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  • [9 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A chance to settle a Constitutional clash

    Mains PYQ Relevance: 
    Q) Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. (UPSC IAS/2015)
    Q) Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (UPSC IAS/2017)

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims:  Fundamental Right and DPSP;

    Mains: Relation between FR and DPSP;

    Mentor comments: The Constitution expressly makes Fundamental Rights enforceable, while DPSPs are regarded as goals that the state is expected to work towards. The tension between these parts has simmered through India’s history, reaching a boiling point in the 1970s when the Constitution was routinely amended, primarily to make certain kinds of legislation exempt from Judicial Review.

    Let’s learn

    —

    Why in the News?

    The recent case of Property Owners Association vs State of Maharashtra scrutinises two key questions: the meaning of “material resources of the community” in Article 39(b) and whether laws support the “common good”.

    Present Dilemma before the Judiciary:

    • Supreme Court is presently considering a challenge to Chapter VIII-A of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Act, 1976. This chapter was added in 1986, which allowed the government to acquire “cessed” properties in Mumbai under Article 39(b). 
    • In 1991, the Bombay High Court upheld the amendment, citing Article 31C’s protection for laws related to Article 39(b). 
    • The appeal reached the Supreme Court in 1992, focusing on whether “material resources of the community” in Article 39(b) encompass private resources like cessed properties.
    The conflict between Fundamental Rights (Part III) and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) (Part IV):

    Ongoing Conflict: Despite attempts by the Supreme Court to clarify, the conflict between fundamental rights and DPSP has persisted since the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973.
    Uneasy Relationship between FR and DPSP: The relationship between fundamental rights and DPSP is described as uneasy, indicating tension between their implementation and interpretation.
    Importance of Property Owners Case: The resolution of this conflict in the Property Owners case is expected to have a significant impact on the future trajectory of constitutional interpretation and governance.
    Clarity in Constitution: Initially, the Constitution seemed clear on the matter, with Article 13 declaring laws violating fundamental rights as void and Article 37 stating that DPSPs are not enforceable by courts but should guide state action.
    Treatment of DPSPs: Despite not being legally enforceable, DPSPs are considered fundamental principles for governance, and the state is obligated to apply them in legislation, as stated in the Constitution.
    Hierarchy of Rights: Early court judgments, such as Chief Justice S.R. Das’s remarks in Mohd. Hanif Quareshi vs State of Bihar (1958), emphasised the importance of implementing DPSPs without infringing upon fundamental rights, highlighting the delicate balance required between the two parts of the Constitution.

    Evolution of  Article 31C:

    • 25th Amendment(1971): The 25th Amendment to the Constitution introduced Article 31C, aimed at placing certain laws beyond Judicial Review, particularly those related to Article 39(b) and (c).
      • This amendment curtailed the Fundamental Right to Property. It provided that any law made to give effect to the Directive principle contained in Article 39(b)or 39(c)  cannot challenged on the grounds of violation of Rights guaranteed under Articles 14,19 and 31, ensuring exemption from judicial scrutiny.
      • This provision had significant implications. For instance, Parliament could nationalise the media under the pretext of securing the common good, without facing challenges related to freedom of expression.
    • Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): A narrow majority (6:7) found that amendments conflicting with the Constitution’s Basic Structure would be void, partially questioning the validity of the 25th Amendment.
    • Judicial Review Principle: Justice H.R. Khanna’s opinion highlighted that the 25th Amendment limiting examination of laws regarding Article 39(b) and (c) infringed upon the principle of judicial review, although it upheld the exemption from challenges based on Articles 14 and 19.
    • Ambiguity in Kesavananda Verdict: Despite some aspects being found void, the Kesavananda case didn’t provide a clear stance on whether the amendment, regarding exemption from fundamental rights challenges, violated the Constitution’s basic features.

    Changes to Article 31C and subsequent legal Interpretations:

    • 42nd Amendment (1976): The 42nd Amendment expanded the scope of Article 31C to encompass laws made in furtherance of any Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP), not just Articles 39(b) and (c), granting broader immunity to such laws from judicial review.
    • Minerva Mills Case (1980): In Minerva Mills vs Union of India, the Supreme Court declared the 42nd Amendment unconstitutional.
      • The ruling raised questions about the status of Article 31C. Does it revert to its original form from the 25th Amendment, minus the parts invalidated by Kesavananda Bharati? Or does its validity remain uncertain?
      • Presently, Chief Justice Y.V. Chandrachud emphasized that Fundamental Rights, such as Articles 14, 19, and 21, serve as essential safeguards against unrestricted state power.
    • Waman Rao Case (1981): In Waman Rao vs Union of India, Justice Y.V. Chandrachud, while acknowledging his own opinion in Minerva Mills, upheld the validity of the unamended Article 31C. This judgment contradicts the stance taken in Minerva Mills.

    Validity of Article 31C: 

    • The conflicting interpretations of Article 31C’s validity add complexity to its legal status. While some argue for its reinstatement in its original form, others question its compatibility with fundamental rights.
    • In Property Owners, the Court will assess the validity of a law allowing a State government board to control dilapidated buildings. Even if it aligns with Article 39(b), the question remains whether the law can be challenged under Articles 14 and 19.

    Conclusion: Despite rulings like Waman Rao and Sanjeev Coke vs Bharat Coking Coal, the Supreme Court still needs to conclusively analyze Article 31C’s compatibility with the Constitution’s basic structure. Property Owner’s case offers a chance for resolution.

  • The Socio-ecological effects of LPG price hikes

    Why in the News? 

    The ACCESS survey (2014-2015), conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, found LPG’s cost to be the foremost barrier to its adoption and continued use in rural poor households.

    Government Initiatives for LPG Fuel:

    • Government Initiatives: The Indian government has promoted using LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) as a clean cooking fuel, particularly in rural households.
      • These initiatives include the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitrak scheme, the ‘PAHAL’ scheme for direct benefit transfers, and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aimed at providing LPG connections to below-poverty-line households.
    • Subsidies and Incentives: The government has provided subsidies and incentives to encourage the adoption of LPG without subsidies for the people who can afford it.
      • For example, the ‘Give it Up’ program encouraged consumers to voluntarily surrender their LPG subsidies, which were transferred to below-poverty-line households.

    Challenges:

    • Affordability: Despite government efforts, the affordability of LPG remains a challenge for many households, especially those in rural and below-poverty-line communities. Reports indicate that LPG prices in India were among the highest globally around â‚č300/litre.
    • Dependency on Traditional Fuels: Studies, such as the one conducted in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, highlight the continued dependency of local communities on traditional fuelwood for cooking.
    • Forest Dependency: The persistent use of fuelwood has implications for forest conservation and livelihoods, particularly in regions with degraded forests like Jalpaiguri.

    Way Forward: 

    • Need for Comprehensive Solutions: While government initiatives have aimed to promote LPG use, addressing affordability issues and ensuring access to clean cooking fuels for marginalized communities require comprehensive solutions.
    • Targeted Subsidies: Implement targeted subsidies for LPG cylinders to make them more affordable for rural and below-poverty-line communities. These subsidies can be based on income levels or geographic locations to ensure that those most in need receive assistance.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q In what way could replacement of price subsidy with direct benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss.(UPSC IAS/2015)

  • India is now Third-Largest Producer of Solar Power

    Why in the News? 

    In 2023, India overtook Japan to become the world’s third-highest producer of solar power, according to a report by the International Energy Analytics Agency Ember.

    Global Solar Energy Production:

    • The leading producer of solar power in the world is China which produced 584 BU of solar power in 2024 – more than the next four countries combined (the United States, Japan, Germany and India).
    • India generated 113 billion units (BU) of solar power in 2023 compared to Japan’s 110 BU.
      • The installed solar energy capacity has increased by 30 times in the last 9 years and stands at 81.81 GW as of Mar 2024.
      • India’s solar energy potential is estimated to be 748 GWp as estimated by National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
    • Power demand in Japan decreased by 2% (2 BU) in 2023 after rising in 2021 and 2022, thus allowing India to overtake Japan.

    Other factors to make India the third-largest Solar power producer in 2023:

    • Government Initiatives: India has implemented various policies and initiatives to promote renewable energy, particularly solar power.
      • The government launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in 2010, aiming to promote the development and use of solar energy in the country.
      • Subsequently, various state-level policies and incentives were introduced to encourage solar power generation.
      • For example Gujarat Solar Energy Policy (Target is 36 GW of solar energy by 2036).
    • Investment and Financing: There has been significant investment in the solar power sector in India, both from domestic and international sources.
      • For example PM Surya Ghar, Muft Bijli Yojana, the scheme is projected to entail an investment of â‚č75,000 crore.
    • Favorable Geography: India has abundant sunlight throughout the year, making it well-suited for solar power generation. About 5,000 trillion kWh per year of energy is incident over India’s land area with most parts receiving 4-7 kWh per sqm/day.
    • Increasing Energy Demand: India’s growing population and economy have led to a rising demand for energy. Electricity demand in India rose 7% in 2023 and is likely to average growth of 6% a year through 2026 on higher economic activity, according to the International Energy Agency.
    • International Collaboration: India has collaborated with various countries and international organizations to leverage expertise, technology transfer, and funding for solar projects. For example  International Solar Alliance (ISA).

    Way Forward:

    • Invest in High-Efficiency Panels: Choose solar panels with high-efficiency cells, such as monocrystalline photovoltaic cells, which can convert a greater percentage of sunlight into usable electricity
    • Use Energy Storage Solutions: Consider integrating energy storage systems, such as batteries, to store excess energy generated during the day and use it at night or during periods of low sunlight, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the solar energy system.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Unemployment Vs Wages

    Why in the news?

    Recently, there have been contentious talks regarding Pakistan’s unemployment being lower than India’s.

    According to Keynes, lower wage rate will lead to lower income of workers and thus to lower demand of goods. Lower demand will lower output that in turn will lower employment.

    Issues related to Unemployment vs Wages

    • Questioning on Data Accuracy and Interpretation: There is skepticism about the accuracy of unemployment data, particularly regarding the CMIE Consumer Pyramids Household survey. This raises questions about the basis of claims regarding unemployment rates and the subsequent policy responses.
    • Labor Force Participation: Concerns are raised about the significant withdrawal of individuals from India’s labor force, indicating potential issues with labor force participation rather than solely unemployment rates.
    • Youth Unemployment: The high youth unemployment rate of 45% is highlighted as a significant concern, suggesting challenges in integrating young people into the workforce and addressing their employment needs.
    • Informal Employment: The prevalence of informal employment, such as subsistence agriculture and informal wage employment, is noted as a structural issue in the labor market, potentially impacting wages and job quality.
    • Wage Levels: Despite low reported unemployment rates, there are concerns about the adequacy of wages, particularly for the poor. This raises questions about the quality of employment and the extent of underemployment or disguised unemployment.
    • Policy misalignment: Certain policy proposals, such as increasing public sector employment or implementing fiscal job guarantees, are critiqued for potentially misdiagnosing the problem and offering unsustainable solutions that may not address underlying wage issues.

    Steps taken by the Government: 

    • Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY): This scheme incentivizes employers to generate employment by having the government pay the entire 12% employer’s contribution to the Employees’ Provident Fund and Employees’ Pension Scheme for new employees for the first three years of their employment
    • Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): This scheme provides collateral-free loans up to â‚č10 lakh to micro and small businesses and individuals to help them set up or expand their enterprises, thereby promoting self-employment.
    • Aatmanirbhar Bharat Package: This economic stimulus package, announced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, includes various long-term schemes and policies aimed at making India self-reliant and creating employment opportunities.
    • Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan: This 125-day campaign was launched to boost employment and livelihood opportunities for migrant workers and others affected in 116 districts across 6 states.
    • PM GatiShakti: This is a multi-modal connectivity plan that aims to create infrastructure and generate employment opportunities in sectors like roads, railways, airports, ports, and logistics.

    Way forward: 

    • Addressing Labor Force Participation: Implement policies aimed at increasing labor force participation, particularly among youth and marginalized groups, by creating more formal employment opportunities.
    • Improving Informal Employment Conditions: Develop strategies to formalize the informal sector by providing incentives for informal employers to register their businesses, improve working conditions, and ensure compliance with labor laws.
    • Enhancing Wage Levels: Take steps to improve wage levels, particularly for low-skilled workers engaged in subsistence agriculture, marginal self-employment, and informal wage employment.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss.

  • Giving primacy to Human Development

    Why in the News?

    Two recent reports reveal some important facets of India’s Development.

    • The Human Development Report 2023-24, published by the UNDP, takes a comparative perspective and maps the achievements in the area of human development.
    • A paper published by the World Inequality Lab in March 2024 provides long-term trends in income and wealth inequality in India between 1922 and 2023.

    About HDI:

    The Human Development Index (HDI) is a measurement system used by the United Nations to evaluate the level of individual human development in each country. It was introduced by the U.N. in 1990.

    How is the HDI measured?

    The HDI is the geometric mean of the three dimensions above, with indices calculated separately for each country using data on life expectancy, schooling and per capita income. The final result always gives a value between 0 and 1 which defines, according to the UNDP, the four degrees of human development detailed below:

    • Very high: countries with a HDI above 0.80.
    • High: countries with a HDI between 0.70 and 0.80.
    • Medium: countries with a HDI between 0.55 and 0.70. (India is here)
    • Low: countries with a HDI below 0.55.

    India’s poor ranking in HDI:

    • Regional Trends: India’s HDI ranking has improved marginally over the years, but it still lags behind several countries, including Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and China. In 2022, India ranked 134 out of 193 countries.
    • Low HDI Value: Despite the incremental improvement in ranking, India’s HDI value remains relatively low. The HDI value increased from 0.633 in 2021 to 0.644 in 2022.
    • Gender Inequality Index (GII): While India showed improvement in its GII ranking in 2022, moving from 122 out of 191 countries in 2021 to 108 out of 193 countries in 2022, significant gender disparities persist. Notably, India faces one of the largest gender gaps in labor force participation rates, with a substantial difference between men (76.1%) and women (28.3%).
    • Medium Human Development Categories: India’s HDI ranking places it within the medium human development category alongside countries like Myanmar, Ghana, Kenya, Congo, and Angola.

    Key concerns related to Human Development:

    • Increasing Disparity Between Countries: The report underscores a concerning trend of growing inequality between countries, particularly between those at the upper and lower ends of the Human Development Index (HDI).
    • Economic Concentration: The concentration of economic power in a few countries is exacerbating global inequality. Nearly 40% of the global trade in goods is controlled by just three or fewer countries
    • Tech Company Dominance: The dominance of large technology companies further exacerbates inequality, with the market capitalization of the top three companies surpassing the GDP of the majority of countries.

    Widening inequality:

    • Income Disparities in India: The study from the World Inequality Lab reveals stark income disparities in India, with the bottom 50% of the population receiving only 15% of the national income.
      • Conversely, the top 1% earns on average 23 times more than the average Indian, and the top 10,000 individuals earn 2,069 times the average Indian.
    • Reduction of Middle-Class size: During the period from 2014 to 2022, the incomes of the middle 40% of the income distribution have grown slower than the bottom 50%. This trend suggests a potential reduction in the size of the ‘middle class.
    • High Household Debt and Low Savings: Household debt levels in India have reached a record high of 40% of GDP, while net financial savings have plunged to 5.2% of GDP.

    Way Forward: 

    • Promote Inclusive Growth Policies: Implement policies that prioritize inclusive growth, focusing on reducing income disparities, and enhancing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all segments of society.
    • Enhance Social Safety Nets: Strengthen social safety nets to provide support to vulnerable populations, including targeted welfare programs, universal healthcare coverage, and unemployment benefits.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Despite the consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.(UPSC IAS/2019)

  • Tiger Translocation in Sahyadri-Konkan Wildlife Corridor  

    Why in the news?

    Maharashtra’s plan to increase tigers count in Sahyadri-Konkan Wildlife Corridor by translocating tigers from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) (Chandrapur, Maharashtra) underscores the critical role of wildlife corridors in conservation efforts.

    About Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)

    • Tadoba became one of India’s earliest national parks when it was declared in 1955, alongside Kanha National Park.
    • The name “Tadoba” is derived from the deity “Tadoba” or “Taru,” worshipped by local Gond Tribals, and “Andhari” refers to the Andhari River flowing through the reserve.
    • It was later expanded and officially merged with the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary in 1993 to form the TATR.
    • TATR is regarded as one of the world’s most preferred destinations for tiger sightings and is a critical part of Project Tiger, aimed at conserving tigers in India.
    • The reserve has 115 tigers, including 88 within the forest and 27 in the areas immediately surrounding the reserve.

    About Sahyadri-Konkan Wildlife Corridor  

    • The Sahyadri-Konkan corridor (Sahyadri-Radhanagari-Goa-Karnataka), plays a vital role in conserving wildlife, particularly tigers, in the northern Western Ghats region.
    • It spans throughout the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, specifically through the Western Ghats, one of the world’s eight biodiversity hotspots.
    • Protected Areas Connected:
    1. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (includes Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) and Chandoli National Park) and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharashtra);
    2. Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and Kali Tiger Reserve (includes Anshi National Park and Dandeli WLS) in (Karnataka);
    3. Mollem National Park, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (Goa).
    • Fauna: Tiger (Panthera tigris), Indian leopard (Panthera pardus), dhole (Cuon alpinus), and sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), etc.
    • The Western Ghats, including parts of the corridor, are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 due to their outstanding universal value in terms of biodiversity and endemic species.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

    (a) Corbett

    (b) Ranthambore

    (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam

    (d) Sunderbans

  • Glyptothorax punyabratai: A New Catfish Species discovered  

    Why in the news?

    Glyptothorax punyabratai, a new catfish species, has been discovered in the Brahmaputra River drainage in Arunachal Pradesh.

    • The discovery was made by the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), Lucknow, and published in the journal Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters.

    Glyptothorax punyabratai

    • It was collected from the Tung Stream, a tributary of the Tissa River, within the Brahmaputra River basin.
    • It has a unique rhomboidal-shaped thoracic adhesive apparatus, which is a specialized structure that helps the fish adhere to surfaces.
    • The holotype and paratype specimens are housed at the National Fish Museum-cum-Repository of the ICAR-NBFGR, Lucknow.
      • This discovery underscores the potential for both utilization and conservation of fish biodiversity in unexplored areas.

    PYQ:

    [2019]  Consider the following pairs

    Wildlife Naturally found in
    1. Blue-finned Mahseer Cauvery River
    2. Irrawaddy Dolphin Chambal River
    3. Rusty-spotted Cat Eastern Ghats

    Which of the pairs given correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Widal Test: Flaws of Typhoid Diagnosis  

    Why in the news?

    Patients with fever in India often undergo testing and treatment for typhoid fever, primarily relying on the Widal test.

    • The Widal test, though widely used, has several limitations that affect its accuracy and reliability.

    Typhoid diagnosis using Widal Test

    • The Widal test is used primarily to diagnose typhoid fever.
    • Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi and related bacteria, presents with symptoms like high fever, stomach pain, weakness, and gastrointestinal issues.
    • It detects antibodies in the patient’s blood against the O (somatic) and H (flagellar) antigens of Salmonella Typhi.
    • Procedure:
    1. The presence of these antibodies is detected through an agglutination reaction.
    2. The test involves serial dilution of the patient’s serum.
    3. The highest dilution at which agglutination occurs indicates the antibody titer, with higher titers suggesting an active infection.

    Diagnostic Challenges:

    • The gold standard for diagnosing typhoid involves isolating the bacteria from blood or bone marrow cultures, which is time-consuming and resource-intensive.
    • Widal test is commonly used due to its convenience and accessibility. However, the Widal test’s interpretation is complicated by factors like the need for multiple serum samples, variations in cutoff values, and potential cross-reactivity with antibodies from other infections or vaccines.

    Challenges with Widal Test:

    • Impractical: A single positive Widal test does not confirm typhoid.
    • Complicated result interpretation: High background antibody levels and variability in test cutoff values.
    • Cross-reactivity with antibodies from other infections and false negatives due to prior antibiotic therapy undermine test reliability.

    Consequences of Widal Test Use:

    • Erroneous results obscure the true burden of typhoid in India, leading to inappropriate treatment and financial strain on patients.
    • Overuse of antibiotics based on Widal test results contributes to antimicrobial resistance, exacerbating the challenge of treating typhoid.

    PYQ:

    [2016] Which of the following statements is/are correct?

    Viruses can infect

    1. Bacteria

    2. Fungi

    3. Plants

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • CRISPR’s Breakthrough in Treating Blindness

    Why in the news?

    Scientists have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to restore vision in individuals with a rare form of inherited or congenital blindness.

    • The groundbreaking clinical trial, named “BRILLIANCE,” demonstrated promising results in improving vision and quality of life for participants with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), a severe vision disorder.

    What is Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA)?

    • LCA is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects the retina the ‘light-sensitive’ tissue at the back of the eye. It leads to severe visual impairment or blindness at birth or within the first few months of life.
    • It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning a child needs to inherit one defective gene from each parent to develop the condition.
    • There are several genes associated with LCA, with mutations in at least 14 different genes known to cause the disorder.
    • These genes generally affect the development and function of photoreceptors or the retinal pigment.

    Key highlights of the BRILLIANCE trial:

    • The BRILLIANCE trial involved 12 adults and two children diagnosed with LCA, a condition characterized by early-onset vision loss.
    • Participants received a single dose of a CRISPR gene therapy called EDIT-101, designed to correct mutations in the CEP290 gene responsible for LCA.
    • In this case, CRISPR-Cas9 cuts out the faulty DNA segment in the CEP290 gene and replaces it with a healthy DNA sequence, restoring the function of the CEP290 protein crucial for vision.
    • Out of 14 participants, 11 experienced improved vision without serious side effects.

    Back2Basics: CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing

    • CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9.
    • It is a technology that allows geneticists and researchers to edit parts of the genome by altering sections of the DNA sequence.
    • Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna’s work on CRISPR-Cas9 as a ‘molecular scissor’ earned them the 2020 Nobel Prize in chemistry.
    • The system consists of two key components:
    1. Cas9: This is the enzyme that acts like a pair of molecular scissors. It is responsible for cutting the DNA strand at a specific location, allowing for the removal, addition, or alteration of DNA at that site.
    2. Guide RNA (gRNA): This is a piece of RNA that is designed to find and bind to a specific sequence of DNA that matches its code. The gRNA guides the Cas9 enzyme to the exact spot in the genome where an edit is desired.
    • Mechanism:
      • The process begins with the design of a gRNA that matches the DNA sequence where an edit is needed.
      • Once inside the cell, the Cas9 enzyme and the gRNA form a complex that can identify and bind to the target DNA sequence.
      • The Cas9 then cuts the DNA at this location.
      • After the DNA is cut, the cell’s natural repair mechanisms can be harnessed to add or remove genetic material, or to make specific changes to the DNA.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] What is Cas9 Protein that is often mentioned in news?

    (a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing

    (b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients

    (c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant

    (d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops

  • Orangutan uses Plant to treat wound

    Why in the news?

    An orangutan was observed treating a wound with medicine from a tropical plant, showcasing how some animals employ natural remedies to alleviate their ailments.

    • This behavior, documented in a recent study published in Scientific Reports, represents a novel instance of self-medication among wild animals.

    About Orangutans

    • Orangutans, are distinguished by their vivid red fur, are the largest arboreal mammals and spend the majority of their time in trees and forests.
    • The name “orangutan” translates to “man of the forest” in Malay.
    • They possess long, powerful arms and grasping hands and feet that facilitate movement through the branches.
    • Highly intelligent, these great apes share 96.4% of genetic makeup of modern man.
    • Orangutans primarily inhabit the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, specifically on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
    • Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN Red list)
    • Population: Bornean (Approximately 104,700); Sumatran (Approximately 13,846); Tapanuli (Around 800);
    • Behavioral Features:
      • These apes lead mostly solitary lives in the lowland forests, dining on wild fruits such as lychees, mangosteens, and figs, and drinking water collected in tree cavities.
      • Orangutans are mainly frugivorous, they primarily eat fruits, and consume leaves, bark, insects, and occasionally small animals.
      • They construct nests in trees with vegetation for sleeping at night and resting during the day.
      • And, now they are found treating a wound with medicine from a Tropical plant.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following:

    1. Star tortoise
    2. Monitor lizard
    3. Pygmy hog
    4. Spider monkey

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3 and 4