Why has Malaysia tweaked its ‘Orangutan Diplomacy’?

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Orangutan Diplomacy

Why in the News?

Malaysia, after initially introducing its version of soft power called “Orangutan Diplomacy” following China’s successful “panda diplomacy,” has now reversed its decision.

What is Orangutan Diplomacy?

It is a Malaysian strategy that seeks to use orangutan conservation as a tool of soft power, inspired by China’s “panda diplomacy.”
It had first announced plans to gift orangutans (IUCN Status: Critically Endangered) to palm oil-buying countries.
It engages other countries in conservation efforts, focusing on symbolic adoptions rather than sending animals abroad.
Reasons behind:
- Palm Oil Industry Criticism: Malaysia faces criticism for deforestation due to palm oil plantations, threatening orangutans.
- Enhance Image: It aims to counter negative perceptions and showcase commitment to sustainability and position Malaysia as a leader in wildlife protection.
- Global Cooperation: It seeks to strengthen ties with major palm oil importers like China, India, and the EU through conservation partnerships.

Criticisms:

Habitat Concerns: Critics argue real conservation requires protecting habitats, not just symbolic actions.
Comparisons to Panda Diplomacy: Malaysia’s effort lacks the infrastructure and commitment seen in China’s panda conservation.

PYQ:

[2021] With reference to ‘palm oil’, consider the following statements :

1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.

2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes.

3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Pharma Sector – Drug Pricing, NPPA, FDC, Generics, etc.

Imports weaken Indian pharma

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: Biosimilar;

Mains level: Outdated Biosimilar Guidelines in India;

Why in the News?

The government has introduced two import-based initiatives to meet domestic needs, which could potentially dampen the growth of the domestic industry.
New medicines are generally under patent protection, preventing Indian companies from producing affordable generics/biosimilars.

Impact of two initiatives on Domestic Industry:

Global Tendering for 120 Medicines: The Department of Expenditure (DoE) allowed the Ministry of Health to buy 120 medicines, including popular anti-diabetes and anti-cancer drugs, through global tenders for government programs. This decision, which specifies certain brands for over 40 of these medicines, could increase the monopoly of foreign companies in India.
Customs Duty Removal on Cancer Medicines: The 2024-25 Union Budget proposed removing the 10-12% customs duty on three cancer medicines marketed by AstraZeneca. While intended to reduce prices, this measure is unlikely to significantly lower costs and may instead increase reliance on imports, further disadvantaging domestic producers.

Status of Indian Pharma

India is a leading manufacturer of vaccines, accounting for 60% of global production.
India supplies 70% of vaccines used by the WHO.
India is a major exporter of generic drugs, accounting for 20% of global exports.
The industry is expected to grow to over $130 billion by 2030.

What are Biosimilar guidelines?

Biosimilar guidelines in India are regulatory frameworks established by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to govern the development, approval, and marketing of biosimilars.
Biosimilars are biologic medical products that are highly similar to an already approved original biologic (known as the reference product), with no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and potency.

Status Biosimilars:

Significant Market Size: The biosimilar market in India is valued at approximately $2.2 billion, and it is projected to reach $40 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by the expiration of patents for several key biologics, which opens the door for biosimilar development.
Product Approvals: As of now, over 70 biosimilars have been approved in India, covering a range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Notable examples include:
- Adalimumab (for rheumatoid arthritis)
- Trastuzumab (for breast cancer)
- Filgrastim (for neutropenia)
- Insulin glargine (for diabetes)

Outdated Biosimilar Guidelines in India:

Obsolete and Resource-Intensive:
- India’s biosimilar guidelines are outdated, requiring mandatory animal studies, which are no longer necessary in developed countries like the U.S. and EU with stringent regulatory standards.
- The guidelines also mandate clinical trials, while WHO and U.K. guidelines treat clinical trials as an exception rather than a rule.
Barrier for Domestic Producers:
- The stringent requirements for animal studies and mandatory clinical trials create significant barriers for Indian producers, making it difficult for them to compete with their global counterparts.
Impact on Patient Access:
- According to the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association, eliminating these duplicative requirements could lead to significant savings in time and resources, ultimately improving patient access to affordable biosimilars.

Way forward:

Update Regulatory Guidelines: Modernize India’s biosimilar guidelines by removing unnecessary requirements like mandatory animal studies and clinical trials, aligning them with global standards to reduce barriers for domestic producers.
Support Local Production: Utilize provisions in the Patents Act to promote domestic manufacturing of affordable medicines, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening the local pharmaceutical industry.

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Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

What is Tera Hertz Spectrum?

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: Tera Hertz (THz) Spectrum

Why in the News?

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its recommendations on the Tera Hertz Spectrum.

About Tera Hertz (THz) Spectrum

The THz Spectrum refers to a range of electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 100 GHz (gigahertz) and 10 THz (terahertz).

- This spectrum lies between microwaves and infrared light.
- It is known as the “THz gap” because it has been less explored compared to other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Key Features:

- Unique Properties: THz waves can pass through many materials like clothing, paper, and wood but are absorbed by water and metals.
- Applications: Used for advanced technologies like imaging, communications, and spectroscopy.
- Potential Uses: Security scanning, medical imaging, and high-speed wireless communication.

Impact of recent recommendation:

THEA will encourage innovation in Tera Hertz technologies, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The opening of specific frequency bands will boost the development and deployment of next-generation wireless technologies and automotive safety systems in India.

PYQ:

[2020] With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct?

1. VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780 nm.

2. VLC is known as long-range optical wireless communication.

3. VLC can transmit large amounts of data faster than Bluetooth.

4. VLC has no electromagnetic interference.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

Shiveluch Volcano

Prelims Only World Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Shiveluch Volcano

Why in the News?

The Shiveluch Volcano in Russia erupted following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the country’s eastern coast.

About Shiveluch Volcano

	Details
Location	Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Approximately 56°39′N 161°21′E Stratovolcano (Composite Volcano) Approximately 3,283 meters (10,771 feet)
Geological Features	Large actively growing *lava dome, andesitic to dacitic lava*
Eruption History	Frequent eruptions; significant activity in 2005, 2010, and ongoing in 2023-2024
Hazards	Ash plumes, pyroclastic flows, lahars
Kamchatka Peninsula	Lies in far eastern Russia, between the Sea of Okhotsk on the west and the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea on the east. One of the world’s most concentrated areas of geothermal activity, with about 30 active volcanoes. Approximately 1,200 km long and 480 km across at its widest. Climate: Severe, with prolonged, cold, and snowy winters and wet, cool summers. Regional Capital: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Kuril Island chain runs from the southern tip of the peninsula to near Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island.

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

WHO investigating new Polio strain in Meghalaya

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: Polio and its eradication

Why in the News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating a suspected new strain of polio in a two-year-old child from Tikrikilla, Meghalaya.

What is Vaccine-Derived Polio?

The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) contains a weakened form of the poliovirus that activates an immune response in the body.
The vaccine-virus is excreted after vaccination and can circulate in the environment.
In rare cases, if the population is under-immunized, the excreted virus can mutate over time and revert to a form capable of causing paralysis.
This mutated virus is known as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV).

About Polio:

	Details
Nature of Disease	Crippling and potentially deadly viral infectious disease affecting the nervous system.
Types of Poliovirus	– WPV1 (Wild Poliovirus type 1) – WPV2 (Wild Poliovirus type 2, eradicated globally) – WPV3 (Wild Poliovirus type 3, eradicated globally)
Current Status	WPV1 remains in circulation in *Afghanistan and Pakistan.*
Transmission	Primarily through the *faecal-oral route or contaminated water/food.*
Affected Population	Largely affects children *under 5 years of age.*
Impact	Virus multiplies in the intestine, may invade the *nervous system, causing paralysis.*
Prevention	– No Cure: Preventable through immunization. – Vaccines: – OPV: Oral Polio Vaccine given at birth, with doses at 6, 10, 14 weeks, and a booster at 16-24 months. – IPV: Injectable Polio Vaccine given with the 3rd dose of DPT under UIP.
India’s Status	Pulse Polio Immunization Initiative (1995) Declared polio-free by WHO in 2014, with the last wild poliovirus case reported in 2011.

PYQ:

[2016] ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:

(a) immunization of children and pregnant women

(b) construction of smart cities across the country

(d) New Educational Policy

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International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) Mission

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: JUICE Mission

Why in the News?

European scientists are preparing to execute a first-of-its-kind ‘Double Slingshot’ orbital maneuver to guide the JUICE probe towards Jupiter using a double slingshot technique.

About JUICE Mission:

	Details
Launch	By European Space Agency (ESA) on April 14, 2023, Ariane 5 rocket To study Jupiter’s Moons
Aim	Investigating the potential for life on Jupiter’s moons and understanding the Jovian system
Mission Duration	Approximately 12 years Expected arrival at Jupiter in July 2031
Primary Objectives	Ganymede Exploration: Study its surface, subsurface, magnetic field, and potential subsurface ocean to assess habitability. Europa Exploration: Investigate the surface, subsurface, and potential ocean beneath the ice; analyze interactions with Jupiter’s magnetosphere to assess its potential to support life. Callisto Exploration: Study its surface, geological diversity, and possible subsurface ocean; understand its history of impacts and tectonic activity. Jupiter System Exploration: Analyze Jupiter’s atmosphere, magnetosphere, and their interactions with the moons; study the dynamics of the magnetosphere and its influence on the surrounding environment.
Key Instruments	JANUS: Jovis, Amorum ac Natorum Undique Scrutator (Optical Camera) RIME: Radar for Icy Moons Exploration J-MAG: JUICE Magnetometer MAJIS: Moons and Jupiter Imaging Spectrometer
Significance	First interplanetary spacecraft to the outer Solar System planets not launched by the United States First mission set to orbit a moon other than Earth’s Moon

What is the Double Slingshot Maneuver?

The JUICE probe will first use the moon’s gravity to set itself on the correct trajectory towards Earth.
Immediately after, it will use Earth’s gravity to slow down and redirect towards Venus and, eventually, Jupiter.

Significance of the Gravity Assist

This technique, used for decades in space exploration, involves using a planet or moon’s gravity to alter the speed or direction of a spacecraft.
It is unique as it involves back-to-back gravity assists using both the moon and Earth’s gravity, which has never been attempted before.

PYQ:

[2020] The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to

(a) Voyager-2

(b) New Horizons

(d) Evolved LISA

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

[pib] Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

Why in the News?

Many individuals, organizations, and zoos in India currently possess living specimens of exotic animal species listed under Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- These exotic species must be reported and registered as mandated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the PARIVESH 2.0 Portal.

Legal Framework for Reporting of Animals in Possession

The Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024, were notified under Section 49 M of the Wild Life (Protection) Act via a Gazette Notification on February 28, 2024.
Who Must Register: Any person or entity in possession of a living specimen of species listed in Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Failure to report and register these species within the stipulated time frame may result in penal actions.

About Schedule IV of the WPA

	Details
Protection Level	Provides legal protection to species, prohibiting their hunting, capture, or trade. Protection is less stringent compared to Schedules I & II.
Offenses and Penalties	Violations can lead to fines and imprisonment, but penalties are generally less severe than those for species in higher schedules.
New Amendment (2022)	The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, inserted a new Schedule IV for specimens listed in the CITES Appendices.
Examples of Species	Flamingos, Hares, Falcons, Kingfishers, Magpie, and Horseshoe Crabs.
Purpose	Ensures legal protection to prevent exploitation and population decline of species that are not critically endangered but still need protection.
General Protection Role	Plays an important role in broader conservation efforts, offering safeguards to a wider range of species in India.

PYQ:

[2020] If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?

(a) A licence in required to cultivate that plant.

(b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.

(d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.

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Innovation Ecosystem in India

What is Quantum Non-Locality?

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Quantum Non-Locality

Why in the News?

A recent study published in Physical Review Letters by Indian researchers has revealed that a universal standard for measuring quantum non-locality is impossible.

What is Quantum Nonlocality?

Quantum Nonlocality is a mysterious connection between distant objects that challenges the classical idea of local realism, where no faster-than-light communication is allowed.
It’s crucial for technologies like secure communication, random number generation, and cryptographic key creation.

Easy Explanation:

- Imagine two particles that are created together and then move far apart, even to opposite ends of the universe.
- In classical physics, any effect on one particle would need a signal to travel to the other, taking time.
- But in quantum physics, Quantum Nonlocality means these particles are instantly connected, affecting each other no matter the distance, as if linked by an invisible thread that works faster than light.

Historical Background: Bell’s Theorem (1964)

Physicist John Stewart Bell introduced a theorem that challenged the classical idea of ‘local realism’ in quantum systems.
- Local Realism: In classical physics, objects are believed to have definite properties independent of observation and are only influenced by their immediate surroundings.
- Quantum Challenge: Bell demonstrated that in quantum systems with multiple, distant parts, correlations appear that cannot be explained by local realism.
Bell’s theorem was confirmed through experiments, leading to the recognition of quantum nonlocality, which was honored with the 2022 Physics Nobel Prize.

Recent Research and Findings

The research demonstrates that a universal standard for measuring and comparing quantum nonlocality is impossible.
- It shows that the nature of nonlocality varies based on the type of correlation, with infinite unique points on the correlation boundary.
- There is no single, universal resource in the realm of quantum nonlocality; instead, each nonlocal resource is unique, capable of performing specific tasks that others cannot.

This observation plays a key role in secure communication, random number certification, and cryptographic key generation.

PYQ:

[2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

(a) Cloud Services

(b) Quantum Computing

(d) Wireless Communication Technologies

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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

What is the Hayflick Limit?

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: Hayflick Limit

Why in the News?

Leonard Hayflick, the renowned biomedical researcher who made a discovery about the limits of cell division in somatic cells (Hayflick Limit) has passed away at 98.

What is the Hayflick Limit?

In the early 1960s, Hayflick discovered that somatic (non-reproductive) cells have a finite number of divisions, typically between 40-60 times.
This phenomenon, the ‘Hayflick limit’ suggests that aging occurs because cells eventually stop dividing.
- This leads to the accumulation of senescent cells that contribute to the aging process.
The “ultimate Hayflick limit” for humans is estimated to be around 125 years.
Beyond this, no amount of lifestyle changes or medical interventions can extend the human lifespan.

Hayflick’s discovery has been applied to cells from various animals, revealing different Hayflick limits based on species’ lifespans.
Ex. Galapagos turtles, have cells that can divide approximately 110 times, whereas laboratory mice have a much lower limit of around 15 divisions.

Broader Implications and Research

Hayflick’s discovery led to the discovery of telomeres in the 1970s.
- Telomeres are protective DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes, which shorten with each cell division.
When telomeres reach a critical length, cell division stops, which correlates with the Hayflick limit.
In the 1980s, scientists discovered telomerase, a protein capable of replenishing telomeres, which is naturally active in cancer cells, allowing them to bypass the Hayflick limit.

PYQ:

[2011] Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health and promote longevity?

(a) They activate the enzymes necessary for vitamin synthesis in the body and help prevent vitamin deficiency

(b) They prevent excessive oxidation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body and help avoid unnecessary wastage of energy

(d) They activate certain genes in the cells of the body and help delay the ageing process

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

What is a Waterspout?

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Waterspout

Why in the News?

A yacht sank off the coast of Sicily, Italy after being hit by a Waterspout.

What are Waterspouts?

A waterspout is a rotating column of air and mist over a water body.
It is a weaker relative of tornadoes and typically lasts for about five minutes, although it can occasionally last up to 10 minutes.
Size and Strength:
- Average diameter: Around 165 feet.
- Wind speeds: Can reach up to 100 km/hr.
Waterspouts are more common in tropical waters but can form anywhere with high humidity and relatively warm water temperatures compared to the overlying air.

Types of Waterspouts:

Tornadic Waterspouts

1. - These are actual tornadoes that either form over water or move from land to water.

They are associated with severe thunderstorms and can be accompanied by high winds, large hail, and dangerous lightning.

Fair-Weather Waterspouts:

- These are more common and form only over water during fair weather.
- They are generally smaller and less dangerous than tornadic waterspouts.

PYQ:

[2020] Consider the following statements:

1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.

2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.

3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings.

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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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

What is Orangutan Diplomacy?

Criticisms:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Impact of two initiatives on Domestic Industry:

Status of Indian Pharma

What are Biosimilar guidelines?

Status Biosimilars:

Outdated Biosimilar Guidelines in India:

Way forward:

Why in the News?

About Tera Hertz (THz) Spectrum

Impact of recent recommendation:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Shiveluch Volcano

Why in the News?

What is Vaccine-Derived Polio?

About Polio:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About JUICE Mission:

What is the Double Slingshot Maneuver?

Significance of the Gravity Assist

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Legal Framework for Reporting of Animals in Possession

About Schedule IV of the WPA

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Quantum Nonlocality?

Historical Background: Bell’s Theorem (1964)

Recent Research and Findings

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the Hayflick Limit?

Broader Implications and Research

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What are Waterspouts?

Types of Waterspouts:

PYQ: