Daily Prelims Notes 17 October 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

17 October 2024

Table Of Contents

1. NPPA revises the ceiling prices of eight scheduled drugs to meet the twin objectives of availability and affordability
2. Reckless disregard
3. Focus on Quality; Export Competitiveness Won’t Come from Govt Subsidies: Goyal to Industry
4. Nobel Prize Highlights the Role of MicroRNA in Gene Regulation and RNA’s Central Role in Biology
5. Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO): China’s Leap Toward Solving Neutrino Mysteries
6. Regulation of Antibiotics: A Step Toward Combating Antimicrobial Resistance in India
7. Army to commemorate 62 years of the Battle of Walong with China
8. SC to deliver verdict on Section 6A of the Citizenship Act 1955
9. India, ISA to contribute $35 million to global solar facility

1. NPPA revises the ceiling prices of eight scheduled drugs to meet the twin objectives of availability and affordability

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

• The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has approved a 50% increase in the ceiling prices of eleven essential formulations from eight different drugs.
• Drugs Affected: These drugs are primarily low-cost and widely used as first-line treatments for conditions such as asthma, glaucoma, thalassemia, tuberculosis, and mental health disorders. They play a crucial role in public health programs.

Reason for the Price Hike:

• To ensure the availability of essential drugs at affordable prices.
• The NPPA emphasised that price regulation should not make these drugs unavailable in the market, which would jeopardise public health.
• Factors Behind the Increase:
  • Manufacturers have requested price revisions due to:
    • Rising costs of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
    • Increased production costs.
    • Changes in exchange rates.
  • Some companies have even applied to discontinue certain formulations, citing financial unviability.
• Legal and Policy Context:
  • The NPPA invoked extraordinary powers under Paragraph 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013, to implement the increase.
• Drugs with Revised Prices:
  • Atropine injection (0.6 mg/ml).
  • Streptomycin powder for injection (750 mg and 1000 mg).
  • Salbutamol (tablet 2 mg and 4 mg; respirator solution 5 mg/ml).
  • Pilocarpine (2% eye drops).
  • Cefadroxil (tablet 500 mg).
  • Desferrioxamine (injection 500 mg).
  • Lithium (tablet 300 mg).
• Previous Price Revisions:
  • Similar price increases occurred in 2019 and 2021, where NPPA raised the prices of 21 and 9 formulations, respectively, to maintain the availability of these essential medicines.

About National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA):

• Establishment: NPPA was established in 1997 as an independent body under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.
• Primary function: Its main role is to fix/revise the prices of controlled bulk drugs and formulations and to enforce prices and availability of medicines in India.
• Key responsibilities:
  • Implement and enforce the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order
  • Monitor the availability of drugs
  • Identify shortages and take remedial steps
  • Collect and maintain data on production, exports, imports, and market share of pharmaceutical companies
• Price control: NPPA fixes the ceiling price of essential medicines as per the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).
• Drug Price Control Order (DPCO): NPPA implements the DPCO, which is an order issued by the government to regulate drug prices in India.
• Consumer protection: It works to ensure that essential medicines are available at reasonable prices to consumers.
• Authority: NPPA has the power to review prices of non-scheduled drugs and can take appropriate action if any medicine is deemed to be priced unreasonably.
• Challenges: The authority often faces challenges in balancing the interests of pharmaceutical companies with those of consumers, and in ensuring drug availability while maintaining price controls.

2. Reckless disregard

Sub : Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

• India is set to expand seaweed cultivation along its coastline by promoting Kappaphycus alvarezii, a known invasive species that has smothered coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar over the past two decades.

About Kappaphycus alvarezii:

• Kappaphycus alvarezii is a known invasive species that has already caused damage to coral reefs in Tamil Nadu’s Gulf of Mannar, where it was introduced for commercial cultivation two decades ago. Though valuable for producing carrageenan (an emulsifier used in foods, beverages, and medicines) and biostimulants (which enhance crop yields), its spread threatens local ecosystems.
• It’s also known as elkhorn sea moss or cottonii.
• It’s a large, robust seaweed that can grow up to 2 meters in length. It has a branching thallus structure and can vary in colour from greenish-brown to red to yellow.
• Habitat: Naturally occurs in tropical marine waters, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Economic importance:
  • Major source of carrageenan, a widely used food additive and industrial polymer
  • Extensively cultivated in many tropical countries for commercial purposes
• Cultivation:
  • One of the most important commercially cultivated seaweeds globally
  • Relatively fast-growing and can be harvested every 6-8 weeks
• Uses:
  • Food industry: As a source of carrageenan for thickening and stabilizing foods
  • Cosmetics: In various skincare and haircare products
  • Pharmaceuticals: As an excipient in drug formulations
  • Agriculture: As a bio-fertilizer and soil conditioner
• Environmental concerns:
  • In some areas where it’s been introduced for cultivation, it has become invasive
  • Can potentially outcompete native species and alter marine ecosystems

Source: DTE

3. Focus on Quality; Export Competitiveness Won’t Come from Govt Subsidies: Goyal to Industry

Sub : Eco

Sec: External Sector

• Quality Over Subsidies:
  • Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that export competitiveness should not rely on government subsidies. Instead, it should come from the industry’s focus on high-quality products.
  • He highlighted that self-reliance and self-confidence will be achieved when industries see quality as a duty, not just a job.
• Government’s Efforts:
  • The government is implementing steps like Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to boost the manufacturing sector.
  • Initially, there was resistance from the industry, but the government is pushing for the adoption of quality standards.
• Growth in Quality Control Orders (QCOs):
  • Till 2014, only 14 QCOs were issued covering 106 products.
  • In the last decade, this number increased significantly to 174 QCOs, now covering 732 products.
  • These QCOs aim to curb the import of sub-standard products, prevent unfair trade practices, and ensure consumer safety.
• Strict Compliance:
  • As per QCOs, products cannot be produced, sold, or imported without the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark.
  • Violations can result in up to two years of imprisonment or a fine starting at ₹2 lakh. Repeat offenses will lead to heavier fines, up to 10 times the value of the goods.
• Global Recognition:
  • The government wants India to be recognized as a manufacturer of high-quality goods and services on the global stage.
  • Goyal encouraged industry players to guide and support MSMEs in achieving higher quality standards, particularly citing the pharma sector as an area needing improvement.
• Industry Participation:
  • Goyal urged industries to participate in BIS committees by providing skilled technical manpower, ensuring better alignment with quality standards.
  • He also pointed out that India’s efforts to join global protocols in sectors like pharma have been hindered by resistance to adhering to stringent standards.
• QCOs and WTO Compliance:
  • The issuance of QCOs is in line with the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, ensuring that quality standards are met without violating international trade rules.

The emphasis is on quality assurance, collaboration between large enterprises and MSMEs, and strict adherence to standards to elevate India’s manufacturing capabilities and export competitiveness.

Factors Affecting Export Competitiveness 

• Cost Competitiveness:
  • Production Costs
  • Wage Levels
  • Economies of Scale
• Exchange Rate:
  • Currency Value
  • Exchange Rate Stability
• Product Quality and Innovation
  • Quality Standards
  • Innovation and Technology
• Infrastructure:
  • Transport and Logistics
  • Energy Supply
  • Digital Infrastructure
• Government Policies:
  • Export Incentives
  • Trade Agreements
  • Ease of Doing Business
• Access to Raw Materials:
  • Availability of Raw Materials
  • Diverse Supply Chain
• Skilled Workforce:
  • Technical Skills
  • Training and Education
• Market Diversification:
  • Geographical Spread
  • Product Diversification
• Global Economic Conditions:
  • Global Demand
  • Trade Barriers and Protectionism
• Branding and Marketing:
  • Brand Recognition
  • Effective Marketing Strategies
• Environmental and Ethical Practices:
  • Sustainability
  • Ethical Standards

Quality Control Orders (QCOs)

• Definition:
  • Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are regulatory measures introduced by the government to establish quality standards for specific products or product categories.
  • These orders ensure that products meet certain prescribed quality, safety, and performance requirements before they can be manufactured, imported, stored, or sold in the country.
• Objective:
  • The primary aim of QCOs is to control the import of sub-standard and cheaper items into the domestic market.
  • It ensures that customers have access to quality products that meet the necessary standards, thus enhancing consumer protection and market integrity.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Under the QCOs, manufacturing, storing, and sale of products that do not comply with the standards set by QCOs is prohibited.
  • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the quality standards established under QCOs.
  • BIS is responsible for certifying products that meet these standards for both domestic and international manufacturers.
  • As per the BIS Act, 2016, any non-BIS certified products are restricted from being sold, ensuring adherence to the quality framework.
• Legal Framework:
  • QCOs cannot be challenged at the World Trade Organization (WTO) if they are imposed on grounds related to:
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Environmental protection
    • Deceptive trade practices
    • National security
  • This provision allows the government to enforce QCOs without violating international trade agreements, given that the regulations align with globally recognized standards for health and safety.

4. Nobel Prize Highlights the Role of MicroRNA in Gene Regulation and RNA’s Central Role in Biology

Sub: Sci

Sec: Biotech

Why in News

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were recently awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of microRNA (miRNA) and its crucial role in gene regulation. This discovery has far-reaching implications for understanding cellular processes and potential therapeutic applications, particularly in diseases like cancer.

About MicroRNAs (miRNAs):

• They are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression in eukaryotesby interfering with the translation of mRNA into proteins.
• The discovery began with experiments on  elegans, a tiny roundworm, where researchers showed that gene regulation can happen post-transcription, challenging the previous understanding that it was solely the domain of transcription factors.
• By 2001, microRNAs were found to be present in invertebrates and vertebrates, and many of them were highly conserved across species, indicating that microRNA-mediated regulation is a universal mechanism.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules,approximately 21-24 nucleotides in length, involved in regulating gene expression.
• miRNAs bind to messenger RNA (mRNA)in the cell cytoplasm to control gene expression.
• They either trigger the degradationof mRNA or prevent it from being translated into proteins, thereby regulating protein production.
• Underexpressionof miRNA can lead to overexpression of the protein it controls, while overexpression of miRNA results in underproduction of the associated protein.
• miRNAs are involved in key biological processes such as development, cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis(programmed cell death).
• They help maintain cellular homeostasisand respond to environmental stimuli.
• Alterations in miRNA expression contribute to diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other human conditions.
• Circulating miRNAs are considered potential biomarkersfor diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases due to their stability in human fluids.

Ambros and Ruvkun’s Contribution:

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun, both American biologists, made significant strides in understanding gene regulation while studying mutant strains of roundworms. They focused on two genes, lin-4 and lin-14, which were instrumental in revealing the role of microRNA. Their collaborative efforts led to the discovery of microRNA as a new principle of gene regulation. Published in 1993, their findings reshaped the scientific understanding of molecular biology.

The Role of MicroRNA in Gene Regulation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules, typically 22 bases long, that play a key role in post-transcriptional gene regulation.

They bind to messenger RNA (mRNA) and prevent the synthesis of proteins by either degrading the mRNA or blocking its ability to serve as a template for protein production.

miRNAs regulate about 60% of all human genes, influencing critical processes such as:

• Cell differentiation
• Cell division
• Response to stress and disease
• Cell death

Importance of RNA in Cellular Function

• Every cell contains DNA, which acts as the blueprint for producing proteins, the functional molecules of life.
• Each gene in the DNA encodes a specific protein. However, only the proteins required by a cell are produced, depending on the cell’s type and function.
• When a cell needs to produce a protein, it creates a copy of the gene’s instructions in the form of mRNA through a process called transcription.
• Once produced, protein synthesis continues until stopped by regulatory mechanisms like miRNA.

What is RNA?

• RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) is a single-stranded molecule composed of ribose sugar, phosphate groups, and nucleotide bases(adenine, guanine, cytosine, uracil).
• It plays a crucial role in various biological processes, mainly in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Types of RNA:

• Messenger RNA (mRNA):Carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.
• Transfer RNA (tRNA):Helps in translating mRNA into proteins by bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
• Ribosomal RNA (rRNA):A structural component of ribosomes, essential for protein synthesis.
• MicroRNA (miRNA):Regulates gene expression by binding to mRNA, either degrading it or inhibiting its translation into protein.
• RNA plays a central role in the process of transcription(copying genetic code from DNA to RNA) and translation (using mRNA to build proteins).
• RNA is single-stranded(unlike double-stranded DNA).
• RNA contains uracilinstead of thymine, which is found in DNA.
• RNA has a ribose sugarinstead of deoxyribose found in DNA.
• Gene regulation:miRNA and other small RNAs control gene expression.
• Catalytic activity:Certain RNAs like ribozymes act as enzymes.
• Messenger function:mRNA acts as a template for protein synthesis.
• RNA-based technologies, such as mRNA vaccines, have become critical tools in developing treatments for diseases, including COVID-19.

5. Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO): China’s Leap Toward Solving Neutrino Mysteries

Sub : Sci

Sec: Space tech

Why in News

China’s Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), located in southern Guangdong, is nearing completion and is set to revolutionize our understanding of neutrinos, subatomic particles key to unlocking many cosmic mysteries. With global collaboration, JUNO is expected to provide groundbreaking insights into neutrino behavior, mass hierarchy, and their impact on fundamental physics.

About JUNO and Its Purpose

• JUNO is located 700 meters underground in China’s Guangdong province.
• A giant sphere equipped with thousands of light-detecting tubes will be housed within a 12-storey cylindrical pool of water.
• The experiment aims to study elusive subatomic particles known as neutrinos, products of nuclear reactions.
• JUNO will focus on determining the mass hierarchy of neutrinos, providing insights into the universe’s subatomic processes and matter formation.
• JUNO will observe solar neutrinos, providing real-time data on solar processes. It will also study neutrinos released by the radioactive decay of elements like uranium and thorium in the Earth, helping researchers understand mantle convection and tectonic plate movement.
• Global Collaboration: JUNO involves scientists from France, Germany, Italy, Russia, the U.S., and Taiwan. JUNO’s research will be a collaborative effort involving data sharing and analysis across countries.
• Operational Timeline: Set to begin operation by late 2025, JUNO will surpass other major neutrino observatories, including the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) in the U.S., which is still under construction.

What are neutrinos?

• Neutrinos are the second most abundant particles in the world, after photons, or the light particle.
• Neutrinos are mysterious particles,produced copiously in nuclear reactions in the Sun, stars, and elsewhere.
• Neutrinos are tiny, near-massless particles produced by nuclear reactions. Every second, trillions pass through matter, including the human body.
• They also “oscillate”–meaning that different types of neutrinos change into one another. Probing of oscillations of neutrinos and their relations with mass are crucial in studying the origin of the universe.
• Neutrinos are created by various radioactive decays; during a supernova, by cosmic rays striking atoms etc.
• There are three known varieties of neutrinos, and they can transform from one type to another mid-flight. Understanding which type is the lightest or heaviest could explain processes from the universe’s early days and why matter exists in its current form.
• JUNO will track neutrinos emitted from nearby Guangdong nuclear power plants, focusing on neutrino transformation, or oscillation, to solve the neutrino mass hierarchy problem.

6. Regulation of Antibiotics: A Step Toward Combating Antimicrobial Resistance in India

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has proposed the regulation of antibiotic manufacturing and marketing by including all antibiotics under the definition of “new drugs” in the New Drugs and Clinical Trial (NDCT) Rules, 2019. This recommendation aims to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which has emerged as a critical global health concern.

Regulation of Antibiotics in India

• The DTAB has recommended that all antibiotics be classified as new drugs under the NDCT Rules, 2019. This move is part of a broader effort to regulate the use and sale of antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance.
• Definition of “New Drug”: If accepted, antibiotics will fall under the new drug category, meaning their manufacturing, marketing, and sale will require additional regulatory scrutiny.
• The over-prescription and misuse of antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals contribute to the rise of antimicrobial resistance. The inclusion of antibiotics in the “new drug” category is seen as a critical measure to prevent misuse.

Curbing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

• Global Health Threat: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly recognized as a major public health threat worldwide. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics have contributed significantly to this issue.
• Infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and typhoid have become resistant to commonly used antibiotics in India, posing serious health risks.

About Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is theability of a microbe to resist the effects of medication previously used to treat them. It is also known as antibiotic resistance.
• As a result, the medicines become ineffectiveand infections persist in the body.
• The WHO defines antimicrobial resistance as a microorganism’s resistance to an antimicrobial drug that was once able to treat an infection by that microorganism.
• The resistance to antimicrobials is a natural biological phenomenon.However, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics accelerates the development of AMR.
• Microbial resistance to antibiotics has made it harder to treat infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), blood poisoning (septicaemia) and several food-borne diseases.

Regulatory Implications

• With the new classification, the manufacturing and marketing of antibiotics will require clearance from the Union government, rather than state drug authorities.
• Antibiotics will only be available with a valid prescription, limiting over-the-counter sales and reducing misuse.
• There are also discussions to amend labelling requirements under the Drugs Rules, 1945, including the addition of a blue strip or box to identify antimicrobial products.

7. Army to commemorate 62 years of the Battle of Walong with China

Sub : IR

Sec: Neighbouring countries

Context:

• To mark the 62nd anniversary of the iconic Battle of Walong during the 1962 war with China, the Army is planning a month-long series of commemorative events.
• The events include white water rafting, motor cycle rallies, bicycle rallies, battlefield treks, adventure treks and a half marathon.
• In addition to various activities, the newly renovated Walong War Memorial, Shaurya Sthal at Lama Spur, and several key infrastructure projects in border areas will be inaugurated.

About Battle of Walong:

• The Battle of Walong took place during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, marking a significant episode where the Indian Army defended against the advancing People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China.
• Indian forces under the 11 Infantry Brigade, with Kumaon, Sikh, Gorkha, and Dogra regiments successfully halted the Chinese advance for 27 days, forcing the PLA to commit additional resources.
• The Indian soldiers operated with limited ammunition and resources, earning praise for their bravery
• The battle unfolded in the difficult terrain of Kibithu, Namti Tri Junction (famously known as Tiger’s Mouth), Walong and its adjoining areas in Arunachal Pradesh.
• 14^th November is observed as Walong Day.

Walong:

• Walong is located on the eastern-most part of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The place is situated on banks of the Lohit River.

8. SC to deliver verdict on Section 6A of the Citizenship Act 1955

Sub : Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

• A Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud is set to pronounce judgment regarding the constitutionality of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Section 6A of the Citizenship Act:

• Introduced as part of the Assam Accord signed on August 15, 1985, by the Rajiv Gandhi government.

Provisions:

• Foreigners who entered Assam before January 1, 1966 and been ordinarily resident will have all the rights and obligations of Indian citizens.
• Those entering between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971 receive the same rights but cannot vote for 10 years.

Assam Accord:

• It was a tripartite accord signed between the Government of India, State Government of Assam and the leaders of the Assam Movement in 1985.
• It led to the conclusion of a six-year agitation launched by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) in 1979, demanding the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants from Assam.
• It sets a cut-off of midnight of 24th March 1971, for the detection of illegal foreigners in Assam.

About the case:

• The petitioners had questioned why Assam alone, among the border States, had been singled out to implement Section 6A.
• Petitioners argue that Section 6A contributes to a rise in infiltration and demographic changes that threaten Assamese cultural identity.
• The court has requested evidence from petitioners to demonstrate how granted to cross-border migrants between 1966 and 1971 resulted in significant demographic shifts.

9. India, ISA to contribute $35 million to global solar facility

Sub : IR

Sec: Int Conventions

Context:

• The ISA announced a capital contribution of $35 million to the Global Solar Facility (GSF) during the sixth assembly of the ISA, hosted by India.
• The ISA has signed memoranda of understanding with several organizations, including the Multi-Lateral Investment Guarantee Fund (MIGA) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD), to facilitate investments through the GSF in Africa.

About Global Solar Facility:

• The Global Solar Facility (GSF) is an initiative of the International solar Alliance (ISA) aimed at promoting solar energy investments, particularly in underserved markets of Africa.
• After focusing on Africa, the GSF plans to expand to regions like Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
• The facility has two financial components:
  • Solar Payment Guarantee Fund
  • Solar Insurance Fund
• It aims to support off-grid solar projects, rooftop solar installations, and solar applications for productive use.
• GSF is expected to provide private investors with the confidence to take up projects in Africa and to enable $10 billion in investments.

Targets:

• The GSF aims to raise $100 million.
• This initiative is expected to enhance clean energy access for 35-40 million African households by 2030, benefiting approximately 200 million people.

Importance of Solar Energy in Africa:

• Despite having significant solar potential, Africa currently accounts for only 1.3% of the world’s installed solar capacity.
• With nearly 600 million people lacking electricity, the region is a prime candidate for decentralized solar energy projects.