1. Is Delhi Becoming an Uninhabitable City?

Context:  Delhi’s air pollution crisis has escalated to alarming levels, especially during winter, posing severe health risks to its residents. The worsening Air Quality Index (AQI), compounded by extreme weather conditions, highlights the city’s declining liveability, particularly for its vulnerable populations.

Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI):

The Air Quality Index (AQI), defined by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), simplifies complex pollutant data into scores for public understanding. It evaluates eight major pollutants:

Sources of Delhi’s Air Pollution:

1. Beyond Stubble Burning
   • During peak stubble-burning season, PM2.5 levels increase by 15-35%. However, even without stubble burning, Delhi’s AQI rarely drops below “very poor”, revealing systemic internal issues.
2. Internal Pollution Sources
   • A 2023 report by IIT Kanpur, IIT Delhi, TERI, and Airshed Kanpur shows that 50% of PM2.5 during winter originates from within Delhi itself.
3. Vehicle Emissions
   • Responsible for 58% of Delhi’s pollution:
     • 34% from exhaust gases.
     • 24% from tyre and brake wear.
   • Addressing this requires a major shift to public transport powered by clean energy and enhanced last-mile connectivity.

Health and Environmental Consequences

• Respiratory Illnesses: Chronic exposure to pollutants like PM2.5, ozone, and SO₂ significantly increases cases of asthma, bronchitis, and COPD.
• Cardiovascular Risk: Prolonged contact with CO and PM particles raises the likelihood of heart disease.
• Ecological Harm: Excessive ammonia leads to water dead zones, while lead contamination has long-term environmental and health impacts.
• Child Vulnerability: Young children face irreversible developmental harm due to exposure to pollutants like lead.

Conclusion: Can Delhi Overcome the Crisis?

Delhi’s rising pollution levels and poor AQI pose an existential challenge to the city’s liveability. While measures like banning stubble burning and transitioning to clean transport are critical, addressing internal pollution sources and fostering public awareness are equally vital. Without coordinated efforts, Delhi risks becoming an increasingly uninhabitable city, jeopardizing the health of millions.

2. Democratising AI needs a radically different approach

Context: To democratize artificial intelligence (AI) effectively, the world needs a transformative approach that ensures equitable access and widespread benefits. Current practices often centralize AI’s power and resources in the hands of a few, leaving many excluded from its potential advantages. A shift toward inclusivity and transparency is essential.

Why Democratizing AI Matters:

1. Inclusive Growth
   • AI has the power to drive economic development, but its benefits must reach all sections of society, not just privileged groups or tech giants.
2. Reducing Inequality
   • A democratic AI ecosystem can bridge the gap between developed and developing nations, empowering marginalized communities with access to life-changing technologies.
3. Empowering Innovation
   • Opening AI to a broader audience can foster grassroots innovation, encouraging solutions tailored to local needs and challenges.

Barriers to AI Democratization:

1. Resource Centralization
   • Large corporations dominate AI due to their monopoly on data, computing power, and talent, creating barriers for smaller players.
2. High Entry Costs
   • Developing and deploying AI requires substantial investment, making it inaccessible to startups, researchers, and governments in resource-constrained settings.
3. Opaque Algorithms
   • Lack of transparency in AI models raises concerns about bias, discrimination, and unfair decision-making, further excluding underrepresented groups.

A Radically Different Approach:

1. Open Data Ecosystems
   • Governments and organizations must promote open data platforms while safeguarding privacy. Shared data resources will lower barriers to entry and encourage participation from smaller players.
2. Collaborative Frameworks
   • Establish global partnerships among academia, industries, and governments to democratize AI tools and research for public good.
3. Decentralized AI Infrastructure
   • Transitioning to decentralized AI frameworks using blockchain and edge computing can reduce reliance on big tech, making AI more accessible to all.
4. AI Education and Awareness
   • Offering affordable education programs and free online resources can empower people worldwide with the skills to contribute to AI innovation.
5. Transparent and Ethical AI
   • Enforcing accountability mechanisms will ensure that AI systems are fair, explainable, and free from harmful biases.

Conclusion: Building an Inclusive AI Future

Democratizing AI demands radical change, moving beyond business-as-usual to embrace an inclusive and equitable framework. By prioritizing openness, collaboration, and education, we can ensure AI’s transformative power benefits all of humanity, fostering a future where innovation knows no boundaries.

3. Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty: A Collective Step Toward Eradicatio

Context: The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was officially unveiled at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This initiative aims to accelerate the fight against hunger and poverty while promoting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What is Hunger?

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines hunger as the habitual consumption of fewer calories than needed for a person’s minimum dietary energy requirement. Factors like sex, age, stature, and physical activity levels determine this threshold.

India’s Hunger Scenario:

• India ranks 105th out of 127 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024, reflecting a ‘serious’ hunger level.
• India’s GHI score of 27.3 highlights the country’s challenges, especially when compared to neighbors like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, which fall under the ‘moderate’ category.

Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty:

Why is This Alliance Important?

• The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development set ambitious goals to eradicate poverty, hunger, and achieve food security. However:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic reversed progress, increasing extreme poverty and worsening nutrition levels.
  • By 2030, an estimated 622 million people will live in extreme poverty, and 582 million will face hunger—numbers unchanged from 2015.
  • Climate change, global conflicts, and inequalities have further slowed progress.

What is the Alliance?

Launched during the G20 Summit, the alliance brings together nations and resources to combat hunger. Led by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, it emphasizes strategies like:

• Cash transfers
• School meal programs
• Farmer support initiatives

Goals and Objectives:

The alliance is committed to:

• Eradicating hunger and poverty by 2030, aligning with the SDGs.
• Removing all nations from the FAO Hunger Map by fostering collaboration and resource-sharing.

Structure and Membership:

Who Can Join?

• Members:
  • 148 entities, including 82 countries, the African Union, the European Union, and 24 international organizations.
  • Financial institutions (9) and NGOs (31) are also part of this network.
  • Non-G20 nations have been eligible for membership since July 2024.
• Early participants include Brazil, Bangladesh, and G20 members, with representation across continents.

Key Pillars of the Alliance:

1. National Framework: Focuses on coordinating public policies to address hunger.
2. Knowledge Integration: Leverages data and technology to create evidence-driven solutions.
3. Financial Mobilization: Aims for large-scale funding to implement anti-hunger programs.

• Income Support: Reach 500 million people through income distribution programs by 2030.
• School Meals: Provide nutritious meals to 150 million children in hunger-affected regions.
• Financial Mobilization: Partner with multilateral banks to generate billions for poverty alleviation projects.

Operational Framework:

Funding:

• Operates without an exclusive fund, relying on contributions from members and partners like FAO, UNICEF, and the World Bank.
• Estimated cost: $2-3 million annually.

Technical Office:

• Headquartered under FAO’s supervision with functional autonomy.
• Likely location: Brasilia or another Global South country.

Core Activities:

• Regular Summits Against Hunger and Poverty.
• Establishing a High-Level Champions Council to oversee alliance operations.
• Sharing best practices among members and offering technical expertise or financial aid.

Features of the Alliance:

• Policy Tools: A basket of over 50 strategies, including:
  • School meal programs
  • Cash transfers
  • Support for smallholder farmers
  • Maternal and early childhood interventions
  • Water access solutions
• Matchmaking Platform: Connects countries in need with donors and support organizations.

A Unified Effort to End Hunger:

The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty represents a bold, collaborative initiative to tackle one of humanity’s oldest challenges. By leveraging resources, technology, and knowledge-sharing, it aims to create a world free of hunger and poverty by 2030, fostering hope for a better, equitable future.

4. ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant Over Gaza Crisis

5. Significant Archaeological Discovery Unearthed in Kerala

Context: A remarkable archaeological discovery has been made in Kanhirapoil, a region located in the Madikkai grama panchayat of Kasaragod district, Kerala. This discovery offers new insights into the prehistoric culture and artistic traditions of the area.

Details of the Discovery

1. Rock Carvings Unearthed
   • A set of rock carvings was uncovered on private property in Kanhirapoil, revealing 24 pairs of footprints and an intricately etched human figure, surrounded by four circular pits.
2. Age and Significance of the Carvings
   • Experts date the carvings back to the Megalithic period, approximately 2,000 years ago. These were created using iron tools, highlighting the advanced skills of the region’s early inhabitants.
3. Symbolism of the Footprints
   • The footprints, ranging from 6 to 10 inches in size, suggest representations of both adults and children. They are all oriented westward, symbolizing spiritual significance. While experts believe these may represent the souls of the deceased, local folklore suggests they belong to a goddess.
4. Artistic Style
   • The carvings are similar to prehistoric rock art found in Avalakki Pera in Udupi district, Karnataka, and other locations in north Kerala, indicating a shared artistic tradition across the region.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
   • This discovery offers valuable insights into the artistic and cultural practices of the region’s prehistoric inhabitants, shedding light on their rituals and symbolism.
6. Regional Significance
   • Similar artefacts and carvings have been found in other parts of north Kerala, including Erikulam Valiyapara, Cheemeni Ariyittapara, Ettukudukka, and the famous Edakkal Caves in Wayanad. These finds point to a shared cultural heritage across prehistoric Kerala.
7. Implications for Further Research
   • This discovery underscores the historical importance of the region, highlighting the need for further archaeological exploration to uncover more about Kerala’s ancient past.

Conclusion:

The findings at Kanhirapoil offer a fascinating glimpse into Kerala’s prehistoric past, emphasizing the artistic expressions and cultural traditions of its early inhabitants. This discovery invites further investigation into the region’s rich history, promising exciting revelations about the ancient civilizations that once thrived there.

6. State of the World’s Children Report 2024

Context: The UNICEF State of the World’s Children Report 2024 offers a comprehensive analysis of child survival, development, and protection across the globe. This vital report assesses the future of childhood amid rapid changes and challenges.

Findings and Key Highlights:

1. Global Snapshot of Children’s Well-being: The report provides vital statistics on child survival, development, and protection, highlighting the challenges faced by children worldwide and examining future indicators that will affect their lives.
2. Three Megatrends Shaping Children’s Futures
   • Demographic Transitions: Migration and population shifts may offer opportunities but also present significant risks, such as exploitation and separation from families.
   • Climate and Environmental Crises: Pollution, extreme weather, and environmental degradation are harming children’s development—especially their brains, lungs, and immune systems.
   • Frontier Technologies: Emerging technologies will reshape how future generations learn, work, and communicate. Their development and governance will significantly impact children’s well-being in the years to come.
3. Three Future Scenarios for Children: The report presents potential scenarios for children’s futures based on varying rates of progress and decision-maker actions:
   • Business-as-usual trendlines: By 2050, child populations in low-income and lower-middle-income countries will significantly increase, exacerbating existing challenges.
   • Accelerated Development: Children in regions facing conflict and climate change will experience harsher conditions, including exposure to prolonged violence and extreme heatwaves.
   • Delayed Development: With ongoing gender inequality, 1.1 billion children will live in societies where gender discrimination remains a significant barrier to their progress.

UNICEF’s Role and Vision:

UNICEF is a United Nations agency dedicated to improving the lives of children worldwide. It operates in over 190 countries and territories, focusing on ensuring every child has the opportunity to survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential. Key areas of focus include:

• Education, health, and nutrition services
• Protection from violence and abuse
• Safeguarding children against climate change and disease

UNICEF is also the world’s largest provider of vaccines and manages the world’s largest humanitarian warehouse.

Children: The Agents of Change for a Better Future

UNICEF emphasizes that children and young people are not just recipients of aid, but powerful agents of change. Their fresh perspectives and ideas will play a crucial role in shaping a better, more sustainable future for all.