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Type: Explained

These Newscards correspond to the explained section of various newspapers. They become immensely important for both prelims and mains and special attention needs to be paid to them

  • US overtaskes UAE as India’s second largest LNG supplier   

    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.

  • Teaching computers to forget   

    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)

  • Target drug producers, not users        

    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)

  • In 2024, newer districts are affected by militancy in Jammu   

    Why in the News?

    An ambush resulted in the deaths of five Indian Army personnel  which highlights a worrying trend of increasing violence in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Jammu region.

    • This incident marks the fourth terror attack in the state within a span of 48 hours, indicating a surge in militant activities.

    Observations on Militancy Leading to Civilian Deaths

    • The new wave of terrorism: The region has seen a resurgence of violence after a period of relative peace, with notable incidents such as the June 9 attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims, resulting in nine deaths. This shift in militancy is particularly concerning as it reflects a new wave of terrorism, especially in areas like Rajouri and Poonch, which had previously been stable.
    • Changing dynamics of Terrorism: There is a notable transition from foreign terrorists leading attacks to local militants becoming more prominent.

    Developments in Militancy (2014-2024)

    • Surge in Violence Post-2016: The killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in July 2016 sparked widespread unrest and violence, leading to a resurgence in militant activities. This period saw increased recruitment of local youth into militant ranks, particularly within groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
    • Major Attacks: Notable incidents include the 2016 Uri attack, where militants killed 19 soldiers, and the 2019 Pulwama attack, which resulted in the deaths of 40 CRPF personnel. These attacks highlighted the persistent threat posed by organized militant groups.
    • Revocation of Article 370: The abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August 2019 led to a significant shift in the political landscape. While the Indian government claimed a reduction in violence, there were still notable attacks, such as the
    • Emergence of Hybrid Militancy: A new trend termed “hybrid militancy” has emerged, where individuals engage in militant activities sporadically while maintaining their civilian lives.
    • Decline in Active Militants: By the end of 2022, the number of active militants had fallen to just over 100, down from around 250 in 2019. However, the presence of foreign militants has reportedly increased, indicating a shift in the composition of militant forces.
    • Increased Counter-Insurgency Operations: The Indian security forces have intensified operations against militants, resulting in the deaths of approximately 750 militants over the last four years, with a significant proportion being local youths.
    • Changing Tactics and Technology: Militants have increasingly utilized modern technology, including drones and social media, to coordinate attacks and recruit members, presenting new challenges for security forces.

    Way forward: 

    • Addressing Recruitment Cycles: Government need to make initiatives aimed at preventing youth recruitment into militant groups. This can include educational programs, vocational training, and employment opportunities that provide alternatives to joining militant organizations.
    • Enhanced Intelligence and Local Engagement: The need to Strengthen local intelligence networks is crucial to preemptively identify and disrupt militant activities.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q  Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (2021)

  • Landslides in Wayanad

    Why in the News?

    Many people have died, and hundreds are feared trapped after three landslides hit Kerala’s Wayanad district.

    About Wayanad

    • Wayanad is the only plateau in Kerala, forming a continuation of the Mysore Plateau, part of the Deccan Plateau.
    • The Kabini River, a tributary of the Kaveri River, originates in Wayanad.
    • The Chaliyar River, the fourth longest river in Kerala, also originates on the Wayanad plateau.
    • Wayanad is home to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

    Susceptibility to Landslides:

    • The region predominantly has laterite soil, which is highly prone to erosion.
    • The steep and undulating terrain of Wayanad makes it naturally susceptible to landslides.
    • Wayanad receives intense and prolonged monsoon rains that cause water infiltration, leading to soil saturation and increased pore water pressure, which destabilizes slopes.
    • Large-scale deforestation for agriculture and settlement reduces the binding capacity of the soil and its ability to absorb water, exacerbating the risk of landslides.

    What are Landslides?

    • A landslide is the downward and outward movement of materials including rock, earth, or debris down a slope due to gravitational force. Landslides are disasters of hydrogeological origin, resulting from the failure of materials falling down a slope due to gravity.
    • India is among the top five landslide-prone countries globally, with at least one death per 100 sq km reported annually due to landslides.

    Regional Distribution

    • North-western Himalayas: 66.5% of landslides.
    • North-eastern Himalayas: 18.8% of landslides.
    • Western Ghats: 14.7% of landslides.

    Key Policy Initiative: National Landslide Susceptibility Map

    • The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under ISRO released the Landslide Atlas of India in 2023.
    • This detailed guide identifies landslide hotspots across the country with a 100 sq. m resolution overview of landslide susceptibility.
    • The map highlights traditional high-risk areas and uncovers new regions of concern, broadening the scope of landslide monitoring.
    • Scientists conducted a risk assessment based on 80,000 landslides recorded between 1998 and 2022 across 147 districts in 17 states and two Union Territories, creating a “Landslide Atlas” of the country.

    Key Highlights of the Landslide Atlas:

    Top States by Landslide Events:

    • Mizoram: 12,385 events in the past 25 years.
    • Uttarakhand: 11,219 events.
    • Other states: Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura.

    Districts with Maximum Landslide Exposure:

    • Arunachal Pradesh: 16 districts.
    • Kerala: 14 districts.
    • Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir: 13 districts each.
    • Himachal Pradesh, Assam, and Maharashtra: 11 districts each.
    • Mizoram: 8 districts.
    • Nagaland: 7 districts.

    Highest Landslide Density and Risk Exposure:

    • Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal districts in Uttarakhand.

    PYQ:

    [2021] Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.

  • Surprising ‘Dark Oxygen’ discovery could ensnarl deep-sea mining    

    Why in the News?

    Scientists reported on July 22 in Nature Geoscience that an unknown process is generating oxygen in the deep oceans, where photosynthesis is not possible due to the lack of light.

    About the recent study:

    • Discovery of Oxygen: Scientists reported an unknown process producing oxygen in the deep ocean, specifically in the abyssal zone, where photosynthesis is not feasible due to insufficient sunlight.
    • Location of Study: The study was conducted in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, located off Mexico’s west coast, which is known for having the highest concentration of polymetallic nodules.
    • Oxygen Measurement: At a depth of 4 km, researchers observed unexpected increases in oxygen levels, sometimes tripling within two days, contrary to expectations of decreasing levels due to consumption by marine life.
    • Source of Oxygen: The researchers hypothesized that the oxygen could be generated by polymetallic nodules, which may create electric charges that split water molecules, releasing oxygen. The nodules exhibited voltages up to 0.95 V, suggesting they could function like battery cells.

    What is Deep-Sea Mining?

    • Deep-Sea Mining: It involves extracting minerals from the ocean floor at great depths, targeting resources such as polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulphides, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts.

    Economic and Strategic Importance of Deep-sea Mining:

    • Resource Potential: The Clarion-Clipperton Zone holds substantial reserves, including 6 billion tonnes of manganese, and over 200 million tonnes each of copper and nickel, making it a significant target for future mining operations.
    • International Contracts: The International Seabed Authority has granted exploration contracts to various contractors, including the Government of India, for deep-sea mining activities.

    What is Dark Oxygen?

    • “Dark oxygen” refers to the oxygen found in the deep ocean, specifically in regions where photosynthesis cannot occur due to the absence of sunlight. In such areas, known as the abyssal zone, oxygen levels are typically low and depend on global ocean circulation for replenishment.

    Impact of Deep-Sea Mining

    • Ecological Concerns:
      • Potential Damage: The recent findings highlight the potential risks of deep-sea mining to unique marine ecosystems that depend on ‘dark oxygen’. There is concern that mining could disrupt these ecosystems, leading to significant and possibly irreversible environmental impacts.
      • Historical Evidence: Previous experiments, such as the DISCOL Experiment, have shown long-term ecological damage from simulated mining activities, including reduced biodiversity and altered sedimentological profiles.
    • Industry Response and Challenges:
      • Insurance Withdrawal: In response to growing concerns, major European insurance companies announced they would exclude deep-sea mining from their underwriting portfolios.
      • Sustainability Issues: The new discovery of ‘dark oxygen’ adds complexity to the debate on deep-sea mining. If sustainable practices are not implemented, such mining could become unfeasible due to its potential negative impacts on marine ecosystems.

    Way forward: 

    • Develop Comprehensive Environmental Regulations: The Government should establish and enforce robust environmental regulations and impact assessment protocols for deep-sea mining.
    • Promote Sustainable Mining Practices: Need to invest in research and innovation to develop and implement technologies and methods that minimize environmental impact.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. (2019)

  • What is South Africa’s new law on climate change?   

    Why in the news?

    President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a law imposing mandatory emission curbs on large industries and requiring climate adaptation plans to meet South Africa’s Paris Agreement commitments.

    Features of the Law:

    • Mandatory Emission Curbs: The legislation imposes mandatory limits on emissions from large, fossil-fuel-heavy industries.
    • Climate-Adaptation Plans: It requires towns and villages to develop and implement climate-adaptation plans.
    • Emissions Reduction Commitments: The law aims to help South Africa meet its emissions reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement.

    Significance of this law: 

    • Data-Driven Approach: The law is based on emissions data and trends, such as the decrease from 512 Mt CO2e in 2017 to 405 Mt CO2e in 2022 will help in sustained efforts in emission reduction.
    • Reduction in Emissions: The law aims to significantly reduce South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the Paris Agreement. This is a crucial step for South Africa’s status as one of the top 15 GHG emitters globally.
    • Transition from Coal: South Africa relies heavily on coal for electricity generation. The bill’s mandatory curbs on emissions from large, fossil-fuel-heavy industries are a critical step towards reducing dependence on coal and shifting towards cleaner energy sources.

    Does India have an omnibus legislation on climate change?

    • No Comprehensive Legislation: India does not have a comprehensive, omnibus legislation specifically addressing climate change.
    • Climate Change in Existing Acts: Climate change is addressed within multiple existing Acts and subordinate legislation, such as the Environmental Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, Energy Conservation Act, and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
    • Private Member’s Bill: A Private Member’s Bill called the Council on Climate Change Bill was proposed by Rajya Sabha parliamentarian Priyanka Chaturvedi in 2022, which aimed to establish a Council to advise the Union government on climate change matters, but there has been no significant progress on this bill.
    • Supreme Court Ruling: The Supreme Court recognized the “right against the adverse effects of climate change” and highlighted the need for comprehensive climate change legislation, linking the impact of climate change to citizens’ rights of liberty, life, and equality.

    Way forward: 

    • Comprehensive Legislation and Institutional Framework: India should work towards enacting comprehensive climate change legislation that integrates and harmonizes existing laws related to environmental protection, energy conservation, and pollution control.
    • Enhanced Research and Implementation Support: Need to invest in extensive scientific research to evaluate the efficacy and potential impacts of transitioning to low-carbon and renewable energy sources.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Climate change is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (2017)

  • Should India focus on natural farming?    

    Why in the news?

    In the 2024-25 Budget proposals, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared that over the next two years, one crore farmers nationwide will be introduced to natural farming, with support provided through certification and branding.

    National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):

    • The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) aims to encourage farmers to adopt chemical-free farming practices and willingly shift to natural farming based on the merits of the system.
    • The government believes the success of NMNF hinges on changing farmers’ behaviour to transition from chemical-based inputs to cow-based, locally-produced inputs, supported by a financial outlay of ₹4,645.69 crore over six years (2019-20 to 2024-25) under the ‘Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati’ scheme.

    What is natural farming?

    • Natural farming avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, instead promoting traditional indigenous practices. 
    • It focuses on recycling on-farm biomass, employing biomass mulching, and utilizing formulations made from cow dung and urine.
    • Pests are managed through diverse farming practices and on-farm botanical mixtures, strictly excluding all synthetic chemical inputs.

    What are the concerns related to Yield?

    • Yield Reduction: Agricultural experts are concerned that a large-scale transition to natural farming could result in reduced crop yields. Studies have shown significant declines in yield for staples like wheat (59%) and basmati rice (32%) compared to integrated crop management systems.
    • Food Security: Lower yields from natural farming could threaten food security in a populous country like India, potentially only being able to feed around one-third of the population with staples like wheat and rice.

    Findings on the Ground:

    • Mixed outcomes: Field experiments have shown mixed results. Some studies indicate improved yields and incomes with lower costs due to biological inputs, while others show a decline in productivity.
    • Good Results in Andra Pradesh: In Andhra Pradesh, adopting natural farming methods has shown promising results, leading to better crop yields and enhanced farmers’ incomes.
    • Concerns about sustainability and productivity: Agro-scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research (IIFSR) have raised concerns about the sustainability and productivity of natural farming methods.

    Differences in Studies:

    • CESS Study: The Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) and Institute for Development Studies Andhra Pradesh found that natural farming practices led to improved yields and incomes for farmers, thereby enhancing food and nutritional security.
    • ICAR-IIFSR Study: The study by ICAR-IIFSR reported a significant decline in yields of key crops like wheat and basmati rice when compared to conventional farming practices, suggesting a negative impact on food supply.

    Case study of Sri Lanka:

    • Policy Shift: Sri Lanka’s decision to completely switch to organic farming and ban chemical fertilizers led to economic and political turmoil.
    • Yield Decline: Farmers struggled to obtain natural fertilizers, resulting in reduced yields of key crops, including rice.
    • Food Security Risk: The shift put the country’s food security at risk, causing sharp price escalations and widespread protests and unrest.

    Way forward: 

    • Localized Implementation and Scientific Validation: Need to conduct rigorous scientific studies and extensive field trials to validate the productivity and viability of natural farming methods before scaling them up nationwide.
    • Hybrid Approach and Support for Farmers: Govt. should adopt a hybrid approach that combines the best practices of both natural and conventional farming to ensure food security.  

  • SC to examine acquitted man’s ‘Right to be Forgotten’: What is this right, and how have courts ruled earlier?    

    Why in the News?

    Last week, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that could define the scope of the “Right to be Forgotten” referred to in European privacy law as the “Right to Erasure” in India.

    What is the ‘Right to be Forgotten’?

    • The right to be forgotten allows individuals to remove or de-index their personal information from the internet if it infringes on their right to privacy. It is based on the principle that personal data should be removed when it is outdated, irrelevant, or no longer necessary.
    • Affirmed by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in the “Google Spain case” (2014), which ruled that search engines must remove data if it is inadequate, irrelevant, or excessive in light of the time elapsed.
    • Under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Article 17 describes the right to erasure, reflecting the concept of informational self-determination.

    How is this ‘Right’ interpreted in India?

    • Absence of Statutory Framework: India lacks specific legislation explicitly addressing the right to be forgotten.
    • Judicial Interpretation: The 2017 Supreme Court ruling in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right. Justice S.K. Kaul’s concurring opinion suggested that the right to be forgotten involves removing personal data that is no longer necessary or relevant.
    • Judicial Guidelines: Justice Kaul outlined valid justifications for overriding this right, including freedom of expression, legal compliance, public interest, and research purposes.

    How have Courts ruled on the Issue?

    • Rajagopal vs. State of Tamil Nadu (1994): The Supreme Court recognized a “right to be let alone” but differentiated it from public records, including court decisions. Once something becomes public, privacy rights are diminished.
    • Dharamraj Bhanushankar Dave vs. State of Gujarat (2017): Gujarat HC refused to remove details of an acquittal, asserting that court orders should remain public.
    • The Registrar General (2017): Karnataka HC protected the name of a petitioner in a sensitive annulment case, aligning with trends in Western jurisdictions.
    • Delhi HC (2021): Extended the right to be forgotten to criminal cases, allowing details of an acquittal to be removed from search results to protect the petitioner’s career prospects.
    • Orissa HC (2020): Noted the need for a broader debate on the right to be forgotten, particularly concerning “revenge porn” and online content.

    Way forward: 

    • Legislative Framework Development: India should consider drafting comprehensive legislation that explicitly addresses the right to be forgotten, aligning with international standards while balancing privacy, freedom of expression, and public interest.
    • Judicial and Policy Clarity: The Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling should aim to establish a clear legal precedent on the right to be forgotten, ensuring consistency across lower courts and aligning with global practices.

    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. (2017)

  • Why AI’s present and future bring some serious environmental concerns?

    Why in the News? 

    Google is in the news due to its recent annual environment report, which revealed a 13% increase in its emissions footprint for 2023 compared to the previous year.

    Why Emissions are higher?

    • Increased Electricity Consumption: Google reported a 13% increase in its emissions footprint in 2023, primarily due to a 17% rise in electricity consumption in its data centres.
    • Energy-Intensive AI Operations: AI models require significantly more computational power than traditional searches, leading to higher energy consumption. For instance, a single AI query can use 10 to 33 times more energy than a standard Google search.
    • Cooling Demands: The increased workload from AI operations generates more heat, necessitating stronger cooling systems in data centers leading to a high demand of water.

    Indian Scenario

    • Growing Demand for Data Centers: As AI and data center deployment increases in India, the environmental impact, particularly in terms of electricity and water consumption, is expected to rise.
    • Water Resource Strain: Data centers require significant water for cooling. For example, a data center serving OpenAI’s GPT-4 model reportedly consumed 6% of its district’s water supply in Iowa, highlighting there could be potential challenges in water-scarce regions like India.
    • Need for Sustainable Practices: The experts advise the importance of planning AI and data center expansion in India to minimize environmental impacts. Companies must adopt efficient processes to reduce their emissions footprint.

    The initiative taken by Govt to regulate AI

    • National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence: In 2018, NITI Aayog released a discussion paper outlining India’s National Strategy for AI.
    • Draft Personal Data Protection Bill: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released a draft Personal Data Protection Bill in 2019 which had provisions related to data used for AI systems.
    • Ethical AI Principles: In 2021, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released a set of “Ethical AI Principles” as part of India’s AI governance framework
    • Regulatory Sandbox for AI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has created a regulatory sandbox to test AI applications in the financial sector.
    • AI Skilling and Research: The government has launched initiatives like the National AI Portal, AI Hackathons, and AI Research, Analytics and Knowledge Assimilation (AIRAWAT) to promote AI research and skills in the country.

    Alternatives for Government Action (Way Forward) 

    • Promote Energy Efficiency: The government can encourage data centers to adopt energy-efficient technologies and practices. This includes optimizing cooling systems and utilizing renewable energy sources to power operations.
    • Regulatory Framework: Need to implement regulations that require data centres to report their energy and water consumption can help monitor and manage their environmental impact.
    • Investment in Renewable Energy: The government should promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to power data centers.
    • Research and Development: Government should support R&D in sustainable AI technologies and energy-efficient data processing can help mitigate the environmental impact of AI deployment.
    • Public Awareness Campaigns: The need to educate businesses and the public about the environmental impacts of AI and data centres can foster more sustainable practices and encourage responsible usage of technology.

    Mains PYQ: 

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