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  • [pib] AAINA Dashboard for Cities

    Central Idea

    • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has introduced the ‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ portal (aaina.gov.in).

    About AAINA Dashboard

    • The AAINA Dashboard is envisioned as a permanent platform for ULB-related data, with regular updates.
    • It invites Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across India to voluntarily share their key data regularly through a user-friendly data entry form on the portal.
    • The primary objectives of the AAINA Dashboard are:
    1. City Benchmarking: Enable cities to assess their performance relative to other cities.
    2. Inspiration: Inspire cities by identifying areas for improvement and showcasing possibilities.
    3. Peer Learning: Promote peer learning and engagement among cities.

    Dashboard Structure

    The AAINA Dashboard will categorize data submitted by ULBs into five key pillars:

    1. Political & Administrative Structure
    2. Finance
    3. Planning
    4. Citizen-Centric Governance
    5. Delivery of Basic Services

    Data Submission Process

    • ULBs will contribute their data, including audited accounts and self-reported performance metrics, by logging into the dashboard’s portal.
    • ULBs will have the flexibility to update their information as needed, ensuring that the dashboard remains a dynamic and up-to-date resource.https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1976720

  • Plant Eavesdropping: Role of Green Leaf Volatiles (GLVs)

    Plant Eavesdropping

    Central Idea

    • The scent of freshly cut grass, more than just a pleasant aroma, is a part of a complex plant communication system involving Green Leaf Volatiles (GLVs).
    • For plants, these GLVs are not just fragrances but crucial signals that alert them to imminent threats, such as herbivore attacks.

    Concept of Plant Eavesdropping

    • Inter-Plant Communication: Plants have the remarkable ability to ‘eavesdrop’ on the distress signals of their neighbors, preparing themselves for similar threats.
    • Agricultural Implications: Understanding this natural warning system could revolutionize pest control in agriculture, potentially reducing the need for harmful pesticides.

    Understanding Plant Defense Mechanisms

    • Research involving mustard plants (Arabidopsis thaliana) has shown that calcium plays a crucial role in plant defense, with calcium levels spiking in response to damage.
    • Using genetically modified plants that fluoresce in response to calcium surges, researchers have been able to visually track plant reactions to physical damage and GLV exposure.
    • Experiments have demonstrated that plants can detect and respond to GLVs emitted by neighboring plants, as evidenced by fluorescence in modified mustard plants.
    • Among the GLVs, specific compounds like E-2-HAL and Z-3-HAL were found to trigger significant responses in plants.

    Gene-Level Defense Response

    • Activation of Defense Genes: Exposure to GLVs leads to the activation of certain defence-related genes in plants, suggesting that they perceive these volatiles as danger signals.
    • Implications for Plant Protection: This gene activation could be a crucial step in natural plant defense mechanisms against herbivores.

    Implications and Future Directions

    • Natural Pest Control: The study opens up possibilities for using GLVs in agricultural pest control, potentially reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
    • Alternative Strategies: While promising, researchers also consider other substances like jasmonic acid, balancing pest control with the plant’s growth and fruit production.
    • Expanding Plant Sensory Research: The findings encourage further exploration into plant perception and response to external stimuli, particularly in natural environments where signaling dynamics are more complex.
    • Challenges in Field Studies: One of the main challenges in studying plant volatile signaling in natural settings is the dilution of these compounds in the open air.

  • Amplifi 2.0 Portal for Data-Driven Urban Policymaking  

    Central Idea

    • The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in India has taken a significant step towards fostering data-driven policymaking by launching the Amplifi 2.0 portal.

    Amplifi 2.0 Portal

    • Amplifi 2.0 stands for Assessment and Monitoring Platform for Liveable, Inclusive, and Future-Ready Urban India portal.
    • It was introduced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
    • This platform aims to provide easy access to raw data from Indian cities, facilitating researchers, academics, and stakeholders in their efforts to formulate informed urban policies.
    • Currently, 258 urban local bodies have been onboarded, and data for 150 cities is accessible on the platform.
    • Objectives:
    1. To make data from all 3,739 municipal corporations accessible through the portal.
    2. Offer a wide range of data, including total consumption, water quality testing, healthcare expenditure, slum population statistics, and road accident fatalities.

    Significance

    • Previously, the Ministry used data provided by civic bodies to rank cities based on four indices.
    • These indices encompassed ease-of-living, municipal performance, climate smart cities assessment, and data maturity assessment.
    • The government plans to release various reports based on subsets of these four indices, shifting towards a more data-centric approach.

  • In news: All Indian Forward Bloc (AIFB)

    Forward Bloc

    Central Idea

    • A veteran leader’s centenary who was associated with Netaji Bose’s All Indian Forward Bloc (AIFB), was celebrated.

    All Indian Forward Bloc (AIFB)

    Details
    Foundation May 3, 1939 by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Makur near Unnao (Uttar Pradesh)
    Original Purpose To consolidate left-wing elements within the Indian National Congress and develop an alternative leadership
    Key Early Members S.S. Kavishar (Vice-President), Lal Shankarlal (General Secretary), Vishwambhar Dayalu Tripathi, Khurshed Nariman, Annapurniah, Senapati Bapat, Hari Vishnu Kamath, Pasumpon U. Muthuramalingam Thevar, Sheel Bhadra Yagee, Satya Ranjan Bakshi
    First All India Conference June 20-22, 1940, in Nagpur; declared as a socialist political party
    Publication “Forward Bloc” newspaper started by Netaji in August 1939
    Bose’s Arrest and Exile Arrested in July 1940, escaped in January 1941, sought support in the Soviet Union and Germany
    World War II Activities Continued anti-British activities in India, notably in Bihar, without direct coordination with Bose or INA
    Post-War Reorganization Reorganized in February 1946 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh; declared as a socialist party
    1946 Elections Contested elections to the Constituent Assembly and provincial legislatures; won several seats
    Arrah Conference 2nd All India Conference in January 1947 in Arrah, Bihar
    Post-Independence Status Re-established as an independent political party after India’s independence

     

    Try this PYQ:

    Who among the following were the founders of the “Hind Mazdoor Sabha” established in 1948?

    (a) B. Krishna Pillai, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K.C. George

    (b) Jayaprakash Narayan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay and M.N. Roy

    (c) C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, K. Kamaraj and Veeresalingam Pantulu

    (d) Ashok Mehata, T.S. Ramanujan and G.G. Mehata

     

    Post your answers here.

  • Centre announces phased introduction of Biogas Blending for domestic use

    Central Idea

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

    Mandatory Biogas Blending

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

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

    Why such move?

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

    Comparative Analysis of Biogas, Natural Gas, and LPG

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

  • Why is Bihar demanding the Special Category Status?

    Special Category Status

    Central Idea

    • Recently, Bihar govt passed a resolution seeking Special Category Status (SCS) for the state.
    • This demand comes in light of the revelations from the “Bihar Caste-based Survey, 2022,” which unveiled that nearly one-third of Bihar’s population continues to grapple with poverty.

    Special Category Status (SCS): An Overview

    • Definition: SCS is a classification conferred by the Central government to support the development of states facing geographical or socio-economic disadvantages.
    • Origins: SCS was instituted in 1969, based on the recommendations of the 5th Finance Commission (FC).
    • Criteria: Five criteria are assessed before granting SCS, including factors like hilly terrain, low population density, and economic backwardness.
    • Historical Allocation: Initially, three states—Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland—were granted SCS. Subsequently, eight more states, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, received this status.

    Benefits of having SCS

    • Financial Assistance: SCS states used to receive grants based on the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula, accounting for approximately 30% of total central assistance.
    • Devolution of Funds: Post the abolition of the Planning Commission and the recommendations of the 14th and 15th FCs, SCS assistance has been subsumed into increased devolution of funds for all states (now 41% in the 15th FC).
    • Funding Ratio: SCS states enjoy a favourable 90:10 Centre-State funding split for centrally sponsored schemes, compared to 60:40 or 80:20 for general category states.
    • Additional Incentives: SCS states receive concessions in customs and excise duties, income tax rates, and corporate tax rates to attract investments.

    Why Bihar’s Demand for SCS?

    • Resource Challenges: Bihar attributes its poverty and underdevelopment to limited natural resources, irregular water supply for irrigation, recurring floods in the north, and severe droughts in the south.
    • Industrial Shift: The state’s bifurcation led to the relocation of industries to Jharkhand, creating unemployment and investment voids.
    • Per-Capita GDP: Bihar’s per-capita GDP, at around ₹54,000, consistently ranks among the lowest in India.
    • Welfare Funding: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asserts that Bihar houses approximately 94 lakh poor families and that SCS recognition would generate about ₹2.5 lakh crore, crucial for funding welfare initiatives over the next five years.

    SCS Demands from Other States

    • Andhra Pradesh: Since its bifurcation in 2014, Andhra Pradesh has sought SCS due to revenue loss post-Hyderabad’s transfer to Telangana.
    • Odisha: Odisha’s appeal for SCS underscores its vulnerability to natural disasters, such as cyclones, and a significant tribal population (around 22%).
    • Central Government’s Response: Despite these demands, the Central government, citing the 14th Finance Commission’s report, which recommended against granting SCS to any state, has consistently rejected them.

    Is Bihar’s Demand Justified?

    • Criteria Fulfillment: Bihar meets most SCS criteria but lacks hilly terrain and geographically difficult areas, crucial for infrastructural development.
    • Alternative Solutions: In 2013, the Raghuram Rajan Committee proposed a ‘multi-dimensional index’ methodology instead of SCS, which could be revisited to address Bihar’s socio-economic challenges effectively.

  • Bengaluru hosts Kambala Races

    Kambala

    Central Idea

    • Kambala races were held on this weekend in Bengaluru and many parts of Karnataka.
    • This event has faced legal scrutiny in the past, with the Supreme Court temporarily outlawing Kambala, along with Jallikattu and bullock-cart racing, in 2014.

    What is Kambala?

    • Kambala is a folk sport predominantly practised in the coastal districts of Karnataka, especially where Tulu-speaking communities are prevalent.
    • Traditionally, races were organized in slushy paddy fields post-harvest.
    • The Kambala Samithi now hosts weekly events from late November to mid-April at various venues across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
    • For many, especially the Bunt community, Kambala is a prestigious event.
    • Buffalo pairs are meticulously groomed throughout the year in the hopes of winning major races.

    Different Kambala Categories

    1. Negilu (Plough): Entry-level buffalo pairs participate in their first Kambala race using lighter ploughs.
    2. Hagga (Rope): Jockeys race buffaloes with just a rope tied to both.
    3. Adda Halage: Participants stand on a horizontal plank dragged by buffaloes, unlike Hagga and Negilu where jockeys run behind.
    4. Kane Halage: A wooden plank tied to buffaloes, with water gushing out through holes as it’s dragged. The height of splashing water determines the winner.

    Kambala’s Popularity across Karnataka

    • While Kambala’s popularity is concentrated in coastal Karnataka, movies like ‘Kantara’ in 2022 have widened its appeal across the state.
    • The film’s success is credited with generating interest in the sport, making it more popular even beyond its traditional strongholds.
    • Historically, the Koraga community faced discrimination during Kambala events. They were considered “untouchable” and ill-treated.
    • Critics argue that the sport is still dominated by higher caste groups, while lower caste individuals often perform menial tasks during the event.

    Why was Kambala banned by the Supreme Court?

    • Several organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), alleged animal abuse during traditional sporting events.
    • Concerns included the tying of buffalo noses with ropes and continuous whipping during races, seen as cruelty.
    • The Supreme Court, hearing these petitions, banned Kambala, Jallikattu, and bullock-cart racing in 2014.

    How was the ban lifted?

    • In January 2016, the Environment Ministry issued a notification allowing the continuation of bull training for such traditional events, recognizing their cultural significance.
    • Specific conditions were set to minimize bull suffering.
    • State governments also amended the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, providing exemptions for these events.
    • A five-judge constitutional bench upheld these amendments made by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra governments in May.

  • Antarctica’s Ozone Hole expands mid-spring since 2001

    ozone

    Central Idea

    • Recent research published in the journal Nature Communications has revealed a concerning trend in the Antarctic ozone layer during mid-spring (October).
    • Contrary to previously reported recovery trends in total ozone, the core of the Antarctic ozone in mid-spring has experienced a significant 26% reduction since 2004.

    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.

    Shift in Ozone Trends

    • Mid-Spring Ozone Depletion: The study’s findings reveal a notable decline in mid-spring (October) ozone levels within the middle stratospheric layer, contrary to previous expectations of recovery.
    • Early Spring Recovery: Surprisingly, early spring (September) still shows slight ozone increases or a modest recovery of the ozone hole.

    Implications of Ozone Variability

    • Antarctic Stratospheric Ozone: Antarctic stratospheric ozone plays a critical role in influencing climate patterns across the Southern Hemisphere.
    • Understanding Ozone Variability: Ongoing research aims to understand the reasons behind the observed ozone variability, particularly in the context of the Southern Hemisphere’s atmospheric changes.

    Key Findings

    • Recovery Trends Re-evaluated: When considering satellite data from 2022, previously reported recovery trends in Antarctic spring total ozone, observed since 2001, no longer hold.
    • Middle Stratosphere Impact: The middle stratosphere has witnessed continued, significant ozone reduction since 2004, culminating in a 26% loss within the core of the ozone hole.
    • Potential Causes: The study suggests that changes in the mesosphere, the atmospheric layer above the stratosphere and the ozone layer, may be driving this reduction.
    • Major triggers: 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.

  • Does the Indian Judiciary have a ‘Patriarchy Problem’?

    Central Idea

    • India’s judiciary has long grappled with gender disparity, and the recent passing of Justice Fathima Beevi, the country’s first female Supreme Court judge, has brought attention to this issue.
    • Despite incremental progress, women continue to be underrepresented in both the Supreme Court and High Courts, highlighting the need for comprehensive reform.

    About Justice Fathima Beevi

    • Justice Fathima Beevi, India’s first woman Supreme Court judge, passed away at the age of 96 in Kollam, Kerala.
    • She made history as the first Muslim woman judge of the Supreme Court, as well as the first woman Supreme Court Justice in Asia.

    Gender Disparity in Indian Judiciary

    [A] Supreme Court

    • Current Scenario: Of the 34 incumbent Supreme Court justices, only three are women: Justices Hima Kohli, Bela Trivedi, and BV Nagarathna.
    • Historical Perspective: India has had a total of 11 women judges in the Supreme Court’s history, since Justice Beevi’s appointment in 1989.
    • Low Representation: This translates to approximately 4% representation of women judges out of a total of 268 judges in the apex court’s history.
    • Recent Appointments: The current collegium, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, has made 14 appointments but is yet to appoint a woman judge to the Supreme Court.

    [B] High Court

    • High Court Scenario: As of March 2022, India has 25 high courts with 1,114 sanctioned judge positions.
    • Working Judges: However, only 785 judges are currently working, with 329 positions remaining vacant.
    • Female Judges: Out of the working judges, only 107 are women, constituting 13% of the total.
    • Women Chief Justices: Only one of the country’s 25 high courts currently has a woman chief justice.

    Efforts to Address Gender Disparity

    • Legal Perspective: The Union Law Minister stated that the Constitution’s Articles 124, 217, and 224 do not provide for caste or class-based reservations in higher judiciary appointments.
    • Recommendation for Diversity: Nevertheless, the Centre encouraged high court chief justices to consider suitable candidates who are women, minorities, scheduled castes, or tribes to ensure social diversity in the appointment process.

    Challenges in Lower Judiciary and District Courts

    • Higher Representation: Women constitute approximately 27% of judges in the lower judiciary, but gender disparities persist in higher appointments such as district judges and high courts.
    • Regional Disparities: A study revealed that only a few smaller states like Goa, Meghalaya, and Sikkim had over 60% women judges, while others remained below 40%.
    • Reservation: Some states have introduced quotas for women in the lower judiciary, providing between 30% and 35% reservation for direct appointments.

    Way forward

    • In April 2021, Chief Justice SA Bobde emphasized that capable candidates were required for greater women representation, rather than an attitudinal change.
    • His statement sparked controversy as female advocates challenged the assumption that women refused judgeships solely due to domestic responsibilities.
    • Advocates argued that men also decline judgeships for various reasons without hindering their appointment.

    Conclusion

    • The gender disparity in India’s judiciary remains a persistent challenge, with slow progress towards equal representation.
    • It is imperative to address this issue comprehensively, from the highest courts to the lower judiciary, by promoting diversity and equal opportunities, ultimately strengthening the justice system and upholding gender equality.

  • Casgevy: Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassaemia

    Casgevy

    Central Idea

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

    Casgevy: A Gene-Editing Marvel

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

    Mechanism of Action

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

    Understanding Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassaemia

     

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

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

     Clinical Trial Results

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

    Administration and Challenges

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

    Future Prospects

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

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