As artificial intelligence (AI) is making “greater inroads” into governance, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India said that Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) must prepare themselves for auditing AI-based governance systems. He was addressing the second SAI20 Summit of the SAI20 Engagement Group under the Indian Presidency of the G20. 

Highlights of the CAG’s Address on Responsible AI -

Ø  The reality of AI has come a long way since the term was first coined in 1956 by John McCarty at a workshop held in Dartmouth.

Ø  Today, there is a curiosity and belief that AI can help countries achieve development goals, impacting economic growth while simultaneously disrupting labour markets.

Ø  For example, ChatGPT compelled us to recognise it and also triggered the debate of its utility vis-à-vis its risks.

Ø  Considering the power, possibility and perils of AI, it is essential that policy makers put in place processes to responsibly harness the potential of this technology.

Ø  With AI making greater inroads into governance, SAIs must inevitably prepare themselves for auditing AI based governance systems.

Ø  Simultaneously, SAIs must look for opportunities to adopt AI into their audit techniques to increase their effectiveness.

Ø  The auditor must ensure that Al-based decisions do not result in exclusions, biases or violations of privacy.

Ø  The primary concern for the auditor is to ensure data accuracy, reliability and integrity, backed by an independent and robust system that periodically collects and collates data.

About SAI20 -

Ø  The SAI20 Engagement Group of G20 was established during 2022 during Indonesia’s Presidency of the G20.

Ø  The constitution of SAI20 stems from a recognition of the role of SAIs in promoting the good governance, efficiency, accountability, and transparency of public administration, and supporting SDG implementation.

Ø  This mandate is achieved through engaging actively and effectively with the entire spectrum of stakeholders, from audited entities and governments to media and the civil society.

The Second SAI20 Summit -

Ø  It began in Goa under India's G20 Presidency and aligned with the main theme of the Indian Presidency of G20 which is `Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam` - the World as One Earth, One Family and One Future.

Ø  According to the Indian CAG, the SAIs has a crucial role to play in the audit of Blue Economy and Responsible AI to optimise their positive impact on humankind.

Need for Responsible AI -

Ø  AI refers to information-processing systems and technologies that integrate models and algorithms to learn and to perform cognitive tasks leading to outcomes such as prediction and decision-making.

Ø  Machine Learning (ML is based on the creation of algorithms) and Deep Learning [DL algorithms learn or improve themselves through layers of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs)]are two key techniques/subsets of AI.

Ø  The public sector entities have started using AI, especially ML algorithms, to improve the efficiency of public services delivery at lower costs.

Ø  However, the significant risks associated [biased data used as inputs to an algorithm, inner workings (black-box nature) of the algorithms] with use of AI in delivery of public services also need to be carefully considered.

Responsible AI Stands on 4 Pillars -

Ø  Organisational democratisation that empowers and encourages individuals to raise concerns;

Ø  Systems that enable AI to flourish;

Ø  Systems and platforms that are trustworthy and explainable by design; and

Ø  Articulation of responsible AI Mission that is anchored in organisational and ethical values.

The Objectives of the Engagement Group of SAI20 on Responsible AI -

Ø  Governance issues - fairness, transparency, accountability, data privacy and security, human rights and safety - to be examined during the audit of AI systems.

Ø  Performance issues - economy in terms of reduced costs, efficiency in terms of productivity gains, effectiveness in terms of achievement of intended objectives - to be examined during the audit of AI systems.

Ø  Leveraging AI for more effective and efficient audit, through its use in different stages of the audit process.

Ø  Mechanisms for capacity development and knowledge sharing across SAIs, related to audit in environments with extensive use of AI and for application of AI in audit.

UN cultural and scientific agency UNESCO announced that the United States plans to rejoin — and pay more than $600 million in back dues.

Ø  The United States has announced its plans to rejoin the UNESCO, after a decade-long dispute sparked by the inclusion of Palestine as a member.

Ø  The return of the U.S., along with the payment of over $600 million in back dues, is a significant financial boost for UNESCO's initiatives.

Ø  Before leaving, the US contributed 22 per cent of the agency's overall funding.

Background -

Ø  The U.S. and Israel stopped funding UNESCO after it voted to include Palestine as a member state in 2011.

Ø  The Trump administration decided in 2017 to withdraw from the agency altogether the following year.

Ø  The United States had previously withdrawn from UNESCO in 1984 during the Cold War era.

Ø  The country rejoined the organisation in 2003 under the administration of President George W. Bush.

Reasons —

Ø  One of the main reasons was concerns over the organisation's perceived anti-Israel bias.

Ø  The U.S. government criticised UNESCO for its handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its recognition of Palestine as a member state.

Ø  Another factor was financial concerns.

Ø  United States had been contributing a significant portion of UNESCO's budget.

Ø  U.S. government had concerns about fiscal management and accountability within UNESCO.

Ø  Furthermore, the decision to withdraw was also influenced by a broader scepticism towards multilateral institutions and a desire to reassess and prioritise U.S. engagement and funding in international organisations.

Ø  Why did the US decide to rejoin the organisation?

Ø  The decision to return was motivated by concern that China is filling the gap left by the US in UNESCO policymaking, notably in setting standards for artificial intelligence and technology education around the world.

About UNESCO -

Ø  It is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN), headquartered at the World Heritage Centre in Paris, France.

Ø  It was founded in 1945 as the successor to the League of Nation's International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation, aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in five key program areas — Education; Natural sciences; Social or human sciences; Culture; Communication/information.

Ø  It has 193 member states and 12 associate members, as well as partners in the nongovernmental, intergovernmental and private sector.

Ø  UNESCO is governed by the General Conference, composed of member states and associate members, which meets biannually to set the agency's programmes and the budget.

Ø  UNESCO is a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group. Thus, UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the SDGs defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.

The second term of Modi government has focused on 'Self-Reliant India' which is an essential component to make 21st century India's century. Among other achievements of the government such as excellent management of Covid-19 crisis, focus on self-reliance in fertilisers has helped tide over a difficult period.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) Abhiyaan -

Ø  This mission was announced during the pandemic with an allocated funds worth Rs. 20 lakh crore (US$ 268.74 billion), which is approximate 10% of India’s GDP.

Ø  It provides a stimulus package to help recover the economy by providing incentives for domestic production.

The key objectives of the mission are:

Ø  Develop India into a global supply chain hub.

Ø  Build the government's trust in the private sector capabilities and prospects.

Ø  Establish 'good force multipliers' for Indian manufacturers.

Ø  Enter the global markets to export goods including agriculture, textiles, clothing, and jewellery.

Ø  Determine adequacy of each sector (e.g., defence, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, etc.)to achieve self-reliance.

Ø  The mission encompasses themes such as ‘Local for Global: Make in India for the World’ and ‘Vocal for Local.’

Vocal for Local Call -

Ø  It is a call for a comprehensive civilisational self-renewal which articulates India’s engagement with the world at a time when the narrative of globalisation is being sharply debated and examined.

Ø  Vocal for Local initiative is not just about import substitution; it is about creating a selfsustaining and self-generating economy.

Ø  India’s department of fertilisers has made significant strides in achieving self-reliance in the sector.

How did India achieve self-reliance in the fertiliser sector?

Proactive steps by the Government —

Ø  The government has taken proactive stance in securing fertiliser supplies during the crisis caused by the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ø  Despite facing challenges such as scarcity of raw materials, gas, oil, rock phosphate and potash, the government has forged long-term agreements and created joint ventures with resource-rich nations.

Ø  Government provided Support to Industry — It is supporting industry in identifying opportunities across the value chain by strengthening domestic operations, building long-term partnerships, investing in resource-rich geographies for securing raw materials and promoting alternate fertilisers and natural farming.

Setup of Overseas Joint Ventures —

Ø  Industry has been encouraged to set up overseas joint ventures to secure raw materials.

Ø  Joint venture plants have been set up in some countries with buy-back agreements and assured off-take agreements for the supply of 10 LMT of rock phosphate and 6.55 LMT of phosphoric acid.

Ø  As a result of strategic partnerships with countries such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Canada, etc, India has secured a supply of 157 LMT (lakh metric tonnes) of various fertilisers for three years and 32 LMT for four years.

Push to Domestic Industry —

Ø  The government has also encouraged the domestic industry and public sector undertakings to sign long-term agreements for the import of raw materials/intermediates such as ammonia, phosphoric acid, and sulphur.

Ø  These initiatives have enabled India to diversify its product portfolio and produce more NPK complexes, which offer not only a wider range of products to farmers but also ensure balanced nutrition.

Innovation in the field of Fertiliser Sectors: ‘Nano Urea’ —

Ø  Government of India has recently notified the specifications of Nano nitrogen under the Fertiliser Control Order, 1985.

Ø  Nano Fertilisers hold great promise for application in plant nourishment because of the sizedependent qualities, high surface-volume ratio, and unique optical properties.

Ø  Nano fertiliser releases plant nutrients in a controlled manner contributing to higher nutrient use efficiency.

Ø  During farmer field trials on 94 crops conducted by Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR)- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), an 8% increase in crop yieldwith foliar application of Nano urea was observed.

Other Government schemes to support Fertiliser Sector and Farmers -

Nutrient based subsidy (NBS) —

Ø  Under the NBS policy, a fixed rate of subsidy (in ₹per Kg basis) is announced on nutrients namely Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), Potash (K) and Sulphur (S) by the government on annual basis.

Ø  Under the NBS regime, MRP of P&K fertilisers has been left open and fertiliser manufacturers marketers are allowed to fix the MRP at reasonable rates.

The Urea Policy (Pricing and Administration) —

Ø  The MRP of urea is statutorily fixed by the Government of India.

Ø  Under the Central Sector Scheme, Urea is being provided to farmers at a statutory notified Maximum Retail Price (MRP) by the government.

Ø  The Government of India has notified fertiliser as an essential commodity under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Policy on Promotion of City Compost —

Ø  The government approved a policy on promotion of City Compost, notified by the Department of Fertilisers (DoF) in 2016 granting Market Development Assistance of Rs. 1500/- for scaling up production and consumption of city compost.

Ø  To increase sales volumes, compost manufacturers willing to market city compost were allowed to sell city compost in bulk directly to farmers.

Ø  Fertiliser companies marketing city compost are covered under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for Fertilisers.

Ø  Use of Space Technology in Fertiliser Sector — DoF commissioned a three-year Pilot Study on “Resource Mapping of Rock Phosphate using Reflectance Spectroscopy and Earth Observations Data” by National Remote Sensing Centre under ISRO.

Key achievements of Government’s policy framework for fertiliser sector -

Ø  Remarkable improvement in the opening stocks of DAP, MOP and other NPK fertilisers in Kharif 2023.

Ø  The opening stocks have increased from 7.73 LMT, 2.47 LMT and 13.8 LMT in Kharif 2022 to 27 LMT, 14 LMT and 31.2 LMT respectively.

Ø  The Department of Fertilisers has positioned India as a key player in the global fertilizer supply chain.

Conclusion -

India’s bold move towards self-reliance in fertiliser is a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring food security for its citizens and fulfilling the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Developed in the Arabian Sea, cyclone Biparjoy is heading towards the northern Gujarat coast, with landfall expected on June 15.

About Tropical Cyclone -

Ø  Tropical Cyclone is a weather phenomenon.

Ø  A tropical cyclone is formed only over warm ocean waters near the equator.

Ø  Warm, moist air rises up and away from the ocean surface, creating an area of low pressure.

Ø  It causes the air from surrounding areas with higher pressure to move towards the lowpressure area.

Ø  This leads to warming up of air and causes it to rise above.

Ø  As the air rises & cools, the water in the air forms clouds.

Ø  This complete system of clouds and wind spins & grows, along with the ocean’s heat.

Ø  As the wind rotation speed increases, an eye gets formed in the middle.

What is an extratropical cyclone?

Ø  Extratropical cyclones are low-pressure areas which are generally formed outside the tropics with a latitude range between 30 degrees and 60 degrees.

Ø  They are also known as temperate cyclones.

Ø  These low-pressure systems are associated with cold fronts, warm fronts, and occluded fronts.

How an extratropical cyclone is formed?

Ø  In the Northern hemisphere, cold air blows from the north of the front and warm air blows from the south.

Ø  When the pressure descents along the front, the cold air move towards the south, and the warm air moves northwards setting in motion an anticlockwise cyclonic circulation.

Ø  The cyclonic circulation results in a well-built extratropical cyclone, with a cold front and a warm front.

Ø  There are pockets of warm air compressed between the forward and the rear cold air.

Ø  The warm air climbs over the cold air and a series of clouds appear over the sky ahead of the warm front and cause rainfall.

Ø  The cold front approaches the warm air from behind and pushes the warm air up.

Ø  As an outcome, cumulus clouds develop along the cold front.

Ø  The cold front moves faster than the warm front eventually surpassing the warm front.

Ø  The warm air is entirely lifted and the front is occluded and the cyclone dissipates.

Ø  They can originate over the land and sea and cover a larger area.