CONTENTS

1. Global Soil Conference 2024
2. Artificial Intelligence data bank

Global Soil Conference 2024

Context:

Recently, the Global Soil Conference (GSC) 2024 was held in New Delhi, highlighting the importance of soil health for food security, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem services. 

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Global Soil Conference 2024

• Hosted by the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) and the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS).
• The conference focuses on global challenges in sustainable soil and resource management.
• Theme: “Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate Change Mitigation & Ecosystem Services.”

Key Discussions

• Emphasis on the critical condition of soil health affecting productivity and its implications for global food security.
• Highlighted the alarming rate of soil degradation in India, with around 30% of soil affected by erosion, salinity, pollution, and organic carbon loss.
•  Stressed the need for global collaboration to address soil erosion, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15), which targets sustainable ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation.

Concerns Regarding Soil Health in India

Degradation and Its Impacts

• Extent of Risk: Over one-third of India’s land is threatened by degradation due to improper agricultural and soil management practices.
• Economic and Environmental Costs: Annual loss of 15.35 tonnes of soil per hectare leads to reduced crop productivity and exacerbates natural disasters like floods and droughts. This also contributes to a 1-2% yearly reduction in reservoir capacity.

Specific Soil Health Issues

• Salinity: Affects water infiltration and nutrient uptake, diminishing crop yields and accelerating soil degradation.
• Organic Content: Extremely low organic matter in Indian soils (approximately 0.54%), leading to poor soil fertility and reduced agricultural output.
• Acidity and Alkalinity: Over 70% of soils face issues with acidity or alkalinity, disrupting nutrient cycles.
• Nutrient Deficiency: Common deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, critical for plant growth, further stress soil health.

Broader Environmental Concerns

• Desertification: Increases erosion, diminishes biodiversity, and renders land unfit for agriculture, heightening food insecurity.
• Land Use Change: Conversion of fertile agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes depletes valuable soil resources.

Artificial Intelligence data bank

Context:

Recently, the Ministry of Science and Technology launched India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) data bank.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Artificial Intelligence Data Bank:

• The Artificial Intelligence Data Bank is a strategic initiative designed to foster innovation and strengthen national security across the country.
• Launched by the Minister of Science and Technology at the 7th Edition of the ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024, this initiative offers researchers, startups, and developers access to high-quality, varied datasets. These resources are crucial for developing scalable and inclusive AI technologies.
• A key feature of the data bank is its enhancement of national security through the real-time analytics of data obtained from satellites, drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• Additionally, the initiative supports the country’s ambitions to leverage AI for advanced predictive analytics, particularly in areas such as disaster management and cybersecurity, aligning with broader national objectives.