Anthropocene
Syllabus: GS1/Physical Geography; Important Geophysical Phenomena
Context
- Recently, a committee of scientists voted down a proposal to declare the start of the Anthropocene (or the Human Epoch) in geologic time.
About Anthropocene Epoch
- It was coined in 2000 by scientists Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer, and is proposed as a new geological epoch to reflect the significant alterations to the planet caused by human activities.
- The term is derived from the Greek words ‘anthropo’ meaning ‘human’ and ‘-cene’ used in names of geological epochs.
The Proposed ‘Human Epoch’
- The Holocene epoch began some 11,700 years ago, at the end of the Last Glacial Period (LGP).
- During the LGP, up to 25% of the Earth’s land surface was covered by glaciers, the mean sea level was up to 400 feet lower, and the average temperature fell to 8°C.
- It saw the warming of the Earth, which closely corresponded with the rise and proliferation of human beings.
- While Homo sapiens as a species had evolved well before the Holocene began, all of humanity’s recorded history falls in this epoch.
- The effects of human activities on Earth can be seen in biodiversity loss, climate change, and other significant changes to Earth’s geology, landscape, limnology, ecosystems, and climate.
- The recent proposal was aimed to establish the Anthropocene as a distinct epoch in geologic time, marking a transformative period for Earth as a result of human activity.
- It is argued that evidence of human activity is unmissable and possibly indelible, from the peak of Mount Everest to the depths of the Mariana Trench.
The Debate Over the Start of the Anthropocene
- Various start dates for the Anthropocene have been proposed, ranging from the beginning of the Neolithic Revolution (12,000–15,000 years ago), to as recently as the 1960s.
- Some proponents of naming a new epoch suggest the Industrial Revolution, when humans started burning fossil fuels and emitting greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, marked the Anthropocene’s beginnings.
- Others argue it started in the 1950s when humanity’s impact on the planet began to surge.
What is the Controversy?
- The former head of the Anthropocene Working Group and current chair of the Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy, has demanded the result of the vote be disregarded due to ‘serious violations’ of the statutes.
- The Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy (SQS) voted 12 to 4 against the proposal, with two abstentions.
- The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) committee determined that adding an Anthropocene epoch — and terminating the Holocene — was not supported by the standards used to define epochs according to chronostratigraphy.
The Vote Against the Anthropocene
- Despite the widespread use of the term, the IUGS has not officially recognized the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch, and terminating the Holocene — was not supported by the standards used to define epochs according to chronostratigraphy.
- The committee determined that adding an Anthropocene epoch — and terminating the Holocene — was not supported by the standards used to define epochs according to chronostratigraphy.
The Implications
- Despite the down vote, the concept of the Anthropocene as a transformative time for Earth as a result of human activity remains relevant.
- The Anthropocene concept has already been established in popular culture and is even being used as a warning flag by environmental organisations.
Conclusion
- The debate over the Anthropocene highlights the complexities involved in defining geological epochs.
- While the proposal to declare the start of the Anthropocene was voted down, the concept continues to hold relevance in discussions about human impact on the planet.
IndiaAI Mission
Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology
In Context
- The Union Cabinet approved the IndiaAI Mission for the next five years.
About
- The Mission will be implemented by ‘IndiaAI’ Independent Business Division (IBD) under Digital India Corporation (DIC).
- The IndiaAI mission will establish a comprehensive ecosystem catalyzing AI innovation through strategic programs and partnerships across the public and private sectors.
Key Features of IndiaAI Mission
- IndiaAI Compute Capacity: The ecosystem will comprise AI compute infrastructure of 10,000 or more Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), built through public-private partnership.
- Further, an AI marketplace will be designed to offer AI as a service and pre-trained models to AI innovators.
- It will act as a one-stop solution for resources critical for AI innovation.
- IndiaAI Innovation Centre: It will undertake the development and deployment of indigenous Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and domain-specific foundational models in critical sectors.
- IndiaAI Datasets Platform: The Platform will streamline access to quality non-personal datasets for AI Innovation.
- A unified data platform will be developed to provide a one-stop solution for seamless access to non-personal datasets to Indian Startups and Researchers.
- IndiaAI Application Development Initiative: The initiative will focus on developing/scaling/promoting adoption of impactful AI solutions with potential for catalyzing large scale socio-economic transformation.
- IndiaAI FutureSkills: It is conceptualized to mitigate barriers to entry into AI programs and will increase AI courses in undergraduate, masters-level, and Ph.D. programs.
- IndiaAI Startup Financing: It is conceptualized to support and accelerate deep-tech AI startups and provide them streamlined access to funding to enable futuristic AI Projects.
- Safe & Trusted AI: The Safe & Trusted AI pillar will enable the implementation of Responsible AI projects including the development of indigenous tools and frameworks, self-assessment checklists for innovators, and other guidelines and governance frameworks.
Significance
- The approved IndiaAI Mission will propel innovation and build domestic capacities to ensure the tech sovereignty of India.
- It will also create highly skilled employment opportunities to harness the demographic dividend of the country.
- It will drive responsible, inclusive growth of India’s AI ecosystem.
- IndiaAI Mission will help India demonstrate to the world how this transformative technology can be used for social good and enhance its global competitiveness.
Aadhaar Seeding with voter ID
Syllabus: GS2/Governance & Polity
In Context
- Recently a writ petition in the Supreme Court was filed against offering only two choices during the Electoral process: either provide the Aadhaar number or declare that individual doesn’t have an Aadhaar number.
About
- The Election Commission had proposed to the Government to amend the Representation of the People Act, 1950 to remove the requirement of a “sufficient cause” for not providing Aadhaar.
- Opting for the declaration potentially meant that electors who did not want to give their Aadhaar details would have to make a false declaration of not having an Aadhaar card, which is an offence punishable under the RP Act, 1950.
What is Aadhaar?
- Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique-identity number issued to all Indian residents based on their biometric and demographic data.
- The data is collected by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is a statutory authority established in 2016.
Concerns
- Data Security: There have been instances of data breaches and reports of Aadhaar details being leaked or misused, raising questions about the safeguard of the sensitive information.
- Inclusion Errors: There have been cases of exclusion from government services due to errors in Aadhaar data or authentication failures.
- Mandatory Usage: Aadhaar has been made mandatory for various services and schemes, which some view as an infringement on individual privacy rights.
- Linkage with Other Databases: Aadhaar is often linked with other databases and services, raising concerns about the aggregation of personal data and the potential for misuse or unauthorized access.
Aadhaar in the Light of Right to Privacy
- In 2017, the Supreme Court delivered a historic judgment in the case of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India, affirming that the right to privacy is indeed a fundamental right under the Article 21 of the Constitution.
- This judgment laid down the foundation for assessing the constitutionality of Aadhaar in light of privacy concerns.
- Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, there was increased scrutiny of the Aadhaar project’s compliance with privacy principles.
- The Supreme Court, in its subsequent judgments, imposed limitations on the mandatory use of Aadhaar for various services.
- The court emphasized the importance of protecting biometric data, stating that any unauthorized use or storage of biometric information would violate privacy rights.
- While the government initially pushed for Aadhaar to be mandatory for numerous services, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that Aadhaar enrollment must be voluntary.
Way Ahead
- Despite these concerns, Aadhaar has helped in streamlining government services, reducing corruption, and promoting financial inclusion.
- However, addressing privacy and security issues remains crucial to ensure that Aadhaar is used responsibly and respects individuals’ rights to privacy and data protection.
