Brief Summary
This session of the Daily Hindu News Analysis covers six important articles, encompassing approximately ten topics, to provide a comprehensive understanding of current events. The discussion includes an analysis of "Engle's Pause" in the context of AI, the preventability of stampedes, the international day of awareness of food loss and waste, the rising incidence of heart disease among young adults in India, and India's interactions with the Global South at the UNGA summit.
- Economic paradox "Engle's Pause" and its relevance in the age of AI.
- Preventable nature of stampedes and the importance of accountability.
- Global food loss and waste, and the need for sustainable practices.
- Rising cases of heart diseases among young adults in India and preventive measures.
- India's space mission, Astrosat, and its achievements.
- India's interactions with Global South countries at the UNGA summit and key multilateral forums.
Introduction
The session begins with a welcome and an overview of the topics to be discussed from The Hindu newspaper. An announcement is made regarding an extension of the Shiksha Mahotsav offer from Unacademy, providing a discount on online classes and additional benefits for enrollment before September 30, using the code "IAS English". The PDF of the session will be shared on the official Telegram channel.
Engle's Pause: AI and Economic Paradox
The article discusses "Engle's Pause," an economic paradox named after Friedrich Engels, observed during the Industrial Revolution. Economist Robert Allen coined the term to describe a period in the early 1800s when industrial growth in Europe, particularly in Britain, did not translate into improved wages or living standards for the working class. The benefits largely accrued to the capitalist class, increasing income inequality. The writer suggests that the current AI-driven economic development might lead to a similar phase, where productivity and profits increase, but the working class does not benefit proportionally.
AI's Impact on Inequality
The discussion continues with the potential impact of AI on global inequality, referencing predictions from AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton that AI could exacerbate the divide between the rich and the poor. A PWC report estimates that AI could create a $5 trillion economy by 2030, but the gains may be concentrated in a few powerful countries and corporations. A Stanford University study indicates that AI adoption is increasing productivity, but job creation and wages are remaining stagnant, leading to potential job losses.
Counterarguments and Balanced View on AI
A counterargument is presented, noting that governance and policymaking today are better equipped to ensure that the benefits of growth trickle down to the lower classes, unlike during the Industrial Revolution. General-purpose technologies like steam, electricity, computers, and the internet have revolutionized the global economy. AI is identified as a transformative general-purpose technology that can improve productivity and efficiency, but proactive government policies are needed to minimize potential damage and ensure welfare.
Mains Practice Question: Engle's Pause and AI
A mains practice question is presented: "An angel's pause in the modern AI economy might be shorter than its historical counterpart if policy aligns with innovation. Analyze." The suggested approach includes explaining Engle's Pause, its historical context, its applicability to the AI-driven world, and reasons why the impact might be shorter. The introduction should discuss the transformative potential of AI, the body should explain Engle's Pause and the challenges created by AI, and the conclusion should be optimistic, highlighting the way forward with examples from the Indian context.
Stampedes: A Preventable Disaster
The discussion shifts to stampedes, emphasizing that they are preventable disasters caused by inadequate planning and precautions. Recent incidents in Tamil Nadu and Bengaluru are cited, highlighting the lack of accountability for the loss of lives. The primary responsibility for crowd safety lies with the event organizer, who must obtain necessary approvals and ensure the venue can accommodate the anticipated crowd.
Preventive Measures and Accountability for Stampedes
Preventive measures include following standard operating protocols (SOPs), planning entry and exit points, monitoring crowds with CCTV cameras and drones, and setting up control rooms. Emergency services must be on standby, and spaces should be well-ventilated. The lack of adherence to these measures in recent tragedies is noted, and the need for better enforcement of SOPs and criminal laws is emphasized.
Mains Practice Question: Stampedes
A mains practice question is presented: "Stampedes are an avoidable disaster. Examine the statement and discuss the measures needed to prevent such tragedies." The suggested approach includes providing examples of past incidents, explaining why stampedes are preventable, identifying who should be held accountable, outlining standard protocols, and suggesting a way forward. The answer should be approached from a disaster management perspective, focusing on planning, preparedness, emergency relief, and recovery.
International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Food Waste
September 29 is marked as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Food Waste. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one-third of the food produced globally is wasted, a significant concern given widespread hunger and malnutrition. The inefficiencies in managing food, especially post-harvest, contribute to this wastage. Fruits and vegetables are the most wasted commodities due to their low shelf life.
Sustainable Development Goals and Measures to Reduce Food Waste
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, particularly target 12.3.1, aims to reduce food loss and waste by more than 50%. Measures to achieve this include improving warehousing facilities, providing cold storage, strengthening the backend supply chain, and promoting food processing industries. Creating a circular economy by channeling excess food to charitable organizations and community kitchens is also essential.
Government Initiatives and Citizen Awareness for Food Waste Reduction
Government intervention, such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sampada Yojana, supports agro-marine processing centers. Citizen awareness is crucial to promote a circular economy and minimize food waste. The FAO has released a food loss app to estimate food wastage in the supply chain, aiding policymakers in better planning.
Rising Incidence of Heart Disease Among Young Adults in India
An article by Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, founder of Apollo Hospitals, discusses the rising incidence of heart disease among young adults in India, particularly those aged 20 to 40. Lifestyle-related factors, such as lack of sleep, stress, poor diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle, are significant contributors. Genetic factors have been overtaken by lifestyle factors as primary risk factors.
Preventive Measures and Diagnosis for Heart Disease
Dr. Reddy suggests that the government should work with the healthcare industry to spread awareness about non-communicable diseases like coronary heart disease and improve diagnosis. CT cardio angiography, which provides 3D imaging of the heart, should be made more accessible and affordable. Improving lifestyle factors, such as exercise, diet, and stress management, is also essential.
Astrosat: India's First Space Observatory
Astrosat, India's first space observatory launched in 2015, has completed a decade of successful operation. The mission, initially designed for five years, carries five unique payloads to observe the cosmos using electromagnetic waves, including visible light, UV radiation, and X-rays. Astrosat has made significant discoveries, including observations of black holes and distant galaxies.
India and the Global South at the UNGA Summit
India has been interacting with developing countries from the Global South at the ongoing UN General Assembly (UNGA) summit. The discussion references important groupings and multilateral forums, including IPSA (India, South Africa, and Brazil), a trilateral grouping focused on South-South collaboration. Other communities mentioned include the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Central American Integration System (SICA), the Forum for India Pacific Island Countries Cooperation (FIPIC), and the C10, a developmental grouping of 10 African countries.
