Daily Prelims Notes 10 August 2024

August 10, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

10 August 2024

Table Of Contents

1. India to roll out new treatment regimen for drug-resistant TB

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

India is getting ready to roll out BPaL (bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid) regimen for all multi/extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis patients and the training for this new exercise is scheduled to begin this month.

What is BPaL Regimen?

BPaL is a 6-month, all-oral, three-drug regimen that is used to treat people with highly drug-resistant forms of TB.
BPaL is a combination of three newer antibiotics, namely bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid.
BPaL will drastically cut short the treatment duration by half (and more) and reduce the amount of medication an MDR-TB patient must take during treatment to around six months.
It is entirely oral with NO injectable, making it easier for patients to adhere to the treatment.
Bedaquiline (Bdq):
- Targets ATP synthase enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, disrupting energy production.
Pretomanid (Pa):
- Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and kills bacteria under anaerobic conditions.
- Enhances effectiveness when combined with other TB drugs.
Linezolid (Lzd):
- Inhibits protein synthesis, stopping bacterial growth.
- Effective against MDR and XDR TB strains.

What is Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)?

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most powerful, first-line anti-TB drugs.
MDR-TB is treatable and curable by using second-line drugs such as Bedaquiline.
India has a 56% treatment success rate for MDR/RR-TB cases, and 48% for XDR-TB cases, attributable to long and toxic drug regimens.

How is TB diagnosed?

A nucleic acid amplification test, or NAAT, for tuberculosis (TB) is a molecular test used to detect the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in a sputum or other respiratory sample.

2. Adivasis are Hindus: Law Minister cites Protection of Civil Rights Act

Sub: Polity

Sec: legislation in news

Context:

Union Minister of State (I/C) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal has told in Lok Sabha that

Adivasis have been included as persons professing the Hindu religion in the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.

What is the Protection of Civil Rights Act?

It is also known as the PCR Act 1955, the Protection of Civil Rights Act aimed to enforce the constitutional provision of abolition of untouchability, as stated in Article 17.
The act’s key purpose is to make certain that every citizen, irrespective of caste, creed, or race, enjoys civil rights without any hindrance.
Section 4 of the Act stipulates the punishment for enforcing social disabilities on the grounds of “untouchability”.

What is section 3 of Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955?

Definition of Hindus:
- Section 3 of the Act states that the Persons professing the Buddhist, Sikh or Jaina religion or persons professing the Hindu religion in any of its forms or developments including Virashaivas, Lingayats, Adivasis, followers of Brahmo, Prarthana, Arya Samaj and the Swaminarayan Sampraday shall be deemed to be Hindus.

How are Scheduled Tribes defined in India?

Article 366 (25) of the Constitution of India defined scheduled tribes as “such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for this constitution”.
Article 342 prescribes the procedure to be followed in the matter of specification of scheduled tribes.

3. Opposition parties prepare to move no-confidence motion against Vice-President

Sub: Polity

Sec: Parliaments

Context:

As many as 50 Opposition MPs, sources said, have signed a resolution to bring a no-confidence motion against Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar under Article 67(B) of the Indian Constitution.

How is the vice president elected?

The Vice President shall be elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation.
Members of the state legislative assembly do not participate in the vice president election.

What is the process of removal of the Vice President?

Article 67 of the Indian constitution provides for the removal of the vice president.
The Vice President can be removed from office before the completion of his term.
There is no need for a formal impeachment for removal of the Vice president.
He can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha (Effective Majority) and agreed to by the Lok Sabha (Simple Majority).
It must be noted here that the effective majority in India is only a type of special majority and not a separate one.
Further, this resolution can be introduced only in the Rajya Sabha and not in the Lok Sabha.
But, no such resolution can be moved unless at least 14 days advance notice has been given.
If the Opposition moves such a resolution, it will be the first such occasion in Indian parliamentary history.

Why is the opposition bringing the resolution?

The Opposition complained that Congress president and the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge’s microphone is routinely turned off.
The problems generated on the floor of the House should be sorted there but opposition members are told to visit the Chairman in his chamber for making any complaint.
The third accusation that the Opposition has made against the Chairman is on his personal remarks against members.
- Rule 238(2) of the Rajya Sabha clearly states that a member while speaking shall not make a personal charge against a member.

4. Bill providing up to 4 nominees for bank account tabled – Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024

Sub : Eco

Sec: Capital MARKET

Introduction of Multiple Nominees:
- The Bill introduces a provision allowing account holders to nominate up to four nominees for their bank accounts and lockers.
- It also provides for simultaneous and successive nominations, offering more flexibility and protection for depositors and their beneficiaries.
Governance and Reporting Improvements:
- The Bill aims to improve governance standards in banks, ensuring consistent reporting to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- It seeks to enhance the quality of audits in Public Sector Banks, thereby strengthening the financial system’s integrity.
Protection for Depositors and Investors:
- The Bill includes provisions to safeguard the interests of depositors and investors, including the transfer of unclaimed dividends, shares, and bond interests to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF).
- Individuals will be allowed to claim transfers or refunds from the IEPF, ensuring that unclaimed assets are protected.
Extension of Director Tenure in Cooperative Banks:
- The Bill proposes to increase the tenure of directors (other than the chairperson and whole-time directors) in cooperative banks, likely aimed at improving the stability and governance of these institutions.

Amendments to Various Acts:

The Bill seeks to amend several key pieces of legislation, including:
- RBI Act, 1934
- Banking Regulation Act, 1949
- State Bank of India Act, 1955
- Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 and 1980

Opposition and Debate:

Opposition members opposed the Bill, arguing that the power to legislate on cooperatives rests with state governments.
Other members raised concerns about the Bill amending multiple legislations simultaneously, suggesting that the amendments could have been made through administrative decisions.
Government’s Response:
- Finance Minister defended the Bill, clarifying that it does not infringe on the state’s powers regarding cooperatives, as it only addresses aspects related to banking and emphasized the necessity of these amendments, citing legal precedents and the need to strengthen the relationship between the Banking Regulation Act and Cooperative Banks.
Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)
- The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) is a government-established fund in India aimed at promoting investor awareness and protecting the interests of investors.

Purpose and Objectives of IEPF:

Investor Awareness and Education:
- The primary purpose of the IEPF is to educate and inform investors about their rights and responsibilities. It funds programs, seminars, and other initiatives to spread awareness about investment safety and financial literacy.
Protection of Investor Interests:
- The IEPF is designed to safeguard the interests of investors, particularly in situations where companies have failed to pay dividends, or where shares, deposits, and debentures remain unclaimed for a long period.
Utilization of Unclaimed Amounts:
- Funds that are unclaimed for seven years or more, such as dividends, matured deposits, or debentures, are transferred to the IEPF. These funds are used to carry out investor education and protection activities.

Key Functions of the IEPF:

Handling Unclaimed Amounts:
- The IEPF manages unclaimed dividends, matured deposits, shares, and other financial instruments that have been transferred from companies. Investors or their heirs can claim these amounts from the IEPF.
Investor Compensation:
- In cases of fraudulent or unlawful acts by companies, the IEPF can be used to compensate investors, subject to certain conditions.
Funding Investor Education Initiatives:
- The IEPF finances projects, research, and initiatives that contribute to investor education and awareness.

IEPF Authority:

The IEPF Authority was established under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, and is responsible for the administration of the IEPF. The Authority manages the funds, processes claims, and oversees the educational initiatives.

Claiming Unclaimed Funds:

Investors or their legal heirs can claim their unclaimed funds by filing an application with the IEPF Authority. The process typically involves:
- Filing a claim online through the IEPF portal.
- Submitting necessary documents to verify the claim.
- The IEPF Authority then reviews the claim, and if everything is in order, the amount is refunded to the claimant.

5. Why silica dust could become the ‘new asbestos’ health risk

Sub: Sci

Sec: Pollution

New Limits for Silica Dust Exposure:

New exposure limits to silica dust in various industries could save about 13,000 lives globally.
Current “acceptable” exposure limits pose serious risks of silicosis, a potentially fatal lung disease.
Researchers recommend reducing exposure from 0.1 mg/m3 to 0.05 mg/m3 over a working day to mitigate risks.

The Threat of Silicosis:

Silicosis is a respiratory disease which causes a hardening of the lungs. It is caused by silica dust or silica crystals, which are found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite and artificial stone.
It is a progressive disease with no cure, often developing over 10-20 years of exposure.
Silicosis can lead to other serious conditions, including lung cancer.

How Silica Dust Affects Workers:

Silica dust is released when materials like concrete and stone are cut or drilled.
Poor industrial safety standards increase the risk of inhaling this fine dust.
Millions of people worldwide are estimated to have silicosis, though data is scarce, especially in developing countries.

Study Findings on Reducing Silica Dust Exposure:

A meta-analysis of eight studies involving 65,977 participants found that halving exposure to silica dust could reduce silicosis cases by 77%.
The UK and most European countries have an occupational limit of 0.1 mg/m3, but lowering this to 0.05 mg/m3 aligns with US standards.

Achievability of Reducing Silica Dust Exposure:

Reducing silica dust exposure to safer levels is achievable, as demonstrated by the US and Australia.
Australia has even banned the use of engineered stone due to its high silica dust release.
Effective measures include using water suppression methods, better ventilation, and personal protective equipment.
The situation is more severe in developing countries where safety measures are often lacking.

Source: IE

6. Cobras, mambas, coral and sea snakes, other elapids emerged from Asia & spread worldwide: Study

Sub: Sci

Sec: Species in news

Evolution of Venomous Snakes:

Some of the world’s most venomous snakes, such as cobras, mambas, coral snakes, and sea snakes, evolved in Asia before spreading globally.
Elapoidea, a snake superfamily with over 700 species, is found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and in marine habitats of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The origin of elapids has been debated, with earlier studies suggesting Africa as their origin, but new research supports an Asian origin.

New Study on Snake Origins:

A study titled “Out of Asia” published on August 7 in the Royal Society Open Science suggests that elapids originated in Asia.
Researchers sampled 66 individuals from 65 species using DNA from preserved tissue samples and previously assembled genomes.
The study indicates four distinct “Out of Asia” colonization events where elapids spread into Africa.

Snake Migration and Colonization

The study found that the “Afro-Malagasy group,” comprising 330 species, crossed into Africa around 24.4-37.5 million years ago.
An ancestor of African cobras (genera Aspidelaps, Hemachatus, Naja, Pseudohaje and Walterinnesia) crossed into Africa during the early and middle Miocene (12.5-23.9 million years ago).
African garter snakes and mambas may have also crossed into Africa around 25.6 and 18.9 million years ago, respectively.

Expansion and Colonization Pathways

Cobras likely dispersed into Africa when the Gomphotherium land bridge formed during the collision of Africa and Eurasia (12.5-23 Ma).
Elapids may have spread to North America via the Bering Land Bridge, though no snake fossils have been found in this region yet.
The study also supports the colonization of Australasia from Asia by an elapoid sublineage, likely through trans-oceanic dispersal or island-hopping.

7. Ground-level ozone surges in 10 major cities, presents a new urban crisis in India

Sub: Env

Sec: Pollution

Rising Ground-Level Ozone Crisis in Indian Cities:

In the summer of 2024, ground-level ozone is emerging as a significant environmental threat across Indian cities, surpassing the more familiar issue of particulate pollution.
Recent data from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) shows a surge in ozone concentrations in 10 major cities, including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai-MMR, Kolkata-KMA, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Jaipur.

Formation and Health Risks of Ground-Level Ozone

Ground-level ozone is formed through reactions involving nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in sunlight, originating from vehicle exhausts, industrial emissions, and natural elements.
This pollutant poses severe health risks, especially for those with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly, by inflaming and damaging airways, exacerbating asthma, and potentially leading to chronic respiratory diseases.

Year-Round Ozone Pollution

Ground-level ozone is not just a seasonal issue; it persists year-round, with cities like Mumbai-MMR, Delhi-NCR, and Pune experiencing high ozone levels even at night. This persistent pollution highlights the need for continuous, comprehensive air quality management strategies.

Source: DTE

8. Most tree-planting campaigns fail. What has to change?

Sub: Env

Sec: Int Conventions

Tree Planting Campaigns: Unintended Failures:

Many global tree planting campaigns fail to deliver real climate benefits, as seen in Kenya, where most of the 50 saplings planted by environmentalist Lucy Kagendo died, reflecting a widespread issue.
Despite the simplicity of the concept—trees remove CO2 through photosynthesis—numerous initiatives like northern India’s restoration efforts and Africa’s Great Green Wall project have struggled.
The failure of many campaigns is often due to planting the wrong trees in unsuitable locations or at the wrong time, as demonstrated by Turkey’s 2019 initiative where 98% of the 11 million trees planted died within three months.

Africa’s Great Green Wall Project:

Launched in 2007, Africa’s ambitious Great Green Wall project aimed to restore 100 million hectares (247.1 million acres) of degraded land in the Sahel with vegetation and trees. According to the latest UN figures, just a fifth of that area had been planted. Progress is stalled due to a lack of funding, and some of the trees died because they didn’t receive enough water or care.

Importance of Long-Term Care and Native Species:

Trees take decades to mature, making it crucial to monitor and care for them long after planting. However, this is often neglected.
Successful campaigns, like China’s Loess Plateau project, thrive by selecting native, drought-resistant species suited to local conditions and ensuring long-term maintenance.

Community Involvement and Localized Efforts

Effective tree planting requires local community involvement to ensure long-term care, as highlighted by Kagendo’s realization that trees need to be planted where they can be regularly tended.
Incorporating local communities, schools, and women in tree care, as seen in India and the US Green Seattle Partnership, enhances success rates. These projects emphasize that it is better to plant fewer, healthier trees than many that may not survive.

Source: IE