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GS Paper: GS3

  • In news: New GI Tags Awards

    Central Idea

    • The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai recently granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag to many distinctive products from across India.

    GI Tags for Rajasthani Crafts

    • Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft: This traditional craft involves ornamenting weapons with intricate designs, gold and silver wire embedding, and polishing. The process results in exquisite and finely crafted metalware.
    • Bikaner Kashidakari Craft: Traditional craftspeople from the Meghwal community in Bikaner and nearby districts create this craft on cotton, silk, or velvet. The intricate fine stitches and mirror-work are mainly used for marriage-related objects and are believed to ward off the ‘evil eye.’
    • Jodhpur Bandhej Craft: Known for its vibrant and colorful appeal, Bandhej is an ancient Rajasthani art of tying and dyeing textiles. The fabrics, including muslin, silk, and voile, are tied with cotton thread before dyeing.
    • Bikaner Usta Kala Craft: Also known as gold nakashi or gold manauti work, this craft is characterized by the use of untreated raw camel hide. The skilled Dapgar community of leather craftspeople meticulously processes and molds the leather to create durable and golden-hued products.

    Other GI Tagged Products

    • Jalesar Dhatu Shilp (Uttar Pradesh): This craft from Jalesar in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district involves making decorative metal craft and brassware, including ghungrus (anklets) and ghantis (bells). The Thatheras community, residing in the Hathuras locality, is responsible for creating these beautiful metal products.
    • Goa Mankurad Mango (Goa): Also known as malcorada, cardozo mankurad, corado, and Goa mankur, this variety of mango was granted a GI tag. The All Goa Mango Growers Association filed the application for this mango, which holds historical significance with its Portuguese-inspired name.
    • Goan Bebinca (Goa): Known as the ‘queen of Goan desserts,’ Bebinca is a traditional Indo-Portuguese pudding. The All Goa Bakers and Confectioners Association filed the application for the GI tag.
    • Kanniyakumari Matti banana (TN): It is a banana variety grown in the Kanniyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its unique sweet taste and small size. It is cultivated in the southernmost part of India, and its retail market value has increased. The variety is in high demand, especially in the Thiruvananthapuram region of Kerala, where it is exported to Gulf countries. The banana is used in the making of “panchamirtham.”

    Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)

    • 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.

  • CERT-IN warns against Akira Ransomware

    akira ransomware

    Central Idea

    • The Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) issued a warning about the Akira ransomware, a highly dangerous cyber threat that has been wreaking havoc on corporate networks worldwide.

    What is the Akira Ransomware?

    • Encryption and Data Theft: Akira ransomware encrypts sensitive data on targeted devices and appends the “akira” extension to filenames, making the files inaccessible to users.
    • Shadow Volume Deletion: The ransomware deletes Windows Shadow Volume copies, hindering data recovery options for affected organizations.
    • Ransom Demands: The ransomware operators extort victims by demanding a double ransom for decryption and recovery, threatening to leak sensitive data on their dark web blog if payment is not made.

    Infection and Working Mechanism

    • Spread Methods: Akira ransomware is primarily distributed through spear-phishing emails with malicious attachments, drive-by downloads, and specially crafted web links. It also exploits insecure Remote Desktop connections to infiltrate systems.
    • Selective Encryption: The ransomware avoids encrypting specific system folders to maintain system stability.
    • Negotiation Process: Each victim is given a unique negotiation password to communicate with the ransomware gang via the threat actor’s Tor site.

    Major targets

    • Corporate Networks: Akira ransomware targets corporate networks across various sectors, including education, finance, real estate, manufacturing, and consulting.
    • Data Exfiltration: In addition to encryption, the threat actors steal sensitive corporate data, using it as leverage in their extortion attempts.

    Protective Measures against Akira Ransomware

    • Regular Backups: Maintain up-to-date offline backups to ensure data recovery in case of an attack.
    • System Updates: Regularly update operating systems and networks, and implement virtual patching for legacy systems.
    • Email Authentication: Establish Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC), Domain Keys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Sender Policy Framework (SPF) to prevent email spoofing and spam.
    • Strong Authentication: Enforce strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure user accounts.
    • Data Encryption: Implement data-at-rest and data-in-transit encryption to protect sensitive information.
    • Attachment Blocking: Block suspicious attachment file types like .exe, .pif, or .url to prevent malicious downloads.
    • Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits, especially for critical networks and database servers, to identify vulnerabilities.

  • Hybrid EVs: A Viable Path to Net-Zero Mobility

    ev hybrid net-zero

    Central Idea

    • The global transition towards net-zero emissions is a critical aspect of combating climate change, and electric vehicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in this endeavour.
    • In economically developing countries, hybrid EVs offer a significant opportunity to kickstart the transition, considering challenges related to power generation, grid capacity, and fast-charging infrastructure.

    Understanding Net-Zero for Vehicles

    • “Net-zero for vehicles” refers to the concept of achieving carbon neutrality or net-zero carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
    • This goal involves reducing the overall carbon footprint of vehicles to balance the emissions they produce with equivalent carbon removal or offsetting measures.

    Achieving Net-Zero for Vehicles:

    • Decarbonization of Vehicles: This includes transitioning from conventional internal combustion engines (ICE) that rely on fossil fuels to electric vehicles (EVs) that run on electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
    • Electrification: This involves increasing the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that produce zero tailpipe emissions when operating on electricity.
    • Renewable Energy Integration: To ensure that EVs are truly net-zero, the electricity used to charge them must come from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power.
    • Sustainable Fuels: For certain types of vehicles that may not be easily electrifiable, such as heavy-duty trucks and aviation, the use of sustainable fuels can play a role in achieving net-zero emissions.
    • Infrastructure Development: Building and expanding charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is essential to support the widespread adoption of EVs.
    • Carbon Offsetting: Carbon offsetting involves supporting projects that remove or reduce an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as afforestation, reforestation, or renewable energy projects.
    • Policy Support: Incentives, subsidies, emissions standards, and carbon pricing mechanisms can encourage consumers and industries to adopt cleaner transportation options.

    Types of Electric Vehicles

    • Electric Vehicle (EV): Any vehicle using an electric drivetrain powered by a portable electrical energy source.
    • Hybrid EV: Combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electrical generator to produce electricity. It utilizes a small battery (1-5kWh) as an energy buffer but cannot be charged from the grid.
    • Full EV: Also known as a battery EV or plug-in EV, it lacks an ICE, resulting in no tailpipe emissions. It has a larger battery (20-120 kWh) charged solely from the grid.
    • Plug-in Hybrid EV: A hybrid EV with a larger battery (5-15 kWh) that can be charged from the grid, operating in full electric mode as long as there is energy in the battery.
    • Fuel-Cell EV: Utilizes a fuel cell and a small battery buffer to produce electricity for the drivetrain.

    Fuel Economy and Emissions of Hybrid and Fully Electric EVs

    • Hybrid EVs: With the combination of an ICE, generator, and battery, hybrid EVs exhibit 1.5-2x higher fuel economy than conventional ICE vehicles in city driving and 1-1.5x higher in highway driving.
    • Plug-in Hybrid EVs: Combine the advantages of hybrid and full EVs, covering 80-90% of short commutes in fully electric mode with 3-4x higher fuel economy than conventional vehicles.
    • Life-Cycle Emissions: A comprehensive index considering well-to-wheel emissions, vehicle, and battery production, maintenance, and end-of-life recycling. Full EVs result in 19-34% lower emissions for sedans and 38-49% for SUVs compared to conventional vehicles, even with fossil-fuel-dominated energy mix in India.

    Challenges in Transitioning to Electric Mobility

    • Fast-Charging Infrastructure: Successful transition requires fast-charging infrastructure along highways to alleviate range anxiety and encourage full EV adoption.
    • Grid Access and Reliability: Many regions lack access to a reliable grid, posing challenges for slow and fast-charging capabilities.
    • Vehicle Costs: Mass-market EV prices are much lower in economically developing countries, hindering widespread adoption due to high battery costs.

    Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid EVs: Decarbonizing the Interim

    • Hybrid EVs present an opportunity to lower emissions until full EVs become viable options in the long term.
    • Plug-in hybrids, with their all-electric range, offer many benefits, reducing fuel costs, emissions, and oil imports.
    • Regenerative braking and engine start-stop mechanisms improve fuel economy in hybrid EVs.
    • Hybrid cars’ purchase price is only slightly higher than conventional vehicles, irrespective of the vehicle range.

    Conclusion

    • Hybrid Electric Vehicles serve as a bridge to the net-zero future, offering a practical and efficient solution for economically developing countries.
    • While full EVs are the ultimate goal, the adoption of hybrid and plug-in hybrid EVs can significantly reduce emissions and fuel costs in the interim.
    • A coordinated effort to address infrastructure challenges and enhance grid reliability will pave the way for a sustainable transition towards a net-zero mobility landscape powered by renewable energy sources.

  • Centre publishes Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy

    deep tech

    Central Idea

    • The office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government released a draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) for public feedback.

    What is Deep Technology?

    • Deep Tech refers to advanced and sophisticated technologies that have a significant impact on various industries.
    • These technologies are complex, innovation-driven, and often require interdisciplinary collaboration.
    • Examples include AI, robotics, nanotechnology, quantum computing, biotechnology, and renewable energy solutions.
    • Deep Tech has the potential to revolutionize existing processes and address global challenges.

    About National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP)

    • The policy aims to secure India’s position in the global deep tech value chain, with a focus on areas such as semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and space tech.
    • It aims to bolster research and development in deep tech startups, streamline intellectual property regimes, provide financing support, and promote the growth of these startups through various measures.

    Key objectives:

    • Focus on Fundamental and Technical Problems: The NDTSP emphasizes support for deep tech startups focusing on fundamental and technical challenges rather than just commercializing existing technologies.
    • Financing Support: The policy addresses the critical financing needs of deep tech startups, especially during the pre-market phase when they introduce their products or ideas.
    • Streamlined Intellectual Property Regime: The policy aims to simplify the intellectual property landscape for deep tech startups to encourage innovation without undue complexities.
    • Ease of Regulatory Compliance: The NDTSP proposes measures to ease regulatory requirements for deep tech startups, creating a conducive environment for their growth.
    • Commercialization Support: The policy suggests providing assistance and resources to effectively manage and commercialize technologies developed by deep tech startups.

    Measures to Promote Deep Tech Startups

    • Export Promotion Board: The NDTSP recommends creating an Export Promotion Board to facilitate Indian deep tech startups’ entry into foreign markets.
    • Coordinated Oversight: To streamline the deep tech ecosystem, the policy recommends establishing an “Inter-Ministerial Deep Tech Committee” to review and coordinate requirements effectively.
    • International Collaboration and Market Access: The policy promotes strategic international collaborations and partnerships to enhance market access for Indian deep tech startups globally.
    • Defense and Space Sector Focus: The NDTSP specifically targets deep tech startups in defense and space sectors, aiming to enhance their contributions to national security and space exploration.

    Attracting Global Talent and Expertise

    • Networking Opportunities: The policy advocates providing networking opportunities to international deep-tech startups and experts interested in contributing to India’s local ecosystem.
    • Resource-Intensive Approaches: The NDTSP emphasizes resource-intensive measures to attract global talent, strengthening India’s deep tech capabilities.
    • Visa and Immigration Facilitation: The policy proposes simplifying visa and immigration processes to attract foreign experts and investors to support the growth of deep tech startups.

    Need for such policy

    • 1997 Information Technology Agreement-I: The policy restates the government’s disappointment with international agreements, particularly the Information Technology Agreement-I. As an ITA participant, India made commitments to eliminate tariffs on a wide range of IT products.
    • Multi-pronged Approach: The NDTSP advocates a coordinated, comprehensive strategy to engage with international partners and multilateral institutions to foster a supportive global environment for India’s deep tech ecosystem.
    • Global Advocacy and Trade Policy Alignment: The policy emphasizes global advocacy to align trade policies with the interests of India’s deep tech startups, fostering a supportive international trade environment.

    Conclusion

    • The NDTSP aims to position India as a leader in the global deep tech value chain.
    • Public feedback on the draft policy will further refine and strengthen India’s approach to deep tech entrepreneurship.

    Back2Basics: Information Technology Agreement-I

    • ITA-I is a multilateral trade agreement that aims to eliminate tariffs and trade barriers on a wide range of information technology (IT) products.
    • It was negotiated under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and came into effect on July 1, 1997.

    Key Points about ITA:

    1. Objective: By removing tariffs and trade barriers, the agreement aims to encourage the development and adoption of IT products and services worldwide.
    2. Product Coverage: The ITA covers a broad range of IT products, including computers, computer peripherals, telecommunications equipment, semiconductors, software, and other IT-related goods.
    3. Participants: Over time, the number of participants has expanded, and as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, it included more than 80 WTO member countries.
    4. Binding Commitments: Once a country joins the ITA, its tariff removal commitments become legally binding under the WTO framework.
    5. Non-Tariff Barriers: While the ITA focuses on eliminating tariffs, it does not directly address non-tariff barriers to trade, such as regulatory barriers or technical requirements.

  • MSP as a legal right: Pros and Cons

    What’s the news?

    • For years, farmers have been demanding a legal guarantee of the minimum support price (MSP), calculated according to the Swaminathan Commission formula.

    Central idea

    • The significance of MSP lies in its role in maintaining agricultural viability and preventing farmers from falling into debt and bankruptcy. However, the current MSP system falls short of its objectives, leaving most farmers without much-needed support. This op-ed emphasizes the need for a farmer-centric agricultural policy and a radical shift in approach to secure MSP with a legal guarantee.

    Minimum support price (MSP)

    • MSP is the price at which the government procures crops directly from farmers. It is calculated to be at least one-and-a-half times the cost of production incurred by the farmers.
    • The MSP serves as a minimum guaranteed price for specific crops that the government considers remunerative and deserving of support for farmers.

    Agriculture’s Role in the National Economy

    • Employment and Livelihood: Agriculture is the largest source of employment and livelihood for about 50 percent of the country’s population, especially in rural areas. It provides direct and indirect employment for millions of people.
    • Contribution to GDP: Agriculture contributes around 17–18 percent to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Although the share of agriculture in the overall GDP has been declining over the years due to the growth of other sectors, it remains a crucial component of the economy.
    • Food Security: The agricultural sector plays a critical role in ensuring food security for the nation. By producing a variety of food crops like rice, wheat, pulses, fruits, and vegetables, it caters to the dietary needs of the population and helps manage food inflation.
    • Source of Raw Materials: Agriculture is the primary source of raw materials for various industries, including textiles, sugar, jute, and vegetable oil. It provides the necessary inputs for industrial production, contributing to the overall industrial growth of the country.
    • Export Earnings: Agricultural exports, such as rice, spices, tea, coffee, and cotton, generate foreign exchange earnings for the country. This helps improve the balance of trade and supports economic growth.
    • Rural Development: The growth of agriculture has a significant impact on rural development. It improves rural infrastructure, raises the standard of living, and creates opportunities for the development of allied industries and services in rural areas.
    • Poverty Alleviation: Agriculture remains an essential tool in poverty alleviation as it provides income and employment opportunities to the rural population, which is often more susceptible to poverty.

    Important role of MSP

    • Ensuring Income Security: MSP provides a minimum guaranteed price for farmers’ produce. It protects them from price fluctuations and market risks, ensuring a stable income for their efforts and investment in farming.
    • Preventing Distress Sales: With MSP in place, farmers are less likely to resort to distress sales of their crops during times of market downturns.
    • Encouraging Crop Diversification: The MSP system covers a range of crops, including cereals, pulses, oil seeds, and more. By providing a remunerative price for diverse crops, it encourages farmers to adopt crop diversification, contributing to agricultural sustainability and food security.
    • Government Procurement: MSP sets a benchmark for government procurement of crops. The government procures crops at MSP through various agencies like FCI and state agencies, thereby supporting farmers and maintaining buffer stocks for food distribution.
    • Addressing Regional Imbalances: MSP implementation considers regional variations in production costs and helps bridge the income gap between farmers in different regions. It addresses regional imbalances and ensures equitable growth in the agriculture sector.

    Inadequacies of the MSP

    • Limited Coverage: The current MSP system leaves the majority of farmers without much-needed support. Only around 6% of farmers in the country benefit from MSP, while the remaining face challenges in accessing remunerative prices for their produce.
    • Debt and Bankruptcy: Despite MSP being introduced as a safety net, farmers still struggle with debt and bankruptcy. The average debt burden on a farmer’s family is over Rs 1 lakh, despite the subsidies provided by the government.
    • Natural Disasters and Market Risks: Farmers remain vulnerable to natural disasters and market forces, making their income uncertain and apprehensive. Climate change adds complexity to farming, and farmers cannot be left at the mercy of such unpredictable factors.
    • Insufficient Market Regulation: Middlemen exploit farmers, leading to a significant difference between the price at which farmers sell their produce and the price at which consumers buy the same produce. This lack of market regulation affects farmers’ income adversely.
    • Inadequate MSP Calculation: The MSP calculation method may not fully reflect the input costs, market trends, and other economic factors, leading to an ineffective MSP for farmers.
    • Rising Debt: The outstanding loan on farmers has increased significantly over the years, indicating the insufficiency of MSP and minimal increases in support prices.

    Swaminathan Commission Recommendations

    • Calculation of MSP: The Swaminathan Commission recommended that MSP be calculated by adding 50 percent profit to the C2 cost (comprehensive cost including imputed value of family labor) for crops. This method takes into account various input costs incurred by farmers, including labor, seeds, fertilizers, and other expenses.
    • Expanded Coverage: The Commission suggested expanding the scope of MSP to cover a wide range of agricultural produce, including crops like ginger, garlic, turmeric, chili, and all agricultural produce and horticulture.

    The Call for a Legal Guarantee of MSP

    • Addressing Rising Debts: The outstanding loan to farmers has significantly increased over the years, reaching Rs 23.44 lakh crore in 2021–22. Legalizing MSP would offer a sustainable solution, reducing farmers’ dependence on debt.
    • Fulfilling Promises: A legal guarantee makes MSP a binding obligation, ensuring farmers receive the promised prices for their crops and avoiding selling at lower rates.
    • Empowering Farmers: Legalized MSP enhances farmers’ bargaining power and enables informed decisions in cropping and marketing.
    • Supporting Sustainable Agriculture: MSP legislation promotes sustainable agriculture, diversification, and resilience against climate change.
    • Promoting Farmer-Centric Policy: A Legal Guarantee of MSP emphasizes a farmer-centric approach, safeguarding their rights, interests, and livelihoods.

    Way forward

    • Reforming Agribusiness and Ensuring Fair Compensation:
      1. Promote farmer producer organizations (FPO’s) and cooperatives.
      2. Facilitate direct market access to reduce dependence on intermediaries.
    • Adhering to the Swaminathan Commission’s Guidelines:
      1. Follow the MSP calculation as per the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations.
      2. Consider comprehensive costs, including labor and input expenses.
    • Promoting Sustainable Agriculture Practices:
      1. Encourage the adoption of sustainable farming practices and climate-resilient crop varieties.
      2. Invest in agricultural research and extension services for modern technologies.
    • Ensuring Access to Credit and Insurance:
      1. Strengthen credit facilities for farmers.
      2. Provide insurance coverage to manage risks effectively.
    • Investing in Rural Infrastructure:
      1. Improve irrigation facilities, storage, and transportation networks.
      2. Reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.
    • Promoting Agro-tourism and Direct Marketing:
      1. Encourage agro-tourism for additional income.
      2. Establish farmers’ markets and e-commerce platforms for direct marketing.

    Conclusion

    • The demand for a legal guarantee of MSP is a just and crucial step towards safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers. Providing farmers with a dignified life is not just a moral obligation but an economic imperative, as the growth of the agricultural sector directly impacts the nation’s prosperity.

  • WorldCoin: Building a Global Digital Network with Biometric Identity

    worldcoin
    PC: The Hindu

    Central Idea

    • OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently reintroduced Worldcoin, a project that was previously overshadowed by the popularity of ChatGPT.

    What is WorldCoin?

    • The Worldcoin venture involves a unique model where individuals have their eyes scanned to establish their human uniqueness.
    • In return for the eye scan, participants receive cryptocurrency and a World ID, forming the basis of the project.
    • Worldcoin’s aim is to create the “world’s largest identity and financial public network,” accessible to people globally.

    How does it works?

    • Orb Operators: Worldcoin relies on volunteers called “Orb operators” who use a device called “Orb” to scan people’s iris patterns and collect their biometric data.
    • World ID: Participants receive a World ID through the World app after getting their irises scanned. This unique ID allows them to claim Worldcoin cryptocurrency and conduct transactions.
    • Proof of Personhood: Scanning irises ensures that people cannot sign up multiple times to receive more crypto rewards.
    • Cryptocurrency and Transactions: Users can collect WLD at regular intervals or use it for transactions, similar to a standard digital currency.

    WLD Cryptocurrency and Compliance

    • WLD Token: WLD is a cryptocurrency based on the Ethereum blockchain and can be bought, sold, or traded on major exchanges.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Worldcoin ensures compliance with Europe’s GDPR and uses zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to maintain user privacy. User data is encrypted and not sold, though it may be shared with necessary third parties.

    Various risks

    • Price Volatility: As with most cryptocurrencies, the price of WLD is subject to fluctuations. Its value can rise or fall, and users should be cautious about investing in lesser-known digital currencies.
    • Security Risks: Users must be wary of potential scams or hacks related to cryptocurrency investments.

    Criticism and Controversies

    • Privacy Concerns: Worldcoin faced criticism over privacy concerns about the use of biometrics for verification.
    • Scanning in Emerging Economies: Reports indicated that Worldcoin scanned underprivileged people’s irises in emerging economies during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising ethical questions about informed consent and rewards for scans.

    Worldcoin in India

    • Orb Operators in India: Worldcoin has deployed Orb operators in various locations, particularly in Delhi, Noida, and Bangalore, where people’s irises are scanned to join the network.

    Conclusion

    • Worldcoin’s vision of a global digital network with biometric identity and cryptocurrency rewards is both promising and controversial.
    • While it aims to foster financial inclusion and provide digital opportunities, it must address privacy and ethical concerns to gain wider acceptance and trust among users worldwide.

  • Potential of Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) in Disease Research

    DNA

    Central Idea

    • Researchers worldwide are increasingly using Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a valuable tool to better comprehend human diseases, improve diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis.

    What is Cell-free DNA?

    • CfDNA refers to small fragments of nucleic acids that are released from cells and found outside the cell in body fluids.
    • Its discovery dates back to the late 1940s when it was first observed in the blood of pregnant women.
    • cfDNA can be generated and released from cells in various situations, such as cell death and other physiological processes.
    • The release of cfDNA is associated with several disease processes, including autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.

    How is it different from normal DNA?

    Cell-free DNA

    Normal DNA
    Found in the bloodstream and other bodily fluids Found within the cell nucleus or mitochondria
    Released from dying or dead cells into the circulation Remains within the cell’s nucleus or mitochondria
    Exists in a fragmented form Exists as an intact double-stranded helix
    Can be isolated and analyzed from blood samples Requires cell extraction and purification for analysis
    Provides valuable genetic information for personalized medicine Forms the basis of genetic inheritance and traits
    Valuable in infectious disease diagnosis and monitoring Not used for infectious disease diagnosis
    Used in forensics for DNA profiling and crime investigations Not typically used in forensics

     

    Applications of CfDNA

    Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Detect genetic abnormalities in foetuses

    Screening for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome
    Cancer Screening and Monitoring Identify genetic mutations in tumour cells

    Determine cancer type

    Monitor treatment response and disease progression
    Transplant Rejection Monitoring Monitor immune response after organ transplantation

    Early detection of organ rejection
    Infectious Disease Diagnosis Identify viruses and bacteria in the bloodstream

    Aid in diagnosing infections and guiding treatment
    Personalized Medicine Provide genetic information for tailored treatment plans

    Enable precision medicine based on individual genetic profile
    Tracking Tumour Mutations Monitor drug-resistant mutations in cancer patients for treatment adjustments

     

    Recent Advances in Therapeutics

    • GEMINI Test: Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Centre developed a new test called ‘GEMINI’ that uses cfDNA for early cancer detection. By analyzing genetic mutations and using machine learning, they achieved over 90% accuracy in detecting lung cancer, even in early-stage cases.
    • Potential Impact: Early detection of cancers using cfDNA could significantly improve patient outcomes and survival rates.

  • BPaL Trial yields 85% TB Cure Rate

    tb

    Central Idea

    • The interim results of a randomized phase-3/4 trial conducted in India to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of BPaL Regimen, an all-oral, short-course treatment are promising.
    • BPaL is administered for individuals with pre-XDR TB or treatment-intolerant/non-responsive MDR pulmonary TB

    What is BPaL?

    • The trial uses only three drugs—Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid (BPaL).
    • The treatment duration is only 26 weeks, contrasting with the conventional 18-month treatment involving eight to nine tablets per day.

    Trial Outcomes

    • It offered a significantly reduced number of tablets per day, resulting in better treatment adherence and improved outcomes.
    • Approximately 70% of the trial participants have completed the 26-week treatment, with a cure rate exceeding 85%.
    • In comparison, the cure rate for conventional treatment for DR-TB is 60-65% even with strict adherence.

    Treatment Superiority

    • Advanced TB Cases: The trial participants had advanced TB affecting both lungs, yet the cure rate was above 85%, demonstrating the superiority of the BPaL short-course therapy.
    • Importance of Early Diagnosis: Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment with the three-drug regimen can lead to even better outcomes for patients with pre-XDR TB.

    Issues with the treatment

    • Three to four trial participants experienced serious adverse effects, but these were either managed or occurred too late in the disease’s progression to be helped.
    • Some cases of mild adverse effects caused by linezolid included a drop in haemoglobin and platelet counts, as well as neuropathy (tingling sensation and numbness in the legs).

    TB Menace in India

    • Total TB Cases: In 2021, there were approximately 21.3 lakh (2.13 million) reported TB cases in India.
    • Incidence Rate: The incidence rate of TB in India in 2021 was 210 cases per lakh population.
    • Drug-Resistant TB: The number of drug-resistant TB cases in India declined from around 1.49 lakh in 2015 to 1.19 lakh in 2021.
    • Government Initiatives: To combat TB, India has set the target of eliminating the disease by 2025, and various initiatives have been implemented, including active case finding, screening, and improved access to diagnostic tests and treatment.

    Back2Basics:

    XDR TB (Extensively Drug-Resistant TB)

    Treatment-Intolerant/Non-Responsive MDR Pulmonary TB
    Resistant to most effective first-line and some second-line TB drugs. Patient cannot tolerate prescribed medications or infection does not respond to treatment.
    More dangerous and difficult to treat than MDR TB. Requires exploration of alternative treatment regimens.
    Limited treatment options, higher mortality, and increased transmission risk. Adjustments in drug combinations or dosages may be needed.
    Spreads rapidly, posing a serious public health threat. Crucial to prevent development of extensively drug-resistant strains.
    Requires preventive measures and early diagnosis. Identifying reasons for treatment intolerance and providing support.

     

  • Mapping India’s Chip Design Ecosystem

    chip

    Central Idea

    • The Indian government is considering a proposal to pick an equity stake in domestic chip design-making companies as part of the second phase of the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme for the semiconductor industry.
    • The aim behind the scheme is to establish a stable ecosystem and promote the growth of “fabless companies” in India—entities that design chips but outsource manufacturing.
    • However, this policy requires a long-term strategy due to the capital-intensive nature of the semiconductor sector and the lengthy gestation periods for setting up design and fabrication units.

    What is DLI Scheme?

    What is Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme? - Civilsdaily

    • DLI scheme is a program aimed at providing financial and infrastructural support to companies establishing semiconductor manufacturing plants in India.
    • Eligible participants who set up fabrication units in the country can receive fiscal support of up to 50% of the total cost.
    • Additionally, participants building compound semiconductors, silicon photonics, and sensors fabrication plants can avail fiscal support of 30% of the capital expenditure under this scheme.
    • Companies engaged in semiconductor design for integrated circuits, chipsets, system-on-chips, systems, and IP cores will receive incentives of 4% to 6% on net sales for a duration of five years.
    • The scheme is expected to promote the growth of at least 20 such companies, achieving a turnover of more than ₹1500 crore in the next five years.

    Present Chip Dynamics

    • Long Gestation Period: Setting up design and fabrication units in the semiconductor industry involves long gestation periods before the first product is launched. Returns on investment are not immediate.
    • Capital Intensive: The semiconductor industry requires significant investment for setting up fabrication units, up-scaling manufacturing capabilities, and research.
    • Cyclic Nature: The industry’s cyclic nature and changing functional requirements of chipsets make research and development challenging.
    • Supply Chain Disruptions: Supply chain disruptions, such as those experienced during COVID-related lockdowns, can dampen investor confidence in the sector.

    Domestic Chip Industry Scenario

    • Talent Pool: India has a highly-skilled talent pool of semiconductor design engineers, making up around 20% of the world’s workforce, working for global companies like Intel, Micron, and Qualcomm, among others.
    • IP Ownership: Despite a thriving talent pool, India owns a smaller portion of the intellectual property (IP) related to chip designs, which is mostly retained by global companies.
    • DLI Scheme for Chip Designing: The DLI scheme introduced in December 2021 aimed to indigenize innovations and support the growth of chip design companies with financial incentives.
    • Changing Landscape: The scheme has led to the establishment of over 30 semiconductor design startups in India, with some already receiving government support.

    Growing market in India

    • The semiconductor industry is growing fast and can reach $1 trillion dollars in this decade. India can grow fast and reach $64 billion by 2026 from $27 billion today.
    • Mobiles, wearables, IT, and industrial components are the leading segments in the Indian semiconductor industry contributing around 80% of the revenues in 2021.
    • The mobile and wearables segment is valued at $13.8 billion and is expected to reach $31.5 billion in 2026.

    Challenges and Considerations

    • Effectiveness and Efficiency: Some experts view the government’s plan to become a venture capital firm for chip design companies as ineffective and inefficient. Companies may prefer foreign buyers for higher valuations and global ecosystem connections.
    • Venture Capital Support: The lack of venture capitalists in the private sector focused on semiconductors is a challenge for the growth of design firms.
    • Equity Stake’s Impact: Offering an equity stake can align the interests of design companies with the project’s success, ensuring shared risk and reward. It may also help in selling chip-designing services more effectively and attracting a broader client base in the market.
    • IP and Value-Added Activities: The government must consider who can keep the IP and how investments can drive more innovation and employment generation. Moving up in the value chain and enabling the ecosystem is crucial.

    Conclusion

    • The proposal to take an equity stake in domestic chip design-making companies in India’s semiconductor industry aims to promote the growth of fabless companies and ensure a stable ecosystem.
    • However, it requires a long-term strategy and careful consideration of IP ownership, venture capital support, and value-added activities in chip design.
    • The success of the scheme will depend on effective implementation and alignment of interests between the government and promising design companies.

  • Need for Overhaul in UDAN Scheme

    udan

    Central Idea

    • Union Civil Aviation Ministry inaugurated a new phase of the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, or UDAN 5.2, to improve last-mile connectivity in remote regions of the country through small aircraft.
    • There have been aspersions regarding the success of the UDAN regional connectivity scheme (RCS) since ONLY 11 of the 74 Greenfield airports are decently operational.

    Progress till now

    • Route Closures: Out of the 479 routes launched under RCS, 225 have ceased operations, leading to significant route closures.
    • Commercial Viability: Around 70 of the routes were found to be commercially unviable even with subsidies, leading airlines to discontinue their operations.
    • Three-Year Sustainability: The objective of RCS was for airlines to become self-sustaining after three years, but only 58 out of 155 routes completed this period successfully.
    • Incomplete Infrastructure: Some airports, such as Thanjavur, Moradabad, Saharanpur, and Ayodhya, were not ready for operations, leading to the discontinuation of 12 routes.

    What is UDAN Scheme?

    • UDAN Scheme, initiated in 2016, aims to enhance aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in Tier II and Tier III cities.
    • It was formulated based on the review of The National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP)-2016, with the goal of fulfilling the aspirations of the common citizen.
    • The scheme, designed to last for 10 years, operates with a self-financing mechanism through the establishment of the Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF).
    • The RCF funds the viability gap funding (VGF) requirements of the scheme by levying certain domestic flights, thereby stimulating growth and development in the aviation sector.
    • As part of the scheme, the Airports Authority of India has waived the airport fee.

    Issues with the scheme

    • Route Discontinuance: Some routes launched under UDAN have been discontinued, raising concerns about their sustainability.
    • Challenges in Expansion: Efforts to improve connectivity to hilly regions and islands through helicopters and seaplanes have faced hurdles due to land unavailability and operational difficulties.
    • Unrecovered since the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the aviation industry, further impacting the sustainability of airlines.

    Various Challenges

    • Financial Constraints: Many smaller airlines struggle with insufficient funds, making it difficult to maintain aircraft, pay rentals, and provide staff salaries.
    • Maintenance Issues: Smaller players often have limited aircraft that are poorly maintained, and acquiring new planes is expensive.
    • Pilot Availability: The availability of pilots can be a challenge for smaller airlines, leading to higher costs when hiring foreign pilots.
    • Competition: Routes dominated by bigger domestic players like IndiGo and SpiceJet tend to see better success rates.

    Way Forward

    • Extended Subsidy Period: Airlines need an extension of the subsidy period to develop routes sustainably and achieve self-sufficiency.
    • Addressing Pandemic Impact: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel restrictions and passenger safety should be considered when evaluating the losses incurred by airlines.
    • Collaboration and Support: The government and stakeholders need to collaborate to address financial constraints and maintenance issues faced by smaller airlines.
    • Continuous Evaluation: Regular evaluation and necessary adjustments in the UDAN scheme are essential to overcome challenges and ensure successful implementation.

    Conclusion

    • While India has made significant strides in airport development, challenges related to commercial viability and infrastructure readiness must be addressed to ensure sustainable air connectivity across the nation.
    • Renewed focus on the UDAN scheme and optimizing airport infrastructure can pave the way for a robust aviation sector that benefits smaller cities and contributes to the overall growth of the nation’s economy.