The World Cerebral Palsy Day was celebrated on October 6 with the theme ‘#UniquelyCP’.
It celebrates the uniqueness of individuals living with cerebral palsy by emphasizing that they are not defined by their disability.
AboutCerebral Palsy:
Details
Condition
A group of neurological disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture.
Cause
Abnormal brain development, usually before birth; can also occur due to injury during birth or early childhood.
Types
– Spastic CP: Stiff muscles, difficulty with movement (most common, 70-80% of cases).
– Dyskinetic CP: Uncontrolled movements affecting limbs.
– Ataxic CP: Poor balance and coordination.
– Mixed CP: Combination of symptoms from different types.
Symptoms
Motor skill difficulties (crawling, walking); Muscle stiffness or looseness; Poor coordination and balance; Speech or swallowing difficulties; Seizures in some cases.
Diagnosis
Physical examination, MRI scans, developmental monitoring (usually diagnosed within first 2 years).
Risk Factors
Premature birth; Low birth weight; Multiple births; Maternal infections; Lack of oxygen during birth.
Treatment
– Physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
– Medications to reduce muscle stiffness.
– Surgery in severe cases.
Life Expectancy
Normal life expectancy in many cases, depending on severity and associated complications.
Prevention
Some causes are preventable with proper maternal care, but many are not.
Policy Support
Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme:
Coverage: Up to ₹1,00,000/- for treatments, surgeries, and therapies for persons with disabilities.
Eligibility: Covers individuals with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities.
Annual Renewal: Requires yearly renewal with different fees for BPL and APL categories.
Easy Application: Enrollment and claims processed online via Registered Organizations (ROs).
PYQ:
[2020] In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.
Researcher have successfully mapped the entire brain of an adult fruit fly, marking the first time researchers have created such a detailed map of an adult animal’s brain.
How Was the Fruit Fly Brain Mapped?
The process of mapping Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster) brain began in 2013.
Scientists dunked the brain of an adult fruit fly in a chemical bath, hardening it into a solid block.
This process involved 7,050 sections of the brain and produced 21 million photos to map the entire brain.
The first high-resolution image of the brain was created more than a decade after the work started.
Key findings
Scientists identified more than 50 million connections between 139,000 neurons (brain nerve cells).
They classified the cells into 8,453 distinct types, making it the largest catalogue of cell types in any brain.
The research gave insights into how different types of cells function and how the fruit fly’s eyes process motion and color.
A group of “hub neurons” was discovered, which may help speed up information flow.
Significance of the Work
Although the human brain is more complex, the logic of howneurons communicate is similar between fruit flies and humans.
Fruit flies are a valuable model system for neuroscience. Their brains solve many of the same problems that human brains do.
It could help in understanding and treat mental health conditions like Parkinson’s and depression.
The mapping of the fruit fly’s brain raises hopes that scientists will eventually be able to map the entire human brain.
Q). Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. (UPSC CSE 2013)
Q). What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2014)
Mentor’s Comment: Today’s editorial discusses the limitations and importance of free speech, emphasizing that while individuals have the right to express their opinions without fear of retaliation, this right is not absolute. Key restrictions include defamation, obscenity, and incitement to violence. The article highlights that the government cannot arbitrarily decide what constitutes acceptable speech, as outlined in Article 19(2) of the Constitution. It also notes that free speech serves both instrumental purposes, like fostering better politics, and intrinsic values, such as recognizing individual dignity. However, the government’s attempt to control narratives about its actions can lead to censorship, undermining democratic principles.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Bombay HC ruled against an amendment to the IT Rules, declaring it unconstitutional and upholding free speech rights.
It emphasized that while misinformation is a concern, any regulatory measures must align with constitutional rights, particularly Articles 14 and 19, which protect equality and freedom of speech.
Constitutional Provisions on Free Speech:
• Free speech in our legal system is based on the principle that the state should not decide what expressions are acceptable. •Article 19(2) of the Constitution outlines specific restrictions, such as defamation and national security. • The right to free speech, guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a), is essential for informed political discourse and recognizes citizens’ dignity and autonomy.
What did the IT Rules (2021) say?
Rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the new Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 imposes strict obligations on internet intermediaries, such as service providers and social media platforms.
If the government’s “Fact Check Unit” labels any reporting about its activities as false, these companies must take steps to avoid hosting that content.
Failing to comply could result in losing their “safe harbor” protection from legal liability under the IT Act, 2000, which safeguards free expression.
Section 79 of the IT Act provides a legal shield for intermediaries (safe harbour), such as social media platforms, by protecting them from liability for content posted by third parties, as long as they take reasonable steps to comply with the law.
Various views presented through the ‘Petition and Response’:
According to thePetitioners’ argument,Rule 3(1)(b)(v) breaches protections for free speech and the State wrongly claims authority to define “fake” information, ignoring less intrusive solutions.
However, the UnionGovernment responded that the law is not coercive and that intermediaries can contest safe harbor losses. While no Constitutional protections are given for false information, regulation of online expression is within government powers.
As per the Judicial opinion, Rule 3(1)(b)(v) is ultra vires, vague, overbroad, and chilling to free speech. Further, the loss of safe harbour does not threaten free expression.
Present Issue over the Intermediaries and Safe Harbour
On Intermediaries: Under Rule 3(1)(b)(v), if the government’s “Fact Check Unit” informs an intermediary that certain information about the government is ‘false’, the intermediary faces a difficult choice: they can either remove the flagged content or defend the user’s right to express their opinion, risking their safe harbour protection in the process.
Here, the intermediaries often prioritize their business interests over the user rights.
They may choose to remove content rather than risk losing their legal protections, effectively sacrificing users’ freedom of expression for their own safety.
On Safe Harbour: Intermediaries can lose the protection under Section 79 of the IT Act if they are aware of illegal activities occurring on their platforms or receive notifications from government agencies about such activities.
Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp serve primarily as hosts for user-generated content.
They do not create this content themselves, which allows them to promote free speech without bearing the same responsibilities as traditional publishers.
Its limitations: True free speech depends on various factors, including access to resources and social dynamics, which can hinder individuals from expressing themselves fully.
Conclusion: While free speech can be reasonably limited, there is no constitutional basis for restricting false or misleading information. The government’s attempt to control narratives about its actions represents censorship and undermines democratic principles, as recognized by the Bombay High Court.
Researchers from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in collaboration with researchers from Cornell, Yale, and Columbia has uncovered how a psychedelic drug interacts with the brain to alleviate anxiety.
AboutPsychedelic Drugs
Psychedelic drugs are a class of psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes.
These drugs often induce hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and enhanced sensory experiences.
They are typically associated with spiritual experiences and have historically been linked with counterculture movements, but they are now being studied for their potential in medical therapies.
Examples of Psychedelic Drugs:
LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide): Known for causing intense visual hallucinations and altering thoughts, it is one of the most potent psychedelics.
Psilocybin: The active compound found in magic mushrooms, known for creating visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as a deep sense of connection to the environment.
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine): Often associated with recreational use, but is also being researched for its therapeutic potential, especially in treating PTSD.
DMT (Dimethyltryptamine): Produces powerful, short-lived hallucinatory experiences, sometimes referred to as the “spirit molecule.”
Mescaline: Found in the peyote cactus, mescaline induces hallucinations and altered states of reality.
How do they work?
Psychedelics primarily affect the brain by interacting with the serotonin system, a network of neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood, perception, and cognition.
Serotonin Receptors: Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin bind to 5-HT2A receptors, a type of serotonin receptor. This interaction leads to altered perception, enhanced mood, and hallucinations.
Brain Connectivity: They increase communication between different regions of the brain, breaking down normal patterns of activity. This leads to heightened creativity, altered sensory experiences, and a sense of connectedness.
How Psychedelics hold promise for treating Anxiety and Depression?
Reduced Anxiety: They reduce overthinking by dampening activity in the brain’s default mode network.
Emotional Release: Patients experience emotional breakthroughs during psychedelic therapy sessions.
Neuroplasticity: Psychedelics may promote adaptive brain connections, aiding in recovery from chronic stress and depression.
PYQ:
[2018] India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same? (250 Words, 15 Marks)
Scientists at Purdue University have figured out how to levitate and spin Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs)in a vacuum.
What are FNDs?
Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs) are stable, non-toxic carbon nanoparticles that emit consistent fluorescence, have a lifespan over 10 nanoseconds, and can be levitated and spun for advanced quantum research applications.
What are their Applications?
Medical Diagnostics: FNDs are used for high-resolution imaging and tracking cells over extended periods due to their non-toxic nature.
Temperature Sensing: FNDs can measure temperatures at the microscale, making them useful for scientific experiments.
Correlative Microscopy: Their fluorescent properties make them ideal for combining different types of imaging techniques.
Sensor Technologies: Due to their sensitivity to acceleration and electric fields, FNDs can be used in industry sensors and gyroscopes for rotation sensing.
Quantum Computing: FNDs doped with nitrogen can be used for quantum superposition experiments and future quantum computing applications.
PYQ:
[2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?
Angelina Jolie’s case highlighted hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) after she underwent preventive surgeries due to a BRCA1 gene mutation.
What is BRCA Testing?
BRCA testing is a genetic test that looks for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
These genesnormally help repair DNA, but when they are mutated, they increase a person’s risk of developing certain cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancers.
BRCA testing identifies whether a person has inherited these mutations, which can lead to Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) and other cancers.
The test is done using a blood or saliva sample, which is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
In the lab, next-generation DNA sequencing or other genetic analysis methods are used to examine the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for harmful mutations.
The test results can show whether a person has inherited a harmful mutation in these genes.
If the result is positive, it means they are at a higher risk for developing certain cancers.
Issues with BRCA Testing
BRCA testing in India is expensive, costing between ₹15,000 to ₹30,000, which makes it unaffordable for many, particularly in lower-income populations.
Testing is often only offered to individuals with a family history of cancer, which misses about 50% of people who may have the mutations but no known family history.
Significance for India
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for 27% of all cancer cases.
Women with BRCA mutations have up to a 72% risk of developing breast cancer.
Early identification allows for preventive measures, such as regular screenings or surgeries, which can reduce cancer incidence by up to 100%.
By increasing access to population-wide BRCA testing, India can improve early detection and reduce the burden of cancer on its healthcare system.
Early identification can also lower treatment costs and improve outcomes.
PYQ:
[2019] ‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?
It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
In 2023, the government replaced numerous opaque science awards with the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP), a streamlined set with clear criteria. It aimed to address concerns about transparency by involving committees led by respected scientists.
Introduction of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP):
In 2023, the government replaced multiple science-related awards with the RVP, a consolidated and streamlined set of awards.
RVP introduced specific categories and clear eligibility criteria to enhance transparency and reduce opacity in the selection process.
Committees led by reputed scientists were tasked with finalizing the awardees, a measure intended to address concerns about bureaucratic interference.
Concerns Over Selection Process:
Chance of political interference: The modification of rules overnight and the omission of some scientists from the final list, despite being shortlisted by the RVP committee, created suspicion of political interference.
Omission of the critic of Govt policy: Notably, some of the omitted scientists had previously criticized government policies, leading to concerns that the awards process might be used to marginalize dissenting voices within the scientific community.
Shift in Authority:
Original Process: Initially, the RVP committee head had the authority to finalize the awardees.
Recent Change: A last-minute rule modification allowed the committee head to only “recommend” the final list to the Science Ministry, increasing the possibility of government intervention in the selection process.
Recognition Framework: The RVP awards are categorized into four main types: Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievements, Vigyan Shri for distinguished contributions,Vigyan Yuva for young scientists, and Vigyan Team for collaborative efforts.
Impact on the Scientific Community
Concerns Over Transparency: The modification of selection criteria just before the announcement of awardees has led to suspicions that political motives might influence who receives recognition.
Notably, some scientists who were initially included in the recommended list were omitted from the final public announcement, prompting questions about whether political pressures were involved.
Exclusion of Dissenting Voices: Many excluded scientists had previously expressed dissent against government policies. This trend suggests a troubling pattern where recognition is contingent upon alignment with governmental perspectives, potentially stifling academic freedom and critical discourse within the scientific community.
Way forward:
Strengthen Transparency and Autonomy: Establish an independent, non-governmental oversight body to ensure that the selection process remains transparent and free from political interference.
Safeguard Academic Freedom: Implement safeguards to prevent exclusion based on political or ideological views, ensuring that recognition is purely merit-based.
The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment revealed that as we continue to push the boundaries of dark matter detection, the issue of neutrino fog becomes increasingly significant.
What is theLUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Experiment?
The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment is a cutting-edge dark matterdetection project located deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota, USA.
It is one of the most sensitive experiments in the world designed to detect dark matter particles, which are believed to make up about 85% of the matter in the universe but have not yet been directly observed.
The heart of the LZ experiment is a tank filled with 10 tonnes of liquid xenon, a very dense and pure material.
The idea is that if a dark matter particle collides with a xenon atom, it will produce a tiny burst of light and free electrons.
These interactions are then detected by sensitive equipment surrounding the xenon.
The experiment is located 1.5 km below the Earth’s surface.
What is Neutrino Fog?
Neutrinos, often referred to as “ghost particles,” are subatomic particles with nearly zero mass and no electric charge.
“Neutrino Fog” refers to the interference caused by neutrinos—subatomic particles that rarely interact with matter—in dark matter detection experiments.
Neutrinos are produced naturally in the Sun’s core, supernovae, and even Earth’s atmosphere.
Though they pass through most matter undetected, their weak interactions can cause small disturbances in highly sensitive detectors.
As dark matter detectors become larger and more sensitive, they are more likely to detect neutrinos, leading to a “fog” of signals that can obscure or mimic potential dark matter interactions.
PYQ:
[2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:
1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter
3. It is buried deep in the ice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Recent research indicates that pigs may act as a transmission vehicle for a strain of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) commonly found in rats, known as Rocahepevirus ratti, or rat HEV.
Role of Pigs in Transmission
HEV Reservoir: Pigs naturally carry hepatitis E virus (HEV), particularly strains that can infect humans.
Transmission via Pork: Humans can contract HEV by consuming raw or undercooked pork from infected pigs.
Environmental Contamination: Infected pigs shed HEV in faeces, contaminating the environment and water sources, potentially spreading the virus to humans.
Poor sanitation in pig farms facilitates HEV transmission between pigs and increases the risk of human infection through the food chain.
Cross-Species Transmission: Pigs may also act as intermediaries for rat HEV, transmitting the virus from rats to humans in farm environments.
AboutHepatitis E Virus (HEV):
Hepatitis E is caused by the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV), which is a positive-sense, single-stranded, non-enveloped RNA virus.
HEV is classified under the family Hepeviridae, genus Orthohepevirus.
It was first identified during an outbreak among Soviet soldiers in Afghanistan in 1983.
The earliest well-documented HEV epidemic occurred in New Delhi, India, in 1955, retrospectively identified as HEV.
Transmission:
The primary route of transmission is fecal-oral, especially through contaminated water and food.
Zoonotic transmission is possible with genotypes 3 and 4, commonly spread through undercooked meat or direct animal contact.
Symptoms:
Jaundice, nausea, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes.
Severe cases can lead to liver failure, especially in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
Prevention and Cure:
A vaccine, HEV 239, is approved for use in China, but no vaccine is widely available or approved in most countries, including the United States.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for acute HEV.
Prevention relies on improved sanitation, safe drinking water, and proper food handling.
PYQ:
[2019] 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.
PM has dedicated three “PARAM Rudra” Supercomputers along with High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika’, to the nation.
What areHigh-Performance Computing (HPC) Systems?
HPC systems are powerful computational systems that perform large-scale and complex computations at incredibly high speeds.
HPC Arka system at IITM has 11.77 Peta Flop capacity and will, for the first time, help improve the country’s horizontal resolution of its global weather prediction models to 6 km from the existing 12 km.
HPC Arunika comes with 8.24 Peta Flop capacity. This HPC will prove beneficial in upgrading weather forecast resolution at block levels.
What is PARAM Rudra?
PARAM Rudra is a high-performance computing (HPC) system and part of India’s PARAM series of supercomputers.
It is developed indigenously by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).
Applications of PARAM Rudra
Astronomy: Used by the Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune to study Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena.
Atomic Physics and Material Science: The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi uses PARAM Rudra for research in these areas.
Physics, Cosmology, and Earth Sciences: The supercomputer at the SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences in Kolkata supports advanced studies in these domains.
Weather Forecasting and Agriculture: The supercomputers enhance weather forecasting, benefiting industries like agriculture, where improved predictions help farmers make informed decisions.
To enhance India’s research capacities by creating a Supercomputing grid supported by the National Knowledge Network (NKN)
To position India as a global leader in supercomputing technology by boosting research, development, and innovation
Nodal Agency
Department of Science and Technology (DST);
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Implementation Agencies
C-DAC, Pune and IISc, Bengaluru
Phases
1. Phase I: Assembling supercomputers
2. Phase II: Manufacturing components in India
3. Phase III: Designing an indigenous supercomputer
Historical Context
India’s supercomputer program began after the USA’s technology embargo in the late 1980s, leading to the creation of C-DAC and the unveiling of PARAM 800 in 1991 (second-fastest globally at the time)
Notable Supercomputers
AI Supercomputer’ AIRAWAT’ and PARAM Siddhi – AI are currently the fastest supercomputers in India.
AIRAWAT has been ranked 75th in the world as of June 2023.
Global Context
Frontier (USA) is the world’s fastest supercomputer since December 2023.