Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (09-10-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Awards and Honours: Nobel prize in Physics 2024 awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for work on machine learning |
| Public Health: India has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem as per WHO |
| About Marburg virus that has affected Rwanda |
| Science and Technology: Global Digital Compact: advancing digital innovation in a sustainable fashion |
| Economy: Indian textile industry struggling to perform better |
| International Relations: About USCIRF Report on India |
Nobel prize in Physics 2024 awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for work on machine learning
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS1- Awards and Honours
Context: 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics
Why in News
- The 2024 Nobel Prize in physics has been awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton “for foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks.
Overview
- The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for their groundbreaking contributions to machine learning and artificial neural networks (ANNs).
- Their research has laid the foundation for advancements in AI, particularly in systems like ChatGPT and other machine learning models used across various disciplines today.
John Hopfield’s Contributions:
- Hopfield Network: John Hopfield, a professor at Princeton University, developed the Hopfield network, a type of recurrent neural network. This system allows neurons to interact in a way that mimics learning and memory, drawing from principles of neuropsychology like Hebbian learning (i.e., the idea that connections between neurons strengthen as one repeatedly triggers another).
- Statistical Physics and Neurons: Hopfield applied the principles of statistical physics to model how large collections of neurons can perform complex tasks collectively. His network can solve problems like pattern completion and noise reduction in images by minimizing the “energy” of the system, akin to the behavior of magnetic atoms.
Geoffrey Hinton’s Contributions:
- Boltzmann Machine: Hinton, a professor at the University of Toronto, expanded on Hopfield’s work and adapted the Boltzmann machine, another neural network model designed to perform cognitive tasks. He later developed a more efficient version called the restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM).
- Deep Learning: Hinton’s innovation in the 2000s led to the creation of the first deep learning models by stacking layers of RBMs, allowing ANNs to learn more complex patterns. These advancements have found applications in fields such as physics, chemistry, medicine, and finance, making Hinton’s work foundational in modern AI development.
Significance of Their Work:
- Both Hopfield’s and Hinton’s discoveries have had far-reaching impacts on machine learning, enabling the development of systems that can process data, learn, and perform tasks autonomously.
- Their contributions have facilitated the rise of deep learning applications in AI systems that are now used in everyday technology.
Context:
- Last Year’s Physics Nobel: In 2023, the physics Nobel Prize was awarded to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier for their pioneering work in attophysics, a field dealing with ultrafast processes in matter.
- Other 2024 Nobel Prizes: The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for discovering microRNA, a key player in gene regulation. Upcoming announcements include the prizes for chemistry, literature, peace, and economics.
Machine Learning (ML)
- Machine Learning is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that allows computers to learn from data and make decisions or predictions without being explicitly programmed for specific tasks.
- Instead of following pre-programmed rules, machine learning models are trained using large datasets and algorithms to identify patterns, make predictions, or improve performance over time.
Key Concepts in Machine Learning:
- Data: The foundation of machine learning is data. The model is trained on historical data to learn patterns, relationships, and features that help it make future predictions.
- Training: During training, the machine learning model analyzes the data to find patterns and builds a mathematical representation of the relationships in the dataset.
- Algorithms: Various algorithms are used to build machine learning models. These algorithms determine how the model processes the data and learns patterns. Common algorithms include decision trees, support vector machines, and neural networks.
- Supervised Learning: In this method, the model is trained using labeled data, where the input data and corresponding correct output are known. The model learns from this and applies the knowledge to make predictions on new data (e.g., predicting house prices based on past data).
- Unsupervised Learning: The model is given unlabeled data and must identify patterns or groupings on its own (e.g., clustering customers based on their shopping behaviors).
- Reinforcement Learning: The model learns through trial and error, receiving feedback in the form of rewards or penalties for actions, and uses this feedback to improve (e.g., training a robot to navigate a maze).
Artificial Neural Network (ANN) An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is a type of machine learning model inspired by the structure and function of the human brain. ANNs consist of interconnected nodes (neurons), organized in layers, that process information and learn from data.
- They are particularly effective for tasks like pattern recognition, image and speech processing, and natural language understanding.
Structure of an ANN:
- Neurons: The basic units in an ANN are neurons (or nodes), which process input and produce an output. Neurons in an artificial network mimic the way biological neurons work in the brain.
- Layers:
- Input Layer: The input layer receives raw data (e.g., pixel values in an image, features in a dataset) and passes it to the next layer.
- Hidden Layers: These layers perform computations on the data and extract complex features. ANNs can have multiple hidden layers, especially in deep learning models. Each layer applies transformations, passing the output to the next layer.
- Output Layer: This layer produces the final result or prediction (e.g., classifying an image as a cat or dog).
- Weights: Connections between neurons have associated weights, which determine the importance of the input data. During training, these weights are adjusted to minimize prediction errors.
- Activation Functions: Each neuron applies an activation function (like a threshold) to determine if it should be activated or not. Common activation functions include the sigmoid, ReLU (Rectified Linear Unit), and tanh.
How ANNs Work:
- Feedforward: In a simple feedforward neural network, data flows from the input layer to the output layer in one direction, without loops.
- Backpropagation: This is the training process where the network adjusts the weights of connections between neurons based on the error in its predictions. The network “learns” by propagating the error backward and updating the weights to improve accuracy.
Types of ANNs:
- Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs): These networks allow information to flow in both directions and are good for tasks where sequence matters, like speech recognition or time series analysis.
- Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs): Primarily used for image processing, CNNs excel at identifying spatial hierarchies and patterns in visual data.
- Deep Neural Networks (DNNs): A deep learning model with many hidden layers that can learn very complex patterns from large datasets.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs)?
1. ANNs are inspired by the structure and functioning of the human brain. 2. The hidden layers in an ANN are responsible for extracting complex features from the input data. 3. Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) are a type of ANN that is particularly suited for image recognition tasks. Select the correct answer using the codes below: A) 1 only B) 1 and 2 only C) 2 and 3 only D) 1, 2, and 3 |
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 Ans: (b) |
| Answer 1– B
Explanation – · Hence Statement 1 is correct: Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are indeed inspired by the biological neural networks found in the human brain. · In ANNs, artificial neurons (nodes) mimic the behavior of biological neurons, processing input and passing it to other neurons, with the aim of recognizing patterns and learning from data. · Hence Statement 2 is correct: Hidden layers in ANNs are crucial for learning and processing complex patterns in data. · Each hidden layer applies mathematical transformations to the input, allowing the network to capture higher-level abstractions and features. · Multiple hidden layers (especially in deep learning models) allow the network to learn more intricate and abstract representations. · Hence Statement 3 is incorrect: RNNs are designed to handle sequential data and are more commonly used for tasks where the order or sequence of the input matters, such as natural language processing (NLP), time-series prediction, and speech recognition. For image recognition tasks, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are the more appropriate type of ANN, as they excel at processing grid-like data structures like images. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |
India has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem: WHO
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 3- Health issues
Context: Trachoma in India
Why in News
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has now recognised that India has successfully eliminated trachoma.
Overview
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized that India has successfully eliminated trachoma, a bacterial infection of the eye, as a public health problem.
- This significant achievement makes India the third country in the South-East Asia Region to reach this milestone.
What is Trachoma?
- Trachoma is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis that affects the eyes, leading to inflammation of the inner surface of the eyelids.
- If left untreated, it can cause scarring, which may lead to blindness. This is a major cause of preventable blindness in many parts of the world.
How it spreads?
- Infection spreads through personal contact (via hands, clothes, bedding or hard surfaces) and by flies that have been in contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person.
- With repeated episodes of infection over many years, the eyelashes may be drawn in so that they rub on the surface of the eye.
- This causes pain and may permanently damage the cornea.
- To eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, WHO recommends the SAFE strategy.
- The SAFE strategy includes: Surgery to treat the blinding stage (trachomatous trichiasis); Antibiotics to clear the infection, particularly the antibiotic azithromycin; Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement, particularly improving access to water and sanitation.
- The 17 other countries that have eliminated trachoma are: Benin, Cambodia, China, Gambia, Ghana, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malawi, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Togo and Vanuatu.
India’s Success Story:
The WHO credited India’s success in eliminating trachoma to:
- Strong government leadership and commitment to public health.
- Active engagement of ophthalmologists and other health care workers in ensuring:
- Effective surveillance, diagnosis, and management of trachoma.
- Surgical services for trichiasis, a condition where eyelashes grow inward, caused by repeated infections.
- Promotion of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), particularly emphasizing facial cleanliness in affected communities.
Significance:
- This recognition underscores India’s effective public health interventions and its ability to collaborate across multiple sectors, such as health, sanitation, and community engagement, to combat and eliminate a major cause of blindness.
- India’s efforts mirror the WHO’s global strategies to eliminate trachoma, which involve improving hygiene and sanitation practices, providing access to clean water, and making eye care services more widely available.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Trachoma:
1. Trachoma is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis that can lead to blindness if left untreated. 2. India is the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. 3. Effective surveillance, sanitation, and hygiene practices, especially facial cleanliness, played a significant role in India’s elimination of trachoma. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of (2021)
(a) genes introduced in the genetically modified plants (b) development of India’s own satellite navigation system (c) radio collar for wildlife tracking (d) spread of viral diseases
Ans: (d)
|
| Answer 2– C
Explanation – · Statement 1 is correct: Trachoma is indeed a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and can lead to blindness if not treated. · Statement 2 is incorrect: India is the third country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate trachoma, not the first. · Statement 3 is correct: India’s success in eliminating trachoma involved effective surveillance, sanitation, hygiene practices, and especially promotion of facial cleanliness. · Therefore, option C is the correct answer. |
About Marburg virus that rocked Rwanda
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Science and Technology
Context: Marburg virus
Why in news
- Recently, the high mortality rate and rapid spread of the Marburg virus in Rwanda have raised concerns.
Current Situation:
- Rwanda reported its first case of the Marburg virus at the end of last month.
- As of now, there have been 46 confirmed infections and 12 reported deaths due to the virus.
- Medical workers are disproportionately affected, constituting about 80% of the infections.
- With only 1,500 doctors available for a population exceeding 13 million, the outbreak poses a significant risk to the country’s already strained healthcare system.
What is the Marburg Virus?
- The Marburg virus is classified as one of the deadliest pathogens known to humans, with case fatality rates ranging from 24% to 88% depending on the strain and case management practices.
- The first outbreak occurred in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, and since then, subsequent outbreaks have primarily been reported in Africa.
- Marburg belongs to the filovirus family, which also includes the Ebola virus. Both viruses have similar clinical presentations and can lead to outbreaks with high mortality rates.
How Does Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) Spread?
- Initial human infections were associated with prolonged exposure to environments inhabited by Rousettus bats, particularly the Egyptian fruit bat.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Marburg spreads through both human-to-human contact:
- Direct Transmission: Contact with blood and other bodily fluids from infected individuals.
- Indirect Transmission: Through surfaces and materials (such as bedding and clothing) contaminated with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.
- Medical workers treating MVD cases are at high risk, particularly when proper infection control measures are not followed.
Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease
The incubation period for MVD (the time from infection to the onset of symptoms) ranges from 2 to 21 days.
- Initial symptoms include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle aches
- Severe watery diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Vomiting
- Many patients eventually exhibit hemorrhagic symptoms, including bleeding from various sites such as the digestive tract (resulting in bloody vomit and stool), nose, gums, and vagina.
- Fatalities typically occur 8 to 9 days after symptoms appear, primarily due to severe blood loss and shock.
Prevention and Treatment of MVD
Current Measures:
- There are currently no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for MVD.
- The WHO emphasizes supportive care, including rehydration (either orally or intravenously) and symptomatic treatment, as crucial for improving patient survival rates.
Research and Development:
- Rwanda’s Health Minister has indicated efforts to acquire experimental vaccines and treatments to combat the outbreak.
- The Sabin Vaccine Institute has supplied Rwanda with 700 doses of an experimental Marburg vaccine intended for healthcare professionals at high risk of exposure.
- Ongoing research includes developing candidate drugs and vaccines that are still in preclinical or clinical trial phases.
Conclusion
- The outbreak of the Marburg virus in Rwanda is a serious public health concern, with significant implications for the healthcare system.
- With high mortality rates and a lack of established treatments, the focus remains on prevention, supportive care, and the urgent need for effective vaccines and treatments.
- As Rwanda responds to this crisis, the international community’s support and cooperation will be vital in controlling the outbreak and protecting the population.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Which of the following statements regarding the Marburg virus is correct?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below. A) 1 and 3 only |
Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct? (2013)
1. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy 2. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium. 3. Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only Select the correct answer using the codes given below. a) 1 only Ans (a) |
| Answer 3 B
Explanation · Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Marburg virus is a member of the filovirus family, not the coronavirus family. Coronaviruses include viruses like SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. · Statement 2: Correct. The first known outbreak of the Marburg virus occurred in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, where laboratory workers became infected after exposure to infected monkeys. · Statement 3 is Incorrect. The case fatality rates for Marburg virus disease (MVD) range from 24% to 88% depending on the virus strain and case management, significantly higher than the stated range. · Statement 4 is Incorrect: The primary mode of transmission of the Marburg virus is through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals and not through contaminated water sources. It can also be transmitted indirectly through surfaces contaminated with these fluids. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |
Global Digital Compact: advancing digital innovation in a sustainable fashion
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Science and Technology
Context: Global Digital Compact (GDC)
Why in News
- In the recently concluded ‘Summit of the Future’ organised by the United Nations, member countries adopted the ‘Global Digital Compact’ (GDC).
Background
- The Global Digital Compact (GDC), adopted at the United Nations (UN) ‘Summit of the Future’ in 2024, represents an ambitious initiative to address the challenges and opportunities posed by digital technologies.
- While not a legally binding document, the GDC is a diplomatic instrument aimed at establishing shared goals for governments, institutions, firms, and stakeholders to manage and harness the potential of digital technologies for the common good.
Key Aspects of the Global Digital Compact
- Nature of the GDC
- The GDC is not a binding international law, but a diplomatic instrument with shared goals for member countries.
- It sets the stage for the development of soft laws, meaning that, with time, countries may incorporate these goals into their national regulations.
- The GDC is modeled on previous compacts like the Global Compact for Sustainability and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.
- Digital Technologies and Their Impact
- The GDC recognizes that digital technologies are transforming societies and economies, offering immense potential but also posing serious challenges.
- The Compact is built on the idea that these technologies can support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but require careful management to address issues like privacy, data governance, and the digital divide.
Objectives of the GDC
- Human Oversight of Technologies
- The GDC aims to ensure that the development and use of technologies are human-centric, aligning them with sustainable development and global cooperation.
- It builds on principles from international law, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the UN 2030 Agenda.
- Panels for AI Governance
- To meet its goals, the GDC proposes two important panels:
- Independent International Scientific Panel on AI: To monitor and guide the development of artificial intelligence.
- Global Dialogue on AI Governance: To foster international cooperation on AI regulation.
- Closing the Digital Divide
- The Compact emphasizes the need to close the digital divide and promote inclusion in the digital economy.
- This includes improving access to data, promoting responsible data governance, and ensuring sustainability.
- Digital Public Goods
- The GDC encourages the development of digital public goods, which include open-source software, open data, and open AI models.
- These digital public goods are essential for building digital public infrastructure to deliver public services efficiently and equitably.
- The GDC envisions partnerships with private entities to achieve these goals.
Challenges and Lacunae of the GDC
Despite its ambitious goals, the GDC has some gaps and limitations:
- Public-Private Partnerships
- The European experience with public-private partnerships suggests that openness in digital projects can be restricted by contractual terms, including non-disclosure agreements and intellectual property protection.
- This could limit the transparency of digital public goods.
- Self-Regulation of Big Tech
- The GDC proposes that digital technology companies should self-regulate to maintain user safety and trust.
- However, self-regulation has been ineffective in the past, as seen in issues related to data privacy and user protection.
- Interoperable Data Governance
- While the GDC emphasizes the importance of interoperable data governance to foster innovation and economic growth, the increasing collection and processing of data—especially for AI—raises concerns about data privacy and protection in the absence of strong regulatory frameworks.
- Corporate Power in Data Governance
- The GDC proposes giving corporate entities more power in data governance. However, it does not address the risks of monopolistic control by Big Tech companies, which could undermine equitable access to data and digital technologies.
- Wishful Thinking
- The GDC sometimes assumes that international cooperation will be sufficient to solve complex issues, without fully addressing the political and economic complexities of digital governance.
- While the GDC promotes the idea of “data flow with trust”, many countries oppose this due to concerns about digital sovereignty and require that data about their citizens remain within their borders.
Link to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- The GDC aligns itself with the SDGs, recognizing that digital technologies can play a critical role in achieving these global objectives.
- However, the challenges of realizing the SDGs, especially in the context of the ongoing AI revolution, suggest that the GDC alone may not be sufficient to drive significant change.
Conclusion: A Step Forward, but More Is Needed
- The Global Digital Compact is an important step toward establishing international norms and cooperation in the governance of digital technologies.
- While it may not result in a paradigm shift, it can facilitate significant outcomes if member countries take its goals seriously.
- The GDC can play a role in capacity building, South-South and North-South collaborations, and the development of digital public goods.
- However, the GDC’s success will depend on the willingness of countries to engage in multilateral negotiations, address regional and jurisdictional needs, and ensure that the governance of digital technologies is inclusive, transparent, and equitable.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. With reference to the Global Digital Compact (GDC), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The GDC is a legally binding international agreement aimed at regulating digital technologies globally. 2. The GDC emphasizes the development of digital public goods, including open-source software and open data. 3. One of the objectives of the GDC is to ensure human oversight in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable development. Select the correct answer using the codes below: a) 1 and 2 only |
Q. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 3 only Answer: (b) |
| Answer 4– B
Explanation – · Statement 1 is Incorrect – The GDC is not legally binding; it is a diplomatic instrument aimed at establishing shared goals. · Statement 2 is Correct – The GDC focuses on the development of digital public goods, including open-source software, open data, and open AI models. · Statement 3 is Correct – The GDC emphasizes human oversight in the use of AI, with the aim of promoting sustainable development.
|
Indian Textile industry struggling to perform better
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 3- Economy
Context: Textile industry in India
Why in News
- The Indian textile and apparel sector, aiming for a $350 billion business by 2030, is facing challenges due to geopolitical issues, rising raw material costs, and changing market dynamics.
Overview
- India’s textile and apparel industry has been a cornerstone of the country’s economy, employing millions and contributing significantly to exports. Despite recent setbacks, the industry aims to reach an annual business of $350 billion by 2030, creating 5 crore jobs.
- However, challenges have surfaced, particularly over the last two financial years, that cast doubt on the industry’s potential to achieve a 10% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).
Current Status of the Indian Textile and Apparel Sector
- In 2021, the sector was valued at $153 billion, with $110 billion coming from domestic business.
- India was the third-largest textile exporter in the world, capturing a 4% share of the global market.
- The textile sector contributes close to 3% of India’s GDP and 10.6% of total manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA) in FY2023.
- About 105 million people are employed either directly or indirectly by the industry, including those in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that account for 80% of the sector’s capacity.
- However, the last two years have been marked by significant disruptions.
- After a robust $43.4 billion in exports during FY2021-22, a slowdown in demand—both domestically and globally—began in 2022-23, further deepening in FY2024.
- This led to severe impacts on key manufacturing hubs, such as Tamil Nadu and Tiruppur, where hundreds of textile mills and knitwear production units experienced a drastic drop in business and closures.
Factors Behind the Slump in Exports
Several reasons contributed to the decline in textile exports:
- Geopolitical Developments: Uncertainty and demand slowdowns in major importing countries affected export volumes.
- Rising Raw Material Costs: The price of both cotton and Man-Made Fibres (MMF) increased, putting additional pressure on manufacturers. Indian cotton prices became less competitive due to the 10% import duty on cotton, making it more expensive compared to international markets.
- Raw Material Availability for MMF: The introduction of quality control orders for MMF has disrupted the availability of materials and created price volatility. These factors further strained manufacturers.
- Imports of Fabrics and Garments: The growing import of textiles and garments has intensified competition for domestic producers, exacerbating the challenges.
- Many industry players have called for the removal of the 10% import duty on cotton, at least during the off-season months (April to October), to make domestic raw materials competitive internationally.
- Competing with countries that offer heavy support to their domestic textile industries, Indian manufacturers require long-term policy interventions and schemes to boost investment and capacity.
Challenges Faced by the Textile Industry
- Policy Uncertainty: The industry requires a stable and supportive policy environment to thrive. Stakeholders argue for schemes that run for at least five years, focusing on encouraging investments and ensuring raw material availability at globally competitive prices.
- Changing Business Models: The traditional textile business is facing disruption due to the rise of e-commerce. Direct-to-consumer retailing by garment and home textile manufacturers is increasing, with many startups tapping into this space. Sustainability is also becoming a critical factor as international brands adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Vendors are now required to meet strict sustainability targets to remain competitive in global markets.
- Shift in Consumer Preferences: There is a growing demand for comfort wear, loungewear, and athleisure, as consumer preferences shift toward comfortable clothing. Additionally, in domestic markets, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, customers now prefer shopping at multi-brand outlets or hypermarkets over traditional stores of lesser-known brands.
Future Outlook: Investment and Technology
- To meet its ambitious targets, the Indian textile and apparel industry is looking to attract $100 billion in investment across different segments of the value chain by 2030.
- Such investment is critical to augment production capacities and reach the $350 billion annual business
- Given the rising production costs, labour productivity is another focus area.
- Labour accounts for roughly 10% of the production cost, and the industry is exploring ways to increase productivity and reduce wastage through technology adoption and the skilling of the workforce.
- The average daily wage of a trained textile worker stands at approximately ₹550, with unskilled workers earning around ₹450 per day.
- Technology adoption in manufacturing and enhanced worker training will be key to improving efficiency and maintaining competitiveness on a global scale.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian textile and apparel sector:
1. The sector aims to achieve a total business of $350 billion annually by 2030 and generate 3.5 crore jobs. 2. India is currently the largest textile exporter globally with a share of 10.6% in total manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA). 3. The imposition of a 10% import duty on cotton has made Indian cotton more expensive compared to international prices. 4. The textile industry is primarily composed of large corporations, with less than 20% of its capacity spread across MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). Which of the statements given above are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Consider the following statements: (2020)
1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade. 2. “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh. 3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only Ans: (b)
|
| Answer 5 B
Explanation • Statement 1 is correct as the sector indeed aims for $350 billion and 3.5 crore jobs by 2030. • Statement 2 is incorrect; India is the third largest textile exporter globally, not the largest, with a 10.6% contribution to GVA in manufacturing. • Statement 3 is correct as the import duty on cotton has affected its pricing. • Statement 4 is incorrect; approximately 80% of the industry’s capacity is in MSMEs. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |
About USCIRF report on India
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2- International Relations
Context: United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Report
Why in News
- The Washington DC-based United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a country update on India.
What is the USCIRF?
- The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal agency established under the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).
- Its primary mission is to monitor the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) globally, excluding the U.S.
Functions of USCIRF
- This agency evaluates countries based on international human rights standards, particularly referencing Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms individuals’ rights to practice and change their religion or belief.
- The USCIRF operates independently from the Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF), which is part of the U.S. State Department.
- While both organizations report on religious freedom, the USCIRF’s findings can influence perceptions of a country’s human rights conditions, whereas the IRF’s determinations have more direct implications for diplomatic relations.
What does the USCIRF do?
Under its mandate established by the IRFA, the USCIRF monitors global religious freedom conditions through various means, including:
- Conducting research and travel to observe conditions on the ground.
- Meeting with representatives from international human rights organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), victims of religious persecution, and foreign officials.
Role of USCIRF
- The USCIRF publishes an annual report that identifies countries warranting designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) due to their severe and systemic violations of religious freedom.
- It also compiles a “Special Watch List” (SWL) for countries that, while not meeting the CPC criteria, still engage in serious violations.
- If the USCIRF recommends a country for CPC designation, the S. State Department has several policy options under the IRFA, which may include sanctions against that country.
What does USCIRF’s country update on India state?
The USCIRF’s report highlights a troubling trend regarding religious freedom in India for the year 2024. Key points from the report include:
- There has been a rise in violence against minority communities, including killings and lynchings by vigilante groups.
- Arbitrary arrests of religious leaders and the demolition of places of worship are noted as significant concerns.
- The Indian government’s legislative actions, such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, along with anti-conversion laws and other regulations, are criticized for repressing religious minorities.
- The report accuses Indian officials of using derogatory rhetoric and misinformation to incite violence and perpetuate false narratives against religious minorities.
- The USCIRF has classified India as a CPC due to these violations.
How did India respond?
- The Indian government has rejected the USCIRF’s findings, describing the commission as a “biased organization with a political agenda.”
- A spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs criticized the report for allegedly misrepresenting facts and promoting a motivated narrative about India.
- He urged the USCIRF to avoid what he termed “agenda-driven efforts” that could discredit the organization further.
Is the USCIRF ‘biased’ and ‘agenda-driven’?
- Critics of the USCIRF often label it as biased or agenda-driven, particularly when its reports coincide with geopolitical tensions or U.S. foreign policy goals.
- However, the USCIRF’s findings are typically supported by thorough research and citations from credible domestic and international media, as well as direct testimonies from victims of persecution.
- While there is no clear evidence of misrepresented facts in the recent country update on India, the timing and context of the report have raised concerns about potential biases.
- The perception of the USCIRF as a tool of U.S. foreign policy may lead some nations, including India, to question its impartiality.
Are the USCIRF’s recommendations binding?
- The recommendations made by the USCIRF are not binding.
- It is ultimately up to the S. State Department to decide whether to accept these recommendations.
- In practice, decisions regarding designations as CPC or SWL typically involve considerations related to bilateral relations and overarching foreign policy objectives.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF):
Which of the statements given above are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements: (2022)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 3 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1 and 2 only Ans: a |
| Answer 6-B
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct: United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is indeed an independent, bipartisan federal agency created under the IRFA of 1998. · Statement 2 is incorrect: The USCIRF does not have the authority to enforce sanctions; this is the prerogative of the U.S. State Department, which may choose to act on USCIRF’s recommendations. · Statement 3 is correct: The USCIRF’s reports are based on international human rights standards and aim to provide assessments of religious freedom conditions in various countries. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |