Daily Prelims Notes 23 February 2025

Daily Prelims Notes

23 February 2025

Table Of Contents

1. DRDO’s Indigenous Submarine Development: Project-76
2. Website Blocking in India: The Case of ‘Vikatan’ and the Legal Framework
3. How glacier ice algae accelerate Greenland ice sheet melting
4. India remains cornerstone of UN peacekeeping, its women peacekeepers indispensable: UN peacekeeping chief
5. Powering a Sustainable Future
6. Why are States asked to use untested AI tool for TB screening?

1. DRDO’s Indigenous Submarine Development: Project-76

Sub: Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to seek Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval for an indigenous conventional submarine development program under Project-76.
• Indigenous Conventional Submarine Development Program: Enhance India’s self-reliance in submarine technology by developing and constructing advanced conventional submarines domestically.

Project-76:

• An initiative to develop a new class of indigenous diesel-electric attack submarines for the Indian Navy.
• Aim for high indigenous content to minimize reliance on foreign components.
• Inter-ministerial consultations are ongoing, and CCS approval is expected in the next two months.
• Design phase: Estimated to take 2-3 years.
• Total time for first submarine delivery: Approximately 8 years post-approval.
• The submarine is expected to have a displacement of 3,000 tonnes.
• It will be equipped with Land Attack Cruise Missiles (LACMs), currently under development by DRDO.
• Project-76 will continue advancements made in the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, which developed Arihant-class nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).
• The submarine will incorporate advanced combat management systems, sonar, electronic warfare suite, mast, and periscope, with minimal reliance on imported components such as chips and tubes.

Project-75I:

• A procurement initiative to acquire six next-generation diesel-electric submarines equipped with advanced technologies.
• Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP): Allows submarines to remain submerged longer without surfacing, enhancing stealth and operational range.
• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) in collaboration with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has cleared the technical evaluation stage.
• The deal is valued at ₹70,000 crore, significantly higher than the earlier benchmark of ₹43,000 crore.
• The indigenous SSN (nuclear-powered attack submarine) program is also in the design phase, expected to take 4-5 years, followed by 5 years for construction and validation.

About Nuclear Submarines:

• SSNs have infinite capacity to stay dived. As they are not propelled by batteries, they need not emerge for charging by a diesel engine.
• Propelled by a nuclear-powered engine, these submarines only need to come to the surface for replenishing supplies for the crew.
• SSNs are also able to move faster underwater than conventional submarines. They are like the fighter jets of the underwater world.
• India is among six nations that have SSNs, alongside the US, the UK, Russia, France and China.
• India got its first SSN in 1987 from the Soviet Navy, which it rechristened INS Chakra, which was decommissioned in 1991.
• In 2012, India got another Russian SSN on a ten-year lease, called INS Chakra 2, which has since been returned to Russia.
• The government has also decided that of the 12 submarines to be built indigenously after the P75 and P75i projects, six would be SSNs instead of SSK.
• Types of nuclear submarines:
  • Ship Submersible Nuclear (SSN): one that carries conventional weapons.
  • Guided Missile Submarines (SSGN): capable of carrying guided missiles with conventional warheads.
  • Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN): can carry ballistic missiles that may be nuclear armed.

2. Website Blocking in India: The Case of ‘Vikatan’ and the Legal Framework

Sub :Sci

Sec: Awareness in IT

Why in News

• The Tamil magazine Vikatan became inaccessible to readers after a complaint was filed regarding a controversial cartoon. This incident has raised concerns over press freedom and the legal provisions governing website blocking in India.

Background:

• Vikatan, a prominent Tamil magazine, published a cover cartoon in its digital edition.
• The cartoon depicted Prime Minister Modi shackled in chains next to former U.S. President Trump, symbolizing the deportation of Indian migrants from the U.S. in similar conditions.
• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) relayed the order through the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), instructing internet service providers and telecom operators to block the website.

Legal Framework Governing Website Blocking in India:

• Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000: Grants the government authority to block websites in the interest of:
  • Sovereignty and integrity of India
  • Defence and security of the state
  • Friendly relations with foreign states
  • Public order or to prevent incitement of offenses
• Blocking orders are confidential, and affected parties usually do not receive a copy

The Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009:

• Details the procedural aspects of blocking websites.
• Ministries and state government departments can forward blocking requests to a designated officer under the IT Ministry.
• A review committee examines the request before issuing a blocking directive. Once approved, the DoT instructs broadband and telecom service providers to enforce the ban.
• Legal Remedies Available to Vikatan: Right to Representation Under the 2009 Blocking Rules, the affected entity must receive prior notice, allowing them to present their case before a review committee.
  • If the committee rejects its defence, the magazine has the right to challenge the decision in the High Court

Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021:

• These rules regulate content moderation on websites, streaming platforms, and social media.
• The I&B Ministry and IT Ministry can issue emergency orders to block content within digital platforms.
• Unlike complete website blocking, these rules primarily deal with individual pieces of content.

Challenges in Content-Specific Blocking:

• Modern HTTPS encryption prevents selective content blocking on a website unless the publisher cooperates.
• Internet service providers can only restrict access to entire domains, making partial blocking difficult without the involvement of the content owner.

3. How glacier ice algae accelerate Greenland ice sheet melting

Sub: Geo

Sec: Geomorphology

Context:

• A new study reveals that dark-pigmented microalgae, which contribute to the melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet, are highly efficient in nutrient uptake and growth, allowing them to rapidly colonise expanding areas of exposed ice, intensifying ice sheet darkening and accelerating melting rates.

Key Findings:

• Nutrient Efficiency of Microalgae: The study utilized cutting-edge single-cell imaging techniques to analyse the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content of glacier ice algae. It was found that these algae are capable of surviving in nutrient-poor glacier environments by storing phosphorus internally and maintaining high carbon-to-nutrient ratios. This indicates that the algae have a survival strategy finely tuned to extreme conditions, where nutrients are limited.
• Self-Sufficiency in Nutrient Uptake: The research highlights that these algae do not require large amounts of external nutrients to grow, allowing them to thrive as more bare ice is exposed due to the melting of the ice sheet. This self-sufficiency suggests that the algae are well-positioned to expand and colonize additional areas of the Greenland Ice Sheet.
• Impact on Ice Sheet Melting: The dark pigmentation of these algae lowers the reflectivity of the ice, increasing heat absorption, which in turn accelerates the melting of the ice sheet. This process is particularly concerning as it contributes to rising sea levels.

Greenland Ice sheet:

• Greenland Ice Sheet is the single ice sheet or glacier covering about 80 percent of the island of Greenland and the largest ice mass in the Northern Hemisphere.
• The Greenland Ice Sheet is the second-largest ice sheet in the world after Antarctica, covering about 1.7 million square kilometres in Greenland.
• The melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet is the single largest contributor of freshwater to global sea level rise. It is estimated to hold approximately 7 meters of potential sea-level rise if it were to completely melt.

4. India remains cornerstone of UN peacekeeping, its women peacekeepers indispensable: UN peacekeeping chief

Sub :IR

Sec: Int organisation

Context:

• UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix highlighted India’s pivotal role in UN peacekeeping, particularly emphasizing the contributions of Indian women peacekeepers.
• He will attend a conference in New Delhi, titled “Enhancing the Role of Women in Peacekeeping,” which will bring together women peacekeepers from about 50 Global South countries.

About UN Peacekeeping:

• UN peacekeeping refers to the deployment of international personnel by the United Nations to help maintain or restore peace in conflict areas.
• UN peacekeepers (often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets because of their light blue berets or helmets) can include soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel.
• Peacekeeping forces are contributed by member states on a voluntary basis.
• UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:
  • Consent of the parties.
  • Impartiality
  • Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.

India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping:

• India is a cornerstone of UN peacekeeping, consistently contributing significant personnel and resources to missions worldwide.
• India ranks among the top contributors, with 5,384 personnel, including 153 women, across 10 missions. India’s involvement in UN peacekeeping is not limited to troop contributions but also includes leadership in training and gender-inclusive peacekeeping initiatives.
• India deployed the first all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) to Liberia in 2007, setting a global precedent. Today, approximately 45% of India’s deployed military observers and staff officers are women.

Role of Indian Women Peacekeepers:

• Indian women peacekeepers have proven to enhance mission success by fostering trust within local communities, especially among women and children.
• For instance, in Abyei, Indian women peacekeepers have adapted patrol routes and provided targeted support to marginalized groups, ensuring safer environments.
• Their contributions also extend to intelligence gathering and early warning efforts, which are vital for peacekeeping missions in conflict zones.

Notable Examples of Indian Women in Peacekeeping:

• Captain Seema Gowdar: Deputy Commander of the Female Engagement Team at UNISFA in Abyei, her team has strengthened civilian protection and community trust.
• Major Radhika Sen: Awarded the 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her exemplary work in UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

5. Powering a Sustainable Future

Sub : Env

Sec: Sustainable development

Introduction

• Electricity generation from coal leads to significant air pollution.
• It negatively impacts human and animal health.
• Research from Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability highlights how nitrogen dioxide and ozone emissions from coal-fired power plants reduce wheat and rice yields in India by over 10%.
• This equals about six years’ worth of average yield growth loss.

Impact of Coal-Based Power Generation

• Coal-fired power plants have been used since 1920 in India, starting in Hyderabad under the Nizam’s rule.
• The Ministry of Coal estimates that India has enough coal to last for the next 120 years.
• The impact of coal-based power:
  • Air pollution
  • Crop yield reduction
  • Environmental degradation

Alternative Clean Energy Sources

•  Wind Energy (Ground to Wind)
  • Windmills generate electricity from wind power.
  • Nine windy states in India produce 50 GW of wind energy.
  • India is the fourth largest producer of wind power globally.
  • Private companies contribute significantly to wind power generation.
• Solar Energy (Sun to the Land)
  • Solar panels absorb sunlight to generate electricity.
  • Used on rooftops and large-scale solar farms.
  • Popular due to subsidies provided by Central and State governments.
• Hydroelectric Power (Block a River and Generate Power)
  • Dams block river water to generate electricity.
  • Also, provide water for agriculture.
  • The top five dams in India generate 50 GW of hydroelectric power.
• Osmotic Power (River Flow into the Sea)
  • Electricity generated using the osmotic pressure difference when river water meets saltwater in the sea.
  • Research from the University of Sydney and Penn State shows the feasibility of this technology.
  • India has a 7,500 km coastline, making it a viable energy option.
• Nuclear Power
  • Nuclear reactors use nuclear fission to generate electricity.
  • India has eight nuclear power plants that generate 3.5 GW of power.
  • Used for peaceful energy production.

Conclusion

• Coal-based power generation must be phased out to reduce pollution and environmental damage.
• India has multiple sustainable alternatives to meet its energy needs.
• Encouraging investment in clean energy is necessary for a sustainable future.

6. Why are States asked to use untested AI tool for TB screening?

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Context

• The Central TB Division (CTD) has informed States to “consider utilising” the DeepCXR tool for AI-assisted chest X-ray interpretation.
• The recommendation comes despite the availability of two indigenously developed AI solutions (qXR and Genki) that have undergone Health Technology Assessment (HTA).
• The move raises concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of AI adoption in TB screening.

HTA Assessment and Approval Process

• HTA assessment is not mandatory but is usually awaited before implementing new technology in the TB programme.
• Example: TrueNat (TB diagnosis) and BPaLM/BPaL regimen (MDR-TB treatment) were assessed by HTA before inclusion in the TB programme.
• The qXR tool (Qure.ai) and Genki (DeepTek) were assessed and approved by HTA and the Medical Technology Assessment Board (MTAB), yet not included in programmatic implementation.

Issue with DeepCXR Implementation

• DeepCXR, developed by the Institute for Plasma Research, Gandhinagar, was approved by an ICMR expert committee without HTA assessment.
• Unlike qXR and Genki, DeepCXR lacks published data on sensitivity, specificity, and field performance.
• No official communication from CTD to States about its recommendation; States were informed only when they requested AI solutions.

Comparison of AI Tools for TB Screening

Importance of AI-Assisted Chest X-Ray Interpretation

• Crucial for screening presumptive and subclinical TB cases.
• National TB Prevalence Survey (2019-2021): 42.6% cases detected via chest X-ray.
• Tamil Nadu TB Prevalence Survey (2021-2022): 39% cases detected through chest X-ray.
• AI interpretation provides quick, accurate, and cost-effective TB screening, beneficial for resource-limited settings.

National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)

Introduction:

• Renaming: In 2020, the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) was renamed as the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) to emphasize India’s commitment to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target of 2030.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Targets (Baseline 2015):

• 80% reduction in TB incidence.
• 90% reduction in TB mortality.
• Zero TB patients and their households facing catastrophic costs due to TB.

Strategic Pillars: The program operates under four strategic pillars: Detect, Treat, Prevent, and Build (DTPB).

Estimated TB Burden in India (as per Global TB Report 2023)

• Incidence: 2.82 million new TB cases in 2022, equating to 199 cases per 100,000 population.
• Mortality: 331,000 deaths in 2022, or 23 deaths per 100,000 population.
• HIV Co-infection: Approximately 2% of TB patients are estimated to be HIV positive.
• Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB): 2.5% in new cases and 13% in previously treated cases.
• Global Context: India accounts for nearly 27% of the global TB incidence, with 2.8 million of the estimated 10.6 million global TB cases in 2022 occurring in India.