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  • 67th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council meet

    Why in the News?

    • The 67th meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) was recently held in Washington DC. It concluded with the approval of $736.4 million in funding for 34 nature protection and renewal projects.

    About Global Environment Facility (GEF) 

    Details
    Establishment
    • A pilot program in 1991 by the World Bank
    • Restructured after the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
    Objective Grants and blended finance for environmental projects
    Funding
    • Over $1 billion annually; $22 billion grants to date
    • World Bank serves as the GEF Trustee
    Replenishment $5.33 billion pledged for 2022-2026
    Member Countries 184 countries
    Main Governing Bodies
    • Assembly: Composed of all 184 member countries, meets every 3-4 years at ministerial level. Reviews policies, and operations, and approves amendments.
    • Council: Main governing body with 32 members from member countries (14 developed, 16 developing, 2 economies in transition). Meets biannually to develop policies, approve projects, and evaluate operations.
      • India, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh have together formed a Permanent Constituency in the Executive Council of the GEF.
    • Secretariat: Based in Washington, D.C., reports to Council and Assembly, oversees project implementation and policy adherence.
    • STAP (Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel): Provides scientific advice on policies, strategies, and projects, consisting of six internationally recognized experts.
    • GEF IEO (Independent Evaluation Office): Reports to the Council, evaluates GEF’s impact and effectiveness, and shares best practices and lessons learned.
    Operational Agencies 18 agencies including UNDP, UNEP, World Bank
    Financial Mechanism for
    • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (1994)
    • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (1991)
    • United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) (1994)
    • Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001)
    • Minamata Convention on Mercury (2013)
    • Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987)
    Focus Areas Biodiversity, Climate Change (Mitigation & Adaptation), Chemicals & Waste, International Waters, Land Degradation, Sustainable Forest Management
    Additional Initiatives Circular Economy, Capacity Development, Debt-for-Nature Swaps, Gender Equality, Indigenous Peoples

    Outcomes of the 67th GEF Council Meeting

    [1] Funding Approval:

    • A total of $736.4 million was approved for 34 projects worldwide.
    • These projects span various environmental sectors and include initiatives under the GEF Trust Fund, Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), and a Multi-Trust Fund project.

    [2] GBFF Initiatives:

    • The GBFF approved its first work programme, allocating $37.8 million specifically for enhancing protected area management in Brazil and Mexico.
    • This initiative aims to support sustainable practices across more than 30 million hectares of protected areas, with a focus on indigenous-led conservation efforts.

    [3] GEF Trust Fund Projects:

    Several projects were funded under the GEF Trust Fund, including:

    1. Sustainable Cities Integrated Program.
    2. Initiatives targeting chemical and waste pollution in Bolivia’s cement, textile, brick, and glass sectors, as well as Brazil’s cement industry.

    [4] Projects in India:

    India secured funding for two significant projects:

    1. Enhancing biodiversity conservation to meet global targets, focusing on expanding protected areas and community-led conservation practices with a funding of $6.7 million.
    2. Conservation and sustainable management of wetlands, forests, and grasslands along the Central Asian Flyway, receiving $10.7 million.

    [5] Global Impact and Targets:

    • Several projects aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30X30 target (conservation of 30% of Earth’s land and sea by 2030), including initiatives in Argentina, Central Asia, and Namibia.
    • These projects aim to reduce ecosystem degradation, combat biodiversity loss, and strengthen protected area management.

    [6] Future Plans (GEF-9):

    • The Council discussed plans for the ninth replenishment funding cycle (GEF-9) from 2026 to 2030.
    • This period aligns with global environmental goals and targets set under international agreements like the Biodiversity Plan.

    PYQ:

    [2014] With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    (a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’.

    (b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level.

    (c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment.

    (d) Both (a) and (b).

  • How Dangerous is Methanol Poisoning?      

    Why in the news?

    At least 38 people have died after consuming spurious liquor in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district.

    Key Points Related to the Kallakurichi District Incident in Tamil Nadu

    • Incident Overview: As of 9:30 p.m. on June 20, at least 38 people died after consuming spurious liquor in Kallakurichi district and 82 others were receiving treatment in hospitals. The tragedy follows a similar incident a year ago in Chengalpattu and Villupuram districts, which resulted in over 20 deaths.
    • Government Response: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin transferred the Collector and suspended the district superintendent of police. The State deployed 2,000 police personnel around the district. A one-man commission headed by former High Court judge B. Gokuldas was constituted to inquire into the tragedy.

    How is Spurious Liquor Made and Why Does it Have Deadly Effects?

    • Composition: Spurious liquor often contains methanol in addition to ethanol. Methanol is sometimes added to increase the intoxicating effect and/or bulk volume of the homemade liquor.
    • Methanol’s Deadly Effects: Methanol is metabolized in the liver to formaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes. Formaldehyde is further metabolized to formic acid by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymes. The accumulation of formic acid leads to metabolic acidosis and acidaemia, damaging various organs and leading to potential death.

    Why is Methanol added to Liquor and How is it Processed by the Body if Ingested?

    • Reasons for Adding Methanol: To enhance the ‘kick’ or intoxicating effects of the liquor and increase the volume of the liquor cheaply.
    • Processing in the Body: ADH enzymes convert methanol to formaldehyde.ALDH enzymes then convert formaldehyde to formic acid. The build-up of formic acid causes metabolic acidosis, optic neuropathy, cerebral oedema, hemorrhage, and potential death.

    Is Treatment Effective?

    • Timeliness is Crucial: Early intervention is essential for effective treatment of methanol poisoning. Prompt administration of antidotes and supportive therapies significantly improves the chances of recovery and reduces the risk of severe complications such as blindness or death.
    • Available Antidotes: Ethanol and Fomepizole are effective antidotes that inhibit the metabolism of methanol to toxic compounds. Ethanol competes with methanol for ADH enzymes, while fomepizole directly inhibits these enzymes, preventing the formation of harmful formaldehyde and formic acid.
    • Supportive Therapies: Hemodialysis can effectively remove methanol and its toxic metabolites from the bloodstream, while folinic acid helps break down formic acid. These treatments, when combined with antidotes, can mitigate the damage to vital organs and improve patient outcomes.

    Way forward:

    • Strict Regulation and Monitoring: Enhance regulatory oversight of liquor production and distribution to ensure all alcoholic beverages meet safety standards. Regular inspections and stringent enforcement of licensing laws can prevent the production and sale of illicit alcohol.
    • Public Awareness and Education: Conduct widespread public education campaigns to inform the community about the dangers of consuming spurious liquor. Awareness programs can help people recognize the signs of adulterated alcohol and understand the severe health risks associated with its consumption.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are interdependent.” Discuss their relationship with each other in the context of India. (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • Can GM Crops promise Food Security?

    Why in the news?

    A new “gene revolution” is being promoted as a solution to increasing global food demand and the impact of climate change on agriculture.

    What does the World Economic Forum (WEF) say?

    • The WEF supports GM technology and believes it can help ensure food security for a global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050.
    • Research into new strains of rice, maize, wheat, potato, and cassava can help these staples survive extreme weather and new climate-induced diseases.
    • Latest bioengineering technologies can help plants and soils capture and store atmospheric carbon, potentially reducing planet-heating carbon.
    • Projects are optimizing photosynthesis in crops like maize and rice to improve yields and reduce atmospheric carbon.

    Industrial-Scale GMOs Perpetuate Climate Change

    • Critics argue that GM crops sustain an “agro-industrial system” responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. Current food systems contribute to around one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions.
    • GMOs often involve large-scale monocultures requiring significant amounts of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation.
    • This system is criticized for being energy-intensive and unsustainable, benefiting large agro-industrial companies that dominate the seed, food, pesticide, and fertilizer markets.

    What is the Present Scenario?

    • Over half of harvested cropland in the US uses genetically modified seeds.
    • Despite the proliferation of GM crops, food insecurity remains widespread, with 250 million people in nearly 60 countries experiencing crisis-level food insecurity.
    • Successful campaigns, like in the Philippines, have led to production moratoriums on certain GM crops due to health and ecological concerns.

    Are Non-GM Ecological Crops Also a Food Security Solution?

    • Resistance to GMOs persists, with scepticism about their safety and ecological impact.
    • Non-GM ecological approaches face challenges due to limited research support, as most funding comes from large agri-biotech companies.
    • Ecological, non-GM crops aim to produce toxic-free food and nurture biodiverse ecosystems that can resist and mitigate climate change.
    • There is ongoing development of ecological, non-GM seed, food, and nutrition systems to address food security in a warming world.

    Way forward:

    • Enhanced Regulatory Oversight and Support for Ecological Practices: Strengthen regulations to ensure the safe development, testing, and deployment of GM crops while supporting research and development of non-GM ecological farming practices.
    • Public Awareness and Inclusive Research Funding: Launch comprehensive public education campaigns to inform communities about the benefits and risks of GM and non-GM crops, promoting informed decision-making.

    Note:  India has approved the commercial cultivation of only one GM crop, Bt cotton. No GM food crop has been approved for commercial cultivation in the country.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • In news: PARIVESH Portal

    Why in the News?

    • Kerala is set to construct a ropeway in Sabarimala by compensating the Forests department with alternative land at Chinnakkanal in Idukki.
    • The 2.7-kilometre-long ropeway aims to transport goods from the Pampa base station to the Sabarimala Sannidhanam.
      • Once the land is transferred for compensatory afforestation, an application will be submitted in the PARIVESH portal for clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

    What is PARIVESH Portal?

    • PARIVESH, which stands for Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive Virtuous & Environmental Single-window Hub.
    • It is an online portal developed by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
    • It is designed to streamline and expedite the process of obtaining clearances related to environment, forests, wildlife, and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) from central, state, and district-level authorities.
    • Purpose and Scope:
      • PARIVESH is intended to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the clearance processes for environment, forests, wildlife, and CRZ.
      • It aims to reduce the turnaround time for obtaining clearances and improve responsiveness through workflow automation and real-time information availability.
    • Functionality:
      • It serves as a role-based, web-based workflow application where user agencies can submit proposals online for clearances.
      • It operates on a Web Architecture using IIS as an Application Server, .NET framework, and SQL Server as a database server.

    Benefits to Users:

    • Allows for online submission and monitoring of compliance reports, including geo-tagged images of sites through a Mobile App, enhancing compliance monitoring.
    • Integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) interface for Appraisal Committees to analyze proposals efficiently.
    • Accessible 24×7 from any PC with internet connectivity, ensuring continuous availability for users across different locations and time zones.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to

    1. State the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought.
    2. Lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Striped Caecilian: Limbless Amphibian spotted in Kaziranga’s fauna

    Why in the News?

    • A limbless amphibian, the striped caecilian (Ichthyophis spp), has been newly identified within the 1,307.49 sq. km Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
      • Assam’s wildlife officials reported its discovery during a herpetofauna survey.

    Back2Basics: Herpetofauna

    • Herpetofauna refers to a group of reptiles and amphibians collectively.
    • The term combines “herpeto-” from the Greek “herpeton,” meaning “creeping animal,” and “fauna,” referring to the animal species found in a particular region or time.
    • Herpetofauna play essential roles in ecosystems:
      • They act as both predators and prey, help regulate insect populations, and serve as indicators of environmental health.
      • They serve as environmental indicators and play significant roles in pest control.

    About Striped Caecilian

    • The Striped Caecilian (Ichthyophis spp.) is a type of limbless amphibian belonging to the family Ichthyophiidae.
    • Caecilians are often mistaken for snakes or worms due to their elongated, cylindrical bodies and lack of limbs.
    • They are primarily found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
    • They usually live underground or in moist soil habitats.

    Key features of the Striped Caecilian include:

    1. They have smooth, cylindrical bodies with a ringed or striped pattern, hence the name “striped.”
    2. Caecilians are predominantly fossorial (burrowing), spending most of their lives underground or in leaf litter. This behaviour makes them elusive and difficult to study.
    3. They are carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates found in soil and leaf litter.
    4. Their eyesight is generally poor, and they rely on chemoreception (sensing chemicals in the environment) to locate prey.
    5. Caecilians are known for their unique reproductive strategies, which can involve live births or laying eggs. Some species exhibit parental care, with adults guarding eggs or young offspring.

    Significance: Kaziranga’s Biodiversity

    • Kaziranga National Park’s diverse ecosystem, encompassing flood plains, wetlands, grasslands, and hill tracts, provides an ideal habitat for herpetofauna.
    • The park hosts 24 amphibian species, 74 reptile species, and 21 of India’s 29 species of tortoises and freshwater turtles.

    About Kaziranga National Park

    Details
    Location Assam, India
    Geographical Features Situated between Brahmaputra River and Karbi (Mikir) Hills
    Significance Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot
    Rivers Diphlu River runs through the park
    Highways National Highway 37 passes through the park
    Legal Status
    • Designated as a National Park in 1974.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985).
    • Important Bird Area by Birdlife International
    Key Conservation Achievements
    • Houses around 2/3rd of the world’s Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros.
    • Declared a Tiger Reserve due to high tiger density
    ‘Big Five’ species Great Indian One-Horned Rhino, Asian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer
    Aquatic Species Gangetic River Dolphin
    Vegetation Wet Alluvial Grasslands, Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests, Semi-Evergreen

    Forests

     

    PYQ:

    [2024] The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Fish

    (c) Insects

    (d) Reptiles

  • Proposed Amendments to Insolvency Resolution Process by IBBI

    1. Why in the News?
    • The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has proposed amendments to the Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Process regulations to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase transparency.
      • This aims to align with the Companies (Registered Valuers and Valuation) Rules and streamline the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP).

    Do You Know?

    Since its enactment, the IBBI has achieved notable successes in resolving insolvency cases and recovering debts:

    • Debt Resolution: The IBC has successfully resolved Rs. 3.16 lakh crore of debt across 808 cases within seven years (as per CRISIL).
    • Higher Recovery Rates: Creditors have realized an average of 32% of admitted claims and 169% of the liquidation value through IBC proceedings, demonstrating higher recovery rates compared to previous mechanisms.
    • Behavioural Change: Companies have been proactively involved in the settlement of debts amounting to over Rs. 9 lakh crore before cases enter formal insolvency processes.

    Proposed amendments by IBBI

    • Simplified Valuation: Instead of separate reports for different types of assets, there will be one comprehensive valuation report covering the entire company. This helps in keeping valuation consistent and clear.
    • Single Valuer for Small Companies: For smaller companies with assets up to ₹1,000 crore and MSMEs, only one valuer will be appointed to determine the company’s value unless there’s a good reason for more than one.
    • Option for Two Valuers: If needed, the creditors’ committee can choose to have two valuers to deal with complex cases, but they have to explain why.
    • Faster Appointment of Representatives: Representatives appointed to represent creditors can start participating in meetings as soon as their application is submitted, to avoid delays.
    • Guarantees in Resolution Plans: If a resolution plan suggests releasing guarantees, it won’t stop creditors from going after guarantors or using the guarantees according to their agreements.

    About Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)

    Details
    Establishment Established on 1st October 2016 under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.

    • Objective: To promote a creditor-driven insolvency resolution process and enhance India’s credit culture and business environment.
    Responsibility Responsible for implementing and enforcing the IBC,

    IBC consolidated laws related to insolvency resolution for individuals, partnership firms, and corporate entities.
    Functions
    • Regulates insolvency professionals and processes.
    • Oversees insolvency professional agencies, entities, and information utilities.
    • Enforces rules for corporate and individual insolvency resolution, liquidation, and bankruptcy.
    • Sets eligibility criteria and curriculum for insolvency professionals.
    • Collects and maintains records on insolvency cases and disseminates related information.
    Composition Total 10 members

    • Chairperson appointed by the Central Government.
    • Three members from central government officers (Ministries of Finance, Corporate Affairs, Law).
    • One member nominated by RBI (Reserve Bank of India).
    • Five other members nominated by the Central Government, including at least three full-time members.

    The term is 5 years or until age 65, with reappointment possible.

    Adjudicating Authorities under the IBC:

    Under the IBC, two primary adjudicating authorities handle insolvency cases based on the nature of the entity:

    • National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT): NCLT adjudicates insolvency cases involving corporate entities and other limited liability entities.
    • Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT): DRT has jurisdiction over insolvency cases concerning individuals and partnership firms, excluding Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).

    Recent Amendments to the IBC:

    • Approval for segregated sale of assets or resolution plans.
    • Increase in the number of NCLT benches to 16 for faster adjudication.
    • Extension of timelines for filing claims to accommodate procedural complexities.
    • Sector-specific amendments tailored to address unique challenges in various industries.
    • Modifications in procedural forms such as Form G2 to enhance clarity and efficiency in insolvency proceedings.

    PYQ:

    [2017] Which of the following statements best describes the term ‘Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A)’, recently seen in the news?

    (a) It is a procedure for considering the ecological costs of developmental schemes formulated by the Government.

    (b) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties.

    (c) It is a disinvestment plan of the Government regarding Central Public Sector Undertakings.

    (d) It is an important provision in ‘The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code’ recently implemented by the Government.

  • What are the findings of the 2024 Hindu Kush Himalayas snow update? | Explained

    Why in the news?

    In 2024, the Hindu Kush Himalaya snow update from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) reported that the Ganga River basin, India’s largest, experienced its lowest recorded snow persistence.

    What does the report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development highlight?

    • Record Low Snow Persistence: The Ganga River basin, along with the Brahmaputra and Indus basins, reached record low snow persistence in 2024.
    • Significant Declines: The Ganga basin recorded its lowest snow persistence in 22 years, 17% below the long-term historical average. The Brahmaputra basin was 14.6% below normal, and the Indus basin fell 23.3% below normal.
    • Broader Impacts: Similar low snow persistence was recorded in the Amu Darya and Helmand river basins, significantly below normal levels.

    How important is snow persistence?

    • Water Supply: Snow persistence, the fraction of time snow is on the ground, is crucial as its melt provides significant water to streams and ecosystems.
    • Runoff Contribution: Snowmelt contributes 23% of the runoff to the HKH region’s 12 major river basins, supporting nearly one-fourth of the world’s population.
    • Regional Significance: The HKH mountains, known as the “water towers of Asia,” are vital for 10 major river systems, including the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus, which are essential freshwater sources for millions.

    How much of a role does climate change play in river basins receiving low levels of snowmelt this year?

    • Weak Western Disturbances: Lower persistence in 2024 was primarily due to weak Western disturbances, which are low-pressure systems bringing rain and snow to the HKH region.
    • Global Warming Effects: Climate change and global warming destabilize weather patterns, exacerbating prolonged La Niña–El Niño conditions, and influencing the arrival and intensity of western disturbances.
    • High Sea-Surface Temperatures: Persistently high sea-surface temperatures in the regions where western disturbances originate disrupt their formation, leading to reduced snowfall.
    •  Changed the weather system: The pattern of high temperatures and altered weather systems explains both the record low snow persistence in 2024 and similar historical records.

    Way forward:

    • Integrated Water Management: Develop comprehensive water management plans that incorporate predictions of reduced snowmelt. This includes optimising reservoir operations, prioritising water allocation, and implementing efficient irrigation practices to mitigate water scarcity risks.
    • Transboundary Collaboration: Foster regional cooperation among countries sharing river basins affected by declining snow persistence. Develop joint strategies for sustainable water management, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation. This includes sharing hydrological data, coordinating emergency responses, and implementing mutual benefit agreements.
    • Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Strengthen efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions at local, national, and international levels. Promote renewable energy sources and sustainable practices to curb global warming, thereby stabilising weather patterns crucial for snowfall.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (15) (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • CRISPR Cas9 Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease

    Why in the News?

    • India is close to developing a gene therapy using CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing tool for sickle cell disease (SCD).
      • SCD is a genetic blood disorder prevalent among the Scheduled Tribes.

    What is Sickle Cell Disease?

    • Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders caused by a genetic mutation in the hemoglobin-β gene located on chromosome 11.
    • This mutation results in defective hemoglobin, which forms rod-like structures after releasing oxygen.
    • As a result, red blood cells become rigid and assume a sickle shape.
    • The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning both parents must carry the abnormal gene for a child to inherit it.
    • Symptoms may not manifest immediately in newborns but can include extreme tiredness, fussiness, swollen hands and feet, and jaundice.
    • Implications:
        • The mis-shapen RBCs can block small blood vessels, leading to impaired blood flow and causing chronic anaemia.
        • Individuals with SCD often experience acute pain episodes, severe bacterial infections, and tissue damage due to inadequate blood supply.
    • Treatment:
      • Presently treatment includes medications for pain relief, regular blood transfusions to replace damaged red blood cells.
      • In rare cases, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, which carries significant risks, is recommended.

    Eliminating Sickle Cell Disease: Global and National Context

    • This progress follows the approval of CRISPR-Cas9 technology by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a cell-based gene therapy to treat sickle cell disease in December 2023.
    • One of the main challenges for India is to develop a cost-effective therapy, as part of its mission to eradicate sickle cell disease by 2047, launched by Prime Minister in July 2023.
    • The mission aims to conduct over 7 crore screenings among vulnerable tribal populations across 17 States and Union Territories, with three crore screenings completed so far.

    Back2Basics: CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing

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

     

    PYQ:

    [2023] Consider the following statements in the context interventions being undertaken under Anaemin Mukt Bharat Strategy :

    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?

    (a) Only one
    (b) Only two
    (c) Only three
    (d) All four

  • In news: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

    Why in the News?

    The monsoon has brought a measure of relief to animals especially the one-horned rhinoceros in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary dealing with extreme heat.

    About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary 

    • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
    • Often dubbed as ‘Mini Kaziranga,’ Pobitora shares a similar landscape and vegetation to its renowned counterpart.
    • The sanctuary shelters various endangered species, including one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, leopard cats, fishing cats, jungle cats, feral buffaloes, wild pigs, and Chinese pangolins.
    • Approximately 72% of Pobitora’s area comprises a wet savannah dominated by Arundo donax and Saccharum grasses, while the rest is covered by water bodies.

    About One-Horned Rhino:

    • IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable.
    • Habitat– Rhinos are mainly found in Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
      • Assam has an estimated 2,640 rhinos in four protected areas, i.e. Pobitora Wildlife Reserve, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Manas National Park.

    Note: About 2,400 of them are in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Asian lion is naturally found in India only
    2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only
    3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • How will AlphaFold 3 change life sciences research?

    Why in the News?

    AlphaFold 3, and AI System introduced in a May 2024 Nature paper, extends capabilities to predict protein-protein interactions, DNA, RNA structures, and their interactions.

    Importance of Proteins

    • Proteins are crucial molecules regulating nearly every biological function.
    • They are composed of amino acids, which determine their structure and function.
    • Understanding protein folding is essential for comprehending cellular and organismal functions.

    The Protein-Folding Problem

    • The process of protein folding is complex and not fully understood, known as the protein-folding problem.
    • It is vital for deciphering how cells, organisms, and life itself operate.
    • Frank Uhlmann emphasizes the significance of understanding protein structure for molecular biology.

    What is AlphaFold?

    • Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold debuted in 2020, employs AI and machine learning to predict protein structures.
    • AlphaFold 2, released in 2021, significantly improved accuracy in protein structure prediction.
    • Derek Lowe acknowledges AlphaFold’s achievement in predicting structures effectively, although the deeper biological principles remain less explored.
    • AlphaFold 3’s Advancements:
      • It democratizes research by offering accessible structure prediction tools, even for non-experts.

    Technology behind AlphaFold 3

    • Unlike its predecessors, AlphaFold 3 utilizes a diffusion model akin to image-generating software.
    • This approach involves training on noisy data and de-noising to predict accurate protein structures.
    • Working:
      • Given an input list of molecules, AlphaFold 3 generates their joint 3D structure, revealing how they all fit together.
      • It models large biomolecules such as proteins, DNA and RNA, as well as small molecules, also known as ligands — a category encompassing many drugs.

    Applications of AlphaFold 3

    • AlphaFold 3 excels in predicting protein structures and interactions, aiding drug discovery efforts.
    • DeepMind’s spin-off, Isomorphic Labs, utilizes AlphaFold 3 for drug candidate identification.

    Challenges

    • The model’s code restriction has sparked criticism among researchers for hindering scientific collaboration and transparency.
    • DeepMind initially withheld AlphaFold 3’s full code, prompting calls for open access from the scientific community.
    • Responding to backlash, DeepMind plans to release the complete code within six months.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?

    1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
    2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
    3. Disease diagnosis
    4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
    5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5