27 Oct | UPSC Current Affairs: Triton Island, PMMY, 21st Livestock Census, Biodiversity Decline, Cybersquatting, and More

UPSC GS 1

Triton Island

• News: According to some sources, Beijing has been building a massive new radar system on Triton – the westernmost and southernmost island in the Paracel archipelago.
• Location and Geography:
  • • Triton Island is a small landmass within the Paracel Islands chain, situated in the South China Sea.
    • It spans approximately 1.2 square kilometers and lies southwest of the main islands in the group.
    • The island measures about 4,000 feet in length and 2,000 feet in width, and until recently, it remained uninhabited.

• Territorial Disputes:
  • • Triton Island, along with the rest of the Paracel Islands, is claimed by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, leading to geopolitical tensions.
    • The region’s contested status contributes to its political sensitivity within international maritime affairs.
• Strategic Importance:
  • • Despite being uninhabited, Triton Island holds strategic significance due to its location in the South China Sea.
    • The area is known for abundant fishing grounds and the possibility of significant oil and gas reserves, further intensifying regional competition over territorial claims.

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UPSC GS 2

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

• News: The Finance Ministry has doubled the limit for loan under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) to Rs 20 lakh with immediate effect.
• Union Budget Declaration: In the Union Budget 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced measures to support entrepreneurs who have availed of and successfully repaid loans under the Mudra scheme.
• Eligibility for New Limit: Entrepreneurs who have previously taken and repaid loans under the ‘Tarun’ category of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) now qualify for an increased loan limit under a newly introduced category called “Tarun Plus.”

• New Category and Benefits:
  • • A new loan category named ‘Tarun Plus’ offers loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh.
    • This category is exclusively available to those who have successfully repaid their earlier loans under the Tarun category.
• Expanded Guarantee Coverage:
  • • The Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) will now extend guarantee coverage for loans under the PMMY up to the revised limit of ₹20 lakh.
    • This enhancement aims to reduce the financial risk for lenders, encouraging them to lend to more entrepreneurs.
• Promoting an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: This initiative aligns with the government’s objective to build a vibrant entrepreneurial environment, enabling businesses to grow and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

UPSC GS 3

21st Livestock Census

• News:  The Union Minister of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched the 21st Livestock Census in New Delhi recently. 
• About the 21st Livestock Census:
  • • The Livestock Census is conducted every five years.
    • It involves a comprehensive headcount of domesticated animals, poultry, and stray animals across the country.
    • The census collects detailed information regarding the species, breed, age, sex, and ownership status of the animals surveyed.
• Background:
  • • Since its inception in 1919, a total of 20 livestock censuses have been completed, with the most recent one conducted in 2019.
    • The enumeration for the 21st Livestock Census is scheduled to take place from October 2024 to February 2025.
• Focus of the 21st Livestock Census:
  • • The census will gather data on sixteen animal species, including Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun, Yak, Sheep, Goat, Pig, Camel, Horse, Ponies, Mule, Donkey, Dog, Rabbit and Elephant.
    • The census will also account for a total of 219 indigenous breeds of these sixteen species recognized by the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).
    • Additionally, a headcount of poultry species, such as fowl, chicken, duck, turkey, geese, quail, ostrich, and emu, will be conducted.
    • This census will be fully digitized, similar to the previous one in 2019, and will involve:
    • Online data collection via a mobile application
    • Monitoring at various levels through a digital dashboard
    • Capturing the latitude and longitude of data collection locations
    • Generating the livestock census report using specialized software
• New Data Points to be Captured:
  • • For the first time, the census will collect data on pastoral animals and pastoralists, including their contributions to the livestock sector, socio-economic status, and livestock holdings.
    • It will provide more granular information, such as:
    • The proportion of households whose primary income derives from the livestock sector
    • Gender-specific data on stray cattle

Biodiversity Decline

• News:   Biodiversity is declining more quickly inside key protected areas than outside them, according to a new study. The findings suggest that merely designating more areas as protected “will not automatically result in better outcomes for biodiversity”.
• Objective of the Study: The study aimed to assess biodiversity trends by comparing protected areas with non-protected ones.
• Measure Used for the Study: The research utilized the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) to determine the extent of natural biodiversity remaining in a specific region.
• Global Decline: Between 2000 and 2020, the BII recorded a global decline of 1.88 percentage points.
• Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs): Within essential ecosystems, such as wetlands and unique habitats, only 22% of these areas are under protection.
• Protected vs. Non-Protected Decline: In CBAs, biodiversity saw a greater reduction of 2.1 percentage points in protected areas, while non-protected areas witnessed a slightly lower decline of 1.9 percentage points.

• Reasons Why Protected Areas Are Falling Short:
  • • Narrow Focus of Protection: Many protected areas focus on conserving individual species rather than safeguarding the entire ecosystem, resulting in incomplete protection strategies.
    • Pre-existing Degradation: Some regions designated as protected were already degraded beforehand, contributing to ongoing biodiversity loss despite their protected status.
    • Resource Exploitation: Overlaps between protected areas and resource extraction zones pose a significant threat. For example, 65% of the Conkouati-Douli National Park in the Republic of Congo is subject to oil, gas, and mining activities.
    • Climate Change Impacts: The effects of climate change, such as frequent droughts and wildfires, accelerate biodiversity loss in protected regions. For instance, Australian national parks experienced severe wildfire destruction in 2019.
• Recommendations for Policymakers:
  • • Strengthen Conservation Efforts: Conservation strategies must go beyond merely designating protected areas and focus on comprehensive ecosystem preservation to ensure effective biodiversity conservation.
    • Commitment to the 30×30 Goal: Policymakers should prioritize the “30×30” goal from Biodiversity COP15, aiming to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030, with an emphasis on maintaining entire ecosystems rather than isolated species.

Pandemic Fund Project

• News:  Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh , Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched the Pandemic Fund Project on “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response” in New Delhi.  
• The Pandemic Fund: The Pandemic Fund was established during Indonesia’s G20 Presidency to strengthen global pandemic preparedness.
• Aim:
  • • The initiative focuses on enhancing India’s animal health systems to improve pandemic readiness.
    • It aims to mitigate zoonotic disease risks, protecting both animal and human populations from potential pandemics.

• Objectives of the Pandemic Fund Project: The project is intended to support and enhance existing departmental efforts through the following components:
  • • i) Disease Surveillance: Strengthening disease monitoring using genomic tools and environmental surveillance techniques.
    • ii) Laboratory Infrastructure: Upgrading diagnostic facilities to enable early detection of infectious diseases.
    • iii) Cross-Border Collaboration: Fostering international cooperation to improve zoonotic disease control and management.
• Implementation Partners:
  • • The project will be executed in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Bank.
    • It will adopt an integrated approach to enhance India’s animal health systems and pandemic preparedness.
• Newly Released Documents to Strengthen Animal Health Management:
  • • Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG):
    • These guidelines provide best practices for veterinary care, aiming to enhance livestock health and productivity.
    • They also align with national efforts to combat Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR).
    • Crisis Management Plan (CMP):
    • This framework outlines strategies for effective management and containment of animal disease outbreaks.

Open Source AI Innovation, R&D and Skill Development in India

• News:  IndiaAI and Meta have announced the establishment of the Center for Generative AI, Srijan (सृजन) at IIT Jodhpur, along with the launch of the “YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building”. 
• GenAI CoE – Center for Generative AI, Srijan:
• Establishment: The Center for Generative AI, known as Srijan, is being set up at IIT Jodhpur with the support of Meta and the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
• Focus: The center will prioritize research, development, and the promotion of ethical AI technologies.
• Objectives: Its goals include education, capacity building, and providing policy advisory, empowering students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of AI.
• About YuvAI Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building:
• Aim: Launched in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), this initiative aims to equip 100,000 students and young developers with AI skills.
• Focus: It emphasizes leveraging open-source large language models (LLMs) to create practical applications in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, and financial inclusion.
• Implementation Timeline: Over a span of three years, participants will receive specialized training to develop generative AI applications through dedicated courses and learning resources.

• About GenAI Resource Hub and Learning Programs:
• GenAI Resource Hub: A comprehensive hub offering curated courses, case studies, and open datasets to facilitate AI skill development.
• Specialized Learning Programs: Meta has introduced a course titled “LLM for Young Developers,” alongside Master Training Activation Workshops to provide foundational knowledge in AI.
• Hackathons and Incentives:
  • • The program includes “Unleash LLM Hackathons,” where participants present AI-based solutions.
    • Outstanding proposals receive mentorship, seed funding, and market exposure to support further development.
• About AI Innovation Accelerator Program:
• Startup Support: The program assists 10 student-led AI startups working with open-source technologies by providing incubation and visibility in the market.
• Growth Opportunities: Startups under this initiative gain access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, enabling them to scale their innovative AI solutions.

Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts

• News: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) recently launched the 7th ship in a series of 8 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts. 
• About Abhay Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC):
• Builder and Series: 
  • • The vessel is constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), a leading Indian shipbuilding and repair company.
    • It is the seventh ship in a series of eight ASW SWCs, part of a 2019 contract between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and GRSE.

• Indigenous Design and Capabilities:
  • • Over 80 percent of the ship’s components are sourced domestically, underscoring India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
    • These vessels are specifically designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters.
    • They also support Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and mine-laying, expanding the Indian Navy’s operational versatility and coastal defence capabilities.
• Dimensions and Surveillance:
  • • Each warship measures 77 meters in length and 10 meters in width, making them compact yet powerful assets for coastal operations.
    • The vessels are engineered to track both surface and underwater targets and coordinate anti-submarine missions with aircraft.
• Speed and Propulsion: These waterjet-propelled ships can reach speeds of up to 25 knots, offering agility and rapid response in tactical situations.
• Weapons and Defence Systems:
  • • Equipped with an advanced anti-submarine warfare suite, the ships carry lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and mines, ensuring robust coastal defence capabilities.
    • They are armed with a 30 mm Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) and 12.7 mm Stabilized Remote-Control Guns to defend against aerial and surface threats.
• Sonar and Detection Systems:
  • • The ships feature both a Hull-Mounted Sonar and Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar, providing comprehensive underwater surveillance.
    • These sonar systems enhance the vessels’ detection and engagement abilities during anti-submarine warfare operations.

Cybersquatting

• News: A Delhi-based developer has revealed that he owns the domain name jiohotstar.com. This has sparked a new controversy about cybersquatting. 
• About Cybersquatting:
  • • Cybersquatting refers to the practice of registering or using domain names with the intent to profit from the trademarks, corporate identities, or personal names of individuals.
    • This act is often associated with extortion or an attempt to steal business from competitors.
• Types of Cybersquatting:
•  Typosquatting:
  • • Involves purchasing domain names with typographical errors resembling well-known brands.
    • Examples include misspelled domains like yajoo.com or facebok.com.
    • The objective is to redirect traffic when users mistakenly enter the incorrect domain name.
• Identity Theft:
  • • Occurs when a website mimics an established brand, intending to deceive customers by confusing them with the imitation.
• Name Jacking:
  • • Refers to impersonating a well-known figure or celebrity online.
    • This includes creating fake websites or social media accounts in the name of public figures or celebrities.
• Reverse Cybersquatting:
  • • Happens when an individual falsely claims ownership of a trademark and accuses the rightful domain holder of cybersquatting.
    • This method is essentially the reverse of typical cybersquatting practices.
• Legal Position on Cybersquatting in India:
  • • India currently does not have specific legislation to prohibit or penalize cybersquatting directly.
    • However, domain names are treated as trademarks under the Trademark Act, 1999.
    • As per Section 29 of the Trademark Act, using an identical or deceptively similar domain name may constitute trademark infringement, making the offender liable.

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Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)

• News: India could halt installation and award of new flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) units at public sector coal-based power plants as a recent study found that sulphur dioxide emissions from Indian coal-based power plants were not adversely impacting ambient air quality.
• About Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD):
  • • Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) is a technology designed to remove sulfur compounds from exhaust emissions.
    • Flue gas refers to the gases produced when fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, natural gas, or wood, are combusted for heating or power generation.

• FGD Process:
  • • FGD typically involves the use of absorbents, which can eliminate up to 95% of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) from flue gas.
    • Common absorbents include ammonia and sodium sulfite, but lime or limestone slurry (known as wet limestone scrubbing) is also frequently utilized.
• Scrubbing Operation:
  • • In the scrubbing process, the untreated flue gas is introduced into a scrubber tower (also referred to as an absorber tower).
    • Within this tower, the flue gas is sprayed with a mixture of water and limestone (the scrubbing slurry).
    • A chemical reaction occurs, allowing most of the sulfur dioxide to bond with the scrubbing agents, effectively removing it from the emissions.