News In Short 28-10-2024

YuvAi Initiative and Center for Generative AI, Srijan  (“GenAI CoE”)

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

Context

• IndiaAI and Meta have launched the Center for Generative AI, Srijan, at IIT Jodhpur, alongside the “YuvAI initiative” in partnership with AICTE. 

YuvAi Initiative 

• Meta, in collaboration with MeitY and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), launched the “YuvAi initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building” . 
• The program aims to bridge the AI talent gap in the country by empowering 100,000 students and young developers aged 18-30 to leverage open-source large language models (LLMs) to address real-world challenges.
• This will include
  • The establishment of a Gen AI Resource Hub with courses, case studies, and open datasets; 
  • An LLM for Young Developers Course designed by Meta; and 
  • Master Training Activation Workshops to introduce participants to foundational AI concepts.

Center for Generative AI, Srijan

• The GenAI CoE aims to advance research and development in AI while fostering the growth of responsible and ethical AI technologies in India. 
• It will support and enhance open science innovation across the AI technology landscape.

SOURCE: PIB

Guidelines to Bolster Seaweed Production in India

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

Context

• The Union Government has notified the ‘Guidelines for Import of Live Seaweeds into India’ to bolster the development of seaweed enterprises in coastal villages.

About

• The guidelines aimed at facilitating import of high quality seed materials or germplasm to help the coastal societies to find better livelihood opportunities. 
• It will also help in the socio-economic upliftment of the fisher community while upholding environmental protection.
• According to ICAR, India produced only 34,000 tonnes (in 2021) of Seaweeds which is only 0.01% of the world production and 2.5% of the actual production.

What are Seaweeds?

• Seaweeds are marine algae, simple plant-like organisms that live in the sea or other bodies of water.
• They are known for their medicinal properties with manifold nutritional value. 
• Seaweeds are being used for making pharmaceutical capsules for the treatment of goitre, cancer, bone-replacement therapy and cardiovascular surgeries.

What are the guidelines?

• To  import live seaweed, the importers will have to submit a detailed application to the Department of Fisheries which will be reviewed by the National Committee on Introduction of Exotic Aquatic Species into Indian Waters. 
• Upon approval, the Department will issue an import permit within four weeks, facilitating the import of high-quality seaweed germplasm.

Source: TH

Formation Day of NDMA

Syllabus: GS3/ Disaster Management

Context

• The National Disaster Management Authority will celebrate its 20th Formation Day on Amit Shah to grace 20th Formation Day inaugural ceremony of NDMA on October 28, 2024.

National Disaster Management Authority

• It is the apex statutory body for Disaster Management in India, established through the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
• The Act envisaged the creation of the NDMA, headed by the Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) headed by respective Chief Ministers, to spearhead and implement a holistic and integrated approach to Disaster Management in India.
• Functions & Responsibilities;
  • Lay down policies on disaster management,
  • Approve plans prepared by the ministries or departments of the Government of India in accordance with the National Plan,
  • Lay down guidelines to be followed by the state authorities in drawing up the State Plan,
  • Coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plans for disaster management,
  • Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation etc.

Source: AIR

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana

Syllabus: GS 3/Economy 

In News

• The Department of Fisheries convened a Key Meeting to Enhance Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana.

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana

• It was launched under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• It is a Central Sector Sub-scheme.
• It aims to formalize the fisheries sector, improve access to credit, promote aquaculture insurance, and enhance supply chains  with an estimated outlay of Rs 6,000 crores over a period of four (4) years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 in all States/Union Territories.

Do you know ? – The fisheries sector is termed a ‘Sunrise Sector’ crucial for food security and economic well-being, supported by various government initiatives and investments exceeding Rs 38,572 crore since 2015.  – Fisheries extension is essential for facilitating knowledge transfer, promoting modern practices, and streamlining communication between stakeholders, ultimately enhancing productivity and benefiting the entire fisheries value chain.  – India is the 2nd largest fish producing country with around 8% share in global fish production.  – Globally, India also stands 2nd in aquaculture production, is one of the top shrimp producing and exporting nations and 3rd largest capture fisheries producer.

Source: PIB

21st Livestock Census

Syllabus: GS3/Animal Husbandry

Context

• The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, launched the 21st Livestock Census. 

About

• It is conducted every five years and carries out a headcount of the number of domesticated animals, poultry, and stray animals in the country.
  • Information about the species, breed, age, sex, and ownership status is noted.
• Since 1919, a total of 20 livestock censuses have been carried out so far, with the last being conducted in 2019. 

21st Census

• It will take place between October 2024 to February 2025.
• It is expected to cover 30 crore households in India.
• 16 animal species will be collected in the census. 
• It will also carry out a headcount of poultry birds such as fowl, chicken, duck, turkey, geese, quail, ostrich, and emu.
• The data from the census will also be crucial to track progress of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. 

Source: IE

ISRO-DBT sign Agreement to Conduct Biotechnology Experiments in Space Station

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology

Context

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have inked an agreement to design and conduct experiments.

About

• The ISRO-DBT collaboration stems from another initiative this year called the BIOE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy by DBT.
• It aims to stimulate ‘bio-manufacturing’ in India. 
• It will then be integrated into the forthcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s proposed indigenous space station.
• Before the BAS, the major mission on ISRO’s plate is the Gaganyaan mission, which will be India’s first crewed mission to space that is expected to launch in 2025-2026. 

Bharatiya Antariksh Station

• The BAS is expected to take shape from 2028-2035.
• Some of the experiments being mooted include:
  • how weightlessness can influence muscle loss on those in space, 
  • what kind of algae may be suitable as nutrients or to preserve food for longer, 
  • how some algae may be processed to make jet fuel and the impact of radiation on the health of those aboard space stations.
• The International Space Station (ISS), which is a collaborative venture involving the United States, Canada, Russia, Japan, has been operational, in its complete form, since 1998.
  • But with changing geo-politics and costs, the ISS is expected to be decommissioned by 2030. 
• Some countries are moving to build their own space stations.
  • China launched the base module of its station, Tiangong, in 2021. 

Source: TH

Hasdeo Arand Mining Issue

Syllabus: GS3/Biodiversity and Conservation

Context

• Tensions erupted between Police and villagers over clearing trees of Hasdeo forest in Chhattisgarh for mining of coal. 

About

• The Hasdeo Arand is referred to as the “lungs of Chhattisgarh”, with a wealth of biodiversity.
  • According to the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Hasdeo Arand is the “largest un-fragmented forest in Central India consisting of pristine Sal (Shorea robusta) and teak forests.
  • Nine species in HAC have special protection under schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Concerns of Locals: Locals say the mining will destroy their villages, the forest cover around them, and hit their livelihood.
  • Some villagers are also unhappy with the compensation and resettlement offer made by the government.

Source: IE

Mangroves Role in Disaster Mitigation

Syllabus :GS 3/Environment  

In News

• Significant damage of Cyclone Dana  was averted largely due to effective evacuation efforts by state authorities and the protective role of the region’s mangrove forests.

Mangroves 

• Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees that thrive in estuarine and intertidal areas, characterized by their aerial roots and waxy leaves.
• Characteristics: Represent the littoral forest ecosystem.
  • Found in low-lying tropical and subtropical regions (between 24°N and 38°S).
  • Known as halophytes due to their salt tolerance.
  • Trees typically range from 8 to 20 meters in height with thick leaves.
  • Have specialized roots called pneumatophores that assist in respiration in anaerobic soils.
  • Reproduce via viviparity, where seeds germinate on the parent tree before falling.
• Distribution :  The Sundarbans, spanning India and Bangladesh, is the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest.
  • In India, notable mangrove areas include Odisha’s Bhitarkanika, Andhra Pradesh’s Godavari-Krishna delta, and regions in the Andaman Islands and Kerala.
• Protection Against Cyclones: Mangrove forests act as natural barriers against storm surges, reducing wave heights and water flow velocities during cyclones. Studies indicate that certain mangrove species can significantly diminish surge heights and water flow when properly sized strips are planted.
  • Combining mangroves with built infrastructure enhances this protective effect.

Do you know ? – Bhitarkanika National Park boasts a mangrove forest cover of 231 square kilometers, with 82 square kilometers densely populated with mangroves. Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975, the area has withstood multiple cyclones, demonstrating the resilience provided by its rich mangrove ecosystem.

Source :IE