Since smallpox was eradicated in 1980, research on mpox has highlighted how the virus mutates, particularly through the APOBEC family of immune system proteins.
AboutAPOBEC
APOBEC (Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Enzyme, Catalytic Polypeptide-Like) is a family of proteins involved in regulating the genetic material of viruses and cells.
They are part of the human immune system and play a crucial role in protecting against viral infections by editing RNA and DNA.
APOBEC consists of several enzymes, with APOBEC1, APOBEC3 family members being the most well-known.
There are 11 identified members of the APOBEC family, primarily named APOBEC1, APOBEC2, and APOBEC3, with APOBEC3 being the most studied due to its antiviral properties.
It has a Zinc Finger Domain, which is essential for their enzymatic activity and ability to bind to DNA or RNA.
APOBEC proteins are found in various tissues and cells, but they are notably present in the immune cells such as T-cells, B-cells, and macrophages.
Role in Immune Defense:
APOBEC proteins contribute to the innate immune response by editing viral genomes, preventing the replication of viruses, and reducing the ability of viruses to establish infections.
They are known to be cytosine deaminases, which means they modify cytosine bases in nucleic acids to uracil, leading to mutations that can prevent successful viral replication.
APOBEC proteins target the genomes of several viruses, including retroviruses (like HIV), hepatitis B virus, and poxviruses (such as mpox and smallpox).
Functions of APOBEC Proteins:
DNA Editing: APOBEC proteins can deaminate cytosine bases in single-stranded DNA, converting them into uracil, which can lead to mutations.
This introduces errors in the viral genome and inhibits replication.
RNA Editing: Some APOBEC proteins, like APOBEC1, are involved in editing mRNA. In the case of APOBEC1, it helps edit the mRNA of apolipoprotein B, which is crucial for lipid metabolism.
Antiviral Activity: APOBEC3 proteins, particularly APOBEC3G, inhibit the replication of HIV and other retroviruses by editing viral DNA during reverse transcription.
They also reduce the replication of poxviruses (such as mpox), making them crucial in controlling infections caused by these viruses.
Cytosine Deamination in Viral RNA: APOBEC proteins induce mutations in viral RNA, reducing the virus’s ability to efficiently replicate and spread. This helps prevent viral evolution and adaptation.
Inhibition of Viral Resistance: By causing mutations in viral genomes, APOBEC proteins prevent viruses from easily developing resistance to the immune systemâs defenses.
Interaction with Other Immune Mechanisms: APOBEC proteins work in concert with other immune mechanisms, like interferons, to enhance antiviral responses and limit infections.
PYQ:
[2016]Â In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term âtranscriptomeâ, sometimes seen in the news, refers to:
(a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing
(b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
(c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression
(d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells
The Asia Tea Alliance (ATA) resolved to reject Genetically Modified (GM) Tea in response to climate challenges affecting global tea production.
With India’s tea production down by 10% this year due to climate change, certain companies have advocated for GM tea.
About Asia Tea Alliance (ATA)
Founded: April 19, 2019, in Guizhou, China.
5 Members: India, China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Japan.
Goals: Enhance tea trade, cultural exchange, and globally promote tea.
About Indian Tea Industry:Â
India is the second-largest tea producer and largest black tea producer after China, and also the fourth-largest tea exporter worldwide.
India is the largest consumer of black tea, accounting for 18% of global tea consumption.
The Indian tea industry directly employs 1.16 million workers, with an equal number indirectly associated.
It is governed by the Tea Board of India and under Union Government control by an Act of Parliament.
Geographical conditions:
Northeast India (including Assam), north Bengal (such as Darjeeling, Terai and the Dooars), and the Nilgiris in south India.
Tropical and subtropical climates, with regions concentrated in Asia, Africa, and South America favours tea cultivation.
It requires cool to warm temperatures (15â23°C) with at least 5 hours of sunlight daily; annual rainfall should be 150-200 cm.
Darjeeling Tea known as the “Champagne of teas,” for its aroma was the first to GI tag in 2004â05.
PYQ:
[2020] âThe crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.â Which one of the following is that crop?
Recent research by scientists at the University of Nottingham’s has found that a chemical produced by a fungus growing on caterpillars may slow cancer cell growth.
What is Caterpillar fungus?
Cordyceps militaris, also known as caterpillar fungus, is a parasitic fungus that primarily infects caterpillars and other insects.
Found in the Himalayan region and parts of Asia, it is valued in traditional Asian medicine for its health benefits, including immune support, anti-inflammatory properties, and energy enhancement.
It is considered a delicacy in some Asian cultures and has long been used for its purported wellness effects.
How it can slow down growth of cancer cells?
Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy have identified cordycepin, a compound produced by Cordyceps militaris, as potentially effective in slowing cancer cell growth.
Cordycepin works by interrupting overactive cell growth signals in cancer cells, which prevents rapid multiplication and allows for more targeted treatment.
This approach may be less harmful to healthy tissues compared to conventional cancer treatments, offering a promising direction for targeted cancer therapies.
Other observations and significance of the species
In addition to its traditional uses, Cordyceps militaris is significant for its role in ecological balance, helping control insect populations in forest ecosystems.
Advances in research have enabled large-scale studies on cordycepinâs effects, with future studies focusing on derivatives of cordycepin for potentially enhanced anti-cancer properties.
The fungus illustrates how natural compounds can contribute to sustainable medical practices, offering less toxic alternatives for disease treatment, especially in oncology.
PYQ:
[2019] Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of:
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is developing new Type 2 diabetes treatment guidelines in collaboration with a global expert panel.
These guidelines aim to integrate scientific evidence and clinical practice, adapted to the healthcare environment of specific countries.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesnât produce enough, leading to high blood sugar levels.
It is commonly linked to obesity, physical inactivity and poor diet.
Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
Treatment involves lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management.
Medications such as Metformin help regulate blood sugar levels, and in some cases, insulin therapy may be required.
About International Diabetes Federation (IDF):
Details
About
Established in 1950; Brussels, Belgium;
Members: Over 230 national diabetes associations in 170 countries and territories.
Collaborations: Partners with global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and others for global health initiatives.
Led by an elected President with the support of a Board of Directors from member countries.
Regional offices: Operates regional offices in Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Aims and Objectives
To improve the care and lives of people with diabetes and promote its prevention worldwide.
Advocacy, research, education, and raising awareness to reduce the global burden of diabetes.
Key Programs
World Diabetes Day (November 14)
Global Diabetes Atlas
Educational initiatives for healthcare professionals
Diabetes Types Covered
Type 1 Diabetes: Primarily affects children and young adults, where the bodyâs immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, often linked to lifestyle factors and obesity. It involves insulin resistance and eventually pancreas dysfunction.
Gestational Diabetes: A type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Other Forms: Covers genetic forms, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), and MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young).
Q) Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Q) Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above bjective? Explain. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Q) Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentorâs Comment:At COP28, 63 countries pledged to reduce cooling emissions by 68% by 2050 through the Global Cooling Pledge. Hence, expanded commitments are necessary at COP29 to enhance participation in global cooling initiatives and strengthen partnerships across sectors.
Todayâs editorial emphasizes the critical role of international cooperation in developing sustainable cooling technologies to combat climate change. It underscores the importance of collaboration among nations to develop clean technologies that not only address immediate cooling needs but also contribute to long-term sustainability goals.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The recent international agreements and initiatives, such as the Wilmington Declaration by the Quad nations and commitments made at COP28 focuses on the urgent need for sustainable cooling technologies in the context of global warming and climate change.
Key Initiatives and Collaborations taken by countries:
âąWilmington Declaration: Issued by the Quad nations (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.) on September 21, 2024. It focuses on sustainable energy solutions with an emphasis on high-efficiency cooling systems. âąMontreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment: The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, aims to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning. Initiatives like the Kigali âąCooling Efficiency Program (K-CEP) provide technical support and capacity building for countries, particularly those in the developing world. âąU.S.-India Partnership: India has committed to significant investments in solar and cooling infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific region. Joint plans include expanding manufacturing capacities for energy-efficient air conditioners and ceiling fans.
What were the key Commitments from COP28? âąOn Energy Transition Goals: Countries committed to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. A goal was set to triple global renewable energy capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030. âąOn Global Stocktake (GST): The first GST assessed progress towards the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the need for significant reductions in fossil fuel consumption by 2050. âą On Loss and Damage Fund: An agreement was reached to establish a Loss and Damage Fund with initial contributions of about $800 million to support vulnerable nations affected by climate change. âąOn Methane Emissions Reduction: Countries committed to reducing global methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030, with new regulations introduced by several nations. While no complete fossil fuels phase-out was agreed upon, discussions included calls for the gradual elimination of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. âąOn Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives: Nearly 160 nations signed a declaration to integrate food systems into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2025. Around $12.8 billion was pledged to the Green Climate Fund to support developing nations in their climate efforts.
Significance of Global Collaborations for Clean Technologies
Accelerating Innovation: Countries can combine their scientific knowledge, leading to faster advancements in clean technologies.
Collaborative efforts can attract funding and resources, speeding up the development of critical solutions.
Addressing Global Challenges: Coordinated responses are essential for tackling climate change effectively, as seen with initiatives like the Global Cooling Pledge.
International partnerships help establish common standards, facilitating trade and effective implementation of technologies.
Economic Growth: Investing in clean technologies creates new industries and job opportunities, driving economic growth.
Supporting Developing Economies: Involving diverse stakeholders ensures that solutions are accessible and meet the needs of vulnerable populations and their capacity building.
What role do emerging markets play in the global cleantech landscape?
Growing Energy Demand: Emerging markets are expected to account for 90% of global energy demand growth by 2035, making them crucial for shaping future energy consumption.
Decarbonization Efforts: These markets contribute about 75% of global carbon emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to achieve climate goals.
Innovation Hubs: Emerging economies are becoming centers for innovation in clean technologies, supported by initiatives that address barriers to investment.
Renewables now make up around 75% of new power generation in emerging markets, presenting significant investment potential for clean energy projects.
International Collaboration: Global cooperation is essential to help these markets transition to clean energy by aligning regulations and sharing best practices.
Transitioning to renewable energy can alleviate energy poverty, providing access to electricity and clean cooking solutions for underserved Nations.
What are the challenges and opportunities associated with financing clean technology initiatives?
1) Challenges:
High Cost of Capital: Clean energy projects in emerging markets often face financing costs that are significantly higher than in developed countries, sometimes up to seven times more expensive, which inflate risk premiums for investors.
Limited Access to Funds: Emerging economies account for two-thirds of the global population but receive only one-fifth of clean energy investments. This disparity creates a funding gap that hinders the transition to sustainable energy systems.
High Reliance on Public Financing: Many clean energy projects in developing countries rely heavily on public sources of finance. However, these sources are often insufficient to meet the growing investment needs, especially post-COVID-19, which has strained public finances further.
Regulatory and Policy Barriers: Uncertain regulatory environments and lengthy procedures for project approvals can deter investment. For example, subsidies favoring fossil fuels and restrictions on foreign investment further complicate financing efforts.
2) Opportunities:
Growing Demand for Clean Energy: The increasing global focus on sustainability and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions create a favorable environment for investing in clean technologies. Emerging markets are positioned to lead this transition by leveraging their renewable resources.
Innovative Financing Models: Blended finance approaches, which combine public and private funding, can help mitigate risks and attract investment in clean technologies. Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) can play a crucial role by providing guarantees or risk capital.
Technological Advancements: Advances in clean technology are reducing costs and improving efficiency, making it easier to attract investment.
For example, technologies like solar PV and wind power are becoming more financially viable, encouraging investment from both domestic and international sources.
Carbon Markets: The establishment of domestic carbon markets provides new revenue streams for clean energy projects, enhancing their financial viability. This can attract both local and international investors looking for sustainable investment opportunities.
International Collaboration: Global partnerships can facilitate knowledge sharing and provide access to capital for clean technology initiatives.
For example, initiatives like the World Economic Forum‘s efforts to mobilize investment in emerging economies highlight the importance of collaborative approaches
Way Forward: While financing clean technology initiatives faces notable challenges, particularly in emerging markets. Addressing the barriers effectively could unlock substantial investments needed for a successful transition to clean energy systems globally. COP29 must build on the momentum of COP28 by expanding cooling commitments.
On the evening of November 8, 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen was conducting experiments in his laboratory at the University of WĂŒrzburg in Germany when he made an unusual discovery.
Did you know the Röntgen’s discovery story of X-rays?
While experimenting with cathode rays in a glass vacuum tube, Röntgen noticed a fluorescent screen glowing at a distance, despite being too far to be affected by the rays he was studying.
Intrigued by this unexpected glow, he wondered if this mysterious ray could penetrate organic materials, so he experimented by photographing his wifeâs hand, capturing her bones and ring. This was the worldâs first recorded X-ray image of the human body.
Röntgen documented his findings in an article titled âOn a new kind of rays,â in 1895 which was published by introducing “X-rays” to the scientific community.
How did Röntgen’s discovery transform Medical practices and Diagnostics?
Revolution in Diagnostic Medicine: Physicians rapidly adopted X-rays, which allowed them to view the human body without surgery. This was transformative for diagnostics, especially in orthopedics and internal medicine.
Surgical Advancements: By February 1896, British physician Major John Hall-Edwards had successfully used X-rays to guide the surgery. Within months, armies began using X-ray technology to locate bullet wounds and diagnose fractures, marking the beginning of its use in trauma care.
What are the long-term implications of Röntgen’s discovery on Public health and Safety?
Development of Radiology: this discovery led to the birth of radiology, with subsequent advancements leading to CT, MRI, ultrasound, and other imaging technologies that are essential in modern medicine.
Radiation Safety and Awareness: Initially, x-rays were used liberally, even for non-medical purposes (such as in shoe stores to fit footwear), with little awareness of potential harm. It wasnât until early reports of radiation burns and later research in the early 20th century that the health risks of radiation exposure were acknowledged, prompting the development of safety protocols.
Ongoing Safety Protocols: Today, radiation safety is central to radiology practices. Equipment advancements and regulatory standards have minimized exposure risks, making x-rays safe for patients and medical personnel while ensuring their continued benefits.
Public Health and Preventive Care: The ability to detect diseases, fractures, and other internal injuries without invasive procedures has been crucial for preventive care, enabling early detection and treatment. This has significantly impacted patient survival rates and quality of care, solidifying diagnostic imaging as a pillar of modern public health.
Issues related to X-ray machines in Rural areas:
Limited X-ray Equipment: Rural Community Health Centres (CHCs) in India often need more X-ray machines, with only 68% of available units functioning, primarily due to high operational costs and shortages of technicians.
Maintenance and Operational Delays: Even when X-ray machines are present, many remain non-functional due to installation delays and insufficient maintenance, as imaging services are not prioritized in CHC guidelines.
Access and Specialist Shortages: Rural patients face long travel distances to access imaging services, further limited by a concentration of radiologists in urban areas, reducing timely access to diagnostic interpretation.
Way forward:Â
Strengthen Infrastructure and Access: Increase the availability and functionality of X-ray machines in rural areas by improving equipment maintenance, investing in portable and mobile X-ray units to bring diagnostic services directly to underserved populations.
For example, Teleradiology enables remote interpretation of images, improving access to diagnostic services.
Telemedicine and Remote Diagnostics: Expand telemedicine platforms like âXraySetuâ, enabling healthcare workers in rural areas to share X-ray images for remote analysis by radiologists, improving diagnostic capabilities without requiring patients to travel long distances.
Mains PYQ:
Q Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve âHealth for Allâ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018)
The Indian Navy conducted the 3rd edition of MAHASAGAR Initiative, a high-level virtual interaction led by the Chief of Naval Staff.
Theme: âTraining Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR,â emphasizing the importance of training cooperation to address shared maritime challenges.
About MAHASAGAR Initiative:
Details
About
MAHASAGAR stands for “Maritime Heads for Active (MAHA) Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)”
SAGAR Doctrine was culminated out of PMâs vision in 2015.
Launched by Indian Navy in 2023 as part of Indiaâs commitment to maritime security and regional cooperation.
Held bi-annually.
Aims
Training Cooperation: Collaborative training efforts among IOR nations.
Capacity Building: Developing skilled manpower to address maritime security challenges.
Members
Countries bordering the Indian Ocean, include Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
Chief of Naval Staff of India leads the interactions.
Heads of Navies, Maritime Agencies, and Senior Leadership from each participating country.
PYQ:
[2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Ten years ago, India became the first country to legally mandate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The section 135 of the Companies Act 2013 establishes the rules governing CSR.Â
According to the National CSR Portal, âč1.84 lakh crore in CSR funds was disbursed between 2014 and 2023.
About CSR:Â
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a business practice where companies contribute to social, economic, and environmental betterment, addressing societal needs alongside their profit-making objectives.
In India, the minimum percentage of a company’s net profit that must be spent on corporate social responsibility (CSR) is 2%.
Sectoral division of CSR:Â
Education: Receives the highest CSR share (33%-40%) for building schools, scholarships, infrastructure, and vocational training.
Health Care: Allocates 20%-30% of CSR funds to hospitals, health camps, sanitation, and disease prevention.
Environmental Sustainability: Accounts for 5%-10% of CSR funds, with projects in biodiversity conservation, waste management, and renewable energy.
CSR’s Role in Agriculture
Claims 10%-15% of CSR funds, targeting infrastructure, agricultural practices, and livelihood support.
Since the enactment of the Companies Act in 2013, which mandates CSR spending, a total of Rs 1.84 lakh crore has been disbursed in CSR funds from 2014 to 2023.Â
These funds have increasingly targeted sustainability initiatives within agriculture, with 23% of surveyed companies prioritizing “environment and sustainability” in their CSR activities.
Over 90.8% of farmers involved in CSR programs reported improvements in income or risk reduction due to these initiatives. Â
How much of an impact does Agriculture have on Indiaâs GDP?Â
Agriculture contributes approximately 15% to 18.2% of India’s GDP, reflecting a decline from 35% in 1990-91 due to rapid growth in the industrial andservice sectors. The average annual growth rate of the agricultural sector has been around 4% over the last five years. (acc to pib data)
Agriculture remains crucial for employment, providing livelihoods for about 42% of the population, which is significantly higher than the global average of 25%.
What are the key requirements to improve agricultural sustainability?
Investment in Infrastructure: There is a pressing need for capital investment in infrastructure development, including irrigation systems, cold storage, and transportation networks to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.
Technological Advancements: Adoption of modern agricultural practices and technologies is essential. This includes better seed varieties, efficient irrigation methods, and sustainable farming techniques to enhance productivity.
Environmental Sustainability Initiatives: Projects focusing on water conservation, energy-efficient irrigation, and agroforestry are critical for maintaining ecological balance while improving agricultural output.
What hinders CSRâs potential for agriculture?
Lack of Clear Reporting Mechanisms: One of the main obstacles is the absence of robust frameworks to track and categorize CSR funding specifically directed towards agricultural initiatives. Current reporting practices do not emphasize agriculture-related CSR activities adequately.
Diverse Allocation Categories: CSR activities can fall under multiple categories (e.g., gender equality, and environmental sustainability), making it difficult to isolate funds specifically aimed at agricultural sustainability. This lack of specificity hampers effective monitoring and impact assessment.
Need for Distinct Sector Identification: To maximize CSR contributions to agriculture, it is crucial to identify agriculture as a distinct sector within CSR activities. This would streamline funding processes and enhance transparency and accountability in how funds are utilized for agricultural development.
Way forward:Â
Establish Agriculture as a Separate CSR Category: Need to create a distinct sector for agriculture in CSR reporting to streamline funding, improve transparency, and enable targeted monitoring of agriculture-focused initiatives.
Implement Comprehensive Reporting Frameworks: The government should develop robust mechanisms for tracking CSR funds specifically allocated to agricultural projects, ensuring clear categorization and facilitating better impact assessments.
Mains PYQ:
Q With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications. (UPSC IAS/2013)
The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying launched the ‘Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response’ initiative in New Delhi.
What is the primary aim of the Animal Health Security Project?
The Animal Health Security Project aims to strengthen Indiaâs capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats, reducing zoonotic disease risks through enhanced surveillance, laboratory systems, and regional collaboration.
What are the objectives of the Animal Health Security Project?
Prevention, Detection, and Response: Enhance India’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats, minimizing risks of pathogens transmitting from animals to humans.
Strengthen Surveillance Systems: Improve and integrate animal disease surveillance and early warning systems to promptly identify potential threats.
Laboratory and Vaccine Infrastructure: Upgrade and expand laboratory networks and vaccine manufacturing facilities to ensure preparedness.
Data Systems and Analytics: Strengthen interoperable data systems and analytics capabilities to support informed decision-making and risk communication.
Cross-Border Collaboration: Promote regional cooperation for transboundary animal disease control through cross-border collaborations.
How is the project funded and what is its timeline?
The project is funded by the Pandemic Fund established by the G20 countries, which aims to help low- and middle-income countries improve their pandemic preparedness.
The fundâs first round raised $2 billion, and Indiaâs project received a $25 million grant.
The project will be implemented by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Timeline: Expected to conclude by August 2026.
Why is this project necessary for India?
Zoonotic Disease Threat: About two-thirds of infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic (transmitted from animals), with recent examples including COVID-19. Indiaâs large population of 536 million livestock makes it vulnerable to zoonotic outbreaks.
Public Health Impact: With five of the six major global public health emergencies in recent decades being zoonotic, the project is crucial for India’s pandemic prevention and public health security.
Vulnerable Population Protection: By addressing animal health threats, the project aims to protect the health, nutritional security, and livelihoods of vulnerable populations reliant on livestock.
Way forward:Â
Strengthen Coordination Across Sectors: Enhance collaboration between animal health, public health, and environmental sectors to create an integrated response to zoonotic threats, ensuring swift data sharing and response mechanisms.
Sustain Capacity Building and Infrastructure Investments: Ensure continued investment in laboratory networks, vaccine production, and training to maintain preparedness, and bolster resilience against emerging animal-to-human diseases beyond the projectâs timeline.
Mains PYQ:
Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Some companies have been working to solve the buoyancy challenge of Airships, a longstanding issue that has hindered their use for cargo transportation.
What are Airships?
Airships are lighter-than-air aircraft capable of controlled powered flight.
They were the first aircraft to achieve this and were considered the future of travel in the early 20th century.
However, as aeroplane technology advanced, the popularity of airships declined due to their technological limitations.
Today, airships are used mainly for:
Advertising platforms
Aerial observation for research and military purposes
Tourism and scenic flights
Note: Buoyancy is the force that makes things float. It acts in the opposite direction to gravity. When an object is placed in a fluid (like air or water), the fluid pushes up against the object, helping it to stay afloat.
How do Airships work?
Airships achieve lift by using lighter-than-air gases within their structure, much like helium balloons.
Early airships used hydrogen due to its lightweight and low cost.
However, hydrogen is highly flammable, leading to tragic incidents such as the Hindenburg disaster of 1937, which damaged public trust in airships.
Most airships today use helium, a non-flammable gas that is safer than hydrogen.
However, helium is scarce and expensive, costing about $35 per cubic meter (enough to lift just 1 kg).
Challenge with varying Buoyancy:
Airships require the ability to vary their buoyancy to adjust for weight changes when picking up or dropping off loads.
Solutions such as releasing and refilling helium are impractical due to helium’s high cost and scarcity.
How Airships are a Promising Solution?
Airships hold potential as low-emission cargo vehicles due to their unique design:
Airships have a high lift-to-drag ratio, meaning they consume far less fuel than aeroplanes for moving the same load.
Companies are exploring the use of ballast to regulate airship buoyancy, a method common in hot air balloons and submarines.
A French company has created a 200-meter âflying craneâ airship called LCA60T, which can pick up water as ballast mid-flight, avoiding the need for specialized ground infrastructure.
With concerns about climate change and the aviation industryâs carbon footprint, airships offer a less polluting alternative. They do not burn fossil fuels to lift, making them an eco-friendly choice.
PYQ:
[2017] Examine the development of Airports in India through joint ventures under PublicâPrivate Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard?
