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  • 30 Jan 2024
  • 66 min read
Infographics

Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)

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Indian History

Republic Day 2024

For Prelims: Constitution, National Cadet Corps, Republic Day, Poorna Swaraj Declaration

For Mains: Significance of Republic Day, Indian National Movement

Source: PIB

Why in News?

India celebrated its 75th Republic Day on 26th January 2024. The day is a celebration of the Constitution, and building India as a republic instead of a colony or dominion of any nation.

What are the Key Highlights of the Republic Day 2024?

  • French Contingent:
    • The French military contingent participated in the Republic Day parade. The contingent belonged to the Corps of French Foreign Legion.
      • The French Foreign Legion is an elite military corps that is open to foreigners who want to serve in the French Army.
    • It was the second time the French armed forces participated in India's Republic Day celebrations.
      • In 2016, French troops became the first foreign military contingent to participate in the Republic Day parade.
  • Nari Shakti:
    • The 75th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path showcased the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat- Loktantra ki Matruka’, emphasising a women-centric focus.
    • The Republic Day parade showcased India's military prowess and cultural diversity, with a special emphasis on Nari Shakti or women's empowerment.
      • For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent participated in the parade.
  • NCC Contingents:
    • The National Cadet Corps (NCC) Directorate Maharashtra contingent secures the Prime Minister's Banner at the Republic Day Camp 2024 for the third consecutive year.
      • The Prime Minister’s Banner is a prestigious award given to the best performing NCC state contingent at the Republic Day Camp, which is an annual event where NCC cadets from all over India showcase their skills and talents.
  • Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar:
    • Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar are conferred on children with exceptional abilities and outstanding achievement in the fields of bravery, art & culture, sports, science & technology, innovation and social service.
  • Veer Gatha 3.0:
    • The third edition of Project Veer Gatha was organised as a part of Republic Day Celebrations 2024 to inspire and spread awareness among children about the gallant deeds and sacrifices of the Armed Forces.
  • Anant Sutra:
    • The 75th Republic Day parade featured a unique installation called "Anant Sutra," which showcased sarees and drapes from all over India. As a tribute to the country's weaving and embroidery arts, as well as the women of India.
  • Beating Retreat Ceremony 2024:
    • The Beating Retreat ceremony took place on 29th January 2024 at Vijay Chowk in Delhi. The ceremony is a military tradition that marks the end of Republic Day celebrations.
    • The ceremony features music bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) playing 31 Indian tunes.

What are Key Highlights of the Tableaus on Republic Day 2024?

  • Ministry of Culture's Tableau:
    • The tableau-themed 'Bharat: Mother of Democracy' has bagged the first prize among tableaus that were part of the 75th Republic Day parade.
      • It showcased the evolution of democracy from ancient India to modern times, using anamorphic technique.
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation:
  • Army Tableau:
  • Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways:
  • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
  • Indian Space Research Organisation:
    • The tableau featured the landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft near the south pole of the Moon and the Aditya L-1 mission.
      • The lunar landing site of the spacecraft which was named Shiv Shakti Point was also featured.
    • The tableau illustrated future missions such as Gaganyaan and Bhartiya Antariksh Station among others.
  • Arunachal Pradesh:
    • The state’s tableau showcased its Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve, a 17 square kilometre biodiversity hotspot created in 2017 to protect the Bugun Liocichla, a critically endangered bird.
      • The Bugun Liocichla is named after the Buguns community.
    • Tableau was led by the Bugun folk dance.
  • Manipur:
    • Manipur’s tableau showcased the women-run Ima Keithel, also known as the Mother’s Market.
      • The 500-year-old Ima Keithel is the only market in the world run entirely by women.
    • The Manipur tableau at the parade featured a woman weaving clothes using an "Eyong" loom- a traditional loom from Manipur.
  • Madhya Pradesh:
    • The tableau showed the first woman fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force, Avani Chaturvedi of Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district.
    • It also featured the Badal Mahal gate and weavers of the globally renowned Chanderi, Maheshwari and Bagh print sarees.
      • The gate is said to have been built during the rule of Sultan Mahmud Shah Khilji, the King of Malwa,
      • The tableau featured India’s Millet Mission ambassador and ‘Millet Woman of India Lahari Bai.
  • Chhattisgarh:
    • The tableau depicted the ancient tribal form of Parliament in Bastar known as “Muria Darbar”. It also depicted a place called “Limau Raja”, situated in Bade Dongar, the ancient capital of Bastar.
  • Ladakh:
    • The tableau depicted a high hill in Ladakh, with the world’s highest motorable road at Umling-La pass.
  • Tamil Nadu:
    • The tableau highlighted the historical significance of the Kudavolai electoral system, which emerged during the 10th-century Chola era and marked an early stride towards democracy.
    • It also featured a scale model of the Vaikunda Perumal Temple in Uthiramerur where the Kudavolai system is practised, showcasing its integration into the local culture.
  • Odisha:
    • The state’s tableau featured a heritage hut of Raghurajpur village, where women play a pivotal role in crafting Pattachitra and masks.
      • ‘Odisha Pattachitra’ masks are handcrafted from leftover paper’s Papier Mache paste.
      • The “War Horse of Konark Temple” symbolised Odisha’s rapid progress in shaping a developed India.
  • Meghalaya:
    • The state’s tableau featured a unique freshwater scuba diving site along the Umngot River in Dawki.
    • The tableau celebrated community-led cleanliness initiatives in Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village.
    • It also highlighted the state’s rich reserve, displaying its flora, and endemic species like the clouded leopard.
  • Rajasthan:
    • The tableau promoted the state’s tourism potential, with the “ghoomar” dance and decorated camel icon.
      • Ghoomar, a traditional Bhil tribe folk dance, is a symbol of womanhood.
    • A statue of Meera Bai was displayed in the tableau, She was a great devotee of Lord Krishna and a Hindu poetess of the 16th century.
  • Telangana:
    • The tableau honoured the legacy of tribal freedom fighters like Komaram Bheem, Ramji Gond and Chityalallamma (Chakalillamma).
      • Bheem and Ramji advocated for the freedom, dignity, and rights of indigenous tribal communities. They employed guerrilla warfare tactics to spread a powerful message of empowerment and justice.
  • Uttar Pradesh:
    • Tableau symbolically represented the consecration ceremony that took place in Ayodhya, with an artistic model depicting Lord Ram in a young avatar (Ram Lalla).
      • It also depicted the first-ever operational high-speed regional rapid transit system (RRTS) of the country.
      • The tableau displayed the world’s fourth-largest international airport, Jewar Airport.
      • A group of women artists accompanying the tableau perform traditional dances ‘Charkula’ and ‘Wadhwa, popular in the Braj region.
  • Gujarat:
    • The tableau was based on the theme Dhordo: Global Identity of Gujarat's Border Tourism.
      • Dhordo, located on India’s western tip, is the gateway to the Rann of Kutch.
      • Women dressed in traditional attire played garba along the tableau.
  • Maharashtra:
    • Shivaji Maharaj’s establishment of ‘self-rule’ and respect for women in his ‘kingdom of the people’ formed the highlight of Maharashtra’s tableau.
  • Haryana:
    • The tableau highlighted the state’s ambitious “Mera Parivar-Meri Pehchan” scheme.
    • It also highlighted the benefits of the ‘Parivar Pehchan Patra’ through a phone call such as the seamless procurement of ration, agricultural subsidies for farmer families, scholarships for young students, and pensions for the elderly.
  • Jharkhand:
    • The tableau showcased the skill of tribal women in the production of Tasar silk with depictions of Tasar moth rearing, cocoon production, weaving and the modern journey of Tasar garments from design to global distribution.
      • Jharkhand “jhumar” folk dance was performed.

What is the History of Republic Day?

  • About:
    • Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India on 26th January 1950, and the country’s transition to a republic which came into effect on 26th January 1950.
    • The Constitution of India repealed the Indian Independence Act 1947 and Government of India Act 1935 when it became effective on 26th January 1950. India ceased to be a dominion of the British Crown and became a sovereign, democratic republic with a constitution.
  • History:
    • Declaration of Poorna Swaraj:
      • The Lahore Session of the INC in December 1929 passed the historic "Poorna Swaraj" resolution, calling for total self-rule/sovereignty and complete independence from British rule.
        • The Declaration of Independence was officially promulgated on 26th January 1930, and the Congress urged Indians to celebrate "independence" on that day.
    • Republic Day in Post-Independence India:
      • From 1930 to 1947, 26th January was celebrated as "Independence Day" or "Poorna Swaraj Day."
      • India gained independence on 15th August 1947, leading to a reevaluation of the significance of Republic Day.
      • The selection of 26th January for the promulgation of India's new constitution was ideal due to its existing nationalist significance and alignment with the "Poorna Swaraj" declaration.

Note

  • On Republic Day every year, the President of India, who is the head of state, ‘unfurls’ the tricolour, while on Independence Day (August 15), the prime minister, who heads the Union government, ‘hoists’ the national flag.
    • While the two terms are often used interchangeably, these represent different techniques of presenting the tricolour.
    • On 26th January, the flag is folded or rolled, and attached to the top of a pole. It is then unveiled (‘unfurled’) by the President, who does so without pulling it up.
      • ‘Unfurling’ is a symbolic gesture to renew the commitment to principles laid down in the Constitution, highlighting India's shift from being a British colony to becoming a sovereign, democratic Republic.
    • On 15th August, on the other hand, the flag, positioned at the bottom of the pole, is raised ('hoisted') by the prime minister, from the bottom to the top.
      • Hoisting symbolises the rise of a new nation; patriotism, and freedom, from colonial rule.

Read more...

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January 1950? (2021)

(a) A Democratic Republic
(b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic
(c) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic
(d) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic

Ans: (b)

Mains

Q. Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the present circumstances? (2013)

Governance

ASI Survey Report on Gyanvapi Mosque

For Prelims: ASI Survey Report on Gyanvapi Mosque, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Gyanvapi mosque, Carbon Dating, The Places of Worship Act, 1991.

For Mains: ASI Survey Report on Gyanvapi Mosque, Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) surveyed the Gyanvapi mosque complex, where a total of 55 stone sculptures were found, including the idols of Hindu Deities.

  • The ASI report suggests that a temple "appears to have been destroyed in the 17th century, during the reign of Aurangzeb, and part of it was modified and reused in the existing structure."

What are the Key Highlights of the ASI Report?

  • Discovery of Broken Idols:
    • The survey uncovered fragments of what appear to be statues of Hindu Deities, including those of Hanuman, Ganesha, and Nandi, within the mosque complex.
    • Various sculptures and statues were found in varying states of damage, including those of Shiva linga, Vishnu, Ganesha, Krishna, and Hanuman.
  • Yonipattas and Shiv Linga:
    • Several yonipattas, the base of a shivling, were discovered during the survey.
    • A shiv linga with its bottom part missing was also found.

  • Indian Inscription:
    • 32 inscriptions written in the Devanagari, Grantha, Telugu and Kannada scripts.
    • These are in fact inscriptions on the stone of a preexisting Hindu temple which have been reused during the construction, repair of the existing structure.
    • The reuse of earlier inscriptions in the structure suggests that the earlier structures were destroyed and their parts were reused in the construction and repair of the existing structure.
  • Swastik and Trident Marks:
    • There were marks found on the structure, including the swastika and the trident.
      • Swastika is known to be one the most ancient symbols in the world, and has been used in all old civilisations.
      • Trishula (trident -- the distinct weapon of Lord Shiva), symbol is commonly used as one of the principal symbols by Hindus, particularly by Shaivites and also Shaktas.
  • Coins and Sandstone Slab with Persian Inscription:
    • Objects such as coins, a sandstone slab inscribed in Persian, and other artifacts were unearthed during the survey.
    • Inscriptions in Persian on stone slabs were found, providing an account of the demolition of the temple during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century.

What is the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?

  • ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organisation for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
    • Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 governs the functioning of ASI.
  • It administers more than 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
  • Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments etc.
  • It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham- the first Director-General of ASI. Alexander Cunningham is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.

What Method was Used in the Survey at Gyanvapi Mosque?

  • The ASI has conducted a detailed non-invasive survey of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi to determine if the mosque was built atop a temple.
  • Non-invasive methods are used when investigations are undertaken inside a built structure and no excavation is permitted.
  • Types of Methods:
    • Active Methods: Inject energy into the ground and measure the response. The methods provide an estimate of the ground’s material properties, such as density, electrical resistance, and wave velocity.
      • Seismic Techniques: Use shock waves to study subsurface structures.
      • Electromagnetic Methods: Measure electromagnetic responses after energy injection.
    • Passive Methods: Measure existing physical properties.
      • Magnetometry: Detect magnetic anomalies caused by buried structures.
      • Gravity Surveying: Measure gravitational force variations due to subsurface features.
    • Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR):
      • ASI used GPR to produce a 3-D model of buried archaeological features.
      • GPR operates by introducing a short radar impulse from a surface antenna and records time and magnitude of return signals from the subsoil.
      • Radar beam spreads like a cone, causing reflections before the antenna passes over the object.
        • Radar beams spread out in a cone, leading to reflections that may not directly correspond to physical dimensions, creating false images.
    • Carbon Dating:
      • Method used to establish the age of organic materials based on the radioactive decay of Carbon-14 (C-14).

What is the Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute?

  • Demolition of Temple:
    • It is a popular belief that the Gyanvapi Mosque was built in 1669 by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb by demolishing the ancient Vishweshwar temple.
      • Saqi Mustaid Khan’s Maasir-i-Alamgiri, a Persian-language chronicle (written shortly after Aurangzeb’s death in 1707) also mentioned that Aurangzeb had demolished the temple in 1669 by ordering Governor Abul Hassan.
    • The ASI report stated that the Arabic-Persian inscription found inside a room in the mosque mentions that the mosque was built in the 20th regal year of Aurangzeb (1676-77 CE).
      • Historian Audrey Truschke wrote that Aurangzeb brought the bulk of Benares’s Vishvanatha Temple (Vishweshwar) down in 1669. The temple had been built during Akbar’s reign by Raja Man Singh, whose great-grandson, Jai Singh, many believed helped Shivaji flee from the Mughal court in 1666.
  • Legal Battle:
    • The case of Gyanvapi mosque has been in court since 1991, when three persons, including a descendant of the priests of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, filed a suit in the court of the civil judge of Varanasi claiming that Aurangzeb had demolished the temple of Lord Vishweshwar and built a mosque on it so that the land should be returned to them.
    • On 18th August 2021, in the same court in Varanasi, five women filed a petition demanding to worship in the temple of Mata Shringar Gauri, accepting which the court constituted a commission to know the present status of the Mata Shringar Gauri Temple.
      • Varanasi court had asked the Commission to give the survey report by videographing the idol of Mata Shringar Gauri and the Gyanvapi complex.
    • The Hindu side has presented a comprehensive map of the Gyanvapi complex as evidence in court. This map identifies Hindu deity temples located around the mosque entrance, along with landmarks such as the Vishweshwar temple, Gyankoop (Mukti Mandap), the prominent Nandi statue, and the Vyas family basement.
    • The Muslim side argued that no decision can be given on the dispute under the The Places of Worship Act, 1991.
      • Under Section 3 of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, it is prohibited to convert a place of worship into a place of worship of a different religious denomination or a different class of the same religious denomination.
    • Gyanvapi Case is still pending before judiciary.

What are the Provisions of the the Places of Worship Act 1991?

  • Prohibition of Conversion (Section 3):
    • Prevents the conversion of a place of worship, whether in full or part, from one religious denomination to another or within the same denomination.
  • Maintenance of Religious Character (Section 4(1)):
    • Ensures that the religious identity of a place of worship remains the same as it was on 15th August 1947.
  • Abatement of Pending Cases (Section 4(2)):
    • Declares that any ongoing legal proceedings concerning the conversion of a place of worship's religious character before15th August 1947, will be terminated, and no new cases can be initiated.
  • Exceptions to the Act (Section 5):
    • The Act does not apply to ancient and historical monuments, archaeological sites, and remains covered by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
    • It also excludes cases that have already been settled or resolved and disputes that have been resolved by mutual agreement or conversions that occurred before the Act came into effect.
    • The Act does not extend to the specific place of worship known as Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, including any legal proceedings associated with it.
  • Penalties (Section 6):
    • Specifies penalties, including a maximum imprisonment term of three years and fines, for violating the Act.

Indian Polity

Sub-Categorisation of Scheduled Castes

For Prelims: Sub-Categorisation of Scheduled Castes, Madiga community, Justice P. Ramachandra Raju Commission, National Commissions for Scheduled Castes, E.V. Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh case.

For Mains: Legal Tussle over Subcategorisation of Scheduled Castes, Benefits and Challenges Related to Subcategorisation

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Indian government has set up a high-level committee, led by the Cabinet Secretary, to address the issue of dominant Scheduled Caste (SC) communities receiving more benefits than the most backward ones.

  • This development comes particularly in response to the Madiga community's demands in Telangana.

What is the Mandate of the Newly Formed Committee?

  • The committee's primary objective is to explore alternative methods for addressing grievances faced by various SC communities across the country.
    • While initiated in response to the Madiga community's concerns, the committee's scope extends beyond one community or state.
  • It aims to evaluate and work out a method for the equitable distribution of benefits, schemes and initiatives to the most backward communities amongst the over 1,200 Scheduled Castes across the country, that have been crowded out by relatively forward and dominant ones.

What are the Major Aspects Related to Subcategorisation of SC in India?

  • About: Subcategorisation refers to the division or classification of a larger category into smaller, more specific subcategories based on certain criteria or characteristics.
    • In the context of SC in India, subcategorisation may involve further classification within the SC group based on factors such as socioeconomic status or historical disadvantages.
  • Madiga Community's Struggle: The Madiga community, constituting 50% of SCs in Telangana, has faced challenges in accessing government benefits intended for SCs due to dominance by the Mala community.
    • Despite their substantial population, the Madiga community argued that it has been excluded from SC-related initiatives.
    • They have been struggling since 1994 for the sub-categorisation of SCs and it was this demand that first led to the formation of the Justice P. Ramachandra Raju Commission in 1996 and later a National Commission in 2007.
  • Similar Issue Across States: SC communities in various states have reported similar challenges, leading to the formation of commissions by both State and Union governments.
    • States like Punjab, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu attempted sub-categorisation at the state level, but these efforts are currently tied up in legal battles.
  • Constitutional Stance:
    • Articles 341 and 342: It grants powers to the President to notify SC and ST lists and to Parliament to create these lists.
      • However, there is no explicit prohibition against sub-categorisation.
  • Previous Standpoint of Union Government: The Union government had in 2005 considered legal options for sub-categorisation of SCs.
    • At the time, the erstwhile Attorney General of India had opined that this could be possible but only if there was “unimpeachable evidence to indicate a necessity”.
    • Also, both the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes opposed amending the Constitution at that time.
      • They argued that creating a sub-quota within the existing quota is not enough, emphasising the immediate need to prioritise the allocation of existing schemes and benefits to these communities.

What is the Legal Tussle over the Subcategorisation of SC (Case of Punjab)?

  • 1975: The Punjab government issues a notification dividing its 25% SC reservation into two categories. It was one of the first instances of existing reservations being ‘sub-classified’ by a state.
    • While the notification remained in force for nearly 30 years, it ran into legal hurdles in 2004.
  • 2004: Supreme Court strikes down Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2000, citing violation of the right to equality in the E.V. Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh case.
    • Emphasises that the SC list should be treated as a single, homogeneous group.
    • The President has the power to create the SC list (Article 341), and states cannot interfere or disturb it, including through sub-classification.
    • Later, the Punjab & Haryana High Court, in Dr. Kishan Pal v. State of Punjab, struck down the 1975 notification, supporting the E.V. Chinnaiah decision.
  • 2006: The Punjab government attempts to reintroduce sub-categorisation through the Punjab Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes (Reservation in Services) Act, 2006, but it was struck down in 2010.
  • 2014: Supreme Court refers the matter to a five-judge constitution bench, questioning the correctness of the 2004 E.V. Chinnaiah decision.
  • 2020: The Constitution bench holds that the 2004 decision needs reconsideration, rejecting the idea of SCs being a homogeneous group and acknowledging the existence of "unequal" within the list.
    • The concept of the "creamy layer" was also recommended by the Supreme Court for SC and ST.
  • Present: A larger seven-judge bench is hearing the issue as only its judgment can prevail over the decision of a smaller bench.
    • Sub-classification will impact various communities across states, including Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs in Punjab, Madiga in Andhra Pradesh, Paswans in Bihar, Jatavs in UP, and Arundhatiyars in TamilNadu.
Benefits of Subcategorisation Challenges of Subcategorisation
Targeted Policies: Granular available data for targeted policies and programs. Social divisions: Risk of exacerbating existing social tensions.
Fair Representation: Increased political participation from different sub-groups.

Identification & Verification: Complexities in accurate identification and documentation.
Empowerment & Recognition: Spotlighting the cultural heritage of sub-groups, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. Politicisation: Potential for manipulation by different groups.

Conclusion

The forthcoming ruling by a seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court, along with the insights from a committee, will guide the path for the subcategorisation of Scheduled Castes. By focusing on pragmatic solutions aligned with legal standards, we can harness the potential benefits of subcategorisation while mitigating associated risks, fostering a society that is inclusive, supportive, responsive and resilient.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:

Q. Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: (2023)

  1. The National Commission for Backward Classes
  2. The National Human Rights Commission
  3. The National Law Commission
  4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

How many of the above constitutional bodies?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three 
(d) All four

Ans: (a)

Q. With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statements:(2014)

  1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
  2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.
  3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.
  4. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)

Mains:

Q. What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs). (2017)

Science & Technology

Kairali AI Chip

For Prelims: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Kairali AI Chip, Machine Learning, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Active Neural Network (ANN), Edge AI

For Mains: Kairali AI Chip, Achievements of Indians in science & technology.

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Digital University Kerala has introduced State’s maiden silicon-proven Artificial Intelligence (AI) chip—Kairali AI Chip, that offers Speed, Power Efficiency and Scalability for various applications.

What is a Kairali AI Chip?

  • About:
    • This chip leverages edge intelligence (or edge AI) to deliver high performance and low power consumption for a wide range of applications.
      • Edge artificial intelligence (AI), or AI at the edge, is the implementation of AI in an edge computing environment, which allows computations to be done close to where data is actually collected, rather than at a centralized cloud computing facility or an offsite data center.
      • It entails deploying Machine Learning algorithms on the edge device where the data is generated, rather than relying on cloud computing.
      • Edge intelligence can provide faster and more efficient data processing while also protecting the privacy and security of both data and users.
  • Potential Applications:
    • Agriculture: The chip can enable precision farming techniques by providing real-time monitoring of crop health, soil conditions and environmental factors. This can help in optimizing the use of resources and enhancing the crop yields.
    • Mobile Phone: The chip can improve the efficiency and performance of smartphones by enabling advanced features such as real-time language translation, enhanced image processing and AI-powered personal assistants.
    • Aerospace: The chip can augment the capabilities of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and satellites by providing advanced processing power for navigation, data collection and real-time decision-making, all with minimal power consumption. The chip can also enhance the navigation and autonomous decision-making capabilities of drones, which are useful for applications such as delivery services and environmental monitoring.
    • Automobile: The chip can be a game-changer for autonomous vehicles by providing the necessary computing power for real-time processing of sensory information, which is essential for safe and efficient autonomous driving.
    • Security and surveillance: The chip can enable faster and efficient facial recognition algorithms, threat detection and real-time analytics by using its edge computing capability.

What are AI chips?

  • About:
    • AI chips are built with specific architecture and have integrated AI acceleration to support deep learning-based applications.
  • Functions:
    • It combines a series of computer commands or algorithms that stimulate activity and brain structure.
    • DNNs go through a training phase, learning new capabilities from existing data.
      • DNNs can then inference, by applying these capabilities learned during deep learning training to make predictions against previously unseen data.
      • Deep learning can make the process of collecting, analysing, and interpreting enormous amounts of data faster and easier.
    • Chips like these, with their hardware architectures, complementary packaging, memory, storage, and interconnect solutions, make it possible for AI to be integrated into applications across a wide spectrum to turn data into information and then into knowledge.
  • Types of AI Chips Designed for Diverse AI Applications:
    • Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Central Processing Units (CPUs) and GPUs.
  • Applications:
    • AI applications include Natural Language Processing (NLP), computer vision, robotics, and network security across a wide variety of sectors, including automotive, IT, healthcare, and retail.

What are the Benefits of AI Chips?

  • Faster Computation:
    • Artificial intelligence applications typically require parallel computational capabilities in order to run sophisticated training models and algorithms.
    • AI hardware provides more parallel processing capability that is estimated to have up to 10 times more competing power in ANN applications compared to traditional semiconductor devices at similar price points.
  • High Bandwidth Memory:
    • Specialized AI hardware is estimated to allocate 4-5 times more bandwidth than traditional chips.
    • This is necessary because due to the need for parallel processing, AI applications require significantly more bandwidth between processors for efficient performance.

What are the Differences between Cloud AI and Edge AI, and Traditional Chips and AI Chips?

Cloud AI vs Edge AI

Aspect Cloud AI Edge AI
Location of Processing Remote servers in data centers Locally on devices
Latency May have higher latency Typically lower latency
Bandwidth Requires substantial bandwidth Can operate with lower bandwidth
Privacy and Security Raises concerns about data privacy and security Enhanced privacy and security as data remains on the device
Use Cases Suited for high computational requirements, large datasets, and less stringent real-time processing needs Ideal for real-time or near-real-time processing, such as in IoT devices and wearables

Traditional Chips vs AI Chips

Aspect Traditional Chips AI Chips
Design and Architecture General-purpose processors Specialized processors optimized for AI workloads
Energy Efficiency May not be as energy-efficient for AI tasks Engineered to be more power-efficient for AI computations
Flexibility Versatile for a broad range of applications Specialized for AI tasks, potentially less versatile for general-purpose computing
Performance Can handle a variety of tasks but may not achieve the same level of performance as AI chips for specific AI workloads Specialized for higher performance in AI-specific tasks
Examples The CPU in laptops or smartphones GPUs powering AI-powered self-driving cars

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions

Q. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)

  1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
  2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
  3. Disease diagnosis
  4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
  5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: (b)

Exp:

  • Google is using the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) from its DeepMind acquisition to reduce energy consumption in its data centres by as much as 30%. Hence, 1 is correct.
  • Using AI as a tool to make music or aid musicians has been in practice for quite some time. In the 1990s, David Bowie helped develop the Verbasizer, which took literary source material and randomly reordered the words to create new combinations that could be used as lyrics. However, as AI works in programmed ecosystem and does not have emotions so it would be hard for an AI to create meaningful short stories and songs. Hence, 2 is not correct.
  • AI combined with robotics and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) could potentially be the new nervous system for healthcare, presenting solutions to address healthcare problems. Integration of AI technology in cancer care could improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosis, aid clinical decision-making, and lead to better health outcomes. Hence, 3 is correct.
  • Speech synthesis is the artificial production of human speech. It is a way to convert language to human voice (or speech). For example, Google’s Assistant, Amazon’s Echo, Apple’s Siri, etc. Hence, 4 is correct.
  • Potential cases of Al’s use in the energy sector include energy system modelling and forecasting to decrease unpredictability and increase efficiency in power balancing and usage. However, it cannot be used for transmission of electrical energy. Hence, 5 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
Science & Technology

Weather Monitoring by IMD

For Prelims: India Meteorological Department (IMD), INSAT 3D satellite, INSAT 3DR satellite, Infrared, Cyclones, Water Vapour, Clouds, Temperature, Humidity, Tropical Storm

For Mains: Significance of INSAT 3D and INSAT 3DR satellites in revealing the meteorological conditions.

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning about a strong probability of "very dense fog" in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi.

What is INSAT-3DR?

  • About:
    • The IMD uses INSAT -3D and INSAT-3DR satellite data for weather forecasting/monitoring purposes.
      • INSAT-3DR, similar to INSAT-3D, is an advanced meteorological satellite of India configured with an imaging System and an Atmospheric Sounder.
        • An atmospheric sounder measures how the physical properties of a column of air vary with altitude.
        • It has several infrared channels from longwave to shortwave bands and one visible band.
    • The significant improvements incorporated in INSAT-3DR are:
      • Imaging in the Middle Infrared band to provide nighttime pictures of low clouds and fog.
      • Imaging in two Thermal Infrared bands for estimation of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) with better accuracy.
  • Mechanism of Imaging System of INSAT-3DR:
    • RGB (Red, Green, Blue) Imager: The colouration of images from the RGB imager on the INSAT 3D satellite relies on two factors:
      • Solar Reflectance: It is a ratio of the amount of solar energy reflected by a surface and the amount of solar energy incident on it.
      • Brightness Temperature: It is the relationship between the temperature of an object and the corresponding brightness of its surface.
    • Prediction and Monitoring of Snow and Clouds:
      • While snow and clouds exhibit similar solar reflectance in the visible spectrum.
        • Snow strongly absorbs radiation of the shortwave infrared.
      • The INSAT 3D and INSAT 3DR satellites utilise day and night microphysics modes through their RGB imager.
      • Day Microphysics: Data from INSAT 3D examines solar reflectance at three wavelengths: 0.5 µm (visible), 1.6 µm (shortwave infrared), and 10.8 µm (thermal infrared).
        • The strength of the visible signal determines the amount of green colour.
        • The strength of the shortwave infrared signal, the amount of red colour
        • The strength of the thermal infrared signal, the amount of blue colour.
      • Night Microphysics: This component of the satellite's operation is determined not by a single but by evaluating the strength of the difference between two signals.
        • The computer calculates the amount of red colour based on the difference between two thermal infrared signals.
        • The quantity of green colour varies according to the difference between a thermal infrared and a middle infrared signal.
        • The amount of blue colour is not derived from a difference but is determined by the strength of a thermal infrared signal at a wavelength.

  • Measurement of Temperature, Humidity and Water Vapour:
    • By combining day and night microphysics data, the presence of moisture droplets of different shapes and temperature differences over time, can be identified.
    • It is helpful in tracking the formation, evolution and depletion of cyclones and other weather events.
    • INSAT 3D and INSAT 3DR both use radiometers to make their spectral measurements.
      • A radiometer is a device that measures the temperature or electrical activity. Both satellites also carry atmospheric sounders.
      • These are devices that measure temperature and humidity, and study water vapor as a function of their heights from the ground.

What are the Other Weather Forecasting Methods?

  • Apart from tracking satellite data, IMD collaborates with ISRO for ground-based observations from the Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) that measures temperature, sunshine, wind direction, speed and humidity.
  • In 2021, IMD adopted a new strategy for issuing monthly and seasonal operational forecasts for the southwest monsoon rainfall by modifying the existing two-stage forecasting strategy.
    • The new strategy is based on the existing statistical forecasting system and the newly developed Multi-Model Ensemble (MME)-based forecasting system.
    • The MME approach uses the coupled global climate models (CGCMs) from different global climate prediction and research centres, including IMD’s Monsoon Mission Climate Forecasting System (MMCFS) model.
  • All these technological strides have been possible since the National Monsoon Mission (NMM) was initiated in 2012.

India Meteorological Department

  • About:
    • IMD was established in 1875. It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.
      • It works as an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India.
    • It is headquartered in New Delhi.
    • IMD is also one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization.
  • Roles and Responsibilities:
    • To take meteorological observations and to provide current and forecast meteorological information for optimum operation of weather-sensitive activities like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, offshore oil explorations, etc.
    • To warn against severe weather phenomena like tropical cyclones, norwesters, dust storms, heavy rains and snow, cold and heat waves, etc., which cause destruction of life and property.
    • To provide meteorological statistics required for agriculture, water resource management, industries, oil exploration and other nation-building activities.
    • To conduct and promote research in meteorology and allied disciplines.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q. In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason? (2015)

(a) Sea surface temperatures are low
(b) Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs
(c) Coriolis force is too weak
(d) Absence of land in those regions

Ans: (b)

Ans:

  • The most proximate reasons for the lack of cyclones in the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific ocean is the rare occurrence of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) over the region.
  • It becomes very difficult or nearly impossible to have genesis of tropical cyclones, unless synoptic vorticity (it is a clockwise or counterclockwise spin in the troposphere) and convergence (i.e., large scale spin and thunderstorm activity) are provided by ITCZ.
  • Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Mains

Q. The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. (2013)

Q. Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (2022)

Important Facts For Prelims

Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian Prime Minister launched the 'Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana,' a pioneering government initiative aimed at installing rooftop solar power systems in one crore households across the nation.

What are Rooftop Solar Panels?

  • About: Rooftop solar panels are photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of a building that is connected to the main power supply unit.
  • Benefit: It reduces the consumption of grid-connected electricity and saves electricity costs for the consumer.
    • Surplus solar power units generated from the rooftop solar plant can be exported to the grid as per the metering provisions.
    • The consumer can receive monetary benefits for the surplus exported power as per the prevailing regulations
  • Related Government Initiatives: In 2014, the government launched the Rooftop Solar Programme that aimed to achieve a cumulative installed capacity of 40,000 megawatts (MW) or 40 gigawatts (GW) by 2022.
    • However, this target could not be achieved. As a result, the government extended the deadline from 2022 to 2026.
    • According to some reports, the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana seems to be an attempt to help reach the target of 40 GW rooftop solar capacity.

What is the Current Solar Capacity in India?

  • India’s Current Solar Capacity:
    • Rooftop Solar Capacity: Total rooftop solar installed capacity is around 11.08 GW as of December 2023.
      • Gujarat tops the list with 2.8 GW, followed by Maharashtra by 1.7 GW.
      • According to a recent report by Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), only 20% of rooftop solar capacity installations are in the residential sector, with the majority in commercial and industrial sectors.
        • The report suggests that India's 25 crore households could deploy 637 GW of solar energy on rooftops, and just one-third of this could meet the entire residential electricity demand in the country.
    • Total Installed Capacity: According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy solar power installed capacity in India has reached around 73.31 GW as of December 2023.
      • In terms of total solar capacity, Rajasthan is at the top with 18.7 GW. Gujarat is at the second position with 10.5 GW.
      • When it comes to rooftop solar capacity, Gujarat tops the list with 2.8 GW, followed by Maharashtra by 1.7 GW.

India’s Surging Energy Demand

  • India is projected to experience the highest energy demand growth globally over the next three decades, as per the International Energy Agency.
  • Also, the country aims for 50% of electricity generation from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, having already reached 43%, with renewables contributing 30% to the total installed capacity.
    • Rapid growth in renewable capacity, especially in solar energy, is essential to meet the surging electricity demand.

What are the Other Government Initiatives to Harness Solar Energy?

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)

  1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
  2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Mains

Q. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. (2020)

Important Facts For Prelims

Golden Tiger in Kaziranga National Park

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, a wildlife photographer captured a rare golden tiger in Kaziranga National Park (KNP). 

What are the Key Facts About the Golden Tiger?

  • Golden tigers (also known as golden tabby tigers) are a colour form, not a separate subspecies, like white and black tigers.
    • They are exceptionally rare in the wild and even rarer in captivity.
  • Golden tiger spotted in KNP are a color variation of Bengal tigers causedby a presence of recessive gene called "wideband".

    • The wideband gene reduces melanin production during the cycle of hair growth. Thus, the agouti mutation (production of a protein that is usually expressed in the skin) is responsible for the blond or golden skin, while the orange stripes appear due to the ‘tabby’ mutation’.

      • The Tabby gene responsible for most tabby patterns (coat pattern) in domestic cats.

  • Black and golden tigers basically exist as they both possess a recessive gene which is expressed due to the absence of a dominant gene to suppress it. When two individuals with dominant traits breed, recessive genes are masked, but when two individuals with recessive genes breed, the recessive gene is expressed and such is the case for these two tiger (Black and golden) mutants.

Kaziranga National Park

  • Formed in 1908 KNP is located in the edge of the north eastern part of the country in the district of Golaghat and Nagoan in the state of Assam. It was declared as a National Park in 1974.
  • It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
  • KNP has mainly four types of vegetation’ like alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests.
  • It is the home to more than 2200 Indian one-horned rhinoceros, approximately 2/3rd of their total world population.
  • KNP harbours significant populations of other threatened species including tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo and bears as well as aquatic species including the Ganges River dolphin. It is an important area for migratory birds.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q. Consider the following pairs: (2013)

National Park River flowing through Park

  1. Corbett National Park : Ganga
  2. Kaziranga National Park : Manas
  3. Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 
(d) None

Ans: (d)

Q2. Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”? (2020)

(a) Corbett
(b) Ranthambore
(c) Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam 
(d) Sundarbans

Ans: C

Mains

Q: “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation’ to environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations. (2018)

Rapid Fire

100 years of S N Bose’s Colossal Work

Distinguished scientists and scientific administrators recently gathered at the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) in Kolkata to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Satyendra Nath Bose's last of the four revolutionary publications that led to new quantum mechanics (the others being those of Planck in 1900, Einstein in 1905, and Niels Bohr in 1913), traced the evolution of quantum mechanics through the years.

  • SNBNCBS, an Autonomous Research Institute established under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), in 1986 to honour the life and work of S. N. Bose.
    • S N Bose’s pioneering work on quantum statistics has paved the way for the development of modern quantum technologies including Bose-Einstein condensation, quantum superconductivity, and quantum information theory.
    • Half the fundamental particles in the Universe are named after him – BOSON.
  • The conference highlighted that 23 countries have set up National Quantum Missions and India has a substantial contribution to make at an international level, especially in the field of quantum algorithms.

Read more: National Quantum Mission

Rapid Fire

National Conference on Technical Textiles

The Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, recently hosted a National Conference on Technical Textiles in Vijayawada, emphasizing policy pathways and innovation in this critical sector.

  • The event featured panel discussions on Circular Economy Strategies, Sustainability in Technical Textiles, Agrotextiles, Geotextiles for Infrastructure, and Future Trends.
  • Textile industry in Andhra Pradesh was urged to actively participate in BHARAT TEX 2024 to showcase their ideas and innovativeness in Technical Textiles with increased participation.
    • Bharat Tex 2024 is the largest textile event in 2024, organized by the Ministry of Textiles and 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils of India. It will take place in New Delhi from February 26 to 29, 2024.
      • The event will showcase the entire textile value chain of India, from farm to fashion, and highlight its heritage, craftsmanship, and innovations.
      • Bharat Tex 2024 aims to position India as a global powerhouse in textiles and attract investments, trade, and partnerships from around the world.

Read more: PM MITRA Scheme and Textile Sector

Rapid Fire

Martyrs' Day

Martyrs' Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas, is observed on 30th January each year to pay homage to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and welfare of the nation.

  • One of the most significant events associated with this day is the Punyatithi (death anniversary) of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.
    • “Death is at any time blessed, but it is twice blessed for a warrior who dies for his cause, that is, truth” - Mahatma Gandhi
  • Also, Martyrs’ Day is also commemorated on 23rd March to remember the sacrifice of three extraordinary revolutionaries of India – Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, Sukhdev Thapar.

Read more: Martyrs' Day

Rapid Fire

SADA TANSEEQ

The inaugural edition of the India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise 'SADA TANSEEQ' kicked off in Mahajan, Rajasthan. The Royal Saudi Land Forces and the Indian Army, each with 45 personnel, are actively participating.

  • The primary objective is to train troops for Joint Operations in Semi-Desert terrain as outlined in Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
  • Major activities include Mobile Vehicle Check Posts, Cordon & Search Operations, House Intervention Drills, Reflex Shooting, Slithering, and Sniper Firing, offering an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and achieve shared security objectives.

Read more: India-Saudi Arabia

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