1) Cyclone Alfred in Australia: A Rare and Dangerous Storm

GS 1: Geography: Cyclones

Why is it in the news?

• As of March 6, Cyclone Alfred is approaching Australia’s east coast, bringing the threat of heavy rainfall to an area unaccustomed to such tropical storms. The cyclone is particularly unusual due to its formation far south and its slow movement, both of which contribute to its increased danger.
• According to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, Alfred is moving toward the southeast Queensland coast. It is classified as a Category 2 storm, with sustained winds near the centre reaching 95 km/h and wind gusts up to 130 km/h.
• The cyclone is expected to impact areas from Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in New South Wales, including major cities such as Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, and Ballina. Strong winds and heavy rain have already begun affecting these regions.

Why is Cyclone Alfred Rare?

• Cyclones usually strike Australia’s northern regions, with the last major cyclone hitting the Gold Coast area in 1974 (Cyclone Zoe). The southern part of the country, including Brisbane—the third most populous city in Australia—is not typically affected by such storms. This puts nearly four million people in the path of Cyclone Alfred, with infrastructure in these areas not built to withstand severe cyclones.
• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the rarity of this event, stating that it is unusual for a tropical cyclone to develop in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, which are outside the typical cyclone-prone tropical region.

What Caused Cyclone Alfred’s Unusual Path?

• Cyclone Alfred’s deviation from typical cyclone behaviour is linked to a high-pressure system over the Tasman Sea, which forced the storm westward.
• The CSIRO (Australia’s national science agency) explains that a large high-pressure region to Alfred’s south has pushed it directly toward densely populated areas. Weak steering winds have contributed to its slow movement.
• While it is unclear whether this specific event is due to climate change, scientists note that climate change is making cyclones more erratic.

Why is Cyclone Alfred’s Slow Movement a Concern?

• Initially expected to make landfall late on March 7 or early March 8, Alfred is now projected to hit the coast by March 9. The slow movement of a cyclone results in prolonged rainfall over an area, increasing the risk of flooding.
• Typically, cyclones weaken after landfall due to reduced moisture availability, but slow-moving storms like Alfred maintain their intensity for longer.
• Additionally, the extended duration of high waves triggered by the cyclone will likely worsen coastal erosion and flooding. The CSIRO notes that Alfred’s slow pace is due to weak driving winds, which means its impact will last longer than a fast-moving storm.

Understanding Tropical Cyclones

• According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm that originates over tropical or subtropical oceans, bringing violent winds, torrential rain, and sometimes thunderstorms.
• These storms form when low-pressure systems develop over warm sea waters, causing warm, moist air to rise. As the air ascends, the Earth’s rotation makes the winds spin.
• A weather system is classified as a tropical cyclone when wind speeds exceed 63 km/h, according to WMO criteria. Cyclone Alfred’s rare behaviour highlights the evolving nature of extreme weather events, necessitating better preparedness for unexpected storm patterns.

2) The Academic Link Between Nepal and India

GS 2: International Relations: India- Nepal ties

Why is it in the news?

• On February 16, a third-year Nepalese student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, died by suicide, reportedly due to harassment by a male student. Protests erupted as fellow Nepalese students accused the university of ignoring her repeated complaints.
• In response, KIIT ordered all Nepalese students to vacate the campus, sparking widespread outrage and prompting intervention from the Nepali government.
• Following the backlash, the university withdrew the order and resumed academic activities. This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by Nepalese students in India.

Nepalese Student Enrolment in India

• According to the All-India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22, India hosts 46,878 foreign students from 170 nations, with Nepal contributing the highest share (28%). This trend has remained consistent since 2012-13 when Nepalese students made up 21% of foreign enrolments.
• These students are spread across nearly 180 universities and institutes in India, from Kashmir University in the north to Kerala University in the south. While most enrol in undergraduate courses, there is a steady rise in PhD enrolments.
• Nepalese students also show a strong preference for engineering and technology institutes, including IITs (Delhi, Kanpur, Roorkee, Guwahati), IISc Bangalore, and private universities like KIIT.

Historical Academic Ties Between Nepal and India

• Nepal has long shared academic connections with India. Some scholars have traced the influence of Banaras and Darjeeling in shaping Nepal’s intellectual and public spheres.
• Unlike the colonial legacy associated with the ‘Gorkhas,’ Nepal’s reliance on India for education dates back to the ancient gurukul system.
• During the Rana regime, when education in Nepal was restricted to the elite, places like Banaras, Patna, Dehradun, Gorakhpur, and Darjeeling provided educational opportunities for those who could afford to send their children to India.

The Roots of Formal Education in Nepal

• Modern formal education in Nepal is relatively recent and closely linked to India. Western-style education began in Nepal with the establishment of Durbar High School in 1854, initially accessible only to royal and elite families.
• In 1901, some schools, such as Bhasa Pathshala (Language Schools), were opened to the public with Nepali (then called Gorkhali/Khas) as the medium of instruction. The first college, Tri-Chandra College, was established in Kathmandu in 1918 and initially affiliated with Calcutta University before shifting to Patna University.
• Under this arrangement, the college handled teaching, but academic programs, textbooks, pedagogy, exams, and degrees were controlled by the affiliating Indian institution.

Colonial Influence on Nepal’s Education System

• Despite never being colonized, Nepal’s education system absorbed a colonial legacy through its affiliations with Indian universities. This limited the scope for developing an independent Nepali curriculum, as most college instructors had received their master’s degrees from Indian universities and adhered to the same content.
• Before Tribhuvan University was established in 1959, there were no postgraduate programs in Nepal, and higher education was confined to the undergraduate level. Social sciences were introduced only in the 1940s, starting with economics and geography, while sociology and anthropology followed in the 1950s.

Nepal’s Shift Towards an Independent Education System

• Even after efforts to “Nepalise” the education system in the 1950s, British colonial influence remained strong. Nepal sought alternatives, including adopting Gandhian educational models with modifications.
• In 1954, the National Educational Planning Commission (NEPC) was formed to align education with national needs. The education system was further restructured in 1971 with the New Education System Plan (NESP), marking Nepal’s independent trajectory in higher education.
• However, Nepalese students continued enrolling in Indian institutions, and major intellectual figures in Nepal post-1950 were trained in India. This trend persisted despite fluctuations in Indo-Nepal diplomatic relations.

Higher Education as Cultural Capital

• Higher education not only provides knowledge but also shapes experiences that influence future lives and identities. This process fosters a shared South Asian cultural capital, which thrives when nurtured with care.
• However, when foreign students are treated differently, it risks turning education into a “pedagogy of the oppressed.” Institutions must ensure that all students, regardless of nationality, receive equal treatment.
• Discrimination within student communities undermines institutional integrity, creates a volatile academic environment, and contradicts the core purpose of education.

Indo-Nepal Treaty and Its Implications

• The recent KIIT incident also raises concerns regarding the Indo-Nepal Peace Treaty of 1950. Article 6 of the treaty guarantees national treatment for citizens of both countries, while Article 7 ensures reciprocal rights of residence, property ownership, trade, and movement.
• The expulsion of Nepalese students from KIIT conflicts with these provisions and could strain bilateral ties. Ensuring the fair treatment of Nepalese students in Indian institutions is essential not only for academic integrity but also for maintaining strong diplomatic relations between the two nations.

3) Medical Wearables: A Game-Changer in Healthcare

GS 3: Science and Technology: Enabling health monitoring

Why is it in the news?

• Medical wearables have revolutionized patient care, enabling real-time health monitoring and proactive disease management. From smartwatches tracking daily activity to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) assisting diabetics, these devices provide valuable insights that help individuals and healthcare providers make informed decisions.
• Over the past decade, medical wearables have transformed from lifestyle accessories into essential healthcare tools, significantly improving the management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.

A Shift Towards Preventive Healthcare

• The adoption of medical wearables has shifted healthcare from a reactive approach to a more preventive one. Cardiologists note that these devices have helped increase awareness of lifestyle disease risk factors.
• For example, a patient in her 40s using an Apple Watch detected an unusual heart rate. Although asymptomatic, tests later revealed she was pre-diabetic with high lipid levels. Lifestyle modifications helped her reverse these conditions, showcasing how early detection can prevent severe health issues.

The Role of Wearables in Cardiac and Respiratory Health

• Medical wearables, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and biosensors, monitor key health parameters such as blood sugar, heart rate, sleep patterns, and oxygen levels. CGMs play a crucial role in diabetes management, while devices like the Apple Watch, approved by the U.S. FDA, detect atrial fibrillation, a serious heart condition.
• Numerous cases highlight how wearables have alerted users to irregular heart rates, allowing for timely intervention. These devices have also proven valuable in respiratory health monitoring, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, by tracking respiratory rates, oxygen saturation, and pulse rates, aiding patients with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD.

COVID-19 and the Surge in Wearable Medical Technology

• The pandemic marked a turning point for the adoption of medical wearables. Devices such as pulse oximeters became household essentials, reinforcing the importance of vital monitoring.
• Post-pandemic, the wearable medical device market has expanded significantly, with increased adoption among individuals in their 40s and 50s who now use smartwatches and fitness trackers to monitor heart rate and blood pressure.

Empowering Patients Through Real-Time Insights

• Wearable devices offer visual feedback that encourages users to make healthier choices. CGMs, for instance, help diabetics understand how different foods impact their blood sugar levels, promoting better dietary decisions.
• Real-time data allows patients to take control of their health by tracking sleep quality, physical activity, and stress levels. These insights enable early detection of health issues, such as irregular heart rhythms in cardiovascular patients, ensuring timely medical intervention.

Enhancing Doctor-Patient Interaction

• Medical wearables have improved patient-doctor interactions, particularly in tele-health. Integrated data from wearables gives healthcare providers a comprehensive view of a patient’s health before consultations, leading to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
• Remote patient monitoring has also become more effective, with CGMs allowing doctors to track blood sugar levels and adjust treatments in real-time. The continuous monitoring provided by wearables improves treatment compliance, allowing doctors to optimize medication dosages based on real-time data rather than infrequent visits.

The Future of Wearable Health Technology

• The future of medical wearables looks promising, with advancements such as smart textiles embedding sensors into clothing to track heart rate, respiratory patterns, and glucose levels.
• Researchers are also developing non-invasive glucose monitoring methods using biofluids like sweat, saliva, or tears, potentially eliminating the need for skin-pricking devices. As these technologies evolve, wearables will become even more seamlessly integrated into daily life.

Affordability and Accuracy Challenges

• Despite their benefits, affordability remains a significant concern, particularly in India. A CGM sensor costs approximately ₹5,000 for two weeks, translating to ₹10,000 per month, making it inaccessible for many patients.
• However, even short-term usage can provide valuable insights into lifestyle modifications. Another challenge is the possibility of false positives and false negatives, which may cause unnecessary panic. Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of consulting doctors before making medical decisions based on wearable data.

Conclusion

• Medical wearables are playing an increasingly vital role in healthcare, not only in diabetes management but across various medical fields. As technology advances, these devices will continue to enhance preventive healthcare, improve patient monitoring, and facilitate better doctor-patient interactions.
• However, affordability and accuracy concerns must be addressed to ensure wider accessibility and optimal utilization.

4) India’s Growing Obesity Crisis: A 2050 Forecast

GS 2: Society: Tackling obesity

Why is it in the news?

• A recent study published in The Lancet projects that by 2050, over 3.8 billion people—more than half the global adult population—will be overweight or obese, alongside 746 million children and adolescents.
• In 2021, nearly 2.11 billion people (45% of the global population) were classified as overweight or obese, with half of these cases concentrated in China, India, the USA, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Egypt.
• The study indicates that India is set to experience a significant rise in obesity cases, potentially surpassing China in certain categories.

Rising Obesity Trends in India

• India has witnessed a sharp increase in obesity across all age groups. The number of overweight and obese adults (aged 25 and above) has consistently grown since 1990, placing India among the top four globally in obesity prevalence. By 2050, India is projected to have the second-largest overweight or obese population.
• Among older adolescents (aged 15–24), India overtook China by 2021 to record the highest number of cases. The situation among children is equally concerning, with India currently ranked second behind China.
• However, projections indicate that China’s obesity numbers may stabilize, while India’s will continue to rise.

Defining Obesity: A New Approach

• Traditionally, obesity has been measured using Body Mass Index (BMI), categorizing individuals with a BMI over 30 as obese and those between 25 and 30 as overweight. However, a recent Lancet commission has proposed a more comprehensive definition, introducing the terms ‘clinical obesity’ and ‘pre-clinical obesity.’
• This approach considers multiple body size parameters, including waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, alongside symptoms such as breathlessness, sleep apnea, metabolic dysfunctions, and joint pain.
• Under this classification, individuals with a high BMI but no adverse health effects fall under ‘pre-clinical obesity,’ while those showing symptoms are diagnosed with ‘clinical obesity.’

Consequences of Rising Obesity

• The increasing prevalence of obesity has far-reaching health and economic implications. The first major concern is the transition of obese children into overweight or obese adults, worsening the crisis.
• Over the past 30 years, global childhood obesity has increased by 244%, with another 121% rise expected by 2050. This trend is linked to an early onset of lifestyle diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
• In high-income countries, aging populations with obesity face increased healthcare costs due to higher rates of elective surgeries and chronic disease management. By 2050, nearly 25% of obese individuals will be over 65 years old, requiring specialized care. Additionally, obesity weakens immune systems, increasing vulnerability to infections and severe diseases.
• Another pressing issue in low- and middle-income countries like India is the coexistence of obesity and childhood undernutrition. Persistent malnutrition leads to adaptive fat-storing mechanisms, increasing the risk of obesity and related lifestyle diseases later in life.
• The financial burden on healthcare systems in these countries is significant, straining resources needed for both undernutrition and obesity-related diseases.

Causes Behind the Obesity Epidemic

• The studies attribute the obesity surge to the widespread consumption of calorie-dense, processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. The rapid expansion of multinational food corporations in low- and middle-income countries has altered traditional diets, replacing local food systems with ultra-processed alternatives.
• Weak regulations and growing per capita incomes in these regions have further fuelled this trend. Between 2009 and 2019, the highest annual increase in per capita sales of ultra-processed foods and beverages was observed in Cameroon, India, and Vietnam.

Addressing the Obesity Epidemic

To combat rising obesity, the studies propose several measures.

• First, protecting local food systems from being displaced by global food corporations is essential. Strengthening traditional agriculture, modernizing local food markets, and taxing unhealthy foods such as sugary beverages can help curb obesity rates.
• Second, governments must invest in clinical obesity management and lifestyle disease treatment in countries where obesity is at its peak. Despite obesity being on the global health agenda for over two decades, only 40% of countries have national obesity policies, with this figure dropping to 10% in low- and middle-income nations.
• Third, there is a pressing need for research on obesity interventions tailored to low-income settings. Most current studies focus on high-income countries, leaving gaps in understanding how best to tackle obesity in resource-constrained environments.
• Fourth, the use of new anti-obesity medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and terzapatide, has shown promise. However, concerns over side effects, high costs, and limited accessibility remain barriers.
• While an attempt was made in 2023 to include anti-obesity drugs in the World Health Organization’s essential medicines list, it was rejected due to uncertainties over long-term benefits. However, with market exclusivity for certain obesity drugs expiring soon, affordable generic alternatives may become available.

Conclusion

• India’s growing obesity crisis demands urgent attention, with projections indicating a sharp rise in overweight and obese individuals across all age groups. This trend not only threatens public health but also places an enormous strain on healthcare systems.
• Addressing the crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, including protecting local food systems, implementing strong national policies, investing in obesity treatment, and ensuring access to affordable medications.
• Without decisive action, India risks facing an unprecedented obesity epidemic that will have long-term social and economic consequences.

5) Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) Slowing Down: A Growing Climate Concern

GS 1: Geography: Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC)

Why is it in the news?

• Researchers caution that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) may slow down by nearly 20% by 2050 if carbon emissions continue to rise unchecked. This decline could have far-reaching consequences for global climate systems and ocean circulation.

What is the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC)?

The ACC is the world’s most powerful ocean current, continuously moving water around Antarctica. Key aspects include:

• Exceptional Strength: It is five times stronger than the Gulf Stream and carries over 100 times the water flow of the Amazon River.
• Integral to Global Ocean Circulation: It links the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, playing a crucial role in maintaining oceanic balance.
• Climate Regulation: The ACC helps the ocean absorb heat and carbon dioxide while preventing warm waters from reaching Antarctica, thereby stabilizing the continent’s climate.

Consequences of a Slower ACC

Impact on Climate and Carbon Absorption:

• A weaker ACC would diminish the ocean’s ability to capture and store carbon dioxide, exacerbating global warming.
• It may also lead to increased climate instability, extreme weather patterns, and shifts in global temperature regulation.

Threat to Antarctic Biodiversity:

• A slowing current could enable invasive species like southern bull kelp, shrimp, and mollusks to migrate to Antarctica, disrupting the native ecosystem.
• Indigenous species, including penguins and marine organisms, may face habitat loss and food scarcity.

Effects of Melting Ice Shelves:

• Freshwater from melting Antarctic ice alters ocean salinity, weakening the formation of Antarctic Bottom Water.
• This could disrupt deep-ocean currents and reduce the strength of the oceanic jet stream surrounding Antarctica.

Understanding Ocean Currents

• Ocean currents refer to the continuous movement of seawater, driven by forces such as gravity, wind (Coriolis Effect), and water density. These currents move in two primary ways:

1) Horizontal Flow (Currents): Driven by surface winds and forming large-scale movements.

2) Vertical Movement (Upwelling/Downwelling): Plays a crucial role in bringing nutrients from deep waters to the surface and redistributing heat.

The Role of the Global Ocean Conveyor Belt

• Also called the Thermohaline Circulation (THC), this system ensures the movement of water across all major oceans.
• The cycle starts in the North Atlantic, where cold, dense water sinks and moves southward. It then circulates through the Southern Ocean before reaching the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
• This large-scale movement is essential for regulating global temperatures, oxygen distribution, and nutrient cycling.

Significance of Ocean Currents

• Regulating Climate: Help transfer heat between the tropics and polar regions, maintaining temperature balance.
• Supporting Marine Ecosystems: Distribute essential nutrients for marine life, enabling the growth of phytoplankton and sustaining the food chain.
• Influencing Weather Events: Play a role in climate phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, which impact rainfall and storm patterns.
• Carbon Storage: Assist in absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide, acting as a natural buffer against climate change.
• Economic and Fisheries Impact: Affect fish migration patterns, shipping routes, and global trade.
• Maintaining Ocean Stability: Control temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels in the ocean.
• Sea Level and Coastal Impact: Influence sea levels and contribute to coastal erosion through continuous water movement.

Conclusion

• The slowing of the ACC presents significant risks to the Earth’s climate system. However, immediate action to curb greenhouse gas emissions can help reduce these threats. Continuous scientific monitoring of the Southern Ocean is essential to track and mitigate the impact of these changes effectively.

6) ISRO Successfully Conducts PHTA for Semi-Cryogenic Engines

GS 3: Science and Technology:  Advancing rocket propulsion technology

Why is it in the news?

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently conducted a successful Power Head Test Article (PHTA) for its semi-cryogenic engine (SE2000). This test marks a crucial milestone in the development of India’s advanced rocket propulsion technology.

Power Head Test Article (PHTA)

• The PHTA is designed to validate the integrated performance of key subsystems, including the gas generator, turbo pumps, pre-burner, and control components.
• This testing phase is essential for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of ISRO’s semi-cryogenic engine, paving the way for its integration into future launch vehicles.

Cryogenic Stage in Launch Vehicles

• Cryogenic engines form the last stage of space launch vehicles, utilizing extremely low-temperature fuels stored as liquids instead of gases. Since outer space lacks oxygen, rockets carry their own oxidizers to facilitate combustion.
• Cryogenic technology enables efficient propulsion by utilizing liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, producing high thrust with minimal weight.

Understanding Cryogenics

• Cryogenics involves the study of materials and processes at temperatures below -150°C, primarily using cryogenic fluids such as liquid nitrogen (LN2), liquid oxygen (LOX), and liquid hydrogen (LH2).
• This technology finds applications in space exploration, medicine, food preservation, industrial gases, and superconductivity.

Semi-Cryogenic Engines

• Semi-cryogenic engines use a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene, making them safer and less complex than traditional cryogenic engines.
• These engines generate a thrust of 2,000 kiloNewtons (kN) and enhance the payload capacity of launch vehicles due to the higher density of kerosene compared to liquid hydrogen.

Cryogenic vs. Semi-Cryogenic Engines:

• Propellants: Cryogenic engines use LOX and LH2, while semi-cryogenic engines use LOX and kerosene.
• Storage Temperature: LH2 requires -253°C storage, whereas kerosene can be stored at room temperature.
• Thrust Efficiency: Semi-cryogenic engines provide higher density impulse, generating more thrust per unit volume.
• Complexity: Cryogenic engines are harder to handle and store, whereas semi-cryogenic engines offer simpler handling.
• Reusability: Semi-cryogenic engines have higher reusability potential due to their less complex components.

Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)

• ISRO is actively developing the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) for future space missions, including Gaganyaan. The NGLV is a human-rated launch vehicle with a reusable first stage, designed to carry up to 30 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• Its first and second stages will use LOX-based engines, while the upper stage will be cryogenic. ISRO has already conducted successful tests for recovering the first stage, marking significant progress toward reusable launch systems.

7) Government Launches AI Kosha for AI Model Development

GS 3: Science and Technology: AI development models

Why is it in the news?

• The Union government has launched AI Kosha, a repository of non-personal datasets designed to support the development of artificial intelligence (AI) models and tools.
• The platform currently hosts 316 datasets, primarily focused on aiding language translation tools for Indian languages. AI Kosha is part of the broader IndiaAI Mission, which aims to strengthen India’s AI ecosystem.

IndiaAI Mission and Compute Capacity

• AI Kosha falls under one of the seven pillars of the IndiaAI Mission, a government-backed initiative with an outlay of ₹10,370 crore. A significant component of the mission is the Compute Capacity initiative, which facilitates pooled access to Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) for start-ups and academia.
• These GPUs are critical for training and running AI models. The available datasets include information from Telangana’s open data initiative, Census 2011, satellite imagery, meteorological and pollution data, among others.
• Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that 14,000 GPUs had been commissioned for shared access, an increase from the previously planned 10,000 GPUs. The government plans to expand GPU access on a quarterly basis to meet the growing demand for AI model development.
• The government is also working on developing an indigenous AI foundational model, a move that has gained urgency after China’s DeepSeek developed its model at a significantly lower cost than OpenAI and Google. The initiative has attracted strong interest from Indian start-ups, signaling a growing AI research ecosystem in the country.
• This is not the first time the government has promoted open access to public datasets. The Open Governance Data (OGD) platform (data.gov.in) already hosts over 12,000 datasets provided by various government agencies.
• The appointment of Chief Data Officers across ministries has further encouraged the sharing of datasets for research, innovation, and governance purposes.

Challenges in Non-Personal Data Sharing

• In 2018, the government explored the possibility of mandating private firms to share non-personal data, such as traffic data from ride-sharing apps, to help new businesses and improve policymaking.
• The Kris Gopalakrishnan Committee, formed for this purpose, submitted its report in 2020. However, private tech companies resisted these proposals, fearing commercial risks and data security concerns.
• The discussion on non-personal data sharing occurred before the rise of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, which have significantly altered the AI landscape.

Conclusion

• AI Kosha marks a significant step toward advancing India’s AI capabilities by providing accessible datasets and compute resources.
• The government’s efforts to develop homegrown AI models and promote data sharing reflect its commitment to positioning India as a global AI hub. However, balancing data accessibility with industry concerns remains a key challenge.

8) USAID’s Contributions to India

GS 2: International Relations: USAID in India’s development

Why is it in the news?

• USAID has been a key player in India’s health and development sector for over two decades. It has funded several health initiatives, infrastructure projects, and environmental programs. In recent years, USAID’s strategy aligned with the US Indo-Pacific policy to counter China’s influence.
• However, following a January 20 executive order titled “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” the Trump administration decided to halt foreign aid, affecting several USAID-funded programs in India.

USAID’s Financial Assistance to India

• According to OECD data, USAID ranked fourth among Official Development Assistance (ODA) providers to India in 2022, contributing $228 million. Japan led with $2.97 billion, followed by the European Union ($383.5 million) and Germany ($235 million). Since 2001, USAID has disbursed a total of $2.8 billion to India, with a peak of $228 million in 2022 and $175 million in 2023. By December 19, 2024, $151 million had been disbursed.
• A significant rise in USAID’s allocations occurred post-COVID-19, with economic support funds reaching $148 million in 2022 and $81 million in 2023.
• These figures marked a return to high funding levels seen in the 2001-08 period when annual disbursements exceeded $100 million, peaking at $175 million in 2006.

USAID funding to India over last 3 years

Allocation of USAID Funds (2022-2024)

2024:

• Out of $151 million, $80 million was allocated to Health and Population programs. Basic health programs, including COVID-19 relief, received $42.99 million. Maternal and child health, along with family planning, received $20.94 million, while environmental protection programs were allocated $17.12 million.

2023:

• From the $175 million disbursed, Health and Population initiatives received $120 million. Basic health funding stood at $83.22 million, including $54 million for COVID-19 control. Maternal and child health received $16.28 million, HIV/AIDS initiatives got $12.13 million, and environmental protection was allocated $9.62 million.

2022:

• Of the $228 million total, $180 million was directed toward Health and Population programs. Basic health services, including $120 million for COVID-19 control, received $140.7 million. Maternal and child health was allocated $25.09 million, HIV/AIDS programs received $10.57 million, and environmental protection got $7.18 million.

USAID Projects at Risk

Tuberculosis (TB) Control:

• The Breaking the Barriers program aimed at increasing TB awareness in Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, and Assam is among the affected initiatives.
• USAID contributed $7 million to this program through the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT) during 2022-23. According to a senior KHPT official, the funding halt will disrupt planned innovations in TB control.

HIV/AIDS Programs:

• USAID and PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) have been pivotal in global HIV/AIDS control. The funding cut threatens these programs, potentially leading to increased infections and loss of lives.
• German population health researcher Dr. Till Barnighausen emphasized that the disruption could have severe consequences, particularly in preventing HIV transmission.
• The German Consul General in Bengaluru, Achim Burkart, recently stated that cutting USAID funds “means losing lives.” In Zambia alone, 150,000 people require HIV medication, and without funding, they face fatal consequences.
• He stressed that developed nations have a moral obligation to support countries with limited healthcare access.

Legal Challenges to Funding Cuts

• On February 13, a US Federal Court stayed the executive order halting foreign aid. The Trump administration challenged this in the US Supreme Court, arguing that it had reviewed 5,800 aid projects and retained 500.
• However, on March 5, in a 5-4 verdict, the Supreme Court rejected the administration’s request to cancel the Federal Court’s order. This ruling temporarily prevents the complete shutdown of foreign aid but leaves uncertainty over the future of USAID programs in India.

9) Delhi HC’s Guidelines on Smartphone Use in Schools

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Regulating smartphones use in schools

Why is it in the news?

• The Delhi High Court, in a significant order on February 28, provided “guiding principles” for the use of smartphones on school premises.
• While acknowledging the benefits of smartphones, the court also recognized their potential harm and outlined measures to regulate their usage effectively. Moreover, various state governments and the Centre have also attempted to curb or ban smartphone use in schools.

Guiding Principles for Smartphone Use

The court laid down nine key principles to balance the benefits and drawbacks of smartphones in schools:

• Smartphones should not be completely banned but must be regulated and monitored.
• Students should deposit their smartphones at school entry and collect them when leaving.
• Smartphone use in classrooms should be prohibited to prevent disruptions in teaching and discipline.
• Students should be educated on ethical smartphone use and counselled about risks such as anxiety, reduced attention spans, and cyberbullying.
• Smartphone use should be limited to safety and coordination, excluding entertainment or recreational purposes.
• Policies regarding smartphone use should be formulated in consultation with educators, experts, and parents.
• Schools should have the autonomy to implement policies based on their specific needs.
• Policies should be transparent and enforce punishments like temporary confiscation without excessive severity.
• Considering rapid technological advancements, smartphone policies should be regularly reviewed and updated.

Reasons for HC’s Intervention

• The case initially involved a student punished for smartphone misuse in school. However, both the student and school later requested the court to frame comprehensive guidelines on the matter.
• The court observed that government bodies, including the Directorate of Education (DoE) of Delhi, had already issued broad instructions, such as discouraging mobile phone use in classrooms and requiring schools to provide lockers for phone storage.
• However, the court noted that these directives operated on the assumption that smartphone use should be entirely banned, an approach it deemed impractical. The court emphasized that smartphones contribute to student safety and parental coordination, making a complete ban unrealistic.

Impact of Smartphones on Learning: Global Studies

• International organizations, including UNESCO, have called for a balanced approach to smartphone use in classrooms. The 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report analyzed student mobile phone use in 14 countries and highlighted negative effects such as increased distraction and non-academic activities. Even the mere presence of a mobile phone could divert students’ attention, reducing their focus on learning.
• However, the report also presented research suggesting that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) positively impacts student performance in reading, mathematics, and science up to a certain threshold.
• Beyond this threshold, academic benefits diminish. The study, based on data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), found that excessive ICT use fails to yield additional academic gains, irrespective of students’ socioeconomic backgrounds.

Conclusion

• The Delhi High Court’s decision provides a balanced framework for smartphone use in schools, ensuring students can benefit from technology without compromising academic performance and discipline.
• While restrictions are necessary to curb distractions, outright bans may not be effective. The ruling encourages schools to adopt flexible, well-monitored policies suited to their individual circumstances.

10) Maharashtra to Establish Media Monitoring Centre

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Regulating fake news

Why is it in the news?

• The Maharashtra government has approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art media monitoring centre with a budget of ₹10 crore. This initiative aims to track and analyze news across print, electronic, and digital platforms to ensure accurate dissemination of information regarding government policies, schemes, and initiatives.
• The centre will identify both factual and misleading reports and issue real-time clarifications in case of inaccurate or negative coverage.

Need for a Monitoring System

• The government emphasized the necessity of a centralized system to oversee how news related to its activities is reported and perceived by the public. By systematically evaluating news content, the centre will help maintain transparency and prevent the spread of misinformation.

Operational Framework

• The centre will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. under the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR).
• A professional consultant will be hired through an e-tender process to manage operations.
• The consultant will collect government-related news, categorize it into segments such as positive, negative, department-specific, issue-based, and individual-focused, and provide hourly updates on electronic media trends, mood, and tone.
• The consultant’s initial contract will be for one year, with a possible extension to two years based on performance.
• However, the total contract period will not exceed three years as per government regulations.

Conclusion

• This initiative reflects the government’s effort to strengthen media accountability and ensure the accurate representation of its initiatives in public discourse.