Researchers from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in collaboration with researchers from Cornell, Yale, and Columbia has uncovered how a psychedelic drug interacts with the brain to alleviate anxiety.
AboutPsychedelic Drugs
Psychedelic drugs are a class of psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes.
These drugs often induce hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and enhanced sensory experiences.
They are typically associated with spiritual experiences and have historically been linked with counterculture movements, but they are now being studied for their potential in medical therapies.
Examples of Psychedelic Drugs:
LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide): Known for causing intense visual hallucinations and altering thoughts, it is one of the most potent psychedelics.
Psilocybin: The active compound found in magic mushrooms, known for creating visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as a deep sense of connection to the environment.
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine): Often associated with recreational use, but is also being researched for its therapeutic potential, especially in treating PTSD.
DMT (Dimethyltryptamine): Produces powerful, short-lived hallucinatory experiences, sometimes referred to as the “spirit molecule.”
Mescaline: Found in the peyote cactus, mescaline induces hallucinations and altered states of reality.
How do they work?
Psychedelics primarily affect the brain by interacting with the serotonin system, a network of neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood, perception, and cognition.
Serotonin Receptors: Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin bind to 5-HT2A receptors, a type of serotonin receptor. This interaction leads to altered perception, enhanced mood, and hallucinations.
Brain Connectivity: They increase communication between different regions of the brain, breaking down normal patterns of activity. This leads to heightened creativity, altered sensory experiences, and a sense of connectedness.
How Psychedelics hold promise for treating Anxiety and Depression?
Reduced Anxiety: They reduce overthinking by dampening activity in the brain’s default mode network.
Emotional Release: Patients experience emotional breakthroughs during psychedelic therapy sessions.
Neuroplasticity: Psychedelics may promote adaptive brain connections, aiding in recovery from chronic stress and depression.
PYQ:
[2018] India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same? (250 Words, 15 Marks)
The construction of wildlife passages and artificial canopy bridges along the India-Bhutan border has been prompted by increased deaths of the endangered golden langur due to road accidents.
About Golden Langur
Details
Identification
Recognizable by the color of their fur, which gives them their name.
Fur color changes with the seasons.
Young langurs are almost pure white.
Geographic Range
Found in Assam, India, and neighboring Bhutan year-round.
Inhabits an area bordered by the foothills of Bhutan (north), Manas river (east), Sankosh river (west), and Brahmaputra river (south).
Habitat
Occupies moist evergreen and tropical deciduous forests, along with some riverine areas and savannahs in Assam and Bhutan.
Prefers living in the upper canopy of sub-tropical forests in the south and temperate forests in the north.
Conservation Status
IUCN: Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Habitat
Ripu Reserve Forest and Chakrashila WLS serve as vital habitats.
Fragmented habitats face instability and threats.
PYQ:
[2012] Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal
Scientists at Purdue University have figured out how to levitate and spin Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs)in a vacuum.
What are FNDs?
Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs) are stable, non-toxic carbon nanoparticles that emit consistent fluorescence, have a lifespan over 10 nanoseconds, and can be levitated and spun for advanced quantum research applications.
What are their Applications?
Medical Diagnostics: FNDs are used for high-resolution imaging and tracking cells over extended periods due to their non-toxic nature.
Temperature Sensing: FNDs can measure temperatures at the microscale, making them useful for scientific experiments.
Correlative Microscopy: Their fluorescent properties make them ideal for combining different types of imaging techniques.
Sensor Technologies: Due to their sensitivity to acceleration and electric fields, FNDs can be used in industry sensors and gyroscopes for rotation sensing.
Quantum Computing: FNDs doped with nitrogen can be used for quantum superposition experiments and future quantum computing applications.
PYQ:
[2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?
SEBI has introduced a six-step framework to protect investors and curb speculative trading, specifically targeting futures and options (F&O) trading by reducing volumes on expiry days and limiting retail participation.
What are the Future and Options (F&O)?
Futures are contracts to buy or sell an asset (like stocks, indexes, or commodities) at a predetermined price on a future date.
Options give the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a set price before a certain date.
SEBI’s Six-Step F&O Framework (Effective November 2024 – April 2025):
In response to concerns about rising speculative trading, SEBI has outlined six key measures aimed at reducing retail interest in F&O trading:
Upfront collection of options premiums
Intraday monitoring of position limits
Removing calendar spread benefits on expiry day
Increasing the contract size for index derivatives
Rationalizing weekly index derivatives to one benchmark per exchange
Enhancing margin requirements on options expiry days
Key Changes for Retail Investors:
Upfront Collection of Options Premiums: Retail investors must now pay the full premium upfront, limiting their ability to use high leverage in options trading.
Increased Contract Size: The minimum contract size for index derivatives is raised to ₹15 lakhs, reducing speculative retail participation by making it costlier to enter.
Rationalization of Weekly Expiries: Only one benchmark index per exchange can have weekly expiries, lowering speculative trading opportunities and intraday volatility.
Removal of Calendar Spread Benefits: Calendar spreads are no longer allowed on expiry days, discouraging aggressive trading strategies.
Impact on Brokers and Revenue:
Decline in Trading Volumes: Brokers reliant on F&O trading will see reduced volumes due to fewer retail participants and higher barriers to entry.
Revenue Drop in Options Trading: Firms like Zerodha may face a 30-50% revenue drop as retail participation in options decreases.
Shift to Equity Trading: Retail investors may move towards equity trading, causing brokers to adapt their offerings.
Adaptation for Brokers: Brokers with a balanced mix of cash and derivatives will be less impacted, while those focused on F&O need to shift strategies.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:
1. Retail investors through demat account can invest in ‘Treasury Bills’ and ‘Government of India Debt Bonds’ in primary market.
2. The ‘Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching’ is a government securities trading platform of the Reserve Bank of India.
3. The ‘Central Depository Services Ltd.’ Is jointly promoted by the Reserve Bank of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Over the past 8-9 months, more than 50,000 workers in Surat have lost their jobs, and over 70 people have tragically taken their own lives in the past year, unable to bear the strain of unemployment and family responsibilities.
Economic Impact of Geopolitical Tensions
Global Supply Chain Disruptions: The Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Gaza conflict have disrupted the supply chain of raw diamonds. Russia, a major supplier of rough diamonds to Surat, faces Western sanctions, which have restricted the flow of diamonds into India.
Sanctions on Russian Diamonds: U.S. and European Union sanctions on Russian-origin diamonds, including polished diamonds processed in India, have significantly affected exports, particularly to Western markets like the U.S., EU, and Hong Kong.
Falling Demand: Global demand for polished diamonds has decreased in key markets such as the U.S., China, and Europe. This reduction in demand has led to a sharp decline in India’s diamond exports, plummeting from $23 billion in 2022 to a projected $12 billion by the end of 2024.
Price Drops: Polished diamond prices have fallen by 5-27% due to oversupply and lower demand, further worsening the industry’s financial outlook.
Employment Challenges
Job Losses: Over 50,000 diamond workers have lost their jobs in Surat over the past eight to nine months due to factory closures and layoffs.
Wage Reduction: Workers who remain employed have experienced significant wage cuts. For instance, wages have dropped from ₹45,000-₹55,000 per month in 2021 to ₹25,000-₹30,000 now.
Suicides and Financial Distress: Financial strain has led to over 70 suicides among diamond workers in Surat, as they struggle with job losses, school fees, rent, and medical expenses for their families.
Lack of Government Support: Despite repeated appeals, there has been little substantial government assistance for unemployed diamond workers, leaving them with minimal social security or institutional support.
Future Prospects and Support Measures
Shift to Alternative Employment: Many workers have shifted to other forms of employment, such as driving cabs, street vending, or returning to agriculture in their native regions, to make ends meet.
Welfare Demands: The Diamond Workers’ Union (DWU) has called for a special welfare package for workers, including financial support for their children’s education and healthcare expenses.
Appeals for Government Intervention: The industry, represented by groups like the DWU, is urging both the state and central governments to intervene. However, so far, industry associations have not formally sought government intervention for relief measures.
Way forward:
Government Support Package: The state and central governments should introduce targeted financial relief measures for affected diamond workers, including unemployment benefits, healthcare assistance, and educational support for children.
Diversification and Skill Development: Encourage skill development programs to help workers transition to alternative employment sectors, such as textiles, agriculture, or services, ensuring long-term economic resilience and reduced dependency on the diamond industry.
Angelina Jolie’s case highlighted hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) after she underwent preventive surgeries due to a BRCA1 gene mutation.
What is BRCA Testing?
BRCA testing is a genetic test that looks for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
These genesnormally help repair DNA, but when they are mutated, they increase a person’s risk of developing certain cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancers.
BRCA testing identifies whether a person has inherited these mutations, which can lead to Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) and other cancers.
The test is done using a blood or saliva sample, which is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
In the lab, next-generation DNA sequencing or other genetic analysis methods are used to examine the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for harmful mutations.
The test results can show whether a person has inherited a harmful mutation in these genes.
If the result is positive, it means they are at a higher risk for developing certain cancers.
Issues with BRCA Testing
BRCA testing in India is expensive, costing between ₹15,000 to ₹30,000, which makes it unaffordable for many, particularly in lower-income populations.
Testing is often only offered to individuals with a family history of cancer, which misses about 50% of people who may have the mutations but no known family history.
Significance for India
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for 27% of all cancer cases.
Women with BRCA mutations have up to a 72% risk of developing breast cancer.
Early identification allows for preventive measures, such as regular screenings or surgeries, which can reduce cancer incidence by up to 100%.
By increasing access to population-wide BRCA testing, India can improve early detection and reduce the burden of cancer on its healthcare system.
Early identification can also lower treatment costs and improve outcomes.
PYQ:
[2019] ‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?
It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
The Arun River, which flows across Nepal and Tibet, is eroding rock and soil in its basin, leading to the rise of Mount Everest by up to 2 mm a year.
How is Arun River making the Everest taller?
The Arun River is contributing to the rise of Mount Everest through a process called isostatic rebound. Here’s how it works:
1. River Incision:
The Arun River, which flows about 75 km from Mount Everest, is eroding large amounts of rock and soil from the surrounding landscape.
This process of erosion reduces the weight on the Earth’s crust in the Arun River basin.
A study by UCL suggests that the Arun River’s ability to carve out large amounts of rock and other materials may be due to it capturing another river or water system in Tibet.
This process is known as River Incision, where the river cuts downward into its bed, deepening its channel.
The erosion began to accelerate around 89,000 years ago when the Arun River merged with the Kosi River, removing large amounts of landmass and further reducing the weight on the region’s crust.
2. Isostatic Rebound:
When the weight of the land (due to rocks, soil, or even ice) decreases, the Earth’s crust rises to balance the change.
This is similar to how a boat rises in water when heavy cargo is removed.
The removal of landmass in the Arun River basin allows the crust underneath Mount Everest to rise.
AboutArun River
The Arun River originates in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, where it is known as Phung Chu or Bum-chu in Tibetan.
It flows into Nepal and confluences with the Sun Koshi and Tamur River at Tribenighat, forming the Sapta Koshi River.
Tributaries:
Left tributaries: Yeru Tsanpo, Trakar-chu.
Right tributary: Barun River.
At the Nepal border, the Arun River is approximately 3,500 meters (11,500 ft) above sea level.
The river drains into the Koshi River, significantly contributing to the Sapta Koshi River system in Nepal.
It is the largest trans-Himalayan river in Nepal, playing a crucial role in supporting the region’s hydrology and ecosystems.
It provides around 37% of the total water in the Sapta Koshi system, following the Sun Koshi which contributes 44%.
Recently, the Arun-III Hydro Power Project (900 MW), which constructed with $6.95b Indian assistance, achieved a milestone with a tunnel breakthrough.
PYQ:
[2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:
1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A recent study has found that the overexploitation of medicinal plants, is threatening the survival of swallowtail butterflies in the forest habitats of Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region.
AboutSwallowtail Butterfly
Details
Family and Species
Family: Papilionidae
Global species: 573
Indian species: 77
Characteristics
Large size, brightly colored wings, tail-like extensions on hindwings
Strong fliers, diurnal, territorial behavior, feed on nectar
Distribution
Found in tropical and temperate regions of Asia, Africa, Americas
Habitat in India
Found in rainforests, woodlands, cultivated lands, and protected areas like the Western Ghats and Northeast India
Host Plants
Depend on specific plants like Rutaceae, Aristolochiaceae, Lauraceae, and Magnoliaceae families for larval development
Threats
Host plants, especially medicinal plants, are being overexploited in areas like the Bodoland Territorial Region
Deforestation, illegal cattle farming, agriculture, tree felling, and pesticide use
Swallowtail Conservation Action Plan (SCAP)
Purpose
To protect and conserve endangered swallowtail species and prevent their extinction
Focus Area
Focuses on habitat protection, host plant conservation, and population restoration
Swallowtail-Rich Zones
Northeastern India designated as a key zone for swallowtail conservation under SCAP
Legal Protection
12 swallowtail species in India are under federal protection;
Some species are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Community Role
SCAP involves local communities in protecting host plants and preventing activities like illegal cattle grazing
PYQ:
[2016] Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’?
Q). Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan Trap’. (UPSC CSE 2022) Q). With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (UPSC CSE 2018)
Q). In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? (UPSC CSE 2018)
Prelims:
In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’? (UPSC CSE 2018)
a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards. b) The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA. c) The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). d) The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.
Mentor’s Comment: Nuclear power is the fifth-largest source of electricity in India, following coal, gas, hydroelectricity, and wind power. As of November 2020, India has 22 nuclear reactors in operation across 8 nuclear power plants, with a total installed capacity of 7,380 MW. From 2020 to 21, nuclear power produced 43 TWh, contributing 3.11% of India’s total power generation. In today’s editorial, we will be introduced to the private investment in India’s nuclear power sector, which is expected to have significant implications for the safety and security of nuclear power plants.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The government is negotiating with major firms, including Reliance Industries, Tata Power, Adani Power, and Vedanta, for investments of around $5.3 billion each.
This initiative aims to enhance electricity generation from non-carbon-emitting sources, aligning with India’s ambitious goal of achieving 50% non-fossil fuel-based electric generation capacity by 2030, up from 42% currently.
What are the potential benefits of private investment in nuclear energy for India’s energy security?
Increased Capacity: The government aims to add 11,000 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power generation capacity by 2040. By ramping up nuclear power, India can reduce its heavy reliance on coal, which constitutes over 50% of its installed capacity.
Financial Investment and Infrastructure Development: The initiative seeks approximately $26 billion in private investments, which will facilitate the construction and operation of new nuclear plants. This financial boost is essential for meeting ambitious clean energy targets.
Technological Advancements and Innovation: Private firms may bring innovative technologies and practices that can enhance efficiency and safety in nuclear operations. Collaborations could also foster research and development in areas such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which offer potential cost savings and reduced construction times.
Alignment with National Energy Goals: The investment aligns with India’s goal to achieve 50% non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation by 2030, aiding in the transition towards cleaner energy sources.
Reduction in Carbon Emissions: Nuclear energy is a non-carbon-emitting source, which can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By ramping up, India can move closer to its goal of achieving 50% non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation by 2030.
Conservation of Natural Resources: Nuclear power plants require less land per unit of electricity generated compared to solar or wind farms. This efficiency can help conserve land resources and minimize habitat disruption, particularly in densely populated regions.
How will the operational framework be structured between private companies and NPCIL?
Roles and Responsibilities: Private Companies will be responsible for making investments in nuclear plants, acquiring necessary land and water resources, and undertaking construction activities outside the reactor complex.
The rights to build, operate, and manage the nuclear stations, including fuel management, will remain with NPCIL as per existing legal provisions.
Revenue Generation: Private companies are expected to generate revenue from electricity sales once the plants are operational. This model allows private entities to benefit financially.
Hybrid Model: This model aims to accelerate nuclear capacity expansion without requiring amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, although it does require final approval from the Department of Atomic Energy.
Regulatory Compliance: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) will oversee safety and regulatory processes, maintaining stringent standards throughout construction and operation.
Public-Private Partnerships: There is potential for forming public-private partnerships where NPCIL or a similar government body retains majority ownership (51%) of nuclear plants.
What challenges and regulatory considerations must be addressed for successful implementation?
Safety and Environmental Concerns: There is significant public concern regarding the safety of nuclear power plants, as evidenced by protests against facilities like Kudankulam.
Increasing the frequency of inspections and enhancing emergency response protocols are recommended to ensure that safety standards are met consistently across all facilities.
Investment Conditions and Restrictions: Current policies restrict direct foreign investment in nuclear energy, allowing only limited participation in equipment manufacturing.
Infrastructure and Technological Development: The capital-intensive nature of nuclear projects requires a highly skilled workforce. Investments in training and capacity-building will be critical to ensure operational efficiency and safety.
Lack of Institutional Independence: The AERB currently lacks sufficient independence, as it operates under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
Secondly, the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 restricts private sector involvement in nuclear energy, granting the government exclusive rights to produce and manage nuclear power.
Legal Uncertainties: The existence of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) framework poses risks for investors, as the government retains the right to novate contracts related to nuclear operations.
How can India address these challenges?
Legislative Reforms: The government should amend existing legislation to formally establish the AERB as an independent statutory authority, ensuring that regulatory decisions are made based on safety and technical considerations rather than political or administrative pressures.
Establishment of a New Regulatory Authority: Reviving the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill, to issue safety policies and regulations without interference from the DAE, thereby enhancing its credibility and operational effectiveness.
Establishing a governance structure where the regulatory body operates independently would reduce conflicts of interest and improve regulatory oversight.
Enhanced Oversight Mechanisms: Increasing parliamentary oversight over the AERB’s operations can enhance accountability. Unlike executive orders, which have limited scrutiny, statutory authorities are subject to more rigorous checks, including judicial inquiries for member removals, which can bolster independence.
Adoption of Global Standards: Aligning with international best practices and standards set by organizations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can help strengthen regulatory frameworks.
The delayed onset of La Niña and the late retreat of the monsoon have diminished hopes that Delhi’s residents might enjoy improved air quality this winter compared to previous years.
What is Triple-dipLa- Nina?
Triple-dip La Niña refers to the rare occurrence of La Niña persisting for three consecutive years, causing prolonged cooler ocean temperatures in the Pacific and influencing global weather patterns, including stronger monsoons.
How has the triple-dip La Niña phenomenon influenced air quality in North India?
No dispersion of pollutants: The delayed onset of La Niña has led to stagnant air and calm winds, preventing the dispersion of pollutants. In previous winters, La Niña helped improve air quality with stronger winds and atmospheric circulation.
Trapped air pollutants: The slower monsoon retreat resulted in extended periods of high humidity, reduced atmospheric mixing, and trapped pollutants near the surface, contributing to deteriorated air quality.
What meteorological factors contributed to the observed anomalies in air quality?
Monsoon Retreat and Humidity: The delayed retreat of the monsoon contributes to prolonged periods of high humidity and calm winds. These conditions reduce atmospheric mixing, trapping pollutants near the surface and leading to elevated levels of PM2.5 and PM10.
Stagnant Winds: The absence of La Niña conditions results in stagnant surface winds, which hinder the dispersion of pollutants. This stagnation is particularly problematic given the regional emissions from stubble burning and other sources.
Stubble Burning: With prevailing north-north-westerly winds, stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana could significantly worsen Delhi’s air quality if it occurs at even half the intensity seen in previous years.
What implications does this have for future climate and air quality management strategies?
Need for Broader Focus: There is a growing recognition that air quality management must shift from a localized emission-centric approach to one that considers larger meteorological patterns and regional airsheds.
Policy Recommendations: Policymakers should prioritize mitigating PM2.5 emissions over PM10, as PM2.5 poses greater health risks.
Integration of Climate Factors: Future air quality strategies should integrate climate change considerations, recognizing that local emissions are only part of the equation.
Way forward:
Adopt Regional Airshed Management: Shift from a localized approach to a broader airshed strategy, accounting for meteorological patterns and regional pollution sources to improve air quality management.
Prioritize PM2.5 Mitigation and Climate Integration: Focus on reducing PM2.5 emissions, which pose higher health risks, and incorporate climate change factors into long-term air quality policies for comprehensive solutions.
