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India’s First AI School
Context :- Kerala recently introduced India's first-ever AI (artificial intelligence) school.

About

Location: It was launched by Santhigiri Vidhyabhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

The establishment of this AI school is the result of a collaboration between iLearning Engines (ILE) USA
and Vedhik eSchool.

The school’s curriculum aligns with the National School Accreditation Standards, which are based on the
New National Education Policy (NEP 2020).

The school's unique approach centres on deepening students' understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
and advanced technologies, enhancing their learning journey.
It seamlessly integrates AI components such as machine learning, natural language processing, and
data analysis into various educational facets like curriculum design, personalised assessments, and student support.
Features:
It caters to students from 8 to 12 grade with various multifaceted support services. They will get many benefits
like support from a multitude of teachers, different test levels, aptitude tests, career planning, memory techniques
and counselling.

Besides academics, this AI system nurtures the skills like interview techniques, group discussion aptitude,
mathematical prowess, writing finesse, etiquette, English proficiency and emotional well-being as well.

It equips its students to prepare for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, CUET, CLAT GMAT and IELTS for
a better higher education.

It helps students get opportunities at esteemed foreign universities and paves the way for students to pursue
their higher studies in foreign countries
UPSC PYQ - 2017

Q- What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’?

1) It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India.

2) It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves.

3) It will enormously increase the growth and size of economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Answer

Ans: (a)
People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
Concept :

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is an American animal rights organization based in Norfolk,
Virginia, and led by Ingrid Newkirk, its international president.

The nonprofit corporation claims 6.5 million supporters. Its slogan is “Animals are not ours to experiment on,
eat, wear, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way”.

It focuses on four core issues—opposition to factory farming, fur farming, animal testing, and the use of
animals in entertainment.

It also campaigns for a vegan lifestyle and against eating meat, fishing, the killing of animals regarded
as pests, the keeping of chained backyard dogs, cock fighting, dog fighting, beekeeping, and bullfighting.
Mahendragiri
Mahendragiri, the last Project 17A Frigate, will be launched on 1st September 2023.

The ship is named after a mountain peak in Eastern Ghats located in the state of Orissa.

Project 17A Frigates are follow-ons of the Project 17 Class Frigates (Shivalik Class), with improved stealth
features, advanced weapons and sensors, and platform management systems.

Mahendragiri is a technologically advanced warship and stands as a symbol of India's determination to

embrace its rich naval heritage.

Project 17A ships have been designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau
Frigate Vindhyagiri

Details
Named after the mountain range in Karnataka, Vindhyagiri is the sixth ship of the Project 17A programme.

Vindhyagiri, a technologically advanced frigate, pays tribute to its predecessor, the erstwhile INS Vindhyagiri.

The old Vindhyagiri in its nearly 31 years of service from July 1981 to Jun 2012, had witnessed various challenging
operations and multinational exercises.

The newly christened Vindhyagiri stands as a symbol of India's determination to embrace its rich naval heritage
while propelling itself toward a future of indigenous defence capabilities.
What is Project 17A of the Indian Navy?
Project 17 Alpha frigates (P-17A) were launched by the Indian Navy in 2019.

The project was launched by the defence forces of India to construct a series of stealth guided-missile frigates,
which are currently being constructed by two companies - Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach
Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).

These guided-missile frigates have been constructed with a specific stealth design, which has radar-absorbent
coatings and is low-observable which can make its approach undetectable for the enemies.
The new technology also reduces the infrared signals of the ship.
Under the P17A program, a total of seven ships, with four at MDL and three at GRSE are under construction.

The ships have been named INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, INS Udaygiri, INS Dunagiri, INS Taragiri, INS Vindhyagiri
and INS Mahendragiri after the names of hill ranges in India.
Five P17A Project ships have been launched so far between 2019 and 2022. These were 'Nilgiri', 'Himgiri', 'Udaygiri','Dunagiri' and Taragiri
and the sixth frigate is 'Vindhyagiri'.

The first stealth ship launched under Project 17A was the Nilgiri, which was launched in 2019.

Project 17A ships have been designed in-house by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, the pioneer organisation for all warship design activities.

Aligning with the country's resolute commitment to 'AatmaNirbharta', a substantial 75 percent of the orders for equipment and systems of Project
17A ships are from indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The project will generate employment opportunities for more than 2,000 companies and MSMEs in the country.
Frigates
A frigate is a type of warship.

A frigate is a fairly small ship owned by the navy that can move at fast speeds.

Frigates are often used to protect other ships.

Frigates are larger than Corvettes but smaller than Destroyers.

Frigates are anywhere between 3000 to 5000 tons.

They’re built to be agile and fast, capable of operating independently but also as part of an overall fleet.

Frigates are usually equipped with different weapons, including guns, torpedoes, missiles, and anti-aircraft systems.
Frigates are employed in maritime security operations, for example, anti-piracy patrols and counter-narcotics missions. Their agility and speed
are ideal for chasing smaller vessels, which are more agile, and their weapon systems and sensors enable them to track and detect illicit activity on the sea.
Frigate Vs. Destroyer Vs. Cruiser Vs. Corvette
Frigate: A small, swift, and maneuverable warship mostly used for escorting tasks in anti-submarine warfare.

Destroyer is a fast and powerfully armored warship designed to provide anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defense to larger vessels in the fleet.
A warship with a medium size specifically designed for long-range and autonomous operations, is usually employed for surveillance, patrol, and escort duties.

Corvette: A small, lighter-armed warship designed to perform coast defense and escort functions usually used in anti-submarine warfare and maritime interdiction.
Pulikkali Folk Art of Kerala
Pulikkali (Puli means Leopard/Tiger and Kali means Play in Malayalam) is a recreational street folk art performed on the fourth day of Onam celebrations.

Onam (August–September) is a Hindu rice harvest festival of Kerala celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali.

The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur district of Kerala.

The main theme of this folk art is tiger hunting with participants playing the role of tiger and hunter.

Performers paint their bodies like tigers and hunters and dance on streets to the beats of traditional percussion instruments such as thakil, udukku and chenda.

It was introduced by Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, the then Maharaja of Cochin.

Another key event which takes place during Onam is Aranmula Boat Race, the oldest river boat festival in Kerala.

It takes place at Aranmula in Pampa river, near a Sree Parthasarathy temple in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.
Some Other Art Forms of Kerala:
Ottam Thullal

Talamaddale

Kalaripayattu

Kathakali

Mohiniyattam

Mudiyettu
Namami Gange Programme:
Namami Gange Programme is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as a ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in June
2014 to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution and conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.

It is being operated under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.

The program is being implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

NMCG is the implementation wing of National Ganga Council (set in 2016; which replaced the National Ganga River Basin Authority - NGRBA).

It has a Rs. 20,000-crore, centrally-funded, non-lapsable corpus and consists of nearly 288 projects.

The main pillars of the programme are:

Sewage Treatment Infrastructure

River-Front Development

River-Surface Cleaning

Biodiversity

Afforestation

Public Awareness

Industrial Effluent Monitoring

Ganga Gram

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is the implementation wing of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA).

It is a registered society, originally formed by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on 12th August 2011 under
the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

But now both NGRBA and NMCG have been allocated to the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

The main pillars of the programme include sewerage treatment infrastructure, river-front development, river-surface cleaning, bio-diversity preservation,
afforestation, public awareness industrial effluent monitoring, and Ganga gram.
Ganga Guardians
Ganga Praharis are self-motivated and trained volunteers from among the local communities working for biodiversity conservation and cleanliness
of the Ganga River.

They aim to

Creating awareness about the benefits of a clean and vibrant Ganga and create a sense of belongingness among people towards the Ganga River.

Linking local communities and their livelihoods with the overall efforts of various agencies working for a clean Ganga, and thereby,
creating a convergence point at the grassroots level for such efforts.

Linking local people’s livelihood and well-being with a clean and vibrant Ganga.
Wildlife Institute of India
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate change

It was established in 1982.

It is based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

It offers training programs, academic courses, and advisory in wildlife research and management.

The Ganga River System:

The headwaters of the Ganga called the ‘Bhagirathi’ are fed by the Gangotri Glacier and joined by the Alaknanda at Devprayag in Uttarakhand.

At Haridwar, Ganga emerges from the mountains to the plains.

The Ganga is joined by many tributaries from the Himalayas, a few of them being major rivers such as the Yamuna, the Ghaghara, the Gandak and the Kosi
Credit Rating
A credit rating is a quantified assessment of the creditworthiness of a borrower in general terms or
with respect to a particular debt or financial obligation.

A credit rating can be assigned to any entity that seeks to borrow money—an individual, corporation,
state or provincial authority, or sovereign government.

A rating agency is a company that assesses the financial strength of companies and government entities,
especially their ability to meet principal and interest payments on their debts.

Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) are the big three international
credit rating agencies controlling approximately 95% of global ratings business.
In India, there are six credit rating agencies registered under Securities and Exchange Board of India
(SEBI) namely, CRISIL, ICRA, CARE, SMERA, Fitch India and Brickwork Ratings.

UPSC PYQ - 2022

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. In India credit rating agencies are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.

2. The rating agency popularly known as ICRA is a public limited company.

3. Brickwork Ratings is an Indian credit rating agency.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Answer is B.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Credit Rating Agencies form an essential part of the financial markets. They are regulated by SEBI and not
by RBI under the powers derived from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations, 1999.

Statement 2 is correct: ICRA Limited was set up in 1991 by leading financial/investment institutions, commercial banks and financial services
companies as an independent and professional investment Information and Credit Rating Agency. ICRA is a Public Limited Company,
with its shares listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange.

Statement 3 is correct: Brickwork Ratings (BWR) is a SEBI registered Indian Credit Rating Agency. It has also been accredited by RBI
offers rating services on Bank Loans, NCD, Commercial Paper, Fixed deposits, Securitized paper, Security receipts etc.
Cleaning up Toxic Air
Context :- The noxious mix of vapors in Delhi is shaving off nearly 12 years from a resident’s life expectancy, a global report has estimated,
painting a damning picture of the administrative apathy that led the air to deteriorate year after year, intervening only with stop-gap measures
once it literally gets too difficult to breathe.

The Air Quality Life Index 2023 report of the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) found that Delhi, Noida and Gurugram
were the worst global performers. In India, the northern plains — home to nearly 40% of the population — were found to be the worst performers
with the average resident losing about eight years of life expectancy due to pollution.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is the contamination of air due to the presence of substances in the atmosphere that are harmful to the health of humans
and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or to materials. Some of the common air pollutants are:

Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5): These are tiny solid or liquid particles that are suspended in the air. They can come from natural sources,
such as dust, pollen, and volcanic eruptions, or from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, wood, and waste, or from industrial processes,
such as mining, construction, and agriculture.

PM2.5 is more dangerous than PM10 because it can penetrate deeper into the lungs and bloodstream and cause more health problems.
Ozone (O3): This is a gas that is formed when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air.

Ozone can be beneficial or harmful depending on where it is found in the atmosphere.

In the stratosphere, ozone protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.

However, in the troposphere, it is a pollutant that can cause irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, damage the lungs, and cause respiratory diseases.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): This is a gas that is formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with oxygen in the air.

NOX are emitted from combustion processes, such as motor vehicles, power plants, and industrial boilers.

NO2 can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, and increase the risk of infections and allergies.

NO2 also contributes to the formation of ozone and particulate matter in the air.

Carbon Monoxide (CO): This is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels,
such as gasoline, diesel, coal, wood, and charcoal.

CO can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the organs and tissues of the body, especially the heart and brain.

CO can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, and even death at high levels of exposure.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): This is a gas that is formed when sulfur-containing fuels, such as coal and oil, are burned.

SO2 can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, breathing difficulties, and asthma attacks.

SO2 also reacts with water vapor and other chemicals in the air to form acid rain, which can damage plants, soil , water , and buildings.

Water Vapor: Water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, and it plays a key role in regulating Earth’s climate.

However, water vapor is not a direct pollutant, because it is part of the natural water cycle.

Water vapor becomes a pollutant when it interacts with other greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide and methane, and amplifies their warming effect.

This is called the water vapor feedback loop.

Primary Causes of Air Pollution in India
Vehicular Emissions: Vehicles are one of the major sources of air pollution in India, especially in urban areas. According to a study by the
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), vehicles contribute to 40% of PM2.5 emissions in Delhi, 30% in Mumbai, 28% in Kolkata, and 20% in Bengaluru.

Industrial Chimney Wastes: Industries are another major contributor to air pollution in India, especially in the northern and eastern regions.

According to a report by Greenpeace India, 139 of the 287 coal-based thermal power plants in India violated the emission norms set by the
Ministry of Environment in 2019.

These plants emitted sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, lead, mercury, and VOCs, which can cause acid rain, smog, climate change,
and health problems.

Burning Fossil Fuels: Power plants, factories, and households that use coal, oil, or natural gas as fuel also contribute to air pollution in India
by emitting greenhouse gasses.

According to the World Bank Group, India is the third-largest emitter of CO2 in the world, after China and the United States.

Agricultural Activities: Farming practices such as burning crop residues, using fertilizers and pesticides, and raising livestock also produce air pollution in India.

According to a study by the IIT Delhi, crop burning contributed to 44% of Delhi’s PM2.5 concentration during the peak pollution season in November 2019.

Crop burning also emits smoke, dust, ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide into the air.

These pollutants can affect soil quality, biodiversity, and human health.
Indoor Air Pollution: Cooking with biomass fuels such as wood, dung, or charcoal is another source of air pollution in India, especially in rural areas.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 800 million people in India rely on solid fuels for cooking.

These fuels produce smoke and indoor air pollutants at concentrations five times higher than coal.

These pollutants can cause eye irritation, lung infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and premature deaths.

Burning of Garbage Waste: Many people in India dispose of their household waste by burning it in open spaces. This practice releases toxic chemicals
and dioxins into the air, which can cause cancer and other diseases.

According to a study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), waste burning contributed to 29% of Delhi’s PM10 concentration
during the winter season in 2018.

Waste burning also emits black carbon, which is a short-lived climate pollutant that can accelerate global warming.
Slaughter Industry: The emission of methane from the digestive processes of ruminant animals such as cows and buffaloes is a significant
contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Methane has a global warming potential 28 times higher than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period.

Additionally, the decomposition of animal wastes and carcasses releases pollutants like ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds.

Another concern is the burning of animal wastes and carcasses as a disposal method, which releases particulate matter, carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxides, and other harmful substances into the air.

According to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India’s slaughter industry generates about 2.7 million tonnes
of solid waste and 3.6 billion liters of wastewater per year.

The report also reveals that most slaughterhouses do not have proper waste management systems or pollution control devices,
and often violate environmental norms and regulations.
Challenges in tackling Air Pollution
Weak enforcement and compliance of existing regulations and standards that can prevent or penalize polluting activities.

Inadequate financing and incentives for adopting clean technologies and practices that can reduce emissions from various sectors.

Low awareness and engagement of the public and other stakeholders on the causes, effects and solutions of air pollution.

Lack of capacity and expertise among the relevant institutions and stakeholders that can design, implement and evaluate effective
air pollution policies and programs.

Lack of adaptation and resilience to the changing climatic conditions and extreme weather events that can exacerbate air pollution levels and effects.

Lack of research and innovation that can generate evidence-based solutions and technologies for air pollution mitigation and adaptation.
Clean technologies have evolved rapidly, but financing and regulation lag behind.

Inefficient transportation systems and poor land use patterns.

Presence of many unregulated small-scale industries, such as brick kilns, metal smelters, foundries, tanneries, etc., that operate without proper
environmental permits or controls.
 Way Forward
Vertical forests: Creating skyscrapers covered with vegetation not only helps absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen but also provides
habitat for biodiversity. They can act as natural air purifiers and contribute to the overall aesthetics of the city.

Installing Air Purifiers and Smog Towers: They can filter out airborne particulates and improve air quality. These devices can use various technologies,
such as electrostatic precipitation, activated carbon, or high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, to capture and remove pollutants from the air.

Developing and Promoting Low-Carbon Technologies: Technologies such as solar panels, hydrogen fuel cells or biofuels, wind turbines,
biogas plants and electric vehicles that can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.

These technologies can also provide clean and renewable energy sources, create green jobs, and mitigate climate change.

Urban Green Spaces: Creating urban green spaces such as parks, gardens and rooftops that can improve air quality, reduce heat island
effect and provide recreational benefits. Urban green spaces can also enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon, and improve the aesthetic appeal of the city.

enterprises or start-ups that can provide innovative solutions for air pollution, such as Graviky Labs, Chakr Innovation, HelpUsGreen, etc.

Graviky Labs created Kaalink. By attaching it to generators and fuel tanks, Kaalnik captures pollution and transforms it into usable ink.

Air Purifying Helmets: These are helmets that have a built-in air purifier that can filter out harmful pollutants from the air.
The helmets are designed for bikers who are exposed to high levels of air pollution on the roads. The helmets also have sensors
that can monitor the air quality and alert the user when it is unsafe.

A Delhi-based startup called Shellios is testing a prototype of such a helmet.

Differential Toll Treatment: This is a policy that charges higher toll fees for vehicles that emit more pollutants, such as diesel trucks and old cars.
Differential toll treatment can incentivize drivers to switch to cleaner vehicles or use public transportation, reducing the traffic congestion
and emissions on the roads.

Daily Mains Question

Q- Air pollution has emerged as a critical environmental challenge. Analyze the major causes of air pollution.
Suggest measures that could effectively
mitigate air pollution and ensure a cleaner and healthier environment
for future generations. (250 Words)
Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary:
Location: It is situated in the Kawardha district of Chhattisgarh.

It is named after the famous 11th-century Bhoramdeo Temple situated near the Sanctuary.

It shares a border with Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, making it an important tiger
habitat in central India.

Size: The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 325 square kilometres (125 square miles).

Rivers: This wildlife sanctuary is the origin of the Fen and Sankari rivers.

Landscape: The sanctuary is characterised by its lush green forests, rolling hills, and the Maikal Range
of the Satpura Hills.

Vegetation: It offers a mix of dense forests and open grasslands.

Flora: The main species of plants in the Sanctuary include sal, saja, tinsa, kara and haldu.

Fauna: It is home to a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears,
sambar deer, barking deer, chital (spotted deer), gaur (Indian bison), and various species of birds and reptiles.