18-December-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

AI SURVEILLANCE IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

India is rapidly adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance systems. However, the absence of robust legal frameworks raises serious concerns about privacy, transparency, and civil liberties, especially the right to privacy under Article 21.

Key Developments in AI Surveillance

• In 2019, India announced plans for the world’s largest facial recognition system for policing.
• AI-powered systems are now deployed in railway stations, and Delhi Police is using AI for crime monitoring.
• Plans are underway to launch 50 AI satellites, intensifying surveillance across the nation.

Privacy Concerns and Legal Challenges

Lack of Proportional Safeguards

• The Supreme Court’s S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017) judgment recognized privacy as a fundamental right, emphasizing proportionality in data use.
• AI surveillance infrastructure often lacks adequate safeguards to prevent overreach, infringing on individual rights.

Concerns with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023

• Exemptions under Sections 7(g) and 7(i) allow the government to process personal data without consent for emergencies and employment purposes.
• Citizens face obligations under Section 15(c) to ensure data accuracy, increasing vulnerability to punitive actions for minor errors.

Telangana Police Data Breach

• Revealed improper access to databases like “Samagra Vedika,” raising transparency issues in data collection and use by law enforcement.

Global Comparisons and Regulatory Gaps

• The European Union (EU) uses a risk-based approach to regulate AI, with clear restrictions on activities like real-time biometric surveillance.
• India’s unregulated deployment of AI systems contrasts sharply, with no comprehensive guidelines or risk assessments in place.
• Promises to regulate AI under the Digital India Act (2022) remain unfulfilled, leaving significant legal voids.

Recommendations for a Balanced Approach

• Ensure transparency in data collection by disclosing the purpose, scope, and duration of storage.
• Narrow exemptions for data processing and judicial oversight mechanisms are essential.
• Categorize AI activities based on potential risks, similar to the EU’s approach.
• Embed privacy measures in AI infrastructure from the outset.
• Mandate transparency reports and independent audits to oversee data management.

Conclusion

India stands at a pivotal moment in AI deployment. While AI technologies can enhance governance, their unchecked use risks infringing on constitutional rights. A proactive regulatory framework that upholds transparency, privacy, and accountability is critical to ensure AI serves public welfare without compromising civil liberties.

“STUCK IN THE CLASSROOM — STUDENTS, TEACHERS, NEP 2020”

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Indian higher education students spend more time in classrooms than their global peers, yet the NEP 2020’s structure risks leaving them underprepared. This affects learning quality, teaching effectiveness, and assessment diversity.

Classroom Hours:

• Indian students in the four-year undergraduate programme attend five courses per semester, with four hours of lectures per course per week, amounting to 20 hours of classroom time weekly.

• In contrast, students in the EU and North America generally take four courses per semester, with three hours of lectures per course per week, totalling 12 hours weekly.
• The additional eight hours in classrooms limit students’ time for essential academic activities like self-study, research, and assignments, often leading to exhaustion and reduced learning outcomes.

Impact on Assessment and Learning

• Increased classroom time reduces opportunities for diverse assessments such as term papers and essays. Instead, there is a reliance on multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for ease of grading.
• This promotes rote learning and diminishes the development of critical thinking and reflective skills, essential for higher education.
• Continuous assessment, a key feature of NEP 2020, becomes challenging due to limited time for varied evaluation methods. It hinders the potential to offer a mix of low-stakes and high-stakes assessments for continuous learning and feedback.

Effect on Teaching Quality

• Indian faculty often teach 14-16 hours weekly, compared to 9 hours for their counterparts in the EU or North America.
• This higher workload affects their ability to engage in research, course development, and interdisciplinary collaborations, resulting in outdated and less effective teaching.
• Elite institutions like IITs and central universities may have more resources and lighter teaching loads, but most teaching occurs in public universities, which face significant constraints.

Way Forward

• Revisiting the number of courses per semester and classroom hours per course is crucial to balance teaching and self-learning.
• Reducing classroom time will allow students to focus on self-directed learning, critical thinking, and exploration beyond lectures.
• Aligning practices with international standards will help achieve the NEP 2020’s vision of holistic education, ensuring better learning outcomes and global competitiveness.

NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY (NEP) 2020

Vision and Objectives:

• Aims to transform India into a global knowledge superpower.
• Focuses on making education more inclusive, equitable, and learner-centric.

School Education Reforms:

• Replaces the traditional 10+2 structure with a 5+3+3+4 framework:
• Foundational Stage (3–8 years), Preparatory Stage (8–11 years), Middle Stage (11–14 years), and Secondary Stage (14–18 years).
• Emphasis on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for ages 3–6.

Focus on Multilingualism:

• Encourages the three-language formula, promoting the use of mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction up to Grade 5.

Higher Education Reforms:

• Introduces a four-year multidisciplinary undergraduate programme (FYUP) with multiple exit options.
• Proposes establishing a Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) as a single regulator for all higher education, excluding medical and legal studies.

Increased Access and Equity:

• Aims to achieve 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education by 2030.
• Focus on providing education to marginalized and disadvantaged groups.

Teacher Training and Professional Development:

• Sets new standards for teacher education by introducing a 4-year integrated B.Ed. degree by 2030.
• Continuous professional development and periodic evaluations for teachers.

Technology Integration:

• Emphasis on digital learning and online education through platforms like DIKSHA and SWAYAM.
• Promotes the use of artificial intelligence and other technologies in education.

Conclusion

The NEP 2020 can fulfil its transformative potential by addressing classroom time and course load concerns, fostering improved teaching and learning experiences in Indian higher education.

UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) HEALTH: THE HINDU

India’s diverse health systems and regional disparities pose challenges to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), requiring tailored solutions. High out-of-pocket expenses and gaps in primary healthcare infrastructure hinder progress toward equitable healthcare access.

Universal Health Coverage (UHC):

Definition: Ensures access to essential health services for all without financial hardship.

Core Principles:

• Equity in access to healthcare.
• Quality health services meeting community needs.
• Financial risk protection to prevent impoverishment due to healthcare costs.

Global and Indian Context:

• UHC is a key target under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3).
• India aims to achieve UHC through schemes like Ayushman Bharat.

Key Challenges in Achieving UHC

• Disparities in Health Expenditure: Per capita government health spending varies widely among States. Examples: Himachal Pradesh spends ₹3,829, while Bihar spends just ₹701 (National Health Accounts 2019-20).
• High Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: In 2019-20, West Bengal’s out-of-pocket health spending was 67%, and Andhra Pradesh’s was 64%. Limited reduction in this expenditure highlights systemic issues beyond funding.
• State-Specific Health Concerns: West Bengal has a high teenage pregnancy rate (16%) despite a low fertility rate (1.64). Non-communicable diseases like high blood sugar levels demand region-specific interventions.

Deeper Systemic Issues

• Primary Healthcare Shortfalls: States like West Bengal face a 58% shortfall in primary health and wellness centres. This undermines the ability to provide preventive and basic care, especially for non-communicable diseases.
• Inefficient Resource Allocation: Public hospitals in West Bengal provide free care, making private sector-focused schemes like Swasthya Sathi redundant. Addressing resource mismanagement can improve healthcare access and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
• Inadequate Addressing of Local Trends: Health strategies often overlook local health patterns influenced by genetics, culture, and socioeconomic conditions. Example: High blood sugar levels among the poor in West Bengal necessitate targeted primary care solutions.

The Way Forward

• Increase Focus on Primary Healthcare: Invest in expanding and upgrading primary health and wellness centres. Strengthen early diagnosis and management of non-communicable diseases.
• Tailored Health Interventions: Develop region-specific strategies considering local health profiles, cultural practices, and disease trends. Promote targeted public health campaigns for issues like teenage pregnancy and chronic diseases.
• Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: Implement policies to ensure affordable healthcare and reduce financial burdens on citizens. Strengthen public healthcare infrastructure to limit reliance on private care.

Components of UHC:

• Comprehensive primary care including preventive, promotive, and curative services.
• Affordable medicines and diagnostics.
• Focus on non-communicable diseases, maternal health, and child healthcare.

Initiatives in India:

• Ayushman Bharat: Covers 10 crore poor families with up to ₹5 lakh insurance.
• Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs): Strengthen primary healthcare systems.
• National Health Policy 2017: Emphasizes increased government spending on health to 2.5% of GDP.

Conclusion

Achieving UHC in India requires addressing regional disparities, improving primary healthcare, and adopting holistic, region-specific policies. Strengthened infrastructure and strategic interventions are vital to building a robust and equitable healthcare system.

CHINA: THE WORLD’S LARGEST DEBT COLLECTOR

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

China has emerged as the leading lender globally, holding over 25% of the world’s bilateral external debt by 2023. Over the last two decades, China’s lending practices have contributed significantly to the rapid rise in external debt across several nations.

Rise in China’s Share of External Debt

• In 1973, China’s share in global bilateral external debt was around 1%.
• By 2023, this surged to 26%, with China becoming the largest bilateral creditor globally.

Shift in Leading Lenders

• Earlier, major lenders included Japan, Germany, France, and the U.S.
• Over the years, China’s share has overtaken other nations, marking a shift in global financial influence.

Debt Accumulation

• Between 1973 and 2023, the global bilateral external debt rose from $49.5 billion to $741.4 billion.
• The debt owed to China alone grew from $1 billion to $193.1 billion in the same period.

Impact of China’s Lending on Nations

• Many nations, such as Pakistan, Angola, and Laos, owe significant portions of their debt to China. Pakistan owes $22 billion (60% of its bilateral debt) to China.
• Economic Challenges in Borrowing Nations: Laos faces high inflation, currency depreciation, and economic slowdown, partly due to its debt burden. Angola owes $17 billion (58% of its debt) to China, impacting its fiscal policies.
• Sub-Saharan Africa and Other Regions: Sixteen sub-Saharan nations owe over 50% of their debt to China. The Democratic Republic of Congo owes 88% of its bilateral debt to China, which controls 15 of its 19 cobalt mines.
• Debt Repayment Issues: Sri Lanka owes $8 billion (50% of its bilateral debt) to China and had to lease Hambantota Port in 2017 to manage repayments.

DEBT TRAP DIPLOMACY:

Debt trap diplomacy refers to a strategy used by a country to financially burden another by providing large loans with conditions that the borrower struggles to repay, thereby increasing its dependency on the lender.

• Objective: The lender country or institution uses the debt burden to gain leverage over the borrower, often securing favorable political, economic, or strategic advantages.
• Common in Infrastructure Projects: It is often associated with the construction of large-scale infrastructure projects, where the borrowing country takes loans for projects they cannot afford, leading to long-term financial obligations.
• Example: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has faced accusations of debt trap diplomacy, with critics claiming that countries involved in infrastructure projects funded by China may face economic control if they default on loans.

Conclusion

China’s lending practices, particularly under its Belt and Road Initiative, have significantly influenced global debt dynamics. While offering financial support, these loans often create economic vulnerabilities for borrower nations, necessitating careful scrutiny of such financial dependencies.

MINORITY RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Minority rights in India protect the cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity of communities, ensuring their participation in the democratic process. These rights are enshrined in the Indian Constitution and recognized globally, with December 18 observed as Minority Rights Day.

Origin and Development of Minority Rights

• The recognition of minority rights dates back to the 19th century, with countries like Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland granting protections to ethnic minorities.
• After World War I, minority protections were included in several peace treaties.
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 27) also guarantees individuals’ rights to enjoy and participate in their cultural and religious communities.
• The Indian Constitution incorporates similar protections, ensuring that minority communities can maintain their distinct cultural and religious practices.

Debate in the Constituent Assembly

• The framers of the Indian Constitution recognized the importance of safeguarding minority rights.
• Leaders like Pandit G.B. Pant emphasized the need to protect minorities for national peace and progress.
• The Advisory Committee, headed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, drafted Articles 25-30 to protect the rights of religious and linguistic minorities, focusing on multiculturalism and substantive equality.

Key Constitutional Provisions for Minority Rights

Article 29 (Cultural and Educational Rights):

• Protects the right of citizens to conserve their distinct language, script, and culture.
• This provision acknowledges the diversity in India and provides minorities the right to preserve their cultural identity.

Article 30 (Right to Establish and Administer Educational Institutions):

• Guarantees religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish educational institutions of their choice.
• The Supreme Court has upheld this right, stating that minorities can expand their educational choices without interference from the state.

Article 350A and 350B (Language Rights):

• Ensures instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education.
• Appoints a special officer to protect the interests of linguistic minorities.

Legal Recognition and Judicial Interpretations

• The Supreme Court has consistently upheld the rights of minorities to establish and manage institutions.
• It has also emphasized that while minorities cannot mismanage their institutions, they are entitled to state aid without compromising their minority status.
• The Aligarh Muslim University (2024) case further clarified the criteria for minority institutions, focusing on the ideation and management by the minority community.

Conclusion
Minority rights in India are fundamental for ensuring the preservation of cultural and religious diversity. The Constitution provides robust protections to minority communities, recognizing their importance in a democratic society.

ARCTIC TUNDRA EMITTING MORE CARBON THAN IT ABSORBS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Arctic tundra has shifted from being a carbon sink to a carbon source, contributing to global warming. This change is attributed to rising temperatures and increased wildfires, making the tundra release more greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4).

Why the Arctic Tundra Was a Carbon Sink

• In normal ecosystems, plants absorb CO2 through photosynthesis. When plants and animals die, their remains break down and release CO2 back into the atmosphere.
• However, in the Arctic tundra, the decomposition process is slowed due to the cold, and plant and animal remains get trapped in permafrost (frozen ground).
• Over time, this carbon remains stored in the soil, which is estimated to hold more than 1.6 trillion metric tonnes of carbon—double the amount present in the atmosphere.

Factors Leading to Increased Carbon Emissions

• Rising Temperatures: The Arctic region is warming at a rate four times faster than the global average. In 2024, the surface air temperatures were among the highest on record.
• Thawing permafrost causes microbes to become active, breaking down organic matter and releasing CO2 and CH4 into the atmosphere.
• Permafrost, once thawed, works similarly to food thawing in a freezer, with microbes breaking down the organic material.
• Increase in Wildfires: The frequency and intensity of wildfires have escalated in recent years. Wildfires add to greenhouse gas emissions while also accelerating permafrost thaw.
• 2024 saw the second-largest wildfire emissions in the Arctic, contributing to the region’s transition from a carbon sink to a carbon emitter.

ARCTIC TUNDRA:

The Arctic tundra is found in the polar regions, primarily in the Arctic Circle, encompassing parts of Alaska, Canada, Russia, and Northern Europe.

• Climate: It has extremely cold temperatures, with long winters and short summers. The average temperature remains below freezing for most of the year.
• Vegetation: The tundra is characterized by low-growing vegetation such as mosses, lichens, grasses, and shrubs. Due to the harsh conditions, there are no tall trees.
• Permafrost: A defining feature of the Arctic tundra is permafrost, a layer of soil that remains frozen year-round. This prevents plant roots from growing deep into the soil.
• Wildlife: Despite the cold, the tundra is home to a variety of animals, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, caribou, and migratory birds.

What Can Be Done?

• Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions is key to reversing this trend.
• Lower levels of climate change would reduce emissions from thawing permafrost, providing a path for the tundra to regain its carbon-absorbing capacity. However, with emissions rising globally, reversing this shift seems unlikely in the near future.

CONCLUSION:

The Arctic tundra plays a vital role in carbon sequestration by storing carbon in permafrost and plant biomass. However, rising temperatures and thawing permafrost are threatening its ability to act as a carbon sink, exacerbating climate change.

ONE NATION, ONE ELECTION BILL

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The “One Nation, One Election” Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha with the aim to conduct simultaneous elections for the central government and state assemblies across India, reducing election-related disruptions and costs.

Key Points of the Bill

• Objective: The Bill’s primary goal is to synchronize elections for the central government and state assemblies. This would mean that general elections for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies would be held together, reducing election-related disruptions and costs.
• Constitutional Amendments: Two bills were introduced: the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill. These seek to amend existing provisions in the Constitution to allow for simultaneous elections and address challenges related to the tenure of state assemblies.

Opposition’s Concerns

• Constitutionality: Several opposition parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress, and the Samajwadi Party, have raised concerns that the Bills violate the basic structure of the Constitution. They argue that such changes could harm India’s federal nature by reducing the autonomy of state governments.
• Federalism Under Threat: The opposition argues that tying the tenure of state assemblies to that of the Lok Sabha compromises the federal structure. State governments, they say, are equal partners in the constitutional framework and should not be subject to the central government’s timelines.
• Risk of Centralization: Some critics argue that simultaneous elections could centralize power in the hands of the central government and undermine the voices of regional parties, which are vital in maintaining a balanced, democratic system.

Government’s Response and Voting

• Legal Defense: The government, led by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, has defended the Bills, claiming that they are aligned with the idea of electoral reform and will not alter the Constitution’s basic structure. They argue that simultaneous elections would streamline the electoral process and reduce unnecessary election cycles.
• Parliamentary Approval: The Bills were introduced and voted on, with 263 MPs voting in Favor and 198 MPs opposing. While the majority supported the introduction of the Bills, it was highlighted by the opposition that a two-thirds majority (307 votes) is required to pass a constitutional amendment.

Calls for Further Deliberation

• Request for Joint Committee Review: Some opposition members and even allies like the DMK and NCP have called for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to examine the Bills in greater detail before they move forward. They argue that further discussions are needed to address the concerns surrounding the proposed changes.

Conclusion

The One Nation, One Election proposal has sparked a significant debate over the balance between centralization and federalism. While the government views it as an electoral reform, many opposition parties see it as a threat to democratic principles and the autonomy of states. Further discussions and deliberations are likely to follow as the Bills move through parliamentary processes.

INDIA’S DIPLOMATIC SHIFT IN THE GULF

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Kuwait marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over four decades. This visit signifies India’s expanding diplomatic and economic ties with the Arab Gulf nations, a region crucial to India’s energy security and prosperity.

Historical Context of India-Kuwait Relations

• India’s relationship with Kuwait faced hurdles, particularly during the 1990 Gulf War when India refrained from condemning Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait.
• India’s foreign policy in the Middle East had a history of being influenced by its relationships with radical Arab regimes like Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and Bashar al-Assad’s Syria, which strained ties with Gulf monarchies.

Modi’s Diplomatic Strategy in the Gulf

• Unlike previous administrations, the Modi government has significantly strengthened ties with Gulf nations.
• Modi has visited multiple Gulf countries in recent years, establishing close personal rapport with Gulf rulers and expanding trade, security, and connectivity projects.
• The visit to Kuwait completes India’s strategic engagement with the Gulf region, emphasizing its growing significance in India’s foreign policy.

Transforming Regional Dynamics and India’s Position

• The Middle East is witnessing significant shifts, especially with the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, which opens new opportunities for India in the region.
• The Gulf monarchies, once viewed with skepticism, are now seen as partners due to their reforms and efforts towards economic diversification and social modernization.
• India, with its strong ties to countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt, finds itself increasingly aligned with the moderate Arab states.

India’s Evolving Relationship with the Arab Gulf

• The Gulf region has become one of India’s top priorities in terms of strategic, economic, and security partnerships.
• The growing importance of Gulf nations is evident in their active role in India’s energy supply and their large expatriate Indian community contributing to the economy.
• India’s improved relations with Gulf monarchies are no longer hindered by Pakistan, which once complicated ties with the region.

The Way Forward

• India must continue to engage with the moderate Arab states and adapt its policies to regional realities.
• India’s future in the Middle East will depend on balancing relationships with competing regional powers like Iran, Israel, and Turkey.
• Strengthening ties with Israel, while addressing Palestinian concerns, could further stabilize the region and foster deeper cooperation between Arab states and Israel.

GULF REGIONS AND STRAITS: GEOGRAPHICAL MAPPING POINTS

Gulf Regions:

Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf):

• Located between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran.
• Key countries along its shores: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE.
• A vital route for global oil transport.
• Important for the economies of Gulf countries due to oil reserves and trade routes.

Gulf of Oman:

• Links the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
• Countries bordering the Gulf of Oman: Oman, Iran, UAE, and Pakistan.
• It serves as a major shipping lane connecting the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Gulf of Aqaba:

• Located at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea.
• Borders Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
• Strategic waterway for access to the Suez Canal, vital for global maritime trade.

Gulf of Suez:

• Located between the Sinai Peninsula and the Egyptian mainland.
• Provides a direct maritime route to the Suez Canal, essential for international trade.

Straits:

Strait of Hormuz:

• A narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
• Borders Oman and Iran.
• Critical for global oil transport, as a large portion of the world’s oil exports pass through this strait.

Bab el-Mandeb Strait:

• Connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
• Situated between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea on the Horn of Africa.
• A strategic route for shipping traffic between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Strait of Gibraltar:

• Connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
• Lies between southern Spain and northern Morocco.
• Key transit point for vessels entering or exiting the Mediterranean.

Malacca Strait:

• Located between the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra Island in Indonesia.
• A major global shipping route connecting the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean.
• Strategic for trade between the Middle East, Asia, and the rest of the world.

Conclusion

Modi’s visit to Kuwait signals India’s growing influence in the Middle East, aligning with a region poised for significant geopolitical shifts. By fostering stronger partnerships with moderate Arab nations, India can further its interests in energy, security, and economic cooperation.