Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

[pib] India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic: Nafithromycin

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Nafithromycin

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Science & Technology has launched Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous antibiotic to combat drug-resistant infections.

About Nafithromycin:

	Details
About	• It was developed with the support of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a unit under the Department of Biotechnology, to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). • It aims to treat *Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP)* caused by drug-resistant bacteria. ( Awaiting final approval from CDSCO for manufacturing and public use.)
Features	• Developed over 14 years of clinical trials in the U.S., Europe, and India. • 10 times more effective than azithromycin. (3 doses to combat Drug-Resistant Pneumonia) • Minimal side effects, no significant drug interactions, and food-independent.
Significance	• It targets both typical and atypical pathogens. • It addresses a global health issue, especially CABP, contributing to over 2 million deaths annually. • Offers a more effective, faster, and safer treatment for drug-resistant pneumonia. • Demonstrates successful public-private collaboration between the government and Wockhardt Pharmaceuticals. • A cost-effective solution for treating resistant infections in low-resource settings.

PYQ:

[2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?

Genetic predisposition of some people
Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
Using antibiotics in livestock farming
Multiple chronic diseases in some people

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4

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Indian Army Updates

Project Veer Gatha 4.0

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Project Veer Gatha 4.0

Why in the News?

Over 1.76 crore school students participated in Project Veer Gatha 4.0, sharing creative tributes to the bravery and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel.

About Project Veer Gatha:

	Details
About	• Launched in 2021 to honor the acts of bravery and selfless sacrifice of Gallantry Awardees. • 1.76 crore students from 36 states and UTs participated. • Conducted annually since its inception, with increasing participation: • First Edition (2021): 8 lakh students, Second Edition (2022): 19.5 lakh students, Third Edition (2023): 1.36 crore students.
Aims and Objectives	• Instill patriotism and national pride among students. • Spread awareness about the heroic contributions of Gallantry Awardees. • Foster creativity through various forms of artistic expression. • Promote national unity and pride across India’s diverse school system. • Enhance knowledge about unsung heroes and military heritage.
Features of the Program	• Creative content submissions, including poems, paintings, essays, and videos. • 100 national-level winners annually, with a ₹10,000 cash prize and recognition by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defence. • District and state awards for outstanding students. • Educational outreach programs by the Ministry of Defence to engage students. • Digital submission via the MyGov portal, making the process inclusive and easy for wide participation. • Focus on both famous Gallantry Awardees and unsung heroes.

PYQ:

[2024] Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:

(a) Operation Sankalp

(b) Operation Maitri

(d) Operation Madad

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Coronavirus – Health and Governance Issues

D’Cunha Committee

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: D’Cunha Committee and its recommendations

Why in the News?

The commission, headed by retired High Court judge John Michael D’Cunha, has released a report investigating the irregularities in the procurement and management of COVID-19 resources in Karnataka.

Key Findings:

Among the major concerns are the procurement of ventilators under the PM CARES Fund and the inflated prices of PPE kits.
The report has raised alarms over the unnecessary procurement of ventilators and the questionable pricing of PPE kits sourced from Chinese companies.

What is the D’Cunha Committee?

It was formed in August 2023 to investigate the alleged irregularities in COVID-19 procurements and management of medical supplies during the tenure of the erstwhile government in Karnataka.
It was headed by retired High Court judge John Michael D’Cunha.
It was tasked with examining the procurement processes and the disbursement of funds under various schemes, particularly the PM CARES Fund, and identifying administrative lapses and corruption.

Recommendations given by the Committee:

Investigate Ventilator Procurement: Recommend a probe into the procurement of 130 ventilators on March 22, 2020, under questionable circumstances, despite similar supplies under PM CARES.
Review Undelivered Ventilators: Recommended action on payments made for ventilators that were undelivered or partially delivered.
Scrutiny of Price Variations: Called for an investigation into the vast price differences for ventilators, ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹16.25 lakh.
Probe PPE Kit Purchases: Suggested further inquiry into inflated prices for PPE kits bought from Chinese firms despite cheaper local alternatives.
Formation of SIT: Recommended setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for further probe into the Karnataka Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd. (KSMSCL).
Enhance Transparency: Urged improved procedures to ensure accountability in future procurements.

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Horticulture, Floriculture, Commercial crops, Bamboo Production – MIDH, NFSM-CC, etc.

Coffee Board devises road map with eye on doubling production, exports

Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Coffee Board of India

Why in the News?

The Coffee Board of India has launched a 10-year roadmap with a goal to double the country’s coffee production and coffee exports by 2034.

About Coffee Board of India:

	Details
About	• 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. • Until* 1995, marketed the pooled supply of coffee. • Post-1995, coffee marketing became a private-sector activity due to economic liberalisation.
Structural Mandate	• Managed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, established in 1942, headquartered in Bangalore. • Comprises 33 members, including a Chairman appointed by the Government of India.
Functions of Coffee Board	• Enhancement of production, productivity & quality. • Export promotion for achieving higher value returns for Indian Coffee. • Supporting the development of the domestic market.
Coffee Industry in India – Imports/Exports	• Karnataka is the largest producer (70%), followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. • India exports over 70% of its coffee production. • India is the 8th largest coffee exporter (FAO) globally (by volume). • Coffee exports peak from March to June.
Agro-climatic Conditions	• 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. • Major Varieties Cultivated: Arabica, Robusta and Liberica. • Arabica has high market value than Robusta coffee due to its mild aromatic flavor.

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?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

[pib] MJS launches ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal for Ground Water Withdrawal Permits

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal, CGWA

Why in the News?

The ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal was digitally launched by Minister of Jal Shakti, during the India Water Week 2024.

About the ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal:

	Details
About	• Centralized platform for managing groundwater withdrawal permits. • Developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and National Informatics Centre (NIC). • Aims to regulate groundwater usage across India efficiently, ensuring transparency and sustainability.
Features and Provisions	• User-friendly interface with PAN-based single ID, NOC with QR code, and streamlined processes. • Improved version compared to its predecessor, NOCAP. • Ensures groundwater compliance and promotes sustainable practices.
Implementation	• The portal is live and accessible for groundwater queries, tracking, and payments. • Open to both project proponents and the general public for groundwater-related services.

Back2Basics: Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)

It has the mandate of regulating groundwater development and management in the country.
It is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
CGWA issues advisories, public notices and grant No Objection Certificates (NOC) for groundwater withdrawal.

PYQ:

[2020] Consider the following statements:

1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).

2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.

3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

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Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

What is High-Altitude Sickness?

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: High-Altitude Sickness
Why in the News?

The tragic death of a trekker scaling Garur Peak in Uttarakhand, underscores the dangers of high-altitude sickness in the Himalayas.

What is High-Altitude Sickness?
- Causes: High-altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when the body struggles to acclimatise to elevations above 8,000 feet (2,400 metres) due to reduced oxygen levels.
- Symptoms: Early signs include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If untreated, it may escalate to:
  - High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties.
  - High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): Fluid in the brain, leading to confusion, hallucinations, and coma.
Prevention and Treatment
- To prevent AMS, experts recommend a slow ascent with rest days every 3-4 days above 3,000 meters and avoiding sleeping elevation increases of more than 500 meters per day.
- Medications:
  - Acetazolamide: Aids acclimatisation.
  - Dexamethasone: Reduces severe inflammation.
  - Nifedipine: Prevents HAPE in high-risk individuals.
    Note: Medications are not foolproof and are to be taken under medical guidance.
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Swachh Bharat Mission

[pib] World Toilet Day, 2024

Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: World Toilet Day, 2024

Why in the News?

World Toilet Day, celebrated every year on November 19, is an official United Nations observance aimed at raising awareness of the global sanitation crisis and promoting action for safe toilets worldwide.
- 2024 Theme: “Sanitation for Peace” – highlights the role of sanitation in promoting peace, security, and resilience.

About World Toilet Day

It is celebrated each year on November 19 to raise awareness about global sanitation issues.
It became an UN-recognized day in 2013 to emphasize the importance of safe sanitation under SDG 6.
It was first proposed by Jack Sim of the World Toilet Organization in 2001.
Purpose: To address the health, dignity, and environmental challenges linked to inadequate sanitation.

Significance and Global Collaborations

Public Health: Prevents waterborne diseases; 1,000 child deaths daily linked to unsafe sanitation (WHO).
UN Initiatives: UNICEF, WHO, and UN-Water work with countries to improve WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) facilities.
NGO Support: Organizations like World Toilet Organization and WaterAid implement sanitation projects and awareness.
International Partnerships: Programs like Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) unify governments and NGOs for sanitation solutions.

India’s Policies and Successes

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM):
- SBM-Grameen: Over 11.73 crore household toilets built; 5.57 lakh villages ODF.
- SBM-Urban: 63.63 lakh household toilets constructed; 4,576 cities ODF.
Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims to provide piped drinking water to rural households, supporting sanitation.
Women’s Safety Campaigns: Programs like Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman link sanitation to dignity, especially for women.
Waste Management: SBM Phase II focuses on sustainable waste management and sanitation systems.

PYQ:

[2024] Consider the following statements regarding World Toilet Organization:

It is one of the agencies of the United Nations.
World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day and World Toilet College are the initiatives of this organization, to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.
The main focus of its function is to grant funds to the least developed countries and developing countries to achieve the end of open defecation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 2 and 3

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Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

India’s 56th Tiger Reserve notified in Chhatisgarh

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve

India's 56th Tiger Reserve notified in Chhatisgarh

Why in the News?

The Indian government has notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh as the country’s 56th Tiger Reserve, now recognized as the third-largest tiger reserve in India.

Largest Tiger Reserves in India:

First: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh
Second: Manas Tiger Reserve, Assam
Third: Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh

About the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve (TR):

	Details
Location	• Located across Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts of Chhattisgarh. • Total area: 2,829.38 sq. km. • Core area: 2,049.2 sq. km (Guru Ghasidas National Park + Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary). • Buffer area: 780.15 sq. km.
Regional Significance	• Contiguous with Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh forming a 4,500 sq. km landscape. • Connected to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (west) and Palamau Tiger Reserve (east).
Biodiversity	• 753 species documented by Zoological Survey of India. • 230 bird species. • 55 mammal species, including several threatened species.
Landscape	• Located within the Chota Nagpur Plateau and partly in the Baghelkhand Plateau. • Features dense forests, streams, and rivers, providing a rich habitat for tigers and diverse fauna.

PYQ:

[2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

(a) Corbett

(b) Ranthambore

(d) Sunderbans

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Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

[pib] Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025-2029)

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan

Why in the News?

India and Italy signed an ambitious 5-year ‘joint strategic action plan 2025-2029’ that would include cooperation in space sector, critical technology, research, co-production of military equipment and widening the ambit of economic cooperation.

Key Focus Areas of the Joint Strategic Action Plan:

	Details
Political Dialogue	• Regular high-level meetings and reciprocal visits. • Annual bilateral consultations between foreign ministries to discuss mutual interests.
Economic Cooperation	• Boosting trade, market access, and investments in sectors like transportation, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and green technologies. • Promoting industrial partnerships and mutual investments.
Connectivity	• Collaborating on sustainable transport initiatives. • Enhancing maritime and land infrastructure, participating in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
Science, Technology, IT, Innovation	• Cooperation in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), telecommunications, and digital services. • Innovation, research collaborations, and exchange programs for scientific growth.
Space Sector	• Collaboration between the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Earth observation and lunar science. • Facilitating mutual commercial space collaborations.
Energy Transition	• Technology summits in renewable energy. • Cooperation in green hydrogen, biofuels, and energy efficiency. • Collaboration in global energy alliances like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Global Biofuels Alliance.
Defence Cooperation	• Joint defence consultations and staff talks. • Co-development of defence platforms and equipment. • Negotiating a Defence Industrial Roadmap.
Security Cooperation	• Capacity-building in cybersecurity and counter-terrorism. • Regular exchanges and sector-specific talks in multilateral forums.

Significance of the Plan:

Time-Bound Initiatives: It outlines specific, time-bound initiatives to ensure measurable progress and accountability.
Mutual Growth: By focusing on co-development and co-production, the plan aims to leverage the strengths of both nations for mutual economic and technological advancement.
Strategic Alignment: The collaboration in areas like defence, energy transition, and space signifies a strategic alignment of interests, enhancing regional and global stability.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Emphasizing cultural exchanges and academic collaborations strengthens the social fabric and mutual understanding between the two countries.

PYQ:

[2016] With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements:

1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.

2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Species in News: Oriental pied Hornbills

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Oriental pied Hornbills

Why in the News?

The people of Mayong village in Assam have come together to protect a growing colony of oriental pied hornbills, which they view as symbols of peace and prosperity.

Species in News: Oriental pied Hornbills

About Oriental-pied Hornbills

	Details
Name	Scientific Name: Anthracoceros albirostris Common Names: Sunda Pied Hornbill, Malaysian Pied Hornbill Size: 600-900 grams, 55-60 cm in length.
Habitat	Found in South and Southeast Asia including India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Inhabits tropical moist forests, secondary forests, and mangroves.
Behavioural Features	Diet: Omnivorous, mainly fruits (figs), insects, small reptiles. Role: Seed dispersers, forest regeneration agents. Nesting: Female seals in tree cavity, male feeds her.
Conservation Status	IUCN Red List: Least Concern; CITES: Appendix II (conditional trade permitted). Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, pet trade. Conservation: Protected in reserves, community efforts for habitat preservation.

PYQ:

[2016] In which of the following regions of India, are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?

(a) Sand deserts of northwest India

(b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir

(d) Western Ghats

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About Nafithromycin:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Project Veer Gatha:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Key Findings:

What is the D’Cunha Committee?

Recommendations given by the Committee:

Why in the News?

About Coffee Board of India:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal:

Back2Basics: Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is High-Altitude Sickness?

Prevention and Treatment

Why in the News?

About World Toilet Day

Significance and Global Collaborations

India’s Policies and Successes

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Largest Tiger Reserves in India:

About the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve (TR):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Key Focus Areas of the Joint Strategic Action Plan:

Significance of the Plan:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Oriental-pied Hornbills

PYQ: