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4th May- Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – 4th May

Table of Contents

AI and Unchecked Power: Why Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Matters

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was in news due to increasing global concerns over the unchecked influence of powerful AI companies, rising misuse of AI technologies and the absence of strong regulatory mechanisms. The debate focused on how AI can impact democracy, privacy, employment and national security if left without proper oversight.

Why is the Issue Important?

AI is now widely used in:

  • Governance
  • Healthcare
  • Banking
  • Defence
  • Education
  • Social media platforms

A small number of large technology companies control huge amounts of:

  • Data
  • Computing power
  • Advanced AI systems

This concentration of power has raised fears about excessive corporate and governmental control over society.

Major Concerns Related to AI

1. Threat to Democratic Systems

AI tools can:                       

  • Spread fake news and deepfakes
  • Manipulate public opinion
  • Influence elections
  • Promote misinformation on social media

This can weaken democratic institutions and informed decision-making.

2. Privacy and Surveillance Risks

AI technologies such as:

  • Facial recognition
  • Data tracking
  • Predictive monitoring

can lead to mass surveillance by governments and corporations, threatening citizens’ privacy and civil liberties.

This issue is connected to the Right to Privacy under Article 21.

3. Bias and Inequality

AI systems may produce biased outcomes because they learn from existing human data and behaviour.

This may result in:

  • Discrimination in hiring
  • Biased policing
  • Unequal delivery of public services

Thus, AI can reinforce social inequalities if not monitored carefully.

4. Employment Challenges

Automation through AI may replace many traditional jobs in:

  • Manufacturing
  • Transport
  • Customer service
  • Office work

This raises concerns regarding unemployment and skill displacement.

5. Security Concerns

AI can also be used for:

  • Cyber attacks
  • Autonomous weapons
  • Information warfare

This creates new national and global security risks.

India’s Approach Towards AI

  1. India is encouraging the use of AI in sectors like:

    • Agriculture
    • Healthcare
    • Education
    • Governance

Important Initiatives

  • IndiaAI Mission

    • Promotes AI innovation and digital infrastructure.

    NITI Aayog’s National Strategy for AI       

    Focuses on using AI for inclusive growth and public welfare.

Challenges in Regulating AI

  • Technology is advancing faster than laws
  • There is no universal global AI regulatory framework.
  • Big technology companies possess enormous economic and technological power.
  • Ethical standards vary across countries.
  •  

Measures Suggested

  • Ethical and Transparent AI

    AI systems should ensure:

    • Transparency
    • Accountability
    • Fairness
    • Human oversight

    Strong Data Protection

    Robust privacy laws are necessary to protect citizens’ personal information.

    Human Control in Critical Areas

    Important decisions in:

    • Judiciary
    • Healthcare
    • Policing
      should not depend entirely on AI systems.

    International Cooperation

    Countries need common rules for:

    • AI ethics
    • Cybersecurity
    • Regulation of autonomous weapons

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): EU’s Carbon Tax Policy on Imports

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a policy introduced by the European Union to impose carbon-related charges on imported goods based on the amount of carbon emissions generated during their production. It is commonly known as the “carbon border tax.”

The mechanism has become important for UPSC preparation because it connects:

  • Climate change policies
  • International trade
  • Industrial competitiveness
  • India’s exports and economic interests

What is CBAM?

CBAM is a system under which importers in the European Union must pay for the carbon emissions associated with products imported into Europe.

The objective is to ensure that imported products face similar carbon costs as goods produced inside the EU under its Emission Trading System (ETS).

Objectives of CBAM

1. Prevent Carbon Leakage

Carbon leakage refers to the shifting of industries from countries with strict climate regulations to countries with weaker environmental standards.

CBAM aims to discourage industries from relocating production outside Europe to avoid carbon costs.

2. Encourage Cleaner Production

The EU wants countries exporting goods to Europe to adopt low-carbon and environmentally sustainable production methods.

3. Protect Domestic Industries         

European industries already pay carbon prices under the EU’s climate policies. CBAM ensures fair competition between European producers and foreign exporters.

How Does CBAM Function?

Under CBAM:

  • Importers must report the carbon emissions embedded in imported goods.
  • They must purchase CBAM certificates based on those emissions.

If the exporting country has already imposed a carbon price, adjustments may be provided.

Sectors Covered Under CBAM

The policy initially applies to highly carbon-intensive sectors such as:

  • Iron and steel
  • Aluminium
  • Cement
  • Fertilisers
  • Electricity
  • Hydrogen

These industries contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.  

Implementation Timeline

Transitional Phase

  • Started in October 2023
  • Importers currently submit emission reports without financial payments.

Full Operational Phase

  • Carbon payments under CBAM are expected from 2026 onwards.

Impact on India

India exports several carbon-intensive products to Europe, especially:

  • Steel
  • Aluminium
  • Iron products

CBAM may affect India in the following ways:

Higher Export Costs

Indian products could become more expensive in European markets.

Pressure on Industries

Indian industries may need to invest in cleaner technologies and emission monitoring systems.

Challenges for MSMEs

Small and medium enterprises may face difficulties in meeting reporting and compliance requirements.

India’s Concerns Regarding CBAM

India and other developing countries have expressed concerns that CBAM:

May Violate Climate Equity

Developed nations are historically responsible for a larger share of global emissions.

Acts as a Trade Restriction

CBAM could function as a non-tariff barrier against exports from developing countries.

Increases Economic Burden

Developing economies still dependent on fossil fuels may face disadvantages in global trade.

India has raised these concerns in forums such as the:

  • World Trade Organization
  • International climate negotiations

India’s Response Measures

India is taking steps such as:            

  • Expanding renewable energy
  • Promoting green hydrogen
  • Improving energy efficiency
  • Developing carbon accounting systems
  • Considering domestic carbon markets

Important initiatives include:

  • National Green Hydrogen Mission
  • Renewable energy expansion targets

Super El Niño: Threat to India’s Monsoon, Agriculture and Economy

What is El Niño?

  • El Niño is a climatic phenomenon caused by the unusual warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.

    It is a part of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.

    Under normal conditions:

    • Trade winds push warm ocean water towards the western Pacific.
    • During El Niño, these winds weaken.
    • Warm water moves towards the eastern Pacific, disturbing global weather patterns.

What is a Super El Niño?

A Super El Niño is an exceptionally strong El Niño event in which ocean temperatures rise much higher than normal.

Such events can lead to:

  • Severe droughts
  • Heat waves
  • Floods in some regions
  • Major climate disturbances worldwide

Strong Super El Niño events occurred during:

  • 1982–83
  • 1997–98
  • 2015–16

Impact of Super El Niño on India

    • Weakening of Monsoon

      India’s monsoon is closely linked to Pacific Ocean conditions.

      A strong El Niño may result in:

      • Less rainfall
      • Delayed monsoon
      • Irregular rainfall patterns

      Since Indian agriculture largely depends on monsoon rainfall, this creates serious concerns.

      Effect on Agriculture

      Reduced rainfall can decrease the production of crops such as:

      • Rice
      • Pulses
      • Sugarcane
      • Oilseeds

      This may reduce farmers’ income and affect food security.

      Rise in Inflation

      Poor crop output may increase food prices, leading to:

      • Food inflation
      • Higher cost of living
      • Economic pressure on households

      Water Shortage

      Weak monsoon conditions may reduce:

      • Reservoir water levels
      • Groundwater recharge
      • Drinking water availability

      Both urban and rural regions may face water stress.

      Increased Electricity Demand

      Heat waves linked with El Niño increase the use of:

      • Air conditioners
      • Cooling systems

      This raises electricity demand and puts pressure on India’s energy sector.

Global Effects of Super El Niño

Super El Niño events can also affect:

  • Fisheries in South America
  • Cyclone patterns
  • Global food supply
  • Forest fires
  • Coral reefs and marine ecosystems

It may contribute to rising global temperatures.

India’s Preparedness

  • India is focusing on:

    • Better weather forecasting
    • Drought management
    • Water conservation
    • Climate-resilient agriculture
    • Efficient irrigation systems

    Important agencies involved include:                                   

    • India Meteorological Department
    • Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services

Mission Drishti: India’s First OptoSAR Earth Observation Mission

Mission Drishti gained attention after Indian space-tech startup GalaxEye launched the world’s first OptoSAR satellite using a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket. The mission is considered a significant achievement for India’s growing private space sector.

What is Mission Drishti?

Mission Drishti is an Earth observation satellite mission developed by the Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye.

It is notable because it combines:

  • Optical imaging technology
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology

within a single satellite platform.

This makes it the world’s first OptoSAR satellite.

Key Features of Mission Drishti

Combination of Optical and SAR Imaging

Optical Sensors

  • Capture clear visual images of Earth.
  • Useful during daylight and clear weather conditions.

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

  • Can capture images even:
    • At night
    • During cloud cover
    • In adverse weather conditions

By combining both systems, Mission Drishti enables continuous Earth observation under all weather conditions.

Real-Time Earth Monitoring

The satellite can provide:

  • High-resolution imagery
  • Geospatial intelligence
  • Continuous monitoring of Earth’s surface

All-Weather Surveillance Capability

Unlike traditional satellites that depend heavily on sunlight and clear skies, Mission Drishti can operate effectively:

  • Day and night
  • During rain and clouds

Applications of Mission Drishti

    • Defence and Security

      Useful for:

      • Border monitoring
      • Maritime surveillance
      • Strategic intelligence gathering

      Disaster Management

      Helps authorities in:

      • Flood assessment
      • Cyclone tracking
      • Landslide monitoring
      • Emergency response planning

      Agriculture and Environmental Monitoring

      Can support:

      • Crop health monitoring
      • Soil moisture analysis
      • Forest conservation
      • Climate and environmental studies

      Urban Planning

      Useful for:

      • Infrastructure mapping
      • Land-use planning
      • Smart city development

Importance for India

  1. Growth of Private Space Sector

    Mission Drishti demonstrates the increasing role of private companies in India’s space sector following recent space reforms.

    Technological Advancement

    The mission strengthens India’s:

    • Indigenous satellite technology
    • Geospatial capabilities
    • Space innovation ecosystem

    Strategic Significance

    Advanced Earth observation systems improve:

    • National security
    • Disaster preparedness
    • Resource management

Role of IN-SPACe

The mission also reflects the role of:

  • Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe)

which promotes private sector participation in space activities.

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