Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (19-07-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Geography: Cave discovered on the Moon: importance for space exploration |
| Economy: The state of India’s informal economy |
| Polity and Governance: International Centre for Audit of Local Governance inaugurated in Gujarat |
| Science and Technology: OpenAI’s secret project ‘Strawberry’ |
| About Chandipura virus |
Cave on the Moon: What this discovery means for space exploration
Source: Indian-Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/cave-on-the-moon-explained-9459805/
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 – Geography, GS 3- Space Technology
Context: Presence of a cave on the Moon
Why in News
- Scientists have confirmed the presence of a cave on the Moon, not far from the site of the first lunar landing 55 years ago.
Key Highlights
- A study titled ‘Radar evidence of an accessible cave conduit on the Moon below the Mare Tranquillitatis pit,’ published in the journal Nature Astronomy, confirmed the presence of a cave on the Moon.
- This discovery is significant as it can potentially provide a habitat for future astronauts.
Location and Size
- The cave is situated in the Sea of Tranquillity, a large, dark, basaltic plain on the lunar surface.
- It is located approximately 400 kilometers from the Apollo 11 landing site where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first walked on the Moon in 1969.
- The cave is roughly 45 meters wide and up to 80 meters long, covering an area equivalent to 14 tennis courts.
Discovery Process
- Researchers Leonardo Carrer, Lorenzo Bruzzone, and their colleagues analyzed photographs taken in 2010 by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft.
- They identified the deepest known pit on the Moon as the entry point to the cave.
- This pit was formed by the collapse of a lava tube, a tunnel created by flowing molten lava beneath a field of cooled lava.
Characteristics of Lunar Pits and Caves
- Lunar pits are massive steep-walled depressions that differ from craters, which are bowl-shaped and formed by asteroid or comet impacts.
- Pits are believed to result from collapsed lava tubes formed by volcanic activity over a billion years ago.
- At least 200 such pits have been discovered on the Moon, with 16 believed to have formed from these collapsed lava tubes.
Protecting Humans from Harsh Lunar Conditions
- The lunar surface experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, heating up to about 127 degrees Celsius during the day and cooling to around -173 degrees Celsius at night.
- However, the cave discovered in the Sea of Tranquillity maintains a stable average temperature of around 17 degrees Celsius, providing a more habitable environment.
Radiation and Micrometeorite Shielding
- The Moon is exposed to solar radiation 150 times stronger than Earth.
- Caves like the one discovered can potentially shield human explorers from harmful radiation and micrometeorites, making them viable spots for establishing future lunar bases or emergency shelters.
Challenges and Future Research
- While the cave offers potential benefits, its depth poses challenges regarding accessibility. Additionally, there are risks of potential avalanches and cave-ins, which need to be thoroughly investigated.
- Further research is required to understand and map the structural properties of lunar caves.
- This could involve using ground-penetrating radar, robots, or cameras.
- To ensure the caves are completely viable habitats, systems to monitor movement or seismic activity would be necessary, along with safety zones for astronauts in the event of a cave collapse.
Sea of Tranquillity
- The Sea of Tranquillity, or Mare Tranquillitatis, is a large, dark, basaltic plain on the Moon’s surface.
- It is located in the Moon’s northeastern quadrant and is one of the lunar maria formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.
- The Sea of Tranquillity is famous for being the landing site of Apollo 11, the first manned mission to land on the Moon, on July 20, 1969.
- Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin made history here by taking humanity’s first steps on the lunar surface.
- The area is characterized by its smooth plains and is an important location for lunar studies due to its historical significance and geological features.
Moon Exploration
- In 1959, the Soviet Union’s Luna 1 and 2 were the pioneering robotic missions to the Moon.
- Between 1961 and 1968, the USA sent three classes of robotic missions to the Moon, leading up to the historic Apollo 11 mission.
- From 1969 to 1972, 12 American astronauts walked on the Moon’s surface.
- In the 1990s, the USA resumed lunar exploration with robotic missions like Clementine and Lunar Prospector.
- In 2009, the USA launched the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS).
- NASA initiated the ARTEMIS mission for lunar exploration in 2011, and the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) spacecraft studied the Moon’s gravity in 2012.
- China landed two rovers on the Moon, including the first-ever landing on the far side of the Moon in 2019.
India’s (ISRO) Moon Mission
- Chandrayaan 1: This project began in 2007 as a collaboration between ISRO and Russia’s ROSCOSMOS. Initially postponed to 2016 due to delays in developing the lander, Chandrayaan 1 confirmed the presence of lunar water, evidence of lunar caves, and past tectonic activity on the Moon.
- Chandrayaan-2: This mission, consisting of an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan), is India’s second Moon mission. The rover Pragyan is housed inside the Vikram lander.
- Chandrayaan-3: This mission marked a historic achievement for India, making it the first country to land near the lunar south pole and making ISRO the fourth space agency to successfully land on the Moon, following Roscosmos, NASA, and CNSA.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements about the Sea of Tranquillity (Mare Tranquillitatis):
Which of the above statements are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: C |
| Answer 1- A
Explanation:
|
The state of India’s informal economy
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS 3- Economy
Context: Informal Sector in Indian Economy
Why in News
- The informal sector accounts for almost half of India’s economic output and more than three-fourths of employment.
Importance of the Informal Sector
- The informal sector, comprising small and medium enterprises and household proprietary and partnership establishments, is crucial to India’s economy.
- It contributes to nearly half of the country’s economic output and provides over three-fourths of employment.
Challenges Faced by the Informal Sector
- Despite its significance, the informal sector faces numerous challenges.
- Over the past seven years, many units have shut down, resulting in the loss of approximately 16.45 lakh jobs, as reported by the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Enterprises (ASUSE).
Recent Data Insights
- The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) recently released the outcomes of the 2021-22 and 2022-23 surveys, providing updated insights into the sector.
These data reflect the impact of three significant external shocks to the economy:
- Demonetisation (November 2016): The sudden invalidation of high-denomination currency notes disrupted the cash-dependent informal sector.
- Implementation of GST (July 2017): The rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduced a new tax regime, affecting businesses’ compliance and financial structures.
- Covid-19 Pandemic (beginning March 2020): The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns severely impacted economic activities, especially in the informal sector.
Impact on Informal Manufacturing
- Informal manufacturing establishments have been the worst affected since the pre-pandemic period.
- The sector saw a significant decline in employment quality, with most new jobs being created in own-account enterprises rather than units employing hired workers.
- This shift indicates a deterioration in job quality, as own-account enterprises typically offer less stable and lower-paying employment compared to units with hired workers.
Definition and Scope of the Informal Sector
- The informal sector consists of various types of enterprises that operate outside the formal regulatory framework.
- Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): These are businesses classified based on their size, production capacity, and workforce. MSMEs play a significant role in the economy but often lack formal registration and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Household Units: This category includes small-scale businesses run from home or small establishments. They can be:
- With Hired Workers: Household businesses employing additional workers.
- Own-Account Enterprises: Self-employed individuals running businesses without hiring additional workers.
Surveyed Sectors
- The surveys are designed to capture a broad range of activities within the informal sector, specifically focusing on three major non-agricultural sectors:
- Manufacturing
- Trade
- Other Services
- Each sector has distinct characteristics and includes different types of establishments.
Trade Sector
- The trade sector involves various types of businesses engaged in the buying and selling of goods.
- Proprietary and Partnership Establishments: These are businesses owned by individuals or partnerships that do not operate as Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).
- They might include:
- Retail Shops
- Wholesale Traders
- Small Trading Units
Other Services Sector
The “Other Services” sector encompasses a diverse range of service-oriented enterprises. The surveys include:
- Society, Trust, Association, Club, Body of Individuals: These are non-commercial entities that provide services or community support, such as:
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Community Clubs
- Charitable Trusts
- Co-operatives and Self-Help Groups: These are collectively owned enterprises or groups formed to provide services or mutual support among members.
- Non-Profit Institutions: Organizations that operate to provide social, educational, or cultural services without aiming to make a profit.
Impact of events on Informal sector
Withdrawal of Cash (2016)
- In November 2016, India implemented a major policy change known as “demonetization,” which involved the sudden withdrawal of ₹500 and ₹1,000 banknotes from circulation.
- This was aimed at curbing black money, counterfeit currency, and corruption.
Impact on the Informal Sector:
- Liquidity Crunch: The informal sector, which largely operates in cash transactions, faced an immediate liquidity crisis. This disrupted daily operations and led to job losses, as many small businesses struggled to sustain themselves.
- Reduced Consumer Spending: With less cash in circulation, consumer spending dropped, which particularly affected sectors reliant on cash transactions, such as small retail and services.
Regulatory Compliances and Tax Net Inclusion (2017)
- Following demonetization, the Indian government increased efforts to formalize the economy.
- This included stricter regulatory requirements and measures to bring more businesses into the tax net.
Impact on the Informal Sector:
- Increased Compliance Costs: Small businesses faced higher compliance costs due to new regulations and the need to maintain proper accounting records.
- Pressure to Formalize: There was pressure for informal businesses to formalize, which many struggled with due to the complexity and costs involved. This sometimes led to business closures or reductions in operations.
National Lockdown (2020-21)
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a nationwide lockdown starting in March 2020. This was a drastic measure to curb the spread of the virus but had severe economic consequences.
Impact on the Informal Sector:
- Severe Disruption: Many informal sector workers, who often lack job security and safety nets, were disproportionately affected. The lockdown halted many economic activities, leading to job losses and income reductions.
- Migration Issues: A significant number of informal sector workers, especially in urban areas, faced challenges due to mass migration back to their home villages. This was exacerbated by inadequate support systems for these workers during the lockdown.
- Economic Strain: With businesses closed or operating at reduced capacity, many informal sector businesses faced financial strain, further impacting their ability to sustain employment and operations.
Decrease in Employment in the Informal Sector
- General Observation: Despite an increase in the number of enterprises, overall employment within the informal sector has decreased.
- Growth in Own-Account Enterprises: Own-account enterprises, which are typically operated by individuals or households without additional hired workers, grew by nearly 4% over the seven-year period.
- Contraction in Hired-Worker Enterprises: Enterprises that hire workers saw a contraction of 3.2%.
Implications:
- Quality of Employment: The shift towards more own-account enterprises suggests a decline in the quality of employment, as these units generally offer fewer job opportunities and less stability compared to hired-worker enterprises.
- Impact on Labour-Intensive Industries: The reduction in hired-worker enterprises highlights a decrease in labour-intensive industries, especially in manufacturing.
Shift to Capital-Intensive Manufacturing
- Economic Transition: There is a notable shift from labour-intensive manufacturing to more capital-intensive manufacturing, impacting employment in the informal sector.
Implications:
- Reduction in Labour-Intensive Jobs: The move towards capital-intensive manufacturing has led to fewer jobs in labour-intensive sectors, reflecting a broader economic transition towards automation and technology.
Trends in Agricultural Employment (PLFS Data)
- Increase in Agricultural Employment: The share of employment in agriculture rose from 42.5% in 2017-18 to 45.8% in 2022-23.
- Rising Female Participation: The proportion of women employed in agriculture increased significantly, from 55.3% in 2018-19 to 64.3% in 2022-23, with much of this increase attributed to unpaid household work.
Implications:
- Shift in Employment Patterns: The increase in agricultural employment, particularly among women, indicates a movement away from manufacturing and other sectors.
- Unpaid Work: The rise in unpaid household work points to a lack of formal employment opportunities and highlights issues related to job quality.
Absence of Data on Formal Sector Transition
- Missing Data: Although there is an expectation that surplus labor should move from informal sectors (like agriculture and construction) to the formal sector (like manufacturing and high-productivity services), there is no available formal sector data to confirm this trend.
Implications:
- Lack of Formal Sector Insights: The absence of formal sector data limits understanding of how surplus labor is transitioning and whether it is moving into higher-productivity sectors or remaining in low-productivity areas.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. How has the employment pattern shifted in the agricultural sector in India based on the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data?
A) Only 1 B) Only 2 C) Both 1 and 2 D) Neither 1 nor 2 |
Q. With reference to the schemes launched by the Union Government, consider the following statements:(2009)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (b) |
| Answer 2 – C
Explanation:
|
International Centre for Audit of Local Governance inaugurated in Gujarat
Source: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/centre-audit-local-governance-gujarat-9460978/
UPSC Relevance: GS-2 Polity and Governance
Context: International Centre for Audit of Local Governance
Why in News
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Girish Chandra Murmu inaugurated the International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL).
International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL)
-
- The International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL) was inaugurated by Girish Chandra Murmu, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in Rajkot.
- This institute, located at the Accountant General’s office in Rajkot, aims to set global standards for auditing local governance bodies.
- iCAL is designed to enhance the effectiveness of local governance audits by offering a collaborative platform for policymakers, administrators, and auditors.
Objectives and Functions of iCAL
- iCAL’s primary goals include improving the independence of local government auditors and enhancing financial performance assessments, service delivery, and data reporting.
- It will focus on building capacity through training and leadership development for auditors and local government officials.
- Additionally, iCAL will act as a knowledge centre, facilitating interactive workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions to address governance issues at the grassroots level.
Local Governance Structure in India
- India’s governance structure consists of three tiers: the Union or Central government, state governments, and local bodies.
- Local bodies include Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in rural areas and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in urban areas.
- PRIs are made up of village panchayats, taluka (block) panchayats, and district panchayats, while ULBs include municipal corporations and municipalities.
Auditing of Local Bodies
- Local bodies are responsible for maintaining their accounts.
- State governments often have offices such as the Examiner of Local Fund Accounts (ELFA) or Director of Local Fund Accounts (DLFA) for auditing these accounts.
- For example, in Gujarat, the ELFA operates autonomously under the finance department, auditing the utilization of funds granted to local bodies.
- The CAG conducts audits of all levels of government and provides technical guidance and support to ELFA and DLFA.
Need for iCAL
- The establishment of iCAL addresses the increasing number of local bodies in India and concerns about effective fund utilization.
- With around 2.5 lakh panchayats and 8,000 ULBs, there is a pressing need for robust auditing practices.
- Previous reports have highlighted inefficiencies in financial management among municipalities.
- iCAL aims to promote global best practices, foster collaboration among Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and international audit organizations, and improve the capacity of auditors and local government employees.
- Through its initiatives, iCAL seeks to enhance auditing processes, improve data accessibility, and facilitate better communication channels.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Which of the following statements regarding the International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL) is/are correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)? (2012)
1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency 2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee. 3. Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances. 4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: C |
| Answer 3 A
Explanation
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OpenAI’s secret project ‘Strawberry’
Source: New Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/openai-project-strawberry-9461757/
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Science and Technology
Context: Project Strawberry
Why in News
- US-based OpenAI became a major player in the field after launching its AI chatbot ChatGPT, with its capabilities including answering questions based on prompts and processing images.
Project Strawberry Overview
- Project Strawberry is a new initiative by OpenAI designed to advance AI reasoning capabilities.
- The project, previously known as Q* (Q-Star), aims to create an AI model that can plan, reason logically, and conduct autonomous internet research.
- The exact features and release date of Project Strawberry are still under wraps, but it represents a significant leap towards making AI more human-like in its understanding and capabilities.
Differences from Existing AI Models
- Current Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, can summarize texts and generate prose but struggle with common sense reasoning and multi-step logic tasks.
- Project Strawberry is expected to address these limitations by enhancing AI’s ability to plan, understand the physical world, and handle complex, multi-step problems.
- This could lead to AI models that are not only better at reasoning but also capable of performing extended tasks independently.
Potential Applications
Project Strawberry’s advanced AI models could have a broad range of applications:
-
- Scientific Research: They could conduct experiments, analyze data, and generate new hypotheses.
- Medical Research: Potential uses include drug discovery, genetics research, and personalized medicine.
- Mathematics and Engineering: They could solve complex mathematical problems and assist with engineering calculations.
- Legal and Strategic Analysis: AI could aid in legal analysis and strategic planning.
- Education: Applications include personalized tutoring, creating educational content, and interactive lessons.
- Business: AI models could analyze market trends, predict economic changes, and assist with investment decisions.
- Creative Fields: They could contribute to writing, art, music, video creation, and game design.
Impact and Criticisms
- The development of such powerful AI models has the potential to drive significant change across various industries.
- However, it also raises concerns, including:
- Job Displacement: The impact of AI on employment and job markets.
- Power Consumption: The significant energy requirements for running advanced AI models.
- Ethical Issues: Concerns about AI reproducing human-created works and the ethical implications of its capabilities.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Which of the following are potential applications of the advanced AI models developed under Project Strawberry?
Select the correct answer using the code given below: A) 1, 2, and 4 only |
Q. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Ans: (b) |
| Answer 4 A
Explanation
|
About Chandipura virus
Source: The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/explained-what-is-the-chandipura-virus/article68416813.ece
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3- Science and Technology
Context: Chandipura virus
Why in news
- The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, confirmed the death of a four-year-old girl in Gujarat, as caused by the Chandipura virus.
What is the Chandipura virus?
- According to an article, ‘Chandipura virus: an emerging human pathogen?’published in The Lancet in 2004, the virus is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae. Incidentally this family also includes the rabies virus.
- The Chandipura virus, the paper states, was first isolated in 1965, from the blood of two adults with a febrile illness in a village in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
- The virus is reportedly named after the village it was isolated from.
- The other instance when the virus was isolated in human beings was in 1980, in Madhya Pradesh from a patient with acute encephalitis.
How is it transmitted?
- The virus is vector-borne, with the likely vector believed to be the female Phlebotomine sandfly, insects that are prevalent in the early monsoon period.
- A 2016 paper, ‘Changing clinical scenario in Chandipura virus infection’, published in
- The Indian Journal of Medical Research, also pointed to the role of Sergentomyia sandflies.
- It said several species of mosquitoes replicated and transmitted the virus experimentally, and among the different mosquito species studied, Aedes aegypti, (which also transmits dengue), was found to be highly susceptible and could transmit the virus more efficiently than others, under laboratory conditions.
- However, it said no isolation of the virus from the mosquito had been reported as of then.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
- The Chandipura infection is an encephalitis-causing virus, which means the infection leads to an inflammation or swelling of the brain tissue.
- Another Lancet paper, ‘A large outbreak of acute encephalitis with high fatality rate in children in Andhra Pradesh, India, in 2003, associated with Chandipura virus’, said the typical clinical manifestations included:
- rapid onset of fever
- followed by vomiting
- altered sensorium (a change in mental status or consciousness)
- convulsions, diarrhoea
- neurological deficit (examples include an inability to speak, loss of balance, vision changes)
- meningeal irritation (signs may include headaches, neck stiffness, photophobia and seizures).
Whom does it affect?
- The Chandipura virus has been found to mostly affect children under the age of 15, predominantly in rural locations.
- In the 2003 outbreak, the age of the affected children in Andhra Pradesh was between 9 months and 14 years.
- Most deaths occurred within 48 hours of admission to the hospital.
- In the current outbreak in Gujarat, all of the suspected deaths so far have been of children.
How is it treated?
- There is no specific antiviral agent to treat Chandipura virus and there is no vaccine available as of yet.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are key.
- A document by the Gujarat government on ‘Epidemiology & Management of Chandipura Encephalitis’ in 2014, says management of the disease includes managing airways, breathing and circulation through oxygen therapy and ventilation if required.
- Management of fluid and electrolyte balance, hyperprexia (a condition where the body temperature goes above 106.7 degrees Farenheit), raised intracranial pressure and seizures and prevention of secondary bacterial infections are also detailed.
How is it prevented?
- Prevention includes vector control: identifying sandfly breeding sites, spraying insecticides, sanitation, environmental control, including the proper storage and disposal of waste and refuse, stopping open air defecation, and the use of fly paper.
- Breeding sites include holes and crevices in walls, holes in trees, dark rooms, stables and storerooms.
- Prevention of bites is also important, through the use of protective clothing, repellants and nets.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q 5. Which of the following statements correctly describe the Chandipura virus and its management?
A) 1 and 4 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 2 and 4 only |
Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct?(2013)
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: a |
| Answer 5 A
Explanation
|