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GS Paper: GS3

  • Recognising the impact of climate change on health

    Framework on climate change and its impact on health (adapted from... | Download Scientific Diagram

    Central idea 

    As India gets ready for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), it is important to examine how climate change affects the country’s health. India’s inadequate health systems make our population particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate risks on health. Climate change affects health directly, causing more sickness and death. In more indirect ways, it affects nutrition, reduces working hours, and increases climate-induced stress.

    Key Highlights:

    • Vulnerability of Health Systems: Inadequate health infrastructure in India heightens susceptibility to climate change impacts on health.
    • Concerns Over Temperature Rise: Failure to cap global temperature rise raises fears of uninhabitable regions with a 2°C increase.

    Challenges:

    • Double Morbidity Burden: Convergence of communicable and non-communicable diseases worsens health challenges.
    • Neglected Non-communicable Diseases: Climate change impact on mental health and non-communicable diseases often overlooked in India.

    Key Phrases and Analysis:

    • Urban Heat Island Effect: Unplanned urbanization intensifies the urban heat island effect, straining the urban health system.
    • Poorly Managed Health Risks: Inadequate recognition and management of health risks associated with climate change-induced factors.

    Key Data and Facts:

    • Temperature-Related Health Risks: 1% increase above 29°C correlates with an 8% rise in hospitalization rates, emphasizing direct temperature impact.
    • Urbanization Challenges: Unplanned urbanization exacerbates climate-related health risks, necessitating interventions in urban planning and public health.

    Way Forward:

    • Holistic Mitigation Strategies: Mitigation involves understanding climate change pathways, modifying health information systems, and upstream interventions.
    • Multi-level Action: Coordinated action at global, regional, and local levels, involving researchers, policymakers, and governments for meaningful change.

     

  • Draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023

    Central Idea

    • The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has unveiled the draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023, signalling a transformative shift in India’s healthcare landscape.
    • This bill aims to replace the Pharmacy Act, of 1948, and the existing Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) with the forward-looking National Pharmacy Commission.

    Key Highlights of the Bill

    • Elevating Pharmacy Education: The primary objective of the bill is to elevate pharmacy education by enhancing access to affordable, high-quality learning opportunities. It envisions a robust educational framework that prepares future pharmacy professionals to excel.
    • Universal Access to Pharmacy Services: The bill aspires to make pharmacy services accessible to all, fostering equitable healthcare delivery across the nation.
    • Integration of Research and Ethical Standards: It encourages pharmacy professionals to seamlessly integrate the latest research into their practice, contribute to ongoing research efforts, and uphold the highest ethical standards.
    • Transparency and Adaptability: The bill advocates for regular, transparent assessments of pharmacy institutions, the establishment of a national pharmacy register, and the flexibility to adapt to evolving healthcare needs. It also introduces an effective grievance redressal mechanism.

    National Pharmacy Commission’s Architecture

    • A New Beginning: The bill proposes the establishment of the National Pharmacy Commission, headquartered in New Delhi, heralding the dissolution of the existing Pharmacy Council of India.
    • Composition: The commission will consist of a Chairperson, 13 ex-officio members, and 14 part-time members.
    • Three Key Boards: The Central Government will constitute three vital boards under the commission:
      1. Pharmacy Education Board
      2. Pharmacy Assessment and Rating Board
      3. Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board

    Empowering State Chapters

    • The bill mandates every State Government to establish a state pharmacy chapter within one year from the Act’s commencement.
    • These chapters will operate under State Law and play a pivotal role in executing the Act’s provisions.
    • The Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board will maintain the National Pharmacy Register (NPR), a comprehensive repository containing detailed information about pharmacy professionals, ensuring transparency and accountability.

  • Gamma-Ray Burst in faraway Galaxy disturbed Earth’s Ionosphere

    Central Idea

    • A Star’s Explosive End: About two billion years ago, far beyond our Milky Way galaxy, a huge star exploded into a supernova. This explosion sent out a massive burst of gamma rays, the most powerful type of energy wave in the electromagnetic spectrum.
    • Gamma-Ray Bursts: These bursts are short-lived but incredibly intense, often associated with the most dramatic events in the universe, like the death of massive stars.

    Why discuss this?

    • These gamma rays travelled across space for billions of years, finally reaching Earth in 2022.
    • When they arrived, they caused a significant disturbance in Earth’s ionosphere, a layer of electrically charged gases high in our atmosphere.

    What are Gamma-Ray Bursts?

    • What Are They? Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are incredibly intense flashes of gamma rays, which are the most energetic form of light in the electromagnetic spectrum. These bursts are the most powerful explosions observed in the universe.
    • How They Occur: They usually happen when massive stars collapse into neutron stars or black holes, or during the merger of neutron stars. These cosmic catastrophes release a tremendous amount of energy.
    • Duration and Energy: GRBs can last from a few milliseconds to several hours, but they typically last a few seconds. The amount of energy released in this short time can be more than the Sun will emit in its entire 10-billion-year lifetime.
    • Afterglow: Following the initial burst, GRBs are often followed by an ‘afterglow’ emitted at longer wavelengths (X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, infrared, and radio).

    Earthly Consequences and Research

    • Lasting Effects: The gamma rays disturbed the ionosphere for several hours and even set off lightning detectors in India.
    • Scientific Importance: Although this burst didn’t harm life on Earth, it showed how sensitive our ionosphere is to space events.
    • A Rare Event: Such a powerful gamma-ray burst is expected to hit Earth only once every 10,000 years.

    Looking Ahead: Protecting Earth from Cosmic Threats

    • Preparing for Future Events: Scientists are studying the potential risks of a similar event happening closer to Earth, within our own Milky Way.
    • Low Risk: However, the chance of such a dangerous event happening is very low.

  • Langlands Program: Making Complex Math Connections Easier to Understand

    Central Idea

    • Robert Langlands, a mathematician famous for his “Langlands Program,” has shifted his focus to Turkish literature in his later years.
    • This program is about finding deep links between two areas of math: number theory (the study of numbers) and harmonic analysis (a type of math that breaks down functions or signals into simpler parts).

    Langlands Program: A Journey to Connect Different Math Areas

    • Beginning: In 1967, Robert Langlands, a young mathematician at Princeton, started this journey with a letter to another mathematician, Andre Weil, sharing some groundbreaking ideas.
    • Complex Ideas: The program is full of complicated ideas that are hard for even experts to fully understand.
    • Goal: It aims to connect number theory and harmonic analysis, two areas of math that don’t seem related at first.

    The Purpose of the Program

    • Abel’s Discovery: In 1824, Niels Henrik Abel showed that it’s impossible to find a one-size-fits-all solution for certain math equations (polynomial equations) beyond a certain complexity.
    • Galois’s Approach: Evariste Galois, who didn’t know about Abel’s work, suggested looking at patterns (symmetries) in the solutions of these equations instead of trying to solve them directly.
    • Galois Groups: These are groups that show the patterns in the solutions of these equations and are key to the Langlands Program.
    • Linking Ideas: The program tries to connect these Galois groups with something called automorphic functions, which would allow using calculus (a branch of math) to explore these equations, connecting harmonic analysis and number theory.

    Automorphic Functions: Connecting Different Areas of Math

    • Example of Automorphic Function: Think of functions that have a repeating pattern, like the way sine functions in trigonometry work.
    • Special Symmetry: Automorphic functions have a unique property where they remain the same even after certain transformations, showing a special kind of symmetry.
    • Role in Langlands Program: The program’s goal is to link these special functions with Galois groups, leading to new ways of understanding and solving math problems.

    Impact of the Program

    • Solving an Old Puzzle: In 1994, Andrew Wiles and Richard Taylor used ideas from the Langlands Program to solve Fermat’s Last Theorem, a famous and old math problem.
    • Creating New Functions: This program helps in making new types of automorphic functions, which could help solve other complex math problems, like the Ramanujan conjectures.
    • Geometric Langlands: This is a branch of the Langlands Program that looks at connections between different fields like algebraic geometry, representation theory, and even physics.
    • Math and Physics Connection: Recent studies suggest that this program might help in understanding things in physics, like the study of electromagnetic waves.

  • A renewed focus on emerging technologies

    Indian army ramps up AI, but how effective will it be? – DW – 10/18/2023

    Central idea

    The Indian military’s strategic embrace of emerging technologies, encompassing AI, cyber, and unmanned systems, reflects a forward-looking vision. While showcasing diverse initiatives, the article underscores the need for organizational shifts, jointness, and collaboration with civilians to effectively integrate these technologies

    Key Highlights:

    • Diverse Initiatives: Indian military strategically adopts AI, cyber, and unmanned systems, with each service branch leading initiatives.
    • Strategic Vision: Reflects a forward-looking approach, leveraging technology for operational and strategic advantages.
    • AIDef Showcases: Defence Ministry’s ‘AIDef’ presents Defence AI Council and Project Agency, showcasing a commitment to integrate AI across allied organizations.
    • Indigenous Emphasis: Highlights a push for indigenization, aligning with national goals of self-reliance in defence.

    Challenges:

    • Organizational Shift Needed: Warns against viewing technology as a ‘plug and play,’ stressing the need for organizational and doctrinal changes.
    • Data-sharing Imperative: Advocates for a cultural shift, urging military to share data with civilians for technology to reach its full potential.
    • Crucial Interconnectedness: Identifies jointness and interoperability challenges, crucial for effective integration of emerging technologies.
    • Need for Unified Commands: Stresses the urgency of joint theatre commands to streamline operations and enhance coordination.

    Key Phrases:

    • Civil-Military Partnerships: Emphasizes collaborative defence, necessitating partnerships with scientists, academics, and technologists.
    • Shared Responsibility: Highlights the shared responsibility of the military and civilians in navigating the complexities of emerging technologies.
    • Historical Challenge: Explores the perpetual military challenge of adapting to change, underlining the complexity of integrating emerging technologies.
    • Strategic Evolution: Recognizes the need for a strategic evolution to effectively incorporate emerging technologies into military operations.

    How AI Strengthens the Indian Army | ESDS

    Analysis:

    • Operational Synergy: Advocates for joint theatre commands to achieve operational synergy and seamless integration of emerging technologies.
    • Unified Strategy: Stresses the importance of a unified strategy for joint operations, minimizing challenges related to technology integration.
    • Specialization Advocacy: Urges a shift towards specialization in human resources practices, aligning officer expertise with the demands of emerging technologies.
    • Intellectual Inclination: Recommends extended tenures for officers inclined towards technological domains, fostering intellectual capabilities.
    Value addition box from Civilsdaily

     

    The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) actively engages with private tech companies through initiatives like the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and In-Q-Tel to leverage cutting-edge technologies.

     

    The U.S. prioritizes collaboration between defense agencies and civilian entities, exemplified by the establishment of the Defense Innovation Board, composed of experts from various industries.

     

    The U.S. military emphasizes jointness through unified combatant commands, promoting interoperability in the application of emerging technologies across different branches.

     

    Key Data:

    • ‘UDAAN’ Initiative: The Indian Air Force is utilizing AI, cyber, and virtual reality under ‘UDAAN’ to address operational, logistical, and training needs.
    • Integrated Unmanned Roadmap: The Navy is progressing with emerging technologies, including an Integrated Unmanned Roadmap, as part of project ‘Swavlamban.’
    • Defence Cyber Agency: Established in 2018, the Defence Cyber Agency addresses threats in the cyber domain.
    • Defence Space Agency: Launched in 2018, it focuses on threats and capabilities related to space.
    • Comprehensive Approach: Reveals the military’s comprehensive approach, identifying 45 niche technologies for diverse military applications.
    • Strategic Preparedness: Illustrates a strategic preparedness to harness a spectrum of technologies for operational superiority.
    • Communication Enhancements: Mentions GSAT-7 and GSAT-7A launches, highlighting advancements in military communication capabilities through satellite technology.
    • Space for Defence: Showcases India’s utilization of space capabilities for defence purposes, marking a significant leap in technological applications.

    Way Forward:

    • Integrated Planning: Calls for integrated planning to address challenges in jointness and interoperability, laying the groundwork for successful technology integration.
    • Cross-Service Collaboration: Advocates for cross-service collaboration, emphasizing the need for unified efforts to maximize the potential of emerging technologies.
    • Private Sector Integration: Recommends openness to technocrats from the private sector, fostering innovation and expertise infusion for defence.
    • Innovation Ecosystem: Calls for the creation of an innovation ecosystem, encouraging collaboration between defence and civilian talent for holistic technological advancements.

    This transformative journey requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing strategic vision, organizational adaptability, collaborative partnerships, and talent infusion to fully realize the potential of emerging technologies in the military landscape.

  • Freemartins in Animal Husbandry

    Central Idea

    • In the realm of animal husbandry, a phenomenon known as Freemartinism sheds light on the extraordinary diversity found in cattle.

    Freemartinism: A Unique Phenomenon

    • Freemartins are sterile female cattle born exhibiting characteristics of both sexes.
    • This phenomenon arises when a male and a female twin develop within the same uterus, occurring in approximately 90% of twin pregnancies in cattle.
    • The exchange of blood between the male and female foetuses during gestation plays a pivotal role in Freemartinism.
    • Freemartinism is primarily attributed to the sharing of cells carrying the Y chromosome from the male twin with the female twin.
    • Y chromosome triggers the development of male reproductive organs in the male foetus, while the female foetus, influenced by male hormones, undergoes incomplete development of its reproductive system.
    • Freemartins possess underdeveloped or non-functional reproductive tracts, rendering them incapable of reproduction.

    Agricultural Significance

    • In agricultural settings, identifying freemartins is crucial to enhance reproductive efficiency in cattle breeding.
    • Farmers often utilize physical and behavioural traits to identify freemartins, subsequently removing them from the breeding herd.
    • This culling strategy helps improve the overall breeding program by ensuring that non-reproductive cattle do not contribute to the herd.

  • Places in news: Kadalundi Mudflats

    Central Idea

    • Kadalundi’s mudflats are shrinking drastically with sands cover.
    • These mudflats have been a vital source of sustenance for thousands of migrant shorebirds, offering abundant prey like polychaetes and crustaceans.

    About Kadalundi Mudflats

    • Kadalundi Mudflats are situated in the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, which is located in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, along the southwestern coast of India. The sanctuary encompasses estuarine wetlands, mudflats, and mangrove forests.
    • The mudflats are part of the estuarine ecosystem formed at the confluence of the Kadalundi River and the Arabian Sea.
    • This unique environment is influenced by both freshwater from the river and saline water from the sea, creating a diverse habitat.

    Ecological significance

    • Kadalundi Mudflats are renowned for their rich biodiversity, especially in terms of avian species.
    • The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary and the mudflats are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
    • The mudflats serve as a critical habitat for various resident and migratory birds.
    • It is estimated that over 100 species of resident and migratory birds visit the area, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and ornithologists.
    • They are a crucial stopover point for migratory birds travelling along the East Asia-Australasia Flyway.

  • Cultivation of GI-tagged Onattukara Sesame

    Onattukara Sesame

    Context

    • Kerala is taking efforts to expand the cultivation of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Onattukara sesame, a unique and valuable agricultural product.
    • Onattukara sesame was granted the GI tag in January this year.

    Onattukara Sesame (Ellu )

    Description

    Region of Cultivation

    		 Primarily cultivated in the Onattukara region, covering Alappuzha, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala, India.
    Medicinal Properties Onattukara sesame is known for its medicinal properties and high quality.
    Traditional Use Traditional ayurvedic doctors in the region have used Onattukara sesame oil for treating rheumatism and skin protection since the 18th century.
    Nutritional Value Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. Contains essential fatty acids like oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid.
    Varieties Grown in various varieties, including ‘ayali,’ Kayamkulam-1, thilak, thilathara, and thilarani, developed by ORARS, Kayamkulam.
    Market Potential Obtaining the GI tag is expected to increase its popularity and market value, leading to higher prices for sesame seeds and oil.
    Pricing Current prices: Sesame seeds – ₹200 to ₹250 per kilogram, Sesame oil – ₹500 to ₹600 per kilogram.

  • GI tag for Sea Buckthorn

    Sea Buckthorn

    Central Idea

    • The Geographical Indication Registry has officially granted the GI tag to ‘Ladakh Sea Buckthorn’.
    • It is the fourth GI tag after Apricot (Raktsey Karpo), Pashmina, and Ladakhi Wood Carving in Ladakh.

    About Sea Buckthorn

    • Sea buckthorn is a plant that grows in Europe and Asia.
    • In India, it’s found in the Himalayan region, especially in dry places like the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.
    • This plant produces small orange or yellow berries that are sour but full of vitamins, especially vitamin C.
    • It can survive really hot and really cold temperatures, which makes it perfect for the cold deserts.
    • Every part of the plant—berries, leaves, twigs, roots, and thorns—are useful for medicine, food, fuel, and fencing.
    • It’s also a vital food source for many birds and provides nutritious food for animals like sheep, goats, donkeys, cattle, and camels in the cold desert regions.
    • It is often called the ‘Wonder Plant,’ ‘Ladakh Gold,’ ‘Golden Bush,’ or ‘Gold Mine’ of the cold deserts.

    Back2Basics: GI Tag

    • A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
    • Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
    • India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
    • GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
    • The tag stands valid for 10 years.

  • Why India should invest in mining

    Why India should invest in mining - The Indian Express - Newshive: Uncovering the Latest Stories and Breaking News.

    Central idea

    The article highlights India’s opportunity in the emerging critical minerals market in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush, emphasizing responsible mining amidst environmental considerations. It connects this opportunity to the global shift towards electric mobility, with the potential for job creation.

    Key Highlights:

    • Afghanistan’s Riches: The Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan holds minerals worth a trillion dollars, a potential game-changer.
    • Mobility Shift: Global movement from oil to electric vehicles is escalating demand for critical minerals.
    • Indian Opportunity: Geological hints suggest the possibility of similar mineral wealth in the northern Indian side of the Hindu Kush range.
    • Untapped Potential: India, with vast unexplored land and advancements in deep-sea mining, may have undiscovered mineral riches.

    Challenges:

    • Governance and Environmental Concerns: Past issues highlight the need for robust laws to balance environmental concerns with job creation.
    • Political Tensions: Historical discord between the central government and Congress on mining needs resolution for cohesive policies.
    • Legislative Balance: Striking a balance between ecological conservation and job creation requires nuanced legislation.
    • Private Sector Role: Private sector involvement is crucial for capital-intensive mining, demanding careful governance.

    Key Phrases for value addition:

    • “Afghanistan: Saudi Arabia of lithium” emphasizes the potential of the Hindu Kush region.
    • “Transition from oil to electric mobility” underlines the global shift and increasing demand for critical minerals.
    • “New Middle East: Hindu Kush mountain range” positions the region as a significant player in the emerging critical minerals market.
    • “Global critical minerals race” highlights the competitive dynamics in securing these resources worldwide.

    Analysis:

    • Global Shift: The global transition to electric mobility is a key driver behind the soaring demand for critical minerals.
    • Indian Potential: India, with its untapped resources, is poised to benefit from the increasing global demand for minerals.
    • Balancing Act: Striking a balance between environmental conservation and job creation is essential for sustainable mining practices.
    • Private Sector Significance: In the capital-intensive mining sector, the private sector’s involvement is crucial for efficiency and technological advancements.

    Key Data:

    • Trillion-Dollar Potential: Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region is estimated to hold minerals worth a trillion dollars.
    • Geological Reports: Reports suggest the possibility of untapped mineral deposits in the northern Indian side of the Hindu Kush range.
    • Exploration Status: Less than 10% of India’s landmass has been explored, with only 2% mined.

    Way Forward:

    • Legislation: Enforcing robust environmental, labor, and land laws is crucial for responsible and sustainable mining.
    • Private Exploration: Encouraging large-scale private exploration for critical minerals is vital for efficiency and technological advancements.
    • Deep-Sea Prospects: Leveraging emerging deep-sea mining technologies can open new avenues for resource exploration.
    • Balance Priority: Striking a balance between environmental conservation and job creation should be a priority in future mining policies.