Robusta Coffee farmers in South India are celebrating as their produce fetches an all-time high price.
The farmgate price of raw Robusta coffee berries reached ₹172 per kilogram (kg) in the Wayanad market, a significant increase from ₹115 per kg last year.
Coffee Cultivation in India
The coffee cultivation in India began with the planting of 7 seeds of coffee during 1600 AD by saint Baba Budan, in the courtyard of his hermitage in Chikmagalur, Karnataka.
Commercial plantations of coffee started in the 18th century under British entrepreneurship.
Today, India is among the top 10 coffee-producing countries, with about 3% of the global output.
Major Varieties Cultivated
Characteristics
Altitude Range
Flavor Profile
Popular Varieties
Regions
Arabica Coffee
Known for mild flavor, aromatic profile, and smooth taste.
Characterized by strong and bold flavor, higher caffeine content, and somewhat bitter taste.
Sea level to about 800 meters
Strong, bold, somewhat bitter
S.274, CxR hybrids
Chikmagalur (Karnataka), Coorg (Karnataka), Wayanad (Kerala), Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh)
Liberica and Excelsa
Less common varieties, with limited plantings in specific regions.
Variable
Variable
Variable
Limited plantings; sporadic regions
Agro-climatic conditions needed for Coffee:
Indian coffee has a unique position as it is shade-grown and grown at elevations, while other major producing countries grow coffee in flat lands.
It is a tropical plant which is also grown in semi-tropical climate.
16° – 28°C temperature, 150-250cm rainfall and well-drained slopes are essential for its growth.
Low temperature, frost, dry weather for a long time and harsh sunshine are harmful for its plant.
Coffee plants grow better in the laterite soils of Karnataka in India.
Market Dynamics
Karnataka is the largest producer accounting for about 70% of the total coffee production in India.
It is followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Orissa and the North-eastern areas have a smaller proportion of production.
Arabica has high market value than Robusta coffee due to its mild aromatic flavor.
The country exports over 70% of its production. According to The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India is the eighth largest exporterof coffee by volume.
Indian coffee exports display a seasonality, with exports peaking from March to June.
Coffee Board of India
The Coffee Board of India is an organization managed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and was established in 1942.
It is headquartered in Bangalore.
The activities of the Board are broadly aimed at:
Enhancement of production, productivity & quality;
Export promotion for achieving higher value returns for Indian Coffee and
Supporting development of Domestic market.
Until 1995 the Coffee Board marketed the coffee of a pooled supply.
Later, coffee marketing became a private-sector activity due to the economic liberalisation in India.
The Board comprises 33 members including the Chairman, who is the Chief Executive and appointed by the Government of India.
PYQ:
2010: Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements:
Coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate of tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas.
Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the Coffee Cultivation in India, consider the following statements:
Kerala is the largest producer accounting for about 70% of the total coffee production in India.
Robusta coffee has high market value than Arabica due to its mild aromatic flavor.
Rising sea temperatures have triggered severe bleaching events, leading to significant coral mortality in Gulf of Mannar.
Annual surveys show a decline in live coral cover from 37% in 2005 to 27.3% in 2021.
Corals in Gulf of Mannar
The Gulf of Mannar is a large shallow bay forming part of the Laccadive Sea in the Indian Ocean with an average depth of 5.8 m.
It lies between the southeastern tip of India and the west coast of Sri Lanka, in the Coromandel Coast region.
A significant portion of the Gulf of Mannar is designated as the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, established to protect its marine ecosystems, including coral reefs.
The park covers approximately 560 square kilometers and encompasses 21 islands and coral reefs.
Around 117 hard coral species have been recorded in the Gulf of Mannar.
Many islands, like Shingle, Krusadai, and Pullivasal, have witnessed substantial losses in coral cover.
For instance, Shingle Island suffered the most with the loss of 72% of its coral cover.
About Corals
Coral are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps.
These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues in a mutualistic relationship.
The coral provides the zooxanthellae with the compounds necessary for photosynthesis.
In return, the zooxanthellae supply the coral with organic products of photosynthesis, like carbohydrates, which are utilized by the coral polyps for synthesis of their calcium carbonate skeletons.
Corals are marineinvertebrates or animals which do not possess a spine.
They are the largest living structures on the planet.
Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of such polyps live together to form a colony, which grow when polyps multiply to make copies of themselves.
Coral reefs are also called the “rainforests of the seas”.
Types of Coral
Corals are of two types — hard corals and soft corals:
Hard corals extract calcium carbonate from seawater to build hard, white coral exoskeletons. Hard corals are in a way the engineers of reef ecosystems and measuring the extent of hard coral is a widely-accepted metric for measuring the condition of coral reefs.
Soft corals attach themselves to such skeletons and older skeletons built by their ancestors. Soft corals also add their own skeletons to the hard structure over the years. These growing multiplying structures gradually form coral reefs.
Conditions needed for Corals to Flourish
Extensive submarine platforms for the formation of colonies by the coral polyps (not more than 90m below sea level).
High mean annual temperature ranging 20-21 degree Celsius.
Clean sediment-free water because muddy water or turbid water clogs the mouths of coral polyps resulting into their death.
Oceanic salinity ranging between 27-30 ppt.
Ocean currents and waves, as they bring food supply for the polyps.
How do corals bleach?
When exposed to conditions like heat stress, pollution, or high levels of ocean acidity, the zooxanthellae start producing reactive oxygen species not beneficial to the corals.
So, the corals kick out the colour-giving algae from their polyps, exposing their pale white exoskeleton and leading to coral starvation as corals cannot produce their own food.
Severe bleaching and prolonged stress in the external environment can lead to coral death.
Reasons for the Decline
Climatic Vagaries: Predicted coral bleaching events pose a dire threat to the already fragile ecosystem of the Gulf of Mannar. The IPCC predicts a decline of 70-90% in global coral reefs with a warming of 1.5°C.
Ocean Acidification: Increased acidity levels in the ocean due to carbon dioxide absorption exacerbate coral stress and hinder their ability to calcify.
PYQ:
2014: Which of the following have coral reefs?
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Gulf of Kachchh
Gulf of Mannar
Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1, 2 and 3 only
2 and 4 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
2018: Consider the following statements
Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters.
More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Krutrim AI is Ola’s homegrown AI assistant, designed to cater to the diverse needs and nuances of Indian consumers, bridging the gap between conventional AI and specific cultural contexts.
Krutrim’s Capabilities
Multilingual Support: Krutrim boasts the ability to converse in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Kannada, Bengali, Gujarati, and Hinglish, catering to the linguistic diversity of India.
Multi-Functionality: Users can leverage Krutrim for a range of tasks, including writing emails, seeking information, learning new skills, planning travel, discovering recipes, and more.
Technology behind Krutrim AI
Sophisticated AI Model: Krutrim operates on a sophisticated AI model trained on vast datasets encompassing Indian languages, social contexts, and cultural references.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): Utilizes NLP to comprehend human language nuances, including colloquialisms and cultural contexts, enhancing user interactions.
Machine Learning (ML): ML algorithms enable Krutrim to learn from datasets, continuously improving responses and understanding user intent.
Deep Learning: Leverages Deep Learning to recognize patterns and analyze complex data, crucial for contextual responses and performance enhancement.
Applications and Benefits for Users
Enhanced User Experience: Krutrim AI enhances user experiences across various sectors by offering culturally sensitive interactions, personalized learning in education, and automating administrative tasks.
Support for Content Creators: Content creators can leverage Krutrim for ideation and localization, making content more relatable and engaging.
Automating Repetitive Tasks: Krutrim’s capabilities extend to automating repetitive administrative tasks across industries, boosting efficiency and productivity.
PYQ:
2018: When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart minor in your bathroom shows the day’s weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a- message to your office accordingly.
In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following term” best applies to the above scenario?
Border Gateway Protocol
Internet of Things
Internet Protocol
Virtual Private Network
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements about the ‘Krutrim AI’:
It is a homegrown AI assistant developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DACs).
North Atlantic right whales face a grave threat due to entanglementin fishing gear, contributing to their critically endangered status.
Entanglement not only leads to physical harm but also affects reproductive success, exacerbating the species’ decline.
Impact of Entanglement
Lethal and Sublethal Effects: Entanglement in fishing gear leads to energy expenditure, reduced feeding efficiency, and physical injuries, ultimately impacting whales’ ability to reproduce and survive. Even minor entanglements have devastating consequences on female right whales.
Reproductive Implications: Females experiencing entanglement events, even classified as “minor,” exhibit reduced breeding rates, with potential long-term consequences for population recovery. Poor health and physical condition further impede breeding success.
About Right Whales
Right whales are a group of large baleen whales belonging to the family Balaenidae.
There are three species of right whales:
North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis),
North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica), and
Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis).
They are distinguished by their geographic distribution and slight differences in physical characteristics.
Right whales inhabit temperate and subpolar waters of the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Southern Hemisphere.
They are often found in coastal areas during their feeding and breeding seasons but may migrate over long distances.
All three species of right whales are listed as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
North Atlantic Right Whales
It is listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List.
Only around 360 individuals remain, with almost 90% having experienced entanglement at least once.
PYQ:
2015: With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?
IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments
IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:
The North Atlantic Right Whales were recently seen in news for a peculiar behaviour. Identify the correct statement about the North Atlantic Right Whales:
Entanglement in fishing net has led to permanent loss of breeding capability.
Extinct due to commercial hunting.
Generates large amounts of Aspergis, an aromatic substance.
SEBI has instructed mutual fund houses to halt new inflows into schemes investing in overseas exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from April 1, 2024.
What are Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)?
ETFs are marketable securities that track various assets, including indices, commodities, or bonds, and trade on stock exchanges like regular stocks.
ETFs were started in 2001 in India.
Types of ETFs: Equity ETFs, bonds ETFs, commodity ETFs, international ETFs, and sectoral/thematic ETFs cater to diverse investment preferences.
Market dynamics of ETFs
ETFs can be purchased or sold on a stock exchange in the same way that regular stocks can, unlike the mutual funds.
The traded price of an ETF changes throughout the day like any other stock, as it is bought and sold on the stock exchange.
The trading value of an ETF is based on the net asset value of the underlying stocks that it represents.
These funds offer higher liquidity, lower fees, and tax efficiency compared to traditional mutual funds, appealing to individual investors.
Reasons behind SEBI’s Directive
Cap Proximity: The mutual fund industry has nearly reached 95% of the $1 billion investment limit in overseas ETFs, prompting SEBI’s intervention.
Temporary Measure: SEBI’s directive aims to temporarily curb inflows into these schemes until the investment limit is revised or additional measures are implemented.
Existing Caps: Currently, mutual funds are subject to an overall cap of $7 billion for investments in overseas stocks or mutual funds, with a specific limit of $1 billion for ETFs.
PYQ:
2013: The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify.
2020: With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic?
It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.
It is a largely non-debt creating capital flow.
It is the investment which involves debt-servicing.
It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), consider the following statements:
ETFs are marketable securities that track various assets, including indices, commodities, or bonds, and trade on stock exchanges like regular stocks.
Q) The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (UPSC IAS/2018)
Q) ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (UPSC IAS/2017)
Prelims:
Southeast Asia has captivated the attention of the global community over space and time as a geostrategically significant region. Which among the following is the most convincing explanation for this global perspective? (UPSC IAS/2011)
a) It was the hot theatre during the Second World War b) Its location between the Asian powers of China and India c) It was the arena of superpower confrontation during the Cold War period d) Its location between the Pacific and Indian Oceans and its pre-eminent maritime character
Note4Students:
Prelims: International Relations;
Mains: International Relations;
Mentor comments: The enmity between Iran, a Shia-majority theocracy, and Saudi Arabia, a Sunni-majority absolute monarchy, has been one of the dominant drivers of conflicts in the region. The Saudi-Iran reconciliation in a China-brokered agreement reflects the new reality in West Asia where old rivals are warming up to each other and Beijing is increasingly willing to play a bigger role at a time when the U.S., the region’s traditional great power, is preoccupied with challenges elsewhere. Iran has agreed to prevent attacks against Saudi Arabia, including those from the Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen, and both countries would restore full diplomatic relations, which were severed in 2016. The later years saw the Arab world and Israel, faced with the common Iran challenge, deepening their cooperation, despite Israel’s brutal occupation of Palestine territory. As the U.S. has deprioritized West Asia — it is now heavily focused on Ukraine and countering China’s Indo-Pacific influence — its allies in West Asia have started looking out for solutions for what they see as America’s diminishing security guarantees. This agreement also marks Dragon’s arrival on the Sand as a power broker.
Let’s learn.
—
Why in the News?
Chinese strategy in West Asia seems aimed at working steadily to translate its economic clout in the region into geopolitical clout in the medium term.
Context:
On 9 October, two days after the horrific Hamas attack, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, said China had been “deeply saddened” by the civilian casualties and opposes and condemns acts that harm civilians. She did not refer to Hamas by name and went on to add that it was “essential to restart the peace talks, implement the two-state solution, and settle the Palestine question fully and properly through political means.”
However, it has adopted a seemingly neutral stance, refusing to name Hamas in its condemnation of the violence there and reiterating its known positions on the need for a two-state solution to the Palestine issue.
It aims to ensure that it maintains its traction with the Arab states of the region, who are once again focused on the Palestinian issue.
What are the present aims of Beijing?
Diplomatic aims: In early 2023, Wang Yi gave his endorsement to a plan to set up a new China-backed International Mediation Organization headquartered in Hong Kong. Countries like Algeria, Belarus, Cambodia, Djibouti, Indonesia, Laos, Pakistan, Serbia, and Sudan were signatories to the initial statement as a preparatory office was launched.
Infrastructural Aims: The Chinese establishment hopes to link the mediation initiative to its expansive economic corridor, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI has extensive membership in West Asia as well, with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE among others being part of China’s economic highways.
Exceptional country: Israel, being heavily reliant on the United States for its security, is not a signatory. However, Israel’s embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aired the fact last year that China had invited him for a state visit.
Efforts made by the Chinese government in West Asia to be a ‘Superpower’:
Multilateral Peace Talks: China has been involved in the Iran nuclear deal (2015) peace talks (from which the U.S. unilaterally withdrew in 2018), but this is the first time Beijing is using its leverage directly to bring conflicting parties to reconciliation.
Chinese concern: Stability in West Asia, a major energy source, is essential for China, which is the world’s largest oil importer. And unlike the U.S., which has hostile ties with Iran, Beijing enjoys good ties with Tehran and Riyadh, as a leading oil buyer and trading partner, respectively.
West Asian Scenario: Saudi Arabia, which is undergoing rapid changes, wants peace in its neighborhood, while Iran, which is under U.S.-imposed sanctions, wants more diplomatic and economic openings. Hence if this agreement holds towards its capacity, it will have far-reaching implications on regional geopolitics, from peace in Yemen to stability in Lebanon.
Dilemma on Chinese Government stand: China’s absence in the Red Sea crisis
Beijing’s role in the Saudi-Iran agreement: The war in Gaza has drawn strong red lines between China and Israel. This raises interesting questions about the exact role Beijing played in the Saudi-Iran issue. The probability of China being pulled into the process by Riyadh and Tehran, rather than actively brokering a deal, remains high.
Efforts made by Western players: China has also been absent through the crisis in the Red Sea, where predominantly Western naval forces have attempted to maintain the free flow of trade in this critical waterway. Contrarily, Yemen-based Houthis were not targeting Chinese and Russian ships.
China’s crafty diplomacy: These two incidents show China’s diplomacy was to predominantly protect its interests and not wade into the crisis as an influential power looking to use its position to broker peace or even a ceasefire. Much of this kind of actual heavy lifting remains at the doorsteps of the White House.
What is China’s actual role in the more challenging geopolitical regions such as West Asia?
On the Palestinian Issue: Beijing’s support for the Palestinian cause without criticizing Hamas practically aligns with the larger Arab posture. This stands against U.S. support for Israel, which is increasingly being criticized for its absolutist nature.
‘Mediation’ which is non-existent in high-stake conflicts: Following both aims is to counter long-standing American influence and to take advantage of crevasses in regional diplomacy.
It aims to position itself as an antithesis to what Beijing sees as decades worth of Western interventionist policies, specifically in a region such as West Asia, where conflict has a direct correlation with colonial history.
It aims to increase its own geopolitical weight as a responsible international actor and power.
In Global perspective:
West Asia (or the Middle East) is emerging as a premier playground for these new geopolitical fissures as Arab states look to renegotiate their historical relations with the United States.
Beyond these regional trends, the global order is also under duress. The US today is increasingly discussed, in the words of former US Secretary of Defense Robert M Gates, as a “dysfunctional superpower”.
The frameworks of Multipolarity, Multilateralism, and Minilateralism are being re-shaped and re-constructed amid issues of climate change, food security, and global health.
Conclusion: In all of these, Beijing’s role is not insular nor is it avoidable as it continues to be an economic and military power, the world’s biggest factory and consumer, and more than often the refiner of natural resources.
PYQ Relevance:Mains: Q) “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. ( UPSC IAS/2021)
Q) Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieving ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018)
Prelims: In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of (UPSC IAS/2020) a) Digital security infrastructure b) Food security infrastructure c) Health care and education infrastructure d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure
Note4Students:
Prelims: Governance; Health Care; TB Elimination Program 2025;
Mains: Governance; Health Care Syatem in India; Issues related to TB and measures;
Mentor comments: Globally, and in India, tuberculosis (TB) continues to loom large as a public health challenge impacting millions. About 85% of people who develop TB can be successfully treated with drug regimens of 6 months. Universal health coverage (UHC) is necessary to ensure that all those with the disease can access these treatments. Today although India aims for 2025, the recent TB elimination policy in India necessitates person-centered solutions to address the challenges of tuberculosis effectively.
Let’s learn.
—
Why in the News?
On account of World TB Day (March 24), we must recognize the needs and interests of TB patients, and the communities must form the basis of disease elimination.
Context:
The theme for World TB Day 2024: ‘Yes! We can end TB!‘.
The MoHFW along with various development partners of the Health Ministry launched the Tuberculosis (TB) Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in 2021 under the NSP India 2020–25 for TB Elimination in a major mission activity for ending the epidemic of TB by 2025.
Despite ambitious goals set by India’s health authorities to eliminate TB, the challenge is huge and progress is not fast enough.
Present Scenario:
National Strategic Plan for Eliminating TB (2020-25): NSP India 2020–2025 intends to accelerate the national response to TB. The actions included:
Provide top-priority reinforcements to the existing workforce; Scale up private provider engagement; Changes in approach from passive community to active community participation and ownership; Investment in TB surveillance staff and systems for accurate, complete and timely information; Deployment of new precision diagnostic tools; Support patients comprehensively throughout treatment; Redesign and pursue targeted active case finding;
Deploy and evaluate ambitious plans to implement TB preventive treatment in households and other close contacts, children, People living with HIV (PLHIV), and other locally defined “high-risk” groups, using new and short regimens.
Why there is a need for a person-centered approach to TB care and management?
1) Need to Understand through shift paradigm:
TB as a human crisis: Tuberculosis is one of the ten major causes of mortality worldwide. The trend of increasing TB cases and drug resistance in India is very disturbing.
TB as a gendered crisis: Women and other gender minorities living in violently patriarchal societies face unique challenges in accessing timely diagnosis and treatment for TB. It is particularly difficult for gender minorities to seek care due to structural and social barriers, stigma in the health system, and widespread poverty.
TB as an economic challenge: The largest indirect cost of TB for a patient is income lost by being too sick to work. Studies suggest that on average three to four months of work time are lost, resulting in average lost potential earnings of 20% to 30% of annual household income.
TB as a Social and Environmental Challenge: For centuries, TB has been linked anecdotally with environmental risk factors that go hand-in-hand with poverty: indoor air pollution, tobacco smoke, malnutrition, overcrowded living conditions, and excessive alcohol use.
2) Care needs to be more Humane
Need for Strengthening Community-Based Care: Efforts are needed to strengthen community-based TB care models, empowering frontline healthcare workers to deliver comprehensive care that is closer to where patients live.
Need for Mental Support: This is important as survivor narratives tell us the stigma, discrimination, and mental stress they go through, not to mention the side effects of treatment.
Need to address discrimination: While TB can affect people of any class, religion, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status, it disproportionately affects the most marginalized in society, including children, the urban poor, prisoners, and people living with HIV/AIDS. It is needed to address that disease has gone beyond being a health crisis alone.
How technology can be tapped to address these challenges?
Leveraging technology and innovation: The adoption of AI and digital health solutions for TB diagnosis, adherence, and surveillance can revolutionize the way TB care is delivered and accessed in the country.
Working on treatments: The path to TB elimination in India requires a concerted effort to prioritize person-centered care, address social determinants of health, and embrace innovation. By investing in developing better vaccines, we can hope to ultimately eliminate this airborne disease.
The System for TB Elimination in the Private Sector (STEPS) has been introduced as a low-cost solution to address gaps in quality care for TB patients accessing the private sector.
Conclusion: By adopting a holistic and person-centered approach, India can overcome the barriers that stand in the way of TB control and create a healthier future for all its citizens.
The year 2024 is being hailed as the biggest year for democracy, with 45% of the global population preparing to exercise their voting rights or having already cast their ballots
Context:
Women’s representation in political spheres improved in the latter half of the 20th century, with significant progress made in many nations in securing voting rights and parliamentary seats, and in climbing to the highest political offices.
Despite substantial gains, women continue to constitute a minority in most parliamentary bodies and are rarely seen in top political leadership positions.
Major two observations in recent times:
1) The share of countries with universal Right to Vote: Initially, there was a significant gap between men and women regarding political participation, with men gaining voting rights while women were excluded in many nations.
New Zealand’s Role: New Zealand stands out as a pioneer in breaking this pattern by granting universal suffrage to women in 1893, thus allowing them to vote alongside men.
Widening Gap: Despite women gaining suffrage in more countries, the gap between male and female political participation widened in the early 20th century. Men’s voting rights continued to expand while women remained excluded in many places.
World War II: By the onset of World War II, men had voting rights in a higher proportion of countries compared to women. The disparity was stark, with men having voting rights in one out of three countries, while women had them in only one out of six countries.
Rapid Closure of the Gap: The gap between male and female political participation rapidly closed after the discrimination against women in voting rights ended in many countries. Both men and women gained the right to vote in many nations, leading to greater equality in political participation.
2) Gender gap in the Chief-executive roles: “Chief-executive” refers to the head of state or head of government, depending on who holds more power within the political system. While women’s representation in parliament is crucial, it’s equally important for women to hold the highest political office in a country.
Gender Disparity in Political Chief Executives: Data from the V-Dem project indicates a significant gender gap in political chief executives. At any given time, the vast majority of political chief executives have been men.
Limited Increase in Female Leadership: Over the last three decades, there has been a slight increase in the proportion of countries led by women. However, the overall share of countries where women occupy the post of chief executive remains low, accounting for less than 10%.
Persistent Gender Disparity: Despite some progress, the data underscores the persistent gender disparity in holding the highest political office globally. Women continue to be underrepresented in top political leadership positions.
Global Scenario for women’s share as a Parliamentarian:
Absence of Women in National Parliaments: In the early 20th century, women were largely absent from national parliaments across the globe.
Norway marked a significant milestone in 1907 when women first entered parliament. Nearly 10% of the parliamentary seats were occupied by women, indicating progress in political representation.
Surge in Women Entering Parliament: The latter half of the 20th century witnessed a notable increase in the number of women entering parliaments worldwide.
This trend of increasing female representation in parliaments accelerated notably in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Rwanda’s Remarkable Achievement: Rwanda stands out as a remarkable example, with its parliamentary composition surpassing the 50% mark for women’s representation in 2008. This achievement set a notable precedent for gender equality in political representation.
Other Countries’ Progress: In 2008, several other countries, including Argentina, Cuba, Finland, and Sweden, had significant proportions of women parliamentarians, ranging between 40% and 50%. This indicates a global trend toward greater gender parity in political representation.
Recent Trend since 2022:
Low Representation in Many Countries: Despite advancements, women’s political representation remains constrained and inconsistent globally. Women constitute approximately half of the population but are significantly underrepresented in parliaments worldwide.
Persistent Gender Gap: Only a few countries have achieved gender parity in political representation, where women make up about half of all representatives. In the majority of countries, the share of women in parliament remains low. As of 2022, in nearly 60 countries, women’s representation in parliament was 20% or less.
Extreme Cases: In three countries, no women are represented in parliament, indicating extreme gender disparities in political participation and representation.
Suggestive Measures to improve Women’s representation in Parliament:
Implement Quotas for Female Representation: Setting quotas for the number of women parliamentarians has proven effective in increasing female representation. Countries with quotas have significantly higher percentages of women in parliament compared to those without quotas
End Violence Against Women in Politics: Gender-based violence, including physical, sexual, and psychological violence, is a significant barrier for women in politics. Establishing measures to combat violence, harassment, and hate speech is crucial to creating a safer environment for women parliamentarians
Increase Women’s Participation in Media: Addressing gender stereotypes perpetuated by the media is essential. Media coverage often focuses on irrelevant aspects of women politicians’ lives, reinforcing stereotypes. Educating journalists and monitoring media coverage can help combat gender bias and promote a more balanced portrayal of women in politics
Expand Participation through Women’s Caucuses: Women’s parliamentary caucuses provide a platform for women to amplify their voices and influence in parliament. Supporting these caucuses with resources, leadership, and organizational backing can empower women to promote legal reforms and advocate for gender equality in politics
Significant steps taken to improve women’s participation in parliament
Gender Quota Legislation: India has approved a landmark bill reserving 33% of seats in parliament for women. This quota is expected to lead to the promotion of women-friendly policies related to health, education, and jobs.
Political Will and Proactive Measures: Despite challenges and slow progress, there is a growing recognition of the importance of women’s representation in Indian politics. Some political parties are taking proactive measures to nominate more women for assembly and parliament elections. However, there is a need for greater political will to address gender disparities and ensure a more inclusive political landscape
Empowerment through Representation: Increasing women’s representation in political parties and building a pipeline of female leaders are crucial steps to enhance women’s political participation.
Conclusion: Despite strides, global women’s political representation remains low. Quotas, combatting violence, media reform, and supporting women’s caucuses are vital to enhancing female participation in parliaments and fostering inclusive democracy.
Practice questions for the Mains
Q) Discuss the trajectory of women’s representation in global parliaments, highlighting persistent gender disparities and measures to enhance female participation. (250 words)
Mumps, an acute viral infection that historically affects children, has been spreading like wildfire in Kerala, for the past few months.
Context:
Despite being a vaccine-preventable disease, mumps has never been a part of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) because of the disease’s no-mortality profile and the perception that it has low public health significance.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination strategies targeting mumps control should be closely integrated with existing measles elimination and rubella control.
About: Mumps is an airborne viral disease primarily affecting children and adolescents. It manifests with symptoms like fever, headache, and painful swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands on both sides of the face.
Is it a cause for concern?
Self-Limiting Disease: Mumps is described as a self-limiting disease, meaning it typically resolves on its own with rest and symptomatic management within about two weeks.
Underreporting: Due to approximately half of infected children developing classical symptoms and around 30% remaining asymptomatic, many cases of mumps go unreported. This suggests that reported cases are likely a significant underestimation of the actual prevalence in the community.
Public Health Perspective: Historically, measles has been prioritized in public health efforts due to its potential for severe morbidity and mortality, overshadowing the attention given to mumps.
Emerging Concerns: Despite being less prioritized, recent reports indicate a surge in mumps cases, including complications such as encephalitis, epilepsy, aseptic meningitis, and acute pancreatitis, particularly at Kozhikode Medical College hospital.
Impact on Reproductive Health: Mumps can affect the gonads (reproductive glands) in both males and females. In males, it poses the rare but significant risk of infertility or reduced sperm count in the long term.
Why is the mumps vaccine not part of the national immunization schedule?
Lack of Mortality: Mumps typically does not result in fatalities, further contributing to the belief that it may not warrant inclusion in routine vaccination schedules.
Underestimation of Public Health Significance: Despite arguments from organizations like the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) that mumps’ public health significance is underestimated, there has been insufficient evidence or data to prompt its inclusion in national immunization programs.
Poor Documentation and Lack of Studies: Limited documentation of clinical cases, complications, and follow-up data, as well as a scarcity of published studies on mumps, have hindered efforts to fully understand its impact and advocate for its vaccine inclusion.
Absence of Nationally Representative Data: The lack of nationally representative data on the incidence of mumps in India makes it challenging to assess its burden accurately and advocate for vaccine inclusion based on epidemiological evidence.
Limited Information on Long-Term Morbidity: While mumps is known to have some impact on reproductive organs, there is very little information available on its actual long-term morbidity profile, further complicating decisions regarding vaccine inclusion.
How can the current outbreaks be controlled?
Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate the community about mumps, its symptoms, transmission, and the importance of isolation. Emphasize the significance of vaccination and maintaining good hygiene practices.
Improve Immunization Coverage: Strengthen efforts to improve general immunization coverage, especially targeting unimmunized children and adolescents. Ensure accessibility to vaccination services in all communities.
Strict Isolation Measures: Enforce strict isolation measures for mumps patients for the full three-week duration to limit disease transmission. Provide clear guidelines to healthcare facilities and schools on managing mumps cases and preventing spread.
School Closure: Consider temporary closure of schools during outbreaks to prevent further transmission, especially if a significant number of cases are reported among students. Use the summer break as an opportunity to break the chain of transmission.
Enhanced Surveillance and Reporting: Implement robust surveillance systems to promptly detect and report mumps cases. Ensure healthcare providers are vigilant in diagnosing and reporting suspected cases to public health authorities for timely intervention.
Contact Tracing and Monitoring: Conduct thorough contact tracing of individuals who have been in close contact with confirmed mumps cases. Monitor them for symptoms and enforce isolation measures if necessary to prevent secondary transmission.
Healthcare Provider Training: Provide training to healthcare providers on mumps diagnosis, management, and reporting protocols. Ensure they are equipped to identify and manage cases effectively.
Community Engagement: Engage with community leaders, schools, and parents to encourage cooperation with control measures. Encourage individuals to seek medical care promptly if they develop symptoms suggestive of mumps.
Way Forward:
Assessment of Vaccine Effectiveness: Despite the lack of studies on the effectiveness of the mumps vaccine in India, global data suggests that two doses of the MMR vaccine can provide protection ranging from 70% to 95%, provided that coverage is high.
Integration with Measles and Rubella Control: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends integrating mumps vaccination strategies with existing efforts for measles elimination and rubella control. This ensures a comprehensive approach to vaccine-preventable diseases.
Consideration of Regional Factors: Evaluate regional factors influencing vaccine effectiveness, disease burden, and immunization coverage. Tailor vaccination strategies accordingly to address the specific needs and challenges faced in Kerala.
Consultation with Experts and Stakeholders: Engage with public health experts, immunization specialists, and stakeholders to review the evidence, assess the impact of different vaccination strategies, and determine the most effective approach moving forward.
Monitoring and Surveillance: Strengthen monitoring and surveillance systems to track mumps cases, vaccine coverage, and vaccine effectiveness. This data will be crucial for evaluating the impact of vaccination strategies and making informed decisions.
Policy Decision: Based on the evidence and expert recommendations, make a policy decision regarding the inclusion of MMR vaccine in the Universal Immunization Programme. Consider factors such as vaccine availability, cost-effectiveness, and logistics.
Conclusion: Addressing the resurgence of mumps in Kerala necessitates a comprehensive approach, including vaccination integration, public awareness, strict isolation measures, and policy review guided by expert consultation and regional considerations.
The Centre has notified a set of rules called the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024 that liberalises the conditions under which elephants may be transferred within or between States.
What are the rules around the transfer and transport of elephants?
Legal Protection: Elephants are classified as Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, prohibiting their capture or trade, whether wild or captive, except for specific purposes.
Special Purposes: Section 12 of the Act allows for the translocation of Schedule I animals for special purposes such as education, scientific research, wildlife population management, and specimen collection for recognized zoos/museums.
Ownership of Captive Elephants: Captive elephants, due to their historical roles in forest management, timber transport, and religious ceremonies, fall under a special category and can be owned. However, strict rules govern their transfer.
Permission Requirement: Section 40(2) of the Wildlife Protection Act mandates written permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden for the acquisition, possession, and transfer of captive elephants.
Amendment in 2021: In 2021, the Environment Ministry introduced an amendment allowing the transfer of elephants for “religious or any other purposes,” departing from the previous restriction against transactions of a commercial nature.
Controversy: The broad interpretation of the amendment raised concerns among activists and researchers regarding potential trafficking and illegal commercial transactions. Opposition from a standing committee, led by former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, was overruled, and the amendment was passed into law.
What do the updated rules say?
Reasons for Transfer: New relaxations allow for the transfer of captive elephants when the current owner is unable to maintain them or when the Chief Wildlife Warden deems it necessary for better upkeep.
Approval Process: Before a transfer within the state, the elephant’s health must be verified by a veterinarian, and the Deputy Conservator of Forests must confirm the suitability of both the current and prospective habitats. The Chief Wildlife Warden decides whether to approve or reject the transfer based on these documents.
Interstate Transfer: Similar conditions apply if the transfer involves moving the elephant outside of a state. The elephant’s genetic profile must be registered with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
Permission Process: Previously, transferring an elephant across states required permissions from the Chief Wildlife Wardens of every state the elephant would pass through. Now, only permissions from the originating and recipient states are necessary for interstate transfers.
What do the updates mean?/ concerns about the Wildlife Protection Act and the establishment of private zoos
Lax Enforcement for Elephants: While the Wildlife Protection Act imposes restrictions on trafficking of wild animals, including elephants, critics argue that enforcement has become lax, particularly in the case of elephants.
Establishment of Private Zoo: The establishment of India’s largest private zoo in Jamnagar, Gujarat, affiliated with the Reliance Foundation, has raised questions about the treatment and sourcing of elephants.
Purpose of the Zoo: While the zoo is described as a rescue center aimed at rehabilitating traumatized and injured elephants, among other wildlife, concerns have been raised about its actual operations.
Controversial Hosting: The zoo reportedly hosts around 200 elephants, including “healthy animals,” which has sparked controversy. Critics question the need to host healthy animals in a rescue center and raise doubts about the welfare and origins of these elephants.
Source of Elephants: There are concerns that some of the elephants in the zoo may have been sourced from the wild rather than being captive-bred or rescued. This raises ethical and conservation concerns about the impact on wild elephant populations.
Conclusion: Address lax enforcement of wildlife protection laws for elephants. Ensure transparency in private zoo operations and strict adherence to ethical sourcing guidelines. Prioritize conservation efforts and welfare of captive and wild elephant populations.
PYQ Mains-
Q- How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (250 Words, 15 Marks)
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) working group for Planetary System Nomenclature recently sanctioned the name ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ for the landing site of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander, marking a significant milestone in planetary nomenclature.
AboutInternational Astronomical Union (IAU)
The IAU was founded on July 28, 1919, during the Constitutive Assembly held in Brussels, Belgium.
Its creation was prompted by the need for international collaboration in astronomy, especially after the devastation caused by World War I.
It aims for promoting and safeguarding astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.
IAU is now headquartered in Paris, France.
Major Activities and Initiatives
General Assembly: The IAU holds a general assembly every three years in varying parts of the world at which professional astronomers meet to discuss research, new cooperative ventures, and similar matters of professional interest.
Astronomical Nomenclature: IAU standardizes the nomenclature of celestial bodies, features, and phenomena. It maintains several working groups dedicated to naming conventions for stars, planets, asteroids, and other objects.
Research and Collaboration: It promotes international cooperation in astronomical research and supports initiatives such as observational campaigns, data sharing, and joint projects.
Education and Outreach: It is actively involved in promoting astronomy education and public outreach efforts worldwide. It supports educational programs, workshops, and resources for students, teachers, and the general public.
Membership
IAU membership spans 92 countries. Out of those countries, 85 are National Members.
India is represented by the Astronomical Society of India (ASI).
Its members are professional astronomers from all over the world, at the D. level and beyond, who are active in professional research, education, and outreach in astronomy.
IAU Nomenclature Criteria
Rule 4: It emphasizes the international nature of solar system nomenclature and encourages equitable representation of names from diverse ethnic groups, countries, and genders.
Rule 9: The IAU adheres to Rule 9, prohibiting names with political, military, or religious connotations, except for historical political figures prior to the 19th century.
Rule 11: It emphasizes that names should be unique within the context of celestial nomenclature to prevent confusion.
About Statio Shiv Shakti’
Prime Minister announced the name ‘Shiv Shakti’ for the Chandrayaan-3 landing site in August, 2023, reflecting the significance of Indian mythology and cultural heritage.
It is located at the co-ordinates 69.373°S 32.319°E and lies between the lunar craters Manzinus C and Simpelius N.
The name ‘Shiv Shakti’ symbolizes the masculine-feminine duality of nature, embodying strength and resolution, with a profound connection to India’s diverse cultural landscape.
PM previously named the Chandrayaan-2 crash site ‘Tiranga point’, while former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam suggested ‘Jawahar Point’ for the Chandrayaan-1 impact probe landing site, reflecting a tradition of honoring national figures and symbols.
PYQ:
2021: Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years?
Distances among stellar bodies do not change.
Gravity of stellar bodies does not change.
Light always travels in straight line.
Speed of light is always same.
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements about International Astronomical Union (IAU):
It aims for promoting and safeguarding astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that media persons covering “polling day activities” are now eligible to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024 and state Assembly polls through postal ballots.
What are Postal Ballots?
Postal ballots, also known as mail-in ballots, allow registered voters to cast their votes by mail instead of physically going to a polling station.
It is governed by the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
This system serves as a convenient alternative for individuals unable to vote in person due to various circumstances, such as being away from their home constituency, facing a disability, or performing essential services on Election Day.
Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS)
The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 was amended in 2016 to allow service voters to use the ETPBS. Under this system, postal ballots are sent electronically to registered service voters.
The service voter can then download the ETPB (along with a declaration form and covers), register their mandate on the ballot and send it to the returning officer of the constituency via ordinary mail.
The post will include an attested declaration form (after being signed by the voter in the presence of an appointed senior officer who will attest it).
Who is eligible to cast their vote through postal ballots?
Eligible electors who can opt to vote through postal ballots include:
Special voters: It includes President of India, Vice President, Governors, and Union Cabinet ministers, Speaker of the House and government officers on poll duty.
Service voters: Members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and government employees deployed on election duty far from their home constituencies.
Absentee voters: Individuals unable to vote in person due to reasons like work commitments, illness, or disability. Senior citizens above 80 years are also included.
Electors on election duty: Government officials and polling staff assigned duties at polling stations other than their own.
Electors under preventive detention: Individuals detained under preventive custody orders during the election period.
Divyangjans: In October 2019, the Ministry of Law and Justice amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, lowered the age from 85 to 80 and allowed Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to cast votes through postal ballots in the 2020 Delhi Assembly polls.
Essential services covering polling day activities: Media persons with authorisation letters from the EC and those involved in essential services such as metros, railways, and healthcare have the option to vote using postal ballots in Lok Sabha and four state Assembly polls.
Applying for a postal ballot
To apply for a postal ballot, eligible voters must apply, Form 12 D, to the returning officer (RO) of their respective constituency.
The application typically requires personal details, voter identification information, and the reason for seeking a postal ballot.
For service voters, the RO sends the postal ballot paper through the record office, directly or through the Ministry of External Affairs for service voters serving outside India.
For senior citizens, a team of two polling officials, a videographer, and security personnel will visit the residence of the elector to facilitate this process.
What is the process of postal voting?
Receiving the postal ballot: Once approved, the RO sends the postal ballot to the voter’s registered address, including the ballot paper, declaration form, secrecy sleeve, and pre-paid return envelope.
Marking the ballot: Voters mark their preferred candidate(s) on the ballot paper in the secrecy sleeve to ensure confidentiality.
Completing the declaration form: Voters fill out the declaration form, providing their signature and other relevant details.
Sealing the envelope: Voters seal the marked ballot paper and declaration form inside the secrecy sleeve and place it into the pre-paid return envelope.
Returning the postal ballot: Voters affix the postage stamp and mail the return envelope to the designated address within the specified time.
Counting of postal ballots
Postal ballots are counted separately from votes cast at polling stations.
On the designated counting day, postal ballots are collected by postal authorities and brought to the counting centre.
The RO and election officials scrutinise postal ballots for validity and integrity, adding valid ballots to the respective candidate’s vote count.
PYQ:
Q.For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by-
Anyone residing in India.
A resident of the constituency from which the election is to be contested.
Any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.
Any citizen of India.
Practice MCQ:
Q.Consider the following statements:
The right to cast vote is not a fundamental right
NRI settled in foreign land can become an elector in the electoral roll in India
Individuals in lawful custody of the police and those serving a sentence of imprisonment after conviction cannot vote
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Bharat Biotech, in collaboration with Spanish biopharmaceutical company Biofabri, has initiated clinical trials for the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Vaccine (MTBVAC) in India, marking a significant milestone in TB vaccine development.
The only currently available TB vaccine, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine (BCG), was developed 100 years ago and is less effective.
About MTBVAC
MTBVAC is a unique TB vaccine based on a genetically modified form of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, containing all antigens present in human-infecting strains, unlike the BCG vaccine.
It is developed in the laboratory of the University of Zaragoza with contributions from Dr. Brigitte Gicquel of the Pasteur Institute, Paris.
MTBVAC is designed to offer superior and potentially longer-lasting protection compared to the BCG vaccine, particularly for newborns and in preventing TB in adults and adolescents.
Objectives of Clinical Trials in India
Safety and Immunogenicity: The ongoing trials in India aim to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of MTBVAC, with plans for a pivotal Phase 3 trial in 2025.
Population Significance: Studying the vaccine’s efficacy in India, with its high TB burden, is crucial for advancing TB vaccine research and addressing the global TB epidemic.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Robert Kochdiscovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis which causes TB, and his discovery opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.
It can practically affect any organ of the body.
The most common ones are lungs, pleura (lining around the lungs), lymph nodes, intestines, spine, and brain.
Transmission:
It is an airborne infection that spreads through close contact with the infected, especially in densely populated spaces with poor ventilation.
Symptoms:
Common symptoms of active lung TB are cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats.
Treatment Facilities in India:
DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course) regimen: It is the recommended treatment approach for TB by the WHO. Patients receive a combination of four antibiotics: isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. These drugs are usually administered daily for the first two months of treatment, followed by a continuation phase with isoniazid and rifampicin for an additional four to seven months.
Nikshay Poshan Yojana (2018): It was launched to support every Tuberculosis (TB) Patient by providing a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of Rs 500 per month for nutritional needs.
Issues in TB Treatment: Drug Resistance
Drug resistance emerges when anti-TB medicines are used inappropriately, through incorrect prescription by health care providers, poor quality drugs, and patients stopping treatment prematurely.
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB): Itis a form of TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most powerful, first-line anti-TB drugs. MDR-TB is treatable and curable by using second-line drugs such as
Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB): Itis a more serious form of MDR-TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to the most effective second-line anti-TB drugs, often leaving patients without any further treatment options.
PYQ:
2014: Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the Tuberculosis (TB), consider the following statements:
TB is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
It only targets Lungs.
Nikshay Poshan Yojana aims for TB support is essentially a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The Technology Development Board (TDB) has allocated a grant of ₹75 Lakhs for the project “ANAGRANINF – Development of a Novel Class of Antibiotics against Gram-Negative Bacterial-Infections,” totalling ₹1.5 crores.
What is Project ANAGRANINF?
Project ANAGRANINF is titled “Development of a Novel Class of Antibiotics Against Gram-Negative Bacterial-Infections.”
It is a collaborative initiative involving M/s Peptris Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and the Foundation for Neglected Disease Research (FNDR) in India, along with ABAC THERAPEUTICS SL from Spain.
The primary objective of the project is-
To develop a novel antibiotic capable of inhibiting the FabI enzyme and
Combating critical gram-negative pathogens.
Project ANAGRANINF aims to produce a series of compounds with enhanced efficacy against gram-negative bacterial infections.
The project aims to identify a candidate molecule that meets WHO’s innovation criteria, ensuring a new chemical structure, no cross-resistance with existing antibiotic classes, and a novel mechanism of action.
About the Candidate Molecule ‘MMV1578564’
The selected hit molecule from the project, MMV1578564, has exhibited promising activity against gram-negative pathogens, providing a foundation for further research and development efforts.
Back2Basics:
Gram-Negative Bacteria:
Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which is located between the outer and inner membranes.
They stain pink or red when subjected to the Gram staining technique.
Gram-negative bacteria are generally more resistant to antibiotics due to the presence of an outer membrane that acts as a barrier against certain antibiotics.
Examples of gram-negative bacteria include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
They are known to cause infections like pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound infections, and meningitis in healthcare settings
Gram-Positive Bacteria:
Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell wall, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining technique.
They appear purple or blue under a microscope after staining.
Gram-positive bacteria are generally more susceptible to antibiotics because their thick peptidoglycan layer allows antibiotics to penetrate more easily.
Examples of gram-positive bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, and Clostridium difficile.
Some examples of diseases caused by Gram-positive bacteria include anthrax, diphtheria, enterococcal infections, erysipelothricosis, and listeriosis.These bacteria can cause a range of infections from food poisoning to serious respiratory diseases and may require specific antibiotics for treatment.
PYQ:
2021: Consider the following:
Bacteria
Fungi
Virus
Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:
The recently launched Project ‘ANAGRANINF’ deals with:
The ISRO has conducted the Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV) LEX 02 landing experiment at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga. It was lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter and released from an altitude of 4.5 km.
This experiment marks a significant milestone in ISRO’s pursuit of reusable space technology.
About Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV)
The Pushpak RLV is a winged vehicle, equipped with aerodynamic surfaces that enable controlled flight during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
The RLV is designed to autonomously land on a designated runway after completing its mission in space, thereby demonstrating India’s capability in autonomous space vehicle landing.
It is equipped with sophisticated navigation, control, and landing gear systems that allow it to autonomously navigate and land on a predefined runway.
Key Features
The RLV is a space plane with a low lift-to-drag ratio, requiring an approach at high glide angles that necessitates landing at high velocities of 350 km/h.
This design allows it to transport payloads to Low Earth orbits and return to Earth for future use.
Future Prospects
Iterative Testing: ISRO conducts a series of experiments, such as the RLV LEX 02 landing experiment, to test and validate the performance of the RLV in various scenarios.
Orbital Re-entry Missions: The successful demonstration of the Pushpak RLV’s capabilities paves the way for future orbital re-entry missions, where reusable vehicles can be deployed for various scientific and commercial purposes.
PYQ:
2018: With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:
PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch l vehicle with the first and third stages l using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 and 3
1 and 2
3 only
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements about the ‘Pushpak’ Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV):
It is a winged vehicle.
It can transport payloads to Low Earth orbits and return to Earth with the help of a parachute.
One of the first questions that comes to the mind of every UPSC aspirant at the start of their preparation is – What is the best UPSC monthly magazine? Which UPSC monthly current affairs magazine should I refer to? Now that you are here, consider all those questions answered once and for all.
Here is what Aaditya, IAS, AIR 48 had to say about Atomic Notes.
Aaditya, IAS, AIR 48 on Atomic Notes
Atomic Notes is not your regular monthly magazine. Most regular monthly magazines are covering broad topics and missing the prelims focus required. They are bulky and not revision-ready.
Atomic Notes will ensure that everything you need to repeatedly revise and memorize is in one place. The best part, they are free to download and are available in PDF format for easy access.
Atomic Notes is the *only* Monthly CA you should refer to. Add new sources once you have covered Atomic Notes 100% end to end.
Keyword-oriented to-the-point. Ensure maximum hit ratio in prelims and value-addition in mains.
Designed for repeated revisions. 35-40 pages, 110-120 news items.
Segregated sub-sections. eg. environment section is divided into species, protected areas, etc.
Covers The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and various other sources. Link to the parent story present.
Strictly syllabus-based with a special focus on facts, data, committees, international news, etc.
Elevate your UPSC preparation strategy and discover how to read our monthly current affairs magazine effectively, ensuring you are well-equipped for success in the UPSC examination. Choose the preferred choice of toppers and excel with the best monthly current affairs magazine for UPSC – your key to acing the exam!
Every topper has attempted UPSC Prelims PYQs. In fact many toppers have spent 3-4 months analyzing prelims questions. Needless to say, without attempting PYQs, you wont be able. PYQs are important because-
Only through PYQs you get a clue about what and how UPSC is thinking. Without PYQs you will keep working on your own assumptions and that will not yield results.
You understand the high-priority themes for UPSC. You can’t be studying like an 11th or 12th grader and then expect to clear the exam. These are not boards.
Within those high-priority themes, the depth and dimensions being asked are very important. You have to closely observe them.
Undertanding question framing, options.
Attempting PYQs means simulating real exam conditions. Each question will appear like a bouncer. But can’t duck. You need to take shots.
Once you attempt the PYQs, you will be emailed your attempt along with detailed explanations. The solution has been upgraded using UPSC answer key. We suggest you start attempting the paper from 2013. By the time to reach 2021, 2022 your marks should see an improvement.
Every moment, at least 100 live attempters are appearing for the exam.
Attempting PYQs is step 1. Analysing PYQs is step 2. Analysing PYQs can be very difficult. Fill the form and we will provide detailed handouts for themewise analysis.
The extent to which the Ukraine and Gaza wars will be influenced by U.S. election-year politics versus following their own course remains uncertain.
The U.S. and the Ukraine War / Ukraine War influenced by US election-
Global Issues and U.S. Elections: The conflicts in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas are unfolding amidst the lead-up to the U.S. presidential elections in November 2024. The extent to which these conflicts will be influenced by election-year politics versus their own course is unclear, but the U.S. plays a significant role in both.
U.S. Assistance to Ukraine: The U.S. has provided substantial military and civil aid to Ukraine, totaling $75 billion since February 2022. However, an additional $60 billion in assistance has been held up in the U.S. Congress, potentially impacting Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Uncertainty Surrounding Further U.S Military Aid: There is uncertainty about whether the U.S. will provide further military aid to Ukraine in 2024, as a new package approved by the Senate needs to pass the House of Representatives.
U.S. Position on Ukraine Conflict: The U.S. aims to prevent a Russian victory in Ukraine but also wants to avoid further escalation or prolongation of the conflict.
Political Dynamics in the U.S. Congress: Speaker Mike Johnson faces challenges in passing the Senate bill for further military aid to Ukraine in the House of Representatives, as it may lead to divisions within the Republican Party.
Israel and its Gaza actions/ criticism of Israel action by USA-
U.S. Concerns and Criticisms: President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have publicly raised concerns about Israeli strategy in the conflict with Hamas, signaling a shift in public sentiment within the Democratic Party and the liberal Jewish-American community.
Criticism of Netanyahu’s Leadership: Former U.S. official Richard N. Haass, along with others, criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, suggesting it has damaged Israel’s relationship with the U.S. and caused harm to innocent Palestinians.
Israeli Military Actions in Gaza: The destruction in Gaza due to Israeli military operations is highlighted, with concerns about potential further civilian casualties if Israeli forces target Rafah.
Netanyahu’s Political Motivations: Netanyahu’s motivations are questioned, with suggestions that his actions are primarily driven by his own political survival rather than strategic considerations.
The Trump factor/ Trump’s potential impact on the situation are-
Potential Disruption with Trump Victory: A victory for Mr. Trump in the upcoming U.S. election could lead to significant disruptions in U.S. policy, particularly regarding Ukraine. Trump’s policies towards Ukraine are expected to differ from those of the current administration.
Continued Support for Israel: Trump is likely to maintain strong support for Israel, as evidenced by his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.
Implications for NATO and European Security: A Trump victory may lead to uncertainty and shifts in U.S. commitment to NATO and European security. European allies are concerned about filling potential gaps left by a change in U.S. policy.
Potential Ukrainian Collapse: The momentum in the conflict is currently with Russia, and if Ukraine is unable to regain it and the U.S. decides to step aside, there is a possibility of a Ukrainian collapse.
Wider Consequences: American unreliability in European security matters could have broader consequences, impacting alliance relationships in the Indo-Pacific region, including with countries like South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and India.
Impact of Gaza crises on Ukraine war –
Diverting attention- The conflict in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Hamas war, is diverting attention away from Russia’s war in Ukraine, benefiting Russia by shifting focus from its aggression against Ukraine
Support from Africa and Latin America- Russia is seeking allies globally to support its interests, especially in Africa and Latin America, as part of a strategy that started under Vladimir Putin’s leadership
Decline in Moscow’s influence Israel-Hamas conflict serves as a distraction from the war in Ukraine but poses risks for Russia, potentially leading to a decline in Moscow’s influence in the Middle East regardless of the conflict’s outcome
Conclusion-
The conflicts in Ukraine and Israel’s actions in Gaza are intertwined with U.S. politics, especially the upcoming presidential elections. U.S. assistance to Ukraine faces uncertainty, while criticism of Israel’s actions and concerns about a potential Trump victory add complexity to the situation.
Prelims PYQ-
Southeast Asia has captivated the attention of the global community over space and time as a geostrategically significant region. Which among the following is the most convincing explanation for this global perspective? (UPSC IAS/2011)
a) It was the hot theatre during the Second World War
b) Its location between the Asian powers of China and India
c) It was the arena of superpower confrontation during the Cold War period
d) Its location between the Pacific and Indian oceans and its pre-eminent maritime character
Mains PYQ-
Q-There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (UPSC IAS/2021)
![[26 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: China, a ‘want-to-be’ superpower](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-26-at-10.06.45-AM-1568x882.jpeg)
