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GS Paper: GS3

  • Centre announces phased introduction of Biogas Blending for domestic use

    Central Idea

    • The Centre plans to enhance its domestic energy sustainability by introducing mandatory blending of compressed biogas (CBG) with Natural Gas.

    Mandatory Biogas Blending

    This initiative aims to reduce the country’s reliance on natural gas imports and lower emissions.

    1. Initial Phase (April 2025): The mandatory blending of CBG with natural gas will begin at 1%. This blend will be suitable for use in automobiles and households.
    2. Progressive Increase (By 2028): The government plans to gradually increase the mandatory blending percentage to around 5% by 2028. This step will further reduce the dependence on pure natural gas.

    Why such move?

    • India is among the world’s largest importers of oil and gas, with nearly half of its gas consumption relying on imports.
    • The blending initiative is designed to curb import costs and enhance energy security.
    • These measures align with India’s broader objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

    Comparative Analysis of Biogas, Natural Gas, and LPG

    Biogas Natural Gas LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
    Composition Organic matter decomposition (mainly methane and CO2). Fossil fuel (primarily methane). Byproduct of natural gas processing (propane, butane).
    Production Anaerobic digestion of organic waste. Extracted from underground, requires refining. Obtained during natural gas processing and refining.
    Energy Content Lower due to high CO2 content. High, efficient for heating and power. High per volume, efficient in liquefied state.
    Environmental Impact Renewable, carbon-neutral. Cleaner than coal/oil, but emits greenhouse gases. Fewer pollutants than gasoline/diesel, emits greenhouse gases.
    Uses Heating, electricity, vehicle fuel, cooking in rural areas. Heating, electricity, industrial processes, vehicle fuel. Heating, cooking, vehicles, industrial applications.
    Storage/Transport Stored as gas or liquid; requires tanks. Pipelines for gas; LNG for long-distance. Pressurized tanks as liquid.

  • Casgevy: Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassaemia

    Casgevy

    Central Idea

    • The recent approval of Casgevy, a groundbreaking gene therapy utilizing Crispr-Cas9 technology, by the UK health authorities represents a monumental achievement in medicine.
    • This therapy holds the potential to provide a lifelong cure for individuals grappling with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, offering newfound hope and possibilities in the field of genetic medicine.

    Casgevy: A Gene-Editing Marvel

    • World’s First Licensed Gene Therapy: Casgevy stands as the world’s inaugural licensed gene therapy employing Crispr-Cas9 technology, an innovation that garnered the Nobel Prize in 2020.
    • Targeting Faulty Genes: This revolutionary therapy specifically targets the flawed genes responsible for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, offering the tantalizing prospect of a lifelong cure.
    • A Paradigm Shift: In the past, the only permanent treatment option was a bone marrow transplant, contingent on discovering a closely matched donor.

    Mechanism of Action

    • Genetic Errors: Sickle cell disease and thalassaemia both stem from genetic abnormalities within the haemoglobin gene, impairing the structure and functionality of red blood cells.
    • Precision Gene Editing: Casgevy harnesses the patient’s blood stem cells, meticulously edited using Crispr-Cas9, with a specific focus on the BCL11A gene.
    • Boosting Foetal Haemoglobin: By stimulating the production of foetal haemoglobin, which lacks the irregularities found in adult haemoglobin, the therapy mitigates the symptoms of these debilitating conditions.

    Understanding Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassaemia

     

    Sickle Cell Disease: Characterized by crescent-shaped red blood cells, this condition disrupts smooth blood flow, resulting in excruciating pain, infections, anaemia, and even strokes. India bears witness to an annual influx of 30,000-40,000 children born with sickle cell disease.

    Thalassaemia: This disorder leads to diminished haemoglobin levels, causing fatigue, breathlessness, and irregular heartbeats, necessitating lifelong blood transfusions and chelation therapy. India is home to the world’s largest population of children with thalassaemia major, numbering approximately 1-1.5 lakh.

     Clinical Trial Results

    • Clinical trials of Casgevy showcased remarkable results, with participants afflicted by sickle cell disease reporting a substantial reduction in severe pain crises.
    • Those with thalassaemia witnessed a remarkable 70% reduction in the need for blood transfusions.

    Administration and Challenges

    • One-Time Treatment: Casgevy involves a one-time treatment process, encompassing the collection of bone marrow blood stem cells through apheresis, followed by editing and testing over a span of approximately six months.
    • Conditioning Medicine: Prior to the transplant with edited cells, conditioning medicine is administered to clear the bone marrow of existing cells.
    • Challenges: Challenges include the expected high cost of the therapy, potentially around $2 million per patient, and the absence of local manufacturing facilities, necessitating the international transport of blood stem cells.

    Future Prospects

    • Price Reduction: Despite pricing challenges, experts hold the belief that ongoing research will lead to price reductions, making the therapy more accessible. Local manufacturing facilities are also anticipated to emerge.
    • Indian Research: Researchers in India are actively pursuing gene therapies for sickle cell disease, with clinical trials on the horizon in the coming years.

  • Moulding the Himalayas needs caution

    Himalayan roads | The new danger zones - India Today

    Central idea

    The Uttarkashi tunnel collapse has thrown light on the major flaws in the infrastructure development in the Indian Himalayan Region

    Key Highlights:

    • The Char Dham Project in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) has raised concerns about the sustainability of the current development model.
    • The focus is on the carrying capacity of the IHR, questioning the extensive road widening, hydropower projects, and tourism promotion.
    • The geological sensitivity of the Himalayas, marked by earthquakes and frictional shear rocks, makes such infrastructure projects dangerous.

    Challenges:

    • Lack of adherence to mountain construction codes and basic safety protocols in the rush for construction projects.
    • The fragmentation of the Char Dham Project into smaller sections for Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) raises questions about its comprehensive evaluation.
    • The need to address the broader issue of carrying capacity in the IHR, encompassing hydropower projects, tourism, and road development.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Construction in this zone is dangerous” due to the sensitive geological nature of the Himalayas.
    • The Supreme Court should address the issue of carrying capacity in the Himalayas, considering the impact of infrastructure on the ecosystem.
    • The transformative phase in the IHR requires a reevaluation of the integration approach with new geographies.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article criticizes the lack of seriousness in implementing safety measures, citing the Silkyara tunnel incident in Uttarakhand.
    • Emphasis on learning from failures, international protocols, and the inclusion of local communities in monitoring structures are suggested for safer infrastructure development.

    Key Examples and References:

    • The Atal tunnel in Himachal Pradesh is cited as an exception with a rigorous safety protocol, contrasting it with the safety lapses in the Char Dham Project.
    • The flash floods of 2013 in Uttarakhand are mentioned as the basis for initiating the Char Dham Yatra and subsequent infrastructure projects.

    Key Data:

    • The Char Dham Project is approximately 900 km long, broken into 53 sections for separate EIAs.
    • Geological and geotechnical studies highlight the dangerous nature of construction in the Himalayas.

    Key Facts:

    • The carrying capacity discussion extends beyond the number of people to include infrastructure aspects like hydropower projects and roads.
    • The importance of a legislative architecture that involves local communities and adheres to international protocols for safer infrastructure development.

    Key Terms for value addition in your answer:

    • Carrying capacity
    • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
    • Geological sensitivity
    • Transformative phase
    • Safety protocols

    Way Forward:

    • Urgent dialogue on carrying capacity in the Himalayas, considering the total impact of infrastructure development.
    • Adoption of international protocols and legislative architecture for safer construction, involving local communities and civil society.
    • Reevaluation of the integration approach in the transformative phase of the IHR, ensuring stability and safety standards in infrastructure projects.

  • Fleet electrification to tackle urban pollution

    Adani to deploy 400 BYD Electric Trucks at 4 Indian ports - India Shipping News

    Central idea

    The central idea revolves around the urgent need to address worsening air quality in Indian cities, focusing on the critical role of transitioning to electric trucks to mitigate PM2.5 pollution. Despite challenges like upfront costs, the article emphasizes the imperative of swift action, proposes green freight corridors as a demonstration, and calls for a concerted effort involving public and private sectors to accelerate the transition and ensure a healthier urban environment.

    Key Highlights:

    • Air Quality Crisis: Rising air pollution in Indian cities necessitates prioritizing mitigation strategies, focusing on PM2.5 and PM10 pollution from the transport and construction sector.
    • Truck Fleet Expansion: The significant increase in the truck fleet poses a threat to air quality, and the transition to electric trucks is crucial for sustainability and energy security.

    Challenges:

    • Air Pollution Impact: The annual addition of 9 lakh new trucks to Indian roads contributes to air pollution, consuming a substantial portion of oil imports and contributing to over 90% of road transport CO2 emissions.
    • Obstacles to Electric Adoption: Upfront costs and charging infrastructure constraints pose challenges to the adoption of electric trucks, despite the success in electrifying rail freight and buses.

    Key Phrases:

    • Urgent Deployment: Urgent deployment of solutions is paramount in addressing the air quality crisis.
    • Targeted Mitigation: Diesel trucks and dust mitigation are identified as significant PM sources requiring immediate attention.
    • Corridor Demonstration: Green freight corridors are proposed as a demonstration effect to accelerate the transition to electric trucks.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Swift Action Call: The need for swift action is emphasized, with a call to accelerate the pace of transition to electric trucks.
    • Financial Implications: Public funding alone is insufficient, and the importance of attracting private and institutional capital is highlighted.
    • Decarbonization Priority: Despite the success in electrifying three-wheelers, truck electrification is recognized as a pivotal step in transport sector decarbonization.

    Key Examples and References:

    • E-truck Demand: The demand for 7,750 e-trucks in India by 2030 is cited as a potential measure to save over 800 billion liters of diesel till 2050.
    • Cost Disparity: The upfront cost disparity between mid-range electric trucks and diesel trucks is identified as a major hurdle.

    Key Data:

    • Electric Penetration Rate: India’s electric vehicle penetration rate has crossed 6%, but electric trucks remain a challenge.
    • Fleet Projection: The Indian truck fleet is projected to reach 1.7 crore in 2050, emphasizing the urgency of transitioning to electric trucks.

    Key Facts:

    • Corridor Proposal: Electrifying expressways and national highways as green freight corridors is proposed for demonstration and impact.
    • Financial Innovation: Innovative financial instruments and a conducive regulatory environment are deemed essential for the breakthrough in truck electrification.

    Way Forward:

    • Concerted Efforts: Urges the need for concerted efforts, including feasibility studies, demand aggregation, and a conducive regulatory environment, to create green freight corridors.
    • Recognition of Urgency: Stresses the importance of recognizing the urgency in addressing air quality issues and transitioning to electric trucks for a healthier urban environment.

  • NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)

    DSOC

    Central Idea

    • NASA’s DSOC experiment onboarded to Psyche spacecraft, recently demonstrated successful transmission of data over near-infrared laser signals to Earth.
    • This technology addresses the challenge of transmitting vast amounts of data over long distances from spacecraft, moving at high speeds in deep space.

    Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)

    • NASA’s DSOC experiment introduces near-infrared laser signals for spacecraft communication.
    • DSOC promises data rates at least 10 times faster than conventional radio communication systems, leading to enhanced data transfer rates, higher-resolution images, increased scientific data volume, and even real-time video streaming.
    • DSOC’s laser communication technology is comparable to how fiber optics revolutionized Earth-based telecommunications.

    Psyche Spacecraft and DSOC

    • The Psyche spacecraft is the first to carry a DSOC transceiver, which will test high-bandwidth optical communication with Earth during its initial two years of travel to the asteroid belt.
    • DSOC’s successful “first light” milestone was reached when the transceiver locked onto a powerful laser beacon transmitted from NASA’s Table Mountain Facility in California.
    • Achieving high data rates relies on extremely precise pointing, which is akin to hitting a small target from a great distance while both are in motion.
    • This precision is necessary for the laser transceiver to track its target despite vibrations on the spacecraft.

    Key Components for Success

    • The spacecraft must isolate the transceiver from vibrations to maintain precision.
    • As Earth and the spacecraft change positions during data transmission, DSOC systems adjust to ensure accurate pointing.
    • New signal-processing techniques are essential to extract information from weak laser signals transmitted across vast distances in space.

  • How Satellite Data monitors Farm Fires in Northern India?

    Central Idea

    • Farm fires, particularly paddy crop residue fires, contribute to air pollution in northern India. To monitor and address this issue, satellite data is utilized.

    CREAMS Laboratory: Monitoring farm fires

    • Agency: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute’s (IARI) Consortium for Research on Agro-ecosystem Monitoring and Modeling from Space (CREAMS) Laboratory is responsible for collecting and disseminating daily bulletins on paddy residue fires.
    • Coverage: Data covers Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi.
    • Information Provided: The bulletin includes district-wise fire incident numbers, comparative data from previous years, location, satellite details, time, and fire intensity.

    Satellite Data Collection

    • Satellites: Three NASA satellites (VIIRS on Suomi NPP, MODIS on Terra and Aqua) capture data by recording land surface temperatures.
    • Coverage: These satellites pass over the Indian subcontinent twice daily, with varying times.
    • Resolution: VIIRS offers higher resolution, while MODIS has coarser resolution.
    • Data Use: Satellite data is used to differentiate farm fires from other types, such as forest fires or industrial fires.

    Monitoring Protocols

    • Standardization: In 2021, a standard protocol for monitoring farm fires using satellite data was established.
    • Data Comparison: Comparative data is available from 2020 onwards.
    • Punjab’s Data: The Punjab Remote Sensing Centre provides similar data specific to Punjab.

    Identifying Paddy Fires

    • Reflectance Signature: Paddy crop residue fires are distinguished based on the unique reflectance signature of paddy fields.
    • Land Surface Temperature: Active fires are identified based on land surface temperature deviations from surrounding areas.
    • Fire Intensity: Intensity, expressed as energy emitted per unit area per unit time, indicates the amount of residue burned.

    Bulletin Dissemination

    • Recipient Agencies: Bulletins are sent to central and state-level agencies, including the Commission for Air Quality Management, the Ministry of Agriculture, and state agriculture departments.
    • Action Measures: Authorities use the data to identify hotspots and plan measures, such as machinery availability, to address farm fires.
    • Targets: Some states, like Punjab and Haryana, set targets for reducing farm fire incidents based on satellite data.

  • CERT-In exempted from RTI Ambit

    Central Idea

    • The Centre has included the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in the list of organizations exempted from the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005.
    • There are 26 other intelligence and security organisations established by the Central government such as the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Enforcement, and National Technical Research Organisation that are exempt under RTI.

    About Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)

    Details
    Nodal Agency Part of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
    Establishment Formed in 2004 under the Information Technology Act, 2000 Section (70B)
    Inter-agency Coordination Works with NCIIPC (under NTRO and PMO) and NDMA (under Ministry of Home Affairs)
    Functions Monitors cyber-attacks, issues security guidelines, liaises with national cybersecurity bodies
    Recent Activities Hosted ‘Synergy’ exercise in 2022 with international participation
    International Agreements MoUs with UK, Korea, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Uzbekistan; cooperation with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
    Notable Incidents Reported Android Jelly Bean flaw (2014), Chrome vulnerabilities (2020), WhatsApp vulnerability (2021); investigated AIIMS cyber-attack (2022)
    Cyberattack Statistics (2021) Faced 11.5 million cyberattack incidents including attacks on infrastructure and government

     

    Back2Basics: Right to Information (RTI) Act

    Enactment June 15, 2005
    Objective Promote transparency and accountability
    Applicability All public authorities at central, state, local levels
    Scope Access to information on matters of public interest, government policies, budgets, etc.
    RTI Application Filed in writing with the concerned public authority
    Response Time Within 30 days (48 hours for life or liberty issues)
    Exemptions Some information exempted to protect national security, privacy, etc.

    Judiciary
    Fees Nominal fee varies based on state and information requested
    First Appellate Authority Filed if dissatisfied with the response
    Second Appeal Filed with the relevant Information Commission
    Whistleblower Protection Safeguards against victimization for exposing corruption
    Impact Promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance

     

  • Need for climate-smart agriculture in India

    Climate change threatens food security of urban poor

    Central idea

    The article underscores the critical challenges of climate change and food insecurity facing humanity. It emphasizes the significance of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a holistic approach, promoting sustainable development, resilience to climate change, and greenhouse gas emission reduction.

    Key Highlights:

    • Global Challenges: Addressing climate change and food insecurity as critical global issues.
    • Impact on Agriculture: Discussing the negative effects of climate change on agriculture, leading to increased challenges for farmers.
    • Holistic Solution: Introducing climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a holistic solution to adaptation and mitigation challenges.
    • Emphasizing Importance: Highlighting the importance of CSA in enhancing resilience, improving productivity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Government Initiatives: Citing Indian government initiatives promoting CSA, such as the National Adaptation Fund and Soil Health Mission.

    Key Challenges:

    • Climate Risks: Analyzing the substantial risks posed by climate change to agricultural productivity, with India potentially facing a 9% decline in crop yield.
    • Need for Reforms: Discussing the need for significant reforms in the agriculture industry to adapt traditional farming practices to climate change.
    • Transformative Approach: Emphasizing the requirement for a radical transformation of the agriculture sector to achieve sustainable development goals.

    Key Terms/Phrases:

    • Holistic Approach: Exploring the concept of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and its three pillars.
    • Precision Farming: Highlighting the importance of precision farming in optimizing agricultural methods.
    • Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Describing the role of CSA in building resilience against climate change.
    • Agroforestry and Carbon Sequestration: Identifying specific CSA measures for environmental benefits.
    • Paris Agreement: Linking CSA to global initiatives such as the Paris Agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Global Efforts: Noting community-supported agriculture efforts worldwide as examples of CSA in action.
    • Specific Measures: Citing studies from the northwest Indo-Gangetic Plain showcasing the benefits of CSA for wheat production.
    • Government Support: Referring to government initiatives in India, including the Soil Health Card Scheme.
    • International Frameworks: Connecting CSA to international frameworks like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

    Key Facts/Data:

    • Climate Impact: Highlighting the potential 9% decline in crop yield in India due to climate change.
    • GHG Emissions: Noting agriculture’s significant share (17%) in greenhouse gas emissions in 2018.
    • Economic Autonomy: Pointing out the economic autonomy gained by farmers through CSA implementation.
    • Government Initiatives: Providing data on government spending on initiatives like the National Adaptation Fund.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Urgency of Action: Emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change’s impact on agriculture and the need for a comprehensive approach like CSA.
    • Positive Outcomes: Discussing the positive outcomes of CSA, including economic autonomy for farmers and benefits to biodiversity conservation.
    • Localized Responses: Highlighting the importance of localized responses to climate change and the role of CSA in meeting international obligations.

    Way Forward:

    • Investment in Capacity-Building: Recommending continued investment in capacity-building programs for CSA.
    • Knowledge Dissemination: Emphasizing the importance of providing practical tools and knowledge for the adoption of CSA.
    • Triple Goals: Stating the role of CSA in ensuring food security, empowering farmers, and protecting ecosystems.
    • Unique Juncture in India: Recognizing the unique juncture in India where CSA adoption is essential due to climate vulnerability and agricultural significance.

  • Places in news: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary

    Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary

    Central Idea

    • The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has made a crucial recommendation to designate the Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, adjacent to the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, as a core critical tiger habitat.

    Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Location: It is situated in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district, Karnataka.
    • Geographic Area: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a 30.32 sq km expanse and was officially declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the State.
    • Unique Geography: The sanctuary includes the backwaters of Nugu dam on its western side and shares borders with Alaganchi State Forest, a part of Bandipur TR, on the southwest side.
    • Flora and Fauna: Despite recovering from past degradation, the flora of Nugu shares similarities with Bandipur. The sanctuary supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including elephant, tiger, leopard, wild dog, striped hyena, sloth bear, gaur, sambhar, chital, and four-horned antelope.
    • Riverine Wildlife: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to two important riverine wildlife species: the smooth-coated otter and the marsh crocodile, emphasizing its rich biodiversity.

    Conservation Efforts

    • Buffer Area: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and serves as a buffer area for Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
    • Ecological Significance: This sanctuary offers an inviolate and ideal habitat for tigers and elephants, making it a prime candidate for Core/Critical Tiger Habitat status within Bandipur TR.

  • 25 years of the International Space Station (ISS)

    International Space Station

    Central Idea

    • This 20th November marked the 25th anniversary of the launch of the International Space Station (ISS), the largest man-made object in the solar system.
    • Since its launch on November 20, 1998, the ISS has stood as a testament to the power of international cooperation and has space research.

    About the International Space Station (ISS)

    • Orbital Marvel: The International Space Station (ISS), orbiting 430 kilometers above Earth, completes 16 orbits daily, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets.
    • Speed: The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes at 8 kilometers per second.
    • Size: Spanning 109 meters, it’s almost as long as an American football field.
    • Living Quarters: The ISS includes 6 sleeping areas, two bathrooms, a gym, and a panoramic view bay window.
    • Solar Array and Wiring: Its solar array wingspan is 109 meters, and the station houses about 13 kilometers of electrical wiring.

    Inception and Key Milestones

    • Launch of Zarya: The ISS’s journey began on November 20, 1998, with Russia’s Zarya Control Module.
    • Unity Node 1: The U.S. added the Unity Node 1 module on December 4, 1998, marking the start of a functional space lab.
    • 42 Assembly Flights: The station evolved into its current form after 42 assembly flights.
    • Continuous Habitation: Since its inception, the ISS has been continuously inhabited, hosting astronauts from various countries for groundbreaking research.

    Key Activities

    • Scientific Research: Astronauts conduct unique experiments, leading to significant discoveries.
    • Spacewalks and Maintenance: Regular spacewalks are essential for station upgrades and repairs.
    • Health Regimen: Astronauts follow strict routines to combat muscle and bone loss in microgravity, providing valuable data for future space missions.

    Scientific Contributions

    • Medical Advances: Research on the ISS has enhanced our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
    • Drug Development: Space research has expedited drug development processes.
    • Technological Innovations: Innovations in water purification and food production have emerged from ISS experiments.

    Future of the ISS

    • Current Uncertainties: The Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 casts doubt on the ISS’s future.
    • Global Space Ambitions: Countries like Japan, China, and India are aiming for independent space capabilities.
    • Continued Commitment: The US and Europe plan to support the ISS through 2030, with NASA focusing on lunar exploration and ESA developing the Starlab space station.