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11. LOK SABHA USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING FOR EFFICIENCY
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (Polity, Governance, Technology), General Studies Paper III (Science and Technology, AI & ML)
Context:
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that the Lok Sabha is integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies to enhance parliamentary functioning and legislative processes.
Key Points:
AI and ML in Governance:
AI and ML technologies are being utilised to improve efficiency in the legislative process, streamline administrative tasks, and enhance decision-making.
These technologies can assist in managing data, improving documentation, and facilitating real-time analysis during parliamentary sessions.
Impact on Legislative Functions:
Automated Transcription: AI can provide real-time transcription of debates and proceedings, making legislative work more accessible and efficient.
Data Analytics: ML algorithms help analyse large datasets related to parliamentary reports and policy decisions, aiding legislators in informed decision-making.
Challenges:
Implementing AI and ML technologies in the Lok Sabha requires robust digital infrastructure and addressing concerns related to data privacy and security.
Importance for UPSC:
Polity and Governance: The use of technology in enhancing parliamentary efficiency is crucial for understanding how modern technologies are being integrated into public administration.
Science and Technology: AI and ML’s role in governance is important for answering questions in GS Paper III, especially in the context of innovation and public service delivery.
Prelims
How are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) being used to enhance the functioning of the Lok Sabha?
What are the potential challenges of implementing AI and ML in parliamentary functions?
Mains
GS Paper II/III: "Discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in improving parliamentary efficiency and governance in India. What challenges need to be addressed for effective implementation?"
12. INDIAN RAILWAYS SIGNALLING SYSTEM OVERHAUL FOR ENHANCED SAFETY
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper III (Infrastructure, Railways, Technology)
Context:
The Indian Railways has initiated a significant overhaul of its ageing signalling systems to enhance safety and operational efficiency, addressing key safety concerns.
Key Points:
Current State of Signalling Systems:
Indian Railways' existing signalling infrastructure, in many regions, relies on outdated manual systems, raising concerns over safety and operational efficiency.
Technology Upgrades:
The proposed overhaul includes installing modern signalling systems such as the European Train Control System (ETCS), which offers automated safety protocols.
These systems will reduce train collisions, improve punctuality, and ensure safer train operations.
Enhancing Railway Safety:
The overhaul is part of the larger modernisation drive under the National Rail Plan, focussing on reducing accidents and improving overall railway infrastructure.
Impact on Passengers and Freight:
The move will enhance passenger safety and improve freight movement by ensuring smoother and more efficient train operations.
Importance for UPSC:
Infrastructure Development: Modernisation of railway infrastructure is a key topic in GS Paper III, especially in terms of public safety and technological integration.
Technology in Governance: The use of modern technology to enhance public safety, especially in critical infrastructure, ties into broader discussions on governance and innovation.
Prelims
What are the key features of the European Train Control System (ETCS) being implemented by Indian Railways?
How does the overhaul of Indian Railways' signalling systems contribute to enhancing safety?
Mains
GS Paper III: "Discuss the significance of modernising signalling systems in Indian Railways. How can technology be leveraged to ensure safer and more efficient rail operations?"
13. CENTRE TO LAUNCH PILOT PROJECT ON URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN 25 CITIES
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (Governance, Urban Development, Social Justice), Paper III (Economic Development)
Context:
The Government of India plans to launch a pilot project targeting urban poverty alleviation in 25 cities starting October 1, 2024, focussing on improving living conditions and providing employment opportunities for the urban poor.
Key Points:
Urban Poverty in India:
Urban poverty remains a critical issue, with slum populations and informal workers facing inadequate access to basic services such as housing, sanitation, and healthcare.
Pilot Project Objectives:
The project aims to improve urban livelihoods, provide skill development opportunities, and ensure access to affordable housing.
A key component of the project includes enhancing access to financial services and creating a sustainable ecosystem for small businesses and self-employment.
Government Initiatives:
The project aligns with ongoing government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), which aim to uplift the urban poor by improving their living conditions and employment prospects.
Importance for UPSC:
Urban Development: Understanding urban poverty and the measures to alleviate it is critical for Mains, particularly in discussions on governance and social justice.
Economic Development: The pilot project is relevant for GS Paper III in terms of employment generation, skill development, and poverty reduction.
Prelims
What are the key objectives of the pilot project on urban poverty alleviation launched by the Government of India?
Which ongoing government schemes aim to address urban poverty and improve living conditions for the urban poor?
Mains
GS Paper II/III: "Discuss the challenges of urban poverty in India. How can targeted government interventions, such as skill development and affordable housing, help alleviate urban poverty?"
14. HOW BMI IS BECOMING AN INADEQUATE MEASURE FOR HEALTH
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (Health, Science and Technology), General Studies Paper III (Science and Technology)
Context:
Recent studies suggest that the Body Mass Index (BMI), traditionally used as a measure of health, is inadequate for determining an individual's overall health status due to its failure to account for factors such as muscle mass, body fat distribution, and metabolic health.
Key Points:
Limitations of BMI:
BMI only takes into account a person’s height and weight, without considering muscle mass, fat distribution, or metabolic factors, leading to potential misclassification of health risks.
BMI fails to differentiate between lean body mass and fat, potentially labelling muscular individuals as overweight or obese.
Alternative Measures:
Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) and Body Fat Percentage are considered better indicators of health risks as they provide more accurate insights into fat distribution and metabolic health.
Metabolic Health Indicators: Blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure are important factors that need to be considered alongside BMI for a comprehensive assessment of health.
Impact on Public Health Policies:
There is a growing consensus that healthcare professionals should adopt a more holistic approach to measuring health, considering factors beyond BMI.
Importance for UPSC:
Health and Science: The discussion on the inadequacy of BMI as a health measure links to important topics in GS Paper II, especially in public health.
Science and Technology: Understanding how technological advancements are reshaping health measurements is relevant for Mains.
Prelims
What is Body Mass Index (BMI), and why is it considered an inadequate measure of health?
What alternative measures are being considered to assess an individual’s overall health more accurately?
Mains
GS Paper II: "Examine the limitations of Body Mass Index (BMI) as a measure of health. How can alternative health metrics provide a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s health?"
15. THE NCRF AS A FRAMEWORK FOR WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (Education, Governance)
Context:
The National Credit Framework (NCRF) is being developed as a holistic approach to education in India, with a focus on ensuring that students receive well-rounded education that balances academic learning with skill development.
Key Points:
National Credit Framework (NCRF):
The NCRF aims to provide a comprehensive framework for education, ensuring that students acquire skills alongside academic knowledge. This includes vocational training and skill development integrated into mainstream education.
Holistic Approach to Education:
The NCRF emphasises flexible learning pathways, enabling students to switch between vocational and academic streams and earn credits for various forms of learning, including apprenticeships and internships.
Alignment with NEP 2020:
The NCRF aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s goals of transforming India’s education system into a more inclusive, equitable, and skill-based system, preparing students for the demands of the global workforce.
Importance for UPSC:
Education Policy: The development of NCRF as part of the NEP 2020 reforms is essential for understanding India’s changing education landscape, relevant for Prelims and Mains.
Governance and Social Justice: The framework addresses issues related to access to education, employability, and skill development, critical for GS Paper II.
Prelims
What are the key objectives of the National Credit Framework (NCRF) in education?
How does the NCRF align with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?
Mains
GS Paper II: "Discuss the significance of the National Credit Framework (NCRF) in transforming India’s education system. How does it contribute to achieving the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?"
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