GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Context:

As after the disruptive climatic disaster, Cyclone Michaung, the preparedness is must to get noticed and alone its intensity was not responsible for Chennai’s troubles.

Chennai's Cyclone Calamity

• Nature and Blame:Cyclone Michaung struck Chennai, causing heavy rain and exposing vulnerabilities.Attributing blame solely to nature oversimplifies, overlooking human factors in infrastructure and preparedness.
• Fragile Power Infrastructure:Inadequate investment over years reflected in fallen trees, waterlogged roads, and choked storm water drains. Immediate consequences included canceled trains, closed airports, and stranded citizens, emphasizing the need for robust systems.
• Urgency in Development:Climate change's role in Cyclone Michaung's intensity necessitates urgent, comprehensive infrastructure development.Unplanned construction, zoning violations, and public indiscipline hindered effective storm response.

Climate Realities

• Climate Change Nexus:While attribution science determines climate change impact, a link between warmer seas and stronger cyclones is evident.Urgency in addressing climate realities and civic responsibilities is crucial for resilient, responsive cities.
• Infrastructure Challenges:Public indiscipline, notably littering, contributes to infrastructure challenges, demanding immediate attention and rectification.
• Faster Progress Needed: Civic responsibility, faster development, and climate-conscious planning are essential for Chennai's future resilience against natural calamities.

Post-Cyclone Initiatives:

• Social Inequities and Disaster Response:Lessons from 2015 underscore the necessity to rectify long-standing social issues for comprehensive disaster preparedness.Fair treatment of sanitation workers is posited as a crucial societal change for Chennai's resilience and responsiveness.
• Learning from Oversights:Chennai must rectify past mistakes, ensuring equitable treatment and support for all, especially those on the front lines.
• Toward Proactive Disaster Response:Beyond reactive measures, Chennai must prioritize proactive initiatives, beginning with fair treatment for sanitation workers.A shift towards social inclusivity and equitable treatment is imperative for Chennai to build a resilient and responsive future.

Context:

The parallels between AI and nuclear history, emphasizes towards geopolitical challenges and India's strategic positioning.

Nuclear Experience and AI:

• Complex Nexus: The Global AI discussions echo nuclear history, emphasizing lessons learned.
• Arising concerns: Both revolutions prompt geopolitical concerns and demand nuanced global governance.
• AI in line like Nuclear Energy: AI's transformative potential distinguishes it from nuclear technology, necessitating nuanced approaches to global challenges.

Challenges in AI Governance:

• Creates geopolitical dilemma: AI governance replicates historical challenges, including geopolitical rivalries and technology misuse.
• Calls for military AI bans parallel historical disarmament demands, yet rapid AI progress persists.
• Growing interest in "arms control" agreements, notably between the US and China, highlights the need for collaborative international frameworks.

Lessons for India from Nuclear History:

• Time to Rethink: India's nuclear history yields valuable lessons for navigating AI complexities.
• Disarmament idealism's contrast with the need for proactive AI engagement.
• Widening scope: Building on US-India AI partnerships is crucial for India's global positioning; avoiding technological exceptionalism is imperative.

Context:

The leaders of the market economy should be educated to adopt welfarist measures for the worst-off social groups, in turn making them integral to economic development.

Historical Background:

• Current Demand: Modern democracy aims at social harmony and dignity for all.
• Post-colonial idea: Ambedkar's ideals envisioned Dalits and Adivasis as equal stakeholders’ post-colonial India.
• Timeline for development: Neo-liberal development, however, has derailed traditional support for marginalized communities.

Current Challenges:

• Elitism approach: Social elites dominate, holding authoritative positions.
• Lack of authority:Despite claims of social justice policies, marginalized groups have a tokenistic presence in power and privileges.
• Addressing problems for marginalized: Ambedkar's principles demand a more responsible market and effective social justice policies for Dalits and Adivasis.

Reviving Ambedkar's Social Justice:

• Neo-liberal economy lacks ethical values, distancing from social responsibilities.
• Reforms needed to integrate Dalits and Adivasis into the new economic order.
• Way forward:Social justice policies should democratize working classes, reduce poverty, and elevate marginalized groups' stature in capitalism.