Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (20-08-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| International Relations: India Australia RISE Accelerator calls for Start-ups and MSMEs in Climate Smart Agritech |
| Google’s ‘monopolist’ judgement in the US and its repercussions in India |
| Economy: A change in India’s power export rules |
| Indian Railways to develop master clock system |
| Geography: About Super Blue Moon |
Economy: Sam Altman’s Worldcoin initiative |
India Australia RISE Accelerator calls for Start-ups and MSMEs in Climate Smart Agritech
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2046486
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: India Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator
Why in News
- The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has launched a special initiative under the India Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator.
Overview
- The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), in collaboration with CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) of Australia, has launched a special initiative under the India Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator.
- This initiative, called the Climate Smart Agritech cohort, is aimed at supporting start-ups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from India and Australia that are developing innovative technologies for agriculture, especially those that address challenges posed by climate change.
Key Features of the Climate Smart Agritech Cohort:
- Focus on Climate Smart Agritech:
- The program targets start-ups and MSMEs with solutions designed to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience.
- sThis is particularly crucial given the increasing challenges of climate variability, resource scarcity, and food insecurity.
- Solutions should prioritize farmer needs, practices, and on-farm applications, ensuring that innovations are practical and beneficial to the farming community.
- Program Structure:
- The cohort will start in October 2024 and run for nine months.
- It includes a blend of self-paced online learning and in-person sessions. These sessions will take place both in India and Australia, providing participants with immersive experiences in different agricultural markets.
- Participants will gain deep market insights, receive one-on-one coaching, and have access to mentorship from industry experts.
- Support and Opportunities:
- The program is designed to help start-ups and MSMEs validate, adapt, and scale their technologies in new markets.
- Selected participants will have opportunities to connect with potential partners and customers, which can significantly increase their chances of success in expanding to international markets.
- Field trials and technology pilots will be conducted in the latter half of the program, allowing participants to test and refine their solutions in real-world conditions.
- Eligibility and Application:
- Start-ups and MSMEs from India and Australia with innovative agritech solutions are encouraged to apply.
- Applications are open until 15 September 2024.
- Participation in the program is free of charge. Moreover, selected participants may be eligible for a non-equity grant of up to INR 45 lakhs to further support their innovations.
Significance of the Program
- International Collaboration: By bringing together Indian and Australian innovators, the program aims to address shared agricultural challenges with diverse solutions.
- Product-Market Fit: The program is particularly focused on helping participants achieve a product-market fit in different agricultural contexts, given the unique nature of farming operations in both countries.
- Scalability and Impact: By supporting start-ups and MSMEs in scaling their solutions, the program contributes to broader goals of enhancing agricultural resilience, reducing emissions, and optimizing resource use.
Key Objectives of Climate-Smart Agriculture
- Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an approach to farming that aims to improve agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability in the face of climate change.
- It integrates various practices and technologies to help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure food security.
- Enhance Agricultural Productivity: CSA focuses on increasing agricultural yields to meet the growing food demands of a rising global population. This involves adopting practices and technologies that improve crop yields, livestock production, and overall farm efficiency.
- Adaptation to Climate Change: Farmers need to adapt to the changing climate, which includes unpredictable weather patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events (like droughts and floods), and shifts in growing seasons. CSA promotes the use of resilient crop varieties, efficient water management, and diversification of crops and livestock to reduce vulnerability.
- Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Agriculture is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane and nitrous oxide. CSA encourages practices that reduce these emissions, such as improved manure management, reduced use of synthetic fertilizers, conservation tillage, and agroforestry.
- Sustainability and Resource Efficiency: CSA promotes the efficient use of natural resources like water, soil, and biodiversity. Practices such as precision farming, integrated pest management, and organic farming help reduce waste, preserve ecosystems, and maintain soil health.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Climate Smart Agritech cohort of the RISE Accelerator:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
|
Q. With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture? (2018)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 (c) 2, 4 and 5 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 5 Ans: (c) |
| Answer 1- B
Explanation:
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A change in India’s power export rules
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Economy
Context: India’s power export rules, Godda Power Project
Why in News
- Recently, Reuters reported an amendment to India’s power export regulations.
Godda Power Project
- The Godda power plant, located in Jharkhand and operated by Adani Power, is an ultra-supercritical thermal power plant with a net capacity of 1,496 megawatts (MW).
- It is a significant transnational project as it exclusively supplies electricity to Bangladesh. This arrangement is facilitated by a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed with the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) in November 2017.
Strategic Importance:
- The Godda plant represents India’s first transnational power project, underscoring the strategic energy partnership between India and Bangladesh.
- The power generated at the Godda plant replaces more expensive liquid fuel-generated electricity in Bangladesh, potentially lowering the overall cost of electricity in the country.
Amendment to India’s Power Export Rules
- On August 14, 2024, Reuters reported an amendment to India’s power export regulations.
- This amendment allows Indian power exporters to reroute their output to Indian grids if there are delays in payments from partner countries, such as Bangladesh.
- This move is seen as a strategy to hedge against political and economic risks in these countries.
Impact on the Godda Project:
- Despite this regulatory change, Adani Power has clarified that the amendment does not affect its existing contract to supply power to Bangladesh from the Godda plant.
- The company remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the PPA.
Criticism of the Project
- Use of Imported Coal: One of the primary criticisms of the Godda project is its reliance on coal imported from the Carmichael mine in Australia. Critics argue that the high costs of importing and transporting coal to India, combined with the costs of transmitting electricity to Bangladesh, are passed on to Bangladesh, making the electricity expensive.
- High Charges: The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has expressed concerns about the high price of coal quoted by Adani Power and the high capacity and maintenance charges stipulated in the PPA, which are considered excessive by industry standards.
Bangladesh’s Dependence on Power Imports
- Underutilisation of Domestic Capacity: Despite significant progress in expanding electricity access, Bangladesh faces challenges in fully utilising its power generation capacity due to fuel and gas supply constraints. This underutilisation has led to a reliance on power imports from India, including electricity from the Godda plant.
- Overcapacity Issue: Bangladesh also faces an overcapacity issue, with a significant portion of its installed power generation capacity remaining idle. This raises questions about the necessity and cost-effectiveness of importing electricity from India.
Current Status and Implications
- Regulatory Flexibility: The recent amendment to India’s power export rules provides greater flexibility to Indian power exporters, allowing them to mitigate risks associated with delays in payments or economic instability in partner countries.
- Potential Impact on Bangladesh: While the regulatory change provides safeguards for Indian exporters, the impact on Bangladesh would likely be short-term in the event of a supply disruption, as the country has substantial idle power generation capacity.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. With reference to the Godda power project and the recent amendment to India’s power export rules, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. In India, which one of the following compiles information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments and lay-offs in factories employing workers? (2022)
A. Central Statistics Office B. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade C. Labour Bureau D. National Technical Manpower Information System Ans: C |
| Answer 2– A
Explanation:
|
Indian Railways to develop master clock system
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Economy- Infrastructure
Context: A master clock system
Why in News
- The Indian Railways is developing a master clock system to synchronize time across all its applications and systems, marking a significant technological advancement aimed at improving operational efficiency and safety.
What is Master Clock System?
- A master clock system is a centralized system used to ensure precise and uniform time synchronization across multiple devices, applications, and systems within an organization or network.
- The primary purpose of a master clock system is to provide a single, accurate time source that synchronizes all connected devices and systems. This ensures that all components operate on the same time, reducing discrepancies and improving coordination.
Why is the Master Clock System Needed?
- Uniform Time Synchronization: Currently, Indian Railways uses various systems that source time from different sources. These systems are not synchronized, leading to discrepancies in recorded times across different components involved in train operations.
- Accident Investigation Challenges: The lack of synchronized time has made it difficult to accurately analyze the sequence of events leading up to accidents. Inconsistent time records from station masters, train crews, data loggers, and locomotive systems can cause confusion during investigations, potentially delaying or complicating the determination of the cause of accidents.
- Technological Necessity: As technology in train operations and management has advanced, the need for precise time synchronization has become more critical. Accurate timekeeping is essential not only for the smooth functioning of train operations but also for conducting thorough post-incident analyses.
Development of the Master Clock System
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- Research and Coordination: The Railway Board formed a high-level committee to work with the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), the research arm of Indian Railways, to design the master clock system. This committee is led by the Railway Board’s director for telecommunications.
- Time Sourcing: The time for the master clock system will be sourced from reliable and precise sources such as the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NAVIC), which is India’s satellite-based navigation system, or the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), which maintains Indian Standard Time.
- Prototype Development: The RDSO has been tasked with developing a prototype for the master clock system. The prototype will demonstrate how the system will synchronize time across various applications and systems used by Indian Railways. This prototype is expected to be demonstrated by Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, 2024.
Impact of the Master Clock System
-
- Improved Operational Efficiency:
With a centralized master clock system, all systems and applications within Indian Railways will operate on the same time, ensuring better coordination and efficiency in train operations.
- Improved Operational Efficiency:
- Enhanced Safety and Investigation Accuracy:
The master clock system will enable accurate time recording across all railway systems, greatly assisting in the investigation of accidents. By eliminating time mismatches, investigators can more easily reconstruct the sequence of events, leading to quicker and more accurate determinations of accident causes. - Modernization of Railway Operations:
This initiative represents a significant step towards modernizing Indian Railways’ infrastructure, aligning with broader goals of improving safety, reliability, and service quality through the adoption of advanced technologies.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Which of the following statements about a master clock system is/are correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 only |
Q. In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of (2020)
a. Digital security infrastructure b. Food security infrastructure c. Health care and education infrastructure d. Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure Ans: A |
| Answer 3 C
Explanation
|
Super Blue Moon
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS1- Geography
Context: Super blue moon
Why in News
- Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi which is celebrated on the full moon day (that is on Purnima in the month of Shravan), is marked by the sighting of a ‘super blue moon’.
- What is a Super moon?
- The orbit of the moon around the earth is not circular; it is elliptical, that is, an elongated or stretched-out circle.
- It takes the moon 27.3 days to orbit the earth.
- New Moon: Occurs when the moon is between the Earth and the Sun. The illuminated side of the moon is facing away from Earth, making it invisible from our perspective.
- Cycle Duration: The time between successive new moons is approximately 29.5 days. This period is known as a lunar month or synodic month.
- Full Moon: Occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, with its entire illuminated side facing Earth. The full moon appears as a bright, circular disk in the sky.
- Visibility: The full moon can be observed on the night of the actual full moon as well as the night before and after. It rises around sunset and sets around sunrise.
Moon’s Orbit
- Elliptical Orbit: The moon’s orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle but an ellipse. This means the distance between the Earth and the moon varies over time.
- Perigee: The point in the moon’s orbit when it is closest to Earth.
- Apogee: The point in the moon’s orbit when it is farthest from Earth.
- Super Moon: A full moon that occurs when the moon is near its perigee. As a result, it appears larger and brighter than a typical full moon.
- Occurrence: A super moon is visible because the moon’s elliptical orbit brings it closer to Earth at the time of full moon.
Super Moon Characteristics
- Brightness and Size:
- A super moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when the moon is at apogee (the farthest point).
- The enhanced visibility is due to the moon’s closer proximity to Earth during its full phase.
- Visual Impact: While the moon may appear somewhat larger and brighter, the difference might be subtle to the naked eye due to the “moon illusion” and other visual factors.
What is Blue Moon?
The term “blue moon” is used to describe a relatively rare occurrence in lunar phases. There are two widely accepted definitions of a blue moon:
- Blue Moon in a Calendar Month
- Definition: This definition refers to a situation where there are two full moons within a single calendar month.
- Cycle Details: Since the lunar cycle (new moon to new moon) is approximately 29.5 days, a full moon can occur at the beginning of a month and, if there is enough time left in the month, another full moon can occur before the month ends.
- Frequency: This type of blue moon occurs approximately every 2 to 3 years.
- Blue Moon in a Seasonal Period
- Definition: According to this definition, a blue moon is the third full moon in a season that has four full moons.
- Seasonal Definition: A season in this context is the period between a solstice and an equinox (e.g., summer solstice to autumn equinox).
- Historical Reference: This definition was popularized by the Maine Farmers’ Almanac in 1937.
- Appearance: Despite its name, a blue moon does not actually appear blue. The term “blue moon” refers to its rarity rather than its color. The moon might only appear blue in rare instances, such as when dust or smoke in the atmosphere scatters light in a way that causes the moon to appear blue.
- August Super Blue Moon: This specific event is notable as it combines the blue moon phenomenon with a supermoon, which occurs when the full moon is near its closest approach to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter.
So will the Super Blue Moon actually appear blue?
- No. Sometimes, smoke or dust in the air can scatter red wavelengths of light, as a result of which the moon may, in certain places, appear more blue than usual. But this has nothing to do with the name “blue” moon.
- Speaking of colours, you may have noticed that the moon appears more yellow/ orange when it is lower in the sky (closer to the horizon).
- This is because moonlight travels for longer through the atmosphere at this stage, and along the way, more of the shorter, bluer wavelengths of light are scattered, leaving more of the longer, redder wavelengths.
- The NASA explainer points out that dust or pollution can end up deepening the reddish colour of the moon.
And will the super moon be bigger in size?
- According to NASA, a full moon at perigee (super moon) is about 14% bigger and 30% brighter than a full moon at apogee (called a “micro moon”).
- Further, about 25 percent of all full moons are super moons, but only 3 percent of full moons are blue moons.
- The time between super blue moons is quite irregular ― it can be as much as 20 years ― but in general, 10 years is the average.
- It is unlikely the difference in size will be noticeable to most people.
- The moon could appear somewhat brighter, though — but whether you are able to make out the difference will depend on factors such as the so-called ‘Moon illusion’, and how cloudy or polluted it is at your location.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding a “supermoon” and a “blue moon”:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following (2015)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: D |
| Answer 4 B
Explanation
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Sam Altman’s Worldcoin initiative
Source: Business Standard
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Economy
Context: Sam Altman’s Worldcoin initiative
Why in News
- Sam Altman’s Worldcoin initiative is facing skepticism from governments around the world, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
What is Worldcoin?
- Worldcoin is an ambitious initiative co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, aimed at creating a global identity and financial network that leverages biometric data, specifically iris scans, to establish a unique digital identity for individuals.
- Conceived in July 2023, the project seeks to build what it describes as the “world’s largest identity and financial public network” that allows users to participate in the digital economy by claiming a stake through a cryptocurrency known as Worldcoin (WLD).
- Worldcoin has conducted scans and verifications for over six million individuals in nearly 40 countries.
- Additionally, users receive permanent codes in a digital ‘World ID’ passport and a payment in Worldcoin’s WLD cryptocurrency.
How does it work?
- At the core of Worldcoin’s operation is a device called the ‘Orb’ that scans participants’ irises to collect biometric data.
- This data is used to create a World ID, which functions as a digital identity for users.
- Upon scanning, individuals receive WLD tokens, which they can use for transactions or hold as an investment.
- The process is termed ‘proof of personhood’, designed to prevent users from registering multiple times for tokens by ensuring each individual can only claim their unique identity once.
- Worldcoin aims to facilitate financial inclusion, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional banking systems.
- The total value of WLD is approximately $15 billion, with Worldcoin holding 97 per cent of it.
- This means that the market price is influenced by a limited amount of currency in circulation.
Which nations have opposed Sam Altman’s Worldcoin?
- Worldcoin, which is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, has faced significant regulatory challenges across various regions.
- It has been raided in Hong Kong, banned in Spain, fined in Argentina, and is under criminal investigation in Kenya.
- Additionally, its operations in the European Union (EU) are under scrutiny, with a potential ruling on its future in the region pending.
- Governments are particularly concerned about how Worldcoin manages user data, trains its algorithms, and ensures that it does not capture images of children.
- In response, Worldcoin asserts that its technology is entirely privacy-focused. The company claims that its orbs erase all images post-verification, and that iris codes do not contain any personal information unless users explicitly allow Worldcoin to use their scans for algorithm training.
- The anonymised codes and images are stored on encrypted servers.
Worldcoin under global scrutiny
- In Kenya, where Worldcoin quickly amassed 500,000 sign-ups within the first three months of its launch, a criminal probe has been initiated regarding its biometric data collection practices.
- The Kenyan parliament also conducted a public inquiry into the matter, during which Altman and co-founder Alex Blania provided testimonies.
- The duo also met with Kenyan President William Ruto in California last year.
- Hong Kong’s ban on Worldcoin was prompted by revelations that the company was retaining iris images for up to a decade.
- In Argentina, investigations were launched due to concerns about the company’s user terms, while Spain accused Worldcoin of large-scale scanning of children.
- In Bavaria, Worldcoin operates a data-processing subsidiary, but the EU has now commenced its own investigation into the company’s practices.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Worldcoin initiative:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. With reference to ‘Bitcoins’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: a. 1 and 2 only Ans: b |
| Answer 5 B
Explanation
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Google’s ‘monopolist’ judgement in the US and its repercussions in India
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context:
Google’s recent antitrust ruling in the U.S. and its implications.
Why in News
- The article discusses the shift in market dynamics with tech giants like Apple and Google now dominating the industry, focusing on Google’s recent antitrust ruling in the U.S. and its implications for regulatory practices both in India and globally.
Historical Context
- Apple vs. IBM (1984)
- Iconic Ad: Apple’s 1984 advertisement symbolized its challenge against IBM, a dominant player in the tech industry at the time.
- Early Struggles: Apple was seen as an upstart compared to IBM, which held a substantial market share.
- Microsoft’s Antitrust Issues (1999)
- Judgement Impact: A significant antitrust ruling against Microsoft in 1999 constrained its growing influence and opened avenues for emerging tech companies, including Google, to gain traction.
Current Market Dynamics
- Google’s Market Dominance
- Monopoly Ruling: A recent federal judge’s ruling in the United States declared Google a monopolist, accusing it of maintaining an illegal monopoly in online search. This landmark decision could reshape digital business practices and regulatory frameworks.
- Big Tech’s Influence
- Market Barriers: Major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft have established significant barriers to entry for new firms. Their control over various facets of technology—ranging from hardware to software—raises concerns about stifling innovation.
Regulatory Challenges and Responses
- Google’s Legal Challenges: The US has initiated various actions against Google, including proposals to break up its business units. This ruling has broader implications for how digital monopolies are regulated.
- Proposed Legislation: In response to the global context, India is considering the Digital Competition Bill, 2024. This draft law aims to prevent anti-competitive practices by large tech firms and introduce heavy penalties for violations.
- Comparison with EU: The bill mirrors the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires major tech companies to ensure fair competition by not favoring their own services over rivals.
Implications for Innovation and Market Practices
- Concentration of Innovation: There is a concern that a majority of recent innovation has been monopolized by a few large tech companies, primarily from the US. High market barriers make it challenging for new entrants to compete effectively.
- Ex Ante Regulations: The proposed regulations in India aim to preemptively address anti-competitive practices before they occur, ensuring a more equitable digital market.
- Presumptive Norms: The draft bill includes presumptive norms to tackle potential abuses of market power, encouraging a fairer competitive environment.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q6. The Digital Competition Bill, 2024 proposed in India aims to address which of the following issues?
A) Enhancing data protection regulations for users. |
Q. With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture? (2018)
1. Avoiding the monoculture practices 2. Adopting minimum tillage.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 (c) 2, 4 and 5 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 5 Ans: (c) |
| Answer 6- B
Explanation:
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