13-September-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

HEALTHCARE USING AI: OPPORTUNITIES AND CAUTIONS

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare promises to revolutionize patient care, particularly by enhancing primary healthcare access and precision in diagnostics.

However, implementing AI-driven solutions poses challenges related to feasibility, ethical considerations, and readiness. The cautious approach is necessary to balance innovation with patient safety.

Key Challenges in AI-Powered Healthcare

Primary Healthcare and AI Integration:

• Primary Health Care (PHC) emphasizes accessible, holistic, and integrated services for community well-being.
• AI’s impersonal nature risks undermining PHC by turning patients into passive recipients instead of active participants in healthcare.

Limitations of AI in Healthcare:

• AI excels at data processing and automating tasks but lacks the human intelligence needed for empathy, ethical reasoning, and contextual understanding, which are critical in medical decision-making.
• The absence of consciousness and cultural awareness makes AI unsuitable for tasks requiring human interaction and moral judgment.

Data Challenges:

• AI in healthcare relies heavily on extensive, accurate data for training, but existing health data are often fragmented, incomplete, or biased.
• Issues like outdated medical standards (e.g., Naegele’s rule for pregnancy) highlight the risks of relying on AI without regular data updates and critical evaluation.

AI’s Utility in Specific Healthcare Areas:

• AI can assist in well-defined medical tasks such as diagnostic imaging, clinical simulations, and biomedical predictions, enhancing efficiency and reducing human error.
• Emerging technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs) offer potential in medical education, patient interaction, and clinical decision-making.

Ethical and Governance Issues:

• There is growing concern about the ethical implications of AI in healthcare, including exploitation of vulnerable populations and data privacy.
• The lack of comprehensive regulations and guidelines, similar to the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act, complicates AI adoption in healthcare.

Way Forward

Regulatory Framework:

• Establish robust regulations to ensure AI applications in healthcare are safe, ethical, and aligned with the principle of “Do No Harm.”

Patient-Centric AI Development:

• Focus on training AI models with high-quality data that reflect real patient care scenarios to improve accuracy and relevance.

Ethical Use of AI:

• Ensure transparency in AI recommendations, with clear communication to healthcare providers and patients about the rationale behind AI-generated decisions.

Conclusion

AI holds transformative potential for healthcare, particularly in diagnostics and personalized treatment. However, careful integration with a strong ethical and regulatory framework is essential to safeguard patient interests and maintain trust. Balancing innovation with caution will be key to realizing AI’s full benefits in healthcare.

Multiple Choice Question

1. With reference to the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in India, consider the following statements:
2. The Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) aims to provide free vaccines for children and pregnant women to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.
3. The Mission Indradhanush initiative was launched to cover children who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated under the UIP.
4. The UIP is a part of the National Health Mission (NHM).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

The Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) provides free vaccines to children and pregnant women in order to protect against several vaccine-preventable diseases such as tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, and measles.

Mission Indradhanush, launched in 2014, targets children and pregnant women who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, with the aim of increasing immunisation coverage.

The UIP is a crucial component of the National Health Mission (NHM), which focuses on improving healthcare outcomes across India.

INDIA’S INFLATION LANDSCAPE: A BALANCING ACT

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: THE HINDU

India’s retail inflation has remained within the Reserve Bank of India’s target range for the second consecutive month in August 2024.

However, underlying trends and factors suggest that inflation may experience a slight uptick in the coming months.

Key Points

• Headline Inflation: India’s headline retail inflation stood at 3.65% in August, slightly up from 3.6% in July.
• Food Inflation: Rural food inflation surpassed 6%, indicating a continued upward trend.
• Base Effect: The favorable base effect from last year’s high inflation rates helped keep overall inflation in check.
• Tomato Prices: Tomato prices witnessed a sharp decline, contributing to lower vegetable inflation.
• Other Food Items: Prices of pulses, spices, and other food items remained elevated.
• Rural vs. Urban Inflation: Rural consumers continue to face higher inflation rates compared to urban consumers.
• Economic Growth: The Reserve Bank of India’s estimate of GDP growth for the first quarter has been revised downwards, suggesting potential inflationary pressures.
• Monetary Policy Stance: Economists are divided on the likelihood of interest rate cuts in the near term.

Conclusion

While India’s headline inflation remains within the target range, underlying trends, particularly in food inflation and the fading base effect, suggest a potential upward trajectory. The Reserve Bank of India will need to carefully monitor these developments and adjust its monetary policy stance accordingly to ensure price stability.

Multiple Choice Question

1. With reference to inflation, consider the following statements:
2. Cost-push inflation occurs when the overall cost of production increases, leading to a rise in the prices of goods and services.
3. Demand-pull inflation arises due to an increase in aggregate demand when the economy is already operating at or near full capacity.
4. Inflation targeting refers to the government using fiscal policy to control inflation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Cost-push inflation occurs when the costs of production rise (e.g., due to higher wages or raw material costs), leading producers to raise prices to maintain profitability.

Demand-pull inflation occurs when aggregate demand in an economy outpaces aggregate supply, typically when the economy is close to full capacity.

Inflation targeting refers to a monetary policy framework where the central bank sets an explicit target inflation rate and uses tools like interest rates to achieve that target, not fiscal policy.

UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME (UBI)

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: THE HINDU

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is proposed as a solution to combat inequality and stimulate demand in economies facing jobless growth. With rising automation and AI reducing job opportunities in India, the UBI debate has gained traction.

However, its feasibility, economic impact, and the need for robust social safety nets remain critical concerns.

Understanding Universal Basic Income (UBI)

• Definition: UBI is a financial system where every citizen receives a regular, unconditional payment from the government, irrespective of their employment status or income.
• Global Context: UBI is gaining global attention due to concerns about automation, AI, and increasing inequality, which threaten traditional employment structures.

Current Scenario in India

• Jobless Growth: India is experiencing jobless growth, where economic output increases without corresponding job creation, largely due to automation and AI technologies.
• Youth Unemployment: High youth unemployment rates are prompting discussions on innovative welfare measures, such as UBI, to provide financial security.

Existing Welfare and Semi-UBI Systems in India

• Welfare Schemes: India currently implements targeted income support through cash transfer schemes for groups like farmers and unemployed youth, which partially mirror UBI principles.
• Social Safety Nets: These programs serve as semi-UBI systems, offering income support but lacking the universal reach of a full UBI model.

Arguments in Favour of UBI

• Boosting Demand: UBI can help stimulate market demand by providing consistent income, especially during economic downturns, potentially driving growth.
• Reducing Inequality: By providing a basic income, UBI could reduce income disparity, offering stability to those affected by automation-induced job losses.
• Supporting Vulnerable Populations: UBI would provide a financial safety net for marginalized groups, ensuring basic economic security.

Challenges in Implementing UBI in India

• Financial Constraints: A nationwide UBI would require immense financial resources, potentially straining the government budget and diverting funds from other welfare programs.
• Social Concerns: Receiving income without work might cause social alienation, reducing the dignity and sense of contribution among recipients.
• Income Distribution Issues: Without complementary measures for job creation, UBI may not effectively address the root causes of uneven income distribution.

Need for Job Creation and Skill Development

• Focus on Labour-Intensive Sectors: Shifting investments towards education, healthcare, and rural development, which are more labour-intensive, could generate employment.
• Addressing Automation: Policies need to focus on job creation in sectors less affected by automation to counterbalance job losses in traditional fields.
• Skill Development: Investing in education and vocational training is essential to align the workforce’s skills with evolving industry needs.

Alternatives to UBI

• Enhanced Social Safety Nets: Instead of UBI, India could expand and improve existing social safety nets in healthcare, education, and employment, making them more inclusive.
• Tax Reforms: Increasing direct taxes on higher-income groups could generate revenue for enhancing social programs without overburdening the budget.

Conclusion

While UBI presents a compelling case as a future policy, India currently faces challenges that make its implementation difficult. Strengthening social safety nets, investing in job-creating sectors, and addressing income inequality through targeted measures appear to be more practical solutions for the immediate future. A well-planned UBI could be considered later as part of a broader economic and social strategy.

Multiple Choice Question

1. With reference to Universal Basic Income (UBI), consider the following statements:
2. Universal Basic Income is a periodic, unconditional payment made to all citizens by the government without means testing.
3. The primary objective of UBI is to provide individuals with a minimum level of income, ensuring basic needs like food, healthcare, and education.
4. Universal Basic Income has been implemented as a nationwide policy in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Universal Basic Income (UBI) refers to a fixed amount of money that is regularly distributed by the government to all citizens, regardless of their income or employment status.

One of the primary goals of UBI is to ensure that every individual has enough income to cover basic needs like food, healthcare, and education.

India has not implemented UBI as a nationwide policy, although it has been discussed in policy circles and in the Economic Survey as a potential approach to poverty alleviation.

MISSION MAUSAM: A KEY INITIATIVE FOR WEATHER AND CLIMATE SCIENCE

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Union Cabinet, led by India’s Prime Minister, recently approved ‘Mission Mausam’ with a budget of Rs. 2,000 crore for two years.

This mission aims to significantly enhance India’s capabilities in weather and climate science.

Key Features of Mission Mausam

• Comprehensive Initiative: Mission Mausam seeks to transform weather and climate-related research, improving India’s understanding and forecasting of atmospheric conditions.
• Advanced Technologies: The initiative will incorporate high-performance computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and next-generation observation systems to improve accuracy in weather predictions.
• Focus Areas: The mission focuses on monsoon forecasts, air quality alerts, and predicting extreme weather events like cyclones. Additionally, it will assist in managing weather phenomena such as fog, hail, and rain.

Critical Components

• Cutting-Edge Infrastructure: Advanced radars, satellite systems with modern sensors, and high-performance supercomputers will be deployed.
• Earth System Models: The initiative will develop improved models and a GIS-based automated decision support system to ensure real-time data dissemination.

Implementation

• Key Institutions: The India Meteorological Department, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), will implement the mission.

Impact on Various Sectors

The mission will benefit sectors like agriculture, disaster management, defence, aviation, environment, tourism, and energy, improving decision-making in urban planning, transportation, and environmental monitoring.

MITHUN: A UNIQUE BOVINE SPECIES

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Mithun, also known as the gayal (Bos frontalis), is a semi-domesticated bovine species native to South and Southeast Asia.

It is often referred to as the “cattle of the mountains” due to its adaptation to hilly and forested areas.

Mithun holds cultural, economic, and ecological significance in the regions where it is found, particularly in India’s northeastern states.

Origin and History

• Mithun is believed to have descended from the wild Indian gaur (bison).
• It has been semi-domesticated for over 8,000 years.
• Historically, it has been a source of wealth and status among local tribes.

Distribution

• Mithun is primarily found in the northeastern region of India, with the highest population in Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is also distributed in Nagaland, and parts of Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Bhutan.
• The species thrives in tropical evergreen rainforests and hilly terrains.

Cultural Importance

• Mithun is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
• The Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates the ‘Soulung’ festival to honor the birth and significance of the Mithun.
• Mithun is not only valued for its meat and milk but also plays a role in social rituals and as a symbol of wealth.

Physical Characteristics

• Mithun shares similarities with the Indian gaur but is smaller in size.
• They are muscular and fleshy animals, weighing between 400 to 650 kg.
• A key feature is their broad frontal bone, with horns emerging from the sides of their head.
• Their coat color varies with age. Young Mithuns range from light to dark brown, while adults are typically black with white markings or white with black markings. Albino variants also exist.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I, which includes species at the highest risk of extinction.

SOYUZ SPACECRAFT

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

Recently, a Soyuz spacecraft carrying two Russian cosmonauts and an American astronaut successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) after a swift three-hour journey.

About Soyuz Spacecraft

• Russian Origin: The Soyuz spacecraft is a Russian-made vehicle that has been in operation longer than any other human spaceflight program in history.
• Purpose: Soyuz serves two main functions—transporting astronauts and cosmonauts to the ISS and acting as an emergency escape pod if needed.

Key Functions of Soyuz

• Transport to ISS: Soyuz is used to carry crew members, including Russians (cosmonauts) and international astronauts (from the US, Europe, Canada, and Japan), to and from the ISS.
• Supplies Delivery: It also brings essential items like food, water, and other supplies to the space station.
• Emergency Escape: At least one Soyuz remains docked to the ISS at all times as a safety measure, enabling quick evacuation in case of emergencies.

Structure and Launch

Modules: The Soyuz has three modules:

• Orbital Module: Provides living quarters and connects to the ISS.
• Descent Module: Used for launching and returning to Earth, designed for safe re-entry.
• Service Module: Houses life support systems like batteries, solar panels, and engines.

Launch: The Soyuz spacecraft is launched by a Soyuz rocket, which detaches after reaching orbit, allowing the capsule to continue its journey into space in just nine minutes.

SOUTHERN BIRDWING BUTTERFLY

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

The Southern Birdwing, also known as the Sahyadri Birdwing, is India’s second-largest butterfly species. Recently, it was sighted in the satellite campus of The American College in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

This butterfly is renowned for its impressive wingspan, which often exceeds the size of smaller birds.

Key Features

• The butterfly is named “birdwing” due to its large wingspan.
• Males usually have black wings with greenish-blue markings, while females feature a more intricate pattern with cream-colored markings.
• It is the state butterfly of Karnataka.

Distribution

• Found primarily in South Asia, it thrives in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot known for its rich flora and fauna.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Status: Least Concern

Western Ghats

• The Western Ghats stretch over 1,600 km along the western coast of India, covering 160,000 sq km.
• The range passes through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, showcasing a unique monsoon system and tropical forests.