Daily Prelims Notes 11 February 2025

February 11, 2025
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

11 February 2025

Table Of Contents

1. Cross-Blood Kidney Transplant Performed on Bombay Blood Group Patient

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

A groundbreaking medical procedure was performed at MIOT International in Chennai, where doctors successfully conducted a kidney transplant for a patient with the rare Bombay blood group. This marks the first known instance of a cross-blood transplant for a patient with this blood type, overcoming significant clinical challenges.

Details:

A 30-year-old male patient with the rare Bombay blood group required a kidney transplant. His mother, who did not share his blood group, was willing to donate a kidney.
Traditionally, organ transplants require blood group compatibility to prevent rejection. Doctors in Chennai, with expertise in cross-blood transplants, employed advanced medical techniques to make the transplant possible.

About Bombay Blood Group:

First identified in Mumbai in 1952 by Dr. Y.M. Bhende.
Lacks the H antigen, which is the foundation for A and B blood group formation.
Cannot receive blood from ABO blood groups, including type O.
Only compatible with blood from another Bombay blood group donor.
Occurs in approximately 1 in 4 million people globally. More common in Mumbai (1 in 10,000) but remains highly rare in Europe (1 in a million).

Clinical Challenges in Cross-Blood Transplant:

Cross-blood transplantation, also known as ABO-incompatible transplantation, involves performing organ transplants between donors and recipients with different blood types.
This approach is particularly significant when a compatible donor is unavailable, expanding the potential donor pool and reducing waiting times for recipients.
Overcoming Incompatibility: Doctors utilized Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFPP), a Japanese technique used to reduce blood incompatibility in ABO transplants.
Key steps involved:
- Measuring anti-H antibodies, in addition to standard anti-A and anti-B antibodies.
- Administering monoclonal antibody injections to deplete B cells responsible for antibody production.
- Conducting plasmapheresis to remove antibodies from the blood, lowering the rejection risk.
- Using immunosuppressive intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy to further suppress immune response.
The patient underwent kidney transplant surgery after reaching a presumed safe antibody level.
The transplant was successful with no complications during or after the surgery.

Blood Groups and Their Types:

Human blood is classified into different groups based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells.
The two primary blood group systems are the ABO system and the Rh system.
ABO Blood Group System:
- Type A: Has A antigens on the surface of red blood cells and anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
- Type B: Has B antigens on the surface of red blood cells and anti-A antibodies in the plasma.
- Type AB: Has both A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells and no anti-A or anti-B antibodies in the plasma; known as the universal recipient.
- Type O: Lacks A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells but has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in the plasma; known as the universal donor.
Rh Blood Group System:
- The Rh blood group is one of the most complex blood groups known in humans.
- It was named after the Rhesus monkey; it has become second in importance only to the ABO blood group in the field of transfusion medicine.
- It has remained of primary importance in obstetrics, being the main cause of haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).
- Rh Positive (Rh+): Presence of the Rh factor (D antigen) on the surface of red blood cells.
- Rh Negative (Rh-): Absence of the Rh factor on the surface of red blood cells.
The combination of the ABO and Rh systems results in eight possible blood types: A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+, and O-. Understanding these blood types is crucial for safe blood transfusions and organ transplants.

2. Is Global Warming Accelerating?

Sub: Geo

Sec: Climatology

Why in News

The European climate service Copernicus has reported that January 2025 was the hottest January on record, surpassing the previous record set in January 2024. Despite factors such as a cooling La Niña and predictions of a slightly less hot 2025, global temperatures continue to rise.

Rising Global Temperatures:

January 2025 was 09°C warmer than January 2024.
The global temperature was 75°C higher than pre-industrial levels.
18 of the last 19 months have seen temperatures exceed 5°C above pre-industrial times.
Scientists, however, state that the 5°C threshold will not be officially breached until the global average remains above it for 20 years.
The primary driver of record heat is the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
Natural Climate Variability:
- The El Niño–La Niña cycle significantly influences global temperatures.
- El Niño, a warming phase in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, contributes to temperature spikes.
- La Niña, the cooling phase, typically dampens global warming effects.
- Despite a La Niña event starting in January 2025, temperatures remain high, contradicting expectations.

Refer: 2024: The Year Humanity Breached the 1.5°C Global Warming Limit

What is La Niña?

La Niña is a phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a climate phenomenon that involves variations in sea surface temperatures and atmospheric pressure in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
It can influence weather patterns globally, affecting rainfall, temperatures, and storm systems.
The ENSO has three phases, which occur in irregular cycles of two to seven years.:
- El Niño (warm phase),
- La Niña (cool phase),
- Neutral phase.

What happens during La Nina:

In La Niña, the trade winds (winds blowing from east to west across the Pacific) are stronger than usual, pushing warm surface waters to the western Pacific.
This allows cooler waters from below the surface to upwell along the eastern Pacific, leading to lower-than-normal sea surface temperatures in this region.
In India, El Niño is associated with decreased rainfall and higher temperatures, while La Niña is associated with increased rainfall and hence lower temperatures.

About El Niño:

In the El Niño phase, the trade winds weaken, leading to lesser displacement of warmer waters off the South American coast.
Consequently, the eastern Pacific becomes warmer than usual.

Neutral phase:

In the neutral phase, the eastern side of the Pacific Ocean (near the northwestern coast of South America) is cooler than the western side (near the Philippines and Indonesia).
This is due to the prevailing wind systems that move from east to west, sweeping the warmer surface waters towards the Indonesian coast.
The relatively cooler waters from below come up to replace the displaced water.

3. Biovet’s Lumpy Skin Disease Vaccine Gets Regulatory Approval

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

Biovet, a Bharat Biotech group company, has received a licence from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for its lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccine for dairy cattle. This development marks a significant step in India’s efforts to combat LSD, a highly infectious viral disease affecting cattle nationwide.

Key Points:

First-of-Its-Kind Vaccine: Biovet claims that its vaccine, Biolumpivaxin, is the world’s first for LSD.
The vaccine was developed in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
It has undergone rigorous quality, safety, and efficacy trials at ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Hisar, and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI).
DIVA Marker Technology: The vaccine enables the differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA), aiding disease surveillance and eradication efforts.

About Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD):

LSD is a transboundary viral disease affecting cattle.
Symptoms include skin nodules, fever, swollen lymph nodes, reduced milk yield, and difficulty in movement.
It is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects.
2022 Outbreak: Morbidity rates reached up to 80%, with case fatality rates as high as 67% in states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.
The outbreak resulted in losses of over ₹18,337.76 crore, with milk production declining by 26%, severely impacting the dairy industry and rural economy.
First reported in Zambia, Africa, in 1929.
Spread to Egypt (1988) and Israel (1989) before reaching the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
First confirmed outbreak in India occurred in 2019, rapidly spreading across multiple states.

Vaccination as a Preventive Measure:

Vaccination is the most effective strategy to control LSD outbreaks.
Homologous vaccines are preferred for effective immune response.
It takes 3 to 4 weeks for vaccinated cattle to develop full immunity.
Prophylactic vaccination is crucial to protect all age groups of dairy cattle and buffaloes from infection.

What is DIVA Marker Technology?

DIVA marker technology involves using genetic or protein markers that allow diagnostic tests to differentiate between animals that have been vaccinated and those that have been infected by a particular pathogen.
This helps in tracking disease outbreaks and assessing vaccination programs effectively.
DIVA-compatible vaccines lack certain antigens (proteins) that the wild-type pathogen has.
Special serological tests (e.g., ELISA, PCR) can detect whether an animal has been naturally infected or only exposed to the vaccine.
Since vaccinated animals do not show markers of natural infection, it aids in monitoring disease spread and effectiveness of control measures.
Used in combating Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Classical Swine Fever (CSF), Avian Influenza, and Bovine Tuberculosis.
Enables mass vaccination without losing the ability to detect real disease outbreaks.
Advantages:
- Differentiates vaccinated animals from infected ones.
- Helps in rapid containment and
- Supports trade and livestock movement by confirming disease-free status.

4. How can convicted persons return to make laws, asks SC

Sub: Polity

Sec: Elections

Context: The Supreme Court on Monday (February 10, 2025) asked how convicted persons could return to the Parliament and State Legislatures, saying there was an apparent conflict of interest if people found guilty of breaking the law returned as lawmakers.

Government’s Stand on the Issue

The government, in a 2020 affidavit, rejected the idea of a lifetime ban.
It maintained that disqualification under Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, for the prison sentence duration and six years thereafter, was sufficient.
MPs and MLAs were not bound by specific “service conditions”, but rather by their oath, propriety, and national interest.

Criminal Cases Against Legislators

It has been pointed out:
- 5,000 criminal cases against MPs and MLAs are still pending.
- 42% of sitting Lok Sabha members face criminal charges.
- Some cases have been pending for over 30 years.

Disqualifications Under Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951

Purpose of Section 8

Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 aims to prevent criminalization of politics by disqualifying convicted individuals from contesting elections.
It ensures that persons with serious criminal backgrounds do not enter legislative bodies.

Categories of Disqualification Under Section 8

Section 8 disqualifies individuals from contesting elections based on different categories of offenses:

Section 8(1) – Disqualification for Certain Offenses
- Conviction for serious offenses such as:
  - Promoting enmity between groups on religious, racial, caste, or language grounds.
  - Offenses related to electoral integrity, such as bribery and undue influence.
- Disqualification Period: The convicted individual is disqualified from the date of conviction and for six years after release from prison.
Section 8(2) –
- A person convicted for the contravention of—
  - any law providing for the prevention of hoarding or profiteering;
  - any law relating to the adulteration of food or drugs;
  - any provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 7[1961 (28 of 1961)],
- Disqualification : If the person is sentenced to imprisonment for not less than six months, shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release
Section 8(3) – Disqualification for Sentences of Two Years or More
- If a person is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment of two years or more, they are immediately disqualified.
- Disqualification Period: The person remains disqualified during the prison term and for six years after release.
Important Supreme Court Interpretations

Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013):

The Supreme Court struck down Section 8(4) of the Act, which had allowed sitting MPs and MLAs to continue in office even after conviction if they appealed within three months.

5. Southern States should benchmark themselves against the world: CEA V. Anantha Nageswaran

Sub : Eco

Sec: National economy

Context: Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran emphasized that Southern States should benchmark themselves against global standards rather than just India.

The region leads in several economic parameters when compared to the rest of the country.

Contribution to India’s Economy

Southern States contribute over 30% of India’s GDP.
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are standout performers with high compounded annual growth rates in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
The region’s annual growth rate in real terms is 6.3%, compared to a little over 5% for the rest of India.
Per capita GDP growth:
- Southern States – Over 5%
- Rest of India – 4.2%

Labour Force and Economic Sectors Performance

Southern States perform better in Average Labour Force Participation Rate.
Higher share of Gross Value Added (GVA) across various sectors:
- Real estate, agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
Southern States account for:
- 37.4% of total factories in India.
- 37% of operational factories.
- 25.6% of fixed capital investments.

Scope for Improvement in Productivity

Although 33% of the workforce engaged in manufacturing is in South India, its output share is only 26%.
Indicates the need for productivity improvements in the manufacturing sector.

Skill Levels and Need for Upgradation

CEA categorized skill levels into four tiers:
- Basic skills (Level 1)
- Intermediate skills (Level 2)
- Associate and professional skills (Level 3)
- Higher-order professional skills (Level 4 – medicine, engineering, geology, etc.)

Observation:

Tamil Nadu and other Southern States have a high presence of Skill Level 2.
However, they lag in Skill Levels 3 and 4 (associate and professional skills).

Need for Future Skill Development

The 21st-century economy will be driven by high-value manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI).
Southern States must enhance Skill Levels 3 and 4 to remain globally competitive.

6. Niti Aayog report seeks more public funding for higher education

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Education

Context:

The NITI Aayog report titled “Expanding Quality Higher Education through States and State Public Universities” reveals disparities in spending on higher education across Indian states and union territories.

Report Highlights:

Jammu and Kashmir leads with the highest expenditure at 8.11% of GDP, followed by Manipur (7.25%), Meghalaya (6.64%), and Tripura (6.19%).
In contrast, Delhi (1.67%), Telangana (2%), and Karnataka (2.01%) spend much less.

Growth in Spending on Higher Education:

The average expenditure per youth on higher education increased from ₹2,174 in 2005-06 to ₹4,921 in 2019-20.
Despite this increase, there is a growing divergence between the states, with some states spending more than others.
States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are top spenders, while Rajasthan, Punjab, and Chhattisgarh lag behind.

Spending on Higher Education:

Maharashtra leads in funding with a budget of ₹11,421 crore, followed by Bihar (₹9,666 crore) and Tamil Nadu (₹7,237 crore).
States like Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland have the lowest budgets.

Spending on Higher Education as a percentage of GSDP:

Regarding higher education expenditure as a percentage of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), Bihar ranks highest at 1.56%, followed by Jammu & Kashmir (1.53%) and Manipur (1.45%).
Telangana has the lowest at 0.18%, with Gujarat and Rajasthan at 0.23%.

7. China lays down conditions for Dalai Lama’s Tibet return

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

China has expressed its willingness to engage in discussions regarding the future of the Dalai Lama, who is currently in exile.
Beijing is open to talks about the Dalai Lama’s return, under the condition that he abandons his stance on seeking Tibet’s independence and acknowledges Tibet and Taiwan as integral parts of China.
This offer was made in response to a request for comment on the recent passing of the Dalai Lama’s elder brother, Gyalo Thondup.

Historical Context:

The Dalai Lama, the exiled leader of Tibetan Buddhism, fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule and has lived in Dharamsala, India since then.
The Dalai Lama turns 90 in July 2025 and has repeatedly expressed his desire to return to Tibet before his death.

About Dalai Lama:

Dalai Lama is a title given by the Tibetan people for the foremost spiritual leader of the Gelug or “Yellow Hat” school of Tibetan Buddhism, the newest of the classical schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
The 14thand current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso.
He was born on 6 July 1935, to a farming family, in a small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet.
At the age of two, the child, then named Lhamo Dhondup, was recognized as the reincarnation of the previous 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso.
The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet.
Bodhisattvas are realized beings inspired by a wish to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, who have vowed to be reborn in the world to help humanity.
In his Holiness the Dalai Lama 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet.

Concept:

Following the Buddhist belief in the principle of reincarnation, the current Dalai Lama is believed by Buddhists to be able to choose the body into which he is reincarnated.
That person, when found, will then become the next Dalai Lama.
According to Buddhist scholars it is the responsibility of the High Lamas of the Gelugpa tradition and the Tibetan government to seek out and find the next Dalai Lama following the death of the incumbent.
If more than one candidate is identified, the true successor is found by officials and monks drawing lots in a public ceremony.
Once identified, the successful candidate and his family are taken to Lhasa(or Dharamsala) where the child studies the Buddhist scriptures in order to prepare for spiritual leadership.
This process can take several years: it took four years to find the 14th (current) Dalai Lama.
The search is generally limited to Tibet, although the current Dalai Lama has said that there is a chance that he will not be reborn, and that if he is, it will not be in a country under Chinese rule.

8. With Trump in office, Iranians mark 1979 Islamic Revolution anniversary

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Tens of thousands of Iranians participated in the annual commemoration of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, marking the overthrow of the American-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the establishment of Iran’s Shiite theocracy.
This year’s celebration took place amid growing uncertainty due to the renewed “maximum pressure” campaign by U.S. President Donald Trump targeting Iran, particularly its economy and nuclear program.

Current situation of Iranian Economy:

Iran is experiencing severe economic challenges, primarily due to crippling sanctions that have significantly impacted its economy.
The Iranian currency, the rial, reached a record low of 928,500 rials to $1 in aftermarket trading, a 6% drop from the previous week.
These economic struggles are compounded by the looming threat of additional U.S. sanctions under President Trump’s administration.

Revolution Background:

The Iranian Islamic Revolution, also known as the 1979 Revolution, led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
It marked the end of the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was backed by the United States and other Western nations.
The revolution was driven by widespread discontent with the Shah’s regime, which was seen as oppressive, corrupt, and heavily influenced by foreign powers. The Shah, who was suffering from terminal cancer, fled Iran in January 1979.
Ayatollah Khomeini, who had been exiled for opposing the Shah, became the figurehead of the revolution. As the Shah’s regime weakened, Khomeini returned to Iran in February 1979, greeted by millions of supporters.
In April 1979, Iranians voted to establish the Islamic Republic, a Shiite theocracy with Khomeini as the first Supreme Leader.

U.S. Embassy Hostage Crisis:

The U.S. Embassy in Tehran was seized by militant students in November 1979 after the U.S. allowed the Shah to enter for cancer treatment.
This led to the 444-day hostage crisis, worsening relations between Iran and the United States and intensifying long-lasting enmity.