Environmental Governance Challenges in Digital Infrastructure Projects
The rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, particularly hyperscale data centres, presents significant environmental governance challenges due to their im...
The article discusses the Google Cloud India AI Hub in Visakhapatnam, highlighting its significance for India's digital infrastructure, AI capabilities, and semiconductor ecosystem, along with its role in enhancing international digital connectivity via new subsea cables. However, it also critically examines the substantial challenges posed by such hyperscale data centers, including immense power and water demands, potential strain on local resources, environmental impact from backup diesel generators, and governance issues related to environmental impact assessments and state-level incentives versus environmental safeguards.
Durable syllabus ideas for revision — not article memory.
The rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, particularly hyperscale data centres, presents significant environmental governance challenges due to their im...
India's push for digital infrastructure, exemplified by the Vizag AI Hub, signifies a strategic shift towards owning critical digital assets like data centre...
Previous year Prelims questions on overlapping themes and topics.
Consider the following activities:
1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field
2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes
3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis
At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?
In Andhra Pradesh, drones were banned from spraying fertilizers, however, it is practised in many parts of the world. In Peru, a crater was inspected with the help of drones. It has also been used for collecting water samples from aquatic animals to get their DNA data. All three functions mentioned have been performed in different parts of the world.
It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?
1. Production of algae-based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
2. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production requires a high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The production of algae-based biofuels is not limited to seas only. It can be done on land, saline water, or wastewater. Statement 2 is correct. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production does require a high level of expertise/technology, which might be a limitation for developing countries. Statement 3 is also correct. Economically viable production of algae-based biofuels does necessitate the setting up of large-scale facilities, which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Consider the following statements:
1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics
3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect: Nanoparticles can exist in nature (natural nanoparticles). Volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and natural weathering processes can all create nanoparticles. Statement 2 is correct: Some cosmetics incorporate nanoparticles of ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for sun protection or other purposes. Statement 3 is also correct: The safety of nanoparticles in consumer products is a complex issue and a growing area of research. Some nanoparticles might pose potential health or environmental risks depending on their specific properties and how they interact with the body or the environment.
Bisphenol A (BPA) , a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics?
* Bisphenol A (BPA) is a key component in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics. * Polycarbonate plastics are a type of synthetic plastic material that is known to contain Bisphenol A (BPA) as a structural component. * BPA is used in the production of polycarbonate plastics, which are commonly used in various consumer products such as Water bottles, Food storage containers, Household electronics, Eyeglass lenses, Compact discs (CDs) and digital versatile discs (DVDs) * BPA has raised health concerns due to its potential to act as an endocrine disruptor, which can interfere with the body's hormonal system.
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forests under Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. - The GEAC is responsible for the appraisal of proposals involving the release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.
Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India?
1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did.
2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our school, public places and major tourist centres
Select the correct answer using the code given below
* Statement 1 is not correct: The formation of India’s own internet companies, similar to China’s approach, is not an aim of the Digital India programme. The initiative focuses on creating digital infrastructure, providing digital services, and promoting digital literacy — not establishing government-backed internet firms. * Statement 2 is not correct: The Digital India plan does not include any policy framework to attract foreign multinational corporations to build data centres in India. While data localisation and data centre policies have emerged later under different frameworks, they are not part of the original Digital India objectives. * Statement 3 is correct: One of the key aims of Digital India is to connect villages through broadband and to provide Wi-Fi access in schools, public places, and tourist centres. This is part of its core pillars like Broadband Highways, Public Internet Access Programme, and Early Harvest Programmes.
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Smart India Hackathon 2017?
1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing every city of our country into Smart Cities in a decade.
2. It is an initiative to identify new digital technology innovations for solving the many problems faced by our country.
3. It is a programme aimed at making all the financial transactions in our country completely digital in a decade.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Smart India Hackathon (SIH) is not a scheme for developing Smart Cities. Instead, it is a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying innovative digital technology solutions to solve real-world challenges across various sectors. Statement 2 is correct: The Government of India launched the Smart India Hackathon to encourage students and professionals to develop innovative digital solutions for challenges in agriculture, health, education, energy, environment, and other domains. It serves as a platform for young minds to engage in problem-solving and contribute to technological advancements. Statement 3 is incorrect: While the hackathon focuses on digital technology innovations, it is not specifically centered on digital financial transactions. Instead, it covers a wide range of sectors where technology can drive efficiency and innovation. Hence, correct answer is option (B).
Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.
2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
Statement 1 is correct: DigiLocker is a cloud-based digital locker system launched by the Government of India under the Digital India Programme. Its primary objective is to reduce reliance on physical documents by providing secure digital storage and access to e-documents issued by government departments, educational institutions, and other entities. Statement 2 is correct: DigiLocker enables users to access their electronic documents (e-documents) anytime, anywhere, provided they have an internet connection. This enhances convenience, eliminates the need to carry physical documents, and ensures secure and verifiable digital storage. Therefore, both statements are correct.
Consider the following statements:
I. It is expected that Majorana 1 chip will enable quantum computing.
II. Majorana 1 chip has been introduced by Amazon Web Services (AWS).
III. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Majorana 1 chip is linked to quantum computing and deep learning is part of machine learning, but AWS did not introduce the Majorana 1 chip. * ✅ I. Majorana 1 chip – Expected to advance quantum computing. * ❌ II. AWS introducing Majorana 1 – Incorrect, it’s a Microsoft project. * ✅III. Deep learning – A subset of machine learning. Only statements I and III are correct.
Which one of the following words/phrases is most appropriately used to denote “an interoperable network of 3D virtual worlds that can be accessed simultaneously by millions of users, who can exert property rights over virtual items"?
Metaverse: This term accurately describes a network of interconnected, persistent 3D virtual spaces. Key characteristics of the metaverse often include: * Interoperability: Users can move between different virtual worlds seamlessly. * User-Generated Content: Users can create, own, and trade virtual assets. * Social Interaction: The metaverse facilitates social experiences and interactions. _Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:_ * Big data analytics: This involves analyzing large and complex datasets to uncover patterns and insights. It's not directly related to virtual worlds. * Cryptography: This focuses on secure communication and data protection techniques. While relevant to security within a metaverse, it doesn't define the concept itself. * Virtual matrix: This term is not commonly used to describe the concept outlined in the question. The term 'matrix' is often associated with a grid-like structure or a virtual reality environment, but not the broader interconnected network the question describes.
Previous year Mains questions mapped to overlapping GS syllabus topics.
Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022?
Mineral resources are fundamental to the country’s economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining.
India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission.
How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers?
Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater?
Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard?