Daily Prelims Notes 2 February 2025

February 2, 2025
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

2 February 2025

Table Of Contents

1. China’s Breakthrough in AI: The Rise of Deep Seek

Sub : Sci

Sec: Awareness in IT

Why in News

China has made significant advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the launch of DeepSeek, a series of Large Language Models (LLMs) developed by High-Flyer, a Chinese hedge fund.

About DeepSeek:

In April 2023, High-Flyer established its AI lab, DeepSeek, to develop LLMs.
In December 2023, DeepSeek-v3 launched, surpassing its predecessor and outperforming existing Chinese AI models at a lower cost.
Subsequently, DeepSeek-R1 was introduced, matching OpenAI’s O1 model on multiple metrics while being significantly cost-efficient.
DeepSeek revolutionized AI with its Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) model, DeepSeek-v3.
Key Features of DeepSeek-v3:
- Pre-trained on 14.8 trillion tokens
- 671 billion parameters, with 37 billion activated per token
- Trained using Nvidia’s H800 GPUs, requiring 2.78 million GPU hours
- Outperformed Meta’s Llama 3.1, which required 30.8 million more GPU hours

Key Advantages Over OpenAI’s O1:
- 93% cost reduction per API call
- Capable of running on high-end local computers, reducing dependence on cloud services
- Optimized memory efficiency, requiring minimal RAM
- Uses batch processing and cloud computing for cost efficiency
These features make DeepSeek-R1 an attractive option for businesses and developers looking for affordable AI solutions.
DeepSeek-R1 excels in data analysis but remains restricted by China’s censorship policies.
Despite censorship, DeepSeek-R1 became the most downloaded app in the U.S. and ranks third in India’s productivity category.

China’s Previous AI Efforts:

In March 2023, Baidu launched Ernie Bot, marketed as China’s answer to ChatGPT, garnering 30 million user sign-ups in a single day. However, Ernie Bot faced criticism for dodging politically sensitive questions about:
- President Xi Jinping
- Tiananmen Square crackdown
- Human rights issues concerning Uyghur Muslims
Ernie’s failure highlighted the challenges of AI censorship in China and led to scepticism about the country’s ability to develop competitive AI models.

About Distillation Process:

Knowledge distillation is a machine learning technique that involves transferring knowledge from a large, complex model (referred to as the “teacher”) to a smaller, more efficient model (known as the “student”).
Reduces the size of the model, making it more suitable for deployment on devices with limited computational resources.
Enhances inference speed and reduces latency, which is crucial for real-time applications.
Decreases the computational power and memory required for model training and deployment.
Techniques in Knowledge Distillation:
- Logit Matching: Aligning the output logits (pre-activation values) of the student model with those of the teacher model.
- Feature Map Transfer: Transferring intermediate representations from the teacher to the student to guide learning.
- Hint Training: Using intermediate layers of the teacher model to provide additional guidance to the student model during training.
While distillation enhances model efficiency, it has limitations:
- Dependent on the original teacher model
- May not fully replicate the capabilities of larger models
The demand for GPUs is expected to rise as companies push for more intelligent AI.

2. Border Fencing Dispute Between India and Bangladesh

Sub : Geo

Sec: Indian Mapping

Why in News

In January 2025, tensions escalated between India and Bangladesh over security measures along their shared border, particularly regarding fencing.

India-Bangladesh Border:

India shares its longest international border with Bangladesh, spanning 4,096.7 km.
This border passes through five Indian states: Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and West Bengal.
The BSF manages border security through six frontiers: Assam Frontier, Meghalaya Frontier, Mizoram and Cachar Frontier, Tripura Frontier, North Bengal Frontier and South Bengal Frontier.
Radcliffe Line (1947): Initially demarcated the boundary between India and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) 1974 and 2015: Aimed to resolve border disputes and simplify the demarcation process.
As per the 2023-24 Annual Report of the Ministry of Home Affairs, 78% (3,196.7 km) of the border has been fenced.
Challenges in fencing: Riverine borders and densely populated settlements near the border.
- Feni River: Serves as part of the boundary between Tripura (India) and Bangladesh. The 1.9 km Maitri Setu bridge over the Feni River connects Sabroom in Tripura with Ramgarh in Bangladesh, enhancing connectivity.
- Teesta River: Originates from the Pahunri glacier in Sikkim, India. Flows through West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. A significant transboundary river, it has been central to water-sharing discussions between the two nations.
- Ichamati River: Flows through West Bengal (India) and Bangladesh. Offshoot of the Mathabhanga River in Bangladesh. Forms part of the India-Bangladesh border before merging with the Bidyadhari River.
- Padma River: Ganges River in India, renamed Padma upon entering Bangladesh. Flows through Bangladesh, meets Jamuna River (Brahmaputra), and later joins Meghna River before draining into the Bay of Bengal.

Challenges in Border Fencing:

Large sections of the border consist of riverine areas and chars (silt islands), making fencing difficult.
Marshy land, flood-prone zones, and thick vegetation pose additional challenges.
Many villages and farmlands exist within 150 yards of the border, leading to resistance from local populations. Farmers oppose fencing as it restricts access to agricultural land near the border.
As per the 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities: No permanent or temporary border security forces or armed personnel can be stationed within 150 yards on either side of the border.
Mutual agreement is required for fencing within 150 yards where the population is settled close to the border.

3. What citizenship laws do countries follow?

Sub: Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

President Donald Trump, in his second term, issued an executive order restricting birthright citizenship in the U.S.
The order has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge but, if implemented, will deny automatic citizenship to children born to illegal immigrants and temporary visa holders.

History of Birthright Citizenship in the U.S.

The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1866) grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and subject to its jurisdiction.
The amendment was enacted to ensure equal rights for Black citizens post-Civil War and to overturn the Dred Scott vs Sandford (1857) ruling that denied citizenship to enslaved people.
The 1898 Wong Kim Ark case upheld birthright citizenship, ruling that every citizen or subject of another country, while domiciled in the United States, is within the allegiance and the protection, and consequently subject to the jurisdiction, of the Country.
Trump’s order contests the interpretation of “jurisdiction” and aims to exclude children of undocumented immigrants and those on temporary visas.

Principles of Citizenship

Countries follow two major principles for granting citizenship:

Jus Soli (Right of Soil) – Citizenship is granted based on birthplace, irrespective of parents’ nationality.
- Practiced in the U.S., Canada, and 37 other countries, mostly in the Americas.
- Historically used by colonizers to quickly outnumber native populations as citizens.
Jus Sanguinis (Right of Blood) – Citizenship is based on the nationality of the parents.
- Common in European and Asian countries, which seek to preserve cultural and ethnic identity.

Citizenship Laws in India and Neighbouring Countries

India initially followed jus soli until 1987, granting automatic citizenship to all born in the country.
The Citizenship Act of 1955 was amended in 1986 and 2003, making citizenship dependent on parentage due to concerns over illegal migration, especially from Bangladesh.
Presently, a child born in India is an Indian citizen only if:
- At least one parent is an Indian citizen, and
- Neither parent is an illegal immigrant.
Nepal and Pakistan still recognize jus soli, though Pakistan has proposed a bill to end it.

Impact on Indian Immigrants in the U.S.

The U.S. hosts 2.8 million Indian immigrants, the second-largest foreign-born group after Mexicans.
An estimated 7,25,000 undocumented Indians live in the U.S.
Over 70% of H1B visas (temporary work visas) are issued to Indians annually.
More than 3,30,000 Indian students study in the U.S., many aspiring for permanent residency.
Trump’s order could reduce legal and illegal immigration, affecting employment-based green card applicants and temporary visa holders.

4. India’s Nuclear Energy Mission

Sub: Sci

Sec: Nuclear

Why in News

The Union Budget 2024-25 has proposed a ₹20,000 crore ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’ to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in India.

Key Budget Provisions for Nuclear Energy:

Financial Allocation for the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE):
- Estimated expenditure for 2025-26: ₹24,049 crore.
- Expected expenditure by March 2025: ₹24,450 crore.
- Actual expenditure in 2023-24: ₹25,882 crore.
The allocation is lower than the previous year’s spending, raising concerns about funding availability for nuclear expansion.
While flagship schemes generally receive at least a nominal budget allocation, the Budget documents do not specify any dedicated funding for the five SMRs to be developed by 2033.

Nuclear Energy Mission:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a ₹20,000 crore ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’ in the Union Budget 2025, aiming to develop indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
The plan includes operationalizing at least five SMRs by 2033.
To attract foreign and private investments in the nuclear sector, the government proposes amending the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010. These changes aim to facilitate international collaborations and expand nuclear infrastructure.
The mission aligns with India’s objective to achieve 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047, contributing to the nation’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
Key Initiatives Under the Nuclear Energy Mission: Bharat Small Reactors (BSR) and Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR)
Bharat Small Reactors (BSR): These are incrementally modified versions of India’s existing Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). Designed to enhance efficiency and scalability within India’s nuclear energy framework.
Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR): An emerging technology under research globally. Aimed at producing modular, scalable nuclear power with higher safety standards.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, approximately one-third of the capacity of traditional nuclear reactors.
SMRs are designed for modular manufacturing, allowing for factory production and scalable deployment.
Their smaller size and simplified design offer increased flexibility, lower capital costs, and enhanced safety features compared to traditional large-scale reactors.

Atomic Energy Act, 1962:

Enacted to provide for the development, control, and use of atomic energy for the welfare of the people of India and for other peaceful purposes.
Empowers the Central Government to produce, develop, use, and dispose of atomic energy and radioactive substances.
Regulates the discovery, mining, and disposal of uranium and thorium, requiring individuals to notify the government upon discovering these materials and to conduct related operations under government directives.
Allows the government to declare certain areas as “prohibited” for conducting research, development, and other activities related to atomic energy.

Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010:

Establishes a legal framework for compensating victims of nuclear incidents, specifying liability and procedures for compensation.
Imposes strict and no-fault liability on the operators of nuclear installations for nuclear damage caused by a nuclear incident.
Caps the operator’s liability at ₹500 crore; for damage exceeding this amount, up to 300 million Special Drawing Rights (approximately ₹2,100 crore), the central government is liable.
Grants operators the right to seek recourse against suppliers or other parties under certain conditions, such as if the incident results from the supplier’s defective equipment or services.
Mandates that operators secure insurance or financial security to cover their liability before commencing operation of a nuclear installation.

5. Dengue early warning system predicts risk two months in advance

Sub: Science

Sec: Health

Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, in collaboration with other institutions, has developed an early warning system for dengue.
The system predicts potential dengue outbreaks more than two months in advance. It uses observed temperature, rainfall, and humidity patterns for prediction.
The system analyses climate-based dengue factors and their interaction with dengue at a regional level.
Rising temperatures and fluctuating monsoon rainfall could increase dengue-related deaths in India by 13% by 2030 and 23-40% by 2050.
Timely intervention is crucial to prevent India from becoming a dengue hotspot.
Researchers have developed an AI/machine learning model to predict dengue outbreaks nearly two months in advance.
This prediction capability allows authorities to improve outbreak preparedness.
The early warning system provides time for local administration and health departments to enhance response strategies, reducing dengue cases and deaths.
Sharing health data by state and health departments could enable customized early warning systems for other climate-sensitive diseases (malaria, chikungunya) at the city/district level.

DENGUE: A GLOBAL BURDEN

Dengue is a fast-spreading mosquito-borne disease, exacerbated by climate change. India accounts for a third of the global dengue burden due to its high temperature and humidity, which are projected to increase.
Erratic monsoon rainfall patterns, including heavy/extreme rains, contribute to warmer days, ideal for dengue outbreaks.
Temperatures above 27°C, moderate/evenly distributed rainfall, and 60-78% humidity during monsoon season increase dengue incidence and mortality.
June to September are high-risk months for dengue in India.
Heavy rainfall (above 150mm/week) can reduce dengue by flushing out mosquito breeding sites. Pune’s average temperature is projected to rise by 1.2-3.5°C by the end of the century.
Dengue mortality in Pune is projected to increase by 13% (2020-2040, 1.5°C warming) and 25-40% (2040-2060, 2°C warming).

DENGUE

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by four distinct serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV 1-4). Infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity to that specific serotype, but only temporary and partial protection against other serotypes. Subsequent infection with a different serotype increases the risk of severe dengue.
Transmission: The primary vector is the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which typically bites during daylight hours. Other Aedes species can also transmit the virus. Transmission is primarily human-to-mosquito-to-human.
Epidemiology: Dengue is a global health concern, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. India bears a significant portion of the global dengue burden. Factors contributing to its spread in India include:
- Favourable climatic conditions (high temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns).
- Rapid urbanization and unplanned development leading to mosquito breeding sites.
- Inadequate sanitation and waste management.
- Lack of awareness and community participation in vector control.
Clinical Manifestations: Dengue presents a wide range of symptoms, from mild fever and headache (dengue fever) to severe manifestations like dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Severe dengue is characterized by plasma leakage, hemorrhage, and organ dysfunction.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis is usually based on clinical presentation and laboratory tests. Serological tests (e.g., ELISA for IgM and IgG) are commonly used to confirm dengue infection. RT-PCR can detect the virus directly in the early stages of infection.
Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Management focuses on supportive care, including fluid replacement, pain management, and close monitoring for complications. In severe cases, hospitalization and intensive care may be required.
Prevention and Control: Integrated vector management is crucial for dengue control.
Key strategies include:
- Eliminating mosquito breeding sites (e.g., stagnant water).
- Using mosquito repellents and insecticide-treated nets.
- Community mobilization and awareness campaigns.
- Personal protection measures (e.g., wearing protective clothing).
- Vaccination: Dengue vaccines are available in some countries, including India, but their use is subject to specific guidelines and target populations due to serotype-specific responses.

Challenges: Dengue control is challenging due to factors like:

Climate change impacts on vector distribution and disease transmission.
Increasing insecticide resistance in mosquitoes.
Lack of a universally effective vaccine.
Complex interactions between environmental, social, and economic factors.

Government Initiatives: India has implemented various programs for dengue control, including the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP). These programs focus on surveillance, vector control, case management, and community awareness.

Recent Developments: Research is ongoing to develop improved diagnostic tools, antiviral therapies, and vaccines for dengue. Early warning systems based on climate data and AI are also being developed to predict outbreaks and improve preparedness.

6. Gyan Bharatam Mission

Sub: Scheme

Sec: Art and Culture

A new special mission announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, focused on the survey, documentation, and conservation of India’s manuscript heritage. It aims to cover over one crore manuscripts.

Scope: The mission targets manuscripts held by academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors across India.

National Manuscripts Mission (NMM) Revitalization: The Gyan Bharatam Mission appears to be a significant boost and potential restructuring of the existing NMM. The budget allocation for NMM has been drastically increased from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore, signaling a renewed focus. Prior reports indicated the Ministry of Culture was considering reviving and relaunching the NMM, potentially as an autonomous body. Currently, NMM operates under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts.

Rationale: The initiative recognizes the importance of preserving ancient texts and the knowledge they contain. It aims to make this manuscript heritage more accessible.

Culture Ministry Budget: The overall budget allocation for the Ministry of Culture has seen a modest increase of approximately ₹100 crore, reaching a total outlay of ₹3,360.96 crore.

Allocation Breakdown:

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): ₹1,278.49 crore (a slight increase).
National Libraries and Archives: ₹156.55 crore.
Museums (National Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art): ₹126.63 crore.

Decreased Funding: Funds for centenaries, anniversaries, and international cultural collaborations have been significantly reduced. This suggests a shift in priorities within the Culture Ministry’s spending.