Daily Current Affairs (UPSC CSE) - 17 September 2024

1. How Quantum Computing Can Make Large Language Models Even Better

News Link: The Hindu

Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – Science & Technology

Context: The integration of quantum computing with large language models (LLMs) has the potential to significantly improve the performance and efficiency of artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Key Points:

• Quantum Computing: A new computing paradigm that uses quantum bits (qubits) to perform calculations at speeds unachievable by classical computers.

• Impact on LLMs: Quantum computing can optimise the performance of LLMs by enhancing their speed and processing power, enabling them to process vast datasets more efficiently.

• Future of AI: Quantum AI can solve complex problems in fields like drug discovery, material science, and cryptography, transforming the way we approach machine learning and AI.

Static Linkages:

• Quantum Computing: Understanding the basics of quantum mechanics and its applications in fields such as cryptography and artificial intelligence.

• Artificial Intelligence: Integration of AI with quantum computing to revolutionise data processing, predictive modelling, and optimisation techniques.

Prelims Questions:

• What is quantum computing, and how does it differ from classical computing?

• How can quantum computing enhance artificial intelligence models?

Mains Questions:

• Discuss the potential impact of quantum computing on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

• How can quantum computing revolutionise sectors like healthcare, finance, and cryptography?

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2. Environment Takes Centre Stage as Global Summits Loom

News Link: The Hindu

Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – Environment, International Relations

Context: As the world faces increasing climate challenges, upcoming global summits will center on key environmental issues, emphasising collective action toward sustainability.

Key Points:

• Climate Summits: Summits like COP28 and the UN Biodiversity Conference will focus on pressing issues like climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and transitioning to renewable energy.

• Global Cooperation: International efforts are vital to addressing transboundary environmental issues, with developing countries advocating for climate justice and financial support.

• India’s Role: India, as a key player in international climate discussions, emphasises sustainable development, renewable energy, and adaptation strategies.

Static Linkages:

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Focus on the Paris Agreement and India’s commitments under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Emphasis on SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Prelims Questions:

• What are the objectives of the COP summits?

• How does India contribute to global climate action through its NDCs?

Mains Questions:

• Discuss the significance of international climate summits in addressing global environmental challenges.

• How can India leverage global summits to strengthen its leadership role in combating climate change?

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3. Start-Up India to Move Out of Invest India's Ambit: Goyal

News Link: The Hindu

Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – Economy, Government Schemes

Context: The Start-Up India initiative will be shifted out of Invest India’s umbrella to streamline the support and resources available to startups.

Key Points:

• Start-Up India: Launched in 2016, the initiative aims to foster innovation, support new ventures, and promote entrepreneurship in India through financial assistance, incubation centers, and tax exemptions.

• Invest India: Currently managing the Start-Up India initiative, this restructuring is expected to create a more focused platform for startups, allowing better alignment with national economic objectives.

• Objective: The move is intended to enhance efficiency and encourage more Indian startups to scale globally.

Static Linkages:

• Start-Up India Initiative: A government scheme to promote entrepreneurship, job creation, and wealth generation in India.

• Ease of Doing Business: India’s efforts to improve the business environment for startups and attract foreign investment.

Prelims Questions:

• What are the key features of the Start-Up India initiative?

• How does the Ease of Doing Business initiative benefit startups in India?

Mains Questions:

• Discuss the impact of Start-Up India on innovation and entrepreneurship in India.

• Analyse the challenges faced by Indian startups in scaling globally and how government policies can support them.

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4. Scientists Demand Transparency on Vigyan Puraskar

News Link: The Hindu

Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – Science & Technology, Ethics

Context: Indian scientists have called for greater transparency in the selection process for the Vigyan Puraskar, a national award recognizing contributions to science.

Key Points:

• Vigyan Puraskar: This award honors scientific excellence in various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.

• Demand for Transparency: Scientists argue that a clear and fair selection process is necessary to maintain the credibility of the award and to ensure that merit is the sole criterion.

• Ethics in Scientific Recognition: Fair recognition and awards play a crucial role in promoting a culture of innovation and scientific integrity.

Static Linkages:

• Scientific Ethics: The principles that govern fair practices in research, publication, and recognition within the scientific community.

• National Awards for Science: Awards like the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award and Vigyan Puraskar honour outstanding achievements in Indian science.

Prelims Questions:

• What is the significance of the Vigyan Puraskar in promoting science in India?

• Why is transparency important in the selection process for scientific awards?

Mains Questions:

• Discuss the role of awards like the Vigyan Puraskar in promoting scientific excellence in India.

• analyse the importance of transparency and ethical practices in the selection process for national awards.

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5. Why Is Tamil Nadu's Education Funding on Hold?

News Link: The Hindu

Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – Education, Governance

Context: Funding for education in Tamil Nadu has been put on hold, raising concerns about the state’s ability to maintain its education reforms and programs.

Key Points:

• Education Reforms: Tamil Nadu has been a leader in providing equitable education, focussing on universal access to schooling and improving quality.

• Funding Issues: The delay in funding could impact infrastructure development, teacher training, and scholarships, affecting the state’s educational outcomes.

• State-Center Relations: The issue also raises questions about center-state financial relations, particularly in the context of education funding under schemes like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

Static Linkages:

• Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): An integrated scheme for school education, covering pre-primary to senior secondary levels.

• Center-State Financial Relations: Issues related to the devolution of funds and the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes.

Prelims Questions:

• What is the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan?

• How does center-state financial devolution impact education funding?

Mains Questions:

• Discuss the challenges faced by state governments in accessing central funds for education reforms.

• Analyse the impact of delayed funding on education reforms in Tamil Nadu.

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6. How Do Emergency Provisions Impact Centre-State Relations?

News Link: The Hindu

Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – Polity, Governance, Centre-State Relations

Context: The use of emergency provisions under the Indian Constitution has historically impacted the balance of power between the center and the states, raising concerns about federalism.

Key Points:

• Emergency Provisions: The Constitution provides for three types of emergencies—National Emergency (Article 352), President's Rule (Article 356), and Financial Emergency (Article 360).

• Impact on Federalism: During emergencies, the center assumes greater powers, which can diminish the autonomy of states. President’s Rule, in particular, has been used frequently, altering the balance of center-state relations.

• Recent Developments: The article examines how the imposition of President’s Rule in various states has affected their governance and autonomy, with debates over its misuse.

Static Linkages:

• Article 356: Imposition of President’s Rule in a state if the constitutional machinery fails.

• Federalism: The division of powers between the center and states, and how emergencies tilt this balance toward the center.

Prelims Questions:

• What are the three types of emergencies provided in the Indian Constitution?

• How does President’s Rule affect the federal structure in India?

Mains Questions:

• Discuss the impact of emergency provisions on center-state relations in India.

• Analyse the constitutional safeguards to prevent the misuse of President’s Rule under Article 356.

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7. What Is the Current Status of the Introduction of African Cheetahs?

News Link: The Hindu

Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – Environment, Biodiversity Conservation

Context: The reintroduction of African cheetahs in India as part of a species revival plan faces several challenges, including habitat suitability, human-wildlife conflict, and environmental sustainability.

Key Points:

• Cheetah Reintroduction Program: The program aims to reintroduce African cheetahs into Indian habitats after the species was declared extinct in India in 1952.

• Challenges: There are concerns about the adequacy of Indian grasslands for cheetah survival, poaching risks, and conflicts with local populations.

• Conservation Efforts: The initiative is seen as part of broader conservation efforts to restore ecosystems and protect endangered species.

Static Linkages:

• Project Cheetah: India’s initiative to reintroduce cheetahs into the wild, with a focus on habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation.

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Legal framework for the protection of wildlife and endangered species in India.

Prelims Questions:

• What is the objective of Project Cheetah in India?

• Which species of cheetah is being reintroduced into Indian habitats?

Mains Questions:

• Analyse the challenges associated with the reintroduction of African cheetahs into India.

• Discuss the role of reintroduction programs in conserving endangered species and restoring ecological balance.

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8. Tight Curbs in Malappuram Following Nipah Death; 126 on Primary Contact List of Victim

News Link: The Hindu

Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – Health, Disaster Management

Context: The recent death due to the Nipah virus in Kerala has led to tightened restrictions, highlighting the state’s efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.

Key Points:

• Nipah Virus (NiV): A zoonotic virus that can cause severe respiratory illness and encephalitis in humans, with a high mortality rate. Fruit bats are the natural hosts of the virus.

• Containment Efforts: Kerala has put in place strict quarantine measures, contact tracing, and movement restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus.

• Public Health Infrastructure: The outbreak tests the robustness of Kerala’s public health infrastructure, emphasising the need for rapid response mechanisms in managing infectious diseases.

Static Linkages:

• Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897: Provides legal measures to control the spread of epidemics.

• Zoonotic Diseases: Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, with examples including Nipah, COVID-19, and Ebola.

Prelims Questions:

• What is the Nipah virus, and how does it spread?

• Which legal framework in India deals with the control of epidemic diseases?

Mains Questions:

• Discuss the challenges in managing zoonotic diseases like Nipah in India.

• Analyse the effectiveness of India’s public health system in responding to infectious disease outbreaks.

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9. Digi Yatra IT Wanted Guard Rails, Aviation Said App Will Be New Normal

News Link: Indian Express

Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – Technology, Governance

Context: The Indian government’s Digi Yatra initiative aims to make air travel smoother and more efficient through digital facial recognition technology, but concerns over data privacy and security have been raised.

Key Points:

• Digi Yatra: A contactless air travel experience based on biometric authentication. Passengers can use facial recognition at various checkpoints, reducing paperwork and enhancing convenience.

• Data Privacy Concerns: While the technology promises efficiency, concerns over personal data security, potential misuse, and the lack of clear privacy guidelines remain contentious.

• Future of Air Travel: The app aims to be a new normal for air travellers, potentially becoming a global model for integrating technology with aviation services.

Static Linkages:

• Personal Data Protection Bill: Legislation designed to protect personal data and regulate its collection and use.

• Digital India: The government’s vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

Prelims Questions:

• What is Digi Yatra, and how does it work?

• What are the major provisions of the Personal Data Protection Bill in India?

Mains Questions:

• Discuss the potential of Digi Yatra to revolutionise air travel in India. What are the associated challenges related to data privacy and security?

• analyse the role of biometric technologies in governance and the concerns surrounding their use in public systems.

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10. India Best Bet for 21st Century: PM Modi on Solar Revolution

News Link: Indian Express

Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – Environment, Renewable Energy

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that India is poised to lead the 21st-century solar revolution, positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy adoption and innovation.

Key Points:

• Solar Power in India: India has made significant strides in solar energy generation, with initiatives like the National Solar Mission and participation in the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

• Global Leadership: India’s commitment to renewable energy has positioned it as a global leader in the transition to green energy, with ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

• Economic and Environmental Benefits: The shift to solar power not only addresses climate change but also creates jobs, reduces energy costs, and enhances energy security.

Static Linkages:

• National Solar Mission: A key initiative under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), aimed at promoting solar energy.

• International Solar Alliance (ISA): A global initiative launched by India and France to promote solar energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Prelims Questions:

• What are the objectives of the National Solar Mission?

• What is the role of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in promoting solar energy?

Mains Questions:

• Analyse India’s leadership role in the global solar energy revolution. What are the challenges in achieving its renewable energy targets?

• Discuss the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy adoption in India.