Daily Prelims Notes 12 January 2025

January 12, 2025
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

12 January 2025

Table of Contents

1. IIT Roorkee Develops Bacterial Enzyme-Based Solution to Degrade Plasticizers

Sub : Sci

Sec: Msc

Why in News

Researchers at IIT Roorkee have developed a method using bacterial enzymes to degrade high molecular weight plasticizers like diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP). This breakthrough aims to combat the increasing environmental and health risks posed by plasticizers.

What are Plasticizers?

Chemicals added to plastics and personal care products to improve flexibility and shine.
Commonly found in baby toys, shampoos, soaps, and food containers.
Plasticizers can be absorbed through the skin, posing carcinogenic risks.
Their prevalence in the environment has been rising at an alarming rate.

Research at IIT Roorkee:

They utilized an enzyme, esterase, derived from the soil bacterium Sulfobacillus acidophilus to degrade DEHP plasticizer.
This enzyme demonstrated the ability to break down high molecular weight phthalate plasticizers, previously considered difficult to degrade.
The esterase enzyme was structurally characterized using X-ray crystallography to identify active sites and understand the degradation mechanism.
Additional biochemical and biophysical approaches were employed to study enzyme efficiency.
Enzymes Used in Sequence:
- Sulfobacillus acidophilus: Esterase enzyme for breaking DEHP into MEHP and 2-ethyl hexanol.
- Comamonas testosteroni: Enzymes for further degradation:
  - Phthalate dioxygenase converts phthalate into intermediate compounds.
  - Phthalate decarboxylase converts intermediates into protocatechuate.
  - The bacteria’s tricarboxylic acid cycle then converts protocatechuate into water and carbon dioxide.
- Degradation Process:
  - The enzyme breaks down DEHP into two products:
    - Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP)
    - 2-ethyl hexanol
  - These products can be further degraded into water and carbon dioxide using a sequence of enzymes.
  - Gene Cloning: The genes for the esterase enzyme were cloned into coli bacteria for large-scale enzyme production. Enzymes produced through aerobic culture were effective for degradation.
  - Integration into Bacteria: Integrating enzymes into bacteria ensures prolonged activity and continuous degradation. Eliminates the need for fresh enzyme batches, making the process efficient.

Diethyl Hexyl Phthalate (DEHP): A high molecular weight plasticizer used to enhance flexibility in plastics, known for its carcinogenic effects.

Esterase: An enzyme that catalyses the breakdown of ester bonds, crucial for degrading plasticizers like DEHP into simpler compounds.

Soil Bacterium Sulfobacillus acidophilus: A microorganism producing esterase enzyme, effective in degrading high molecular weight plasticizers.

X-ray Crystallography: A technique used to determine the three-dimensional structure of molecules, identifying active sites in enzymes like esterase.

2. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing

Sub: Sci

Sec: Biotech

Why in News

The CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool has been at the forefront of ground breaking research, including advancements in agriculture, healthcare, and genetic engineering.

What is Gene Editing?

Gene editing involves altering the DNA sequence using specific enzymes to remove, add, or replace genetic material.
The process is comparable to editing a document, where errors in the DNA code are corrected for desired outcomes.
Early methods involved two enzymes:
- One to cut DNA at a specific location.
- Another to insert the desired genetic change.
These methods were labour-intensive and lacked efficiency.

What is CRISPR-Cas9?

CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, while Cas9 refers to CRISPR-associated Protein 9.
It is a revolutionary gene-editing tool that precisely cuts DNA strands to allow the insertion of new genetic material.
Jennifer Doudna (University of California, Berkeley) and Emmanuelle Charpentier (Humboldt University, Germany) developed the CRISPR-Cas9 system, earning the Nobel Prize in 2012.
Feng Zhang (Broad Institute) advanced its applications but was excluded from the Nobel recognition.

Applications in Plant Genome Engineering:

Researchers like Holger Puchta (Karlsruhe Botanical Institute) have used CRISPR variants (Cas9, Cas12, Cas13) to modify plant genomes.
Notable advancements: Gene ‘knockout’ in tomato plants, enhancing sweetness without affecting weight.

Breakthrough in Treating Eye Disorders:

Scientists at LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, in collaboration with IGIB, used CRISPR to correct genetic mutations in patient-specific stem cells.
The mutation-corrected stem cells developed into retinal cells with restored protein expression.
Opened pathways for autologous cell therapies for inherited eye disorders.

Cas12: A CRISPR-associated protein that targets and cleaves both double-stranded and single-stranded DNA, activated by DNA sequences, and utilized in gene editing and molecular diagnostics.

Cas13: A CRISPR-associated protein that specifically targets and cleaves single-stranded RNA, activated by RNA sequences, and applied in RNA research and antiviral strategies.

3. Fire Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Aviation

Sub: Sci

Sec: Msc

Why in News

The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) issued three position papers highlighting fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

What is IFALPA?

International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA): A global non-profit representing professional pilots.
Established after a 1948 ICAO conference to provide a platform for pilot input in global aviation standards.
Comprises 104 member associations, representing around 1,00,000 professional pilots (as of 2013).
Provides inputs to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and other aviation bodies.

IFALPA’s Position Papers:

POS01: Focuses on UN3480 and UN3481 regulations:
- UN3480: Lithium-ion batteries transported in bulk, requiring a state of charge (SOC) of less than 30%.
- UN3481: Batteries fitted into equipment, exempt from SOC restrictions.
Recommends extending the SOC 30% limit to UN3481 for greater safety, citing increasing energy density and compactness of equipment.
POS02: Highlights the unique fire risks of lithium-ion batteries compared to traditional fuels.
POS03: Batteries in flight deck components require stricter fire-safety measures. Studies by the S. FAA and the EU Aviation Safety Agency found existing fire kits inadequate for batteries with an energy rating of 100 Wh or higher.

About Lithium-Ion Batteries:

A lithium-ion battery or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery.
Li-ion batteries use an intercalated(Intercalation is the reversible inclusion or insertion of a molecule into materials with layered structures) lithium compound as one electrode material, compared to the metallic lithium used in a non-rechargeable lithium battery.
The battery consists of electrolyte, which allows for ionic movement, and the two electrodes are the constituent components of a lithium-ion battery cell.
Lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge and back when charging.
Lithium batteries were proposed by British chemist and co-recipient of the 2019 Nobel prize for chemistry M. Stanley Whittingham, now at Binghamton University, while working for Exxon in the 1970s.

About Lithium:

Lithium (Li), chemical element of Group 1 (Ia) in the periodic table, the alkali metal group, lightest of the solid elements.
It is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal.
Under standard conditions, it is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element.
Like all alkali metals, lithium is highly reactive and flammable, and must be stored in vacuum, inert atmosphere or inert liquid such as purified kerosene or mineral oil.
When cut, it exhibits a metallic luster, but moist air corrodes it quickly to a dull silvery gray, then black tarnish.
It never occurs freely in nature, but only in (usually ionic) compounds.
Due to its solubility as an ion, it is present in ocean water and is commonly obtained from brines.
Lithium metal is isolated electrolytically from a mixture of lithium chloride and potassium chloride.
Lithium takes an active part in many reactions with organic and inorganic reactants. It reacts with oxygen to form monoxide and peroxide.
Metallic Lithium reacts extremely vigorously with water.
It has high specific heat which is the calorific capacity.
It has very low density and low viscosity.
Lithium is found only in salts and minerals.

4. Rising Anger Among Denotified Tribes: Stagnating Schemes and Classification Hurdles

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Tribes

Context: –

Denotified, Semi-Nomadic, and Nomadic Tribes face growing frustration as the SEED scheme struggles to take off, caste certificates are denied in 29 states, and the 2017 Idate Commission’s recommendations remain unimplemented.

About DNTs/NTs/SNTs

During British colonial rule in India, around 200 tribal communities across India were notified as “criminal tribes” under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. Members of these “notified tribes” were said to be “addicted to the systematic commission of non-bailable offences”. The men were required to report regularly to police stations, and police restricted the movement of the communities. “Criminal Tribes” were held responsible for any crime in the vicinity where they were. This stigma and the attendant discrimination and oppression they faced exacerbated the social and economic marginalisation that they experienced. Independent India repealed the law in 1949. But it was only on 31st August 1952 that the “criminal tribes” were “de-notified”.
In recent years this day has been celebrated as “Vimukti Diwas” or Liberation Day. This year it will be 71 years from liberation, but nomadic tribes and de-notified tribes (NTDNT) continue to face marginalisation and stigma.
Denotified Tribes (DNTs): Communities that were labeled as ‘criminal tribes’ under the British colonial rule through the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. This act was repealed in 1952, ‘de-notifying’ these tribes. Eg. Bijoria, and Nayak of Rajasthan.
Nomadic Tribes (NTs): Groups that traditionally move from place to place in search of livelihood, without a fixed habitation. Eg. Van Gujjars, Lambadis, and Gujjar-Bakarwals
Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs): Communities that are partially settled but still engage in periodic migration. Eg. Raikas and Banjaras

Collectively, these groups comprise over 10 crore (100 million) individuals across more than 1,400 communities in India. Many remain unclassified under the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories, limiting their access to affirmative action and welfare schemes.

Summary: Committees for Empowerment of DNTs

Ayyangar Committee (1949-1950)
- Objective: Address the Criminal Tribes Act and recommend its repeal.
- Key Recommendations:
  - Repeal the Criminal Tribes Act as it was inconsistent with the dignity of free India.
  - Allocate adequate funds for the welfare and rehabilitation of affected communities.
- Outcome:
  - Recommendations partially accepted; the Act was repealed on 31st August 1952 by the Criminal Tribes (Repeal) Act, 1952 (Act No. XXIV of 1952).

Kalelkar Committee (1953)
- Objective: Part of the First Backward Class Commission, focusing on social inclusion of marginalized groups.
- Key Recommendations:
  - Discontinue terms like “Tribes,” “Criminal,” or “Ex-Criminal” for these groups; rename them “Denotified Communities”.
  - Encourage assimilation by redistributing these communities in smaller groups within towns and villages to foster interaction and integration into society.
- Outcome:
  - Provided a framework for renaming and societal inclusion but did not directly lead to widespread policy action.

Idate Commission (2014)
- Objective: Address the socio-economic challenges of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT/NT/SNT).
- Key Actions and Recommendations:
  - Identified and prepared draft lists of DNT/NT/SNT communities across states.
  - Evaluated their development progress and suggested systematic approaches for their upliftment.
- Outcome:
  - Report submitted in December 2017, providing a detailed blueprint for policy action and community development.

Idate Commission Report

The National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, chaired by Shri Bhiku Ramji Idate, submitted its report in December 2017.
The commission identified 1,526 DNT,SNT and NT communities across the country, of which 269 were not yet categorized as either SC,ST or OBC.
It recommended to include a caste-census column in the 2021 census to expedite the final classification of these communities.
It also highlighted inconsistencies, such as the same community being listed under different categories in various states or districts.
The commission recommended the establishment of a permanent commission for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes and the repeal of the Habitual Offenders Act, 1952, which continues to stigmatize them.

SEED Scheme

The Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) was launched by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in February 2022, with a budget allocation of ₹200 crore over five years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26). The scheme comprises four components:

Free Coaching: Providing quality coaching to enable candidates to appear in competitive examinations.
Health Insurance: Offering a health insurance cover of ₹5 lakhs per family per year under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
Livelihood Initiatives: Supporting community-level livelihood initiatives through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
Housing Assistance: Providing financial assistance for the construction of houses for eligible families.

Various Schemes for the benefit of DNTs, SNTs and NTs:

Nanaji Deshmukh scheme of Construction of Hostels for DNT Boys and Girls

This is a centrally sponsored scheme launched w.e.f 2014-15 being implemented through State Governments/UT Administrations/ Central Universities. The Scheme aims at providing hostel facilities to students belonging to those DNT students who are not covered under SC, ST or OBC, to enable them to pursue secondary and higher education. The income ceiling for eligibility is Rs. 2.00 lakh per annum. The Central Government will provide a maximum of 500 seats per annum throughout the country. The cost norm under the scheme is Rs.3.00 lakh per seat for the hostel (which is said between Centre and State in 75:25 ratio) and Rs. 5,000/- per seat for furniture.

Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for DNTs

A scheme of Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for the benefit of children belonging to DNTs is being implemented. While benefits of reservations, scholarships etc. were available to SCs/STs/OBCs, no such welfare schemes are available for the welfare of these DNTs i.e. those who are not covered under SC, ST or OBC. The Scheme is for bringing about a focused intervention on these classes so that they are empowered socially and economically and their lives are also improved. This scheme is continuous and permanent in nature. The scholarship schemes are for individual beneficiaries not covered under any scheme. The financial assistance would be released to the State Governments/UT Administrations/ Universities/Colleges which would cater to the requirements of the students belonging to DNT communities.

5. India joins UN panel on data for official statistics

Sub: IR

Sec: Int Org

Context:

India has joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN CEBD). This was announced by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
As part of the committee, India will contribute to shaping global standards and practices in harnessing Big Data and data science for official statistical purposes.

About UN-CEBD:

The UN-CEBD was established in 2014 under the UN Statistical Commission.
The committee was created to investigate the benefits and challenges of Big Data, including.
The committee provides strategic vision, direction, and coordination for a global program on big data and data science, focusing on their use in official statistics and monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UN Statistical Commission:

The United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC) was established in 1946 by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
It is the highest decision-making body for international statistical activities, responsible for setting of statistical standards and the development of concepts and methods, including their implementation at the national and international level.
The Commission consists of 24 member countries of the United Nations elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council based on an equitable geographical distribution.

What is Big Data:

Big Data refers to extremely large and complex datasets that cannot be easily managed, processed, or analysed using traditional data management tools and techniques.
It is characterized by the 3Vs:
Volume: Massive amounts of data generated from various sources like social media, sensors, transactions, etc.
Velocity: High-speed data generation and processing.
Variety: Diverse data formats such as structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data.
Additional dimensions often include Veracity (data reliability) and Value (insights derived from data).

6. New National Museum in Delhi to display artefacts in chronological and thematic order

Sub : History

Sec: Art and Culture

Context:

The North and South Blocks in New Delhi, currently housing key government ministries, are being repurposed to accommodate the new National Museum as part of the Central Vista redevelopment plan.
The new museum is named ‘Yug Yugeen Bharat’, symbolizing “Eternal India.”
India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France for the development of the museum.

Features:

The North Block will feature a chronological arrangement of artefacts across approximately 250 galleries, while the South Block will have thematic displays focusing on subjects like literature, architecture, and art.
Additional features include augmented reality galleries, educational centres, and children’s corners.
The museum will house 25,000–30,000 artefacts, making it the largest such museum globally.

Adaptive Reuse:

North Block and South Block will undergo retrofitting to transform them into world-class museum spaces while preserving their architectural heritage.
This approach mirrors France’s ‘Grand Projects’ initiative, which successfully converted government buildings into cultural landmarks (e.g., Louvre Museum, Grand Palais, Hôtel de la Marine).

Office Relocation:

North Block currently houses the Ministries of Finance and Home Affairs.
South Block houses the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of External Affairs.
These offices are being relocated to the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) building on Janpath.

7. Gen Beta is here: what is a generation, how do different generations vary from each other?

Sub: Sci

Sec: Msc

Context:

The year 2025 marks a generational shift: children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2039, will comprise Generation Beta.

Generation Beta (2025–2039):

This generation succeeds Generation Alpha, also dubbed the iPad Generation, with its members born between 2010 and 2024.
Generation Beta will be the children of younger millennials and older Gen Zers, and is so-named because the letter Beta follows Alpha in the Greek alphabet. Gen Alpha was coined by demographer Mark McCrindle.

Definition of a Generation:

A generation refers to a group of people born around the same time. The term was popularized by Karl Mannheim in his 1928 paper The Problem of Generations.
A cohort refers to a group of people born around the same time period who have experienced a common historical event and may have similar value systems.

Naming Generations

Generations were named after significant societal or historical events.
Examples:
- Baby Boomers: Named after the post-World War II baby boom.
- Millennials: Representing individuals reaching adulthood near the turn of the millennium.
Greek Alphabets: Adopted for naming recent generations, starting with Generation Alpha (2010–2024).

Notable Generations:

Baby Boomers (1946–1964):
- Born post-World War II during a period of optimism and population growth.
- Grew up in independent India, experienced wars, socialist policies, and the Emergency.
- Traits: Competitive, idealistic, with a mistrust of authority.
Generation X (1964–1979):
- Known for skepticism, with the X representing a mistrust of the establishment, be it marriage or corporate employment.
- In India, they witnessed economic reforms, telecom growth, and early IT development.
- Nicknamed the “sandwich generation” for balancing care between aging parents (Boomers) and children (Gen Z).
Gen Y or the Millennials (1980–1995):
- Grew up with widespread adoption of technology.
- Witnessed events like 9/11 and school violence, shaping a “live in the moment”
- Traits: Tech-savvy, socially conscious, and prioritizing work-life balance.
Gen Z (1996–2010):
- First generation of digital natives, growing up with social media and during the 2007 financial crisis.
- Advocates for mental health, environmental sustainability, and social accountability.
Gen Alpha (2010–2024):
- This is a generation that has always known a world with the existence of social media and experienced the Covid pandemic in their formative years.
- Focused on sustainability, inclusion, and mental health.

Predictions for Gen Beta:

They will inherit challenges like climate change and urbanization while living in a hyper-connected, AI-driven world.
Will grow up in a world where AI and automation are fully integrated into daily life.