Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: TCAS-Kavach
Mains level: Rail mishaps prevention
Central Idea
- The tragic train collision in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, resulting in 14 fatalities and 50 injuries, highlights the critical importance of implementing Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS).
- In this case, the indigenous TCAS known as ‘Kavach’ was not in place on the route where the collision occurred, emphasizing the need for enhanced railway safety measures.
What is TCAS-Kavach?
- Cab Signalling System: Kavach serves as a cab signalling train control system with anti-collision capabilities, acting as a vigilant guardian of the existing signalling infrastructure.
- Development: Developed over a decade, starting in 2012, by the Indian Railways Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO).
- Warning Mechanism: Kavach is designed to alert the locomotive pilot if they fail to notice a ‘red signal’ and continue at a speed that would surpass the signal. If the pilot does not slow down below 15 kilometres per hour, Kavach automatically applies the brakes, bringing the train to a halt.
Deployment of Kavach
- Components: The Kavach setup involves three key components: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in the tracks, RFID readers, computers, and brake interface equipment in locomotives, and radio infrastructure including towers and modems at railway stations.
- Intercommunication: These components communicate with each other, enabling real-time monitoring of train movements and the transmission of signals to locomotives. Visual interferences, such as hilly terrain or haze, do not affect their functionality.
- Antenna Communication: Locomotives are equipped with antennas that communicate with towers at railway stations and display warnings to the driver on their monitor.
Preventing Accidents with Kavach
- Testimonial Evidence: Union Railway Minister test ride of Kavach demonstrated its effectiveness in averting accidents. Two trains moving towards each other on the same track at high speed were stopped 400 meters short of collision as Kavach applied automatic brakes.
- Human Error: The Andhra Pradesh train accident was attributed to the deceased loco pilot’s ‘human error.’ Had Kavach been in place, it could have warned the pilot about overshooting the red signal and applied emergency brakes, potentially avoiding the accident.
Cost and Implementation Challenges
- Deployment Cost: Implementing Kavach costs ₹50 lakh per kilometer for the Indian Railways.
- Coverage: Currently, Kavach covers only 1,500 kilometers of rail routes, a small fraction of the total 68,000-kilometer network. Expanding its coverage, particularly on high-density routes, remains a formidable challenge.
- Budget Allocation: The Indian Railways has allocated ₹4,000 crore under the Signalling and Telecom budget, including ₹2,000 crore from the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) fund for Kavach implementation.
- Slower pace: However, the limited allocation may result in gradual progress, with only about 2,500 to 3,000 kilometers of installation expected during the year.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: H. pylori
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Indian researchers have developed a groundbreaking two-step PCR-based assay for detecting Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, determining clarithromycin resistance, and distinguishing drug-sensitive strains.
- This molecular diagnostic tool reduces the detection time from weeks to just six-seven hours and exhibits remarkable accuracy, boasting 100% sensitivity and specificity.
About H. Pylori Detection
- Helicobacter pylori, often abbreviated as H. pylori, is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine.
- It is a common bacterial infection associated with various gastrointestinal conditions, including gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) and peptic ulcers (sores or lesions in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine).
Why discuss this?
- Increasing Resistance: India faces a growing challenge of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori strains, resulting in decreased treatment efficacy.
- Asymptomatic Infections: While most H. pylori infections are asymptomatic, 10–15% of cases lead to peptic ulcer disorders or stomach cancer.
- Prevalence in India: H. pylori infections affect 60-70% of the Indian population, acquired in childhood and persisting if not treated.
- Gastric Cancer Risk: H. pylori infection is a significant risk factor for gastric cancer.
Understanding Drug Resistance Mechanism in H. Pylori
- Genome Sequencing: Researchers identified a point mutation (A to G mutation at position 2143) in the 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene as the cause of clarithromycin resistance.
- Confirmation: They isolated and transferred the 617 base pairs containing the mutation to drug-sensitive bacteria, which became resistant, confirming the mutation’s role.
- Published Findings: The study’s results were published in the journal Gut Pathogens.
- Exploring Binding Affinity: Bioinformatics analysis revealed that drug-resistant strains had weaker binding affinity to clarithromycin compared to drug-sensitive strains.
- Impact of Weak Binding: Weaker binding limits the drug’s penetration into bacteria, rendering it ineffective against resistant strains.
Development of the PCR-Based Assay
- Biopsy Samples: The DNA template used for the assay was prepared by amplifying a small segment containing the point mutation directly from biopsy samples.
- Validation: DNA templates from cultured bacteria were compared with those from biopsy samples to validate their accuracy.
- Two-Step PCR: The assay employs a two-step PCR approach to detect H. pylori infection and differentiate resistant from sensitive isolates.
- Allele-Specific Primers: Resistant-specific and sensitive-specific primers exploit the point mutation for selective amplification.
- High Accuracy: Evaluation against conventional methods and sequencing analysis demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Enemy Property, Butler Palace
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Lucknow’s iconic Butler Palace, an Enemy Property on the banks of the Gomti River, is set to undergo a remarkable transformation after decades of abandonment and obscurity.
About Butler Palace
- Official Residence: Butler Palace was originally commissioned in 1915 as the official residence of the Avadh Commissioner, Harcourt Butler.
- Ownership by the Raja: It later came under the ownership of the rajas of Mahmudabad, a family with roots tracing back to the 13th century and a history of allegiance to the Mughals.
- Partition and Dispute: After India’s partition, Raja Mohammed Amir Ahmad Khan migrated to Pakistan, while his son, Mohammad Amir Mohammad Khan, stayed in India. Legal disputes over properties, including Butler Palace, ensued.
Genesis of Enemy Property
- Post-War Migration: The origins of enemy property can be traced back to the aftermath of the India-Pakistan wars in 1965 and 1971, which led to the migration of people from India to Pakistan.
- Defence of India Rules: Framed under The Defence of India Act, 1962, these rules empowered the Indian government to assume control of properties and companies owned by individuals opting for Pakistani nationality.
- Custodian of Enemy Property: The central government vested these “enemy properties” in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI).
- Similar Instances: A parallel situation emerged concerning property left behind by individuals who relocated to China after the 1962 Sino-Indian war.
- Tashkent Declaration: A pivotal development occurred with the Tashkent Declaration in 1966, where India and Pakistan agreed to discuss the return of properties and assets seized by either side during the conflicts.
- Pakistan’s Disposition: Notably, the Government of Pakistan disposed of all such properties within its territory in 1971.
Legal Framework for Handling Enemy Property
- Enemy Property Act, 1968: Enacted in 1968, this legislation established the continuous vesting of enemy property in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI) under the Home Ministry.
- Scope of Properties: The CEPI, acting on behalf of the central government, oversees a range of enemy properties spread across multiple states. This includes both immovable and movable assets, such as shares and gold.
- Amendment in 2017: Parliament passed The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2016, which introduced amendments to The Enemy Property Act, 1968, and The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.
Scale and Geographic Distribution
- Vast Inventory: India currently hosts a significant inventory of 12,611 enemy properties, collectively estimated to be worth over ₹1 lakh crore.
- Revenue Generation: The government has generated revenue exceeding ₹3,400 crore by disposing of enemy properties, predominantly involving movable assets like shares and gold.
- Immovable Properties: Interestingly, no immovable enemy properties have been sold to date.
- Origin Breakdown: Out of the 12,611 properties under CEPI’s purview, 12,485 were associated with Pakistani nationals, while 126 were linked to Chinese citizens.
- Regional Distribution: Uttar Pradesh leads with the highest number of enemy properties (6,255), followed by states like West Bengal, Delhi, Goa, Maharashtra, and others. Notably, several states across India have a share of enemy properties, underscoring the broad geographical scope.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Direct Listing, IPO
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In a landmark move, the Indian government has opened doors for select Indian companies to directly list on designated foreign stock exchanges.
- This strategic decision aims to provide these companies with access to global capital markets and boost capital outflows, marking a significant step in India’s financial evolution.
Direct Listing vs. Initial Public Offers (IPO)
|
IPO |
Direct Listing |
| Share Issuance |
New shares are created and sold. |
No new shares are created or sold. |
| Underwriters |
Typically involves underwriters. |
No underwriters involved. |
| Price Determination |
Price determined through negotiations. |
Market-driven pricing at launch. |
| Lock-Up Period |
Common for insiders post-IPO. |
Typically no lock-up period. |
| Regulatory Compliance |
Extensive financial disclosures. |
Regulatory requirements met. |
| Capital Raising |
Primary goal is to raise capital. |
Provides liquidity to shareholders. |
Implementation of Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020
- Government Notification: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) recently issued a notification, effectively putting into action the provisions outlined in the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020.
- Key Enabler: This allows both listed and unlisted domestic companies to directly list their equity shares on the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Ahmedabad.
- Empowering Provision: Section 5 grants the central government the authority to permit specific classes of public companies to list specified classes of securities on foreign stock exchanges, including GIFT IFSC, Ahmedabad.
- Streamlined Procedures: The government retains the flexibility to exempt such listings from certain procedural requirements, such as prospectus, share capital, beneficial ownership, and dividend distribution.
Current Listing Mechanism for Foreign Bourses
- Depository Receipts: Previously, Indian companies desiring overseas listings relied on depository receipts, such as American Depository Receipts (ADR) or Global Depository Receipts (GDR). These receipts were issued to foreign investors through Indian custodians.
- Past Utilization: Between 2008 and 2018, 109 companies successfully raised Rs 51,847.72 crore via the ADRs/GDRs route. However, after 2018, no Indian company pursued overseas listings.
Advantages of Direct Foreign Listing
- Enhanced Fundraising: Direct foreign listing empowers domestic companies to access foreign markets for fundraising, offering improved valuations and exposure to foreign currencies like the US dollar.
- Startup and Unicorn Growth: This initiative may prove particularly beneficial for startups and unicorns, providing an additional avenue for capital raising and heightened global visibility.
- Boosting Forex Reserves: The move contributes to India’s foreign exchange reserves, strengthening the nation’s economic stability.
- Simplified Accounting: Indian Accounting Standards (IndAS) closely align with global accounting norms, reducing the need for extensive and costly accounting preparations following US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Challenges in Direct Foreign Listing
- Valuation Discrepancies: A key challenge lies in whether global investors will assign similar valuations as Indian markets. Assessing the commercial advantages of foreign listings will be a crucial consideration for Indian companies.
- Clarity and Details: More detailed information is essential. This includes clarity on eligible company classes, types of listed securities, permitted foreign jurisdictions and stock exchanges, and exemptions related to procedural compliance.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Graded Response Action Plan
Mains level: Air Quality Issues in Major Cities
Central Idea
- As Delhi-NCR and its environs grapple with worsening air pollution, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has gained prominence as a critical measure of air quality.
Understanding Air Quality Index (AQI)
- AQI measures how safe the air around you is for breathing. Organizations that report AQI measure the density of various pollutants in the air (such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, etc) at different monitoring stations.
- The widely-used National Air Quality Index (NAQI) given by the Central Pollution Control Board is a 24-hour average.
- Its unit is micrograms per cubic meter.
- A particular amount of one pollutant may not be as harmful as the same amount of another pollutant.
- So, each pollutant’s quantity in the air is adjusted to a common scale (say, 0 to 500) that works for all pollutants.
- Finally, the pollutant with the worst sub-index determines the AQI for that time and location.
Air Pollutants covered:
- Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2),
- Particulate Matter (size less than 10 µm) or PM 10
- Particulate Matter (size less than 2.5 µm) or PM2.5
- Ozone (O3)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Ammonia (NH3)
(Pollutants that most of us NEVER heard of-)
- Lead
- Benzene (C6H6)
- Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP)
- Arsenic(As)
- Nickel (Ni)
Influence on Government Policy
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): AQI plays a pivotal role in shaping government policies to combat air pollution. When AQI levels in areas like Delhi-NCR deteriorate, emergency measures, such as Stage 3 of GRAP, are activated.
- Immediate Action: For instance, the recent dip in AQI to the ‘severe’ category prompted immediate actions. Diesel four-wheelers not meeting BS-VI compliance were prohibited, and truck entry into Delhi was restricted. Petrol cars continued to operate under regular conditions.
About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
- The GRAP was conceived as a response to the alarming findings of a WHO study in 2014, which ranked Delhi as the most polluted city globally.
- In 2016, the Supreme Court (M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India Case) approved GRAP after multiple expert consultations.
- First GRAP was notified in January 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Implementation
- Starting in 2021, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has taken over the responsibility of implementing GRAP.
- Prior to 2021, the Supreme Court-appointed EPCA would instruct states to enforce GRAP measures.
- In 2020, the EPCA was disbanded and substituted with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
- The CAQM recommendations depend on the Air Quality Index (AQI) and meteorological predictions provided by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Revised measure implemented
| Air Quality Stage |
Range |
Measures to be implemented |
| Stage I (Poor) |
201-300 |
Enforce NGT/Supreme Court’s order on over-aged diesel/petrol vehicles. |
| Stage II (Very Poor) |
301-400 |
Implement rigorous actions to combat air pollution at identified hotspots. |
| Stage III (Severe) |
401-450 |
Impose strict restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles. Suspend physical classes in schools for primary grade children up to Class 5 in certain areas. |
| Stage IV (Severe Plus) |
>450 |
Prohibit the entry of four-wheelers registered outside Delhi, except for electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel vehicles. |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: White Hydrogen
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists searching for fossil fuels beneath northeastern France stumbled upon a vast reservoir of hydrogen.
- Initial calculations suggest that this deposit of “white hydrogen” is among the largest ever found, estimated to range from 6 million to 250 million metric tons, holding immense promise for clean energy applications.
Understanding White Hydrogen
- White hydrogen is a naturally occurring gas found within the Earth’s crust.
- While hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, it typically combines with other molecules.
- Hydrogen is hailed as a promising clean energy source for industries such as aviation, shipping, and steel production.
- Its combustion produces only water, making it a highly eco-friendly energy option compared to solar or wind energy.
Other types of Hydrogen
|
Obtained from |
Production Method |
Carbon Emissions |
| Green Hydrogen |
Water and renewable energy sources |
Electrolysis with renewables |
Very low to zero |
| Blue Hydrogen |
Natural gas |
Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) |
Reduced, but captured |
| Gray Hydrogen |
Natural gas |
Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) without CCS |
High |
Significance of the Discovery
- Shifting Paradigm: Historically, scientists believed that large-scale hydrogen production required lab-based processes. Hydrogen was categorized into different types based on their origin, such as gray, brown, blue, and green.
- Untapped Potential: White hydrogen, as a naturally occurring and abundant resource, offers a significant source of clean-burning energy.
- Natural and Cost-Effective: Unlike energy-intensive production methods, white hydrogen is naturally occurring and more cost-effective. Estimated costs for white hydrogen production are approximately $1 per kilogram, while green hydrogen costs around $6 per kilogram.
Back2Basics: Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) Process
SMR is the most widely used method for industrial hydrogen production, accounting for the majority of global hydrogen production.
- Feedstock: It uses methane (CH4) from natural gas as its primary feedstock, making it a cost-effective and readily available source of hydrogen.
- Reaction: SMR involves the reaction of methane with high-temperature steam (H2O) in the presence of a catalyst. The primary chemical reactions produce hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO).
- Endothermic Process: The reactions in SMR are highly endothermic, meaning they absorb a significant amount of heat energy, typically supplied through external heating.
- By-products: In addition to hydrogen and carbon monoxide, SMR also produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and unreacted methane.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Isthmus of Kra
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Thailand, with its distinctive geography resembling a plume of smoke rising from the sea, is considering a bold and historic project – the creation of an Isthmus of Kra Land Bridge.
- This project aims to revolutionize global trade routes and significantly impact Thailand’s economy.
About the Isthmus of Kra
|
Details |
| Location |
Southern Thailand, separating the Malay Peninsula |
| Width |
Approximately 44 km |
| Geographic Features |
Connects Andaman Sea (west) to South China Sea (east) |
| Strategic Importance |
Historical trade route; potential shortcut for maritime trade |
The Land Bridge Project: A Historical Dream
- Centuries-Old Idea: The dream of connecting Thailand’s two coasts across the Isthmus of Kra dates back to King Narai the Great of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1677.
- Early Efforts: British and French colonial interests led to surveys and studies in the 19th century to create a maritime channel through the isthmus.
- Modern Proposal: In 2021, Thailand introduced a new proposal, envisioning a land bridge instead of a canal.
Current Vision
- Reducing Shipping Distance: Thai PM envisions a 90-kmland bridge with road and rail networks, connecting deep-sea ports on both coasts.
- Strait of Malacca Alternative: This project could offer a shorter, safer, and cost-effective route, saving approximately 1,200 km and 2 to 3 days of travel compared to the congested Strait of Malacca.
- Economic Benefits: It aims to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce transport time, benefiting Thailand’s economy and its position in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
- Thailand’s proposal to create an Isthmus of Kra Land Bridge reflects its ambition to redefine global trade routes, boost its economy, and strengthen its role in Southeast Asia.
- While financial, geopolitical, and environmental challenges loom large, this project symbolizes Thailand’s determination to shape its future on the world stage.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNESCO Creative Cities Network
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Gwalior and Kozhikode from India are among the 55 new cities which have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
- Earlier, Srinagar was designated the creative city in the field of Crafts and Folk Arts.
Inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network
[A] Gwalior’s Musical Heritage
- Category: Gwalior, located in Madhya Pradesh, earned its spot in the ‘Music’ category, showcasing its rich musical heritage.
- Cultural Significance: Gwalior, home to the Gwalior Gharana and synonymous with musicians like Baiju Bawra and Tansen was acknowledged for being a popular destination for learning Indian classical music from musicians in the Guru-Shishya Parampara.
[B] Kozhikode’s Literary Excellence
- Category: Kozhikode, situated in Kerala, made its mark in the ‘Literature’ category, highlighting its literary achievements.
- Literary Legacy: Kozhikode carried the distinction of of being home to over 500 libraries.
About UNESCO Creative Cities Network
| Purpose |
To promote cooperation among cities for cultural and creative industries development |
| Initiation |
Established by UNESCO in 2004 |
| Seven Categories |
Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, Music, and Crafts & Folk Art |
| Member Cities |
Over 250 cities from around the world |
| Objectives |
Foster innovation, cultural diversity, and sustainable urban development |
| Activities |
Collaborative projects, cultural events, and initiatives |
| Selection Process |
Cities apply and are designated by UNESCO based on criteria related to creativity |
| Network Coordination |
UNESCO provides coordination and support |
| Impact |
Enhances cities’ cultural identity, economy, and international visibility |
| Other Indian Cities in UCCN |
- Srinagar- Crafts and Folk Arts (2022)
- Jaipur- Crafts and Folk Arts (2015)
- Varanasi- Creative city of Music (2015)
- Chennai- Creative city of Music (2017)
- Mumbai- Film (2019)
- Hyderabad- Gastronomy/Food (2019)
|
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CAR-T Cell Therapy
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- India has achieved a significant milestone in the field of cancer treatment with the approval of NexCAR19, its first indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy, by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- Developed by ImmunoACT, an incubated company of IIT Bombay, NexCAR19 is set to transform cancer treatment in India and make it more affordable.
What is CAR-T Cell Therapy?
- Revolutionary Approach: CAR-T cell therapy involves modifying T-cells, a type of white blood cell, into potent cancer-fighting cells.
- Targeting Cancer: These genetically enhanced cells are reintroduced into the patient’s body, where they identify and eliminate cancer cells, particularly effective against blood cancers like leukemia and lymphomas.
- Game-Changer: Unlike chemotherapy or immunotherapy, CAR-T therapy offers the potential for a cure and lifelong benefits, making it a transformative treatment option.
NexCAR19: India’s Indigenously Developed CAR-T Therapy
- NexCAR19 is designed to target cancer cells carrying the CD19 protein, a marker on cancer cells, enhancing precision in treatment.
- India joins a select group of nations with its own CAR-T and gene therapy platform, reducing dependence on imports.
- Initially approved for patients aged 15 and above with B-cell lymphomas who did not respond to standard treatments, leading to relapse or recurrence.
Effectiveness and Unique Features
- Approximately 70% of patients respond to NexCAR19 treatment, with some achieving complete remission.
- Lab and animal studies indicate lower drug-related toxicities, including reduced neurotoxicity and Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS).
- Trials for paediatric patients are underway at Tata Memorial Hospital, ensuring broader applicability.
Availability and Affordability
- ImmunoACT is in the process of securing licenses and partnering with hospitals, including Tata Memorial, Nanavati, Fortis, and Jaslok, across multiple cities.
- CAR-T therapy is expected to be available in a matter of weeks to a few months, pending final government approvals.
- Initially priced at Rs 30-40 lakh, ImmunoACT aims to eventually reduce the cost to Rs 10-20 lakh, making the therapy more accessible.
- Approval by regulatory agencies like CDSCO should lead to insurance coverage, but the extent may vary, and discussions with insurers and the government are ongoing.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Haemoglobin , RBCs
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- A groundbreaking study published in Nature has unveiled an unexpected revelation: haemoglobin is not exclusive to RBCs.
- Scientists from China have discovered that chondrocytes, the cells responsible for cartilage production, also produce haemoglobin, which appears vital for their survival.
- For decades, textbooks have taught that haemoglobin resides solely in red blood cells (RBCs), responsible for making blood red and transporting oxygen.
| Cartilage: A tough, flexible connective tissue found throughout the human body, providing structural support and reducing friction between bones. |
About Haemoglobin
| Fact |
Description |
| Definition |
A protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs. |
| Molecular Structure |
Composed of four subunits: two alpha-globin chains and two beta-globin chains. |
| Iron-Binding |
Each subunit contains an iron atom that binds to oxygen, forming oxy-hemoglobin. |
| Oxygen Transport |
Carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues and releases oxygen for cellular respiration. |
| Color |
Gives red blood cells their red color when oxygenated and appears bluish when deoxygenated. |
| Carbon Dioxide Transport |
Aids in transporting carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions from tissues back to the lungs for exhalation. |
| Hemoglobin Variants |
Different types of hemoglobin, with HbA being the most common. Variants can result from genetic mutations. |
| Hemoglobin Levels |
Vary by individual and are measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Normal levels range from 12 to 18 g/dL. |
| Hemoglobin Disorders |
Genetic disorders like sickle cell disease and thalassemia are characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production. |
| Iron Metabolism |
Adequate iron levels are essential for hemoglobin synthesis. Iron is a key component of heme in hemoglobin. |
| Fetal Hemoglobin |
Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) has a higher oxygen affinity and aids in oxygen transfer from mother to fetus. |
| Hemoglobin Tests |
Used for diagnosing anemia, assessing health, and monitoring medical conditions. |
| Oxygen Saturation |
Measured as the percentage of hemoglobin molecules bound to oxygen, often using a pulse oximeter. |
New Breakthrough: Haemoglobin Bodies (Hedy)
- Pathologists in China researching bone development, stumbled upon spherical structures resembling RBCs within chondrocytes.
- These structures, termed “haemoglobin bodies” or Hedy, contained haemoglobin and formed large, membraneless blobs, akin to phase separation in oil and water.
Functionality of Hedy
- Essential for Survival: Experiments on genetically modified mice revealed that chondrocytes without haemoglobin experienced cell death, emphasizing Hedy’s vital role.
- Oxygen Transport: Similar to RBCs, haemoglobin in chondrocytes likely serves as an oxygen store and supplier, preventing hypoxic stress (low-oxygen conditions) in cartilage cells.
Haemoglobin’s Broader Implications
- New Research Avenues: The discovery bridges gaps between haematology and skeletal biology, paving the way for further exploration into the relationship between haemoglobin and stem cell fate in growth plates.
- Potential for Joint Disease Insights: Functional haemoglobin in cartilage raises possibilities of its involvement in joint diseases and bone deformities, offering fresh insights into disease mechanisms.
Try this PYQ:
Excessive release of the pollutant carbon monoxide (CO) into the air may produce a condition in which oxygen supply in the human body decrease. What causes this condition?
(a) When inhaled into the human body, CO is converted into CO2
(b) The inhaled CO has much higher affinity for haemoglobin as compared to oxygen
(c) The inhaled CO destroys the chemical structure of hemoglobin
(d) The inhaled CO adversely affects the respiratory center in the brain
Post your answers here.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Akhaura-Agartala Rail Link
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Akhaura-Agartala rail connection has been launched. After nearly seven and a half decades, Bangladesh and northeastern India are set to re-establish rail connectivity through Tripura.
Akhaura-Agartala Rail Link
- This rail link stretches over 12.24 km, with a 6.78 km dual gauge rail line in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in Tripura.
- Akhaura junction, located in Bangladesh’s Brahmanbaria district, has historical ties with India’s northeastern region, dating back to the colonial era.
- The connection was originally constructed in the late 19th century to cater to Assam’s tea industry’s demand for access to the Chittagong port.
- The project gained momentum in 2010 when then-PM Manmohan Singh signed an agreement to rebuild the rail link during PM Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Delhi.
Significance of the project
- Multilevel connectivity: Akhaura is currently well-connected by rail, river, and road to several industrial areas in Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet.
- NE connectivity: The rail link to Agartala is expected to enhance connections between India’s northeast and Chittagong, facilitating the transportation of goods.
- Shortened Routes: The Akhaura link has the potential to significantly reduce travel time and distance for trains travelling to Tripura, southern Assam, Mizoram, Kolkata, and the rest of India, compared to the longer route via Guwahati and Jalpaiguri stations.
- Unique Event: This event is unique as it marks the first direct rail connection between Akhaura and Agartala, with the first trains anticipated to run between Nishchintapur and Gangasagar stations.
Commercial benefits
- Trade Expansion: The rail link is expected to boost India-Bangladesh trade in various sectors, including agriculture products, tea, sugar, construction items, iron and steel, and consumer goods, while also fostering people-to-people relationships.
- Expanded Connectivity: The Akhaura-Agartala rail route is seen as a significant initiative to enhance India’s connectivity with Southeast Asian regions, holding potential for regional economic growth.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mozambique LNG Project
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas recently undertook a significant diplomatic mission to review the $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique.
- This project, situated in the northern Cabo Delgado province, holds immense strategic importance for India’s quest for energy self-sufficiency.
Mozambique LNG Project
- Discovery in 2010: The project originated in 2010 with the discovery of substantial natural gas reserves off the northern Mozambique coast.
- Resource Abundance: The Area 1 block holds around 75 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of recoverable gas, promising a resource life of about 120 years with an initial production rate of 12.88 million tonnes of LNG per year.
- Indian Involvement: Three Indian public sector undertakings (PSUs) hold a 30% stake in the Mozambique LNG project.
- Strategic Location: Mozambique’s geographical proximity to India’s west coast, with numerous LNG terminals, enhances its significance as a preferred source for LNG supply.
- Meeting Indian Demand: India aims to increase the share of natural gas in its energy mix, with LNG imports playing a crucial role. India currently imports approximately 50% of its natural gas needs.
Challenges and Recent Developments
- Operational Halt: TotalEnergies suspended project operations due to security concerns in April 2021.
- Humanitarian Assessment: A humanitarian mission was conducted by Jean-Christophe Rufin in December 2022, recommending actions to address local issues.
- Indian Diplomatic Efforts: India has actively sought to engage project partners and restart the project since May 2023.
- Geopolitical Significance: India’s reliance on Qatar as a major LNG supplier faces challenges, making the Mozambique LNG project strategically important.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Moon's Age
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- For years, the moon’s age was believed to be around 4.42 billion years, but recent research challenges this notion.
- A study has used advanced technology called atom probe tomography (APT) to evaluate lunar sample 72255, which contained 4.2 billion-year-old zircon crystals.
Unveiling the Moon’s True Age
- Zircon’s Significance: Zircon is not only the oldest mineral on Earth but also holds crucial information about the formation of our planet.
- Lead Clustering Analysis: Using nanoscale spatial resolution, the scientists analyzed the clustering of lead within the samples, a common method to estimate the age of zircon in rocks.
- Revised Age: The study concludes that the moon likely formed approximately 4.46 billion years ago, within the first 110 million years of the solar system’s existence.
- Comparing Earth’s Age: Earth is estimated to be between 4.5 and 4.6 billion years old, making the moon slightly younger at approximately 4.46 billion years old.
Implications of Zircon and Lunar Formation
- Giant Impact Hypothesis: The researchers propose the giant impact hypothesis, suggesting that a celestial body named Theia, possibly Mars-sized, collided with Earth during its formation. This collision ejected debris, which coalesced to form the moon.
- Lunar Magma Ocean: This collision led to the formation of the Lunar Magma Ocean, influencing the moon’s interior composition.
- Preserved Zircon: Subsequent lunar surface bombardments reworked the earliest crust, leaving some zircon crystals modified and others preserved. Identifying these preserved zircon crystals provided insights into the moon’s age.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nanostructured Hard-Carbon Florets (NCF)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Scientists at IIT Bombay have achieved a groundbreaking development by creating a material known as Nanostructured Hard-Carbon Florets (NCF).
- This innovative material boasts an unparalleled solar-thermal conversion efficiency, surpassing 87%.
What is Nanostructured Hard-Carbon Florets (NCF)?
- NCF Development: It is a material capable of absorbing and storing an exceptional amount of heat energy.
- Stunning Efficiency: It exhibits an extraordinary solar-thermal conversion efficiency of over 87%, absorbing more than 97% of sunlight’s ultraviolet, visible, and infrared components.
- NCF Manufacturing: The material is manufactured through chemical vapor deposition, making it easily scalable and suitable for large-scale production.
Science behind NCF’s Efficiency
- NCF’s success lies in its unique structure, resembling interconnected carbon cones.
- This structure combines high photon thermalization (efficiently converting light into heat) with low phonon thermal conductivity (retaining heat without loss).
Applications of NCF
- Wide Range: NCF can be applied to diverse surfaces, including paper, elastomer, metal, and terracotta clay, making it adaptable for various contexts.
- Versatility: The generated heat can be efficiently transferred to air or water, making NCF ideal for smoke-free space heating, particularly beneficial in cold regions like Leh and Ladakh.
- Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective: Unlike conventional coatings based on heavy metals like chromium (Cr) or nickel (Ni), NCF coatings do not harm the environment
Beyond Solar Thermal Conversion
- Heating Rooms and Spaces: Hollow copper tubes coated with NCF can heat air to over 72 degrees Celsius, demonstrating potential applications in space heating.
- Efficient Water Vapor Conversion: NCFs have achieved an astonishing water vapor conversion efficiency of 186%, surpassing commercial solar stills.
- Sustainable Energy Solution: This groundbreaking technology provides a green solution to the global energy crisis, supporting the transition to sustainable energy sources.
- Commercialization and Recognition: The project is on the path to commercialization through the establishment of a company at IIT Bombay’s Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. It has received accolades and support, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the solar-thermal energy market in India and contribute to decarbonization.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kathaprasangam
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Kathaprasangam began as a medium to narrate stories of oppression, untouchability, and human resilience.
- Today, it finds a place of relevance and renewal in the digital age, captivating audiences, both young and old.
Kathaprasangam
- Kathaprasangam is a stage art form of Kerala, which was popular in the mid-twentieth century.
- Kathaprasangam owes its inception to Kumaranasan (1873-1924), a Malayalam poet who aimed to educate and inspire underprivileged sections of society.
- He sought to propagate the principles of Sree Narayana Guru and his poems.
- It started a century ago, touching on themes of oppression, untouchability, and human triumphs.
- It uses a blend of prose and song, accompanied by a harmonium and tabla, to retell stories.
- Young performers compete in this art form, earning marks that influence their promotions.
- It is celebrated for its ability to communicate with urgency and directness, addressing societal issues.
Relevance in Modern Context
- Kathaprasangam, born out of the fight against casteism and superstitions, holds even more significance today as religious identities are asserted with violence, posing a threat to societal harmony.
- While newer forms of entertainment have gained popularity, they still attract young audiences eager to learn and share stories using new media platforms.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Salt and its Heath Hazards
Mains level: Rising burden of NCDs in India
Central Idea
- Salt is an essential component of our diet, adding flavor to our food and serving vital bodily functions.
- However, excessive salt intake can lead to health issues, including high blood pressure.
Salt Intake in India
- In India, a recent national survey revealed that men consume 8.9 grams, while women intake 7.1 grams of salt daily (Prashant Mathur et al., Scientific Reports, 2023).
- While the World Health Organization recommends a daily salt intake of 5 grams, the global average is much higher at 10.8 grams.
Salt and Health Implications
- Diverse Health Effects: Extensive research in animals and human surveys consistently link high salt consumption to kidney, brain, vascular, and immune system diseases. Conditions such as kidney stones and osteoporosis are associated with excessive sodium intake.
- Global Impact: Excessive salt intake contributes to approximately five million deaths worldwide annually, underscoring the global health impact of salt-related health issues.
The Yanomami Example
- The Yanomami people, living in the Amazon rainforest, follow a foraging lifestyle and consume a diet primarily composed of Cassava, plantains, fruit, fish, and occasionally tapir.
- Interestingly, they use peppers for flavor but do not use salt.
- Their daily salt intake is less than one gram, yet they maintain excellent health and fitness.
Salt and Obesity Connection
- Balancing Act: While our bodies require salt for essential functions, excessive salt consumption can lead to health problems, including obesity.
- Metabolic Impact: High salt intake impairs metabolism and increases the size of adipocytes, the cells that store fat, contributing to obesity.
- Dietary Preferences: There is a connection between a preference for high-fat and salty foods. Experiments with mice showed that those exposed to high-fat diets during gestation preferred salty water.
Reducing Salt Intake and Blood Pressure
- Population Studies: Reducing salt intake by five to eight grams daily can lead to a 4 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, as demonstrated in population studies.
- Clinical Trials: Antihypertensive drugs, which lower blood pressure, show similar results, with an average reduction of 5 mmHg.
- Salt Alternatives: Replacing normal salt with a mixture of 75% sodium chloride and 25% potassium chloride reduced systolic blood pressure by 3.3 mmHg in a Chinese population study.
- Caution for Elderly: Reducing salt intake may pose risks for elderly adults, particularly if they are taking blood pressure medication, as it could lead to hypotension and falls.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: QR Code
Mains level: Food safety governance in India
Central Idea
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recommended the incorporation of QR codes on food products, a significant step toward ensuring food safety and accessibility, especially for visually impaired individuals.
- This move holds paramount importance in a country with one of the world’s largest markets for packaged foods and a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), largely driven by the consumption of pre-packaged foods.
QR Code move by FSSAI
- Comprehensive Data: QR codes will contain extensive product information, including ingredients, nutritional facts, allergens, manufacturing date, best before/expiry/use-by date, allergen warnings, and customer contact information.
- Compliance: This initiative aligns with the FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, emphasizing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
QR Code Origins
- Invention: QR codes, two-dimensional matrix barcodes, was invented in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave for labelling automobile parts.
- Enhancing Brand Image: For food manufacturers, QR codes offer advantages such as improving brand image, fostering customer loyalty, and enhancing operational efficiency.
Significance of the Initiative
- India’s Market Dynamics: India’s burgeoning market for packaged foods, coupled with a surge in NCDs, underscores the need for informed consumer choices.
- Consumer Rights: The initiative empowers consumers to make informed decisions and verify if the product aligns with its advertised attributes.
- Front-of-Pack Labelling: The FSSAI is urged to combine QR codes for visually impaired individuals with front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) warning labels, ensuring a comprehensive approach.
Global Trends in QR Usage
- Top Users: Countries like the U.S., India, France, and the U.K. are among the leading users of QR codes.
- Market Growth: The global packaged food market, estimated at $303.26 billion in 2019, continues to expand, with QR codes playing a pivotal role in providing consumers with essential product information.
- Consumer Preference: Consumers increasingly consider food packaging as important as the product itself, with QR codes serving as a technology that enhances information accessibility and influences buying behaviour.
Conclusion
- The introduction of QR codes on food products by the FSSAI is a crucial step toward enhancing food safety and ensuring consumers have access to comprehensive product information.
- In an era of rising health concerns and growing markets for packaged foods, this initiative empowers consumers to make informed choices and underscores the importance of clear food labelling.
- QR codes are emerging as a global trend, simplifying information access and improving consumer experiences.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SIM Swap Scam
Mains level: Phishing and other financial crimes
Central Idea
- In recent years, the SIM swap scam has emerged as a significant threat to individuals’ financial security.
- This fraudulent scheme exploits the link between physical SIM cards and banking applications, allowing scammers to gain access to victim’s bank accounts and personal information.
SIM Swap Scam: An Overview
- Exploiting Technological Advances: The SIM swap scam capitalizes on the integration of banking applications with phone numbers, enabling the generation of OTPs (One-Time Passwords) and the receipt of critical bank-related messages.
- Acquiring Personal Data: Scammers begin by collecting victims’ personal details, including phone numbers, bank account information, and addresses, often through phishing or vishing (voice phishing) techniques. Phishing involves sending malware-laden links through emails or messages to steal personal data.
- Forging Victim Identity: Armed with the stolen data, fraudsters visit a mobile operator’s retail outlet, impersonating the victim with forged ID proof. They falsely report the theft of the victim’s SIM card and/or mobile phone. As a result, they obtain a duplicate SIM card. Notably, fraudsters can secure a duplicate SIM even if the original is still functional. All activation messages and information are directed to the scammer rather than the victim.
Why do victims receive Missed Calls?
- Strategic Communication: In contrast to typical scams that involve tricking individuals into divulging OTPs and private data during phone calls, the SIM swap scam operates differently.
- Distraction Tactic: Fraudsters initiate missed calls to their targets, prompting victims to check their phones and potentially ignore network connectivity issues.
- SIM Exchange Execution: Perpetrators use these missed calls as a diversion while they execute the SIM swap. Once the SIM is swapped, fraudsters gain control over all calls and messages through the victim’s SIM, allowing them to initiate transactions unnoticed.
How do scammers withdraw money?
- Phishing Information: After acquiring personal data through phishing attacks, scammers use this information to access bank portals and generate OTPs required for fund withdrawal.
- OTP Access: Having control over the victim’s SIM card, fraudsters receive all OTPs, enabling them to authenticate transactions and steal money.
- Data Sources: Accused individuals purchase data from hackers involved in data breaches or from online portals. Data breaches often involve private companies losing vast amounts of customer data.
- Example: In April, Rentomojo, an electronics and furniture rental company, reported a data breach, acknowledging unauthorized access to customer data due to a cloud misconfiguration.
Arrests and Challenges
- Absence of Arrests: Delhi Police has not made any arrests related to the SIM swap scam. The accused effectively evaded capture by discarding duplicate SIMs and operating from multiple locations.
- Cryptocurrency Conversion: Stolen funds are often converted into cryptocurrency, making tracking Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency transactions impossible due to encryption.
Protecting Yourself from SIM Swap Fraud
- Stay Vigilant: Be cautious of vishing or phishing attacks and avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing sensitive information.
- Don’t Ignore Missed Calls: Don’t ignore missed calls or switch off your phone, especially if you receive multiple missed calls. Contact your mobile operator immediately if such activity occurs.
- Regularly Update Passwords: Change bank account passwords regularly for added security.
- Set Up Alerts: Register for regular SMS and email alerts for banking transactions to stay informed.
- Report Fraud: In case of fraud, promptly contact your bank authorities to block your account and prevent further fraud.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Credit Information Companies (CICs), Credit Score
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- When you apply for a loan, your credit score becomes a crucial factor. It’s determined by your debt and your history of repayments.
- In a significant move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued directives to credit information companies (CICs) regarding the transparency of accessing your Credit Information Report (CIR).
RBI’s Directive on CIR Access
- Notification to Customers: CICs are now mandated to notify customers via SMS or email when banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) access their Credit Information Report (CIR).
- Alerts on Default Information: Credit institutions, including banks and NBFCs, must also send SMS or email alerts to customers when they submit information to CICs regarding defaults or Days Past Due (DPD) on existing credit.
- Implementation Timeline: These new rules are set to take effect within six months.
Understanding Credit Information Companies (CICs)
- CIC Function: CICs maintain and analyze credit information of individuals and businesses, which is provided by banks and NBFCs.
- Credit Scores and Ranks: Based on this data, CICs calculate credit scores for individuals and credit ranks for companies to assess their creditworthiness and credit history.
- Impact on Loan Approval: A high credit score often leads to more favorable loan terms, while a low score, possibly due to previous loan defaults, can hinder loan or credit card approval.
Accessing Your Credit Score
- Payment Requirement: Typically, individuals can obtain their credit scores from CICs for a fee.
- RBI’s Directive: The RBI has now directed CICs to provide a “Free Full Credit Report (FFCR),” which includes the credit score, once every calendar year to individuals whose credit history is available with the CIC.
- Convenient Access: The link to access the FFCR must be prominently displayed on the CIC’s website for easy access.
Data Accuracy Concerns
- Correction of Data: If a customer believes that their credit information is incorrect, they can request a correction.
- Reason for Rejection: Banks and NBFCs are required to inform customers about the reasons for rejecting their data correction requests, facilitating a better understanding of the issues in the CIR.
CIC Accountability and Transparency
- Review of ‘Search & Match’ Logic: CICs must conduct a periodic review, at least semi-annually, of their ‘search & match’ logic algorithm used to generate borrowers’ CIRs.
- Root Cause Analysis: A “root cause analysis” of complaints should identify issues in the algorithm.
- Board Approval: Results and changes resulting from the analysis should be presented to the CIC’s Board of Directors for review.
- Timely Data Ingestion: CICs must ingest credit information data from banks and NBFCs within seven calendar days of receipt.
- Disclosure of Complaints: CICs are required to disclose details of complaints registered against them and credit institutions on their websites.
Conclusion
- RBI’s recent directives aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and consumer empowerment in the credit information ecosystem.
- Customers will receive alerts regarding access to their credit information, and CICs are encouraged to ensure data accuracy and promptly address customer concerns.
- These changes will likely improve the credit assessment process and provide individuals with better control over their financial data.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dark patterns advertising
Mains level: Consumerism Issues
Central Idea
- Due to complaints of deceptive practices by airlines and online travel agents, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has urged IndiGo to fix its website, which a government official termed a Dark Pattern “cybercrime.”
“Dark Patterns” in Airline Practices
- Deceptive Techniques: Airlines and online portals have been accused of employing “dark patterns” in their user interfaces, which manipulate consumers into purchasing products they did not intend to buy.
- Consumer Affairs Secretary’s Stance: The Consumer Affairs Secretary, Rohit Kumar Singh, defines “dark patterns” as tactics nudging consumers into unintended purchases, constituting unfair trading practices and possibly cybercrimes.
- Pervasive Issue: Approximately 10,000 complaints related to these practices have been lodged with the Ministry via the National Consumers Helpline over the past eight to nine months.
Manipulating Seat Selection
- IndiGo’s Practice: IndiGo Airlines, for instance, employs a tactic known as “false urgency,” creating a sense of urgency by implying that consumers must pay an extra fee (₹99 to ₹1,500) for seat selection during booking, portraying all free seats as unavailable.
- Transparency Issue: Passengers are not adequately informed that they will be auto-assigned free seats if they choose not to pay the extra fee.
- Obfuscation: The “skip” option, although present, is inconspicuously located, demonstrating “interface interference.”
Additional Unfair Practices
- SpiceJet’s Pressure for Insurance: SpiceJet’s website pressures passengers to purchase travel insurance by using alarming phrases like “I will risk my trip” if they opt out, playing on passengers’ fears.
- “Basket Sneaking” by MakeMyTrip: MakeMyTrip adds a convenience fee when customers reach the payment gateway after booking, a practice known as “basket sneaking.”
Draft Guidelines and Regulatory Perspective
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs Guidelines: These dark patterns have been defined in the draft guidelines released by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in September.
- DGCA’s Stance: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) permits “unbundling” airfares but emphasizes that these services must be offered on an “opt-in” basis, with clear descriptions without ambiguity.
- Parliamentary Committee Report: A parliamentary committee report urges transparency in seat-wise airfares, fair pricing mechanisms to ensure reasonable profit margins, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
Conclusion
- The crackdown on deceptive airline practices by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation signifies a push for transparency and fairness in the airline industry.
- The rise of “dark patterns” and other misleading tactics in online booking processes has raised concerns about consumer exploitation and cybercrimes.
- As the government takes action to address these issues, passengers may expect a more equitable and transparent air travel experience in the future.
Tap to read more about:
India’s Draft Guidelines on Dark Patterns
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now