31 December 2024: The Hindu Analysis

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 1. Grave new world: human-induced loss of elders threatens various species

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Topic: GS3 – Environment – Conservation – Important species

Context

• This article examines the critical functions of elder animals within ecosystems, underscoring their significance in species survival and conservation efforts.

Importance of Elders in the Animal Kingdom

• Older animals, such as elephant matriarchs and shark grandmothers, play an essential role in guiding their families through various life challenges, imparting invaluable knowledge. The presence of older individuals is crucial across numerous species, particularly in stabilizing social hierarchies and ensuring the transfer of vital survival skills.

Aging in the Wild

• The aging process differs among species; however, older individuals frequently occupy pivotal roles in fostering social stability and facilitating knowledge transfer. Researchers indicate that the decline of elder animals—exacerbated by factors such as habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change—can considerably affect species, notably those with longer lifespans. Elders are instrumental in passing down cultural practices and adaptation strategies. In long-lived species, these individuals are essential for effective knowledge transfer, supportive parental care, and the development of survival strategies in challenging environments.

Examples of Elder Roles in Animal Social Structures

• Elephants: African elephant herds rely significantly on matriarchs— the oldest females—for their survival. Research demonstrates that herds led by elder matriarchs respond more adeptly to threats, such as lion roars. In their absence, younger elephants often struggle to adapt and are at heightened risk of conflicts with humans.
• Orcas: Mature female orcas experience menopause, allowing them to assist in the upbringing of their daughters’ calves. This behavior, referred to as the grandmother hypothesis, plays a vital role in orca population survival, as older females aid young orcas in locating feeding grounds and safeguarding them from predators.

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Impact of Human Activities on Elders

• Human-induced changes, including climate change and habitat destruction, jeopardize elder animals, which leads to cascading consequences for the social structures and behaviors of species. In cases involving elephants and orcas, the loss of elder members disrupts social stability, complicating the ability of younger individuals to flourish and heightening their stress and vulnerability levels.

Longevity Conservation Paradigm

• The article introduces the longevity conservation paradigm, which emphasizes the need to protect older individuals as part of species conservation strategies. Preserving age structures is vital for long-lived species that depend on these individuals for reproduction, migration, and the cultural transmission of knowledge. This approach is particularly indispensable for species in dynamic environments—such as certain fish and reptiles—where older individuals significantly contribute to reproductive success and overall survival.

Challenges in Implementing Conservation Strategies

• Implementing longevity conservation strategies presents significant challenges, particularly in multi-species fisheries such as those in India, where various species exhibit differing growth rates and require distinct management approaches. Targeting specific species or age groups with fishing gear remains a complex task.
• Despite the advantages of conserving elder individuals, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has yet to adopt the loss of older animals as a primary criterion for classifying species as threatened.

Conclusion

• The protection of mature animals is vital for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring ecosystem stability. Their accumulated knowledge, experience, and roles within social structures are essential for the survival of species, especially amid environmental changes and human impacts. While strategies such as age-based fisheries management show promise for conservation efforts, considerable obstacles persist in their implementation.

Practice Question: Analyze the importance of older individuals in the survival of animal species and discuss the obstacles encountered in executing longevity conservation strategies. (150 Words / 10 marks)

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2. Unconventional methods like AI-based warfare a big challenge, says Rajnath

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Topic: GS3 – Internal Security

Context

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has highlighted the escalating challenges associated with unconventional warfare methodologies, notably those involving Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber attacks, and advanced conflict techniques.

Types of Emerging Threats

• AI-Based Warfare: The integration of AI into military operations enhances decision-making and automation, potentially surpassing conventional warfare strategies. The deployment of autonomous weapons also adds layers of complexity and unpredictability to the battlefield.
• Cyber Attacks: The increasing dependence on digital infrastructure exposes military systems to cyber vulnerabilities. Such attacks threaten to disrupt command and control processes, intelligence systems, and critical operational frameworks.
• Information Warfare: The manipulation of public opinion through misinformation campaigns poses significant risks, destabilizing societies and emphasizing the importance of controlling information in contemporary conflicts.
• Electromagnetic Warfare: The use of electromagnetic fields to neutralize enemy communication and radar capabilities is emerging as a novel tactical approach.
• Space Warfare: The militarization of space introduces new vulnerabilities, as satellite systems become targets for both cyber and physical assaults.
• Proxy Warfare: This strategy involves employing non-state actors to further national interests, complicating the attribution of hostile actions.

Challenges in Combating New Threats

• The rapid evolution of various threats necessitates swift adaptation, compelling militaries to integrate cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), for effective countermeasures. Traditional defense systems and training approaches may no longer suffice in addressing these advanced threats, thereby requiring a thorough reassessment of defense strategies and tactics. In particular, cybersecurity demands continuous innovation and vigilance to safeguard against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

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India’s Response to Emerging Threats

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has underscored the significance of mastering frontier technologies to effectively navigate these evolving challenges. The government is committed to enhancing military training programs, with a specific focus on areas such as AI, communication technology, and leadership development. Training centers, notably those in Mhow Cantonment, are updating their curricula to prepare soldiers for modern warfare challenges. India's defense exports have seen a notable increase, with a target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029, reflecting the nation’s growing capabilities in advanced defense technology.

Way Forward: Strengthening Defence and Preparedness

• Invest in AI Research: Continued investments in AI research are essential for developing innovative technologies and techniques to counter AI-driven threats.
• Develop AI-Powered Defenses: It is crucial to create AI-powered defenses, such as machine learning-based intrusion detection systems, to effectively detect and respond to advanced threats.
• Promote International Cooperation: Strengthening international cooperation is vital for sharing information and best practices in the fight against AI-driven threats.
• Develop Ethical Guidelines: Establishing ethical guidelines for the application of AI in cybersecurity is necessary to ensure responsible use of these technologies.

Conclusion

• The emergence of unconventional warfare methods presents significant challenges for national security. India must prioritize advancements in frontier technologies, particularly AI and cyber defense. A comprehensive strategy is essential for ensuring future readiness.

PYQ: Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Force” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2015)

Practice Question: Unconventional warfare methods such as AI-based warfare, cyber attacks, and space warfare are emerging as significant security threats. Discuss the challenges posed by these threats and suggest a way forward for India to strengthen its defence capabilities. (250 Words /15 marks)

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3. H-1B Visa Debate: Divisions Emerge Among Trump Supporters Over Skilled Immigration

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 18)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

• This article delves into the contentious discourse among supporters of Donald Trump regarding the H-1B visa program.

Analysis of the news:

Controversy Over H-1B Visas in the US

• The issue of skilled immigration, particularly the H-1B visa program, has re-emerged as a point of contention among the American political right, spurred by the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, born in Chennai, as Donald Trump's AI advisor. While figures such as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy advocate for the program, others within Trump’s fervently anti-immigration faction critique it for allegedly threatening American workers, highlighting fractures among his supporters.

Immigration: A Polarizing Issue

• Immigration continues to be a divisive subject in the United States, with tensions escalating during electoral periods. Historically, anti-immigration sentiment has focused on low-skilled migrants, accusing them of suppressing wages and jeopardizing job security. However, similar arguments are now being directed at skilled workers in the technology sector. This evolution underscores wider concerns related to economic challenges such as unemployment, inflation, and housing crises.

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Overview of the H-1B Visa Program

• The H-1B visa program, established in 1990, permits US employers to recruit foreign professionals for specialized positions that necessitate advanced skills. It features an annual cap of 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 allocated for candidates with advanced degrees. Certain research institutions and scenarios of ongoing employment are exempt from these caps, resulting in significantly higher approval rates. In 2023, over 385,000 petitions were approved, with Indian nationals comprising more than 70% of the recipients.

Criticisms of the H-1B Program

• Critics, particularly from nativist groups, contend that the H-1B program facilitates the exploitation of foreign workers by tech companies aiming to reduce wage costs, which they argue compromises American talent. Data indicates that nearly 70% of Indian H-1B visa holders earn less than $100,000 annually, a figure below the median salary of $104,420 within the US IT sector. Opponents assert that the program prioritizes financial savings over addressing legitimate skill shortages, while industry leaders counter this by emphasizing salary levels driven by market forces and the global shortage of STEM talent.

Calls for Reform

• Supporters, including notable figures like Elon Musk, recognize the shortcomings of the H-1B visa system and advocate for reforms such as elevating the minimum salary requirements and increasing the financial burden on employers seeking to hire foreign talent. Advocates emphasize the program's crucial role in addressing the United States' skills gap, particularly in STEM disciplines, where countries like China and India are significantly producing more graduates.

Conclusion

• The ongoing debate surrounding the H-1B visa program highlights the intricate relationship between economic interests, political narratives, and the dynamics of global talent. While proposed reforms aim to rectify genuine concerns, the program remains vital for maintaining the United States' competitive advantage in innovation and technology.

PYQ: ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2020)

Practice Question: The H-1B visa program is pivotal in meeting the skilled labor demands of the United States, particularly in the technology and engineering sectors. It facilitates the influx of talent that addresses critical shortages while enhancing the nation's global competitiveness. (150 Words /10 marks)

Prelims Facts

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1. NASA probe flies closer to the sun than any spacecraft

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Context

• On December 24, NASA's Parker Solar Probe achieved a remarkable milestone by getting closer to the Sun than any previous spacecraft. It reached an impressive distance of 6.1 million kilometers from the solar surface, withstanding temperatures exceeding 930°C thanks to its advanced heat shield.

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe:

Overview

• The Parker Solar Probe is a cutting-edge NASA spacecraft specifically designed for solar research. Launched on August 12, 2018, it is engaged in a seven-year mission aimed at achieving unprecedented proximity to the Sun.

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Mission Objectives

• The primary objective of the mission is to investigate the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona, and examine its dynamic behavior. Additionally, the probe endeavors to uncover the sources of solar wind and to comprehend the impacts of solar storms, such as coronal mass ejections, on Earth. A key question the probe aims to answer is why the corona is significantly hotter than the Sun's surface.

Heat Shield Technology

• To withstand the extreme temperatures encountered during its journey, the spacecraft is outfitted with a specialized heat shield. This shield ensures that the instruments aboard the probe remain at approximately room temperature (around 29°C), despite the relentless heat of over 930°C from the Sun.

Future Milestones

• The Parker Solar Probe is set to conduct multiple close passes to collect further data, with notable flybys planned for 2025.

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2. Fishing Cat Collaring Project

Context

• The Wildlife Institute of India, based in Dehradun, is preparing to initiate India’s inaugural Fishing Cat Collaring Project at the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Analysis of the news:

India’s First Fishing Cat Collaring Project:

• The Wildlife Institute of India is taking a significant step by launching the country’s first Fishing Cat Collaring Project, which is part of the ongoing second fishing cat census. This three-year initiative is designed to provide comprehensive insights into the species' home range, behavioral patterns, habitat preferences, feeding habits, and spatial usage.

Fishing Cats

Scientific Name: Prionailurus viverrinus.

Description:

• The fishing cat is notably larger than the average domestic cat, being approximately twice its size. This species is primarily nocturnal, exhibiting activity during nighttime hours, and feeds on a varied diet that includes fish, frogs, crustaceans, snakes, birds, as well as scavenged remains from larger animals. Notably, fishing cats can breed throughout the year. They predominantly inhabit densely vegetated areas in proximity to water bodies, showcasing remarkable swimming capabilities.

Habitat:

• Fishing cats have a disbursed distribution along the Eastern Ghats, thriving in estuarine floodplains, tidal mangrove forests, and inland freshwater regions. Significant populations are found in the Sundarbans of West Bengal and Bangladesh, as well as in the Chilika lagoon and adjacent wetlands in Odisha, and the Coringa and Krishna mangroves in Andhra Pradesh.

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Threats:

• The primary threat to fishing cats is the degradation of wetlands, their preferred habitat. Additionally, the expansion of shrimp farming poses a growing risk to the mangrove ecosystems that support this species. Hunting for meat and skin, particularly through ritual practices by tribal hunters, along with occasional poaching for their skins, further endangers their population.

Protection Status:

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix II
• Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Covering an area of 235 square kilometers, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) stands as India's second-largest mangrove habitat, serving as a crucial refuge for the endangered fishing cat. Located within the Godavari estuary, the sanctuary is situated at the confluence of the Coringa River and the Bay of Bengal in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary in the Krishna estuarine forest area provides another habitat for the fishing cat.