Social Issues: Understanding the Changing Face of Extremist Violence
Why in News?
The evolving nature of extremist violence globally, particularly in the wake of events such as the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, has overshadowed other forms of violence. However, the changing dynamics of extremism—especially the rise of right-wing extremism—remain crucial issues for law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Key Shifts in Extremist Violence
- Global Context: The rise of right-wing extremism, fueled by political shifts in Europe and heightened by the challenges of disinformation, has become more prominent in recent years. This has led to an increased number of right-wing terror groups and radicalized individuals.
- Post-Independence India: Historically, India has dealt with a variety of extremist movements, particularly post-Independence. These included:
- Communal Violence: Communal riots and the rise of communist insurgencies in the early years following independence.
- Naxalite Movement: Left-wing extremism (Naxalism) in India emerged as a significant concern, with ideologies still having influence despite setbacks.
- Shift to Right-Wing Extremism: Globally, left-wing ideologies have given way to the rise of right-wing extremism, which has found resonance particularly in European countries such as Germany and France. The polarizing political climate and the erosion of trust in liberal values have contributed to the mainstreaming of far-right ideas.
Factors Contributing to the Shift
- Globalization of Right-Wing Extremism: This includes the rise of nationalist movements in the West, the spread of misinformation, and the manipulation of social media to radicalize young populations.
- Impact of Terrorist Movements: Groups like the Islamic State (ISIS) have had a significant impact, shifting the global focus towards Jihadist ideologies and further exacerbating security concerns across the globe.
Key Implications
- Increased Vigilance Needed: The current global security environment demands heightened attention to evolving threats from both left-wing and right-wing extremist groups.
- Shifting Law Enforcement Focus: As the nature of extremist violence shifts, law enforcement agencies must reconfigure their strategies to address the growing right-wing extremist threat.
Implications for India
- India, too, has seen a rise in concerns related to both right-wing and Islamist extremist groups. These include the Popular Front of India (PFI) and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), which have been accused of fostering radical elements.
- The increasing polarization within Indian society necessitates a balanced approach to security measures, taking into account both the rights of individuals and the imperative of national security.
Key Trends in Extremist Violence
| Trend | Description |
|---|---|
| Rise of Right-Wing Extremism | Political shifts in Europe, nationalism, and the mainstreaming of far-right ideas. |
| Disinformation | Misinformation exacerbates radicalization, particularly through social media. |
| Impact of ISIS | The rise of ISIS globally shifted focus to Jihadist ideology and violence. |
| Challenges in India | India faces challenges from both Islamist and right-wing extremist factions. |
Questions:
Discuss the global shift from left-wing to right-wing extremist ideologies and its implications for international security.
Source:
The Hindu
Science & Technology: Democratising AI Needs a Radically Different Approach
Why in News?
The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the increasing dominance of Big Tech companies have raised concerns about the control these companies have over AI development. As nations like India strive to democratize AI, their efforts face significant hurdles due to the overwhelming computational costs and monopolistic tendencies of Big Tech. While some initiatives focus on developing alternative infrastructures and data-sharing models, a fundamentally different approach is needed to decentralize AI. This shift involves prioritizing smaller, purpose-driven AI models, guided by theory-driven methodologies, rather than relying on the overwhelming dominance of Big Tech’s deep learning models and vast data reservoirs.
Key Challenges of Big Tech Dominance in AI:
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Computational Costs | Training deep learning models is highly expensive, with advanced models like Gemini Ultra costing approximately $200 million to train. This makes it difficult for smaller players to compete. |
| Dependence on Big Tech | Due to the computational costs, any new entrant into the AI space is often reliant on Big Tech companies for compute resources, thus entrenching their dominance. |
| Monopolistic Data Access | Big Tech companies have exclusive access to vast data streams across various sectors, creating an insurmountable competitive advantage over smaller AI players. |
| Lack of Competition in Infrastructure | While India and other countries are investing in public compute infrastructure, the offerings are not yet competitive with the comprehensive tools and services provided by Big Tech. |
| Concentration of Research Power | Big Tech’s dominance in AI has led to a reduced role for academic research in AI development, with industry players driving much of the innovation and setting the direction of research. |
Proposed Solutions for Democratising AI:
- Building Sovereign Cloud Infrastructure: India, and other countries, are making investments in sovereign cloud infrastructure to reduce reliance on Big Tech and promote local AI development.
- Open Data Platforms: Public data initiatives aim to democratize access to data, although they are often vulnerable to being captured by well-resourced Big Tech companies.
- Support for Local Start-ups: By fostering local AI start-ups, governments aim to increase innovation and competition in AI development, moving away from Big Tech monopolies.
- Adopting a “Small AI” Model: A radical shift from Big Data-driven models to smaller, theory-driven AI models is necessary. These models would focus on domain expertise and lived experience, rather than just large volumes of data.
Theory of Change in AI Development:
- Purpose-Driven AI Models: The focus should be on creating AI models that are grounded in solving specific problems, guided by a clear theory of change. This approach emphasizes hypothesis testing and rigorous scientific methods over the sheer volume of data.
- Smaller Models with Local Expertise: The AI models should be smaller in scope and reflect the needs of the local community, with data collection tailored to test and refine these models.
- Learning from Historical Models: Just like advances in medicine and aviation were driven by scientific theories and hypothesis-driven research, AI development should prioritize problem-solving and scientific rigor over the accumulation of massive data sets.
Missed Opportunities and Urgent Change:
The Global Development Compact signed recently highlights the importance of democratizing AI, but it fails to break free from the paradigm of building large data sets and computational power as the key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This view only strengthens the position of Big Tech rather than challenging it.
Social Issues: Understanding the Changing Face of Extremist Violence
Why in News?
The evolving nature of extremist violence globally, particularly in the wake of events such as the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, has overshadowed other forms of violence. However, the changing dynamics of extremism—especially the rise of right-wing extremism—remain crucial issues for law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Key Shifts in Extremist Violence
- Global Context: The rise of right-wing extremism, fueled by political shifts in Europe and heightened by the challenges of disinformation, has become more prominent in recent years. This has led to an increased number of right-wing terror groups and radicalized individuals.
- Post-Independence India: Historically, India has dealt with a variety of extremist movements, particularly post-Independence. These included:
- Communal Violence: Communal riots and the rise of communist insurgencies in the early years following independence.
- Naxalite Movement: Left-wing extremism (Naxalism) in India emerged as a significant concern, with ideologies still having influence despite setbacks.
- Shift to Right-Wing Extremism: Globally, left-wing ideologies have given way to the rise of right-wing extremism, which has found resonance particularly in European countries such as Germany and France. The polarizing political climate and the erosion of trust in liberal values have contributed to the mainstreaming of far-right ideas.
Factors Contributing to the Shift
- Globalization of Right-Wing Extremism: This includes the rise of nationalist movements in the West, the spread of misinformation, and the manipulation of social media to radicalize young populations.
- Impact of Terrorist Movements: Groups like the Islamic State (ISIS) have had a significant impact, shifting the global focus towards Jihadist ideologies and further exacerbating security concerns across the globe.
Key Implications
- Increased Vigilance Needed: The current global security environment demands heightened attention to evolving threats from both left-wing and right-wing extremist groups.
- Shifting Law Enforcement Focus: As the nature of extremist violence shifts, law enforcement agencies must reconfigure their strategies to address the growing right-wing extremist threat.
Implications for India
- India, too, has seen a rise in concerns related to both right-wing and Islamist extremist groups. These include the Popular Front of India (PFI) and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), which have been accused of fostering radical elements.
- The increasing polarization within Indian society necessitates a balanced approach to security measures, taking into account both the rights of individuals and the imperative of national security.
Key Trends in Extremist Violence
| Trend | Description |
|---|---|
| Rise of Right-Wing Extremism | Political shifts in Europe, nationalism, and the mainstreaming of far-right ideas. |
| Disinformation | Misinformation exacerbates radicalization, particularly through social media. |
| Impact of ISIS | The rise of ISIS globally shifted focus to Jihadist ideology and violence. |
| Challenges in India | India faces challenges from both Islamist and right-wing extremist factions. |
Questions
Discuss the global shift from left-wing to right-wing extremist ideologies and its implications for international security.
Source: The Hindu
Science & Technology: Democratising AI Needs a Radically Different Approach
Why in News?
The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the increasing dominance of Big Tech companies have raised concerns about the control these companies have over AI development. As nations like India strive to democratize AI, their efforts face significant hurdles due to the overwhelming computational costs and monopolistic tendencies of Big Tech. While some initiatives focus on developing alternative infrastructures and data-sharing models, a fundamentally different approach is needed to decentralize AI. This shift involves prioritizing smaller, purpose-driven AI models, guided by theory-driven methodologies, rather than relying on the overwhelming dominance of Big Tech’s deep learning models and vast data reservoirs.
Key Challenges of Big Tech Dominance in AI
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Computational Costs | Training deep learning models is highly expensive, with advanced models like Gemini Ultra costing approximately $200 million to train. This makes it difficult for smaller players to compete. |
| Dependence on Big Tech | Due to the computational costs, any new entrant into the AI space is often reliant on Big Tech companies for compute resources, thus entrenching their dominance. |
| Monopolistic Data Access | Big Tech companies have exclusive access to vast data streams across various sectors, creating an insurmountable competitive advantage over smaller AI players. |
| Lack of Competition in Infrastructure | While India and other countries are investing in public compute infrastructure, the offerings are not yet competitive with the comprehensive tools and services provided by Big Tech. |
| Concentration of Research Power | Big Tech’s dominance in AI has led to a reduced role for academic research in AI development, with industry players driving much of the innovation and setting the direction of research. |
Proposed Solutions for Democratising AI
- Building Sovereign Cloud Infrastructure: India, and other countries, are making investments in sovereign cloud infrastructure to reduce reliance on Big Tech and promote local AI development.
- Open Data Platforms: Public data initiatives aim to democratize access to data, although they are often vulnerable to being captured by well-resourced Big Tech companies.
- Support for Local Start-ups: By fostering local AI start-ups, governments aim to increase innovation and competition in AI development, moving away from Big Tech monopolies.
- Adopting a “Small AI” Model: A radical shift from Big Data-driven models to smaller, theory-driven AI models is necessary. These models would focus on domain expertise and lived experience, rather than just large volumes of data.
Theory of Change in AI Development
- Purpose-Driven AI Models: The focus should be on creating AI models that are grounded in solving specific problems, guided by a clear theory of change. This approach emphasizes hypothesis testing and rigorous scientific methods over the sheer volume of data.
- Smaller Models with Local Expertise: The AI models should be smaller in scope and reflect the needs of the local community, with data collection tailored to test and refine these models.
- Learning from Historical Models: Just like advances in medicine and aviation were driven by scientific theories and hypothesis-driven research, AI development should prioritize problem-solving and scientific rigor over the accumulation of massive data sets.
Missed Opportunities and Urgent Change
The Global Development Compact signed recently highlights the importance of democratizing AI, but it fails to break free from the paradigm of building large data sets and computational power as the key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This view only strengthens the position of Big Tech rather than challenging it.
In Brief
WAVES OTT Platform
- Developer: WAVES is a digital platform developed by Prasar Bharati, a government entity.
- Target Audience: The platform aims to cater to India’s growing demand for streaming services.
- Content Offered:
- On-demand content: Movies, shows, e-books, and historical visuals.
- Live events: Religious programs, cricket tournaments, and other significant events.
- Games: Suitable for all age groups.
- Radio streaming: Available through the platform.
- E-commerce Integration: WAVES provides online shopping options through the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) network.
- Live Channels: The platform offers access to around 65 live channels, including both public and private broadcasters.
- Accessibility: WAVES is accessible through a mobile application.
- Comprehensive Service: WAVES combines multiple media forms—video streaming, live TV, radio, games, and e-commerce, making it a comprehensive multimedia service.
ADMM-Plus Formation and Participants
- It is a platform that includes ASEAN and eight Dialogue Partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States.
- The inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in Hanoi, Vietnam, on 12 October 2010.
Objectives of ADMM-Plus:
- To strengthen security and defence cooperation for peace, stability, and development in the region.
- To help ASEAN Member States build capacity for addressing shared security challenges.
- To promote mutual trust and confidence between the defence establishments of ASEAN and the Plus countries.
- To enhance regional peace and stability, focusing on transnational security challenges.
- To contribute to the ASEAN Security Community, emphasizing peace, stability, democracy, and prosperity.
- To facilitate the implementation of the Vientiane Action Programme for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous ASEAN.
Key Features:
- The ADMM-Plus meetings are held annually since 2017.
- The platform allows enhanced dialogue and cooperation among ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners, particularly in addressing regional security concerns.
Cicadas
- Diversity and Distribution:
- Cicadas are most diverse in India and Bangladesh, followed by China.
- There are over 3,000 species of cicadas worldwide.
- Habitat: Most cicadas are canopy dwellers and are found in natural forests with large trees.
- Types of Cicadas:
- Annual Cicadas: They emerge from the ground at different times each summer and are usually dark with greenish markings. These cicadas avoid predators by camouflaging in trees.
- Periodical Cicadas: There are only seven species in this category. These cicadas emerge after 13 or 17 years of dormancy and appear all at once during the summer.
- Ecological Role:
- Cicadas prune mature trees, aerate the soil, and when they die, their bodies provide nitrogen for growing trees, contributing to the health of ecosystems.
RS-26 Rubezh
- Type: Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
- First successfully tested: 2012.
- Length: 12 meters; Weight: 36 tons.
- Nuclear Warhead Capacity: Can carry an 800-kg (1,760 lb) nuclear warhead.
- Range and Classification: Estimated range: Between 2,000 and 6,000 kilometers, which places it in the category of medium-range ballistic missiles (IRBM). Depending on configuration, it could be classified as an ICBM or an IRBM.
- MIRV Capability: RS-26 is capable of carrying Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs), which allow it to target multiple locations with a single missile.
- Development and Design: Developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology (MITT), a key Russian institute for ballistic missile design.
Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location and Size: Located in South Tripura District, India. Established: 1988.
- Vegetation:
- Tropical Semievergreen Forest
- Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest
- Savannah Woodland
- Features perennial water rivulets, waterbodies, and grasslands.
- Flora: Prominent medicinal plants include Kurcha, Tulsi, Vasak, Sarpaganda, Rudraksha, and Bel. Bamboo species Oxytenanthera nigrociliata (locally known as Kaillai) is abundant, with leaves favored by Gaur.
- Fauna:
- Gaur (Indian Bison): Large population in the sanctuary.
- Hoolock Gibbon: The only ape species in the Indian subcontinent, highly endangered.
- Other animals: Capped Langur, Golden Langur, Leopards, Wild Cats, Pheasants, Wild Boars, and Lalmukh Bandars.