Daily Prelims Notes 13 December 2024

December 13, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

13 December 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Preparing for Disease X: A Global Challenge

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

The recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in December 2024, which has claimed over 400 lives, remains unclassified and has raised concerns about the potential emergence of Disease X. This unsettling development highlights the need for heightened global preparedness against unforeseen health threats.

What is Disease X?

Disease X is a placeholder term coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018 to signify an unknown pathogen capable of causing a global epidemic or pandemic.
It represents “known unknowns” and “unknown unknowns” in public health, acknowledging the inevitability of future pandemics without specifying their nature, origin, or timing.
Potential Causes:
- Pathogen X: Could originate from a virus, bacterium, parasite, fungi, helminth, or prion.
- Zoonotic Spillover: About 70% of emerging infectious diseases since 1940 have zoonotic origins, often linked to deforestation, human encroachment, and intensive agriculture.
- Other Risks: Antimicrobial resistance, bioterrorism, and accidental lab leaks.
Historical Background: The concept emerged after the West African Ebola epidemic (2014–2016), which caused over 11,000 deaths and exposed gaps in global epidemic preparedness.
COVID-19 is regarded as the first real instance of Disease X, exemplifying an unpredictable, novel threat requiring rapid global response.
WHO’s Priority Pathogen List (2018): Focuses on diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential and insufficient medical countermeasures.
Examples: Ebola virus, Marburg virus, Nipah virus, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Zika virus, Rift Valley fever, and Disease X.

Patterns in Emerging Diseases

Diseases like HIV, SARS, MERS, and Ebola have origins linked to human-induced ecological disruptions.
Deforestation, urbanization, and climate change increase human-wildlife contact, facilitating pathogen transmission.
Areas with high biodiversity and inadequate healthcare systems, such as the Congo Basin, are particularly vulnerable.
International travel and trade amplify the risk of local outbreaks escalating into global pandemics.

Challenges of Predicting Disease X

Unpredictability Factors: Zoonotic diseases are the most likely source. Pathogens may mutate to evade treatments, or outbreaks could arise from laboratory accidents or bioterrorism.
Role of Climate Change: Alters disease transmission dynamics and expands the range of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
Scientific Limitations: Only a fraction of human-infecting viruses have been identified. Over 1.7 million undiscovered viruses exist in wildlife, with hundreds of thousands potentially capable of infecting humans.

Strategies for Preparedness

Technological Advances: Genomic sequencing and artificial intelligence aid in identifying and analysing potential pathogens.
Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Focus on low- and middle-income countries to improve outbreak detection and response.
Surveillance Systems: Real-time data sharing and robust monitoring systems are essential for early outbreak detection.
WHO Initiatives: The Pandemic Treaty and the priority pathogen list aim to foster a unified global response to health emergencies.
Frameworks for Equitable Sharing: Protocols like the Nagoya Protocol can be expanded to include biological materials like pathogens, ensuring fair access to research and medical countermeasures.

Important Terms:

What is Prion: A prion is a misfolded protein capable of causing severe neurological diseases.
- It is distinct from viruses or bacteria as it contains no genetic material.
- Examples of prion diseases include Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) and Mad Cow Disease (BSE).
- Prions can trigger abnormal folding of specific proteins in the brain, leading to brain damage.
Pandemic Treaty: The Pandemic Treaty is a proposed international agreement by the WHO to ensure a unified global response to health emergencies.
- Aims to improve preparedness, response, and resilience for future pandemics.
- Focuses on equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments worldwide.
- Promotes data sharing, collaboration, and resource pooling among nations.
Nagoya Protocol: An international agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
- Ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.
- Aims to promote conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of biological resources.
- Encourages international collaboration in research and access to genetic materials, including during health emergencies like pandemics.

2. What a new study found on ultra-processed foods in US adults’ diets

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition examined the dietary habits of Americans over a 15-year period (2003–2018), focusing on the consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) and Minimally Processed Foods (MPFs).
The study aimed to analyse whether these foods are primarily consumed at home (AH) or away from home (AFH), to help guide policies improving dietary quality.

The study classified foods into four categories based on their level of processing:

Unprocessed/Minimally Processed Foods (MPFs): These are foods that have been minimally altered from their original form, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy.
Processed Culinary Ingredients: These include items like sugar, oils, and salt used in cooking.
Processed Foods: Foods that have undergone some form of preservation, such as canned vegetables, smoked meats, etc.
Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs): Foods that contain artificial additives, including sweeteners, food colouring, and emulsifiers. Examples include packaged snacks, sugary beverages, ready-to-eat meals, and fast foods.

Key Findings:

The consumption of UPFs increased from 51% of total calories consumed at home in 2003 to 54% in 2018. This indicates a growing reliance on ultra-processed foods.
UPFs accounted for more than 50% of total energy intake in both home (AH) and away from home (AFH) settings.

Health concerns linked to Ultra-Processed Foods:

UPFs are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and sodium, and contain little to no nutritional value, leading to poor diet quality and increased risk of chronic diseases.
The increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to various health risks, including: Obesity and weight gain, Heart diseases, Type 2 diabetes

Stronger Nutrition Labels:

The study suggested the introduction of clear and prominent nutrition labels on products containing high levels of ultra-processed ingredients. This could include warning labels that highlight the potential health risks associated with these foods.

3. Trump crypto venture partners with platform linked to Middle East militants

Sub : Sci

Sec: Awareness in IT and Computer

Context:

A new crypto venture involving Donald Trump and his West Asia envoy, billionaire Steve Witkoff, has raised ethical concerns.
The venture, named World Liberty Financial Inc., has partnered with the Tron crypto platform, which has raised concerns due to its associations with criminal groups and militant organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Israeli authorities have seized numerous Tron wallets tied to Hamas and Hezbollah.

Tron crypto:

Tron is a blockchain platform created by Justin Sun in 2017, that enables faster and cheaper transactions compared to Bitcoin.
The cryptocurrency native to the blockchain is known as Tronix (TRX).
It has increasingly been used for crypto transfers by organizations designated as terrorist groups by Israel, the US and other nations.
Tron’s popularity among such groups stems from its ability to conceal users’ identities, charge low transaction fees, and facilitate easy conversion of funds into cash.

4. Runaway Tigress ‘Zeenat’ Sparks Inter-State Coordination Across Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal

Sub :Env

Sec: Species in news

Why in News

A three-year-old tigress named Zeenat, translocated from Maharashtra to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), has wandered across state boundaries, triggering alerts in Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

About Similipal National Park:

Simlipal is a tiger reserve in the Mayurbhanj district in the Indian state of Odisha
It is part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes three protected areas -Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
Simlipal National Park derives its name from the abundance of red silk cotton trees growing in the area.
The floristic composition indicates a connecting link between South Indian and North Eastern Sub-Himalayan Species.
Forest is predominantly moist mixed deciduous forest with tropical semi-evergreen forest in areas with suitable microclimatic conditions and sporadic patches of dry deciduous forests and grasslands. It forms the largest watershed of northern Odisha.
It holds the highest tiger population in Odisha, and harbours the only population of melanistic tigers in the world.
The STR is Asia’s second largest biosphere (after the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat), and the country’s only wild habitat for melanistic royal Bengal tigers
Other carnivores found here are leopard, leopard cat, fishing cat, jungle cat and wolf. The active management of mugger has revived its population on the banks of the rivers Khairi and Deo.
Similipal Tiger Reserve is also home to the largest population of elephants in Odisha.
This protected area is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009.

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) Notes:

Location: Chandrapur District, Maharashtra, India.
Notified in 1955 as a National Park; declared a Tiger Reserve in 1995.
Covers approximately 1,727 square kilometers, combining Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary.
Predominantly tropical dry deciduous forests. Dominant tree species include teak, crocodile bark, and bamboo.
Home to a significant tiger population; forms part of India’s Project Tiger.
Other wildlife: Indian leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, gaur (Indian bison), and marsh crocodiles.
Several lakes (e.g., Tadoba Lake, Erai Dam) serve as perennial water sources and habitat for aquatic life.
Genetic Diversity: Source of tigers for translocation projects, enhancing diversity in other reserves like Similipal.

About Tigers:

Scientific Name: Panthera tigris
IUCN Status: Endangered.
CITES Status: Listed in Appendix I (strictest protection).
Tiger Population in India: India is home to 75% of the world’s tiger population.
2022-23 Tiger Census: Recorded 3,167 tigers.
States with the highest tiger populations: Madhya Pradesh > Karnataka > Uttarakhand.
India has 55 Tiger Reserves (as of June 2024) under Project Tiger, covering 75,800 sq km.
Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve (Uttarakhand): Oldest reserve and reserve with highest tiger density.
Sundarbans (West Bengal): Only reserve with Royal Bengal Tigers adapted to mangroves.
National Symbol: Declared the National Animal of India in 1973, replacing the lion.
Project Tiger (1973): Launched to reverse the decline in tiger population. Funded and managed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
NTCA: Established in 2005 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Oversees Project Tiger and policy implementation.
Global Tiger Forum (GTF): Intergovernmental body for tiger conservation.
TX2 Goal: Global initiative by WWF to double wild tiger populations by 2022.
M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers, Intensive Protection, and Ecological Status): Mobile-based monitoring tool for tiger reserves to enhance patrolling and protection.
Keystone Species: Tigers regulate prey populations, maintaining ecological balance.
Indicator Species: Their presence reflects the health of ecosystems.
Largest Tiger Reserve in India: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana).Bottom of Form

Black Tigers or Melanistic Tigers:

Melanism is a genetic condition in which an increased production of melanin, a substance in the skin that produces hair, eye and skin pigmentation, results in black (or nearly black) skin, feathers or hair in an animal.
Many royal Bengal tigers of Similipal belong to a unique lineage with higher-than-normal levels of melanin, which gives them black and yellow interspersed stripes on their coats.
These tigers are not entirely black, and are therefore more accurately described as being pseudo-melanistic.
As per the 2022 cycle of the All-India Tiger Estimation, 16 individuals were recorded at STR, out of which 10 were melanistic.
What Makes Tigers (Pseudo) Melanistic?
- According to research of the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NBCS, Bengaluru), a single mutation in the gene Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) causes black tigers’ stripes to enlarge or spread into the yellow background.
- Genetic analyses of other tiger populations in India and computer simulations suggest that the Similipal black tigers may have arisen from a very small founding population of tigers, and are inbred.

5. SC Questions Uttar Pradesh’s Commitment to Equality in Schools

Sub : Polity

Sec: Legislation in news

Why in News

The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the Uttar Pradesh government’s lack of action in ensuring constitutional values such as equality, fraternity, and secularism are promoted in schools. The issue came to light during the hearing of a case involving caste- and religion-based discrimination in a Muzaffarnagar school.

Background:

The case pertains to a Muslim boy in Muzaffarnagar being slapped by classmates on the orders of their teacher, who allegedly made communal remarks.
The incident highlights a direct violation of Section 17(1) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment of children.
Observations by the Court: The Supreme Court criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for its silence on inculcating constitutional principles like equality, fraternity, and secularism in schools.

Legal and Constitutional Context:

Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009: Enacted under Article 21A, which guarantees the fundamental right to free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years.
Objective: To ensure every child has access to quality education irrespective of caste, religion, or economic status.
Education must be free for children aged 6-14 years in government schools.
Private schools must reserve 25% seats for disadvantaged children under the economically weaker section (EWS) quota.
Mandates norms and standards for schools, including teacher-student ratio, classrooms, drinking water, toilets, and playgrounds.
Teachers must possess minimum qualifications as per the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
Bans physical punishment, mental harassment, and discrimination based on caste, gender, or religion.
RTE (Second Amendment) Act, 2012: Made provisions for home-based education for children unable to attend school due to disabilities.
RTE (Amendment) Act, 2019: Revoked the No Detention Policy (NDP) and allowed states to hold examinations for Classes V and VIII.
Section 17(1): Prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment of children in schools.
Section 17(2): Mandates disciplinary action against violators.

Article 21A of the Constitution:

Inserted by: The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002.
Provides for the fundamental right to education for children aged 6 to 14 years.
Makes education a fundamental right and obligates the State to provide free and compulsory education.
Enforced through the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which operationalizes the provisions of Article 21A.
Mandates special provisions for disadvantaged groups, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), economically weaker sections (EWS), and children with disabilities.
Suggested by the Tapas Majumdar Committee in 1999.
Article 45: States the duty to provide early childhood care and education to children below 6 years.
Article 51A(k): Makes it a fundamental duty of parents or guardians to provide opportunities for education to their children aged 6-14 years.

6. Motion to impeach Allahabad HC judge: Process of impeachment, past attempts

Sub : Polity

Sec: Judiciary

Context:

The Opposition INDIA bloc parties in the Rajya Sabha are preparing to move a motion to impeach Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav over controversial remarks made at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event, where he allegedly made anti-minority statements and advocated for a uniform civil code.
The Supreme Court has already taken note of his speech, prompting an inquiry.

Constitutional Provisions:

Article 124(4): Provides the grounds for the impeachment of Supreme Court judges.
Article 218: Extends the same provisions of impeachment to High Court judges.
A judge can only be removed through a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament with:
- Majority of the total membership of both Houses.
- Two-thirds majority of the members present and voting in both Houses.
If both Houses approve the motion, it is presented to the President, who may order the judge’s removal.
The procedure is rigorous and intended to protect the independence of the judiciary.
Impeachment can be initiated only on two grounds: proved misbehaviour or incapacity.

Impeachment Process:

The procedure to be followed for impeachment of a judge is laid down in the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968.
The process begins with the submission of a motion for impeachment, which requires signatures from at least 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha or 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha.
After the motion is introduced, the Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha) forms a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the charges. The committee includes:
- The Chief Justice of India (or a Supreme Court Judge).
- A Chief Justice of a High Court.
- A distinguished jurist nominated by the Speaker/Chairman.

Role of the Inquiry Committee:

The inquiry committee is responsible for investigating the charges of misbehaviour or incapacity.
The committee has the power to regulate its procedures, examine evidence, and cross-examine witnesses.
If the charge involves mental incapacity, the committee can direct a medical examination.
The committee may appoint a lawyer to represent the proceedings, as seen in the cases of Justices Ramaswami and Indira Jaising.

Parliamentary Vote:

After completing the investigation, the committee submits its report to the Speaker or Chairman.
The Speaker/ Chairman will then place the report before Lok Sabha/ Rajya Sabha “as soon as may be”.
If the judge is found not guilty, the impeachment process is terminated.
If the committee finds the judge guilty, the report is introduced in the House in which it was introduced, where it is debated and voted upon.
If both Houses adopt the report and pass the resolution with the required majority, an address is made to the President for the judge’s removal.

Historical precedents of impeachment:

Historically, impeachment attempts in India have been Of the six attempts since independence, only two involved guilty findings, but none resulted in removal.
Past cases typically involved financial misconduct or sexual impropriety, with some cases such as Justice Soumitra Sen’s leading to resignation before the motion could proceed.
The most recent impeachment attempt, against Chief Justice Dipak Misra in 2018, was rejected by then Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu at the preliminary stage.

7. Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Msc

Context:

On World Tourism Day 2024, the Ministry of Tourism extended the Paryatan Mitra/Paryatan Didi initiative to 50 tourist destinations across India.
The pilot phase has garnered positive responses and more than 3,500 people have been trained under the initiative.
The trained individuals now serve as Paryatan Mitras (tourism friends) or Paryatan Didis (tourism sisters), who act as approachable and knowledgeable points of contact for tourists.

About the Initiative:

The Ministry of Tourism launched the Paryatan Mitra/Paryatan Didi initiative to promote responsible tourism across India.
The initiative aims to enhance the overall experience of tourists by involving local communities as ambassadors and storytellers for their respective tourist destinations.
Through this program, the Ministry seeks to foster tourist-friendly environments and improve hospitality standards at various tourist destinations.

Pilot Phase:

The pilot phase of the initiative was launched on August 15, 2024, and was implemented across 6 tourist destinations:
- Orchha (Madhya Pradesh)
- Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh)
- Bodh Gaya (Bihar)
- Aizawl (Mizoram)
- Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
- Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)

Core objectives:

Engaging local stakeholders such as cab drivers, auto drivers, hotel staff, railway station personnel, police, street vendors, etc., to improve their interactions with tourists.
Promoting ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’: Emphasizing the importance of treating tourists with respect, care, and hospitality as an integral part of India’s cultural ethos.
Educating locals about cleanliness, sustainability, safety, and the importance of high standards of hospitality.
Ensuring that tourists receive the best possible experience, which can lead to positive word-of-mouth and more visits to these destinations.

8. EU approves full Schengen membership for Bulgaria and Romania

Sub: Env

Sec: Int grouping

Context:

The European Union has approved Bulgaria and Romania for full membership in the Schengen Zone, set to begin on January 1 of the next year.
This marks the culmination of a 13-year journey for the two countries, which have long been seeking full integration into the borderless travel area.

Background:

Bulgaria and Romania, both EU and NATO members, had been waiting for approval since their EU membership in 2007.
The long wait has been due to concerns over undocumented immigration, particularly from Austria, which had previously vetoed their entry.
However, after significant negotiations, Austria agreed to lift its objections after the two countries signed a “border protection package” agreement.

Partial Membership in 2023:

In March 2023, both countries were granted partial membership, allowing the removal of air and maritime border checks with the other Schengen countries.
However, land border controls remained in place. The full membership, effective January 1, 2024, will remove these land border restrictions and enable free movement across all borders.

About Schengen Zone:

The Schengen Area, established in 1985, currently consists of 29 countries, including 25 of the 27 EU member states and non-EU countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
The Agreement was named after the Luxembourg town of Schengen where the implementing convention was signed on 19 June 1990.
It is the world’s largest area without internal border controls, enabling over 400 million people to travel freely within the zone.
Ireland and Cyprus are EU states that are not part of the Schengen area. Croatia became a member in 2023.