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  • 17th Oct 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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  • Places in news: Dhanauri Wetland

    Dhanauri Wetland

    Central Idea

    • The National Green Tribunal has given the UP government four weeks to inform it about the status of the Ramsar tag for Dhanauri wetlands.

    Dhanauri Wetland

    • The Dhanauri Wetlands is a bird-watching area located in Dhanauri village near Dankaur in Uttar Pradesh.
    • It is home to over 120 Sarus cranes (Sarus Cranes is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh).
    • It is a sanctuary for 23 species of endangered, critically endangered, and threatened birds, with special significance as a habitat for the majestic Sarus crane.

    Ecological Significance

    • Dhanauri is a natural wetland that hosts more than 217 bird species, including over 150 Sarus cranes, and serves as a vital birding and nesting site.
    • It has received recognition as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International and has been documented by the BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society).
    • During peak migratory seasons (November to March), the wetland hosts over 50,000 waterfowls.

    Why in news?

    • Dhanauri plays a crucial role in supporting the vulnerable Sarus crane population.
    • The wetland fulfills two key Ramsar site criteria out of nine:
      1. It hosts over 1% of the biogeographic Sarus crane population.
      2. The area serves as a congregation site for 20,000+ waterfowls and various other species.

    Ramsar Wetlands

    • The Ramsar Convention, also known as the ‘Convention on Wetlands,’ is an intergovernmental environmental treaty founded by UNESCO in 1971.
    • It derives its name from the city of Ramsar in Iran, where it was initially signed.
    • Ramsar sites are wetlands of global significance recognized under this treaty.
    • The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the brink of ecological changes and in need of close monitoring under the Ramsar Convention.

    Ramsar Site Designation Criteria:

    Ramsar site designation hinges on several factors:

    1. Representing rare or unique natural wetland types.
    2. Supporting endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
    3. Maintaining biodiversity in specific biogeographic regions.
    4. Offering refuge during adverse conditions.
    5. Regularly accommodating 20,000 or more waterbirds.
    6. Sustaining 1% of a population of a single water-bird species.
    7. Serving as a critical source of food, spawning grounds, nurseries, and migration paths for fish.
    8. Regularly supporting 1% of a population of non-avian wetland-dependent animal species.

  • How do some Cancer Cells survive Chemotherapy?

    cancer

    Central Idea

    • Researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute have conducted a recent study to investigate drug resistance in cancer cells, focusing on resistance to a drug known as Taxol.
    • It studied Chemotherapy and cancer relapse, particularly when a small number of cancer cells resist treatment and remain dormant, potentially leading to a resurgence of the disease.

    Chemotherapy and its limitations

    • Cancer cells are characterized by uncontrolled and rapid division.
    • Chemotherapeutic drugs aim to halt this proliferation, often triggering programmed cell death, known as apoptosis, in response to halted cell division.
    • However, this approach also damages healthy dividing cells, leading to adverse side effects.

    Fine-Tuning Cancer Treatment

    • Oncologists face the challenge of finding an effective drug dose that eliminates cancer cells while minimizing unbearable side effects for patients.
    • One approach has been the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that target specific proteins found mainly on cancer cells, sparing non-cancerous cells.

    Unraveling Drug Resistance

    • P-gp Protein: Some cancer cells escape drug treatments by overexpressing a protein called P-gp (permeability glycoprotein), which acts as a pump, expelling toxic compounds, including chemotherapeutic agents.
    • ABCB1 Gene: The production of P-gp is controlled by the ABCB1 gene, and cells that produce excessive P-gp can flush out chemotherapy drugs, preventing them from accumulating at levels needed to trigger apoptosis.

    Role of Cellular Location

    • Recent Findings: The study examined the sensitivity of cells to Taxol and identified that the location of the ABCB1 gene within the cell’s nucleus plays a crucial role.
    • Nuclear Envelope: In sensitive cells, the ABCB1 gene is located close to the nuclear envelope. In resistant cells, the gene has detached from the envelope and moved further inside the nucleus, resulting in a 100-fold increase in ABCB1 gene-related RNA.

    Key Protein: Lamin B Receptor (LBR)

    • LBR’s Influence: Researchers discovered that the presence or absence of a protein called Lamin B Receptor (LBR) affects the location of the ABCB1 gene.
    • Depletion of LBR: When LBR is depleted, cells can activate the ABCB1 gene when exposed to Taxol. However, the absence of the LBR gene itself does not immediately increase ABCB1 expression, indicating the involvement of additional factors.
    • Diverse Responses: Different cancer types exhibit varying responses to LBR depletion, highlighting the complex mechanisms governing gene expression and silencing.
    • Analogy: A simple analogy illustrates the diversity: Different bathrooms offer various options for drying clothes, and cancer cell types rely on different mechanisms to tether genes to the nuclear envelope.

    Significance

    • These findings emphasize the need for further research into the diverse ways cancer cells express or suppress genes.
    • Understanding drug resistance mechanisms opens avenues for developing strategies to maintain the potency of anti-cancer drugs while minimizing side effects, ultimately benefiting patients on their path to recovery.

  • Money Laundering Probe against a Political Party

    Central Idea

    • The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is contemplating adding a political party as an accused in a money laundering probe linked to the now-defunct Excise Policy of the Delhi government.

    Booking a Political Party for Money Laundering

    • Applicable Law: Section 70 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) addresses offences by companies, and it can be invoked in this case.
    • Definition of “Company”: While a political party isn’t a ‘company’ under the Companies Act, the PMLA includes an explanation that broadens the scope to include ‘associations of individuals,’ potentially encompassing political parties.

    Precedent for such Cases

    • If pursued, this action could set a significant precedent in India’s legal landscape.
    • Previously, political parties have been investigated under the Income Tax Act.
    • Trusts and NGOs are already within the purview of the PMLA, as per a notification by the Finance Ministry.

    Connection between Charges and Political Party

    • The central allegation by the ED is that the political party received the proceeds of crime in the excise scam.
    • An additional explanation in Section 70 of the PMLA specifies that a “company may be prosecuted, notwithstanding whether the prosecution or conviction of any legal juridical person shall be contingent on the prosecution or conviction of any individual.”
    • This implies that even if cases involving party members fail, the party can still be prosecuted for money laundering separately.

  • Supreme Court declines to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

    Central Idea

    • The Supreme Court of India has declined to approve same-sex marriages in a blow to LGBTQ rights.
    • CJI said that it was outside the court’s remit to decide the issue and that parliament should write the laws governing marriage.

    Same-Sex Marriage Demand

    • Petitioners are urging for the reinterpretation of the Special Marriage Act (SMA), 1954, by replacing “man and woman” with “spouses” to accommodate LGBTQIA+ couples.
    • Such right to marry not only symbolizes equality but also grants access to numerous legal benefits, including insurance, adoption, and inheritance.

    Petitioners’ Demands

    Arguments Summary
    Constitutional Basis Asserted that the right to marry for non-heterosexual couples is implicit in various constitutional articles, including Articles 14, 15, 16, 19, and 21.
    Previous Landmark Judgments Referenced key Supreme Court judgments such as ‘Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union of India’ (2018) and ‘KS Puttaswamy vs. Union of India’ (2017) to support their case.
    Benefits and Rights Emphasized the importance of equal access to marriage-related benefits and rights, such as pensions and provident funds.
    Minimum Marriageable Age Suggested different minimum marriageable ages for lesbian, gay, and transgender couples based on gender identity.
    Recognition of Fundamental Rights Cited the Transgender Persons Protection Act, 2019, as a precedent recognizing the right to marry for all queer identities.

    Respondent’s Arguments

    Arguments Summary
    Maintainability and Jurisdiction Questioned the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case and raised concerns about the maintainability of the petitions.
    Impact on Existing Laws Argued that introducing marriage equality would impact 160 existing laws, making it the prerogative of Parliament to enact such changes.
    SMA Character and Intent Emphasized that the Special Marriage Act (SMA) was intentionally designed for heterosexual marriages, and changing its character and intent would require legislative action.
    Legitimate State Interest Contended that the State has a legitimate interest in regulating marriages, addressing aspects such as age of consent, bigamy, and prohibited degrees of marriage.
    Welfare of Children Advocated for prioritizing the welfare of children born to heterosexual parents, leading to differential treatment of heterosexual and homosexual couples.
    Public Perception Expressed concerns about societal acceptance and potential collateral damage to various legal provisions if same-sex marriage were declared a fundamental right.

    States Responses

    • Rajasthan, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh opposed the plea for legal recognition of same-sex marriages.
    • Sikkim, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Manipur sought more time to respond.
    • Also, many fundamentalist religious organizations are opposed to such marriages.

    Conclusion

    • It must be noted that only Taiwan and Nepal allow same-sex unions in Asia, where largely conservative values still dominate politics and society.
    • The Supreme Court’s verdict on marriage equality in India is poised to shape the country’s LGBTQIA+ rights landscape profoundly.

    Also read:

    [Sansad TV] Perspective: Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

  • Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s 125th birth anniversary

    Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

    What’s the news?

    • Commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a prominent figure in India’s history

    Central idea

    • Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a name synonymous with educational reforms among Muslims, stands out for his groundbreaking efforts. Yet, his views on women’s education remain controversial and the topic demands a revisit, especially in the context of the recent passing of the Women’s Reservation Bill.

    The Complex Legacy of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

    • Sir Syed’s Contradictory Views:
    • While Sir Syed displayed a clear inclination towards liberal values and rationality, exemplified by his establishment of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh in 1875, his views on women’s education were more conservative.
    • He advocated for a form of education that revolved around home tutoring for women, emphasizing their role in family life. He believed that formal education could hinder their primary purpose – marriage.
    • Support for Gender Segregation:
    • It’s noteworthy that Sir Syed supported gender segregation in education, opposing the British government’s initiatives to open co-educational schools and girls’ exclusive institutions.
    • He even considered coeducation a major cause of public unrest during colonial rule, reflecting the prevalent societal disapproval of women’s education.

    Sir Syed’s Advocacy for Women’s Empowerment

    • Campaigning Against Regressive Practices:
    • Sir Syed actively campaigned against various regressive practices that affected women’s lives in India.
    • He used platforms like the Aligarh Institute Gazette to address issues such as female infanticide, polygamy, child marriage, sati (the practice of widow self-immolation), the segregation of widows, and poverty-induced marriages of young girls to older men.
    • Support for Mary Carpenter’s Initiatives:
    • Sir Syed welcomed and appreciated the efforts of Mary Carpenter, a British philanthropist dedicated to female education.
    • Carpenter’s commitment to providing modern education to Indian women impressed him.
    • This support showcased Sir Syed’s recognition of the importance of education in empowering women and allowing them to participate more fully in public life.

    Reevaluation Through European Lens

    • Sir Syed’s visit to England in 1869-70 had a transformative effect on his views about women’s education.
    • His interactions with European women and observations about their roles in society led him to partially revise his stance.
    • He began to appreciate gender equality and the essential role of women in human progress.
    • He admired the freedom enjoyed by women in Europe and believed that the rejection of women’s education by Muslims played a part in the community’s decline

    Conclusion

    • While Sir Syed Ahmed Khan never fully relinquished his initial preference for home-based education for women, his exposure to Western ideals brought about a marked shift in his perspective. As we reflect on his contributions, it’s essential to view him in the nuanced light of a reformer caught between tradition and modernity.

  • Confronting the long-term risks of Artificial Intelligence

    AI

    What’s the news?

    • The film ‘Ex Machina’ highlights the unpredictability of AI risks as technology evolves.

    Central idea

    • In the digital age, sharing personal information has become riskier due to cyberattacks and data breaches. Once fictional, AI now impacts various sectors, bringing evolving risks that require global governance.

    Short-term risks associated with AI

    • Malfunction of AI Systems: Ensuring that AI systems do not malfunction in their day-to-day tasks, especially in critical infrastructure like water and electricity supply, to prevent disruptions and harm to society
    • Immediate Dangers of Runaway AI: Although improbable, the potential for AI systems to go rogue and manipulate crucial systems, leading to catastrophic consequences even in the near future,

    Long-term risks associated with AI

    • AI and Biotechnology: The combination of AI and biotechnology could alter human emotions, thoughts, and desires, posing profound ethical and societal challenges.
    • Human-Level AI: Advanced AI systems capable of human-level or superhuman performance may emerge, potentially acting on misaligned or malicious goals.
    • Dire Consequences: Superintelligent AI with harmful intentions could have catastrophic consequences for society and human well-being.
    • Ethical and Safety Concerns: Developing AI with such capabilities raises significant ethical and safety concerns.

    AI

    Challenges in Aligning AI with Human Values

    • Transparency and Explainability: Many AI systems, particularly deep learning models, are often seen as black boxes where it’s challenging to understand how they make decisions.
    • Human Control: Ensuring that humans maintain control over AI systems and that AI does not act autonomously in ways that could harm individuals or society is a key challenge.
    • Ethical Decision-Making: Developing AI that can make ethical decisions in complex situations, such as autonomous vehicles deciding how to respond to potential accidents, is an ongoing challenge.
    • Cultural and Societal Values: Different cultures and societies have varying values and norms. Aligning AI with human values involves navigating these differences and ensuring that AI systems respect cultural diversity.
    • Long-Term Considerations: As AI evolves and becomes more powerful, addressing long-term ethical considerations, such as the potential for superintelligent AI, is a critical challenge.

    The Threat of Militarized AI

    • The merging of AI with warfare intensifies long-term risks.
    • Treaties like the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons show global norms can be established.
    • Nations need clear rules for AI’s role in warfare.

    The Uncharted Territory of AI Governance

    • There’s no unified global approach to AI regulation.
    • Only 37 laws included the term artificial intelligence among 127 countries, as per Stanford’s AI Index.
    • The EU’s AI Act, with its risk-based approach, may be oversimplified.

    The importance of global cooperation

    • Uniform Regulation: AI risks are not confined by borders, and inconsistent regulations across countries can lead to confusion and inefficiencies. Global cooperation allows for the development of uniform standards and regulations.
    • Mitigating Global Risks: Many AI-related risks, especially those with global implications such as AI’s convergence with biotechnology or the potential for superintelligent AI, demand a collaborative approach.
    • Ethical Frameworks: Collaborative efforts can lead to the establishment of universally accepted ethical frameworks for AI development and deployment. These frameworks can guide the responsible and ethical use of AI, regardless of where it is developed or employed.
    • Preventing a Race to the Bottom: In the absence of global cooperation, countries may prioritize rapid AI development over safety and ethics to gain a competitive edge. This race to the bottom can undermine global AI safety efforts, making coordination crucial.
    • Technological Divides: Global cooperation helps prevent technological divides where some nations advance rapidly in AI capabilities while others lag behind. Such divides can exacerbate global inequalities and have far-reaching geopolitical consequences.

    Conclusion

    • The evolving nature of AI risks necessitates a unified global approach to governance. Immediate action in creating comprehensive regulations and international norms is crucial. The choices we make today will determine the world we inhabit in the future.

  • 16th Oct 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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  • Sri Lanka and Bangladesh explore RCEP Membership

    rcep

    Central Idea

    • Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are considering joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) after India’s withdrawal from the trade agreement in 2019.

    Recent update on RCEP

    • Sri Lanka’s Application: Sri Lanka has applied for RCEP membership and seeks support from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand.
    • Bangladesh’s Decision: Bangladesh is expected to make a final decision on RCEP membership after its elections in January 2024.

    What is Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)?

    Scope Free trade agreement among 15 Asia-Pacific countries
    Member Countries Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam
    Negotiations and Signing Negotiations started in 2012,

    Officially signed on November 15, 2020
    Entry into Force Effective from January 1, 2022
    Objectives Reduce trade barriers, promote economic growth, enhance economic cooperation
    Trade Facilitation Includes tariff reductions, trade in services, rules of origin, customs procedures, and trade remedies
    Market Access Improves market access for goods and services among member countries
    Accession Rules Expected to be finalized by 2024
    Global Significance Significant due to large economies like China, Japan, and South Korea
    India’s Withdrawal India initially participated but withdrew in 2019 citing concerns about trade deficits and domestic industries

     

    India’s Stance on RCEP

    • Past Withdrawal: India withdrew from RCEP talks in 2019 due to concerns over services mobility, potential flood of Chinese goods, and objections from domestic agriculture and small businesses.
    • No Indication of Return: India has not indicated any reconsideration of its decision to withdraw from RCEP.

    Reasons for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh’s Interest

    • Learning from Crisis: Sri Lanka realizes the importance of regional markets during crises and hopes to spread its market and enhance competitiveness.
    • Bangladesh’s Graduation: As Bangladesh approaches graduation from the list of Least Developed Countries in 2026, joining RCEP could offset potential export losses and simplify FTA negotiations.

  • Egypt attains WHO ‘Gold Tier’ status in Hepatitis C Elimination

    Central Idea

    • Egypt has become the first country to achieve the World Health Organization’s “gold tier” status on the path to elimination of Hepatitis C.

    About Hepatitis

    Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C
    Causative Virus Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
    Transmission Fecal-oral route (contaminated food/water) Blood and body fluids (unsafe sex, sharing needles) Blood-to-blood contact (sharing needles, transfusions)
    Vaccine Available Yes Yes Yes
    Chronic Infection No (usually acute) Yes (can become chronic) Yes (often becomes chronic)
    Symptoms Mild flu-like symptoms, jaundice Variable, from none to severe symptoms Often asymptomatic, but can lead to liver damage
    Chronic Complications None Cirrhosis, liver cancer Cirrhosis, liver cancer
    Preventable by Vaccine Yes Yes No
    Treatment Supportive care Antiviral medications Antiviral medications

     Egypt’s “Gold Tier” Status

    • Stringent Criteria: To reach the “gold tier,” Egypt fulfilled specific criteria, including ensuring 100% blood and injection safety, providing a minimum of 150 needles/syringes annually for people who inject drugs, diagnosing over 80% of individuals with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), treating over 70% of diagnosed HCV patients, and establishing a surveillance program for hepatitis sequelae, including liver cancer.
    • Exemplary Results: Egypt has diagnosed 87% of its hepatitis C patients and provided curative treatment to 93% of those diagnosed, surpassing the WHO’s gold tier targets.

    How did Egypt achieve this?

    • “100 Million Healthy Lives” Initiative: Egypt’s ambitious initiative led to a substantial reduction in hepatitis C prevalence, from 10% in 2016 to 5% in 2018 and an estimated less than 1% in 2019, as reported by the Africa CDC.
    • Leadership Role: Egypt extends support to other African countries, aiming to replicate its success in hepatitis C elimination, including enhancing access to affordable treatment.

    Try this PYQ:

    Which one of the following statements is not correct?

    (a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.

    (b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.

    (c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.

    (d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.

     

    Post your answers here.

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