach to European geopolitics, which has been largely neglected in recent decades. India aims to strengthen its political and diplomatic ties with Europe, recognizing it as a crucial economic partner and a significant source of technology.
    • Balancing Relations with Russia and the West: India has maintained a careful balance in its relations with Russia while also courting Western powers. The historical ties with Russia, particularly in defence and energy, remain vital for India, especially as it increases its imports of discounted Russian oil.
    • Addressing Security Challenges: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has complicated India’s security landscape, particularly with China’s growing ties to Russia and its strategic manoeuvres in Europe. India should navigate these complexities while ensuring its own security interests are safeguarded.
    • Promoting Peace Diplomacy: India is positioning itself as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the importance of peace and dialogue. This diplomatic role not only enhances India’s global standing but also aligns with its long-term interests in promoting stability in a multipolar world.

    Future outlook

    • India’s evolving global priorities reflect its ambition to assert itself as a significant player in international affairs, pursuing economic growth, security, and sustainable development while contributing to the emergence of a multipolar world order.
    • India’s role in shaping the future of global governance will continue to evolve as it navigates complex geopolitical dynamics and works towards its national interests and the common good of the international community.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely visit to Ukraine next month should mark a reconfiguration of India’s approach to European security, as the return of war to Europe has created multiple economic challenges for India and complicated its security challenges.

    Way forward: 

    • Proactive Diplomacy: India should actively engage with European countries and institutions to strengthen political and diplomatic ties.
    • Peace Mediation Efforts: India can leverage its neutral stance and diplomatic relations to facilitate peace dialogues and mediation efforts in the Ukraine conflict.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Myanmar

    The different armed groups of Myanmar     

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Bordering state with Myanmar

    Mains level: Role of India in Myanmar

    Why in the news?

    On July 25, Myanmar’s junta and an ethnic group both claimed control of Lashio’s military command after clashes began on July 3.

    Background

    • The 2021 Military coup in Myanmar triggered sustained violent resistance which undermined military control.
    • Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) and resistance groups, including the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) and the Brotherhood Alliance, have made significant territorial gains. 
    • The military’s fragile ceasefires have collapsed, leading to a loss of control in strategic areas, including Lashio, with reinforcements now concentrated near Mandalay.

    The dominance of the Arakan Army

    • Large parts of Rakhine province have fallen under the control of the Arakan Army, an ethnic Rakhine Buddhist armed group.
    • The Arakan Army has seized territories on the borders with Bangladesh, including towns like Buthidaung, and is advancing towards important port cities on the Bay of Bengal coast like Kyauk Phyu, Sittwe, and Ngapali.
    • Control over these coastal areas gives the Arakan Army leverage to impact the implementation of infrastructure projects like China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Kyauk Phyu and India’s Kaladan project in Sittwe.

    Objectives of Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs)

    • Major EAOs have refrained from declaring independence or creating new sovereign states, likely to avoid rallying renewed support for the military.
    • EAOs aim to establish a genuine federal democratic structure with maximum autonomy for provinces, with some advocating for a confederation.
    • Carving out new nation-states is challenging due to complex ethnic geographies and overlapping claims over homelands.

    China’s Influence

    • China has engaged with multiple actors, including the military and various EAOs, to protect its massive investments and economic interests in the region.
    • Beijing has facilitated temporary ceasefires between the military and EAOs and maintains substantive relations with armed groups like the Brotherhood Alliance and United Wa State Army.
    • China has reportedly supplied defence equipment to both the military and EAOs, ensuring fragmented sovereignty in Myanmar

    India’s role

    • India can share its experiences and institutional frameworks on federalism with stakeholders in Myanmar to help establish a new constitutional framework based on the principles of federalism and democracy.
    • Example: Despite the ongoing civil war, India has successfully constructed massive infrastructure projects in neighbouring Afghanistan, demonstrating its potential to contribute to regional peace and prosperity in Myanmar.

    Way forward

    • Facilitate Dialogue and Mediation: To address the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, it is crucial for regional powers, including India and China, to facilitate dialogue between the military junta, Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), and the National Unity Government (NUG).
    • Enhance Humanitarian Support and Development Initiatives: In parallel with diplomatic efforts, there should be an increase in humanitarian assistance to affected populations in conflict zones, particularly in Rakhine State and areas controlled by the Arakan Army.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on the Right to Privacy. (2020)

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    The case for a Legal Advisory Council  

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Legal Issues and the Puttaswamy Case Judgment

    Mains level: Need of Think Tank

    Why in the news?

    Legal insights from well-structured think tanks can be crucial in clarifying the true intent of specific legislation for the government.

    Scope to Review the Process of Legal Consultancy

    • Need for Structured Legal Inputs: The handling of legal issues by the National Democratic Alliance has been inadequate. There is a need for continuous, informed, and empirically valid legal inputs from structured think tanks to clarify legislative intents.
    • Proposal for a Legal Advisory Council (LAC): Establishing a LAC akin to the Economic Advisory Council could provide the Prime Minister with timely legal analysis and insights, helping to preempt legal challenges and enhance the legislative process.

    Need of Think Tank: 

    • Expert Legal and Policy Analysis: Well-structured think tanks provide informed and empirical legal analysis that can enhance the legislative process.
    • Facilitation of Evidence-Based Decision Making: Think tanks can contribute to evidence-based decision-making by conducting research and providing data-driven insights on complex legal and social issues.

    Recent Legal Issues and the Puttaswamy Case Judgment

    • Electoral Bonds Scheme: The Supreme Court recently ruled the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional for violating voters’ right to information. This decision highlights the importance of conducting proportionality tests before implementing laws to balance privacy rights with transparency.
    • Aadhaar Act Intervention: A similar legal examination prior to the implementation of the Aadhaar Act could have prevented the Supreme Court’s intervention in the K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India case, which addressed privacy concerns.
    • Transporter Strike: Concerns over the hit-and-run provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, led to nationwide protests by transporters, indicating the need for thorough legal viability assessments before introducing potentially problematic legislation.

    Anticipating Challenges

    • Proactive Legal Analysis: The proposed LAC would conduct legal analyses of issues referred by the government and perform suo motu research on contemporary legal matters, allowing for proactive identification of potential legal challenges.
    • Engagement with National Law Universities: Leveraging the expertise of national law universities can enhance the legal consultancy process, ensuring that laws are constitutionally viable and socially acceptable. Regular research inputs from these institutions can aid in formulating better legislation and addressing legal challenges before they escalate.

    Way forward: 

    • The LAC should comprise legal experts, eminent jurists, academicians, and researchers with specializations in various fields frequently legislated upon by the government, such as criminal law, trade law, international law, business laws, and taxation laws.
    • Establish formal mechanisms for collaboration, such as the Committee for Reforms in Criminal Laws at the National Law University Delhi set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs, to facilitate the exchange of ideas and research between the government and academia.

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Why Israel-Hezbollah conflict is heating up?   

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Location of Golan Heights

    Mains level: Issues between Israel and Palestine

    Why in the news?

    Israel has announced that it would retaliate strongly against Hezbollah, accusing the group of being responsible for a rocket attack that killed 12 children and teenagers at a football field in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

    Background of Golan Heights: 

    • The Golan Heights was captured by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967 from Syria and has since been a point of contention between the two nations. In 1981, Israel effectively annexed the territory, a move not recognized by the international community.
    • Strategic Importance: The Golan Heights offers a commanding view of northern Israel and southern Syria, making it a critical military and strategic area. Its elevation allows for surveillance and control over surrounding regions, including the ability to monitor movements from Syria.

    Causes of the conflict:

    • Support for Palestinians: Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel are framed as support for Palestinians facing Israeli bombardment in Gaza, particularly following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Hezbollah, as a member of the Iran-backed Axis of Resistance, has aligned itself with Hamas and other militant groups in the region.
    • Historical Hostilities: The conflict is rooted in a long history of hostility between Israel and Hezbollah, which was founded in 1982 to combat Israeli forces in Lebanon. Hezbollah views Israel as an illegitimate state and seeks its removal, which fuels ongoing tensions and military engagements.
    • Escalating Military Capabilities: Hezbollah has significantly enhanced its military capabilities since the 2006 war, possessing a large arsenal of rockets and advanced weaponry. This includes the ability to strike deep into Israeli territory, increasing the stakes for both sides in any conflict.

    Implications of the Conflict

    • Humanitarian Impact: The ongoing hostilities have resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement on both sides of the border. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed Hezbollah fighters and civilians, while Hezbollah’s attacks have resulted in Israeli casualties. The humanitarian toll is exacerbated by the broader context of the Gaza war.
    • Regional Stability: The conflict poses a risk of broader regional destabilization, potentially drawing in other actors and escalating into a full-scale war.
    • Political Ramifications: The conflict has significant political implications for both Israel and Lebanon. In Israel, the displacement of civilians has become a pressing political issue, while Hezbollah’s actions may influence its standing within Lebanon and the broader Shiite community.

    How escalation can be avoided on the Global Stage?

    • Diplomatic Engagement: The United States and other international actors must continue to engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions. This includes facilitating dialogue between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as addressing the underlying issues related to the Gaza conflict. A ceasefire in Gaza could help reduce hostilities in Lebanon.
    • Regional Agreements: Need to make efforts to establish regional agreements that address territorial disputes and security concerns that can mitigate the risk of conflict.
    • Monitoring and Mediation: International bodies, including the United Nations, should increase their monitoring of the situation and mediate discussions between the conflicting parties. This can help prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to escalated military responses.

    Role of India in this situation: (Way forward)

    • Engaging with Arab Nations: India should also maintain and strengthen its relationships with Arab nations, including Lebanon, to ensure a balanced approach. This engagement can help India navigate the complexities of the situation and position itself as a neutral party that seeks to promote peace and stability in the region.
    • Facilitating Dialogue: By promoting dialogue between the conflicting parties, India can help de-escalate tensions and work towards a peaceful resolution.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (2018)

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  • Oil and Gas Sector – HELP, Open Acreage Policy, etc.

    US overtaskes UAE as India’s second largest LNG supplier   

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Data related to LNG import

    Mains level: Trade dynamics related to LNG

    Why in the news?

    In 2023, the US surpassed the UAE to become India’s second-largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG), providing 3.09 million tonnes (MT).

    World LNG Report 2024 by International Gas Union (IGU)

    • US as a Major Supplier: The report highlights that the United States has displaced the UAE to become India’s second-largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2023, with shipments reaching 3.09 million tonnes (MT).
    • Trade Growth: The US supplied India with 1.8 MT of LNG in 2019, which increased to 3.86 MT in 2021, indicating a significant rise in trade volume despite a decrease in 2022 due to rising prices.
    • Qatar’s Dominance: Qatar remained India’s largest LNG supplier from 2019 to 2023, with shipments peaking at 10.92 MT in 2023, reflecting its consistent role in India’s energy supply.
    • The decline of African Suppliers: The report notes a significant decline in LNG shipments from African nations, particularly Nigeria and Angola, which saw their exports to India drop from pre-pandemic levels of around 2.7 MT and 2.9 MT, respectively, to just 0.73 MT each in 2023.

    Present trade dynamics

    • Price Sensitivity: Indian companies remain price-sensitive, with LNG imports being contingent on competitive pricing. Analysts suggest that if LNG prices stay below $12 per mBtu, there could be significant growth in imports.
    • Geographical Advantage: The proximity of US LNG cargoes to India via the Cape of Good Hope makes it more cost-effective for sellers to export to India compared to North Asia.
    • Long-term Contracts: Ongoing long-term contracts signed by Indian entities with US suppliers continue to underpin LNG consumption, despite fluctuations in global prices.

    Use of LNG in India: 

    • Fertilizer Sector: The fertilizer sector remains the largest consumer of LNG in India, contributing to 32% of the total natural gas consumption.
    • Power Sector:  The power sector accounted for 12% of the total natural gas consumption in India.
    • City Gas Distribution (CGD) Sector: CGD entities accounted for 19% of the total natural gas consumption in India

    What can be done?

    • Strengthening Domestic Policies: India could benefit from reforms in domestic gas policies, including greater transparency over LNG inventory levels and improvements in gas pipeline capacity, to enhance the efficiency of LNG imports and distribution.
    • Creating Price Stability: The need to establish a stronger index link between LNG import prices and domestic gas prices could mitigate price risks for LNG importers, ensuring that long-term contracts remain aligned with market conditions.
    • Enhancing Infrastructure: Govt. should invest in LNG infrastructure, including regasification terminals and transportation networks, which can facilitate increased imports and improve supply chain efficiency.
    • Diversifying Supply Sources: To reduce dependency on specific regions, India should explore diversifying its LNG supply sources, including potential agreements with emerging suppliers in different regions.

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Teaching computers to forget   

    Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: About Machine Unlearning (MUL)

    Mains level: Significance of Machine Unlearning (MUL)

    Why in the news?

    The emergence of artificial intelligence has revolutionized various facets of our lives and has even prompted us to reevaluate our concepts of the mind, brain, and consciousness.

    Antithesis of Machine Learning (ML):

    • Machine Unlearning (MUL) is considered the antithesis of Machine Learning (ML). It was first proposed by Cao and Yang in their work “Towards Making Systems Forget with Machine Unlearning.”
    • Machine Unlearning focuses on the ability to make AI models forget specific data they have learned. This concept addresses the challenges of removing or correcting sensitive, false, incorrect, or outdated information from trained AI models.
      • While ML is about learning from data to make predictions or decisions, MUL aims to reverse this process, ensuring that certain data can be effectively and completely erased from the models.
    • This concept is crucial for maintaining data privacy, reducing AI bias, and complying with regulations that require the deletion of personal or sensitive information.

    Implementation approaches

    • Private Approach: Data fiduciaries voluntarily implement MUL algorithms, allowing flexibility but potentially limiting access for smaller companies due to cost and expertise barriers.
    • Public Approach: Governments can legislate requirements for MUL implementation, potentially creating a standard framework that data fiduciaries must follow. This can include guidelines under existing data protection laws, as seen in the EU’s AI Act, which addresses data poisoning and mandates security controls.
    • International Approach: This emphasizes the need for a global framework for MUL, recognizing that AI innovations have cross-border implications. International standard-setting organizations could play a crucial role in developing these standards

    Techniques for Machine Unlearning

    • Exact Unlearning: This method completely removes the influence of specific data points from the model.
    • Approximate Unlearning: Instead of fully erasing the data’s influence, this technique minimizes its impact on the model’s predictions to an acceptable level.
    • Data-Centric Approaches: Techniques like data reorganization and pruning are employed to manage the dataset, making it easier to identify and remove unwanted data points.
    • Model-Centric Approaches: These methods involve manipulating the model parameters directly. For example, algorithms can adjust the weights associated with the data points that need to be forgotten, thereby reducing their influence on the model’s outputs.
    • Prompting-Based Methods: In large language models (LLMs), developers can use carefully crafted prompts to induce behaviours that mimic unlearning.
    • Algorithmic Innovations: New algorithms, such as MU-Mis, focus on minimizing the contribution of specific data points to the model’s decision-making process.

    Way forward: 

    • Development of Standardized Frameworks: The need to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for MUL can facilitate its adoption across various sectors. Governments and international organizations should collaborate to create guidelines that mandate the use of MUL techniques for data privacy compliance, similar to the EU’s AI Act. 
    • Investment in Research and Education: The need to increase funding and resources should be directed toward research in machine unlearning techniques and their applications.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q  The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (2020)

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  • Target drug producers, not users        

    Explained | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Organized Crime & Terrorism

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Legal status of Marijuana

    Mains level: Drug issues in India

    Why in the news?

    Telangana faces a drug crisis, with Hyderabad as a transit hub. Marijuana is trafficked via Konark Express to Maharashtra and Karnataka, per police reports.

    The Gravity of the Drug Problem in Telangana

    • Hyderabad has emerged as a transit hub for drugs, with marijuana being ferried through the city to be supplied to neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Karnataka.
    • The number of people charge-sheeted for drug possession and peddling increased from 735 in 2020 to 3,052 in 2022. In the first six months of 2023, nearly 1,900 cases were lodged against peddlers and users.
    • An international drug ring was busted in February 2023, seizing ₹8 crore worth of synthetic psychedelics like OG Kush and Ecstasy pills.
    • Drug abuse has been found among students in top medical and management colleges in Hyderabad.

    Initiatives taken by the State Government

    • Drug Detection Kits: Officials use the latest technology, including 12-panel drug tests, to instantly identify drug abuse among party attendees and students.
    • Special Operations: Operations such as checking attendees at Electronic Dance Music parties and conducting tests on students in colleges have been carried out.
    • Use of Sniffer Dogs: Sniffer dogs are deployed in pubs and transit hubs to detect contraband.
    • Legal and Technological Actions: The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau sent cease and desist notices to firms manufacturing ganja-laced chocolates shipped via e-commerce platforms.
    • Political Will: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has shown political will by advocating for awareness among politicians and celebrities, although this has led to legal disputes.

    Legal Status of Marijuana

    • General Prohibition: Marijuana, including its various forms such as ganja (flower), charas (resin), and hashish, is illegal under the NDPS Act. It talks about the possession, sale, and production of these substances are criminal offences.
    • Bhang Exception: Bhang, made from the leaves and seeds of the cannabis plant, is legally consumed in many parts of India, especially during religious festivals. It is not classified as an illegal substance under the NDPS Act.
    • State Variations: Different states have their own regulations regarding cannabis. For example, Uttarakhand has legalized the commercial cultivation of hemp, while Odisha has a more lenient approach to recreational use. This leads to a patchwork of laws across the country.
    • Penalties: The NDPS Act prescribes severe penalties for drug offences.
      • Possession of small quantities can lead to imprisonment of six months to one year and fines of up to ₹10,000. For larger quantities, penalties can escalate to 10-20 years of imprisonment and fines of ₹1-2 lakh.

    Requires Smart thinking and Policing (Way forward)

    • Focus on Trade, Not Users: The emphasis should be on dismantling the drug network rather than just catching users. This approach was advocated by Home Minister Amit Shah.
    • Avoiding Witch Hunts: The fight against drugs should not lead to the targeting of specific localities or public shaming of institutions.
    • Need Economic Considerations: Measures such as shutting down nightlife venues before midnight could harm the economy and the business environment.
    • Implement Integrated Approach: A comprehensive strategy is needed that involves smarter policing, better use of technology, and effective legal actions against producers and suppliers rather than users.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q  India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same? (2018)

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