Daily Prelims Notes 16 October 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

16 October 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Govt issues guidelines to prohibit greenwashing, misleading green claims
2. Climate change threatens to alter methane emissions in the Amazon, study reveals
3. Tamil Nadu rains due to depression, onset of Northeast and withdrawal of Southwest monsoon
4. India Faces Container Shortage Hindering Trade Growth: Key Factors and Government Initiatives
5. Nobel Prize Winners on Wealth Inequality: Inclusive vs. Extractive Institutions and Colonial Legacies
6. Global Public Debt Expected to Reach $100 Trillion: IMF Report
7. West Asia ‘conflagration’ to top agenda at first European Union-Gulf summit
8. UAE to review India’s concerns over silver import surge: Centre
9. Health Ministry asks States to ensure permanent organ transplant coordinators
10. Centre Establishes Three AI Research Hubs in Health, Agriculture, and Sustainable Cities
11. Impact of Coastal Flooding on Tree Species: A Study on Resilience and Vulnerability
12. India Finalizes $3.5-Billion Deal with the U.S. for 31 MQ-9B Armed UAVs

1. Govt issues guidelines to prohibit greenwashing, misleading green claims

Sub: Env

Sec: Msc

Context:

• The government introduced new guidelines to regulate greenwashing and misleading environmental claims by companies. These guidelines aim to protect consumers and enhance transparency in eco-friendly marketing.
• Greenwashing: Refers to companies making unsubstantiated claims about a product or service having a climate-friendly impact.

Key points of the guideline:

• Issued by the Consumer Affairs Ministry, these rules ensure that environmental claims are backed by verifiable evidence and clear disclosures.
• The goal is not to prohibit such claims but to ensure they are made with transparency and integrity.
• Verification Requirements:
  • Claims like “100% eco-friendly”, “zero emissions”, and “cruelty-free” must be supported by accurate, verifiable data.
  • Environmental claims must use consumer-friendly language, especially for technical terms.
  • Comparative environmental claims must be based on relevant, verifiable data, clearly specifying the basis of comparison.
• Aspirational Claims:
  • Future or aspirational environmental claims are allowed but must be backed by actionable plans.
• Disclosure of Information:
  • Companies must disclose all material information regarding environmental claims through advertisements or communications, using QR codes, URLs, or other digital media.
  • They must specify if the claim refers to the product as a whole, its manufacturing, packaging, usage, or disposal.
• Specific Claims:
  • Claims such as “compostable”, “degradable”, “recyclable”, and “net-zero” must be supported by credible certifications, scientific evidence, or third-party verification.
  • These disclosures should be easily accessible to consumers.
• Technical Terms:
  • Companies must explain technical concepts like “environmental impact assessment” and “ecological footprint” in consumer-friendly language.
• Regulatory Context:
  • These guidelines complement existing laws, and in case of conflicts with specific regulations, those laws will take precedence.
  • The central authority’s decision will be final in case of disputes or ambiguity in interpretation.

2. Climate change threatens to alter methane emissions in the Amazon, study reveals

Sub: Env

Sec: Climate change

Context:

• New research from the University of São Paulo highlights how climate change could disrupt greenhouse gas dynamics in the Amazon rainforest, with significant global consequences.
• The study reveals contrasting changes in methane emissions and uptake in the Amazon’s floodplain and upland forest soils, driven by rising temperatures and increased flooding.

Key Findings:

• Amazon’s Role in Methane Regulation: The Amazon plays a crucial role in global methane levels, acting as both a source and sink for this potent greenhouse gas.
• Floodplains and Upland Forests:
  • Floodplains (covering 800,000 square kilometers during the rainy season) contribute up to 29% of global wetland methane emissions. In these waterlogged areas, methane-producing microbes thrive.
  • Upland Forests, usually methane sinks, are highly vulnerable to changes in temperature and humidity. Methane uptake in upland forests dropped by 70% in warmer, drier conditions.
• Research Method:
  • Soil samples from both floodplains and upland forests were exposed to temperatures of 27°C and 30°C, with varying humidity levels, over 30 days.
  • Results showed that while methane emissions in floodplains remained stable, methane-producing microbes increased.
  • In upland forests, the number of bacteria and archaea (organisms responsible for methane cycling) declined, showing their sensitivity to warming.

Methane Cycling and Microbial Activity:

• Methanotrophic Microorganisms (those that consume methane) were active in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions in floodplains, showing adaptability to climate change.
• In contrast, upland forest microbes are less resilient, which could disrupt the balance of methane emissions in the Amazon.

Implications:

• Global Impact: The Amazon’s shift in methane dynamics could significantly worsen global greenhouse gas concentrations, as the region’s role in both emitting and absorbing methane is crucial for global climate regulation.
• Climate Change Sensitivity: The Amazon’s upland forest ecosystems are particularly fragile, raising concerns about increased methane emissions as climate conditions change.

About Methane:

• It is the primary component of natural gas, and is responsible for approximately a third of the warming we are experiencing today.
• Characteristics:
  • It is a colorless odorless gas, flammable water insoluble gas.
  • It is also known as marsh gas or methyl hydride.
  • It is easily ignited. The vapours are lighter than air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat, the containers may rupture violently and rocket.
  • It is a powerful and short-lived greenhouse gas, with a lifetime of about a decade and a Global Warming Potential about 80 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2) during the 20 years after it is released into the atmosphere.

Where does methane come from?

• It sometimes comes from non-human sources like wetlands. These habitats contain things like permafrost, which is frozen ground that’s also filled with carbon from animals and plants that have been dead for hundreds of thousands of years.
• As temperatures rise with global warming, wetland permafrost thaws. That unleashes carbon, previously locked in the ice, in the form of CO2 and methane.
• Around 60% of the methane that makes it into the atmosphere comes from human activities.

Source: DTE

3. Tamil Nadu rains due to depression, onset of Northeast and withdrawal of Southwest monsoon

Sub: Geo

Sec: Climatology 

Context:

• Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai, has been experiencing heavy rainfall since October 14, with predictions of continued downpours in the coming days. The primary causes are a low-pressure area off the Tamil Nadu coast, the onset of the Northeast monsoon, and the sudden withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon on October 15.

Meteorological Factors for heavy rainfall:

• Low-Pressure Area:
  • As of October 15, a well-marked low-pressure area was observed in the central Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a depression and move towards northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh in the next 24-48 hours.
• Cyclonic Circulation:
  • A cyclonic circulation off the coast of Andhra Pradesh in the west-central Bay of Bengal is also contributing to the rainfall.
• Northeast Monsoon Onset:
  • The IMD declared the onset of the Northeast monsoon, which is the main rainfall season for Tamil Nadu and southern states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The conditions for its onset include easterly and northeasterly winds and ongoing rainfall in southern Peninsular India.
• Southwest Monsoon Withdrawal:
  • The complete withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon, initially expected to occur over several days, was completed on October 15, coinciding with the typical withdrawal date.

About Northeast Monsoon:

• The Northeast monsoon marks the rainy season for the southern states of India, primarily affecting Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
• It typically begins in mid-October and lasts until December.
• Unlike the Southwest monsoon, which delivers rain across most of India, the Northeast monsoon is critical for the southeastern part of the country.

Key Features of the Northeast Monsoon:

• Onset Timing:
  • The Northeast monsoon usually begins in the second half of October, around the time the Southwest monsoon withdraws from the Indian subcontinent.
  • The onset is marked by the establishment of easterly and northeasterly winds over southern India and the Bay of Bengal.
• Main Rainfall Region:
  • Tamil Nadu receives around 48% to 60% of its annual rainfall during this period, making it the most crucial rainfall season for the state. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala also benefit from these rains.
  • The monsoon is driven by weather systems such as low-pressure areas, depressions, and cyclonic circulations that form in the Bay of Bengal.
• Weather Systems:
  • The formation of low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal is critical for triggering heavy rainfall along the eastern and southeastern coast.
  • These systems often move westward, bringing rainfall to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and sometimes affecting Kerala and southern Karnataka.
• Influence of Global Phenomena:
  • El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) can influence the intensity and variability of the Northeast monsoon.
  • Positive IOD phases typically bring more rainfall, while El Niño conditions may lead to reduced rainfall.
• Impact on Agriculture:
  • The Northeast monsoon is vital for winter cropping in the southern states. Crops like rice, groundnuts, pulses, and millets depend heavily on this monsoon.
  • The timing and amount of rainfall can significantly impact crop yields and water availability in these regions.
• Urban Flooding:
  • Cities like Chennai and coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are often prone to urban flooding during this season due to heavy rains, compounded by poor drainage systems.

Importance of the Northeast Monsoon:

• The Northeast monsoon accounts for nearly 30% of the total annual rainfall for the Peninsular region.
• Tamil Nadu relies heavily on this monsoon for replenishing water reservoirs, which is critical for drinking water supply, agriculture, and hydropower.

Source: DTE

4. India Faces Container Shortage Hindering Trade Growth: Key Factors and Government Initiatives

Sub: Eco

Sec: External Sector

• Overview of Container Shortage:
  • India’s Rapid Trade Growth relies heavily on containerized transport.
  • A significant logistical bottleneck exists due to the insufficient production of containers in India.
• Importance of Containers in Trade:
  • Seamless Transportation: Containers can be transported via rail, ship, and road without disturbance.
  • Efficiency: Standardized dimensions and cargo capacities reduced transportation time and port delays, revolutionizing global trade.
  • Globalization: Containerization is crucial for swift trade movements, enabling the seamless flow of goods internationally.
• Current Scenario in India:
• Container Handling Capacity:
  • India’s container market is expected to more than double from 11.4 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2023 to 26.6 million TEU by 2028.
  • Manufacturing Output: India produces 10,000 to 30,000 containers annually, which is only a fraction of the projected demand.
• Comparison with China:
  • China manufactures 2.5 to 3 million containers per year.
  • Cost of Production: In India, it costs ₹3,500 to ₹4,800 to produce one container, compared to ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 in China.
  • Leasing Dependency: Due to low domestic production, India leases containers mostly from China.
• Impact of Container Shortage:
  • Freight Rates: Shortage often leads to increased freight rates.
  • Port Congestion: Limited containers cause congestion at Indian ports, preventing them from becoming hub ports.
• Shift of Mother Ship Traffic:
  • Colombo, Dubai, and Hong Kong attract mother ship traffic instead of Indian ports.
  • Short Distance Feeder Vessels: Indian shippers rely on short distance feeder vessels, leading to higher tariffs.
• Global Disruptions:
  • West Asia Crisis: Disruptions like the Russia-Ukraine war have led to port closures, route changes, and increased insurance costs, further raising freight rates.
  • Piracy: Increased piracy has also elevated freight costs.
  • Longer Voyages: Circumnavigating Africa lengthens voyages by 10 to 15 days, affecting container availability.
• Government Initiatives to Address Shortage:
• Make in India Initiatives:
  • Promote Indigenous Production: Encouraging domestic production of container boxes through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) between the Container Corporation of India and private players.
  • Incentives: Providing direct subsidies and viability gap funding to support private production.
  • Production Linked Incentives (PLI): Implementation of PLI schemes to boost container manufacturing.
• Additional Measures:
  • Reduce Charges: Lowering repositioning and storing charges for empty containers to ease shortages.
  • Enhance Container Yard Capacities: Expanding container yard capacities at Indian ports to accommodate more containers.
  • Cost Reduction: Ensuring that scaled-up production costs align with global levels.
  • GST Relaxation: Relaxation of GST for manufacturers of raw materials needed for container production to reduce input costs.
  • Support for Shippers: Incentivizing Indian shippers to use Indian-made containers and facilitating long-term contracts with domestic manufacturers to build market confidence.
  • Mandate Usage: Mandating the use of Indian-made containers to boost domestic demand.
  • Tracking and Tracing: Developing a Unified Logistics Interface Platform and Logistics Data Bank to track and trace containers, reducing turnaround time and easing shortages.
• Expected Outcomes:
  • Increased Production: Boosting container manufacturing to meet the projected demand.
  • Economic Growth: Facilitating swift transport of goods, thereby supporting trade growth and economic expansion.
  • Employment Generation: Creating direct employment opportunities in the manufacturing and logistics sectors.
  • Global Competitiveness: Enhancing India’s position as a competitive hub in the East-West trade route.
• Expert Insights:
  • Experts emphasizes that there is a critical need for container production to support India’s trade ambitions.
  • Strategic Location: Despite being at a strategic location, the container shortage hampers Indian ports from attracting mother ship traffic.

5. Nobel Prize Winners on Wealth Inequality: Inclusive vs. Extractive Institutions and Colonial Legacies

Sub : Eco

Sec : National Income

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson for their ground-breaking research on how institutions influence the prosperity of nations. Their work provides deep insights into why some countries thrive economically while others remain impoverished.

1. Why Are Some Countries Rich and Others Poor?

According to the Nobel laureates, the primary reason behind the economic disparity between nations lies in the quality of their political and economic institutions.

• Institutional Quality:
  • Inclusive Institutions: Promote economic growth and higher living standards by ensuring secure private property rights, democratic governance, and broad political freedoms.
  • Extractive Institutions: Hinder economic development through insecure property rights, centralized power, and limited political freedoms, which stifles innovation and equitable growth.
• Impact on Prosperity:
  • Countries with inclusive institutions tend to have sustained economic growth and higher average incomes.
  • Conversely, those with extractive institutions experience economic stagnation and persistent poverty.
• Empirical Evidence:
  • The laureates’ studies demonstrate a strong correlation between inclusive institutions and long-term economic success, whereas extractive institutions lead to economic decline and inequality.

2. Difference Between ‘Inclusive’ and ‘Extractive’ Institutions

The distinction between inclusive and extractive institutions is central to understanding economic disparities:

• Inclusive Institutions:
  • Definition: Institutions that provide secure private property rights, rule of law, democratic governance, and broad political participation.
• Characteristics:
  • Secure Property Rights: Protect individuals’ assets, encouraging investment and innovation.
  • Democratic Governance: Ensures that leaders are accountable to the populace, fostering fair policies.
  • Political and Economic Freedom: Allows individuals to pursue their interests, leading to diverse economic activities.
• Economic Impact:
  • Promote investment, entrepreneurship, and efficient resource allocation.
  • Lead to higher productivity and sustainable economic growth.
• Extractive Institutions:
  • Definition: Institutions that concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few, limiting broad-based economic participation.
• Characteristics:
  • Insecure Property Rights: Allow the state or elites to seize assets without fair compensation.
  • Centralized Power: Limits political competition and accountability.
  • Restricted Freedoms: Suppresses dissent and limits individuals’ ability to influence policy.
• Economic Impact:
  • Discourage investment and innovation due to lack of security.
  • Lead to inefficient resource allocation and economic stagnation.

3. Why Did Colonial Powers Set Up Extractive Systems in Some Colonies and Inclusive Ones in Others?

The Nobel laureates explored the historical context of colonialism to explain the establishment of different institutional frameworks:

• Colonial Objectives:
• Extractive Systems:
• Implemented in regions where colonial powers had limited interest in long-term settlement.
• Aimed at resource extraction and short-term economic gains without fostering local economic development.
• Example: British India – Institutions were designed to plunder resources and maintain control, hindering long-term prosperity.
• Inclusive Systems:
  • Established in areas where colonial powers intended to settle permanently and invest in local infrastructure.
  • Focused on economic development and institutional strengthening to support sustainable growth.
  • Example: United States – British-established institutions promoted property rights and democratic governance, laying the foundation for long-term economic success.
• Decision Factors:
  • Mortality Rates and Geography: In regions with harsh climates or high mortality rates, colonizers preferred extractive institutions due to the impracticality of long-term settlement.
  • Economic Incentives: Areas rich in natural resources were often subjected to extractive systems to maximize resource exploitation without investing in local development.
• Long-Term Consequences:
  • Extractive Institutions: Resulted in persistent economic challenges and wealth inequality that continue to affect former colonies today.
  • Inclusive Institutions: Enabled stable economic growth and higher living standards, contributing to the prosperity of countries like the United States.

6. Global Public Debt Expected to Reach $100 Trillion: IMF Report

Sub : Eco

Sec : External sector

• Record High Debt Levels:
  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecasted that global public debt will reach an unprecedented $100 trillion in 2024.
  • This debt level is expected to be 93% of global GDP this year, and it may approach 100% of GDP by 2030. This marks a significant increase of 10 percentage points compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
• Rising Fiscal Pressures:
  • Era Dabla-Norris, the Deputy Director of the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department, highlighted several factors contributing to the worsening debt outlook:
  • Increased spending pressures: Countries are facing higher expenditure to address issues like climate change and economic recovery.
  • Overly optimistic debt projections: Current estimates might be underestimating the actual future debt levels.
  • Unidentified debt: Potential hidden or unaccounted debts could lead to a more severe fiscal scenario than anticipated.
• Need for Fiscal Adjustment:
  • The IMF emphasized that it is crucial for nations to implement fiscal discipline to manage their debt levels.
  • Experts stated, “It’s time for countries to get their fiscal house in order.”
  • According to the report, the required fiscal adjustment to bring debt under control would be between 3.0% and 4.5% of GDP on average, which is almost double the size of previous adjustments.
• Worst-Case Scenario:
  • The IMF warned that if current trends continue, global public debt could surge to 115% of GDP by 2026. This would be 20 percentage points higher than the baseline estimate, reflecting the potential for a more severe global debt crisis.

Global Debt

Debt is the amount of money borrowed by an entity that is expected to be paid back at a later time, typically with interest.

Global Debt refers to the total outstanding amount owed by governments, businesses, and individuals across the world. It encompasses both public and private debt.

Composition of Global Debt:

• Public Debt:
  • This is the money owed by governments to domestic and foreign creditors.
  • Governments typically finance this debt by issuing bonds, treasury bills, or loans from international organizations (e.g., the International Monetary Fund or World Bank).
  • Public debt includes national and local government borrowings, often used for infrastructure projects, social programs, and budgetary expenses.
• Private Debt:
  • Refers to the money owed by businesses and individuals to financial institutions, including banks, lenders, and other creditors.
• Types of Private Debt:
  • Corporate Debt: Loans taken by businesses for expansion, operations, or investments, including corporate bonds.
  • Household Debt: Borrowings by individuals, such as mortgages, student loans, credit card debt, and personal loans.

7. West Asia ‘conflagration’ to top agenda at first European Union-Gulf summit

Sub : IR

Sec : Places in news

Context:

• The European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders are set to convene in Brussels, focusing primarily on avoiding a broader conflict in West Asia.
• This summit will involve heads of state and government from six Gulf nations along with representatives from the 27 EU member states.

Agenda:

• While trade, energy, and climate change are on the agenda, the escalating conflicts involving Israel, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon, are expected to dominate discussions.
• EU officials have indicated that preventing a larger regional conflict is a primary concern.
• Both the EU and GCC countries share a mutual interest in de-escalation and the establishment of peace in the region. The EU has called for a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza.

Changing alliances:

• Traditionally aligned with Western powers, the Gulf monarchies have recently grown closer to Iran.
• The GCC nations have consistently advocated for the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel and have been involved in negotiations to secure ceasefires.

Trade relations:

• The European Union is seeking to foster closer ties with GCC countries.
• Although the EU is the GCC’s second-largest trading partner, discussions surrounding a potential trade pact have stalled.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC):

• The GCC is a political and economic alliance of six countries in the Arabian Peninsula: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
• Established in 1981, the GCC promotes economic, security, cultural and social cooperation between the six states and holds a summit every year to discuss cooperation and regional affairs.

8. UAE to review India’s concerns over silver import surge: Centre

Sub : Eco

Sec : External Sector

Context:

• India raised concerns regarding a significant increase in imports of silver products, platinum alloy, and dry dates from the UAE during a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Economy of the UAE.
• The United Arab Emirates has agreed to examine the concerns raised by India.

Issues raised:

• The Indian government urged the UAE to ensure compliance with trade regulations under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that took effect on May 1, 2022.
• India asked UAE to verify compliance with the rule-of origin norms and ensure the rules are not circumvented.

Bilateral Trade:

• The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $83.65 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24.

Surge in imports:

• India UAE CEPA allows unlimited imports of gold, silver, platinum and diamonds from the UAE into India.
• The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) reported that gold and silver imports from the UAE increased by 210%, totalling $10.7 billion in 2023-24.
• The significant rise in imports has led India to call for a review of certain provisions of the FTA.

India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA):

• The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE aims to enhance bilateral trade and investment.
• A critical component of this agreement is the Rules of Origin, which determine the nationality of a product and whether it qualifies for preferential tariff treatment under the CEPA.

Rules of Origin:

Rules of Origin are criteria used to define the national source of a product. Goods must meet specified criteria to qualify for reduced tariffs under the CEPA.

They play a crucial role in international trade by:

• Ensuring that the benefits of trade agreements are granted only to goods produced in the partner countries.
• Preventing the circumvention of trade barriers through third-party countries.

Tariff Concessions:

• India currently offers a 7% customs duty concession on silver imports and a 1% concession on 160 metric tonnes of gold.
• The GTRI claimed that many imports did not meet rules of origin norms and hence, did not qualify for concessions.

Proposed Designated Zone:

• India has requested that the Indian Jewellery Exposition Centre in Dubai be classified as a Designated Zone.
• This designation would allow domestic jewellery manufacturers, including non-registered entities, to benefit from concessional duties under UAE regulations.

Mutual Recognition Agreements:

• India also highlighted the necessity for both countries to establish mutual recognition agreements for professional bodies.
• This would enable professionals such as chartered accountants, lawyers, and nurses to provide services without the need for additional certification.

9. Health Ministry asks States to ensure permanent organ transplant coordinators

Sub : Schemes

Sec : Sci

Context:

• The Union Health Ministry has issued a warning to states and institutions operating without regular transplant coordinators.
• It has stated that requests for support in this area will not be entertained beyond the financial year 2024-25 from States and institutions that have exceeded the five-year support period.

National Organ Transplant Programme:

• Under the current National Organ Transplant Programme, which runs from 2020-21 to 2025-26, there are provisions to support government medical colleges with two transplant coordinators and a trauma centre, while private medical colleges performing well can receive support for one transplant coordinator.
• The commitment for transplant coordinator positions is set for five years. During this time, state governments and medical colleges are expected to establish permanent positions.
• However, the Health Ministry noted a lack of significant progress in creating these roles.

Role of Transplant Coordinators:

• The transplant coordinator plays a critical role in coordinating the entire process of deceased organ donation and transplantation. Their responsibilities include:
  • Coordinating brain stem death identification and certification.
  • Providing grief counselling to families.
  • Encouraging family members to consider organ donation.
  • Obtaining consent for donation.
  • Managing logistics related to organ retrieval and transplantation.

Legal Framework:

• Organ donation in India is regulated by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA).
• According to this act, hospitals must appoint a transplant coordinator with the required qualifications and experience to be registered for transplantation procedures.
• The Ministry has reiterated that having a transplant coordinator is a legal requirement for hospitals involved in transplantation or organ retrieval.
• States and institutions are now instructed to take necessary steps to create permanent posts for transplant coordinators by the next financial year.

Organ transplant in India:

• India faces an acute shortage of organs for transplants.
• India currently has about 750 institutions providing organ transplant services.

10. Centre Establishes Three AI Research Hubs in Health, Agriculture, and Sustainable Cities

Sub : Sci

Sec: Awareness in IT

Why in News

The Government of India has announced the establishment of three Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable urban development. These CoEs are designed to drive innovation, create employment, and boost India’s position in the global AI landscape.

Centres of Excellence (CoE) for Artificial Intelligence:

A Centre of Excellence (CoE) is an organizational framework designed to foster research, development, and the application of advanced technologies in specific fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI).

CoEs serve as hubs for conducting cutting-edge research, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in their respective fields, such as AI in healthcare, agriculture, or sustainable cities.

CoEs work closely with industry players, startups, and academic institutions to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application, ensuring that AI solutions are relevant and scalable.

CoEs focus on nurturing high-quality talent through multidisciplinary training programs, creating a skilled workforce equipped with AI expertise to meet industry and societal needs.

Three AI Centres of Excellence (CoEs) will focus on healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities.

Lead Institutions: IIT Delhi (healthcare), IIT Ropar (agriculture), and IIT Kanpur (sustainable cities) will lead these CoEs.

The CoEs will work in collaboration with industry partners and startups for interdisciplinary research and innovation.

Established under the vision “Make AI in India, Make AI work for India,” these CoEs aim to drive AI research and applications.

The initiative has a budget of ₹990 crore, spanning FY 2023-24 to 2027-28.

The CoEs will contribute to building India’s AI talent, supporting startups, and generating job opportunities.

An apex committee, co-chaired by Zoho founder-CEO Sridhar Vembu, has been constituted to oversee the implementation and operations of the CoEs.

Objectives of the AI-CoEs:

Innovation: Develop AI-driven solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable urban development.

Job Creation: Generate employment opportunities by nurturing the start-up ecosystem.

Global Competitiveness: Strengthen India’s position in the international AI landscape.

Multidisciplinary Research: Foster collaboration across sectors for optimal outcomes.

11. Impact of Coastal Flooding on Tree Species: A Study on Resilience and Vulnerability

Sub : Env

Sec: Species in news

Why in News

A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Forests and Global Change reveals that different tree species react differently to coastal flooding, highlighting the importance of site-specific strategies for forest management. The research provides insights into how rising sea levels and changing climatic conditions impact coastal forests.

Key Findings on Coastal Tree Species and Flooding

Tree growth is influenced by several factors such as temperature, rainfall, soil conditions, and water availability. Coastal trees have begun to move inland to adapt to changing tides and salinity, but this relocation can bring new challenges due to less favourable inland conditions.

The study shows that while some species like American holly (Ilex opaca) thrive under increased water levels, others like loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and pitch pine (Pinus rigida) suffer from the effects of coastal flooding.

Methodology and Techniques Used

Dendrochronology: Researchers used this technique to study tree rings and establish a timeline of tree growth in response to environmental factors like temperature and flooding.

Dendrochronology, the study of tree rings, plays a vital role in understanding historical mountain ecosystems.

It helps determine the age of trees and analyze the relationship between climate factors and tree growth.

This method reveals whether a treeline is static or shifting; older trees at the upper boundary suggest a static treeline, while younger trees at higher elevations indicate a moving treeline.

The correlation of annual tree ring widths with climatic data from nearby stations enables researchers to identify limiting climatic factors for tree growth, such as low rainfall leading to smaller rings.

Gradient-Boosted Linear Regression: A machine-learning model was applied to understand complex interactions between various climatic factors (e.g., sea-level rise, precipitation) and tree growth patterns. This method allowed researchers to pinpoint how changes in conditions

Gradient-Boosted Linear Regression (GBLR) combines linear regression with a boosting algorithm to improve prediction accuracy.

It uses multiple weak linear regression models, each improving the performance of the previous model.

It is ideal for handling multicollinearity and modelling interactions between independent variables.

GBLR is applied in environmental studies, finance, and other fields requiring high-precision regression modelling.

Implications for Forest Management

Forest managers can assess the vulnerability of coastal forests by cataloguing tree species and site-specific conditions, ensuring that species at higher risk are prioritized for conservation efforts.

With sea levels rising at a rate that has doubled since 1993, and projections of a threefold increase in coastal floods by 2050, managing coastal forests requires targeted, location-specific strategies.

More than 3 billion people rely on coastal ecosystems for livelihoods, making the conservation of coastal vegetation critical as rising sea levels threaten these environments.

The findings advocate for a tailored approach in managing coastal forests, taking into account not only rising sea levels but also local weather and soil conditions that affect tree resilience.

12. India Finalizes $3.5-Billion Deal with the U.S. for 31 MQ-9B Armed UAVs

Sub : Sci

Sec: defence

Why in News

India has finalized a $3.5-billion deal with the United States for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of enhancing its defense capabilities. This deal was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security and is part of India’s growing strategic ties with the U.S.

About MQ-9B UAV:

India is procuring 31 MQ-9B armed UAVs, which include 15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians—eight each for the Indian Army and Air Force. The contract was signed under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program of the U.S., ensuring interoperability and maintenance standards.

The MQ-9B drone is a variant of the MQ-9 “Reaper”, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations.

These are high-altitude long-endurance drones armed with strike missiles which can take out enemy targets with high accuracy.

It was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF).

The MQ-9B has two variants — SkyGuardian and its sibling SeaGuardian.

The Indian Navy has been operating the MQ-9B Sea Guardian since 2020.

Features of MQ-9B:

It can carry up to 5,670 kg and has a fuel capacity of 2,721 kg.

The drone can operate at over 40,000 feet.

The Predator also has a maximum endurance of 40 hours, making it useful for long-hour surveillance.

It can support land, maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, strike, electronic warfare and expeditionary roles.

It is also capable of automatic take-offs and landings.

It can safely integrate into civil airspace, enabling joint forces and civil authorities to deliver real-time situational awareness anywhere in the maritime domain day or night.

Strategic Importance

The induction of MQ-9B UAVs is set to significantly boost India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, particularly enhancing the Navy’s ability to monitor vast oceanic regions, including the Indian Ocean. These UAVs will help in reducing the wear and tear on the Navy’s existing P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft.

Tri-Service Integration: The UAVs will be deployed across all three Indian services—Army, Navy, and Air Force—augmenting joint operations and enhancing the strategic surveillance and defense posture of the country.

Other aspects of the Deal: 

Two major contracts were signed: one with the U.S. government for the UAV systems, and another with General Atomics Global India Pvt Ltd for performance-based logistics, ensuring the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of these UAVs in India.

Missiles and Weapons Package: The deal also includes the supply of 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, 16 M36E9 Hellfire captive air training missiles, 310 GBU-39B/B laser-guided Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), and 8 GBU-39B/B LSDB guided test vehicles with live fuses.