DEEPSEEK: A DISRUPTIVE OPEN-SOURCE AI CHALLENGING BIG TECH
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has gained global attention by offering cost-effective AI models that rival those of US tech giants. Its open-source approach and innovative techniques have disrupted the AI landscape.
About DeepSeek
- A Chinese AI company based in Hangzhou, founded by entrepreneur Liang Wenfeng.
- The company focuses on AI research and development, particularly in large language models.
- DeepSeek operates under High Flyer AI, which holds patents for chip clusters used in AI training.
DeepSeek’s AI Models
- DeepSeek-V3: A cost-efficient language model trained with significantly lower investments compared to OpenAI and Google.
- DeepSeek-R1: A reasoning model with advanced capabilities, surpassing leading AI models in tasks like coding and mathematics.
- Both models are open-source, allowing global developers to build upon them.
What Makes DeepSeek AI Different?
- Mixture-of-Experts (MOE) Architecture: Unlike a single large model, MOE allows multiple smaller models to work together, improving efficiency.
- Massive Training Data: Trained on 14.8 trillion tokens, offering better language comprehension and task-specific performance.
- Multi-Head Latent Attention (MLA): A new technique that enhances efficiency, reducing the cost of training and deployment.
- Transparent Reasoning Process: DeepSeek-R1 displays its thought process while responding, making its reasoning visible.
Impact on AI Industry
- DeepSeek’s success challenges the dominance of US-based AI firms.
- It raises concerns over the necessity of massive investments in AI infrastructure.
- The affordability of DeepSeek models puts pressure on companies like OpenAI and Google to rethink their strategies.
Why Is DeepSeek Cheaper?
- Uses older NVIDIA H800 GPUs instead of the latest H100, reducing hardware costs.
- US restrictions on chip exports led to reliance on modified, less advanced GPUs.
- Optimized low-level coding improved performance despite hardware limitations.
Conclusion
DeepSeek has emerged as a game-changer in AI by offering powerful, cost-efficient, and open-source models. Its approach has sparked global discussions on AI development costs and the future of open-source innovation.
SUBSTANTIVE EQUALITY IN CHILD MARRIAGE LAWS
TOPIC: (GS2) SOCIAL JUSTICE: THE HINDU (INT EDITION)
The Allahabad High Court’s ruling in the Sanjay Chaudhary v. Guddan (2024) case has brought attention to gender disparities in the annulment of child marriages under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA). This case calls for a review of the law to ensure uniformity in marriage annulment provisions for both genders.
Annulment of Child Marriages under the PCMA, 2006
Case Overview
- In the case of Sanjay Chaudhary v. Guddan (2024), the Allahabad High Court annulled a marriage where the couple married at the ages of 12 and 9.
- The male petitioner initially sought a divorce at the age of 20 but later amended his plea to seek annulment under Section 3 of PCMA.
- Section 3 allows either party to annul a child marriage within two years of reaching adulthood.
Gender-Based Disparities in Annulment Rights
Age Discrepancies
- Under the PCMA, a girl is considered a child if under 18, while a boy is considered a child if under 21 years.
- The Majority Act, 1875 defines the age of adulthood as 18 for both genders, creating a contradiction in annulment rights for men and women.
- This discrepancy raises the issue of whether men should have the right to annul marriages up to 23 years, as suggested by some interpretations, or whether this should apply uniformly to both genders.
Judicial Perspectives
- Madras High Court (2011): In the case of T. Sivakumar v. The Inspector of Police, the court allowed men to annul marriages until the age of 23, aiming to protect men married at 20.
- Allahabad High Court (2024): The court ruled that males above 18 cannot claim ignorance of the law and called for a uniform annulment age limit to ensure gender equality.
- This judgment argued that differences in marriage age reflect patriarchal expectations of men being older and financially independent.
Supreme Court’s Role and Legal Gaps
Supreme Court Observations
- The Supreme Court, in the case of Independent Thought v. Union of India (2017), had observed that men could seek annulments up to 23 years, but this was not based on a comprehensive analysis of the annulment provisions.
- This creates an imbalance, as women are disadvantaged by the unequal annulment rights, undermining the PCMA’s goal to protect women.
Need for Uniform Marriage Age
Gender-Neutral Laws
- The current law provides men with more time to annul child marriages, disproportionately affecting women.
- A uniform marriage age of 18 for all genders would align with other legal rights, such as voting and contract-making.
Concerns with Raising Marriage Age
- Increasing the marriage age to 21 could infringe upon the rights of young women aged 18-21, especially in cases of self-initiated marriages.
- A 2024 study revealed that 49.4% of marriages under the PCMA were self-initiated, with families often filing complaints.
- Raising the marriage age could lead to more arrests, family tensions, and strain on the criminal justice system.
Conclusion
Rather than raising the marriage age, solutions like ensuring access to free education, better health services, and comprehensive sexuality education are needed to improve maternal health outcomes and gender equality. The focus should be on revisiting annulment time limits and ensuring women’s access to justice.
Practice Question:
- Discuss the gender-based disparities in the annulment provisions of child marriages under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and suggest measures to ensure substantive equality. (150 WORDS)
MICROPLASTICS AND BRAIN HEALTH
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Recent research highlights the potential dangers of microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in diameter. A study conducted on mice has raised concerns about their ability to block blood flow in the brain, leading to possible neurobehavioral issues.
Study Overview:
- Researchers conducted a study to explore the effects of microplastics on the brain’s blood flow in mice.
- Mice were given small amounts of fluorescent polystyrene, a common plastic used in various products.
- The study used a special microscope to track how the plastic moved through the brain.
Key Findings:
- After consuming polystyrene, researchers found that immune cells like neutrophils and phagocytes ingested the plastic particles.
- These immune cells became trapped in the narrow blood vessels of the brain’s cortex, causing blockages similar to blood clots.
- While some blockages cleared over time, others persisted, leading to decreased movement in the mice.
- This suggests that microplastics could potentially disrupt normal blood flow in the brain.
Possible Implications for Humans:
- Although the study was conducted on mice, there are growing concerns about microplastics’ presence in the human body.
- Studies have shown microplastics in various human tissues, including lungs, testicles, and bone marrow.
- A 2022 study revealed microplastics in human blood, with estimates indicating that people may ingest or inhale thousands of microplastic particles each year.
Conclusion:
This study raises alarms about the potential neurobehavioral effects of microplastics, though more research is needed to understand the impact on humans.
CLASSIFICATION OF DENOTIFIED TRIBES
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN SOCIETY: THE HINDU
The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) has categorized 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes to address classification issues. This study aims to improve their access to government welfare schemes by including them in Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) lists.
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20276%20348%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Key Findings of the Study
- The study, conducted by AnSI and Tribal Research Institutes (TRI), categorized 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes.
- It examined 1,559 individuals across South and Southeast Asia.
- 179 communities were recommended for inclusion in SC, ST, or OBC categories.
- 85 communities were identified for classification for the first time.
- 63 communities could not be traced, possibly due to migration or assimilation.
Why Was the Study Needed?
- After the Criminal Tribes Act was repealed in 1949, many tribes lost official recognition, creating challenges in classification.
- Previous commissions (Kalelkar, Lokur, Mandal, Renke, and Idate Commissions) attempted classification but faced difficulties.
- The Idate Commission (2017) identified over 1,200 tribes but noted that 267 remained unclassified.
- A Special Committee in 2019 assigned the classification task to AnSI and TRIs, with a report submitted in 2023.
Need for Proper Categorization
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment emphasized the importance of accurate classification for welfare access.
- Incorrect classification in past censuses led to confusion between caste and tribe identities.
- Many tribes remain unclassified, preventing them from receiving government benefits and reservations.
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20280%20155%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Impact of the Study
- The study has sparked political discussions on whether these tribes should be classified separately or included in existing SC, ST, and OBC categories.
- Activists and policymakers are debating the best approach for ensuring justice and fair representation for these communities.
- Proper classification will help streamline welfare schemes and reservation policies.
Next Steps
- The Special Committee is reviewing the findings and will submit a final report for government action.
- Further government decisions will determine the inclusion of these communities in welfare programs.
Conclusion
This study is a significant step toward ensuring social justice for denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes. Accurate classification can help them access welfare schemes and reservations, improving their socio-economic conditions.
Practice Question:
- Why are tribal communities in India designated as Scheduled Tribes? What are the key constitutional provisions aimed at their welfare and development? (150 WORDS)
TRUMP’S ORDER ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
A U.S. District Judge ruled against former President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenship, stating it was unconstitutional. The ruling is significant as it upholds the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S.
What is Birthright Citizenship?
- It provides automatic citizenship to individuals born within a country’s borders, regardless of their parents’ nationality.
- In the U.S., this right is based on the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, passed in 1868.
Legal Provisions on Birthright Citizenship in the U.S.
- 14th Amendment (1868): Ensures citizenship for all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and under its jurisdiction.
- Key Clause: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.”
- Historical Background: This amendment was introduced to grant citizenship to formerly enslaved people and to overturn the Dred Scott ruling, which denied citizenship to African Americans.
- Jus Soli Principle: The U.S. follows the “right of the soil” principle, meaning citizenship is granted based on place of birth rather than parental nationality.
Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship
- Proposed to deny automatic citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants and those with temporary legal status.
- Argued that individuals born to non-citizen parents should not automatically be granted U.S. citizenship.
Why Was the Order Blocked?
- U.S. District Judge John Coughenour rejected the order, calling it a clear violation of the Constitution.
- He ruled that the executive order could not override the 14th Amendment.
- Legal experts questioned the authority of the President to change birthright citizenship laws without a constitutional amendment.
Next Steps and Future Implications
- Trump or future administrations could seek a constitutional amendment to modify birthright citizenship.
- Legal battles on this issue may continue, with the final verdict possibly being decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Impact on India and Indian-Origin People
- Effect on Indian Immigrants: If birthright citizenship is restricted, children of Indian immigrants in the U.S. may face difficulties in obtaining U.S. citizenship.
- Tighter Immigration Policies: The decision could lead to stricter policies affecting Indians living in the U.S. on temporary visas or undocumented status.
- Concerns for Indian Students: Indian students studying in the U.S. may worry about their children’s citizenship rights if this policy is implemented.
- Global Influence: The move might encourage other countries to reconsider their own birthright citizenship laws, impacting Indian-origin families worldwide.
- Diplomatic Engagement: India may need to negotiate with the U.S. to ensure the protection of its citizens’ rights in case of policy changes.
Conclusion
The ruling upholds the constitutional principle of birthright citizenship, but ongoing legal debates could influence future U.S. policies. Any changes in birthright citizenship laws could have significant consequences for Indian immigrants and students in the U.S.
ASER 2024: LEARNING RECOVERY, EARLY EDUCATION GAINS, AND DIGITAL SHIFT IN RURAL INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) SOCIAL JUSTICE: THE HINDU
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 by Pratham assesses rural India’s school enrolment, literacy, arithmetic skills, and for the first time, digital literacy among adolescents. The report highlights learning improvements, early childhood education, and digital access.
What is ASER?
- ASER is a nationwide, citizen-led survey conducted annually since 2005.
- It evaluates school enrolment and learning levels of children in rural India.
- The survey covers children aged 3-16 and assesses basic reading and arithmetic skills.
- It provides data at national, state, and district levels to track education trends.
Improvements in Learning Levels
- Children aged 6-14 showed better reading and arithmetic skills, particularly in Grades 1-3.
- Preschool enrolment for children aged 3-6 increased to 77.4%, ensuring a strong foundation in early education.
Impact of NEP 2020 and FLN Initiatives
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) through initiatives like NIPUN Bharat (2021).
The survey found:
- 83% of schools received government guidelines for FLN implementation.
- 78% of teachers received training.
- 75% of schools improved learning materials.
These efforts contributed to better early-grade learning outcomes.
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
NEP recommends Class 1 enrolment at age six to ensure cognitive and social readiness.
Anganwadis play a key role in preparing young children for school.
Trends observed:
- More than one-third of children aged 3-5 are enrolled in Anganwadis.
- States like Himachal Pradesh and Punjab introduced pre-primary classes in schools.
- Rajasthan witnessed a rise in both Anganwadi and private preschool enrolments.
Digital Literacy Trends Among Adolescents (15-16 years)
The school dropout rate in this age group dropped to 7%.
Over 90% of rural adolescents have access to smartphones.
Gender gap in digital skills:
- 1% of boys can browse the internet, while 78.6% of girls can.
- In southern states, girls perform equally or better than boys in digital literacy.
Challenges in Elementary Education in India
School Infrastructure and Basic Facilities
Despite higher school retention rates, basic infrastructure is inadequate.
Issues include:
- 95% of schools have drinking water and toilets, but 10% lack electricity.
- Over 60% of schools do not have computers.
- 90% of schools lack internet access, affecting digital learning.
Teacher Shortage and Education Quality
Many schools face a shortage of teachers, leading to high student-teacher ratios.
Key concerns:
- Heavy dependence on contractual teachers.
- Teacher absenteeism affects learning outcomes.
- A quality gap exists between well-funded formal schools and under-resourced schools.
Social Divides in Education
Education quality is impacted by social inequalities, including:
- Caste and class divisions in rural and urban areas.
- Religious and gender disparities in access to education.
Conclusion
ASER 2024 highlights the need for continuous data collection beyond ASER and UDISE to track evolving education patterns. Strengthening Anganwadi training, enhancing parental involvement, and improving digital literacy can accelerate learning improvements in rural India.
GREENLAND’S LAKES UNDERGOING RAPID CHANGES DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS
A recent study highlights how thousands of lakes in western Greenland have changed drastically due to extreme weather in 2022. These changes include water discoloration, increased carbon emissions, and declining water quality, impacting ecosystems and climate balance.
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20249%20238%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Impact of Extreme Weather on Greenland’s Lakes
Rapid Changes in Lakes
- Over 7,500 lakes in Greenland, once clear and stable, have turned brown and lost their ability to store carbon.
- These lakes are vital for drinking water, biodiversity, and carbon absorption, but their transformation, which usually takes centuries, happened in months.
Causes of the Transformation
- Warmer temperatures in 2022 led to rainfall instead of snowfall, causing permafrost to thaw rapidly.
- This thawing released organic carbon, iron, and minerals into the lakes, altering their chemical balance.
- Atmospheric rivers—strong moisture-laden air currents—intensified, worsening climate-related impacts.
- Studies predict a 50-290% increase in atmospheric rivers by the end of the century, further affecting Greenland, North America, East Asia, and Antarctica.
Consequences of These Changes
Declining Water Quality
- The release of organic materials affected water taste, clarity, and odor, making it unsafe for consumption.
Rising Carbon Emissions
- The lakes, once natural carbon absorbers, saw carbon emissions rise by 350% due to reduced phytoplankton activity.
- The breakdown of organic matter in lakes led to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Disrupted Ecosystems
- Reduced sunlight penetration affected phytoplankton, which are crucial for absorbing carbon through photosynthesis.
- This disruption weakened the lakes’ role in regulating climate and maintaining biodiversity.
Why This Matters for Climate Change
- The study aligns with findings that in 2023, land-based carbon absorption reached its lowest level since 2003.
- Natural carbon sinks like forests, soil, and oceans absorb half of human emissions, but their weakening will lead to higher atmospheric carbon levels.
- The rapid transformation of Greenland’s lakes serves as a warning of accelerating climate change and the need for urgent mitigation measures.
About Greenland
- Greenland is the world’s largest non-continental island, located between North America and Europe.
- It is geographically part of North America but politically an autonomous province of Denmark.
- It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean (north), Greenland Sea (east), North Atlantic Ocean (southeast), Davis Strait (southwest), and Baffin Bay (west).
- Climate: The polar climate results in extreme cold, with winter temperatures reaching -50°C, while summer rarely exceeds 10–15°C.
- Highest Point: Gunnbjorn’s Fjeld.
- Capital: Nuuk.
Conclusion
The rapid changes in Greenland’s lakes highlight the growing impact of climate change. Addressing these issues requires stronger environmental policies, better monitoring, and global cooperation to mitigate further damage.
THE CORPSE FLOWER
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS
The corpse flower is a rare and intriguing plant known for its foul smell, which is used to attract pollinators. Recently, two specimens bloomed in Sydney and New York, captivating visitors with their unique scent.
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20315%20188%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
What is the Corpse Flower?
Description of the Flower
- The corpse flower belongs to the Amorphophallus genus, with two notable species: Amorphophallus titanum and Amorphophallus gigas.
- The Sydney bloom was named “Putricia,” while the New York bloom was called “Smelliot.”
- These flowers have large crimson petals and a tall central stalk that can grow up to 3 meters in height.
Foul Odour for Pollination
- The corpse flower emits a rotting flesh-like odour to attract carrion insects, which aid in its pollination.
- This unpleasant smell is a strategic adaptation to attract insects that feed on decaying matter, like beetles and flies.
- The flower’s scent is at its strongest at night when these insects are most active. The smell can travel for hundreds of meters, drawing curious creatures to the flower.
Unique Chemical Process
- The flower generates heat up to 37°C, which intensifies the smell and attracts more pollinators.
- It releases chemicals such as dimethyl trisulphide, isovaleric acid, and indole, which contribute to the foul odour resembling rotting flesh.
- This heat production and chemical release mimic the decomposition process, encouraging insects to approach for pollination.
Rare Occurrence and Popularity
- Corpse flowers bloom infrequently, with the Sydney flower blooming for the first time since 2010. The one in New York also bloomed on January 24 of the same year.
- Their rare blooming events draw large crowds of visitors eager to experience the spectacle and smell firsthand.
Significance and Fascination
- The corpse flower’s rare and dramatic bloom highlights the incredible diversity of the plant world and its unique methods of reproduction.
- Despite its unpleasant smell, the flower plays an important role in its ecosystem, supporting the population of carrion-eating insects that help with pollination.
- The blooming of these flowers is also a subject of scientific interest, providing valuable insights into plant biology and pollination mechanisms.
Conclusion
The corpse flower, with its striking appearance and unpleasant scent, remains one of nature’s most fascinating and unusual plants, captivating those who witness its rare and remarkable blooming event.