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Type: Prelims Only

  • BPaL Trial yields 85% TB Cure Rate

    tb

    Central Idea

    • The interim results of a randomized phase-3/4 trial conducted in India to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of BPaL Regimen, an all-oral, short-course treatment are promising.
    • BPaL is administered for individuals with pre-XDR TB or treatment-intolerant/non-responsive MDR pulmonary TB

    What is BPaL?

    • The trial uses only three drugs—Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid (BPaL).
    • The treatment duration is only 26 weeks, contrasting with the conventional 18-month treatment involving eight to nine tablets per day.

    Trial Outcomes

    • It offered a significantly reduced number of tablets per day, resulting in better treatment adherence and improved outcomes.
    • Approximately 70% of the trial participants have completed the 26-week treatment, with a cure rate exceeding 85%.
    • In comparison, the cure rate for conventional treatment for DR-TB is 60-65% even with strict adherence.

    Treatment Superiority

    • Advanced TB Cases: The trial participants had advanced TB affecting both lungs, yet the cure rate was above 85%, demonstrating the superiority of the BPaL short-course therapy.
    • Importance of Early Diagnosis: Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment with the three-drug regimen can lead to even better outcomes for patients with pre-XDR TB.

    Issues with the treatment

    • Three to four trial participants experienced serious adverse effects, but these were either managed or occurred too late in the disease’s progression to be helped.
    • Some cases of mild adverse effects caused by linezolid included a drop in haemoglobin and platelet counts, as well as neuropathy (tingling sensation and numbness in the legs).

    TB Menace in India

    • Total TB Cases: In 2021, there were approximately 21.3 lakh (2.13 million) reported TB cases in India.
    • Incidence Rate: The incidence rate of TB in India in 2021 was 210 cases per lakh population.
    • Drug-Resistant TB: The number of drug-resistant TB cases in India declined from around 1.49 lakh in 2015 to 1.19 lakh in 2021.
    • Government Initiatives: To combat TB, India has set the target of eliminating the disease by 2025, and various initiatives have been implemented, including active case finding, screening, and improved access to diagnostic tests and treatment.

    Back2Basics:

    XDR TB (Extensively Drug-Resistant TB)

    Treatment-Intolerant/Non-Responsive MDR Pulmonary TB
    Resistant to most effective first-line and some second-line TB drugs. Patient cannot tolerate prescribed medications or infection does not respond to treatment.
    More dangerous and difficult to treat than MDR TB. Requires exploration of alternative treatment regimens.
    Limited treatment options, higher mortality, and increased transmission risk. Adjustments in drug combinations or dosages may be needed.
    Spreads rapidly, posing a serious public health threat. Crucial to prevent development of extensively drug-resistant strains.
    Requires preventive measures and early diagnosis. Identifying reasons for treatment intolerance and providing support.

     

  • China’s Use of Stapled Visas and its Implications for India

    stapled visa

    Central Idea

    • The issuance of stapled visas by China to Indian nationals from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir has been a contentious issue between the two countries.

    What is Stapled Visa?

    • A Stapled Visa is an unstamped piece of paper attached to the passport, different from a regular visa that is affixed and stamped.
    • China has been issuing stapled visas to Indian nationals from certain regions, notably Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, which are territories that China disputes with India.
    • By using stapled visas for residents of these regions, China is making a unilateral claim over the disputed territories, suggesting that it considers them as part of its own territory.

    China’s Dispute over Indian Territory:

    • Sovereignty Dispute: China disputes India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh and questions the legal status of the McMahon Line, the boundary agreed upon between Tibet and British India in 1914. This dispute underlies Chinese claims over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and its repeated border transgressions into Indian Territory.
    • Unilateral Claim: China claims approximately 90,000 sq km of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory, referring to it as “Zangnan” or “South Tibet.” Chinese maps often depict Arunachal Pradesh as part of China.

    Use of Stapled Visas:

    • Signaling Intentions: Chinese state media began referring to Arunachal Pradesh as “South Tibet” in 2005. In 2006, China refused to grant a visa to an Indian government official serving in Arunachal Pradesh. Subsequently, China started issuing stapled visas to all Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Timeline of Events: Stapled visas for Jammu and Kashmir residents appeared around 2008-09. Over the years, China repeatedly issued stapled visas to Indian nationals, including sports athletes, weightlifters, and archers, leading to tensions between the two countries.

    India’s Response and Stance

    • Protest and Diplomatic Efforts: The Indian government has consistently protested against the issuance of stapled visas and conveyed its stance to China, asserting that there should be no discrimination based on domicile or ethnicity in the visa regime for Indian citizens.
    • Refusal to Accept Stapled Visas: India has refused to accept stapled visas as valid travel documents and cautioned Indian citizens that such visas are not considered valid for travel out of the country.
    • Sovereignty Assertion: India firmly asserts its sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh and maintains that stapled visas undermine its territorial integrity.

  • Festivals in news: Muharram and Ashura

    muharram ashura

    Central Idea

    • For the first time in over three decades, the Jammu and Kashmir government permitted a Muharram procession in Srinagar, drawing thousands of Shia mourners on the 8th of Muharram.
    • The decision has been widely hailed.

    What is Muharram?

    • Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it holds significant religious and historical importance for Muslims worldwide.
    • The word “Muharram” itself means “forbidden” in Arabic, signifying the sacred nature of this month.
    • It is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which warfare and conflicts are traditionally prohibited.
    • It is observed by both Sunni and Shia Muslims (and even Hindus), though it holds different historical and religious significance for each group.

    Celebration of Ashura

    Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram and is the most significant day within the month.

    • Shia Muslims: They commemorate the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed’s grandson, Imam Hussain, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The prophet’s son-in-law, Ali, and Ali’s elder son, Hassan, are also remembered during this period as having suffered and died.  On Ashura, Shia Muslims observe unique mourning rituals, including self-flagellation, chest-beating, and in some cases, forehead cutting using sharpened knives and chains with attached blades. ‘Taziya’, a tableaux procession is also held by the Shia Community.
    • Sunni Muslims: Ashura marks the day when Prophet Moses and the Children of Israel were saved from Pharaoh’s tyranny by crossing the Red Sea.
    • Hindu community: Some Hindus also observe Muharram by getting themselves painted in tiger stripes, visiting households and performing “huli kunita” as part of their “harake” (vow).

    Ashura Celebration in Kashmir

    • Ban under Dogra Rulers: During the reign of Dogra rulers, Muharram processions were either prohibited or allowed only at night, citing tensions between Shia and Sunni communities.
    • 1920s: In the 1920s, despite the Dogra order for morning processions, mourners marched during the day, with both Shias and Sunnis joining the procession. This became associated with the Muslim freedom struggle in Kashmir.
    • Selective Permits: Later, certain individuals and families were issued permits to take out processions, but the main Muharram procession was banned when militancy began.

    Significance of allowing processions

    • The permission for the Muharram procession in Srinagar after a long ban is a significant milestone, signifying progress towards religious freedom in the region.
    • It emphasizes the need to respect the religious sentiments of the people and uphold the values of inclusivity and unity among different communities in the valley.

  • What is Offer-for-Sale (OFS)?

    Central Idea

    • The government’s stake sale in Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) through an offer-for-sale (OFS) received an enthusiastic response from institutional investors.

    About Offer for Sale (OFS)

    • OFS is a method of share sale introduced by India’s securities market regulator SEBI in 2012.
    • The primary aim was to facilitate promoters of listed companies to reduce their holdings and comply with the minimum public shareholding norms within the stipulated time frame.
    • This mechanism gained popularity among both state-run and private listed companies as a means to adhere to SEBI’s order.
    • Subsequently, the government also embraced OFS to divest its shareholding in public sector enterprises.

    Key Features of Offer for Sale:

    • Stake Dilution: In an OFS, the promoters of a company reduce their stake by selling existing shares to retail investors, companies, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), and Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) through an exchange platform.
    • Restriction on Fresh Issuance: Unlike a follow-on public offering (FPO), where companies can raise funds through issuing fresh shares or promoters can sell their existing stakes (or both), OFS is used exclusively for the sale of existing shares.
    • Eligibility Criteria: Only promoters or shareholders holding more than 10% of the share capital in a company can conduct an OFS.
    • Limited to Top 200 Companies: The OFS mechanism is available to the top 200 companies based on market capitalization.
    • Reserved Quota for Institutions: A minimum of 25% of the shares offered in an OFS is reserved for mutual funds (MFs) and insurance companies. Additionally, no single bidder, other than MFs and insurance companies, can be allocated more than 25% of the offering size.
    • Retail Investor Participation: A minimum of 10% of the offer size is reserved for retail investors, encouraging their participation in the share sale.
    • Discount Provision: Sellers have the option to offer a discount to retail investors either on the bid price or on the final allotment price.
    • Timely Notification: The company must inform the stock exchanges about its intention to conduct an OFS at least two banking days prior to the event.

  • Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC)

    Central Idea

    • The Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) was launched with 39 multinational corporations committing to resource efficiency and circular economy principles.

    What is RECEIC?

    • Foundation: The RECEIC, conceived during India’s G20 Presidency, is an industry-led initiative with a global focus on promoting resource efficiency and circular economy practices
    • Objectives: It aims to address environmental issues arising from waste, such as plastics, microplastics, e-waste, and chemical waste.
    • Participation: 39 multinational corporations from sectors such as steel, FMCG, and electronics joined RECEIC’s launch.
    • Leadership: The coalition will be industry-led, with the government playing a supporting role.
    • Focus: The coalition aims to address environmental challenges arising from different types of waste through resource efficiency and circular economy principles.
    • Presence: Ministers from Mauritius, Denmark, Italy, Canada, UAE, France, and the European Union attended the event.

    India’s measures in this regard

    • In 2021-22, India generated around 41 lakh tonnes of plastic waste, with 30 lakh tonnes allocated to registered recyclers and plastic waste processing units.
    • The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022, established Extended Producers’ Responsibility (EPR) guidelines to manage plastic waste effectively.
    • Plastic waste processors generated 2.6 million tonnes of EPR certificates, and purchased approximately 1.51 million tonnes of those certificates for 2022-23 obligations.

    Also read:

    [RSTV Archive] Circular Economy: Concept & Challenges

  • In news: Maitree Super Thermal Power Project

    maitree

    Central Idea

    • Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL), a state-owned engineering firm, achieved a major milestone in Bangladesh.
    • The 660-MW Unit-2 of the 1,320-MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) was successfully synchronized with the electricity grid in Bangladesh.

    Maitree Super Thermal Power Project

    • Location: The Maitree STPP is a 1,320-MW power plant situated at Rampal, Mongla, Bagerhat, Bangladesh.
    • Joint Venture: BHEL is responsible for setting up the power plant, which is a 50:50 joint venture between the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and NTPC Ltd.
    • Infrastructure Priority: The project serves as a symbol of successful cooperation between India and Bangladesh and is a priority infrastructure development initiative for Bangladesh.
    • Objective: The primary goal of the project is to establish a reliable and cost-effective base-load power production system in Bangladesh.

    BHEL’s Technological Prowess and Global Leadership:

    • The successful synchronisation of the 660-MW Unit-2 underscores BHEL’s expertise and technological prowess in the power sector.
    • This accomplishment further solidifies BHEL’s position as a leading global player in providing dependable and sustainable energy solutions.

  • [pib] Hematene Nanoflakes

    hematene

    Central Idea

    • Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery of nanoflakes of a material known as hematene, extracted from iron ore.
    • These nanoflakes have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in withstanding and shielding against high laser intensities.

    What is Hematene?

    • Hematene is a novel 2D material that has been derived from hematite (common iron ore).
    • It is a thin, single-layer material with unique properties that make it promising for various applications, especially in the field of optics.
    • Hematene nanoflakes have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in withstanding and shielding against high laser intensities, making them valuable for optical limiting applications.
    • The material’s stability and potential for futuristic technologies have garnered significant interest from researchers and scientists.

    How is it made?

    • Hematene is derived from naturally occurring hematite, the mineral form of iron oxide, through a process involving sonication, centrifugation, and vacuum-assisted filtration.
    • With a thickness of just 3 atoms, it exhibits improved photocatalysis efficiency.
    • Being ferromagnetic, like common magnets, it possesses magnetic properties.
    • Notably, it has the exceptional ability to withstand and provide shielding against high laser intensities.

    Applications of Hematene Nanoflakes

    • Optical Limiting: Hematene nanoflakes have demonstrated exceptional optical limiting capabilities, making them valuable in protecting sensitive optical equipment, such as sensors, detectors, and other optical devices, from high laser intensities.
    • Photodetectors: Hematene’s properties make it suitable for developing high-performance photodetectors, which are used to detect and convert light signals into electrical signals. This application has potential in telecommunications, imaging, and optical communications.
    • Energy Storage: Hematene can be explored for applications in energy storage devices, such as batteries and super-capacitors, due to its unique electronic and electrochemical properties.
    • Optoelectronics: The material’s properties make it suitable for optoelectronic devices, which involve the interaction of light and electricity, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photovoltaic cells.
    • Photothermal Therapy: Hematene’s ability to withstand and shield against high laser intensities may find applications in photothermal therapy, a medical technique that uses light to treat diseases like cancer.
    • Environmental Applications: Hematene’s stability and potential for use in various environments may make it valuable in environmental applications, such as water purification and pollution control.
    • Sensors: The material’s unique properties may be utilized in developing high-performance sensors for various applications, including gas sensing and environmental monitoring.
    • Catalysts: Hematene’s surface characteristics and electronic properties could be explored for catalytic applications, promoting chemical reactions in various industrial processes.

  • Full-Reserve Banking vs. Fractional-Reserve Banking

    bank

    Central Idea

    • Full-reserve banking, also known as 100% reserve banking, and fractional-reserve banking are two different systems of banking that determine how banks handle customer deposits and lending practices.
    • This article discusses the key differences between these two banking systems and the arguments put forth by proponents of each approach.

    What is Full-Reserve Banking?

    • Custodian Role: In a full-reserve banking system, banks hold all money received as demand deposits from customers in their vaults, acting as safekeepers of depositors’ funds.
    • Limited Lending: Banks can only lend money from time deposits, which customers can withdraw after an agreed-upon period.
    • Preventing Bank Runs: The full reserve ensures banks can meet depositor demands even if all customers seek to withdraw their money simultaneously, reducing the risk of a bank run.
    • Restricted Money Supply: Banks cannot create money through loans, limiting their influence on the economy’s money supply and potentially preventing artificial booms and busts.

    Contrary Idea: Fractional-Reserve Banking

    • Lending with Electronic Money: Banks in a fractional-reserve system predominantly lend in the form of electronic money, allowing them to lend more than the physical cash they have in vaults.
    • Risk of Bank Runs: Although electronic money minimizes cash withdrawals, excessive loans can lead to a bank run if depositors demand cash that exceeds the actual cash reserves.
    • Supporting Economic Growth: Proponents argue that fractional-reserve banking fuels investment and economic growth by allowing banks to create loans without relying solely on customer savings.

    Arguments for both systems

    • Fractional-Reserve Banking: Supporters believe fractional-reserve banking frees the economy from the constraints of real savings, stimulating investment and growth.
    • Full-Reserve Banking: Supporters argue that full-reserve banking is more natural, prevents bank runs, and limits banks’ ability to create money, which could prevent economic instability.

  • What is No-Confidence Motion?

    Central Idea

    • Opposition parties belonging to the new Alliance INDIA plan to move a no-confidence motion against the government to force the PM to speak on Manipur unrest.

    Motion of No-Confidence

    • In the Indian parliamentary system, a motion of no-confidence plays a crucial role in assessing the government’s strength and accountability.
    • This motion allows opposition parties or any member to express their lack of confidence in the Council of Ministers, leading to a significant political event.

    Procedure for No-Confidence Motion:

    • Rule 198: The procedure for a no-confidence motion is laid down under Rule 198 of the rules of procedure and conduct of the Lok Sabha.
    • Absence of Grounds: Such does not require specific grounds to be mentioned in the motion, and even if mentioned, these grounds do not form part of the motion.
    • Lok Sabha Exclusive: It can only be moved in the Lok Sabha and not in the Rajya Sabha.
    • Written Notice: Any member of the Lok Sabha can move a no-confidence motion by providing a written notice before 10 am.
    • Acceptance and Discussion: For the motion to be accepted, a minimum of 50 members must support it. Once accepted, the Speaker announces the date for the motion’s discussion within 10 days.
    • Voting: Voting can be conducted through a voice vote, division vote (using electronic gadgets, slips, or a ballot box), or a secret ballot vote.

    Implications of Voting

    • Majority Decision: Following the vote, the side with the majority determines the motion’s outcome.
    • Speaker’s Role: In the event of a tie, the Speaker casts the deciding vote to resolve the impasse.

    Outcomes

    • Government Resignation: If the government fails to prove its majority in the House, it is obligated to resign from power.
    • Political Impact: A successful no-confidence motion can lead to significant political changes and reshuffling of the government.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q. Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:

    1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
    2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”wqb9321gz5″ question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

  • How are films Certified in India?

    Central Idea

    • Union Information & Broadcasting Minister has expressed displeasure with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over its approval of the Hollywood film “Oppenheimer.”
    • The Minister has reportedly asked officials to remove a particular scene from the movie that has generated controversy on social media.

    Understanding the CBFC

    films

    • Role: The Central Board of Film Certification is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, responsible for regulating the public exhibition of films in India under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
    • Certification Requirement: Films can be screened in India only after receiving certification from the Board.
    • Composition: The CBFC comprises a Chairperson and members appointed by the Central Government. There are nine Regional Offices with Advisory Panels to assist in the examination of films.

    Film Certification Process

    • Examining Committee: After submitting all film materials and requisite fees, a regional officer forms an Examining Committee to view the film. For short films (shorter than 72 minutes), the committee includes a CBFC officer and one advisory panel member, with at least one being a woman. For long films (longer than 72 minutes), at least two committee members must be women.
    • Certification Recommendations: Each committee member provides a written report with their recommendations for modifications and classification of the film.
    • CBFC Decision: The Chairperson reviews the committee’s reports and initiates further procedures based on their recommendations.

    Types of Certifications:

    1. Unrestricted Public Exhibition (U)
    2. Parental Guidance for children below age 12 (U/A)
    3. Adult (A)
    4. Viewing by specialized groups (S)

    Controversies and Appeals

    • Suggested Changes: CBFC may suggest modifications or excisions in the film before granting certification. Applicants dissatisfied with the certification or suggested changes can apply to the Revising Committee.
    • Revising Committee: The Revising Committee consists of the Chairperson and up to nine members from the board and advisory panel.
    • Appellate Tribunal: If disagreements persist, the Appellate Tribunal, an independent body, can be approached.