31st JANUARY, 2025 A.) Innovation & 4th Industrial Revolution (IR) Why in News? A recent report highlights powerful initiatives, such as drones delivering healthcare in India, showcasing how innovation can tackle global challenges. Background The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4th IR) is characterized by advancements in AI, robotics, biotechnology, and IoT, significantly impacting various sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and transportation. Key Highlights of the Report The report focuses on seven core thematic areas of research and impact generation: • Intelligent Age: Advancements in AI and automation. • Agriculture: Use of agritech to boost productivity. • Health & Biotechnology: Innovations in healthcare delivery. • Energy Transition: Shift towards renewable and sustainable energy solutions. Impact of 4th IR • Improved Transportation: Integration of autonomous mobility in transport systems, as seen in Saudi Arabia, reduces traffic accidents and enhances efficiency. • Alternative Proteins: Development of plant-based and cultivated proteins to enhance food security. • Improving Farmers' Lives: The Saagu Baagu pilot program in Telangana, involving 7,000 chili farmers, demonstrated how agritech can increase income and reduce environmental impact. India’s Initiatives for Industrial Revolution 4.0 • AI for India 2030: Led by the Ministry of Electronics and IT to promote AI development. • Artificial Intelligence for Agricultural Innovation (AI4AI): A collaborative effort with the World Economic Forum and the Ministry of Agriculture. • National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS): Launched by the Department of Science & Technology to boost start-ups, skill development, and research in emerging technologies.   B.) Genetic Diversity & Conservation Why in News? A recent study analyzed data spanning three decades and examined over 600 species of animals, plants, and fungi across terrestrial and marine ecosystems, highlighting significant genetic loss. Background • Genetic Diversity refers to the range of inherited traits within a species, enabling populations to adapt to changing environments. • It is crucial for the long-term survival of species and ensures ecosystem resilience against climate change, diseases, and habitat alterations. Key Findings of the Study • Extent of Genetic Loss: Two-thirds of studied populations showed a decline in genetic diversity, with less than half receiving conservation management. • Impact Areas: Genetic loss occurred regardless of IUCN status, affecting both rare and common species. Birds and mammals exhibited particularly high genetic diversity loss. • Conservation Measures: Habitat restoration, disease control, and captive breeding are essential to reversing genetic loss. Various Initiatives for Conservation • Global Frameworks: o Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: Aims to safeguard genetic diversity across all species. • In-situ Conservation (within natural habitats): o Protected Areas, National Parks (e.g., Project Tiger in India). • Ex-situ Conservation (outside natural habitats): o Zoological Parks, Gene Banks, and seed vaults to preserve genetic material. • Technological Advancements: o Environmental DNA (eDNA), Genome Sequencing, and DNA Barcoding help monitor and conserve genetic diversity. Conclusion Maintaining genetic diversity is vital to protecting biodiversity, ensuring ecosystem stability, and preserving the benefits nature provides to society.   C.) China’s Artificial Sun & Nuclear Fusion Why in News? China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), also known as the Artificial Sun, achieved a breakthrough by maintaining a steady-state high-confinement plasma operation for over 1000 seconds at 100 million °C. Background • Tokamak: A device that uses powerful magnetic fields to confine plasma in a donut-shaped chamber to harness fusion energy. • Nuclear Fusion: A process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing massive energy. Significance of the Achievement • A step closer to fusion-based nuclear reactors, offering a clean energy alternative to wind, solar, and fossil fuels. • Can address the global energy crisis and help combat climate change by providing a sustainable energy source. Advantages of Nuclear Fusion 1. High Energy Output: Produces more energy than any other source. 2. Abundant & Affordable Fuel: Uses deuterium, tritium, hydrogen, and lithium, which are widely available. 3. Environmentally Friendly: Zero greenhouse gas emissions, no contribution to global warming. 4. Safe & Clean: o Produces helium, an inert gas. o Generates and recycles tritium, a radioactive substance with a short half-life. o No long-lived nuclear waste unlike fission reactors. Challenges in Nuclear Fusion • Extreme Temperature Requirements: Requires temperatures higher than the Sun’s core (~150 million °C). • Plasma Containment: At such temperatures, plasma must be stabilized to prevent energy loss. • Magnetic Confinement: Plasma must be suspended using strong magnetic fields to prevent it from touching reactor walls. Nuclear Fusion vs. Nuclear Fission Aspect Nuclear Fusion Nuclear Fission Process Two light atomic nuclei combine A heavy nucleus splits into smaller fragments Energy Output Much higher Lower than fusion Fuel Source Hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium, Tritium) Uranium, Plutonium Waste Minimal, no long-lived radioactive waste Produces radioactive waste Environmental Impact No greenhouse gases, clean energy Potential radiation hazards Conclusion The EAST experiment is a major step towards achieving a practical nuclear fusion reactor, which could revolutionize the global energy sector, making clean, limitless energy a reality. D.) India’s Indigenous AI Model Why in News? The Minister launched a call for proposals under the IndiaAI Mission, inviting startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs to develop indigenous foundational AI models using Indian datasets. Features of India’s AI Model • Graphics Processing Units (GPUs): o Initially launched with 10,000 GPUs, with plans to expand to 18,693 GPUs. o GPUs enable fast machine learning and video processing by handling multiple data streams simultaneously. • Cost-Effective: o AI computation will cost less than ₹100 per hour after a 40% government subsidy. o Currently, global AI models cost $2.5–$3 per hour. • Multidimensional Applications: o AI solutions for healthcare, education, agriculture, climate, and governance. Need for Indigenous AI Models • Boosting Innovation & Research: o Achieving global AI standards while addressing India-specific challenges. • Focus on Ethical AI: o Ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and elimination of biases in AI models, respecting India’s diverse cultural and societal context. • Strengthening Digital Sovereignty: o Enabling national control over the entire AI supply chain, from data to hardware and software. • Security & Data Protection: o Initiatives like AI Bias Mitigation, Explainable AI, and AI Privacy Strategies to protect Indian data from foreign AI models. Indian Initiatives for AI Development 1. IndiaAI Mission: Strengthening India’s AI innovation ecosystem. 2. IndiaAI Safety Institute: Addressing AI risks & safety challenges under the Safe and Trusted AI pillar. 3. IndiaAI Innovation Centre: Developing and deploying Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and domain-specific foundational models. Conclusion The development of indigenous AI models will position India as a global AI leader, ensuring affordable, ethical, and secure AI solutions tailored for its unique needs.   E.) Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum vs. Union of India (1996) and Environmental Jurisprudence Why in News? The Supreme Court issued directions based on the Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum vs. Union of India (1996) judgment, reinforcing the Precautionary Principle and Polluter Pays Principle as key aspects of Sustainable Development. Key Environmental Principles • Polluter Pays Principle: o The polluter is responsible for compensating and managing pollution-related damages. • Precautionary Principle: o Authorities should take preventive action even in cases of scientific uncertainty regarding environmental hazards. Key Supreme Court Directions • State Government to Pay Compensation: o The State must compensate affected individuals and later recover the costs from polluters under the Polluter Pays Principle. • Formation of Expert Committee: o The State must form a committee to assess ecological damage and recommend remedial measures. Case Study: Palar River Pollution by Tanneries • Issue: o The Palar River in Tamil Nadu is severely polluted due to untreated chemical effluents from tanneries. o Toxic heavy metals like chromium cause irreversible damage to water bodies, groundwater, and agriculture. • Tanneries: o These are factories that process animal hides into leather, discharging harmful chemicals into water sources. Landmark SC Judgments on Environmental Protection 1. Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra vs. State (1988): o Recognized the right to a healthy environment as part of Article 21. 2. M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India (1987): o Established the right to a pollution-free environment as a Fundamental Right under Article 21. 3. T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs. Union of India (1996): o Expanded the definition of ‘forest’ to include all green areas, irrespective of ownership or classification. Conclusion The Vellore case set a legal precedent for holding polluters accountable and promoting environmental sustainability. Strict enforcement of these principles is crucial for ecological conservation.   F.) UN Peacekeepers and the Role of Blue Helmets Why in News? The UN Resident Coordinator in India emphasized the importance of lasting partnerships to enable Blue Helmets (UN peacekeepers) to effectively address global threats. Who are Blue Helmets? • "Blue Helmets" is a term used for United Nations (UN) peacekeepers, named after the distinctive blue helmets they wear. • They are deployed to conflict zones to maintain peace and security. About UN Peacekeeping • Origin: o Started in 1948 with the deployment of UN military observers to West Asia for monitoring the Armistice Agreement. • Deployment Mechanism: o The UN Security Council (UNSC) deploys peacekeeping missions through a resolution. o Budget and resources require General Assembly approval. Core Principles of UN Peacekeeping 1. Consent of the Parties – Peacekeepers operate with the agreement of involved parties. 2. Impartiality – They remain neutral and do not favor any side. 3. Non-use of Force – Except for self-defense and to defend the mandate. Key UN Peacekeeping Body • Department of Peace Operations (DPO): o Provides political and executive direction for UN peacekeeping operations. Significance of UN Peacekeeping • Conflict Resolution – Prevents escalation of conflicts. • Humanitarian Assistance – Supports post-conflict rebuilding. • Protection of Civilians – Ensures human rights are upheld.