23-November-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

UNDERSTANDING THE CHANGING NATURE OF EXTREMIST VIOLENCE

TOPIC: (GS3) SEQURITY: THE HINDU

Extremist violence has taken on new dimensions globally. While conflicts like the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas crisis dominate headlines, evolving patterns of violence by extremist groups often go unnoticed. This trend has significant implications for law enforcement, national security, and the global order.

Evolution of Extremist Violence

• Post-Independence Extremism: India’s initial years witnessed communal violence and revolutionary Communist movements. Movements like the Tebhaga Movement in Bengal and the Telangana Communist Uprising posed serious challenges but were contained.
• Naxalite Movement: In the late 1960s, left-wing extremism surged, gaining traction among the youth. While ideologically driven, the movement eventually descended into violence, impacting states like West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.

• Ideological movements like Naxalism demonstrate that revolutionary ideas often linger beneath the surface. Constant vigilance is crucial to prevent their resurgence.

The Shift Towards Right-Wing Extremism

• Global Trends: In recent years, right-wing ideologies have gained prominence, especially in Europe. increasing xenophobia in Germany, political polarization in France, Brexit (2016), and a broader erosion of liberal values. symbolized a rightward political shift in Europe.
• Radicalization and Mainstreaming: There is a growing trend of radicalizing mainstream right-wing ideas and integrating far-right ideologies into political discourse. This shift challenges liberal democracies globally, including India.

Role of Islamist Right-Wing Extremism

• Global Impacts: The rise of the Islamic State marked a turning point, spreading its influence across West Asia and beyond. Pro-Jihadist activities, often led by small, decentralized cells, have added to global insecurity.
• COVID-19 and Radicalization: The pandemic amplified grievances and social isolation, contributing to the spread of extremist ideas. Misinformation and disinformation further fuelled radicalization during this period.

India’s Challenges with Right-Wing Extremism

• Emerging Threats: India has faced protests over actions against groups like the Popular Front of India (PFI) and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). These organizations have been linked to extremist activities, though their covert operations often remain under the radar.

• • Rising Intolerance: Right-wing extremism often fuels intolerance towards minority groups, leading to increased hate speech, violence, and discrimination against religious and cultural minorities.
  • Erosion of Secularism: India’s secular constitution is under threat as right-wing groups promote a Hindu nationalist agenda, leading to the marginalization of minority religions and cultures.
  • Attacks on Dissent: Right-wing extremists often target individuals and organizations that criticize the government or promote alternative viewpoints, stifling freedom of speech and expression.
  • Polarization of Society: The rise of right-wing extremism exacerbates social divisions, leading to increased polarization and communal tensions, hindering national unity.

• Undermining Democratic Institutions: Right-wing extremists may undermine democratic institutions like the judiciary, the media, and the electoral process, weakening the foundations of democracy.

RIGHT WING AND LEFT WING:

Right Wing:

• Economic: Generally, Favors free-market capitalism, limited government intervention, and individual responsibility.
• Social: Often holds traditional or conservative views on social issues like family, religion, and morality.
• Political: Supports strong national identity, law and order, and a hierarchical social structure.

Left Wing:

• Economic: Advocates for social and economic equality, government intervention to regulate markets, and redistribution of wealth.
• Social: Promotes social justice, individual rights, and progressive views on issues like gender, sexuality, and race.
• Political: Supports social democracy, welfare programs, and a more egalitarian society.

Conclusion

Extremist violence is no longer confined to one ideology or region. The rise of both right-wing and left-wing extremism poses significant challenges to global and national security. Governments must remain vigilant, adopt proactive measures, and adapt to evolving threats to safeguard democratic values and sovereignty. Eternal vigilance is the key to preserving liberty in an increasingly polarized world.

DEMOCRATISING AI: CHALLENGES AND ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

The dominance of Big Tech in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem raises significant concerns. Despite efforts by countries like India to promote local AI initiatives through sovereign cloud infrastructure and open data platforms, strengthen Big Tech’s hold. A shift in approach is essential to truly democratise AI.

Need for a New Approach

• Limitations of Current Policies: Investments in public compute infrastructure and open data platforms replicate Big Tech’s model rather than challenge it. Without addressing foundational issues, these efforts reinforce dependence on large-scale data and deep learning.
• Theory-Driven Development: Instead of relying solely on Big Data, AI development should focus on theories of change — understanding causal relationships and designing targeted interventions. Purpose-driven, smaller AI models guided by domain expertise and lived experience can drive progressive change.
• Historical Lessons: Fields like medicine and aviation achieved breakthroughs using hypothesis-driven research, not massive datasets. Returning to theory-based models can ensure innovation without wasteful resource consumption.
• A Missed Opportunity: The Global Development Compact, while advocating for democratising AI, relies on the same Big Data framework, missing the chance to challenge Big Tech’s dominance. A paradigm shift is needed to break free from the “bigger is better” mentality and prioritise equity and sustainability in AI development.

Challenges of Big Tech’s Dominance

• High Costs of AI Development: Training advanced AI models, such as Gemini Ultra, requires enormous computational resources, costing up to $200 million.
• Smaller players are often reliant on Big Tech for compute credits, creating a dependency that cements Big Tech’s position.

• Push for Larger Models: Big Tech promotes deep learning as the future of AI, which drives the development of increasingly large models. This strategy benefits them financially while making it harder for smaller entities to compete.
• Integrated Service Offerings: Big Tech provides end-to-end solutions, including cloud infrastructure, algorithmic tools, and data preparation capabilities. These offerings make their platforms more appealing, raising the cost of switching to other providers.
• Data Monopoly: Big Tech has unparalleled access to diverse and continuous data streams, giving it a competitive edge.
• Reduced Role of Academia: The focus on deep learning has shifted AI research dominance from academia to commercial entities. Big Tech now leads in publications and citations, steering AI’s trajectory toward their interests.

Conclusion

Democratising AI requires moving away from Big Tech’s exploitative model. By focusing on smaller, purpose-driven models anchored in theories of change, countries can foster a more equitable and effective AI ecosystem.

TACKLING POVERTY AND CLIMATE CHANGE: THE ROLE OF THE G-20

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

The G-20 summit, held in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil’s presidency, aimed to address pressing global issues like poverty, hunger, and climate change. Despite ambitious goals, the summit faced challenges in achieving meaningful consensus, especially with ongoing geopolitical conflicts and other global priorities diverting attention.

Key Issues Raised at the G-20 Summit

Poverty and Global Hunger

• Brazilian President Lula Da Silva emphasized poverty as a “scourge that shames humanity.”
• Proposed measures included taxing the super-rich, with a suggested 2% wealth tax projected to raise over $200 billion annually.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the acute impact of global challenges on the Global South and advocated for greater representation of these nations in global governance.

Climate Justice and Financing

• The summit sought to integrate climate justice into the G-20 agenda, particularly for developing nations.
• Brazil’s role as the COP29 host in 2025 was expected to align G-20 discussions with broader climate action goals.

Challenges in Achieving Consensus

• Geopolitical Conflicts: The timing of the summit coincided with critical global events, including the October 7 attacks on Israel and the ensuing violence in Gaza and Lebanon.
• Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine further polarized member nations, making it difficult to reach a unified stance.
• The summit declaration lacked specific commitments, only expressing “deep concern” over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and referencing global food and energy security issues.
• Diluted Focus on Core Issues: The absence of clear strategies to address conflicts and promote sustainable development highlighted the limited progress made.
• Implications of U.S. Political Shifts: The summit was overshadowed by the U.S. presidential election results. If Donald Trump regains office, his past policies, including climate denial and a focus on fossil fuel exploitation, could hinder global efforts to combat climate change.

The Way Forward

Strengthening the Global South’s Agenda

• The quartet of Indonesia, India, Brazil, and South Africa must prioritize concerns of the developing world in upcoming summits.
• Focus areas include addressing poverty, ensuring climate financing, and improving global governance structures.

Concrete Outcomes for Future Summits

• With South Africa hosting the 2024 G-20 summit, it is crucial to build a clear path toward addressing hunger, poverty, and climate change.
• As the G-20 shifts to the U.S. in 2026, time is limited to push for actionable solutions that benefit the Global South.

G20 TRIOKA

The G20 Troika is a system where the current, previous, and next G20 presidencies work together to ensure a smooth transition and continuity in the G20 agenda. This collaboration helps maintain consistency in the forum’s goals and priorities.

For example, in 2023, the G20 Troika consisted of:

• Indonesia: The current presidency, hosting the G20 Summit in 2022.
• India: The next presidency, taking over in 2023.
• Italy: The previous presidency, which held the G20 Summit in 2021.

Conclusion
The urgency to address poverty and climate change requires the G-20 to move beyond declarations and implement concrete, collaborative solutions. The leadership of Global South nations is pivotal in advocating for a more equitable and sustainable global order.

SOCIALISM IN INDIA: A WELFARE STATE PERSPECTIVE

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna recently highlighted that the concept of socialism in India signifies a welfare state aimed at providing equality of opportunity to all citizens, rather than enforcing a rigid or dictatorial ideology.

Democratic Socialism:

• India adopts democratic socialism, which combines state intervention in the economy with the preservation of individual freedoms and democratic processes.
• It emphasizes mixed economy principles, balancing public and private sector roles.

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):

• Socialism is reflected in the DPSPs under Part IV of the Constitution, which guide the state to:

• Ensure equitable distribution of resources (Article 39).
• Minimize inequalities in income and opportunities.
• Promote welfare by ensuring adequate living conditions, health, and education (Article 41, 42, 47).

Socialism as a Welfare State

• Socialism in India emphasizes creating a welfare state, ensuring equality of opportunity for all.
• It supports private sector participation and individualism, acknowledging the role of private enterprise in national growth.

Embedded in the Constitution

• The principle of socialism is reflected in multiple Articles of the Constitution.
• It aligns with India’s commitment to a fair and inclusive society without excluding the private sector’s contributions.

The Challenge to the 42nd Amendment

• Background of the Amendment: The words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ were added to the Preamble through the 42nd Constitution Amendment Act in 1976 during the Emergency.
• This amendment is being contested on the grounds that it lacked proper ratification by the States and was imposed during a period when democratic processes were curtailed.
• The amendment is criticized as a “fraud on the Constitution” since it was passed without public debate during the Emergency.

Supreme Court’s Stand

• Socialism as a Basic Feature: CJI reaffirmed that socialism and secularism are fundamental features of the Constitution’s Basic Structure. These principles cannot be altered or removed, as they embody the essence of India’s constitutional philosophy.
• Opposition to Removing ‘Socialist, Secular’: CPI leader Binoy Viswam opposed the petitions, arguing they aim to dilute secularism for political gain by promoting religious campaigning. The court emphasized that seeking votes in the name of religion is prohibited.

AMENDMENT TO THE PREAMBLE OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

Legal Possibility of Amendment

• The Preamble is part of the Constitution and can be amended under Article 368.
• However, the amendment must not alter its basic structure, as affirmed by the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).

42nd Amendment (1976)

• The only amendment to the Preamble was made during the Emergency under the 42nd Amendment.
• Three terms were added: “Socialist,” “Secular,” and “Integrity”.
• These changes reflect India’s commitment to equality, religious neutrality, and national unity.

Significance of Amendments

• Amendments to the Preamble showcase evolving ideals of the Constitution in response to changing societal needs.
• However, these changes must align with the Constitution’s foundational principles.

Judicial Safeguards

• The Supreme Court has ruled that the basic structure of the Constitution, including the Preamble’s core ideals, cannot be altered.
• This ensures that amendments do not compromise democracy, justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Conclusion
The concept of socialism in India integrates inclusivity and equality, ensuring opportunities for all while allowing the private sector to flourish. The ongoing debate on the Preamble underscores the importance of upholding constitutional values, with socialism and secularism forming the cornerstone of India’s democratic framework.

INDIA-CHINA RELATIONS: CURRENT STATE AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS

India and China, two of the largest and most populous countries in the world, share a complex relationship marked by cooperation and competition. With unresolved border disputes, trade imbalances, and strategic concerns, bilateral ties have fluctuated between periods of collaboration and tension.

India’s Goals in Engagement with China

• Border Stability: Ensuring peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Preventing further incursions by Chinese forces.
• Resolving Border Disputes: Seeking a clear roadmap for settling long-standing border issues.
• Economic Cooperation: Attracting more Chinese investment in India’s infrastructure projects. Enhancing collaboration to support the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
• Balanced Trade Relations: Aiming to reduce the trade deficit and improve the balance of bilateral trade.

China’s Priorities in Engagement with India

• Border Resolution: Finding a solution to ongoing border disputes.
• Investment Facilitation: Advocating for relaxed regulations for Chinese companies in India.
• Strategic Cooperation: Integrating India into China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Preventing India from aligning with the U.S. in an anti-China bloc.
• Global Economic Partnerships: Encouraging India to actively participate in China-led initiatives like the BRICS Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Key Issues in India-China Relations

• Unresolved Border Disputes: No comprehensive maps of the LAC have been exchanged, except for the Central Sector.
• Trade Imbalances: Bilateral trade has grown from $18.7 billion in 2005 to $72.4 billion in 2014-15. However, India faces a significant trade deficit, with imports at $60.4 billion and exports at only $12 billion in 2014-15.
• Mutual Distrust: Surveys indicate significant distrust between the two populations. For example, a 2014 poll revealed only 31% of Indians viewed China favorably, while 30% of Chinese had a positive view of India.

Key Milestones in India-China Relations

Pre-1962 Period

• Diplomatic ties were established in 1950, followed by the signing of the Panchsheel Agreement in 1954.
• Tensions rose after India granted asylum to the Dalai Lama in 1959, leading to increased border clashes.

1962 Border War

• The conflict began on October 20, 1962, due to border disputes and India’s Forward Policy.
• China declared a unilateral ceasefire on November 21 after occupying significant Indian territory.

1988: Resetting Relations

• Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s visit to China marked a turning point.
• Both sides agreed to restore friendly ties and work towards resolving the border issue.

2003: Strengthening Ties

• During Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit, China recognized Sikkim as part of India.
• The two nations appointed SRs to negotiate border issues, initiating political-level discussions.

2008: Shared Vision

• Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit emphasized collaboration in trade, defense, and other areas.
• Both nations adopted a “Shared Vision for the 21st Century,” focusing on broader cooperation.

Conclusion
India-China relations are characterized by a mix of cooperation and competition. While both nations share common goals like border stability and economic growth, challenges like unresolved disputes and trade imbalances persist. A balanced approach, mutual trust, and consistent dialogue are crucial for fostering a stable and productive relationship.

GURU GHASIDAS-TAMOR PINGLA TIGER RESERVE: INDIA’S NEWEST TIGER SANCTUARY

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve was recently designated as India’s 56th tiger reserve and the fourth in Chhattisgarh. This development is significant as it aims to enhance the state’s dwindling tiger population while also fostering ecological preservation and biodiversity.

About the Reserve

• The reserve spans 2,829.387 sq km, making it the third-largest tiger reserve in India.
• It covers Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts in Chhattisgarh’s northern Sarguja region.
• Positioned between Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh) and Palamau (Jharkhand) tiger reserves, it shares boundaries with Madhya Pradesh’s Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve.

Flora and Fauna

• Wildlife includes tigers, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, vultures, jackals, otters, hyenas, and others.
• Vegetation comprises sal, saja, dhavda, and kusum trees, along with diverse landscapes like hills, plateaus, valleys, and rivers.
• Currently, the reserve houses 5-6 tigers, with the state’s overall tiger count reduced from 46 in 2014 to 17 in 2022.

Steps to Enhance Tiger Conservation

• Population Boost Strategies: Proposal to bring tigresses from Bandhavgarh and Sanjay Dubri reserves in Madhya Pradesh to balance the male-female ratio.
• Tiger Conservation Plan (TCP): Strengthening Road and wireless networks to patrol hilly areas covering 50% of the reserve.
• Prey Base Development: Grasslands, water bodies, and cheetal/wild boar translocations have been prioritized.
• Wildlife Corridors: Enhancing connections with Madhya Pradesh reserves to facilitate tiger migration.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: Awareness campaigns and voluntary relocation options for villagers in the reserve area.

• Community Involvement: Training programs will help locals establish homestays, act as tour guides, and create handicrafts.

Eco-Tourism and Future Plans

• Tourism Infrastructure: Development of eco-tourism circuits, including jungle safaris and visits to ancient cave paintings, waterfalls, and religious sites. Heritage site recognition for the reserve is being sought.
• Cheetah Reintroduction: Wildlife experts suggest bringing cheetahs back to the reserve, similar to the Madhya Pradesh project, as the last cheetah in the region was sighted in the 1940s.
• Encroachment Prevention: Protecting the reserve from human encroachments is a key priority for sustained wildlife conservation.

Conclusion
The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is a promising addition to India’s conservation landscape. By combining tiger population enhancement strategies, eco-tourism initiatives, and community engagement, the reserve is set to play a crucial role in protecting wildlife and fostering sustainable development in the region.

KING COBRA OF WESTERN GHATS: OFFICIALLY NAMED OPHIOPHAGUS KAALINGA

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

The king cobra found in the Western Ghats has been officially named Ophiophagus Kaalinga. The name “Kaalinga” draws inspiration from Kannada culture and mythology, making it a source of regional pride.

• Species Discovery: Herpetologist P. Gowri Shankar’s research identified four distinct species of king cobras, including Kaalinga. This discovery emphasizes the biodiversity richness of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• About the King Cobra: The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the world’s longest venomous snake, capable of reaching lengths up to 18 feet. Conservation Status:
• Listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflict.
• Conservation efforts in the Western Ghats aim to protect its natural habitat and ensure its survival.

Ecological Importance:

• King cobras play a crucial role as apex predators in maintaining the ecological balance of forest ecosystems.
• They help control snake populations, indirectly impacting rodent and pest numbers.

Western Ghats Biodiversity:

• Home to over 7,400 species of plants and animals, including many endemic species like the Kaalinga.
• It is one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity in the world.

Cultural Connection:

• The name “Kaalinga” also resonates with Indian mythology, referring to the serpent Kaliya subdued by Lord Krishna.
• It highlights the coexistence of nature and cultural heritage in Karnataka.

AI-POWERED HUMANOID TEACHER IN KERALA: NOVA

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Nova, an AI-powered humanoid, has been introduced as a teacher at a government school in Punalur, Kerala. Launched on Children’s Day (November 14), this innovative educator is transforming how students learn by combining technology with interactive teaching methods.

Key Features of Nova

• Interactive Learning Experience: Nova engages 74 lower primary students by answering questions from their syllabus and beyond. Students actively interact with Nova, which encourages curiosity and improves communication skills.
• Multilingual Capability: Nova speaks four languages: English, Malayalam, Hindi, and Arabic. The inclusion of Arabic aligns with the school’s curriculum, promoting multilingual learning.
• Technology Integration: Nova is equipped with a speaker and microphone and uses GPT-4o, an advanced AI model. It displays answers on a connected projector, enhancing students’ visual understanding.
• Focus on Communication and Technology Skills: Students are encouraged to ask questions in multiple languages, improving their linguistic abilities. Exposure to AI fosters an interest in technology, preparing children for a digital future.

Future Plans

• Improved Model: Designers aim to create an advanced humanoid capable of movement for a more immersive teaching experience. Budget constraints limit current capabilities in the modest government school.
• Customizable Features: Nova adapts to students’ needs by tailoring content and interaction. Additional languages and features may be introduced as required.

Conclusion

Nova exemplifies how AI can make education engaging and interactive. By integrating technology into classrooms, Kerala’s initiative equips students with essential skills for the digital age.