From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Human Pangenome Map
Mains level: Genetic studies
Central Idea
A study published in the Nature journal presents a pangenome reference map built using genomes from 47 anonymous individuals.
The individuals included in the study are from various regions, including Africa, the Caribbean, Americas, East Asia, and Europe.
Understanding Genomes and Reference Genomes
The genome refers to the collection of all genes and regions between genes found in our chromosomes.
Each chromosome is composed of millions of nucleotides (A, T, G, and C) arranged in different combinations.
Genome sequencing helps understand genetic diversity and susceptibility to diseases.
A reference genome is a map used to compare newly sequenced genomes and identify differences.
The first reference genome, created in 2001, had limitations and did not represent human diversity accurately.
What is Pangenome Map?
The new study focuses on building a pangenome map, which is a graph representing genetic diversity among individuals.
Pangenome maps use long-read DNA sequencing technologies to assemble sequences accurately.
Importance of Pangenome Map
Although humans are more than 99% similar in their DNA, there is still a 0.4% difference between individuals.
A complete and error-free pangenome map helps understand genetic differences and human diversity.
It aids in identifying genetic variants linked to health conditions, such as the discovery of 150 new genes associated with autism.
The current pangenome map lacks representation from certain populations, including Indians.
Implications for Indian Genomes
The pangenome map, despite not including Indian genomes, will assist in mapping Indian genomes against existing reference genomes.
Future pangenome maps with Indian genome data will provide insights into disease prevalence, rare gene discovery, diagnostic methods, and drug development.
Key Terminologies
Genome: The complete set of genes and regions between genes in an organism.
Reference Genome: A map used to compare newly sequenced genomes and identify differences.
Pangenome: A graph representing genetic diversity among individuals rather than a linear sequence.
Nucleotides: The building blocks of DNA (A, T, G, C).
Long-Read DNA Sequencing: A technology that produces longer and contiguous DNA strands for more accurate sequencing.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Neh Pema Shelphu Shrine
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
The landowner of a disputed area in Arunachal Pradesh has demanded either compensation from Army for a land where Army has built Gurdwara near the Neh Pema Shelphu Shrine.
Neh Pema Shelphu Shrine
It is a holy shrine located in the Mechukha Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.
It holds significant religious importance for the local Memba Buddhist community.
The shrine is believed to have been sanctified by Guru Padmasambhava, a prominent figure in Tibetan Buddhism, during his exploration of the area in the 8th century AD.
It has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for the Memba people since 1274 AD, according to historical records.
It attracts hundreds of Buddhists who visit the shrine annually during a pilgrimage in March.
Why in news?
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee claimed the shrine associated with Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru, in Arunachal Pradesh has been turned into a Buddhist shrine.
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Depository Receipts (GDRs)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: Tata Consumer Products has announced its decision to delist its global depository receipts (GDRs) from the London Stock Exchange and Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
What are GDRs?
GDRs are financial instruments used by companies to raise capital from international investors.
They represent a bundle of shares in the company and are typically listed and traded on international stock exchanges.
GDRs provide a way for companies to access global capital markets and attract investments from foreign investors without directly listing their shares on multiple stock exchanges around the world.
GDR Regulation in India
In India, GDRs can be issued by Indian companies that meet the eligibility criteria set by the SEBI.
SEBI sets guidelines and regulations for companies wishing to issue GDRs typically include the following:
Listing: The company must be listed on a recognized stock exchange in India.
Track Record: The company should have a track record of profitability for a certain period as specified by SEBI.
Good Corporate Governance: The company must comply with corporate governance norms and disclose relevant financial and non-financial information.
Regulatory Compliance: The company must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those related to securities and foreign exchange.
Approval from Regulatory Authorities: The company needs to obtain necessary approvals from SEBI and other relevant authorities for the issuance of GDRs.
Need for GDR
Capital Raising: GDRs offer a means for companies to raise capital from international investors, helping them finance investments, expansion projects, acquisitions, or debt repayment.
Global Investor Base: GDRs allow companies to access a diverse range of international investors, including institutional investors, hedge funds, and retail investors, thereby expanding their shareholder base.
Cost Efficiency: GDRs can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods of listing shares on multiple exchanges, as they enable companies to tap into global capital markets without the need for separate listings in different countries.
Simplified Trading and Settlement: GDRs facilitate easy trading and settlement for international investors, as they eliminate the need to navigate local market regulations and procedures.
Risk Mitigation: GDRs can provide a degree of risk mitigation for companies by reducing their exposure to local market fluctuations and volatility, as they offer access to a more diversified investor base.
Arbitrage Opportunities: GDRs can create arbitrage opportunities for investors who can exploit price discrepancies between the GDRs and the underlying shares listed on the domestic stock exchange.
Benefits offered
Access to Global Capital: GDRs enable Indian companies to access a larger pool of international capital and diversify their funding sources beyond domestic markets.
Increased Liquidity: Listing GDRs on international exchanges provides Indian companies with broader exposure and enhances the liquidity of their shares, as they become accessible to a wider range of investors.
Enhanced Global Visibility: GDRs help raise the profile of Indian companies on a global scale, increasing their visibility and attracting the attention of international investors and analysts.
Currency Diversification: GDRs can also provide an opportunity for Indian companies to diversify their exposure to foreign currencies, as GDRs are often denominated in a currency other than the company’s home currency.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Arsenic Poisoning
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: A recent peer-reviewed study suggests that even low levels of arsenic consumption can affect cognitive function in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Arsenic Contamination
Arsenic is a highly toxic element naturally present in the environment.
Contaminated water, particularly groundwater, is a major source of arsenic exposure.
Long-term arsenic exposure can lead to various health issues, including cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and negative impacts on cognitive development.
Menace in India
Arsenic contamination in groundwater is one of the most crippling issues in the drinking water scenario of India.
According to the latest report of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), 21 states across the country have pockets with arsenic levels higher than the BIS stipulated permissible limit of 0.01 milligram per litre (mg/l).
The states along the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) river basin — Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Assam — are the worst affected by this human-amplified geogenic occurrence.
In India, arsenic contamination was first officially confirmed in West Bengal in 1983.
Close to four decades after its detection, the scenario has worsened.
About 9.6 million people in West Bengal, 1.6 million in Assam, 1.2 million in Bihar, 0.5 million in Uttar Pradesh and 0.013 million in Jharkhand are at immediate risk from arsenic contamination in groundwater.
Key findings of the recent study
(1) Arsenic impact on behaviour
The study found that individuals exposed to arsenic had reduced grey matter and weaker connections within key regions of the brain associated with cognitive functions.
Chronic exposure to arsenic could have significant consequences at a population level, leading to increased school failures, diminished economic productivity, and higher risks of criminal and antisocial behavior.
(2) Arsenic Exposure and Socioeconomic Factors
As previous studies have shown, arsenic exposure is particularly harmful to the poor.
The recent study reaffirms that economically and nutritionally disadvantaged individuals experience greater cognitive impairment from arsenic exposure.
The impact of arsenic on impairing cognition is more pronounced at a collective level rather than at an individual level.
Government Initiatives to address Arsenic Contamination
Governments in Bihar and West Bengal have taken steps to address arsenic contamination since the 1990s.
Strategies include promoting piped water access, installing arsenic removal plants, and encouraging groundwater extraction from deeper aquifers with lower arsenic levels.
The goal is to minimize arsenic exposure and mitigate its health impacts in affected regions.
Possible solutions
Some of the management options include
Uses of surface water sources
Exploring and harnessing alternate arsenic-free aquifer
Removal of arsenic from groundwater using arsenic treatment plants/filters
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Central Idea: The Centre has amended rules under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) Rules, bringing international credit card spends under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
Changes introduced
Credit card spends outside India now fall under the LRS, allowing for the application of a higher TCS rate.
The amendment removes the exclusion of credit card transactions from the LRS, which was previously covered under Rule 7 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transaction) Rules, 2000.
The changes do not apply to payments for the purchase of foreign goods/services from India.
What is Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)?
LRS is a facility provided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to resident individuals to remit funds abroad for permitted current or capital account transactions or a combination of both.
The scheme was introduced in 2004 and has been periodically reviewed and revised by the RBI.
Under the scheme, resident individuals can remit up to a certain amount in a financial year for permissible transactions including education, travel, medical treatment, gifts, and investments in equity and debt securities, among others.
The limit for LRS is currently set at USD 250,000 per financial year.
Eligibility for LRS
LRS is open to everyone including non-residents, NRIs, persons of Indian origin (PIOs), foreign citizens with PIO status and foreign nationals of Indian origin.
The Scheme is NOT available to corporations, partnership firms, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), Trusts etc.
Benefits provided by LRS
LRS is an easy process that anyone can use to transfer money between two countries.
It’s especially useful for businesses because they can use it to transfer funds to India, and investors can receive their investments back home.
LRS also has some added benefits, like fast transfer timing and no issues with exchange rates.
Concerns with credit card spends
The amendment aims to achieve parity between the usage of credit and debit cards, which were already covered under the LRS.
Instances of disproportionately high LRS payments compared to disclose incomes prompted the amendment.
Business visits of employees, where costs are borne by the employer, are not covered under the LRS.
The data collected from major money remitters under the LRS indicated that international credit cards were being issued with limits exceeding the prescribed norm.
Exclusions and impact of the Scheme
The government assured that the LRS scheme would not cover genuine business visits abroad by employees.
The imposition of a 20% tax collection on source (TCS) for foreign remittances would primarily affect tour travel packages, gifts to non-residents, and domestic high net-worth individuals investing in assets like real estate, bonds, and stocks outside India.
The Ministry emphasized that the 5% TCS levied on medical or education expenses abroad, allowed up to ₹7 lakh per year, and would remain unchanged.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Deposits
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a regulatory framework to govern the acceptance of green deposits by banks, ensuring transparency and accountability in their investments.
What are Green Deposits?
Green deposits are financial products offered by banks that are similar to regular deposits, but the money received is specifically earmarked for environmentally friendly projects.
These deposits support projects aimed at combating climate change, such as renewable energy initiatives, while avoiding investments in activities that harm the environment, like fossil fuel projects.
They are part of a broader range of financial products, including green bonds and green shares that enable investors to contribute to environmentally sustainable projects.
Regulatory framework for accepting Green Deposits
The RBI’s framework mandates that banks establish a set of rules or policies, approved by their respective Boards, to guide the investment of green deposits.
These rules must be made public on the banks’ websites, ensuring transparency and enabling customers to make informed decisions.
Banks are required to disclose information on the amount of green deposits received, how these funds are allocated to different green projects, and the environmental impact of such investments.
To verify the banks’ claims and the sustainability credentials of the projects, a third-party is appointed to conduct independent verification.
Sectors eligible for green deposits
The RBI has identified a list of sectors classified as sustainable, which are eligible to receive green deposits.
These sectors include renewable energy, waste management, clean transportation, energy efficiency, and afforestation.
Banks are prohibited from investing green deposits in sectors considered detrimental to the environment, such as fossil fuels, nuclear power, tobacco, gambling, palm oil, and hydropower generation.
Addressing greenwashing
Greenwashing refers to the practice of making misleading claims about the positive environmental impact of an activity or investment.
The RBI’s regulatory framework aims to prevent greenwashing in the banking sector by ensuring that the actual impact of green deposits is accurately represented.
By requiring transparency, disclosure, and third-party verification, the framework aims to protect customers from deceptive practices and ensure genuine environmental benefits.
Impact and controversies
Depositors who prioritize environmental concerns may find satisfaction in investing their money in environmentally sustainable products like green deposits.
However, some critics argue that green investment products may primarily serve to make investors feel good without generating significant environmental benefits.
Additionally, the range of projects available for investment through green deposits may be limited, posing challenges in achieving broad environmental impact.
Evaluating the true environmental sustainability of a project can be challenging in a complex world with interconnected systems and second-order effects that are difficult to anticipate.
It is essential to consider the indirect consequences and long-term effects of actions to determine if a project genuinely contributes to environmental sustainability.
Uncertainty surrounding the actual environmental impact of green projects highlights the need for rigorous evaluation and ongoing monitoring to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Quantum Biology
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The article introduces the concept of quantum biology, which explores the influence of quantum effects on living systems.
Nature and Quantum Mechanics
Quantum effects refer to phenomena that occur between atoms and molecules that cannot be explained by classical physics.
Quantum mechanics, which governs the behavior of objects at atomic scales, differs from classical mechanics, leading to counterintuitive phenomena like particle tunnelling and superposition.
Quantumness in Biology
Quantum biology is an emerging field that explores the role of quantum mechanics in biological processes and living systems.
It investigates how quantum phenomena and effects, which typically occur at atomic and subatomic scales, influence and contribute to the functioning and behavior of biological systems.
It aims to uncover and understand the quantum nature of biological molecules, processes, and interactions.
It seeks to study how quantum mechanics may impact various biological phenomena such as photosynthesis, enzyme reactions, and navigation in birds.
Evidence of Quantum Effects in Biology
Research on chemical reactions in biomolecules like proteins and genetic material suggests the influence of quantum effects.
Nanoscopic quantum effects can drive macroscopic physiological processes, including enzyme activity, sensing magnetic fields, cell metabolism, and electron transport.
Studying Quantum Biology
Studying quantum effects in biology requires tools to measure short time scales, small length scales, and subtle differences in quantum states.
Researchers can apply tailored magnetic fields to control the spins of electrons, influencing physiological processes that respond to magnetic fields.
Potential applications
Therapeutic devices: Understanding and fine-tuning quantum properties in nature could lead to non-invasive, remotely controlled therapeutic devices accessible through mobile phones.
Bio-manufacturing: Electromagnetic treatments based on quantum principles could be used for disease prevention and treatment, such as brain tumors, as well as in bio-manufacturing.
Scope quantum biology’ study
Multi-disciplinary: Quantum biology is an interdisciplinary field that brings together researchers from various disciplines, including quantum physics, biophysics, medicine, chemistry, and biology.
Many applications: Collaboration and cross-disciplinary research are crucial for advancing quantum biology and unlocking its transformative potential in biology, medicine, and technology.
Facts for Prelims
Superposition: A quantum phenomenon where particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously until measured or observed, in contrast to classical physics where objects have definite properties.
Spins: Quantum properties of electrons that define their interaction with magnetic fields, analogous to the way charge defines their interaction with electric fields.
Deterministic Codebook: A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between quantum causes and physiological outcomes, providing a guide for mapping quantum phenomena to specific biological effects.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ASTR, AI
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has developed an artificial-intelligence-based facial recognition tool called Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification (ASTR).
What is ASTR?
ASTR is designed to check subscriber databases of telecom operators to identify multiple connections associated with the same person.
The goal of ASTR is to detect and block fraudulent mobile connections, thereby reducing cyber frauds.
Development of ASTR
In 2012, DoT issued an order requiring telecom operators to share their subscriber database, including users’ pictures, with the department.
These images serve as the core database for facial recognition using ASTR.
The ASTR project was conceptualized and designed by the DoT’s unit in Haryana between April 2021 and July 2021.
A pilot project was conducted in Haryana’s Mewat region to test the feasibility of ASTR, where a significant number of fraudulent SIMs were detected.
How ASTR works?
ASTR uses convolutional neural network (CNN) models to encode human faces in subscribers’ images, accounting for various factors like face tilt, angle, image opaqueness, and dark color.
A face comparison is performed for each face against all faces in the database, grouping similar faces under one directory.
ASTR considers two faces to be identical if they match to a minimum extent of 97.5%.
It can detect all SIMs associated with a suspected face within 10 seconds from a database of 1 crore (10 million) images.
After matching faces, ASTR’s algorithm utilizes “fuzzy logic” to find approximate matches for subscriber names, considering variations, typographical errors, and related results.
Impact and Results
In the first phase, ASTR analyzed over 87 crore (870 million) mobile connections and detected more than 40 lakh (4 million) cases of people using a single photograph to obtain multiple connections.
After verification, over 36 lakh (3.6 million) connections were discontinued by telecom operators.
The list of fraudulent connections is also shared with banks, payment wallets, and social media platforms to disengage these numbers from their respective platforms.
WhatsApp collaborated with the government to disable accounts created using such numbers, and similar efforts are being made with other social media platforms.
Facts for Prelims
Convolutional Neural Network (CNN): A type of deep learning algorithm commonly used for image recognition tasks, where it extracts features and patterns from images by applying convolution operations.
Fuzzy Logic: A form of logic that deals with approximate or qualitative reasoning rather than strict binary true/false values. In the context of ASTR, it is used to find similarity or approximate matches for subscriber names, accounting for variations and typographical errors.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Vacuum gas oil (VGO)
Mains level: Reprocessing Russian oil
Central Idea
The article discusses India’s increased imports of Russian oil and the potential circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russian oil products.
Why in news?
An EU parliamentarian accused India of profiting from cheaply bought Russian oil and indirectly supporting the Russian economy.
India justified its purchase by emphasizing its energy demands and the challenges of higher prices due to its reliance on energy imports and significant poverty levels.
Reasons: Sanctions against Russian Oil
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Western countries and Europe aimed to reduce their dependency on Russian energy imports to weaken the Russian economy.
Measures were taken, such as Germany suspending the launch of the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline and Canada and the US banning the import of Russian crude oil.
Stricter sanctions were imposed on Russia, including a “price cap” from trading Russian oil above $60 per barrel.
The price cap aimed to cripple Moscow’s economy and limit its ability to fund the war in Ukraine.
However, Russia increased its oil exports to India and China as a response.
India’s role in meeting West’s energy demand
India, exempt from the sanctions on Russian oil, has seen a significant increase in fuel imports from Russia, which is then refined and supplied to Europe and the US.
The refined oil from Russian crude, once processed in India, is not considered of Russian origin.
India’s oil imports have helped it meet its own energy demands and also assist Western nations facing energy crises due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
India has become a net exporter of refined petroleum products, supplying the West to alleviate current energy shortages.
Impact of Indian imports on Western markets
Indian refiners have ramped up exports of refined petroleum products, including diesel and vacuum gas oil (VGO), to Europe and the US.
VGO is a feedstock in the refining process that can be further processed to produce gasoline, diesel, and other fuel products.
Diesel exports to Europe from India have increased by 12-16% in the last fiscal year.
The US has become a major recipient of Indian VGO shipments, receiving 11,000-12,000 barrels per day (bpd) or 65-81% of India’s VGO exports.
These exports from India have helped ease the energy tightness and supply constraints in Western markets.
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme
The PLI scheme for IT hardware was initially introduced in March 2021.
It provides incentives of over 4% for incremental investment in domestic manufacturing for eligible companies, such as Dell and Flextronics.
The scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing, increase exports, and make India a prominent player in the IT hardware sector.
The scheme will have a tenure of six years, providing a long-term incentive for eligible companies to invest in domestic IT hardware manufacturing.
Growth in indigenous IT hardware
The government highlighted the growth of electronics manufacturing in India.
There is a 17% compound annual growth rate over the past 8 years and a production benchmark of $105 billion, including $11 billion in mobile phone exports.
New changes introduced
The budgetary outlay for the PLI scheme for IT hardware manufacturing has been set at ₹17,000 crore.
The incentive rate has been increased to 5%, offering a higher benefit to companies investing in domestic manufacturing.
An additional optional incentive has been introduced for using domestically produced components, although the specific rates of these incentives are not specified.
If the optional incentives are utilized as intended, the total incentive under the scheme could amount to 8-9%.
Achievements in Telecom hardware manufacturing
Telecom hardware manufacturing has surpassed the projected ₹900 crore and reached ₹1,600 crore.
Some Indian companies have become significant exporters of complex radio equipment worldwide.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Monsoon terminologies
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala with a “slight delay” on June 4, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The usual onset date over Kerala is June 1, within a seven-day window.
What does the “Onset of Monsoon” mean?
The onset of the monsoon over Kerala marks the beginning of the four-month, June to September southwest monsoon season over India.
It brings more than 70 per cent of the country’s annual rainfall.
It marks a significant transition in the large-scale atmospheric and ocean circulations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The IMD announces it only after certain newly defined and measurable parameters, adopted in 2016, are met.
The onset is a significant day in India’s economic calendar.
How does IMD predict the monsoon?
Broadly, the IMD checks for the consistency of rainfall over a defined geography, its intensity, and wind speed:
Rainfall: The IMD declares the onset of the monsoon if at least 60% of 14 designated meteorological stations in Kerala and Lakshadweep record at least 2.5 mm of rain for two consecutive days at any time after May 10.
Wind field: The depth of westerlies should be upto 600 hectopascal (1 hPa is equal to 1 millibar of pressure) in the area bound by the equator to 10ºN latitude, and from longitude 55ºE to 80ºE. The zonal wind speed over the area bound by 5-10ºN latitude and 70-80ºE longitude should be of the order of 15-20 knots (28-37 kph) at 925 hPa.
Heat: The INSAT-derived Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) value (a measure of the energy emitted to space by the Earth’s surface, oceans, and atmosphere) should be below 200 watt per sq m (wm2) in the box confined by 5-10ºN latitude and 70-75ºE latitude.
The onset is not officially declared until the prescribed conditions (above) are met.
Factors considered by IMD
The IMD uses a specialised model that forecasts the arrival dates within a four-day window.
It uses six predictors:
Minimum temperatures over northwest India
Pre-monsoon rainfall peak over south Peninsula
Outgoing long-wave radiation (OLR) over the South China Sea
Lower tropospheric zonal wind over the southeast Indian Ocean
Upper tropospheric zonal wind over the east equatorial Indian Ocean, and
OLR over the southwest Pacific region
Back2Basics: Long Period Average (LPA)
The IMD predicts a “normal”, “below normal”, or “above normal” monsoon in relation to a benchmark “long period average” (LPA).
The LPA of rainfall is the rainfall recorded over a particular region for a given interval (like month or season) average over a long period like 30 years, 50 years, etc.
LPA refers to the average rainfall recorded from June to September for the entire country, the amount of rain that falls every year varies from region to region and from month to month.
The IMD’s prediction of a normal monsoon is based on the LPA of the 1971-2020 period, during which India received 87 cm of rain for the entire country on average.
It has in the past calculated the LPA at 88 cm for the 1961-2010 period, and at 89 cm for the period 1951-2000.
Why LPA is needed?
The IMD records rainfall data at more than 2,400 locations and 3,500 rain-gauge stations.
Because annual rainfall can vary greatly not just from region to region and from month to month, but also from year to year within a particular region or month.
An LPA is needed to smooth out trends so that a reasonably accurate prediction can be made.
A 50-year LPA covers for large variations in either direction caused by freak years of unusually high or low rainfall, as well as for the periodic drought years.
It also takes into account the increasingly common extreme weather events caused by climate change.
Range of normal rainfall
The IMD maintains five rainfall distribution categories on an all-India scale. These are:
Normal or near normal, when the percentage departure of actual rainfall is +/-10% of LPA, that is, between 96-104% of LPA;
Below normal, when departure of actual rainfall is less than 10% of LPA, that is 90-96% of LPA;
Above normal, when actual rainfall is 104-110% of LPA;
Deficient, when departure of actual rainfall is less than 90% of LPA; and
Excess, when the departure of actual rainfall is more than 110% of LPA.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dengue
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: Serum Institute of India and Panacea Biotec have applied to the ICMR’s call for Expression of Interest for collaborative Phase-III clinical trials for an indigenous dengue vaccine.
What is Dengue?
Details
Transmission
Primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes
Virus and Serotypes
Dengue virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family
Four distinct serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4
Symptoms
High fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, pain behind the eyes, mild bleeding
Severe Dengue
Progression to severe dengue can cause plasma leakage, bleeding, organ impairment
Geographic Distribution
Endemic in more than 100 countries, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions
Incidence and Global Impact
100-400 million dengue infections occur annually globally, affecting healthcare systems and economies
Vector and Breeding Sites
Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds in stagnant water containers found near human dwellings
Treatment
No specific antiviral treatment available; supportive care, rest, fluid intake, symptom management
Prevention and Control
Reduce mosquito breeding sites, proper water storage, cleaning of water containers, use of insecticides
Dengue Virus Disease and Global Impact
Dengue virus disease causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, with 2 to 2.5 lakh (200,000 to 250,000) cases reported annually in India.
The global incidence of dengue has increased dramatically, with over half of the world’s population at risk.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified dengue as one of the top ten global health threats in 2019.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for dengue, highlighting the urgent need for effective vaccines.
Desirable Characteristics of a Dengue Vaccine
The ICMR highlights the desirable characteristics of a dengue vaccine, including a-
Favorable safety profile
Protection against all four serotypes of dengue
Reduced risk of severe disease and death
Induction of a sustained immune response and
Effectiveness regardless of previous sero-status and age
The process of Sikkim joining India occurred about two decades after Sardar Vallabbhai Patel led the integration of princely states into India.
Sikkim’s History with the Chogyal Royals
The kingdom of Sikkim was established in 1642 when Phuntsong Namgyal was consecrated as the first ruler or Chogyal.
Sikkim’s monarchy, under the Namgyal dynasty, lasted for 333 years until its integration with India in 1975.
Sikkim had a Tibetan origin and was located between India and China. It often faced conflicts over land with Bhutan and Nepal.
The British saw Sikkim as a buffer state and established a formal relationship with it.
Various treaties like the Treaty of Tumlong (1861), Treaty of Titaliya (1817), Calcutta Convention (1890), and Lhasa Convention (1904) shaped the relationship between Sikkim and the British.
Independent India and Sikkim
After India’s independence, princely states had the option to accede to India or Pakistan.
Sikkim’s unique relationship with British rule led to complexities in its integration with India.
Sardar Vallabbhai Patel and BN Rau wanted Sikkim to sign the Instrument of Accession to integrate it with India.
Jawaharlal Nehru acknowledged the situation in Sikkim and emphasized its autonomous growth.
Sikkim State Congress (SSC), Praja Mandal (PM), and Praja Sudharak Samaj (PSS) demanded a popular government, abolition of landlordism, and accession to India.
A Standstill Agreement was signed to maintain the existing arrangement while discussions continued.
War with China
Sikkim had a state council with elected and nominated members.
Political developments in the 1960s and 1970s played a significant role in Sikkim’s status.
The formation of the Sikkim National Congress (SNC) in 1960 and changes in political leadership on both sides influenced the course of events.
India-China war of 1962 and containment of border skirmishes made it important to clarify the relationship between India and Sikkim.
How Sikkim finally joined India?
The Indian leadership started supporting pro-democracy forces in Sikkim, such as Kazi Dorji of the SNC.
Protests in Sikkim in 1973 led to a tripartite agreement between the Chogyal, the Indian government, and three major political parties.
Elections were held in 1974, and a new constitution limited the role of the monarch.
A referendum held in 1975 resulted in a majority vote in favor of joining India.
The Constitution (Thirty-Sixth Amendment) Bill was passed, recognizing Sikkim as a state in the Union of India.
Sikkim’s new parliament proposed a bill for Sikkim to become an Indian state, which was accepted by the Indian government.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Worldcoin
Mains level: NA
Central Idea: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is reportedly raising $100 million for Worldcoin, a unique cryptocurrency.
What is Worldcoin?
Worldcoin, co-founded by Altman and Alex Blania in 2019, aims to provide every human being on Earth with a share of its digital token.
Worldcoin is a crypto project that seeks to establish a global identity and financial network for everyone.
It utilizes a device called the Orb, which scans people’s irises to verify their uniqueness and humanity.
Individuals who undergo the iris scan are rewarded with Worldcoin tokens.
The World App, developed by Worldcoin, enables users to make payments, purchases, and transfers using Worldcoin and other digital assets.
The project plans to launch in the first half of 2023 and distribute a total of 10 billion tokens, with 80% going to users.
Functioning of Worldcoin
Worldcoin’s founders aimed to freely distribute shares of the digital token to every person on the planet.
They envisioned it as a global distribution system for Universal Basic Income and a means to distribute profits generated by AI systems equally among people.
To ensure fair distribution, Worldcoin utilizes biometric iris scans through the Orb device.
The Orb scans the iris and converts it into a hash, which is impossible to recreate even if compromised.
The iris hash and the user’s public key hash are sent to Worldcoin servers, and if the person is new to the system, the hashes are added to the database and the company’s blockchain.
Challenges and criticisms
Worldcoin faces challenges regarding the accessibility of the Orb and expanding the user database.
The project plans to incentivize sign-ups by offering coupons or access to loans.
Concerns exist about the privacy and security of biometric data and potential misuse.
Questions arise about the feasibility and scalability of reaching unbanked or underbanked populations.
The value and utility of the Worldcoin token and its competitiveness with other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies are also subject to scrutiny.
Back2Basics: Cryptocurrency
A cryptocurrency is a digital asset stored on computerised databases.
These digital coins are recorded in digital ledgers using strong cryptography to keep them secure.
The ledgers are distributed globally, and each transaction made using cryptocurrencies are codified as blocks.
And multiple blocks linking each other forms a blockchain on the distributed ledger.
There are estimated to be more than 47 million cryptocurrency users around the world.
These cryptocurrencies are created through a process called mining.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Meri LiFE Mera Swachh Shehar
Mains level: LiFE Initiative
Central Idea: The Union Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the ‘Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar’ campaign.
Meri LiFE Mera Swachh Shehar
The campaign focuses on waste management and promotes the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (RRR).
It aims to create awareness and encourage individuals to adopt sustainable daily habits for environmental protection.
The campaign strengthens citizens’ commitment to reducing, reusing, and recycling under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.
It aligns with Mission LiFE’s objective of adopting sustainable daily habits for environmental conservation.
Objectives of the Campaign
The campaign involves setting up RRR Centres where citizens can contribute items such as clothes, shoes, books, toys, and plastic for reuse or recycling.
The collected items will be refurbished or transformed into new products, aligning with the vision of a circular economy.
The RRR approach empowers craftsmen, recyclers, Self Help Groups, entrepreneurs, and startups to convert waste into various products.
Key initiatives: RRR Centres and Circular Economy
The RRR Centres to be launched nationwide will serve as one-stop collection centers for various unused or used items.
Citizens, institutions, and commercial enterprises can deposit plastic items, clothes, shoes, books, and toys at these centers.
The collected items will be refurbished for reuse or transformed into new products, promoting the government’s vision of a circular economy.
Back2Basics: Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)
The LiFE movement was introduced by India during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021.
It aims to promote an environmentally conscious lifestyle that emphasizes mindful and deliberate utilization rather than mindless and wasteful consumption.
The movement seeks to replace the prevailing “use-and-dispose” economy with a circular economy characterized by conscious and deliberate consumption.
The objective of the LiFE Movement is to leverage the power of social networks to influence social norms related to climate change.
It plans to create and nurture a global network of individuals known as ‘Pro-Planet People’ (P3) who are committed to adopting and promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles.
Through the P3 community, the mission aims to establish an ecosystem that supports and sustains environmentally friendly behaviours.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), has achieved a milestone with the signing of the 250th contract.
The first contract under Mission DefSpace and the 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract were signed on May 15.
What is Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX)?
IDEX is a government initiative launched in April 2018.
Its objective is to contribute to the modernization of the Defence Industry.
The initiative focuses on promoting innovation and technology development in the Defence and Aerospace sectors.
Industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia, are engaged under iDEX.
IDEX provides funding and support to these industries to carry out Research & Development activities.
The Defence Innovation Organization (DIO) funds and manages IDEX, serving as its executive arm.
Key achievements of IDEX
The first IDEX contract of Mission DefSpace was exchanged between officials of the MoD and InspeCity, a winner of the challenge for developing a micro propulsion system for CubeSats.
InspeCity is working on a gas-based compact micro propulsion system that can be integrated with satellites, including the CubeSat swarm under Mission DefSpace.
IDEX has received over 7,500 applications from individual innovators, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and startups.
The initiative has generated thousands of jobs and attracted India’s talent back to the country.
The birth of a baby using three persons’ DNA using Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT) in the UK has generated significant attention and discussion.
The baby has three parents, with the mitochondria coming from a donor in addition to the genetic material from the biological parents.
This pioneering technology was employed to prevent the baby from inheriting the mother’s mitochondrial disease.
What is Mitochondria?
Description
Structure
Membrane-bound organelles with outer and inner membranes
Energy Production
Generate ATP through cellular respiration and oxidative phosphorylation
ATP Production
Breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the inner membrane
DNA and Replication
Possess their own circular DNA (mtDNA) and can replicate independently
Other Functions
Involved in calcium signalling, apoptosis, and synthesis of molecules
Inheritance
Maternally inherited during fertilization
Evolutionary Origin
Arise from a symbiotic relationship with bacteria-like organisms
Disorders
Mutations or dysfunction can cause mitochondrial diseases
Certain defects in mitochondria can lead to mitochondrial diseases, impacting the function of energy-hungry tissues in various organs.
Mitochondrial diseases have no cure but can be treated, and their incidence is estimated to be one in 5,000 people.
In this case, the mother had a mitochondrial disease that she wanted to avoid passing on to her baby, but she did not want to use a donor egg.
What is Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)?
MRT is a medical technique used to prevent the transmission of certain mitochondrial diseases from a mother to her child.
It involves replacing faulty mitochondria in an egg or embryo with healthy mitochondria from a donor.
The procedure is typically performed using in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques.
The nucleus, containing the majority of the genetic material, is transferred from the intended parents’ egg or embryo to a donor egg or embryo with healthy mitochondria.
The resulting embryo, with nuclear DNA from the intended parents and healthy mitochondria from the donor, is then implanted into the mother’s uterus for gestation.
How does it work?
The father’s sperm fertilizes the eggs from the biological mother and a female donor with healthy mitochondria.
The genetic material from the donor’s egg is replaced with that of the biological parents, resulting in an egg with the parents’ DNA and the donor’s mitochondria.
This modified egg is then implanted into the mother’s uterus and carried to full term, resulting in a baby free from the mother’s mitochondrial disease.
Uses of MRT
Prevention of Mitochondrial Diseases: MRT helps prevent the transmission of certain mitochondrial diseases from mothers to their children.
Family Planning: It enables individuals or couples with mitochondrial DNA mutations to have genetically related children without the risk of disease inheritance.
Improved Health: MRT can significantly improve the overall health and well-being of individuals by avoiding debilitating mitochondrial diseases.
Ethical Considerations: It provides an alternative to traditional donor egg options, allowing intended parents to have a child with their own genetic material while avoiding disease transmission.
Scientific Advancements: MRT contributes to scientific research and advancements in assisted reproductive technologies, expanding our understanding of mitochondrial biology and potential treatment options for mitochondrial disorders.
Recent advancements in UK
The baby primarily carries DNA from its biological parents and a small percentage from the donor whose mitochondria was used during fertilization.
Scientific process
Mitochondrial diseases are inherited from the mother, prompting research to find ways to protect infants from inheriting these diseases.
The Newcastle Fertility Clinic developed an advanced in vitro fertilization technique known as Mitochondrial Donation Treatment (MDT).
Legal Facilitation of MDT
The UK government amended the law in 2015 to allow for mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) or MDT.
The Newcastle Fertility Centre became the first center to obtain a license to perform the procedure, and the first cases were approved in 2018.
Issues with MRT
Transfer of Defective Mitochondria: There is a minimal risk of transferring small amounts of defective mitochondria along with healthy ones during the procedure.
Long-Term Safety: The long-term safety of MRT is still being studied, and ongoing monitoring is necessary to assess any potential risks or effects.
Ethical and Social Concerns: MRT raises ethical and social considerations related to the creation and destruction of embryos, use of donor gametes, and altering the germline.
Limited Availability: MRT is a highly regulated procedure, and its availability may be limited to specific countries or cases approved by regulatory bodies.
Emotional and Psychological Impact: Undergoing MRT involves emotional implications and decision-making, which can have an impact on individuals and couples involved.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Palghat Gap, Western Ghats
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The article discusses the Palghat (Palakkad) Gap, a significant corridor in the Western Ghats of India. It provides information about the geological origin of the gap.
What is Palghat Gap?
The Palghat Gap is a 40 km wide corridor in the Western Ghats, known for its steep hills and serving as a gateway to Kerala.
It is a crucial passage for roads and railways connecting Coimbatore and Palakkad.
The Bharathappuzha River flows through the Palghat Gap.
The vegetation in the gap is classified as dry evergreen forest, different from the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats.
The Palghat Gap marks a distinct divide in the flora and fauna of the region.
Geological origin of the Palghat Gap
The Palghat Gap is a geological shear zone running from east to west.
Shear zones are weak regions in the Earth’s crust, occasionally causing tremors in the Coimbatore region.
The formation of the Palghat Gap occurred when the continental shelves shifted after the separation of Australia and Africa from the Gondwana landmass.
India and Madagascar were connected until volcanic activity led to their split, with a similar gap called the Ranotsara Gap in Madagascar.
Biogeographic distinctions and ancient history
The biogeographic distinctions in species north and south of the Palghat Gap may be attributed to an ancient river or an incursion of the sea in the distant past.
Elephant populations on the Nilgiris side of the gap have different mitochondrial DNA from elephants in the Anamalai and Periyar sanctuaries.
DNA analysis of the White-bellied Shortwing, an endemic bird species, shows divergence between populations in the Nilgiris and the Anamalai regions.
Biodiversity south of the Palghat Gap
The southern region of the Western Ghats, located south of the Palghat Gap, exhibits high species richness and phylogenetic diversity.
A recent study reports over 450 tree species, including ancient species like Magnolia champaca, dating back 130 million years.
The warm weather and moist air of the southern Western Ghats support a diverse range of life, making it an island refuge during cycles of ice ages and droughts.
The southern Western Ghats receive rainfall more evenly throughout the year compared to the northern region.
Back2Basics: Western Ghats
The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri mountain range, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
It spans an area of 160,000 sq. km. and stretches for 1,600 km parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula, passing through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Description
Flora and Fauna
The Western Ghats are home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including over 7,402 species of flowering plants, 1,814 species of non-flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, 227 reptile species, 179 amphibian species, 290 freshwater fish species, and 6,000 insect species.
Geological Significance
The Western Ghats, known as the “Great Escarpment of India,” are older than the Himalayas. They influence India’s monsoon weather patterns by intercepting rain-laden monsoon winds from the southwest during late summer.
Geographic Features
Stretching north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, the Western Ghats separate the plateau from the narrow coastal plain called the Western Coastal Plains, which lies along the Arabian Sea.
Catchment Area
The Western Ghats cover a vast catchment area for complex riverine drainage systems, contributing to almost 40% of India’s total drainage. The range acts as a barrier, blocking southwest monsoon winds from reaching the Deccan Plateau.
