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GS Paper: GS3

  • [pib] Exercise Tiger Triumph-24

    Why in the news

    • The third edition of the bilateral tri-service ‘Exercise Tiger Triumph– 24’ between India and the US will be held on the Eastern Seaboard in the US from March 18 to 31.

    Exercise Tiger Triumph-24

    • The primary aim of this exercise is to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the US military for conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
    • It is being held since 2019. The second edition was conducted in 2022.
    • The exercise focuses on refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enable rapid and smooth coordination between the forces of both countries during HADR operations.
    • Participants include:
    1. Indian Navy: Ships with integral helicopters and landing crafts, navy aircraft, Indian Army personnel and vehicles, Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters, and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT).
    2. US Military: US Navy ships with embarked troops from the US Marine Corps and US Army.
    • Indian and US naval assets, along with troops and equipment, are deployed for the Sea Phase after the harbor phase.

    All Major Defence Exercises between India and the US

    • Yudh Abhyas: Yudh Abhyas is an annual bilateral exercise between the Indian Army and the US Army. It focuses on enhancing interoperability and cooperation in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
    • Malabar Exercise: Malabar is a trilateral naval exercise involving the United States, India, and Japan. It aims to improve interoperability in maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, and disaster response.
    • Cope India: Cope India is an air force exercise between the Indian Air Force and the United States Air Force. It focuses on enhancing interoperability and cooperation in aerial combat tactics, techniques, and procedures.
    • Vajra Prahar: Vajra Prahar is a bilateral Special Forces exercise between the Indian Army and the US Army. It focuses on counterterrorism operations, hostage rescue, and other special operations.
    • Red Flag Exercise: While not exclusively a bilateral exercise between India and the US, the Red Flag Exercise hosted by the United States Air Force at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada often includes participation from the Indian Air Force. This exercise focuses on advanced aerial combat training and tactics.

    Significance of the Exercise

    • Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The exercise serves to strengthen the strategic partnership and cooperation between India and the United States.
    • Preparedness: Both countries aim to enhance their readiness and capabilities to respond to humanitarian crises and natural disasters effectively.
    • Cooperation: The exercise underscores the commitment of India and the US to international peace and security by collaborating on humanitarian missions.

    Practice MCQ:

    How many of the given are joint defence exercises between India and the US?

    1. Yudh Abhyas
    2. Malabar
    3. Cope India
    4. Vajra Prahar
    5. Mitra Shakti
    6. Garuda Shakti

    Select the correct option:

    1. Two
    2. Three
    3. Four
    4. Five

  • Foot and Mouth Diseases in Cattles

    fmd

    Why in the news

    • The foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has affected around many milch cattle in Uttar Pradesh.

    What is Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)?

    • FMD is a highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact.
    • The disease affects all cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants.
    • Intensively reared animals are more susceptible to the disease than traditional breeds.
    • It does not affect horses, dogs, or cats.

    How does it spread?

    • It is a Transboundary Animal Disease (TAD) that deeply affects the production of livestock and disrupts regional and international trade in animals and animal products.
    • It is caused by is an ‘aphthovirus’ of the family Picornaviridae.
    • There are 7 strains (A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, and Asia1) which are endemic in different countries worldwide.
    • Immunity to one type does not protect an animal against other types or subtypes.

    Implications of FMD

    • FMD is characterized by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats, and between the hooves.
    • The disease is rarely fatal in adult animals, but there is often high mortality in young animals.
    • The disease causes severe production losses, and while the majority of affected animals recover, the disease often leaves them weakened and debilitated.

    Policy moves to prevent FMD

    • FMD Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (2016-17): Launched under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) during, it is a program to cover all the states which were not covered under the six-monthly vaccination scheme.
    • National Animal Disease Control Programme (2019): It aims to control of Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis by vaccinating 100% cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population for FMD and 100% bovine female calves of 4-8 months of age for brucellosis.

    PYQ:

    Q. Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non- farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India. (2015)

    Practice MCQ:

    With reference to the National Animal Disease Control Programme, consider the following statements:

    1. It aims to control of Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis by vaccinating 100% cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population.
    2. For brucellosis it would vaccinate 100% bovine calves of all age.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. Only 1
    2. Only 2
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

  • Multi-purpose app SAKHI to assist Gaganyaan Crew

    What is the news-

    • The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), an ISRO facility located at Thumba in Thiruvananthapuram, has developed a multi-purpose app ‘SAKHI’ to assist Gaganyaan Crew.

    About SAKHI

    • The Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction (SAKHI) is equipped to monitor astronauts’ health, maintain communication with Earth, and manage dietary schedules.
    • It serves as an essential tool for the crew, offering real-time assistance and access to necessary data.
    • It would assist astronauts during the Gaganyaan space flight mission, facilitating tasks such as accessing vital technical information and communication.
    • Strapped to astronauts’ space suits, it allows for easy access and facilitates the maintenance of mission logs in various formats.

    Utility offered by SAKHI

    • Health Monitoring: SAKHI provides comprehensive health monitoring, including parameters like blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. It also reminds astronauts about hydration, dietary schedules, and sleep patterns, enhancing their mission efficiency.
    • Communication: SAKHI maintains communication between the crew, onboard computers, and ground-based stations, ensuring seamless connectivity.

    Gaganyaan Mission Timeline:

    • ISRO aims to launch the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission in 2025.
    • The identities of the four astronaut-designates, all IAF test pilots, were revealed at a high-profile event attended by PM at the VSSC on February 27.
    • The final crew for the mission will be selected from among the four astronaut-designates.

    Also read:

    4 IAF Gaganyaan Astronaut-designates named

     

    PYQ:

    Which of the following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/evidences for the continued expansion of the universe? (2012)

    1. Detection of microwaves in space
    2. Observation of redshift phenomenon in space
    3. Movement of asteroids in space
    4. Occurrence of supernova explosions in space

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1 and 2
    2. 2 only
    3. 1, 3 and 4
    4. None of the above can be cited as evidence

  • [pib] Mission LiFE

    Why in the news-

    • Recently an EIACP Event (Environment Information, awareness, capacity building and livelihood Programme) was held on the ‘Mission Life’.

    About Mission LiFE

    • Mission LiFE, or Lifestyle for Environment, is a global mass movement initiated by India to encourage individual and community action towards environmental protection and preservation.
    • It was inaugurated by the PM Modi at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021.
    • The program aims to mobilize one billion Indians and individuals worldwide to adopt sustainable lifestyles.

    Salient Features of Mission LiFE

    • It serves as a platform to showcase sustainable goals and climate actions implemented by countries and individuals globally.
    • It aligns with the P3 model, promoting Pro Planet People and fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
    • It operates based on the principles of ‘Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet, and by the planet’.

    Strategy of Mission LiFE

    • Mission LiFE adopts a three-pronged strategy to shift people’s collective approach towards sustainability:
      1. Nudging individuals to practice simple yet effective environment-friendly actions in their daily lives (demand).
      2. Enabling industries and markets to respond swiftly to the changing demand (supply).
      3. Influencing government and industrial policy to support both sustainable consumption and production (policy).

    Practice MCQ:

    With reference to the Mission LiFE, consider the following statements:

    1. It is a mass movement initiated by India to encourage individual and community action towards environmental protection and preservation.
    2. It was inaugurated at the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. Only 1
    2. Only 2
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

  • The problem of equity in IPCC reports | Explained

    Why in the news?

    In a study published on March 4, researchers analyzed more than 500 future emissions scenarios the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessed in its latest reports.

    Context-

    • These scenarios relate to mitigation actions like reducing carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels and increasing carbon sequestration through forestry.
    • It found that across all 556 scenarios, income, energy use, and emissions disparities between developed and developing countries are projected to continue up to 2050.

    What are IPCC assessment reports?

    • The IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Cycle (AR7) includes three Working Group reports covering physical science, climate adaptation, and mitigation action, along with a synthesis report consolidating their findings.
    • Thematic special reports are also issued, all aimed at assessing climate-related scientific literature to provide comprehensive knowledge on climate change.

    How does it assess future scenarios?

    • Modeled Pathways: The IPCC utilizes “modeled pathways” to estimate the measures necessary to limit the warming of the Earth’s surface. These pathways are constructed using Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs), which analyze human and earth systems.
    • Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs): IAMs are sophisticated models that encompass various disciplines, including macroeconomics, energy, vegetation, and earth systems. They provide insights into potential futures of the energy and climate system, as well as economies.
    • Components of IAMs: IAMs include macroeconomic models that forecast GDP growth, energy models that project consumption patterns, vegetation models that assess land-use changes, and earth-system models that predict climate evolution based on physical laws.
    • Policy-Relevant Guidelines: IAMs aim to offer policy-relevant guidance on climate action by integrating insights from diverse disciplines. They help policymakers understand the potential implications of various mitigation strategies and inform decision-making processes.
    • Shortcomings of IAMs: Despite their usefulness, IAMs have limitations. They primarily prioritize least-cost assessments, which may not adequately address equity concerns. For example, the cost of implementing climate mitigation measures varies across countries and regions.
    • Equitable Burden Sharing: Experts suggest that IAMs could be modified to enable countries to equitably share the burden of climate action. This approach could involve wealthier nations undertaking more substantial mitigation efforts, considering their greater capacity to bear the costs.
    • Global Cooperation: Addressing climate change requires global cooperation and equitable distribution of responsibilities. IAMs can play a crucial role in informing international climate negotiations and agreements by providing insights into the potential impacts of different policy scenarios.

    What did the new study find?

    • Projection of Inequities in GDP: The scenarios indicate that per-capita GDP in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, West Asia, and the rest of Asia will remain below the global average even by 2050. These regions collectively represent 60% of the world’s population.
    • Inequities in Consumption and Energy Use: The study identifies disparities between the Global North and the Global South in terms of consumption of goods and services, as well as energy and fossil fuel consumption.
    • Carbon Sequestration and Mitigation Burden: Developing countries are projected to have higher carbon sequestration from land-based carbon sinks (e.g., forests) and greater deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies compared to developed countries. This indicates that poorer countries would bear the burden of both mitigation action and carbon dioxide removal.
    • Disregard for Historical Responsibility: The study highlights that the scenarios disregard the historical responsibility of the Global North in contributing to climate change.
    • Neglect of Future Energy Needs: The scenarios also overlook the future energy requirements of the Global South to achieve development goals, indicating a lack of consideration for the development needs of these regions in the models.

    Why does equity matter?

    • Principles of Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR): Enshrined in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), these principles emphasize that climate action should be guided by equity and recognize the differing responsibilities and capabilities of countries.
    • Article 3 of UNFCCC: Article 3 underscores the obligation to protect the climate system for the benefit of present and future generations based on equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. Developed countries are urged to take the lead in combating climate change.
    • Differential Responsibilities: The principles acknowledge that while addressing climate change is a global imperative, developed nations, being wealthier and more technologically advanced, should bear a greater burden of climate action compared to developing nations.
    • Equity Considerations in Climate Action: Researchers argue that mitigation pathways modeled using Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) often neglect equity considerations. These models may not align with the principle of equity, as they may not prioritize the responsibility of developed regions to accelerate towards net negative emissions and support less developed regions.
    • Contradictory Scenarios: Despite the principles of equity and CBDR, the scenarios projected by IAMs may indicate the opposite, with developed regions not accelerating towards net negative emissions and potentially exacerbating global inequalities in climate action.
    • Need for Redistribution of Carbon Budget: Equity principles imply that developed regions should expedite efforts towards achieving net negative emissions and allocate the remaining carbon budget to less developed regions. However, IAM scenarios may not reflect this redistribution of responsibility.

    To address the equity issues highlighted in IPCC reports, several measures can be suggested: (Way Forward)   

    • Equity-Centered Modeling: Modify Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) to prioritize equity considerations, ensuring that mitigation pathways promote fair burden-sharing between developed and developing countries.
    • Redistribution of Resources: Advocate for the redistribution of financial resources and technology transfer from developed to developing countries to support their climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
    • Climate Finance: Increase funding for climate adaptation and mitigation projects in developing countries through mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund, ensuring that resources are allocated equitably and reach the most vulnerable communities.
    • Technology Transfer: Facilitate the transfer of clean and sustainable technologies to developing countries at affordable rates, enabling them to transition to low-carbon development pathways.
    • Policy Coordination: Strengthen international cooperation and coordination on climate policies to ensure coherence and alignment with equity principles, fostering trust and collaboration among countries.
    • Empowerment of Marginalized Communities: Prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of marginalized communities, including indigenous peoples and women, in climate decision-making processes to ensure their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
    • Public Awareness and Education: Promote public awareness and education on the importance of equity in climate action, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and solidarity across countries and communities.

    Conclusion:

    The study on IPCC’s AR6 scenarios reveals persistent inequities in GDP, consumption, and mitigation burden between developed and developing countries. It underscores the importance of integrating equity considerations into climate action to address historical responsibilities and promote fair burden-sharing.

  • Free trade has two faces and the one offering harmony must prevail

    Why in the News?

    • Recently, the discussion acknowledged free trade’s nuanced and multifaceted nature, highlighting its potential benefits for peace and economic development while recognizing historical and contemporary challenges in promoting equitable outcomes.

    Evolution of Free Trade ideology:

    • 19th Century Political Reformers and Free Trade:  Free trade was the rallying cry of 19th-century political reformers (Particularly Adam Smith who was inspired by Thomas Hobbes), who saw it as a vehicle for defeating despotism, ending wars, and reducing crushing inequalities in wealth.
    • The era’s economic cosmopolitanism encapsulated progressive causes such as anti-militarism, anti-slavery, and anti-imperialism.
    • US Populists and Opposition to Tariffs: US populists in the late 19th century staunchly opposed the gold standard but were also against import tariffs, which they thought benefited big business and harmed ordinary people.
    • They pushed to replace tariffs with a more equitable progressive income tax.
    • Socialists’ View on Free Trade in the Early 20th Century: Then, during the early part of the 20th century, many socialists viewed free trade, supported by supranational regulation, as the antidote to militarism, wealth gaps and monopolies.
    • Liberal Reformers’ Perspective on Protectionism: The 19th-century liberals and reformers were free traders because they thought protectionism served retrograde interests, including landed aristocrats, business monopolies and warmongers.
    • They believed economic nationalism went hand in hand with imperialism and aggression.
    • Historian Marc-William Palen cites a 1919 essay by the economist Joseph Schumpeter, who depicted imperialism as a “monopolistic symptom of atavistic militarism and protectionism—an ailment that only democratic free-trade forces could cure.”

    Perception and misconceptions of Free trade:

    • Controversial Term-Free trade has been controversial in economics, with many people arguing that it contributes to rising inequality.
    • However, there is a grain of truth in the anti-trade stance, as growing trade did contribute to rising inequality and the erosion of the middle class in the US and other advanced economies in recent decades.
    • Blind Spot of Globalization – If free trade got a bad name,  globalisation’s boosters ignored its downsides or acted as if nothing could be done about them.
    • This blind spot empowered political leaders like Donald Trump to weaponize trade and demonize racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and economic rivals.
    • Diverse Opposition: Antipathy to trade is not limited to right-wing populists but also includes radical leftists, climate activists, food safety advocates, human-rights campaigners, labor unions, consumer advocates, and anti-corporate groups.
    • US President Joe Biden has distanced himself from free trade, believing that building a secure, green, equitable, and resilient US economy must take precedence over hyper-globalization.
    • Obstacle to Social Justice:  All progressives believe that free trade stands in the way of social justice.

    Instrumentalisation of Trade:

    1) Instrumentalized for Authoritarian end:

    • Under American Revolution: A particularly egregious example is Antebellum America, where free trade entrenched slavery.
    • During the drafting of the US Constitution in 1787, America’s slave-owning southerners ensured that the text would prohibit the taxation of exports. They understood that free trade would ensure that plantation agriculture remained profitable and safeguard the slavery system on which it was based.
    • When the North defeated the South in the US Civil War, slavery was abolished, and free trade was replaced with protectionism, which suited Northern business interests better.
    • Under British imperialism: After the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846, the British government nominally abandoned protectionism and led Europe to sign free-trade agreements.

    2) Instrumentalized for militaristic ends:

    • In Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, free trade was imposed through the barrel of a gun whenever the British encountered weak potentates ruling over valuable commodities and markets.
    • The British fought the infamous Opium Wars of the mid-19th century to force Chinese rulers to open their markets to British and other Western goods so that Western countries, in turn, could buy China’s tea, silk, and porcelain without draining their gold.
    • The opium was grown in India; a British monopoly forced farmers to work under horrendous conditions that left long-term scars.
    • Free trade served repression and war, and vice versa.

    Post-World War II trade regime:

    • The American architects of the International Trade Organization followed in the footsteps of Cordell Hull—President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s secretary of state—believing they were pursuing world peace through free trade.
    • Hull was an economic cosmopolitan and a supporter of the 19th-century radical free-trade advocate Richard Cobden.
    • The post-war order was meant to be a system of global rules that eliminated bilateralism and imperial privileges.
    • While the US Congress ultimately failed to ratify the ITO, some of its key principles—including multilateralism and non-discrimination—survived in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the precursor to the World Trade Organization (WTO) of today.
    • Under GATT, commercial diplomacy replaced wars, and many non-Western countries—like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China—expanded their economies rapidly by leveraging global markets.

    What are the present challenges to the Trade regime?

    • Rise of Corporate Influence: Big corporations and multinational companies gained substantial power during this period, influencing trade negotiations to serve their interests.
    • Neglect of Important Issues: Environmental concerns, public health, human rights, economic security, and domestic equity were overlooked as trade negotiations prioritized corporate interests.
    • Departure from Original Vision: Trade deviated from the original vision of figures like Cobden and Hull, who likely envisioned it as a force for peace and prosperity, instead becoming a source of conflict.
    • Shift in Trade Dynamics: The dominance of corporate influence shifted the focus of international trade away from broader societal welfare towards maximizing profits and corporate interests

    Conclusion:

    The lesson of history is that turning trade into a positive force requires democratizing it. This means that trade should work for the benefit of the broader public interest, not just for a select few. This is an important lesson to remember as the reconstruction of the world trade regime would occur in the years ahead.

     

    Mains PYQ:

    Q. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of the ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (UPSC 2018)

  • 7 Ghost Particles pierce through Earth: IceCube Observations

    Why in the news

    • Researchers at the IceCube Observatory, buried beneath the Antarctic ice, have identified seven potential instances of elusive “Ghost Particles” or astrophysical Tau Neutrinos as they penetrated through Earth.
    • These neutrinos are pivotal for understanding the cosmic exchanges between Earth and the vast universe.

    What are Neutrinos?

    • Neutrinos, often referred to as “ghost particles,” are subatomic particles characterized by their nearly zero mass and lack of electric charge.
    • They traverse through matter with minimal interaction, making their detection extremely challenging.
    • Previously believed to be massless, evidence has emerged indicating that neutrinos possess a very small mass.
    • Neutrinos rank among the most abundant particles in the universe.
    • While neutrinos and electrons behave similarly in terms of nuclear forces, neither of them engages in strong nuclear interactions.
    • However, both participate in weak nuclear interactions.
    • Neutrinos are produced during events such as nuclear fusion in stars like the Sun or nuclear fission in reactors.

    Properties of Neutrinos

    Electric Charge Electrically Neutral
    Mass Extremely Low (Exact Masses Not Known)
    Types Electron Neutrino, Muon Neutrino, Tau Neutrino
    Interaction Weak Interaction
    Speed Close to the Speed of Light
    Spin Fermion, Half-Integer Spin
    Neutrino Oscillations Neutrinos Change Flavor during Travel
    Interactions Very Weak Interaction with Matter
    Abundance Among the Most Abundant Particles in the Universe
    Cosmic Messengers Can Carry Information from Distant Cosmic Sources

     

    Why Neutrinos are termed “Ghost Particles”?

     

    • The weak charge and almost imperceptible mass of neutrinos render them exceedingly difficult for scientists’ to detect directly.
    • Due to their rare interactions with other particles, tracking neutrinos proves nearly impossible.

    Significance of Neutrino Detection

    • The origins of the abundant neutrino particles remain largely unknown to scientists.
    • There’s a hypothesis suggesting their potential role in the early universe shortly after the Big Bang, yet concrete evidence remains elusive.
    • Understanding neutrinos better holds the promise of unraveling numerous scientific phenomena, including the mysterious origins of cosmic rays, which neutrinos are known to carry.
    • Researchers anticipate that pinpointing the source of neutrinos will aid in explaining the origins of cosmic rays, a puzzle that has perplexed scientists for centuries.

    About IceCube Observatory

    icecube

    • Location: The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is situated near the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica.
    • Components:
    1. IceCube: The primary detector consists of 5,160 digital optical modules (DOMs) attached to vertical strings frozen into the ice.
    2. IceTop: Located on top of IceCube strings, it serves as a veto and calibration detector for cosmic rays.
    3. DeepCore: A denser subdetector within IceCube that lowers the neutrino energy threshold for studying neutrino oscillations.
    • Construction:
    1. Completed in December 2010 with 86 strings deployed over seven austral summers.
    2. Involved melting holes in the ice to depths of 2,450 meters and deploying sensors connected to cables.
    • Research Goals:
    1. Observing neutrinos from various astrophysical sources to study cosmic phenomena like exploding stars, gamma-ray bursts, and black holes.
    2. Studying cosmic rays interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere to reveal structures not fully understood.
    3. Advancing neutrino astronomy and exploring high-energy processes in the Universe.

     

    Recent Neutrino Observatories in news:

     

    [1] Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO)

    • INO approved in 2015, is a proposed particle physics research mega project.
    • Its objective is to study neutrinos in a 1,200 meter deep cave.
    • The primary objective of the INO Project is to study neutrinos, one of the most abundant fundamental particles, coming from various sources and using an underground Iron calorimeter (ICAL) detector.
    • Its location is decided to be at the Bodi West Hills (BWH) region near Pottipuram village in Theni district of Tamil Nadu (110 km from the temple town of Madurai).

    [2] China’s TRIDENT

    • Scheduled for completion in 2030, TRIDENT, aptly nicknamed “Ocean Bell” or “Hai ling” in Chinese.
    • It will be positioned 11,500 feet (3,500 meters) beneath the ocean’s surface in the Western Pacific.
    • It seeks to explore the realm of neutrinos, transient particles that momentarily interact with the deep ocean, emitting faint flashes of light.

     

    PYQs:

    (1) In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at the South Pole, which was recently in the news: (2015)

    1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
    2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter.
    3. It is buried deep in the ice.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    (2) India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the planning commission as a mega-science project under the 11th Five-year plan. In this context, consider the following statements: (2010)

    1. Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
    2. Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
    3. Neutrinos have a negligible, but non-zero mass.
    4. Trillions of Neutrinos pass through the human body every second.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 1, 2 and 3 only
    3. 2, 3 and 4
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • What is the HbA1C Test for Diabetes?

    Why in the news-

    • India faces a significant burden of diabetes, with an estimated 10.13 crore people affected and an additional 13.6 crore individuals classified as pre-diabetic.
    • One of the most commonly-used tests to diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) and to help manage diabetes, is the haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test.

    What is the HbA1C Test?

    • The HbA1C test, or glycated haemoglobin test, serves as a vital tool for diagnosing pre-diabetes and diabetes, offering insights into long-term blood glucose control.
    • It measures the percentage of red blood cells coated with sugar.
    • It provides a comprehensive view of average blood glucose levels over the preceding two to three months.
    • It is recommended for individuals over 30 years and those with specific risk factors, with retests scheduled based on initial findings and individual health profiles.

    Evolution and Acceptance

    • Initially inconsistent, the test gained recognition for its correlation with blood glucose values and its role in monitoring glycemia, leading to improved standardization and accuracy.
    • It is endorsed by medical bodies like World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Diabetes Association and.
    • This underscores the test’s diagnostic utility, subject to stringent quality assurance measures.

    Interpretation of Results

    • Results are typically presented as percentages.
    1. Normal: Values below 5.7% are considered
    2. Pre-diabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
    3. Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
    • Alternatively, results may be expressed in mmol/mol, providing a comparable metric for assessment.

    Limitations of the Test

    • While informative, the HbA1C test may be supplemented by other tests, particularly in populations with conditions affecting assay accuracy.
    • In India, factors like thalassemia prevalence and iron-deficiency anemia may impact test reliability, necessitating caution and additional indices for glycemic assessment.

    PYQ:

    ‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations?

    1. Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
    2. Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
    3. Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals
    4. Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements about the HbA1C test:

    1. It is used in the diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease.
    2. It measures the percentage of red blood cells coated with sugar.
    3. It is recommended for individuals over 30 years.

    How many of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. None

  • Indigenous Drug for Sickle Cell Disease developed

    sickle cell

    What is the news-

    • Based in Delhi, Akmus Drugs and Pharmaceutical Limited unveiled a groundbreaking drug for sickle cell disease on March 16.
    • This drug marks India’s first indigenous, room-temperature stable solution for sickle cell disease, available at a mere 1% of the global price.

    What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

     

    • Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetically inherited red blood cell disorder.
    • It causes red blood cells to become hard, sticky, and sickle-shaped due to abnormal hemoglobin.
    • This abnormality leads to complications such as pain, infections, acute chest syndrome, and stroke.
    • Different types of SCD include HbSS, HbSC, and HbS beta thalassemia, each varying in severity.
    • SCD is diagnosed through a simple blood test, often identified at birth through new-born screening.
    • Treatment focuses on managing complications with options like bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, gene therapies, and medications like hydroxyurea to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
    • The recent approval of Casgevy, a groundbreaking gene therapy utilizing Crispr-Cas9 technology,  represents a monumental achievement SCD Treatment.

    About Akmus Sickle Cell Drug

    • The oral suspension of Hydroxyurea is the basic component of the drug.
    • Priced at less than â‚č600, the drug is poised to revolutionize access to treatment for sickle cell disease patients nationwide.
    • It is tailored for patients across all age groups.
    • It offers convenience and precision in dosage administration through provided oral syringes.

    What makes it a revolutionary drug?

    • Room Temperature Stability: Unlike imported hydroxyurea solutions requiring storage at 2-8 degrees Celsius, Akmus Pharmaceuticals’ formulation ensures accessibility without stringent storage conditions.
    • Cost-Efficiency: With the global brand priced at approximately â‚č77,000, Akmus’ solution underscores a paradigm shift towards affordable medication.

    Sickle Cell Disease Menace in India

     

    • Prevalence among STs: Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder mostly prevalent in districts with high tribal populations. About one in 86 births among STs have sickle cell disease that affects haemoglobin in red blood cells, resulting in morbidity and mortality (as per WHO).
    • Health Priority: Recognizing sickle cell disease as a significant health challenge, India has identified it among the top 10 issues disproportionately affecting tribal communities.
    • National Mission:  The National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission launched in 2023, aims to eliminate sickle cell anemia from India by 2047.

     

    PYQ:

    Q. Consider the following statements in the context interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy: (2023)

    1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.
    2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth.
    3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
    4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four

    Practice MCQ:

    Q. Regarding the prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in India, consider the following statements:

    1. Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disorder affecting affects haemoglobin in red blood cells.
    2. About one in 86 births among STs have sickle cell disease.
    3. India has identified it among the top 10 issues disproportionately affecting tribal communities.
    4. The National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, aims to eliminate sickle cell anemia from India by 2030.

    How many of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. Four

  • The long, bumpy road from ‘drone didis’ to ‘lakhpati didis’

    Why in the news? 

    Efforts of fertilizer companies in supporting a Central government program aimed at training women to operate drones for spraying pesticides.

    Context-

    • This initiative represents a broader trend of encouraging women’s entrepreneurship in India and empowering them to participate in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as agriculture and technology.
    • The involvement of fertilizer companies in funding and facilitating this program underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving social and economic development initiatives. 

    Scheme Details-

    Under the Namo Drone Didi scheme, 15,000 women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will receive agricultural drones to assist in crucial tasks such as crop monitoring, fertiliser spraying, and seed sowing.

    Costs to companies-

    • Financial Commitment by Fertilizer Companies: Fertilizer companies such as Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) and Coromandel International Limited (CIL) are shouldering significant costs for the “drone didi” program.
    • IFFCO is investing â‚č42 crore to support the training and equipment for 300 drone didis, while CIL is backing another 200.
    • Expense Breakdown: The approximate cost per woman participating in the program is â‚č14 lakh. This covers expenses like the drone, four battery sets, a generator, and an electric autorickshaw for transportation.
    • IFFCO has categorized this expenditure as “benefits to farmers” in its financial records.
    • Contribution of Other Companies: Several additional fertilizer companies, including Krishak Bharati Cooperative (KRIBHCO), Indian Potash Limited (IPL), Matix, Indorama India Private Limited, Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited, and National Fertilizers Limited, are collectively providing an extra 500 drones.
    • Funding Arrangement: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has agreed to provide financial assistance of up to â‚č8 lakh for each set of equipment. The remaining â‚č2 lakh is to be sourced by the participating Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

    Farmer trials-

    • Online Portal Enrollment: Haryana’s Agriculture Department, along with fertilizer companies, introduced online enrollment via the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal to encourage farmers to apply for crop spraying through drones.
    • Subsidized Nano Urea Bottle: Farmers are offered a 1-litre nano urea bottle at â‚č100, discounted from the market price of â‚č225. This nano urea, when mixed with water, serves one acre.
    • Manual vs. Drone Spraying: Farmers weigh the costs of the manual application, which include subsidized granular urea and labor costs, against the higher charges of drone didis.
    • Viability for Small Landholders: Small landholders express concerns about the affordability and practicality of drone services due to limited financial resources and smaller land holdings.
    • Usefulness of Drones: Drones are seen as more cost-effective for larger plantations like coffee, tea, or sugarcane, rather than smaller-scale agricultural operations.
    • Financial Constraints: Farmers highlight financial constraints, including the inability to afford necessities like housing, education, and farm equipment, which diminishes the feasibility of investing in drone technology.

    The women’s challenges-

    • Fuel Costs:  significant daily expenses (â‚č500 to â‚č600) on fuel to run the generator required to charge the battery sets for the drone, raising concerns about the economic feasibility of the job in the long run.
    • Battery Set Limitations: Each day, exhausts one charged battery set after covering three acres with the drone. This necessitates simultaneous charging of another set in her electric vehicle (EV) to continue her work, resulting in additional time and fuel costs.
    • Economic Viability: Despite the potential earnings mentioned on paper, there are doubts about the economic viability of the job due to high fuel costs, the need for additional assistance, and uncertainties regarding the longevity of the scheme’s benefits
    • Safety Concerns and Need for Assistance: There is safety concerns while operating the drone and the necessity of having an assistant to drive the electric autorickshaw and assist with unloading and handling the heavy drone equipment.
    • Lack of Provision for Helpers: There is no provision for hiring assistants or helpers in the scheme, leading to additional expenses

    Limitation of this scheme- 

    • Current Urea Usage and Subsidy: India uses 3.5 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of granular urea annually, with a significant portion subsidized by the government to make it affordable for farmers. Liquid nano urea, an alternative, is produced in limited quantities.
    • Government’s Vision for Nano Urea Production: The government aims to increase the production capacity of liquid nano urea to reduce dependence on expensive imported granular urea. The goal is to produce 48.5 crore bottles annually by 2026-27.
    • Limitations of Nano Urea: While liquid nano urea can supplement traditional granular urea, it cannot entirely replace it due to specific requirements in different stages of crop growth.
    • Ownership and Earnings Concerns: There are uncertainties regarding the ownership of drones and the distribution of earnings from drone operations among individuals, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), village organizations (VOs), or cluster-level federations (CLFs).
    • Need for Clarity and Coordination: Questions are raised about the lack of clarity on ownership, earnings distribution, and coordination among stakeholders involved in drone operations.
    • Challenges with Previous Proposals: Issues regarding the implementation of previous drone-related schemes, such as the procurement of drones under Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and concerns about competition from individual farmers purchasing their drones are highlighted.

    To overcome the challenges outlined regarding drone operations and nano urea production, several measures can be considered:

    • Clarity in Ownership and Earnings Distribution: Establish clear guidelines and agreements on drone ownership and revenue sharing among individuals, SHGs, VOs, and CLFs. Ensure transparency in decision-making processes and consult all stakeholders involved.
    • Enhanced Coordination: Facilitate better coordination among government agencies, agricultural organizations, and drone operators to streamline operations, address concerns, and ensure effective implementation of schemes. Regular meetings, feedback mechanisms, and communication channels can aid in coordination efforts.
    • Capacity Building: Provide training and capacity-building programs for drone operators, farmers, and other stakeholders to enhance their skills in drone operation, maintenance, and data interpretation. This can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of drone-based agricultural activities.
    • Promotion of Nano Urea: Invest in research and development to improve the efficacy and availability of liquid nano urea. Conduct awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the benefits and proper usage of nano urea, emphasizing its role as a supplement to traditional fertilizers.
    • Policy Reforms: Review existing policies related to drone operations, urea subsidy, and agricultural initiatives to address loopholes and inconsistencies. Introduce new policies or amendments to support the expansion of nano urea production and drone technology adoption in agriculture.
    • Collaborative Partnerships: Foster partnerships between government agencies, private companies, research institutions, and farmer groups to leverage expertise, resources, and innovation in addressing challenges related to drone operations and urea production.
    • Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of drone-based agricultural initiatives and nano urea production efforts. Collect data on key performance indicators and stakeholders’ feedback to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions.

    Conclusion-

    The initiative to train women as “drone didis” for agricultural tasks faces challenges of economic viability, ownership clarity, and coordination. Solutions include clear guidelines, capacity building, policy reforms, and collaborative partnerships to ensure sustainable implementation and overcome limitations in nano urea production.

    Mains PYQ-

    Q- The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation , has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programme. Elucidate.(UPSC IAS/2015)