Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hepatitis
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Egypt has become the first country to achieve the World Health Organization’s “gold tier” status on the path to elimination of Hepatitis C.
About Hepatitis
|
Hepatitis A |
Hepatitis B |
Hepatitis C |
| Causative Virus |
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) |
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) |
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) |
| Transmission |
Fecal-oral route (contaminated food/water) |
Blood and body fluids (unsafe sex, sharing needles) |
Blood-to-blood contact (sharing needles, transfusions) |
| Vaccine Available |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Chronic Infection |
No (usually acute) |
Yes (can become chronic) |
Yes (often becomes chronic) |
| Symptoms |
Mild flu-like symptoms, jaundice |
Variable, from none to severe symptoms |
Often asymptomatic, but can lead to liver damage |
| Chronic Complications |
None |
Cirrhosis, liver cancer |
Cirrhosis, liver cancer |
| Preventable by Vaccine |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Treatment |
Supportive care |
Antiviral medications |
Antiviral medications |
 Egypt’s “Gold Tier” Status
- Stringent Criteria: To reach the “gold tier,” Egypt fulfilled specific criteria, including ensuring 100% blood and injection safety, providing a minimum of 150 needles/syringes annually for people who inject drugs, diagnosing over 80% of individuals with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), treating over 70% of diagnosed HCV patients, and establishing a surveillance program for hepatitis sequelae, including liver cancer.
- Exemplary Results: Egypt has diagnosed 87% of its hepatitis C patients and provided curative treatment to 93% of those diagnosed, surpassing the WHO’s gold tier targets.
How did Egypt achieve this?
- “100 Million Healthy Lives” Initiative: Egypt’s ambitious initiative led to a substantial reduction in hepatitis C prevalence, from 10% in 2016 to 5% in 2018 and an estimated less than 1% in 2019, as reported by the Africa CDC.
- Leadership Role: Egypt extends support to other African countries, aiming to replicate its success in hepatitis C elimination, including enhancing access to affordable treatment.
Try this PYQ:
Which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
(b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.
(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
Post your answers here.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India-Sri Lanka Ferry
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- PM Modi inaugurated an international, high-speed passenger ferry service in Palk Strait between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India, and Kankesanthurai, near Jaffna in Sri Lanka.
India-Sri Lanka Ferry
- The service is operated by the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board and Shipping Corporation of India.
- It will operate daily, covering the 60-nautical mile (110-km) journey in approximately 3.5 hours.
- Passengers are entitled to a 50kg free baggage allowance.
- The Indo-Ceylon Express or Board Mail used to operate between Chennai and Colombo via Thoothukudi port.
- However, this was stopped in 1982 due to the civil war in the island country.
About Palk Strait
| Location |
Narrow water body separating Tamil Nadu, India, and Sri Lanka. |
| Name Origin |
Named after Robert Palk, a British Raj-era governor of Madras Presidency (1755-1763). |
| Geographic Boundaries |
Southern boundaries include Pamban Island (India), Adam’s Bridge (shoals), Gulf of Mannar, and Mannar Island (Sri Lanka). |
| Connection |
Connects the Bay of Bengal in the northeast with the Gulf of Mannar in the southwest. |
| Alternate Name |
Southwestern part of the strait is known as Palk Bay. |
| Dimensions |
Width varies from 40 to 85 miles (64 to 137 km), length is approximately 85 miles, and depth is less than 330 feet (100 meters). |
| River Inflows |
Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu flow into the Palk Strait. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Evapotranspiration, Water Cycle
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) issued a report highlighting the significant impact of climate change and human activities on Earth’s water circulation systems.
- This has direct consequences leading to droughts, extreme rainfall events, and disruptions in water cycles.
What is the Water Cycle?
- The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth’s surface.
- It involves various processes that allow water to circulate between the atmosphere, land, oceans, and other bodies of water:
| Evaporation |
Sun’s heat turns surface water into vapor. |
| Condensation |
Vapor forms clouds as it cools in the atmosphere. |
| Precipitation |
Clouds release moisture as rain, snow, or hail. |
| Runoff & Infiltration |
Water flows over land or seeps into the ground. |
| Transpiration |
Plants absorb and release water vapor. |
| Sublimation |
Ice transforms directly into vapor in specific conditions. |
| Transport |
Winds move moisture globally. |
| Collection |
Water gathers in oceans, lakes, and underground sources. |
 Why is it under stress?
- Diverse Impact: Climate change and human activities have led to an erratic hydrological cycle, resulting in both droughts and extreme rainfall events, causing widespread disruptions affecting livelihoods and economies.
- Melting Snow and Glaciers: Ongoing melting of snow, ice, and glaciers further exacerbates the risk of extreme weather events, such as floods, posing long-term threats to water security, particularly for millions already facing severe water scarcity.
Global Impact
- Global Deviations: Over 50% of global catchment areas experienced deviations from normal river discharge conditions in 2022, primarily due to climate anomalies, such as heatwaves, droughts, La Nina, and El Nino events.
- Horn of Africa Drought: Severe drought in the Horn of Africa led to reduced river discharge, affecting food security for 21 million people, while other regions, like the Niger Basin, saw above-average discharge and major floods.
- Water Reservoirs Affected: More than 60% of major water reservoirs experienced below-normal inflow, posing challenges to water availability in a changing climate.
Impact on Asian Water Tower
- The term “Asian Water Tower (AWT)” typically refers to the vast network of high mountain regions across Asia, particularly in countries like India, China, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Central Asia.
- These high mountain regions are the source of many major rivers in Asia, such as the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Yangtze, Mekong, Indus, and Amu Darya.
- The melting snow and glaciers in these mountains provide a continuous supply of freshwater to downstream areas.
- This AWT witnessed substantial glacial melting in 2022.
- Rising temperatures accelerate water cycle disruptions, leading to heavier precipitation, flooding, and intensified droughts, significantly impacting the water balance.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Centre seeks to include traditional Indian medicines in the 11th revision of the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
- The traditional Indian medicine system is categorized into Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Yoga, Naturopathy, and Homoeopathy
About International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
| Purpose |
Standardized system for classifying and coding diseases, health conditions, and related information. |
| Established |
1893, by International Statistical Institute (WHO’s predecessor) |
| Authority |
Developed and maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO). |
| Scope |
Covers a wide range of diseases, health conditions, injuries, and health-related factors. |
| Coding System |
Assigns unique alphanumeric codes to each health condition for consistent recording and reporting. |
| Global Applicability |
Internationally recognized and used for health data collection, analysis, and reporting. |
| Updates |
Periodically updated to reflect advances in medical knowledge and changing health trends. |
| Latest Version |
ICD-11 became effective in January 2022. |
| Uses |
Clinical diagnosis, health record documentation, research, health policy, and resource allocation. |
India’s quest to update ICD-11
- Universal Language: The ICD provides a universal language that enables healthcare professionals worldwide to share standardized information.
- Traditional Medicine Module: The 11th revision includes a module dedicated to traditional medicine conditions, offering a standardized way to collect and report data on these conditions internationally.
- Formal Recognition: Ayurveda and related Indian traditional healthcare systems are formally recognized and widely practised in India, making a strong case for their inclusion.
- Chinese Medicine Inclusion: After a decade of consultations, ICD-11 included Module-1, covering traditional medicine conditions originating in ancient China.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Credit Program
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Centre has introduced a Green Credit Program (GCP) that allows individuals and entities to earn Green Credits, which can be traded on a dedicated exchange.
What is the Green Credit Program (GCP)?
- Objective: Aims to establish a competitive, market-based approach encouraging diverse stakeholders to undertake environmental actions.
- Nodal Agency: Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
Mechanics of Green Credit
- Voluntary Participation: Reflects inclusivity, as engagement in the program is entirely voluntary.
- Entities: The program extends to a diverse range of entities, encompassing individuals, industries, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), urban local bodies (ULBs), gram panchayats, and private sectors.
- Tradability: Tradable, fostering participation in a proposed domestic market platform.
- Certificates: Upon approval, applicants receive Green Credit certificates.
Covered Activities
- Qualifying Activities: The program includes various activities such as tree plantation, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, waste management, air pollution reduction, mangrove conservation, eco-mark initiatives, sustainable building, and infrastructure development.
- Registration and Verification: Participants must register their activities on the program’s website, which will undergo verification by a designated agency.
How are Green Credits computed?
- Equitable Calculation: Green Credits are determined based on resource equivalence, scalability, scope, size, and other relevant parameters, aiming to achieve desired environmental outcomes.
- Credit Registry: A dedicated Green Credit Registry will oversee the tracking and management of these credits.
- Trading Platform: An administrator will establish and maintain a trading platform for the exchange of Green Credits within the domestic market.
Alignment with Legal Obligations
- Non-Tradable for Legal Compliance: Green Credits obtained for legal compliance purposes will not be tradable, ensuring adherence to existing laws.
- Independent from Carbon Credit Scheme: The GCP operates separately from the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023, established under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
- Additional Climate Benefits: Activities generating Green Credits may also yield climate-related advantages, such as carbon emissions reduction, potentially resulting in the acquisition of carbon credits.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: 2023 Nobel Prize
Mains level: Women low labour force participation, Claudia Goldin's theory and solutions
What’s the news?
- 2023 Nobel Prize winner in Economics, Goldin’s groundbreaking work highlights that the key to addressing the underrepresentation and underpayment of women lies not in their homes but in the labor market.
Central idea
- In the realm of economic orthodoxy, long-held beliefs attributed women’s absence from the labor force to childcare responsibilities and lower education levels, perpetuating a gender pay gap. However, Claudia Goldin, the esteemed 2023 Nobel Prize winner in Economics, challenged these notions and offered a fresh perspective.
Goldin’ theory
- Claudia Goldin’s lifetime of research has bestowed a name and a voice upon these women’s challenges.
- She meticulously traces the evolution of the American economy from agriculture to manufacturing to services, revealing that women were historically excluded from market activities.
- Only when jobs expanded beyond factories into offices, schools, and hospitals did women gain access to the workforce.
- Despite their increasing educational achievements, women continued to earn less than their male counterparts.
- Goldin’s theory attributes this persistent wage gap to the difficulty women face in pursuing jobs with demanding responsibilities.
A Solution for Gender Equity
- Reduce Reliance on Heroic Efforts: Goldin suggests moving away from a culture of greedy work that rewards extreme efforts. Instead, organizations should create roles that don’t require superhuman commitments, promoting work-life balance.
- Promote Moderate Work Hours: Goldin’s solution includes advocating for reasonable work hours, benefiting both genders and avoiding productivity issues associated with excessively long hours.
- Provide Predictable Schedules: Emphasizing stable work hours helps employees better plan family responsibilities and reduces stress, contributing to gender equity.
- Institutional Support: Supporting institutions should include educational reforms to ease parental homework burdens and urban planning that reduces commuting, making it easier for both men and women to balance work and personal life.
The Road Ahead in India
- Service Sector Opportunities: India’s growing service sector offers the prospect of increased employment opportunities for women. This aligns with Goldin’s observation that women found jobs when economic production shifted from factories to offices, schools, and hospitals.
- Rising Education Levels: With a continuous increase in women’s educational achievements, there is a growing potential to enhance their participation in the workforce. This trend mirrors Goldin’s emphasis on education as a factor that can boost employability.
- Declining Fertility Rates: The decreasing fertility rates in India can contribute to freeing up more of women’s time, potentially facilitating higher workforce participation, as Goldin also noted the impact of declining fertility on women’s ability to engage in the labor market.
Reshaping the environment, as proposed by Claudia Goldin
- Workplace Restructuring: Reducing the reliance on extreme efforts and creating roles that allow for a better work-life balance, particularly for women.
- Moderating Work Hours: Promoting reasonable work hours to improve work-life equilibrium, avoiding productivity issues associated with excessively long hours.
- Ensuring Predictable Schedules: Establishing stable work schedules to facilitate family planning and reduce stress, thus promoting gender equity.
- Supportive Institutions: Reforms in education and urban planning to ease parental responsibilities and reduce commuting times, enabling both men and women to better balance their professional and personal lives.
Conclusion
- To ensure the continued progress of gender convergence in labor market outcomes, we must heed her call for workplace reform and the development of supportive institutions. By doing so, we can pave the way for a more equitable and balanced future for both men and women in the workforce.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Medical Education initiatives and latest updates
Mains level: Medical Education reforms, challenges and solutions
What’s the news?
- The demand for doctors exceeds the supply in large parts of India.
Central idea
- The demand for doctors in India consistently surpasses the available supply, while the pursuit of medical education often outstrips the number of seats available. Reducing this demand-supply gap in medical education has proven to be a challenging endeavor, with potential implications for the availability of healthcare professionals.
Expanding Medical Education
- Over the last decade, India has made significant strides in expanding medical colleges and seats at both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) levels.
- UG seats have nearly tripled, PG seats have almost quadrupled, and the number of medical colleges has doubled since 2010-11.
- Despite this expansion, in 2021, India had only 4.1 medical graduates per lakh population, falling behind countries like China, Israel, the US, and the UK.
Challenges in scaling
- Regulatory and Financial Constraints: On average, Indian medical colleges offer 153 UG seats per college, significantly fewer than Eastern Europe (220) and China (930). This discrepancy is a result of regulatory and financial constraints.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Expanding UG seats in a public medical college from 150 to 200 required additional resources, such as a larger library, increased daily outpatient department (OPD) footfalls, and more nursing staff, as per the draft guidelines for establishing new medical colleges in 2015.
- Quality Maintenance: Concerns that disproportionate scaling can impact the quality of pedagogy and, subsequently, the quality of doctors produced
- Faculty Shortages: Both public and private colleges face teaching faculty shortages, despite better remuneration structures in public colleges. Scaling up can further strain the already limited pool of qualified teaching staff.
- Economic Viability for Private Colleges: Investing in scaling can be risky for private colleges if seats remain vacant and costs aren’t recovered. This can lead to high capitation fees and price distortions.
- Curriculum Limitations: The nature of the competency-based curriculum dictates constraints on scalability. For example, there can’t be more than 15 students surrounding a bed or in any other practical class.
- Equity Concerns: The goal of producing doctors evenly across regions might not result in efficient production. Migration of doctors from states with higher production can be an issue.
Value addition box
Innovations from the US
- India’s competency-based curriculum is akin to that of the US, which has successfully scaled up the production of doctors by optimizing resource utilization.
- Innovations, such as involving practicing MD doctors as mentors for medical students and integrating interprofessional education (IPE) into the curriculum, have enhanced the quality of education and reduced the faculty requirements.
|
Quality vs. Scale vs. Equity: A triad of challenges
- Quality:
- Ensuring the highest standards of medical education, which translates into competent, skilled, and ethical practitioners.
- The competency-based curriculum in India requires small-group teaching to ensure a thorough understanding and hands-on experience for students.
- There’s a concern that rapid scaling could lead to a decline in the quality of education and subsequently the quality of doctors produced.
- Quality assurance becomes even more critical given the life-and-death implications of medical practice.
- Increasing the number of medical graduates to meet the country’s healthcare needs.
- Despite the expansion of UG and PG seats in medical colleges, the demand-supply gap persists.
- Regulatory, infrastructural, and financial constraints pose significant challenges in scaling up.
- The National Medical Commission prioritizes an even distribution of medical colleges and seats. They aim for localized doctor production to ensure different regions have adequate healthcare.
- Policies such as the cap on UG seats and the location restrictions of new colleges highlight this focus.
- However, this might not lead to efficient doctor production due to phenomena like interstate migration of doctors.
Way forward
- Regulatory Reforms: Streamline regulations to facilitate the establishment and expansion of medical colleges while ensuring quality standards.
- Faculty Development: Prioritize investment in faculty development programs to address shortages and retain experienced educators.
- Technology Integration: Embrace technology to enhance scalability and access to medical education, including e-learning and telemedicine tools.
- Competency-Based Curriculum: Continue to implement competency-based curricula to produce doctors with practical skills and real-world readiness.
- Incentives for Rural Service: Develop and implement policies that incentivize medical graduates to serve in underserved rural areas, addressing healthcare disparities.
- Public-Private Collaboration: Foster collaboration between public and private sectors to expand the availability of medical education seats and improve educational infrastructure.
Conclusion
- Bridging the gap between the demand for doctors and the supply of medical education is a multifaceted challenge in India. To meet the growing healthcare needs of the population, policymakers must carefully consider the trade-offs between quality, scale, and equity in medical education.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Key facts and initiatives
Mains level: Climate change, water stress and its impact on food security
What’s the news?
- The theme for World Food Day (October 16) this year—’Water is Life, Water is Food’ —calls for urgent action in managing water wisely.
Central idea
- Water is the essence of life, a resource that nourishes not just humanity but every ecosystem on this planet. However, as this year’s World Food Day theme rightly points out, water is also food. In the light of increasing climate extremes, managing this precious resource wisely has never been more urgent.
Impact of Climate Change on Crop Yields
- Rainfed rice yields in India are projected to decrease by 20% in 2050 and 47% in 2080 if no adaptation measures are taken.
- Irrigated rice yields are also expected to decline, with a projected decrease of 3.5% in 2050 and 5% in 2080 scenarios.
- Wheat yields could face substantial reductions, with a projected decrease of 19.3% in 2050 and 40% in 2080.
- Kharif maize yields are also at risk, with projected declines of 18% in 2050 and 23% in 2080.
- Climate change, without adequate adaptation measures, not only reduces crop yields but also lowers the nutritional quality of the produce.
Challenges associated with poor water management
- Degraded Freshwater Supplies and Ecosystems: Decades of mismanagement, misuse, and pollution have resulted in the degradation of freshwater supplies and ecosystems. This has had a detrimental impact on the availability of clean water for agriculture and other essential needs.
- Vulnerability of Small-Scale Producers: Small-scale farmers, who represent over 80% of farmers globally, are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate shocks, land degradation, and water scarcity.
- Land Degradation: Approximately 40% of the world’s land area is degraded, which means that it is less productive for agriculture. This further reduces the available land for farming, exacerbating the challenges faced by small-scale producers.
- Climate Impacts: Extreme weather events and variability in water availability are disrupting agricultural production. These changes are altering agro-ecological conditions and shifting growing seasons, making it challenging for farmers to predict and adapt to changing conditions.
- Effects on Crop Productivity: Changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures have adverse effects on crop productivity. Reduced yields and food availability can result from these climate-related factors, which can contribute to food insecurity and hunger.
Do not scroll past this
FAO Crop Forecasting Framework:
- The FAO is working on a pilot project in several Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
- The project aims to develop a crop forecasting framework and model that incorporates climate data, soil characteristics, and market information.
- This information can help rainfed farmers make informed decisions about their crops, potentially contributing to food security by improving agricultural planning and management.
|
 Climate change adaptation
-
- Supports sustainable agrifood systems and climate-smart agriculture.
- Initiated the farmer water school programme in Uttar Pradesh.
- Supported the Andhra Pradesh Farmer Managed Groundwater Systems project which benefits 638 habitations with hydrological monitoring.
-
- Prioritizes climate change adaptation in its core strategies.
- Invests in preserving soil health, water resources, and integrating modern technologies with indigenous systems.
- Implements projects in Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Nagaland, and Mizoram emphasizing climate-resilient practices.
-
- Partners with the Government of Odisha focusing on women farmers.
- Employs solar technologies and promotes millet-value chains for climate resilience.
Steps needed
- Overall Strategy: Prioritize political commitment and concrete investment for global food and nutrition security. Promote innovative technologies to enhance farmer productivity.
- Climate Change Adaptation: Formulate strategies to adapt to climate change. Foster resilience against environmental and economic shocks.
- Agricultural Practices: Implement sustainable and economically feasible irrigation and water management techniques. Minimize the climate footprint in agricultural production. Address bio-hazards and environmental pollution.
- Infrastructure and Supply Chain: Prioritize sanitation and potable water supply for rural areas. Advocate for efficient food and water recycling methods.
- Regulation and Management: Strengthen sustainable and fair water regulations. Improve management, access, and ownership systems for resources.
- UN’s Collaborative Projects: Collaborate with the Indian Government on projects such as Solar 4 Resilience, Secure Fishing, and the revival of millets for renewable energy and food security.
Conclusion
- Climate change is making water more scarce and unpredictable. Droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events are becoming more common. World Food Day is a reminder that we all have a role to play in achieving food and nutrition security for all. By working together, we can create a world where everyone has enough to eat and drink.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kanwar Lake
Central Idea
- Kawar Lake, Bihar’s only Ramsar Site, is experiencing a significant decrease in water levels and degradation.
- However, it is drying up due to negligence.
About Kanwar Lake/ Kabartal Wetland
- The Kanwar Lake is Asia’s largest oxbow lake situated in the Begusarai district of Bihar.
- It is a residual oxbow lake, formed due to the meandering of Gandak River, a tributary of Ganga.
- It was declared a Ramsar site in 2020, making it the first wetland in Bihar to be included in the Ramsar convention.
- This lake draws water from the confluence of the Gandak, the Bia and the Kareh river – is situated near Manjhaul, 22 km northwest of Begusarai, the district headquarters.
Various threats to Kanwar Lake
- Challenges include migratory bird hunting, agricultural activities around wetland areas, and government policies related to wetland management and conservation.
- This decline has negatively impacted the livelihoods of around 20,000 Nishad community members in nearby villages who depend on fishing.
Bihar’s Wetland Potential
- Bihar possesses a substantial area of wetlands, covering around 4.4% of its total geographical area, according to data from ISRO.
- Despite its wetland potential, Bihar has only one recognized Ramsar site out of a total of 75 in India.
Potential Wetlands
- Bihar has proposed several wetlands for Ramsar designation, including Kusheshwarsthan, Barela, Goga Bil, Nagiand Nakti dams, Udaipur Lake, Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, and Gokul Reservoir.
- These wetlands are home to a range of wildlife, including migratory birds and endangered species like dolphins.
Back2Basics:
|
Ramsar Convention |
| Purpose |
International treaty aimed at conserving and promoting the sustainable use of wetlands. |
| Establishment |
Established on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran. |
| Participating Countries |
171 contracting parties (countries) as of September 2021. |
| India and Ramsar Convention |
The first Ramsar Site in India, the Chilika Lake in Odisha, was designated in 1981. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CAR-T Cell Therapy
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted market authorization to CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T) cell therapy, a groundbreaking cancer treatment developed by ImmunoACT, an IIT-Bombay spin-off.
- This authorization paves the way for its commercial introduction in India.
About CAR-T Cell Therapy
What is it?
|
- CAR-T cell therapy stands for chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy.
- It is a type of cancer immunotherapy that uses the patient’s own T cells, genetically modified in a laboratory to enhance their ability to locate and destroy cancer cells.
|
How does it work?
|
- T cells are white blood cells responsible for identifying and fighting illness and infection.
- Each T cell has a receptor that can recognize antigens (proteins or molecules recognized by the immune system).
- Cancer cells may have antigens that the immune system does not recognize as abnormal, allowing cancer to evade the immune response.
- CAR-T cells are genetically engineered in the lab to express a new receptor that can bind to cancer cells and effectively kill them.
|
Therapy Process
|
The process involves several steps, including:
1. Collecting T Cells: Blood is drawn from the patient’s arm, and T cells are separated from the blood using an apheresis machine.
2. Engineering T Cells: In a laboratory, the T cells are modified by adding a manufactured CAR, and they are allowed to multiply and grow.
3. Infusing CAR-T Cells: Once enough CAR-T cells are prepared, they are injected back into the patient’s arm.
- Chemotherapy may be recommended before CAR-T cell infusion to enhance treatment effectiveness.
- The process can take place in an outpatient infusion center or a hospital setting.
|
Cancers Treated
|
- CAR-T cell therapy is effective against certain types of cancer, especially when other treatments are ineffective.
- It is currently FDA-approved for treating haematological malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
|
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DNA Methylation
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is spearheading a groundbreaking research endeavour called the “Diverse Epigenetic Epidemiology Partnership (DEEP)”.
- This integrated genomics and epigenomics study aims to unravel the genetic underpinnings of NCD’s prevalent in diverse populations, including South Asians.
Diverse Epigenetic Epidemiology Partnership (DEEP)
- DEEP is an integrated genomics and epigenomics study focused on understanding the genetic factors behind Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in diverse populations, including South Asians.
- The project spans five years.
- It aims to uncover the impact of genomic and environmental diversity on disease risk observed in people worldwide, including those in Asia, Africa, North America, and South America.
- It will study individuals from various genetic and environmental contexts to identify DNA methylation patterns contributing to disease risk in each context.
- It will develop software, infrastructure, and conduct advanced statistical analyses to create new resources.
- This will complement international health and genetics databases and examine trends in DNA methylation variation.
DNA Methylation
- DNA methylation is a process in which chemical groups attach to DNA, regulating the activation and deactivation of genes.
- This epigenetic modification helps the body respond to environmental signals and contributes to overall health and disease status.
- Understanding the relationships between DNA methylation, genetics, and the environment is crucial for comprehending the pathways governing health, disease, and their consequences.
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Significance of this initiative
- This research will enable the identification of disease-causing mechanisms that are common worldwide and those which are unique to particular groups or regions.
- It will help with answering questions such as whether medicines developed in one part of the world will be effective for all.
- Ultimately the DEEP study hopes to enable targeted interventions or treatments and reduce global health disparity and inequity.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MRTP Act
Mains level: Abortion vs. Mothers Bodily Rights
Central Idea
- CJI DY Chandrachud said that India’s abortion law was liberal, pro-choice and far ahead of other countries.
- SC is hearing the case of a married woman who wants to medically terminate her 26-week pregnancy.
- This raises critical questions about a woman’s autonomy in deciding to abort and the existing legislative framework.
Woman’s Perspective
- Unplanned Pregnancy: A 27-year-old married woman, already a mother of two, contends that her pregnancy was unplanned.
- Financial Strain: She argues that her family’s income is inadequate to support another child, and she is undergoing treatment for postpartum depression after her second child’s birth.
Court Decisions and AIIMS Report
- Initial Approval: A two-judge Bench initially allowed the termination, reasoning that an unplanned pregnancy due to contraceptive failure is akin to a forced pregnancy, permitting abortion up to 24 weeks.
- AIIMS Concern: AIIMS, Delhi, raised questions about whether foeticide (stopping the foetal heart) could be performed before termination since the foetus is currently viable.
- Three-Judge Bench: The case was transferred to a three-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, which called for a fresh medical report to assess the foetus’s health and the woman’s medical condition.
Understanding the Abortion Law
- Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MTP Act): The MTP Act allows termination of pregnancy in three stages.
-
- Termination up to 20 weeks with the advice of one doctor.
- Pregnancy at 20-24 weeks requires the opinion of two registered medical practitioners, under specific conditions.
- After 24 weeks, a medical board in approved facilities assesses the termination based on substantial foetal abnormalities.
Court’s History of Allowing Late-Term Abortion
- Several Precedents: The court has previously permitted terminations beyond 26 weeks in various cases, often in cases of rape or consensual relationships.
- Marital Status Factor: The current case distinguishes itself by the woman’s marital status, implying that the conception is consensual and not a forced pregnancy.
Balancing Rights: Woman vs. Unborn Child
- Ongoing Debate: The CJI-led Bench oscillates between prioritizing a woman’s rights over abortion and the need to balance the rights of the unborn child.
- Liberal Approach: India’s law on abortion is considered liberal and pro-choice, with courts often favouring the woman’s autonomy.
Comparisons with International Standards
- Foetal Viability: The concept of “foetal viability” as a benchmark for abortion approval is relatively new in India. It aligns with international standards.
- US Roe v Wade: The landmark 1973 US Supreme Court case, Roe v Wade, allowed abortion until foetal viability. In 1973, viability was at 28 weeks, now lower due to scientific advancements.
- Criticism of Indian Law: Some critics argue that India’s law lacks clarity as the decision to terminate after 20 weeks falls on doctors rather than the women, leading to frequent court interventions.
Autonomy vs. Unborn Child’s Rights
- Legislative Gap: While the Indian legal framework supports a woman’s autonomy in reproductive decisions, gaps persist, especially concerning last-minute interventions.
- Ethical Debate: The Indian law leans toward women’s autonomy, but ethical dilemmas arise regarding the rights of the unborn child.
- Legal Precedents: Cases like Nand Kishore Sharma versus Union of India have debated the constitutionality of the MTP Act concerning the right to life of an unborn child.
Conclusion
- The ongoing Supreme Court case highlights the intricate legal and ethical considerations surrounding abortion in India.
- While the law supports a woman’s right to choose, the challenge lies in finding a delicate balance between individual autonomy and the rights of the unborn child.
- As the court grapples with this complex case, it underscores the need for continued legal discourse and potential legislative amendments to address evolving reproductive rights issues.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Laptop Imports Ban
Central Idea
- In August, the centre announced its intention to subject laptops, tablets, computers, and related products to a licensing regime starting from November 1.
- However, it has now clarified that India will not impose licensing requirements on laptop and computer imports but will instead monitor their inbound shipments.
Lapop Import Restrictions: A Backgrounder
- Import Restrictions: In August, India imposed import restrictions on various IT hardware products to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce imports, particularly from countries like China.
- Industry Concerns: The IT hardware industry expressed concerns following the initial licensing announcement.
- Security and Domestic Manufacturing: The government cited security concerns and the desire to stimulate domestic manufacturing as the reasons for the licensing conditions.
Import Statistics
- Import Values: India imports approximately $7-8 billion worth of IT hardware products annually.
- Recent Trends: Import values for personal computers, including laptops, decreased from $7.37 billion in 2021-22 to $5.33 billion in 2022-23. Imports of certain data processing machines also saw a decline.
- Production-Linked Incentive Scheme: In May, the government approved the Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware with a budgetary outlay of â‚ą17,000 crore. A similar scheme for IT hardware was approved in February 2021.
India’s Dependency on China
- Critical Dependency: According to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India has significant dependency on China for various products, including laptops and mobile phones.
- Government Initiatives: To reduce this dependency, the government has introduced measures such as the production-linked incentive scheme and increased customs duties on electronic components.
Conclusion
- India’s decision to shift from a licensing regime to monitoring for laptop and computer imports aims to balance its goals of reducing import dependency and promoting domestic manufacturing.
- However, there is a need to ensure smoother transition for businesses and trade.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Key facts
Mains level: India and Maldives ties, challenges, recent developments and future prospect
What’s the news?
- Recent changes in the Maldives’ leadership have raised questions about the future of its relationship with India.
Central idea
- While leadership changes may bring some alterations, the fundamental ties between the two nations remain intact. From the era of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to the present day, India and the Maldives have maintained a close and friendly relationship, with occasional challenges. Therefore, it’s essential not to rush to judgment regarding the current situation.
Background
- Historical Ties: The relationship between India and the Maldives is deep-rooted. From Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s leadership until today, both nations have maintained a close bond, despite occasional hiccups.
- Geographical Proximity: The Maldives spans 90,000 sq km, mostly covered by the sea, with the remaining land spread across 1,200 islands. Situated just 70 nautical miles away, India has always been the Maldives’ closest ally. As Ibn Khaldun stated, geography is destiny.
Challenges in the Maldives
“Maldives, despite its 98% literacy rate, faces various contradictions that pose challenges to democratic governance.”
- Constitutional Restrictions: The Maldivian constitution bars anyone who isn’t a Sunni Muslim from becoming a citizen. This can be seen as restrictive and exclusive, which may not align with broader principles of democratic governance.
- Nascent Civil Society: The civil society in the Maldives is still emerging. This means the public structures and mechanisms that can hold the government accountable and ensure the active participation of citizens in the governance process might be underdeveloped.
- Drug Abuse: The Maldives has been grappling with an increasing problem of drug abuse, which poses social and health-related challenges.
- Distorted Labor Market: This implies there might be imbalances in employment opportunities, perhaps with certain sectors having too many workers and others having too few, or challenges related to wages and workers’ rights.
- Growing Inequality: Despite its successes in areas like tourism, the Maldives faces growing economic disparities among its population.
- Foreign Influence and Debt: China’s policy of extending debt and subsequently interfering in the internal politics of the Maldives, as well as supporting conservative elements, poses challenges. This not only can lead to a debt crisis but also threatens the democratic progression of the country.
- Legacy of Controlled Regime: The influence of the Gayoom years and the alignment with China by certain elements for narrow gains might not serve the broader interests of the Maldivian nation in the long term.
India’s Role
- Historically: From Buddhism’s prevalence in the Maldives to its dependence on India during the British protectorate era (1887–1965), India has always played an influential role.
- Economically: The State Bank of India has been instrumental in boosting the Maldives’ tourism economy and remains the largest bank there.
- Assistance: Whether during the 1988 coup, the 2004 tsunami, or the 2014 water crisis, India has always been the first to assist. India also supplies essential items in bulk and contributes significantly to the Maldivian education and health sectors.
- Defence and Security: India has been a robust defense partner, conducting joint exercises and providing security assistance.
India’s Concerns Regarding the Maldives
- China’s Growing Influence: China’s increasing role in the Maldives is driven by debt financing. This kind of influence, particularly through debt traps, could lead to the consequent hegemony of China in the region, which is a matter of concern for India given the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region.
- Internal Interference by External Powers: China’s policy of interfering in the internal politics of the Maldives, especially its support for conservative elements, is worrisome for India. This could hinder the development of a robust democracy in the Maldives and potentially impact the bilateral relationship between India and the Maldives.
- Economic Interests: With projects like greater Male connectivity and being a major supplier of essential goods to the Maldives, India has vested economic interests. Any disruption or potential shift in trade relations can impact India’s economic engagement.
- Security and Defense Cooperation: The defense cooperation isn’t just about tangible assets like helicopters but extends to joint exercises, training, and disaster management. Any shift in Maldivian policies that affects this cooperation can be concerning.
- Legacy of Assistance: India’s role as a primary responder to Maldivian crises and its consistent support over the years hold significance. India would be concerned if such efforts and goodwill aren’t recognized or are undermined by external influences.
- President Designate Mohamed Muizzu: Mohamed Muizzu, described as a Western-educated engineer, is expected to take over the reins of leadership. His past roles and his education may influence the Maldives’ direction, both domestically and in terms of foreign relations.
- Former President Yameen’s Situation: Yameen’s shift from jail to house arrest indicates changing political dynamics within the Maldives. Given that Yameen’s tenure was marked by a pro-China policy, any change related to his influence might hint at a shift in foreign policy alignment.
Conclusion
- India’s unwavering commitment has significantly shaped the Maldives, and any impulsive decisions could be detrimental for the latter. Given the deep historical ties and mutual interests, it’s crucial for the new leadership to recognize and value the long-standing bond. As history has often shown, taking relationships for granted can have grave consequences.
Also read:
The Maldives, the evolution of a democracy
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Gaza conflict and its impact on the geopolitics of the region
What’s the news?
- The recent series of deadly attacks launched by Hamas on Israel has had profound implications for the dynamics of the Middle East.
Central idea
- The recent lethal attacks launched by Hamas on Israel on October 7 have had significant repercussions, particularly in the realm of Israeli-Saudi relations and the broader Middle East geopolitical landscape. These attacks have effectively overturned Israeli efforts, backed by the United States, to foster normalization of relations with Arab states while neglecting Palestinian concerns.
Israeli Diplomacy
- Normalization Agreements: Israel, under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pursued a strategy of normalizing relations with Arab countries. This strategy aimed to establish diplomatic ties with Arab nations that had historically been hostile or distant from Israel. Notable agreements included those with Egypt and Jordan, which were signed in the late 20th century.
- The Abrahamic Accords: A significant milestone in Israeli diplomacy was the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020. These agreements, brokered by the United States, led to the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan, and later Morocco. These agreements marked a shift in regional dynamics and signified growing acceptance of Israel in the Arab world.
- Strategic Goals: Israel’s diplomatic efforts aimed to enhance its security, strengthen its regional influence, and broaden economic and technological cooperation with Arab states. These agreements also served to isolate Iran, which was seen as a common regional rival.
The role of the United States
- Mediator and Facilitator: The United States has historically played a central role as a mediator in Israeli-Arab conflicts. It has facilitated peace talks, negotiations, and agreements between Israel and its Arab neighbors. The U.S. has acted as a neutral party, using its diplomatic clout to bring parties to the negotiating table.
- Broker of the Abraham Accords: In the case of the Abraham Accords, the United States, led by the Trump administration, took a proactive role in brokering these agreements. The U.S. actively encouraged Arab nations to establish diplomatic ties with Israel and provided political support and incentives to make these deals happen.
- Strategic Interests: The United States had strategic interests in promoting Israeli-Arab normalization. These interests included strengthening its regional alliances, countering Iranian influence, and promoting stability in the Middle East.
- Security Assistance: The U.S. has provided substantial military aid and security assistance to Israel, reinforcing its position in the region and ensuring its qualitative military edge. This support has been a cornerstone of the U.S.-Israel relationship.
The Gaza War and Its Ramifications
- Reemphasis on the Palestinian Issue: The Gaza War has once again thrust the Palestinian issue to the forefront of regional politics. It has drawn attention to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the unresolved grievances of the Palestinian people.
- Regional Instability: The conflict in Gaza has contributed to regional instability and heightened tensions. It has the potential to spill over into neighboring countries and exacerbate existing regional conflicts.
- Impact on Israeli-Saudi Normalization Efforts: The Gaza War has had significant implications for Israel’s efforts to normalize relations with Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia. It has disrupted the momentum of normalization, as Saudi Arabia, like other Arab nations, has faced domestic pressure to condemn Israeli actions in Gaza.
- Saudi Arabia’s Shift: Saudi Arabia’s response to the Gaza War represents a notable shift in its stance. While previously open to normalizing relations with Israel, the kingdom has now emphasized the importance of addressing Palestinian interests and rights. This change in stance may have lasting implications for Saudi foreign policy and its relations with both Israel and the United States.
- Iran’s Role: Some observers have speculated about Iran’s role in instigating Hamas attacks to undermine Saudi-Israeli normalization efforts. However, it is essential to note that Saudi-Iran relations had already undergone a degree of normalization before the Gaza War, reducing the likelihood of Iranian involvement as a primary motivator.
- Humanitarian Crisis: The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with casualties, displacement, and infrastructure damage. The international community has been called upon to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the Palestinian population.
- Impact on Regional Alliances: The Gaza War has influenced the alignment of regional alliances, with countries taking positions based on their historical relationships and geopolitical interests. This could potentially reshape alliances and cooperation in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Foreign Policy
- Pursuit of Strategic Autonomy: Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a growing willingness to pursue an independent foreign policy. The kingdom has sought to assert its strategic autonomy and reduce its reliance on traditional allies, including the United States.
- Refusal to Align with Anti-China or Anti-Iran Coalitions: Saudi Arabia has rejected U.S. efforts to build global anti-China coalitions and regional anti-Iran alliances. Despite U.S. pressure, the kingdom has maintained its own strategic interests and relationships.
- Stronger Ties with China: Saudi Arabia has deepened its relations with China, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and energy cooperation. The kingdom recognizes China’s increasing global influence and sees it as an important economic partner.
- Multifaceted Engagement Across Asia: Saudi Arabia has actively pursued multifaceted relationships across Asia, including with countries like India and Pakistan. These engagements encompass economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation, reflecting the kingdom’s aim to expand its influence in the Asian region.
Way forward: Concrete Actions for Palestinian Interests
- Commitment to a Two-State Solution: Both Israel and the Palestinian leadership should unequivocally reaffirm their commitment to a two-state solution, recognizing the need for an independent and viable Palestinian state alongside Israel.
- Freeze Settlement Expansion: Israel should halt all settlement construction activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Settlement expansion remains a significant obstacle to peace and threatens the territorial integrity of a future Palestinian state.
- Cessation of Violence: All parties involved must commit to ending violence and terrorism. This includes a complete halt to rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel and measures to prevent violence on both sides. A comprehensive ceasefire agreement should be sought.
- Support for Palestinian Elections: The international community should support transparent and inclusive Palestinian elections to strengthen the legitimacy of the Palestinian leadership. These elections should adhere to international standards.
- Address Core Issues: Negotiations should address core issues such as the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the delineation of borders for a future Palestinian state. These issues must be resolved through peaceful negotiations based on international principles.
- International Mediation and Oversight: International actors, including the Quartet, should actively mediate and oversee the peace process to ensure accountability, adherence to agreements, and a fair and balanced negotiation environment.
Conclusion
- The Gaza conflict has had a profound impact on the geopolitics of the region, particularly by reemphasizing the importance of addressing Palestinian concerns. While Israel’s efforts to normalize relations with Arab states face challenges, Saudi Arabia’s renewed focus on the Palestinian cause marks a significant shift in its foreign policy approach, underscoring the evolving dynamics in the Middle East.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Key facts, Government initiative's
Mains level: Water and employment link, women's role, challenges and potential
What’s the news?
- Water, a vital resource for life, is poised to play a central role in the transition to a green economy. This transition brings not only environmental benefits but also the potential to drive significant employment growth, particularly for women.
Central idea
- Water is essential for a green economy, offering immense potential for job generation, particularly for women. Women globally are pivotal players in water management, yet their expertise remains underutilized. As green jobs surge in India, how can women’s roles in water management be enhanced and recognized?
Backdrop
- Green Jobs in Water Management: These jobs contribute to preserving or restoring environmental quality. A promising estimate by the International Labour Organisation posits that jobs in this sector could escalate from 3 million (2020) to 19 million by 2030 in India.
- Water and Global Employment: A 2016 UN report underscores that nearly 1.5 billion people, or half the global workforce, are in water-related sectors. Water thus fosters both direct (managing resources, infrastructure, services) and indirect jobs.
Harse reality
- A World Bank evaluation of 122 water projects found that those involving women were six to seven times more effective than those that did not.
- Despite this evidence, women constitute less than 17 percent of the paid workforce in water, sanitation, and hygiene in developing economies, and women’s representation as technical experts remains disproportionately low.
The Role of Women in Efficient Water Management
- Household Water Management: Women are typically responsible for managing water within households. They oversee water collection, storage, and distribution for domestic use, ensuring a safe and sustainable water supply for their families.
- Community Engagement: In many communities, women actively engage in the management of communal water sources. They take the lead in maintaining these sources, making sure they remain accessible and functional for all community members.
- Agriculture: Women play a crucial role in agriculture, which is a major consumer of water resources. They are involved in activities such as irrigation, crop cultivation, and livestock care. Their knowledge of efficient water use is vital for agricultural sustainability.
- Environmental Stewardship: Women often act as environmental stewards, safeguarding local ecosystems, rivers, lakes, and forests. Their traditional practices and knowledge contribute to the preservation of water resources and the environment.
- Community Development: Women actively participate in community development projects related to water infrastructure, sanitation, and hygiene. They serve on water and sanitation committees, helping plan and implement projects that benefit the entire community.
- Innovative Solutions: Women frequently devise innovative solutions to address water-related challenges. They may create rainwater harvesting techniques, sustainable farming practices, or household-level water treatment methods, enhancing water resource management.
Unlocking Opportunities through Government Programs
- Traditionally, women’s involvement in water management has been limited to voluntary or part-time roles, often at the lowest level of decision-making.
- Recent government initiatives in India, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Jal Shakti Abhiyan, present an opportunity to expand women’s participation in water management and provide access to decent work.
- These programs prioritize community ownership and support both direct and indirect jobs.
The Potential of Jal Jeevan Mission
- The Jal Jeevan Mission, in particular, has the potential to generate a substantial number of jobs.
- A study by the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, estimated that the mission could create millions of person-years of direct and indirect employment, although gender-disaggregated data are lacking.
Way forward
- Addressing Skill Gaps and Capacity Building:
- Water management jobs require specific skills and training, yet there is often a gap between the skills needed and the expertise available.
- While some training programs exist for wastewater treatment and watershed management, they do not cover emerging employment opportunities in the water sector.
- Promoting Sustainable Employment:
- Despite robust policies for community participation, sustainable employment creation has been lacking.
- Investing in training women, providing access to finance, and leveraging self-help groups can foster women’s self-employment in water management, strengthening water security in both rural and urban areas.
Conclusion
- Government initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission are poised to unlock this potential. By addressing skill gaps and promoting women’s participation, India can not only create green jobs but also empower women in the vital task of water management, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ozone Hole
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Satellite measurements conducted over Antarctica have unveiled a gigantic hole in the ozone layer.
- Termed an “ozone-depleted area,” this region spans 26 million square kilometers (10 million square miles), approximately three times the size of Brazil.
Ozone Layer and Ozone Hole
| Location |
Stratosphere, approximately 10-30 km above Earth’s surface. |
| Composition |
Composed of ozone (O3) molecules.
Unit of measurement: Dobsob Unit (DU) |
| Function |
Acts as a protective shield, absorbing and blocking a significant portion of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. |
| Importance |
Essential for protecting life on Earth by preventing excessive UV radiation, which can harm living organisms and the environment. |
| Ozone-depleting Substances |
Threatened by ODS like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other synthetic compounds commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants. |
| Montreal Protocol |
An international treaty adopted in 1987 to phase out the production and consumption of ODS, resulting in significant recovery of the ozone layer. |
| Current Status |
The ozone layer is in the process of recovery due to the success of the Montreal Protocol. |
| Environmental Impact |
Protects ecosystems, prevents skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues in humans. |
| Additional Facts |
• The size of the ozone hole over Antarctica varies annually, opening in August and closing in November or December.
• Special winds caused by the Earth’s rotation create a unique climate over Antarctica, preventing mixing with surrounding air.
• When these winds subside, the hole closes. |
Potential Causes of the Giant Ozone Hole
- Volcanic Eruption in Tonga: Scientists speculate that the extensive ozone hole this year may be linked to volcanic eruptions in Hunga Tonga, Tonga, between December 2022 and January 2023. These eruptions released water vapor and other elements into the stratosphere, impacting the ozone layer through chemical reactions.
- Human-Induced Ozone Holes: In the 1970s, scientists discovered that human activities, primarily the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), led to significant ozone depletion. These chemicals released chlorine in the stratosphere, depleting the ozone layer.
- Effective Mitigation: The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987, aimed to combat ozone depletion by phasing out ozone-depleting substances. This international agreement successfully reduced the size of ozone holes over the years.
Ozone Depletion and Climate Change
- Not a Primary Climate Change Cause: Ozone depletion is not a leading contributor to global climate change.
- Impact of Rising Temperatures: However, rising global temperatures may influence ozone holes. Extreme fires, such as those in southeastern Australia in 2020 and 2021, injected smoke into the stratosphere, potentially contributing to ozone depletion.
- Changing Seasons: Ozone holes can alter the progression of seasons, as they extend the duration of polar vortexes, thereby extending winter periods.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI tags mentioned
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Many GI tags were awarded in this month. Let’s take a look:
GI Tags in News:
[1] Jaderi Namakatti
- Jaderi namakatti are clay sticks that are white in colour, usually available in finger-like shape with a smooth texture.
- They are used to adorn the foreheads of idols, men and temple elephants.
- Jaderi is a small village in Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu.
- There are around 120 families in Cheyyar taluk whose primary occupation has been making namakatti for more than hundreds of years now.
[2] Basohli Pashmina
- Basohli Pashmina is a very old craft from the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. It’s famous because it’s super soft, very fine, and feels incredibly light.
- Pashmina is a type of material that is hand-spun and known for being incredibly soft, fine, lightweight, and also warm.
- You can make various things from Pashmina, like shawls for men and women, mufflers, blankets, and even baskets.
- It comes from a type of mountain goat called Capra hircus. These goats are found on the Changthang Plateau in Tibet and parts of Ladakh.
- In Ladakh, there are people called the Changpa, who are known for making Pashmina wool. They live on the Changthang plateau in Tibet and are nomadic, which means they move around a lot.
[3] Marcha Rice
- Grown in select pockets of six blocks in West Champaran district, Bihar, India. These blocks include Mainatar, Gaunaha, Narkatiaganj, Ramnagar, Lauriya, and Chanpatia.
- It has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, indicating its unique qualities associated with the region where it’s grown.
- Cultivated by the Marcha Dhan Utpadak Pragatisheel Samuh, a registered organization of paddy cultivators in West Champaran district.
- Known for its distinct aroma and taste, Marcha Rice is a special indigenous variety of paddy.
[4] Atreyapuram Pootharekulu
- Atreyapuram Pootharekulu is a traditional sweet originating from Atreyapuram village, situated on the banks of the Godavari River in the Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh.
- The name ‘Pootharekulu’ translates to ‘coated sheets,’ although this description may appear somewhat vague.
- This traditional sweet is known for its extraordinary delicacy and distinct taste.
- It is created by layering paper-thin sheets of rice flour, which are delicately coated with ghee (clarified butter) and then folded to encase powdered jaggery or sugar dust.
- Additionally, some variants of Pootharekulu may include finely chopped roasted dry fruits such as pistachios, almonds, and cashews.
- The preparation of relies on a specific type of rice known as MTU-3626, referred to locally as Bondalu.
- This rice variety is chosen for its unique taste and its ability to yield a sticky consistency, which is crucial for crafting this sweet.
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.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: 1949 Geneva Conventions
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian forces, triggered by Hamas’ barbaric assault, has resulted in a distressing and increasing death toll on both sides.
- This conflict operates within a multifaceted international system of justice that has evolved since World War II.
Various War Crime Laws
- 1949 Geneva Conventions: Internationally accepted rules of armed conflict emerged from these conventions, ratified by all UN member states and complemented by decisions at international war crimes tribunals.
- “Law of Armed Conflict”: A series of treaties collectively known as the “Law of Armed Conflict” or “International Humanitarian Law” governs the treatment of civilians, soldiers, and prisoners of war. It applies to both government forces and organized armed groups, including Hamas militants.
- ICC Jurisdiction: The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague holds the authority to bring charges against alleged perpetrators if domestic courts do not or cannot do so.
Role and Jurisdiction of the ICC
- Establishment: The ICC, a permanent war crimes tribunal, was established in 2002 in The Hague. It has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed in its 123 member states or by their nationals.
- Notable Absences: Major global powers like China, the United States, Russia, India, and Egypt are not ICC members. Israel rejects the court’s jurisdiction and does not formally engage with it.
- Ongoing Investigation: ICC prosecutors have been investigating allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the occupied Palestinian territories since 2021, although no arrest warrants have been issued.
Acts Potentially Violating War Crimes Law
- Deliberate Targeting of Civilians: Human Rights Watch identified potential war crimes, including the intentional targeting of civilians, indiscriminate rocket attacks, and the hostage-taking of civilians by Palestinian armed groups.
- Israeli Counter-Strikes: Israeli counter-strikes in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of numerous Palestinians, could also fall under scrutiny as potential war crimes.
- Geneva Conventions Prohibitions: The Geneva Conventions explicitly prohibit acts such as taking hostages, murder, and torture, regardless of the conflict’s complexity.
Application of the Geneva Conventions
- Right to Respond: US President Joe Biden acknowledged Israel’s right and duty to respond to the conflict while emphasizing the importance of acting within the rule of law.
- Siege Considerations: A siege may be considered a war crime if it disproportionately targets civilians rather than undermining Hamas’ military capabilities or if it is found to be disproportionate.
- Proportionality: Attacks on military targets must be proportionate, meaning they should not result in excessive civilian casualties or damage compared to the expected military advantage.
Conclusion
- The Israel-Palestine conflict unfolds against a backdrop of intricate international legal frameworks and considerations.
- Navigating the complexities of determining war crimes in this context requires a meticulous examination of actions on all sides, considering proportionality, deliberate targeting of civilians, and adherence to the Geneva Conventions.
- As the conflict’s toll continues to rise, scrutiny of potential violations of international humanitarian law remains essential for justice and accountability.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Hunger Index
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- India has been ranked 111th out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index-2023, a stark decline from its 107th position in 2022.
- The index highlights a concerning statistic – India reports the world’s highest child wasting rate at a staggering 18.7 percent.
- Interestingly, India’s neighboring countries, including Pakistan (102nd), Bangladesh (81st), Nepal (69th), and Sri Lanka (60th), have performed comparatively better in the index.
Global Hunger Index (GHI)
|
| Publication |
Jointly published annually by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. |
| Scale |
Measures hunger on a 100-point scale, with 0 as the best (no hunger) and 100 as the worst score. |
| Purpose |
Comprehensively measures and tracks hunger globally, regionally, and at the country level. Aims to trigger action to reduce hunger worldwide. |
| Indicators |
4 key indicators for each country:
1. Undernourishment (reflects inadequate food availability): Share of the population that is undernourished.
2. Child Wasting (reflects acute undernutrition): Share of children under five with low weight for their height.
3. Child Stunting (reflects chronic undernutrition): Share of children under five with low height for their age.
4. Child Mortality (reflects inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environment): Mortality rate of children under five. |
Hunger in India: Fact Check
- Serious Hunger Levels: India’s score of 28.7 in the Global Hunger Index-2023 places it in the “serious” category, according to the report.
- Child Wasting: India’s child wasting rate, the proportion of undernourished children measured by weight relative to their height, stands at an alarming 18.7 percent, signaling acute undernutrition.
- Undernourishment Rate: The rate of undernourishment in India is reported at 16.6 percent, further highlighting the gravity of the issue.
- Child Mortality: Under-five mortality in India is recorded at 3.1 percent.
- Anemia Among Women: The report underscores a significant concern, with 58.1 percent of women aged 15 to 24 in India being affected by anemia.
A report to bully India
- Disputed Ranking: The Indian government has rejected the GHI 2023 ranking, citing serious methodological concerns and suggesting a malicious intent behind the report (considering elections).
- Methodological Issues: The WCD Ministry asserts that the GHI 2023 report suffers from significant methodological issues. It contends that 3 out of 4 indicators used for calculation pertain to child health, which does not represent the entire population.
- Sample size issue: It is questionable that only small sample size of 3,000 is used for the “Proportion of Undernourished Population” indicator for crores population in India.
- Child Wasting Discrepancy: The ministry highlights a significant disparity between the child wasting rate as per the Poshan Tracker (consistently below 7.2 percent) and the 18.7 percent reported in GHI 2023.
- Undue link with Child mortality: It also challenges the notion that child mortality is solely an outcome of hunger.
Conclusion
- India’s ranking underscores the persistent challenges in addressing hunger and undernutrition.
- The report serves as a stark reminder of the critical need to comprehensively tackle these issues, especially child wasting and undernourishment, to ensure the well-being of the nation’s population.
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