2023 08 26

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 1:

India and the Northern Sea Route

GS Paper 3:

High Youth Unemployment in India
‘Future of Work: State of Work @ AI’ report

Content for Mains Enrichment

Cleantech Solutions
John Warnock

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Grand Cross of the Order of Honour
The land scheme is reserved only for domiciles: J&K administration
Nikah halala
India Smart Cities Award Contest, 2022
Facts about Cinnamon
Bees can monitor pollution
Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) Ratified

Mapping

Denmark

India and the Northern Sea Route

GS Paper 1

Syllabus: Economic Geography

Source: TH

Context: The Arctic region holds significance for India due to potential impacts on economic security, water security, and sustainability arising from climate change.

What is the [Northern Sea Route](https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/06/09/northern-sea-route-nsr/#:~:text=About%20Northern%20Sea%20Route%20(NSR,Strait%20between%20Siberia%20and%20Alaska.) (NSR)?

It is the shortest shipping route connecting Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Spanning 5,600 km, it passes through four seas of the Arctic Ocean. The route starts at the boundary between the Barents and Kara seas (Kara Strait) and concludes at the Bering Strait (Provideniya Bay). The NSR offers potential distance savings of up to 50% compared to existing shipping lanes via Suez or Panama.

How is Russia making the NSR navigable?

Russia ensures the navigability of the [Northern Sea Route (NSR)](https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/06/09/northern-sea-route-nsr/#:~:text=About%20Northern%20Sea%20Route%20(NSR,Strait%20between%20Siberia%20and%20Alaska.) by using icebreaking assistance, as the Arctic Ocean remains icebound for most of the year. Russia maintains the world’s only nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet.

The inaugural nuclear icebreaker, “Lenin,” operated from December 1959 for thirty years. Today, the fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers, overseen by Rosatom’s subsidiary FSUE Atomflot, ensures secure navigation on the Northern Sea Route (NSR).

India’s participation in NSR development is driven by:

Growing Cargo Traffic: NSR cargo traffic increased by about 73% during 2018-2022.
Strategic Transit Route: India’s geographical location and reliance on sea transportation make the NSR a crucial transit route.
Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC): This project, stemming from a 2019 memorandum of intent, shortens transport time to 12 days (almost reduced by a third). It allows efficient trade through the Sea of Japan, the South China Sea, and Malacca Strait.
Cargo Potential: A study by Chennai Port Trust shows CVMC can import items like coking coal, crude oil, LNG, and fertilizers from Russia to India efficiently
Geopolitics: India would like to complement China and Russia’s potential collective influence over NSR.

India’s engagement in the Arctic:

India’s engagement with the Arctic began when it signed the Svalbard Treaty in February 1920 in Paris between Norway, the US, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Ireland, and the British overseas Dominions and Sweden concerning Spitsbergen. Ever since then, India has been closely monitoring all the developments in the Arctic region.
India initiated its Arctic research program in 2007with a focus on climate change in the region.
- The objectives included studying teleconnections between the Arctic climate and the Indian monsoon, to characterize sea ice in the Arctic using satellite data, and to estimate the effect on global warming.
India has set up a research station Himadri at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in 2008
In May 2013,India became an observer state of the Arctic Council along with five others including China.
India launched its inaugural multi-sensor moored observatory and northernmost atmospheric laboratory in 2014 and 2016 respectively
Till last year, thirteen expeditions to the Arcticwere successfully conducted.

Significance of the Arctic region significant to India


Key Reasons	Significance of the Arctic Region for India
Climate Impact	The vulnerability of the Arctic to climate change could affect India’s economic and water security.
Natural Resources	The region holds vast unexplored hydrocarbon reserves and valuable minerals, contributing to India’s resource needs.
Economic Development	India’s economic development in the Arctic aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Historical Engagement	India’s connection dates back to the Svalbard Treaty in 1920, with ongoing scientific studies and Arctic Council participation.
Trade and Transit	The Arctic’s Northern Sea Route (NSR) offers a potentially shorter trade route, particularly for India’s sea-dependent trade.
Global Influence	By engaging in Arctic affairs, India can assert its global presence and contribute to discussions on climate change and resource management.

Last Year, India released its Arctic Policy, with the aim of enhancing the country’s cooperation with the resource-rich and rapidly transforming region.

Insta links

India and the Arctic

Mains Links:

Why is India taking a keen interest in the resources of the Arctic region? (UPSC 2018)

The frigid Arctic, which keeps losing ice due to global warming, is one of the batteries feeding the variations in Indian monsoons. Discuss. (250 Words)

Prelims Links:

The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of (USPC 2015)

(a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into the Indian Defence

(b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of the Indian Ocean Rim

(c) a scientific establishment set up by India in the Antarctic region

(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region

Ans: D

August 26, 2023 /26 Aug 2023, Arctic, Northern Sea Route, Today's Article

High Youth Unemployment in India

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Unemployment

Source: IE

Context: Despite being the fastest-growing large economy, India faces the challenge of high youth unemployment alongside economic growth.

What is unemployment?

Unemployment is a situation when a person actively searches for a job and is unable to find work. Unemployment indicates the health of the economy.

According to the latest annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), India’s unemployment rate in July 2021-22 to 4.1%

Reason for High Unemployment in India Despite High Economic Growth:

Lop-Sided Development Policies: India’s growth and unemployment coexist due to imbalanced policies that create fewer jobs for new labour force entrants.
Demographic Composition: Over 50% of India’s population is below 25, and over 65% is below 35. Despite high growth, job creation hasn’t kept pace with this demographic.
Less Focus on Human Infrastructure: India’s progress in physical infrastructure hasn’t been matched in education and skills. The absence of strong human infrastructure limits job growth.
Shift to Rural Manufacturing: Urban-centric physical infrastructure investments conflict with manufacturing’s move to rural areas for cost competitiveness.
Constrained Growth in Rural Areas: Poor physical and human infrastructure in rural areas hinders growth drivers and limits the size of the manufacturing sector.

What is Human Infrastructure?

Human infrastructure refers to the development and investment in the education, skills, and capabilities of a population. It encompasses efforts to improve literacy, vocational training, healthcare, and other factors that enhance the human capital and productivity of a society.

Importance of Investing in Human Infrastructure:

High Returns: Education investment yields higher returns than physical investment. Social returns for primary education are around 20%, and returns for higher education are increasing.
Job Creation Acceleration: Education investments accelerate job creation. New enterprises, both domestic and foreign, seek skilled workers and strong physical infrastructure.
Youth Advantage: India’s sizable youth population can significantly benefit from education, aligning with the needs of new enterprises.

Recommendations:

Address Lop-Sided Development Policies
Improve Rural Human Infrastructure
Scale Up Tertiary Education
Promote Tier II Cities: The focus of economic growth should shift to Tier II cities, where new job opportunities and GDP growth can be generated.
Address Urbanization and De-Industrialization Divergence: Policymakers need to consider rural structural transformation that includes not only agricultural productivity but also the manufacturing sector.
Integrate Human and Physical Infrastructure: To overcome the limitations of poor physical and human infrastructure in rural areas, a comprehensive approach that aligns both aspects is necessary for sustainable job growth.

Conclusion:

The challenges posed by the coexistence of high economic growth and high unemployment can be overcome by scaling up investments in both physical and human infrastructure, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas in India.

Insta Links:

Unemployment has decreased, says Labour Survey

Mains Links:

How globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country? (UPSC 2016)

August 26, 2023 /26 Aug 2023, Today's Article, unemployment

‘Future of Work: State of Work @ AI’ report

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Indian Economy, Unemployment

Source: IE

Context: As per LinkedIn’s first ever global ‘Future of Work: State of Work @ AI’ report, Indian professionals are rapidly acquiring AI skills in response to the growing prominence of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace, with the number of AI-skilled individuals increasing 14 times since 2016

Key Findings:

India is among the top five countries in terms of AI talent growth, along with Singapore, Finland, Ireland, and Canada.
AI Skills Index value highlights the significant increase in members with at least 2 AI skills on their profiles compared to January 2016.
Recognition among 60% of workers and 71% of Gen Z professionals in India that acquiring AI skills could enhance their career prospects.
2 out of 3 Indians plan to learn at least one digital skill in 2023, with AI and Machine Learning being among the top skills of interest.

Positives and negatives of the impact of AI at the workplace:


Positives of AI at the Workplace	Negatives of AI at the Workplace
Efficiency and Productivity	Fear of Job Displacement
Data Analysis and Insights: AI can analyze large datasets quickly and extract valuable insights for better decision-making.	Privacy Concerns: The use of AI may involve the collection and analysis of personal data, raising concerns about privacy and data security
Improved Customer Experience: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants enhance customer support by providing instant and accurate responses.	Bias and Fairness Issues: AI algorithms can inherit biases present in the data they are trained on, leading to discriminatory outcomes
Innovation and New Opportunities: AI drives innovation by enabling the development of new products, services, and business models.	Skill Gap and Training: There may be a gap in required skills as jobs evolve, necessitating continuous training and upskilling
Cost Savings and ROI: Implementing AI technologies can lead to cost savings and higher return on investment in the long run.	Ethical Dilemmas: AI applications raise ethical concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and the potential misuse of technology.

To know about Generative AI

Insta Links

AI and Robotics

Mains Links

Ethics Case Study:

We’ll probably look back on 2022 as the year generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) exploded into public attention, as image-generating systems from OpenAI and Stability AI were released, prompting a flood of fantastical images on social media. Last week, researchers at Meta announced an AI system that can negotiate with humans and generate dialogue in a strategy game called Diplomacy. Venture capital investment in the field grew to $1.3 billion this year, according to Pitchbook, even as it contracted for other areas in tech.

The digital artist Beeple was shocked in August when several Twitter users generated their own versions of one of his paintings with AI-powered tools. Similar software can create music and videos. The broad term for all this is ‘generative AI’ and as we lurch to the digital future, familiar tech industry challenges like copyright and social harm are re-emerging.

Earlier this month, Meta unveiled Galactica, a language system specializing in science that could write research papers and Wikipedia articles. Within three days, Meta shut it down. Early testers found it was generating nonsense that sounded dangerously realistic, including instructions on how to make napalm in a bathtub and Wikipedia entries on the benefits of being Caucasian or how bears live in space. The eerie effect was facts mixed in so finely with hogwash that it was hard to tell the difference between the two. Political and health-related misinformation is hard enough to track when it’s written by humans.

1. What are the ethical issues in the above case?
2. Can we have ‘ethical AI’?
3. Suggest measures that must be taken to prevent moral damage that can from AI.

August 26, 2023 /26 Aug 2023, Future of Work: State of Work @ AI, LinkedIn, Today's Article

Cleantech Solutions

Source: TH

Context: The article discusses the potential of cleantech solutions to drive an inclusive green future in India. It highlights that for effective climate action, it’s crucial to align environmental initiatives with economic development goals.

The green economy approach is emphasized as a way to achieve this alignment, by integrating solutions that simultaneously address environmental challenges and developmental needs.

Examples of this approach are:

Solar dryers converting throwaway tomatoes into sun-dried ones in Andhra Pradesh
Biomass-powered cold storages helping farmers in Maharashtra selling lemons make a gain that is three to five times that of the original price
Solar silk reeling machines reduce drudgery for thigh-reelers and double their income in Odisha

Research at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) shows that just 12 such cleantech solutions (varying from solar pumps to cold storages to charkhas and looms) have the potential to impact at least 37 million livelihoods or about 16% of our rural population.

Usage: The examples can be used in environmental questions.

August 26, 2023 /26 Aug 2023, Cleantech Solutions, green economy, Today's Article

John Warnock

Source: IE

Context: John Warnock, co-founder of Adobe Systems and a tech industry trailblazer, has passed away at 82.

He is renowned for his pivotal role in creating the Portable Document Format (PDF), revolutionizing document sharing.

Initially an average student, Warnock’s passion for math was ignited by a high school teacher. He earned degrees in math and electrical engineering from the University of Utah, solving a long-standing algebra problem during his studies.

In the realm of computer science, Warnock contributed significantly to image rendering and cutting-edge internet projects. Teaming up with Charles Geschke, he founded Adobe in 1982. Their creation, PostScript, enabled practical small-scale printing and paved the way for revolutionary PDF technology.

Usage: His example can be used to show values of Innovation, leadership, Perseverance etc.

August 26, 2023 /26 Aug 2023, John Warnock, Today's Article

Grand Cross of the Order of Honour

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: The Greek President has awarded the Indian Prime Minister with The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour.

The Order of Honour, established in 1975, features the head of goddess Athena on its front side, along with the inscription “ONLY THE RIGHTEOUS SHOULD BE HONOURED.”
The citation recognizes PM’s efforts in promoting global awareness of India, advancing economic growth and reforms, and prioritizing environmental protection and climate change.

His contribution to strengthening Greek-Indian friendship in mutually beneficial domains is also acknowledged.

August 26, 2023 /26 Aug 2023, Arts and Culture, Grand Cross of the Order of Honour, GS1, Today's Article

The land scheme is reserved only for domiciles: J&K administration

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor’s administration has announced that the land reserved for the landless scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) will be exclusively available to domiciles of the Union Territory.

A person will be considered landless if they are a resident of J&K and lack land in their name or their family’s name, not eligible to inherit a specific amount of land.
The state land will be leased to landless beneficiaries under PMAY (G)/Awas plus of the Rural Development Department. Lease payment includes a token amount and nominal rent.
The lease will be for 40 years, extendable for another 40, but failure to build a house within two years leads to lease cancellation.

August 26, 2023 /26 Aug 2023, GS2, Land scheme is reserved only for domiciles: J&K administration, Polity, Today's Article

Nikah halala

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Law Commission has asked the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) to clarify its stance on nikah halala and muta, contentious forms of marriage, as well as the Islamic law’s stance on the minimum age for marriage.

This inquiry arises due to Supreme Court petitions filed by Muslim women seeking to ban these forms of marriage.

Nikah halala involves a woman marrying and divorcing another man before remarrying her original husband, while muta refers to short-term consensual marriages.

AIMPLB expressed opposition to the prevalent practice of nikah halala and deemed muta an inconsequential issue. The delegation also defended the minimum marriage age, stating that Islam allows marriage when individuals are of age and can fulfil marital responsibilities.

AIMPLB firmly opposed the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and stressed that any change in Shariah law’s fundamental principles is non-negotiable.

August 26, 2023 /26 Aug 2023, GS2, Nikah halala, social justice, Today's Article

India Smart Cities Award Contest, 2022

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Indore has been named the best Smart City and Madhya Pradesh as the top State for their outstanding performance in the Smart Cities Mission.

The second and third positions among cities were secured by Surat and Agra, while Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh were ranked second, third, and fourth respectively in the State category of the India Smart Cities Award Contest (ISAC) 2022.
Chandigarh won the award for the best Union Territory. The awards, are organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under the Smart Cities Mission.

The awards celebrate cities, projects, and ideas that promote sustainable development in the 100 smart cities, aiming to create inclusive, safe, healthy, and collaborative urban spaces.

The selection process involved two stages: a qualifying assessment and a proposal submission, with a total of 845 nominations from 80 smart cities leading to 66 winners in various categories.

The Smart Cities Mission, initiated in 2015, seeks to enhance citizens’ quality of life by implementing smart solutions across sectors like infrastructure, environment, and governance.

August 26, 2023 /2022, 26 Aug 2023, governance, GS2, India Smart Cities Award Contest, Today's Article

Facts about Cinnamon

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: A study conducted by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) has revealed that cinnamon and its active components, cinnamaldehyde and procyanidin B2, when administered orally to rats, exhibited an inhibitory effect on early-stage prostate cancer.

The research aimed to evaluate the chemo-preventive potential of cinnamon and its bioactive compounds in male rats.

The study also suggested that these substances could mitigate oxidative stress, reduce the spread of cancer cells in the prostate gland, and offer benefits to bone health. However, further studies are required before dietary recommendations can be made based on these findings.

August 26, 2023 /26 Aug 2023, Facts about Cinnamon, GS3, SCIENCE, Today's Article

Bees can monitor pollution

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: DTE

Context: Two recent studies have employed honey bees as effective biomonitoring tools to assess contamination in urban environments.

Honey bees were found to effectively map pollution patterns and reveal the most sensitive markers of contamination tracing toxic metals and antimicrobial resistance genes.

Process:

Bees’ foraging behaviour allows them to pick up contaminants, offering insights into pollution patterns. They can reveal the presence of toxic metals near pollution sources and help understand factors contributing to contamination. Bees also aid in assessing the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes, which can be ingested from water bodies. This approach provides a valuable tool for monitoring pollution and addressing environmental health concerns.

These studies highlight the importance of comprehensive monitoring to address environmental health challenges.

August 26, 2023 /26 Aug 2023, Bees can monitor pollution, ENVIRONMENT, GS3, Today's Article

Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) Ratified

Source: DTE

Context: The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) has been ratified and launched during the 7th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Vancouver, Canada.

What is the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund?

GBFF (1st approved in July this year under the Global Environment Facility (GEF)) aims to support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s goals by 2030. Contributions from countries, non-profits, and the private sector are welcome.

Fund Allocations:

20% will be allocated to Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs)
25% to GEF agencies
36% to SIDS (Small Island Developing States)
3% to LDCs (Least Developed Countries)

The allocation for IPLCs will be reviewed for two years and the allocations for SIDS and LDCs will be reviewed for three years.

What is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework?

Adopted at COP15 (2022), it includes 4 goals and 23 targets for achievement by 2030. It aims to restore ecosystems, conserve areas, prevent species extinction, reduce pollution risks, tackle climate change, and more.

Signatories committed to channelling USD 200 billion per year for conservation.
Companies to report biodiversity impacts.
Focus on reducing harmful subsidies and enhancing monitoring

August 26, 2023 /26 Aug 2023, Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Today's Article

Denmark

Mapping

Source: DW

Context: Denmark’s justice minister has announced the intention to ban the burning of religious texts, including Islam’s holy book, the Quran.

The proposed legislation seeks to prevent the inappropriate treatment of significant religious objects in public places. The move follows incidents of Quran burnings in both Denmark and Sweden, which have triggered widespread outrage and calls for a ban in Nordic countries.

Denmark is a Scandinavian country comprising the Jutland Peninsula and numerous islands. It’s linked to nearby Sweden via the Öresund Bridge. Copenhagen, its capital, is home to royal palaces and the colourful Nyhavn harbour, plus the Tivoli amusement park and the iconic “Little Mermaid” statue.

August 26, 2023 /26 Aug 2023, Denmark, Today's Article