Daily Prelims Notes 14 October 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

14 October 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Rupee Hits Record Low of 84 Against USD: Factors Leading to the Fall and the Outlook
2. US to send Israel THAAD missile defence system
3. What are ‘dragon drones’, the latest weapon being used in Russia-Ukraine war?
4. Back on Govt’s agenda: Study to trace roots of ancient Indian communities, this time using modern genomics
5. The Bishnoi, blackbuck and chinkara: What exactly were Guru Jambheshwar’s principles regarding Thar wildlife?
6. Wayanad’s New X-Band Radar: Enhancing Weather Monitoring and Forecasting in India
7. Aurorae Sightings in Ladakh Validate Space Weather Tracking Efforts
8. Advancing Precision Medicine in India: The Need for Biobank Regulations
9. Issues in the treatment of ‘rare diseases’, and what the govt can do
10. Who gets the preferred symbol when there are two factions?
11. Israeli tanks ram gate of UN facility in Lebanon

1. Rupee Hits Record Low of 84 Against USD: Factors Leading to the Fall and the Outlook

Sub :Eco

Sec: External sector

• Rupee’s Record Low:
  • The Indian Rupee ended above 84 per US dollar for the first time on Friday, closing at ₹84.07.
• Factors Triggering the Slide:
  • Outflows from Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs):
    • Significant foreign fund outflows have exerted downward pressure on the Rupee.
  • Surge in Crude Oil Prices:
    • Rising crude oil prices have increased import bills, weakening the Rupee.
• Higher Demand for the US Dollar:
  • Increased demand for the US dollar from foreign banks has contributed to the Rupee’s decline.
• Weak Domestic Markets:
  • Weakness in domestic equity markets has further weighed on the Rupee.
• FII Strategy Shift:
  • Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) are adopting a ‘Sell India, Buy China’ strategy, moving investments to Chinese stocks.
• RBI’s Intervention:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been actively protecting the Rupee level for the past two months.
  • Despite RBI’s efforts, the Rupee has not fallen below ₹84.
  • Softening of the US Dollar Index helped prevent a sharper decline in the Rupee.
• US Economic Indicators:
  • Higher than Expected Unemployment Claims:
    • US unemployment claims exceeded expectations, signaling potential economic slowdown.
• Rising US Inflation:
  • US inflation rose by 0.2% month-on-month versus a forecasted 0.1%.
  • Core CPI increased by 0.3% against a forecast of 0.2%.
  • Annual inflation also rose more than forecasted.
• Impact of Domestic Equity Markets:
  • Recovery in Domestic Equity Markets:
    • A recovery in domestic equity markets has provided some support to the Rupee.
  • Aggressive Selling by Foreign Investors:
    • Foreign investors’ aggressive selling in domestic markets has restricted the Rupee’s gains.
  • Foreign Investors Selling Pressure:
  • Strategy Shift to China:
  • FPIs are moving investments to Chinese stocks, perceiving them as cheap.
• Outlook on the Rupee:
  • Volatility Expected:
  • The Rupee is expected to remain volatile due to:
    • Uncertainty over crude oil prices.
    • Fluctuations in the US dollar index.
    • Geopolitical tensions, especially in the Middle East.
  • Potential Further Pressure:
  • Overall strength of the US Dollar may further pressure the Rupee.
• Support from Declining Oil Prices:
  • A decline in crude oil prices could support the Rupee at lower levels.
• Analyst Insights:
• Experts stated that the Rupee’s fall is due to FII outflows, elevated crude oil prices, and weak domestic markets. The US Dollar Index’s overnight softening prevented a sharper decline and FPIs are moving money to Chinese stocks, leading to increased selling pressure on the Rupee.

US Dollar Index (DXY)

• Definition:
  • The US Dollar Index (DXY) is a measure of the value of the US dollar relative to a basket of six major world currencies.
  • It provides an overall indication of the strength or weakness of the US dollar in the global market.
• Composition of the Index:
  • The index is a weighted average of the US dollar’s exchange rates against six major currencies:
• Euro (EUR) – approximately 57.6% (largest component)
• Japanese Yen (JPY) – around 13.6%
• British Pound (GBP) – about 11.9%
• Canadian Dollar (CAD) – approximately 9.1%
• Swedish Krona (SEK) – about 4.2%
• Swiss Franc (CHF) – around 3.6%
• Important: The Euro has the largest weight, making movements in EUR/USD the most influential in the index.
• Historical Background:
  • The US Dollar Index was introduced in 1973 by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE).
  • It was initially set to a base value of 100, reflecting the value of the dollar after the Bretton Woods Agreement was terminated, and currencies began to float freely against each other.
• Purpose and Use:
  • The DXY serves as a benchmark for the performance of the US dollar globally.
  • It is used by traders, investors, and economists to gauge the relative strength of the dollar, assisting in decisions related to foreign exchange (Forex) trading, commodity pricing, and investment strategies.
• Example: If the DXY rises, it indicates the US dollar has appreciated against the basket of currencies, while a decline suggests a depreciation.
• Implications:
  • A strong DXY generally indicates a robust US dollar, which can lead to:
    • Higher import purchasing power for US consumers.
    • Potentially lower commodity prices (since commodities are often priced in USD).
    • Challenges for US exporters, as a stronger dollar makes US goods more expensive in foreign markets.
    • Conversely, a weaker DXY may boost US exports but increase import costs, leading to inflationary pressures.

2. US to send Israel THAAD missile defence system

Sub: Sci

Sec: Defence

Context:

• the United States will send a Terminal High Altitude Area Defence battery (THAAD) and troops to Israel amid its ongoing offensive against the Hezbollah.

Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system:

• THAAD system is an advanced anti-ballistic missile defence system developed by the United States.

Key Points about THAAD:

• Developed by: United States
• Purpose: THAAD is designed to shoot down short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight.
• Operation: It uses hit-to-kill technology, meaning it destroys incoming missiles by direct collision rather than using an explosive warhead.
• Components: The system consists of five major components:
  • Launchers
  • Interceptors
  • Radar
  • Fire control unit
  • Support equipment
• Range: THAAD can intercept missiles both inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere, at altitudes up to 150 km.
• Deployment: It’s mobile and can be rapidly deployed to conflict zones.
• International use: While developed by the US, THAAD has been sold or deployed to several allies, including South Korea, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Limitations: While highly effective against ballistic missiles, THAAD is not designed to counter cruise missiles or shorter-range rockets.

Source: HT

3. What are ‘dragon drones’, the latest weapon being used in Russia-Ukraine war?

Sub :Sci

Sec: Defence

Context:

• A new weapon, nicknamed “dragon drone,” has emerged in the Russia-Ukraine war. Both sides have shared videos showing drones seemingly raining down fire.

What are Dragon Drones?

• Dragon drones release thermite—a mixture of aluminium and iron oxide, initially developed to weld railroad tracks.
• Thermite burns at an extreme temperature of 2,427°C.
• Once ignited by an electrical fuse, it triggers a self-sustaining reaction that’s tough to stop. It can burn through almost anything, including clothes, trees, and military vehicles. It can even burn underwater.
• On contact with humans, it can cause severe burns, even damaging bones.
• The combination of thermite with drones allows for precise attacks that bypass traditional defences, making them highly effective and dangerous.

Usage in the Russia-Ukraine War

• First used around September by Ukrainian forces to set fire to vegetation used by Russian troops as cover.
• Russia soon began deploying similar drones.

Has Thermite Been Used Before in War?

• World War I: German zeppelins dropped thermite-laden bombs.
• World War II: Both Allied and Axis forces used thermite in aerial bombing campaigns, with millions of thermite bombs dropped on Germany and Japan.
• Thermite Hand Grenades: Used during WWII to disable artillery pieces without causing an explosion.
• Modern Use: Thermite is often used by espionage agents and special operations teams due to its intense burn and lack of explosion.

Is Thermite Legal in Warfare?

• Not Banned: The use of thermite in war is not prohibited under international law.
• Restrictions: The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons limits the use of incendiary weapons like thermite against civilians.
  • Indiscriminate Nature: Thermite’s potential to cause severe burns and respiratory injuries means its use is restricted to military targets under Protocol III of the Convention.

Source: IE

4. Back on Govt’s agenda: Study to trace roots of ancient Indian communities, this time using modern genomics

Sub :History

Sec: Ancient India

Context:

• The Indian government has launched a scientific study to investigate the population history of South Asia using ancient and modern genomics, addressing conflicting theories on the origins of ancient Indian communities.

About the study:

• Conducted by the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) under the Ministry of Culture.
• Titled “Reconstruction of the Population History of South Asia using ancient and modern genomics”.
• Involves studying 300 ancient skeletal remains, including cranial and bone fragments, collected from key archaeological sites in India and Pakistan, such as Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Lothal.
• Collaboration with the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (Lucknow), under the Department of Science & Technology.
• Key Sites Studied:
  • Remains from sites like Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro (Pakistan), Burzahom (Jammu & Kashmir), Nagarjunakonda (Andhra Pradesh), Maski (Karnataka), Ropar (Punjab), and Lothal (Gujarat).
  • These remains were excavated between 1922 and 1958 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• Aims of the Study:
  • Explore the origins of ancient Indian communities using DNA from skeletal remains.
  • Discover clues about ancient diets, living conditions, disease prevalence, environmental adaptation, and migration patterns.
  • Gain insights into interactions and gene-sharing among ancient populations.
  • Provide clear conclusions on ancient population movements, including potential Aryan migration.

Historical Context:

• 19th-century scholars proposed the Aryan invasion theory, suggesting a migration of fair-skinned agrarian people from Central Asia who played a significant role in shaping Indian civilization after the Indus Valley period (2000-1,500 BC).
• Modern Indian archaeologists argue that Aryans were indigenous, residing along the Saraswati River, and migrated after the river dried up.
• Recent excavations, such as the 4,000-year-old site in Sinauli (Uttar Pradesh), have found evidence of indigenous burials of warriors and chariots.
• Impact on History Narratives:
  • Recent findings cast doubts on the Aryan migration theory, emphasizing a continuous 5,000-year Indian civilization.
  • The study seeks to provide a more accurate narrative of India’s ancient history.

Progress & Partnerships:

• The project started with an MoU between AnSI and the Birbal Sahni Institute in July 2023 and aims for completion by December 2025.
• DNA extraction from ancient remains is ongoing, with initial results showing continuity without significant genetic changes.
• AnSI has also partnered with University College London to further explore genetic and cultural evolution in human populations.

Who were Aryans?

• The term ‘Aryan’ or ‘Arya’ appears to be the most ancient one used for Indo-Europeans. The Aryans were central Asian Steppe pastoralists who arrived in India between roughly 2000 BCE and 1500 BCE and brought Indo-European languages to the subcontinent.
• There, they came upon the Indus or Harappan cities, destroyed them, and drove survivors southward (where they became ‘Dravidians’), although some proposed that the Aryans arrived after the decline of the Indus cities.
• In any case, they swept across the Indus plains, composed the Vedas over several centuries, spread Sanskrit and their caste system throughout India, and established the mighty Ganges civilization.
• Earlier interpretations regarding the Early Vedic society are based on the theory of Indo-Aryan migration from West Asia into the Indian subcontinent. According to this historical interpretation, the Aryans came to India in several stages or waves.
• Aryans and Vedas: The composers of the Rig Veda described themselves as Arya, which can be understood as a cultural or ethnic term.

The Indo-Aryans were the speakers of a sub-group of the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European family of languages.

What is the Aryan Invasion Theory?

• Aryan migration theory (AMT) was first proposed by European scholars in the nineteenth century, most notably F Max Muller and linguist William Jones. It was a convenient way to explain obvious similarities between Sanskrit and Greek or Latin since another branch of the Aryans was assumed to have migrated towards Europe.
• Archaeologists have made attempts to link various post-Harappan cultures to the Aryans. The Painted Grey Ware, which has been dated between 900 and 500 BCE, has been repeatedly associated with Aryan craftsmanship.
• Following the linguistic similarities discovered between the Rigveda and the Avesta, archaeologists attempted to find similarities in pottery forms, paintings on ceramics, and forms of copper objects, among other things, between post-Harappan and West Asian/Iranian Chalcolithic assemblages.
  • Such parallels were exaggerated to support the theory that the Aryans were a people who migrated from West Asia to the Indian subcontinent.
  • As a result, literary and archaeological works were created to complement one another in order to validate the concept of migration.
• Linguistic similarities between the Rigveda and the Avesta are undeniable. However, such similarities do not imply a large-scale migration of people into the Indian subcontinent.
• Secondly, the similarities that have been found between Chalcolithic artefacts of India and those of Western Asia are only occasional. They also do not suggest large-scale migration of people.
• Although the Rigveda repeatedly mentions hostilities and wars between different groups, archaeology has not documented so-called clashes between Aryan and non-Aryan communities and cultures.

Source: IE

5. The Bishnoi, blackbuck and chinkara: What exactly were Guru Jambheshwar’s principles regarding Thar wildlife?

Sub :Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

• In 1998, Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and others allegedly hunted blackbuck in Rajasthan’s Kankani village, triggering a legal battle and backlash from the Bishnoi community, known for zealously guarding the wildlife and environment of the Thar Desert.

Why Do the Bishnoi Protect Blackbuck and Chinkara?

• The Bishnoi community, mostly found in western Rajasthan, is based on 29 principles set by Guru Jambheshwarjiin 1485. His teachings emphasized protecting nature, especially wildlife and trees.
• Ecological Faith:
  • Founded on the principle of compassion for all living beings, as reflected in rules like:
    • Rule 19: “Not to fell green trees.”
    • Rule 18: “Be compassionate towards all living beings.”
  • Guru Jambheshwarji’s teachings, including the 120 shabdas (statements), elaborate his philosophy, calling for equality, modesty, and tolerance.
• Respect for Wildlife:
  • The Bishnoi believe harming animals leads to a painful end, as reflected in Shabad 09, which warns against showing power over animals.
  • Shabads 10, 44, 64, and 85 further emphasize kindness toward animals and denounce killing them for selfish reasons.

Why Special Protection for Antelope?

• Blackbuck, chinkara, and other species are often found near Bishnoi villages. The community has historically protected wildlife like blackbuck, chinkara, and the Great Indian Bustard, as well as the Khejri tree.
• According to folklore, Bishnoi believes they may be reincarnated as deer, which explains the reverence for blackbuck. Guru Jambheshwarji is even said to have declared the blackbuck as a manifestation of himself, reinforcing its sacred status.

Historical and Modern Significance

• Khejarli Massacre: In 1730,363 Bishnoi sacrificed their lives to protect Khejri trees from being cut down by Maharaja Abhay Singh’s soldiers.
  • Amrita Devi, a Bishnoi woman was killed in 1730 while trying to protect a grove of khejri trees.
• The Bishnoi community has continued to defend the flora and fauna of the Thar Desert, even laying down their lives to protect wildlife from hunters and poachers.
• Understanding Bishnoi’s deep ecological consciousness can offer valuable lessons in preserving the environment for future generations.

About chinkara and blackbuck:

Source: DTE

6. Wayanad’s New X-Band Radar: Enhancing Weather Monitoring and Forecasting in India

Sub : Geo

Sec : Climatology

Why in News

In July 2024, heavy rainfall led to devastating floods and landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, causing over 200 fatalities. To improve disaster preparedness and early warning systems, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences approved the installation of an X-band radar in Wayanad to monitor weather conditions and soil movements, which are crucial for landslide detection.

What is RADAR?

RADAR is the expansion for Radio, Detection and Ranging.

Its basic components are a transmitter, receiver, antenna, power supply system, signal processing and high computing devices.

It works on the principle of electromagnetic waves sent out by the transmitter.

The same wave that strikes an object/dense medium is reflected back to the receiver.

The distance up to the object is determined based on the speed of the electromagnetic wave, and the time to travel to the object and back.

There are at least ten types of radars.

Ground Penetrating Radar: It studies the Earth’s crust up to 9-metre in depth.

It is being used by the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) at Joshimath.

InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar)

It makes high-density measurements over large areas by using radar signals from Earth-orbiting satellites and measures changes in land surface.

It is also being used in Joshimath and other parts of Uttarakhand.

History of Radar Use in India: India began using radar for meteorological purposes in the 1950s.

The first indigenously designed X-band radar was installed in 1970 in New Delhi.

In the 1990s, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded outdated X-band radars with digital systems. India uses both X-band and S-band radars for weather detection, with the S-band radar being preferred for long-range cyclone detection.

Expansion of Radar Infrastructure: In September 2024, the Union Cabinet approved a ₹2,000-crore ‘Mission Mausam’, aiming to install up to 60 new meteorological radars by 2026, enhancing weather forecasting capabilities.

Doppler radar:

A Doppler Radar is a specialised radar that uses the Doppler effect to produce velocity data about objects at a distance.

• When the source and the signal are in relative motion to each other, there is a change in the frequency observed by the observer. This is called the Doppler effect.
• If they are moving closer, the frequency increases and vice versa.

A Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) works on the Doppler principle.

• It is designed to improve precision in long-range weather forecasting and surveillance using a parabolic dish antenna and a foam sandwich spherical radome.

DWR has the equipment to measure rainfall intensity, wind shear and velocity and locate a storm centre and the direction of a tornado or gust front. 

Why DWR is considered superior to other radars?

Unlike others, a DWR has the ability to detect air motion, wind, speed of wind, rains, temperature, thunderstorms, hail, squalls, lightning, cyclones and cloud movements and volumetric analysis of cloud and reflectivity index, among others.

It costs approximately ₹10-20 crore per unit.

The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the US uses 148 of them.

The Indian Army and Air Force have deployed the Indian Doppler Radar (INDRA) for the detection of aircraft and other objects in the air.

What is an X-Band Radar?

An X-band radar operates in the 8-12 GHz frequency range (wavelengths of 2-4 cm). This shorter wavelength allows for high-resolution imagery, making it ideal for detecting smaller objects such as rain droplets and fog. However, because higher frequencies attenuate more quickly, X-band radars have a shorter range compared to lower-frequency radars.

Why Does Wayanad Need an X-Band Radar?

Wayanad is prone to landslides and floods, as demonstrated by the July 2024 disaster. The X-band radar will play a crucial role in monitoring soil and particle movements, providing early warnings for landslides, and improving overall disaster preparedness in the region. Additionally, the radar will complement existing weather forecasting infrastructure by providing localized, high-resolution data.

NISAR: A Joint Initiative by NASA and ISRO

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) is a satellite designed to monitor Earth’s land masses using radar imaging. Its payload will consist of an L-band radar built by NASA and an S-band radar developed by ISRO. The satellite will track and provide data on natural processes, including soil displacement, landslides, and changes in vegetation.

The NISAR satellite is set to launch in 2025 on an ISRO GSLV Mk II rocket, with an estimated cost of $1.5 billion, largely funded by NASA. This satellite will contribute to global environmental monitoring efforts and disaster management.

The U.S. will contribute the large deployable antenna.

It is a dual band polarisable radar.

Benefits of NISAR:

• It has a large deployable antenna with an 18-meter diameter, it has a very high swath.
• It can fully cover the earth in approximately 14 to 15 days, in radar. It can monitor various aspects in very high resolution.
• It can monitor the tectonic movements to centimetre accuracy.
• It can accurately measure water bodies.
• It can look at water stressing on the earth, wherever there is deficiency of water.
• It can ground-penetrate to a certain depth. It is capable of monitoring the vegetation cover and snow cover

7. Aurorae Sightings in Ladakh Validate Space Weather Tracking Efforts

Sub : Geo

Sec : Geomorphology

Why in News

The recent sightings of aurorae in Ladakh, typically observed in far northern regions, have validated India’s space weather tracking efforts. A team of Indian astrophysicists predicted the event 48-72 hours in advance, showcasing progress in forecasting space weather, which can have significant effects on satellite-based services.

About Auroras:

Auroras are natural light displays that occur when charged particles from solar winds interact with the Earth’s magnetosphere.

• The magnetosphere is the region surrounding the Earth where the dominant magnetic field is the Earth’s, rather than the magnetic field of interplanetary Space.
• It protects the Earth against solar winds and is strongest at the poles.

These particles travel along the Earth’s magnetic field and upon colliding with atmospheric molecules and atoms, cause emissions of light seen as auroras.

In North Pole- Aurora Borealis

In South Pole- Aurora Australis

What Causes Aurorae in Ladakh?

The aurorae in Ladakh were triggered by solar storms, particularly coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These CMEs are massive bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields rising above the Sun’s corona, released into space.

Solar activity intensifies and weakens in an 11-year solar cycle, driven by the Sun’s internal magnetic field. The current solar activity cycle was predicted to peak in 2024, leading to more frequent and intense space weather phenomena.

Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona.

Impact of Solar Storms:

The CMEs, travelling at high speeds (700- 815km/second), significantly disturbed the Earth’s magnetic field, affecting the space weather.

This activity was part of a series of solar flares and storms predicted to continue affecting the Earth around this period.

The intense solar storms pose risks to satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) (an altitude ranging between 200-1,600km), affecting their operations due to induced heating in the upper atmosphere and potential drag effects.

This can result in radiation hazards and physical damage to satellites, potentially compromising navigation, communication, military, and intelligence systems relying on these satellites.

Importance of the Observation

The sightings were captured by all-sky cameras operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) at Hanle and Merak in Ladakh.

These observations highlight the success of space weather monitoring efforts in India and are a significant validation of the accuracy of predictions made by Indian astrophysicists.

About Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO):IAO is a high-altitude astronomy station operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.

IAO stands on Mt. Saraswati, Digpa-ratsa Ri, Hanle in the south-eastern Ladakh Union territory of India.

• Nyoma, 75 km northwest of Hanle, has an Indian military airbase.

Situated in the Western Himalayas at an elevation of 4,500 meters (14,764 ft), the IAO is one of the world’s highest-located sites for optical, infrared and gamma-ray telescopes.

It is currently the tenth-highest optical telescope in the world.

• It is India’s first dark-sky reserve.
• Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary in Changthang plateau is also located here.

The Observatory has several active telescopes. These are the 2.01 meter optical-infrared Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT), GROWTH-India telescope, Cassegrain telescope, and a High-Altitude Gamma Ray Telescope (HAGAR).

The HCT is remotely operated from Bangalore from the Centre for Research and Education in Science and Technology (CREST) using a dedicated satellite link.

8. Advancing Precision Medicine in India: The Need for Biobank Regulations

Sub : Sci

Sec : Health 

Why in News

India’s push for precision medicine is facing a significant hurdle due to the lack of comprehensive biobank regulations. While biobanks play a critical role in medical research, especially in advancing precision medicine, India’s inconsistent regulations may impede progress and limit the benefits for society.

About Precision/personalised Medicine:

Precision medicine is an emerging approach for disease treatment and prevention that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle for each person.

Precision medicine, also known as personalized medicine, is a new frontier for healthcare combining genomics, big data analytics, and population health.

This approach will allow doctors and researchers to predict more accurately which treatment and prevention strategies for a particular disease will work in which groups of people.

It is in contrast to a one-size-fits-all approach, in which disease treatment and prevention strategies are developed for the average person, with less consideration for the differences between individuals.

The field gained momentum following the Human Genome Project and has since played a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating cancers, chronic diseases, and cardiovascular and immunological disorders.

Emerging technologies like gene editing, mRNA therapeutics, and organ-on-chips are revolutionizing precision medicine, making it possible to target specific genetic mutations.

India’s precision medicine market is growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16% and is expected to exceed $5 billion by 2030.

Precision medicine accounts for 36% of the national bioeconomy, alongside cancer immunotherapy, gene editing, and other biotechnologies.

The Role of Biobanks in Precision Medicine

A biobank is a repository of biological samples, such as blood, DNA, cells, and tissues, along with their genetic data.

These samples are collected from consenting individuals and are crucial for research, particularly in precision medicine.

Biobanks must be large and diverse to ensure that the findings benefit all sections of society, not just a small group.

Biobanks aim to support studies on disease progression, treatment, and the development of new medical solutions. They play a vital role in understanding genetic predispositions and the impact of environmental factors on health.

Types:

• Population-based biobanks: Store samples from large groups, often for studying population health trends.
• Disease-specific biobanks: Focus on particular illnesses like cancer or cardiovascular diseases.

Relevance to SDGs: Biobanks contribute to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by supporting research that can lead to the discovery of new treatments and improved health outcomes globally​

Regulatory Challenges for Biobanks in India

Unlike countries like the U.K., U.S., Japan, and China, which have robust biobank regulations, India’s biobanking laws are inconsistent, with gaps in informed consent, privacy, and data protection.

Currently, there is no law in India that protects the rights of individuals donating biological samples to biobanks.

The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines and Department of Biotechnology (DBT) protocols lack clarity on data storage, access rights, and long-term use of samples.

Individuals are often asked to provide consent without knowing how their genetic data will be used or who will access it.

9. Issues in the treatment of ‘rare diseases’, and what the govt can do

Sub : Sci

Sec :Health

Context:

• Recently, the Delhi High Court provided directives to enhance the availability of orphan drugs, which are medications designed for treating rare diseases.

About Rare Diseases:

• According to WHO, rare diseases are debilitating, lifelong conditions affecting 1 or fewer people per 1,000.
• Around 55 medical conditions including Gaucher’s disease, Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs), and certain forms of muscular dystrophy are classified as rare diseases in India.
• The National Registry for Rare and Other Inherited Disorders (NRROID) started by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has the records of 14,472 rare disease patients in the country.
• Therapies are available for less than 5% of rare diseases, leading to less than 1 in 10 patients receiving disease-specific care.

Categories of Rare Diseases:

In India, rare diseases are categorised into three groups based on the nature and complexity of available treatment options.

• Group 1: Curable with one-time procedures.
• Group 2: Require long-term, less costly treatment; documented benefits.
• Group 3: Effective but expensive treatments, often lifelong.

Current Funding Policy:

• National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD): Launched in 2021.Provides financial assistance up to ₹50 lakh for treatment at identified Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
• Centres of Excellence: Include AIIMS (Delhi), PGIMER (Chandigarh), and SSKM Hospital (Kolkata).
• Crowdfunding Portal: Launched for patient treatment support and donations.

Challenges in Treatment:

• Lack of Awareness: Limited knowledge among healthcare providers and the general public.
• High Treatment Costs: Many treatments are expensive, leading to financial burden on families.
• Limited Research: Insufficient investment in research and development for rare diseases due to small patient populations.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Complex approval processes for new drugs and therapies.

Cost of orphan drugs:

• Many medicines for rare diseases are patented, making them costly due to a small market and high development expenses, which discourages pharmaceutical companies from producing them.
• To lower prices, India could develop these drugs, but the government needs to offer incentives like tax breaks.
• While patients importing rare disease medicines are exempt from customs duties, companies face 11% customs duty and 12% GST.

High Court ruling:

• The Delhi High Court has set a 30-day deadline to process necessary exemptions under customs, GST, and Income Tax laws.
• In 2019, the Department of Pharmaceuticals removed price controls on orphan drugs, but the High Court expressed concerns, saying this can’t go on.
  • If treatments or medicines for rare diseases are not available, the government can, under the Patents Act of 1970, allow a third party to manufacture them against payment of a royalty to the patent holder.
  • The government can also acquire patents to ensure the availability of medicines if the patent holder does not provide them.
• The court highlighted the need for more research on rare diseases and stressed that working with pharmaceutical companies and boosting local production could help lower treatment costs.

10. Who gets the preferred symbol when there are two factions?

Sub :Polity

Sec: Elections

Context:

• Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has filed a plea in the Supreme Court to prevent the Ajit Pawar faction from using the ‘clock’ symbol in the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra.

About NCP:

• The NCP is recognized as a state party in Maharashtra and Nagaland.
• The election symbol of NCP is an analogue alarm clock. The clock is drawn in blue and has two legs and an alarm button. It is situated on a tri-coloured Indian flag.

About the case:

• In July 2023, a split occurred within the NCP, with the Ajit Pawar faction claiming the support of 41 MLAs out of 53 in the Maharashtra assembly.
• In February 2024, the ECI recognized the Ajit Pawar faction as the real NCP and allotted it the clock symbol.
• The faction led by Sharad Pawar was given the common symbol of man blowing turha.
• The plea from NCP (Sharad Pawar) claims that during the Lok Sabha elections, voters experienced confusion regarding which faction truly represented the NCP, prompting them to seek freezing of the clock symbol and allocating a new symbol for the Ajit Pawar faction.

How are symbols allotted:

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) allocates symbols to political parties based on the Symbols Order.
• According to the Symbols Order, in the event of a split in a recognized political party, the Election Commission of India determines which faction retains recognition and allocates the reserved symbol to that group.

Symbol Freezing:

• The ECI has historically frozen party symbols in disputes, such as the two leaves symbol of AIADMK and the bow and arrow symbol of Shiv Sena, to resolve competing claims before determining the outcome of the dispute.

Criteria for Recognition of Factions:

• The Supreme Court, in the case of Sadiq Ali versus ECI (1971), established the 3-test formula for determining which faction is to be recognised as the original political party.
  1. Aims and objectives of the party
  2. Adherence to the party’s constitution that reflect inner party democracy
  3. Majority in the legislative and organisation wings.

ECI’s February 2024 order:

• In its February 2024 ruling, the ECI found no dispute between the two factions of the NCP regarding the first test of legitimacy and deemed the second test unnecessary since neither faction adhered to the party constitution.
• Thus, ECI determined the issue based solely on legislative majority, siding with the Ajit Pawar faction, which had majority support.

Recent developments:

• In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the NCP (SP) faction won eight seats with its new symbol, compared to just one seat for Ajit Pawar’s faction, which used the traditional clock symbol.
• The Supreme Court generally refrains from interfering in electoral processes as it comes under the domain of Election Commission of India (ECI). However, it may intervene under exceptional circumstances to ensure fair elections.
• Given the recent electoral performance of the NCP (SP) and the challenge against the ECI’s recognition of the Ajit Pawar faction, the Supreme Court may consider directing the ECI to freeze the clock symbol for the upcoming assembly elections.

11. Israeli tanks ram gate of UN facility in Lebanon

Sub :IR

Sec: Int org

Context:

• The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) tanks destroyed the main gate of a UN peacekeeping facility in Ramyah, southern Lebanon, marking the fourth consecutive day of attacks on UN peacekeepers.
• United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is a peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon that was established by the UN Security Council in 1978.
• UNIFIL condemned the IDF’s actions as a blatant violation of international law and Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates respect for the freedom of movement of UN peacekeepers.

Israel’s demand:

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged UN Secretary-General Guterres to withdraw UNIFIL forces from Hezbollah strongholds, claiming their presence endangers peacekeepers and Israeli soldiers.

Security Council Resolution 1701:

• Adopted on August 11, 2006, UN Security Council Resolution 1701 aimed to resolve the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that erupted in July 2006.
• It called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, facilitating a stable and lasting peace.
• The resolution expanded the UNIFIL, increasing its troop presence and enhancing its mandate to monitor the ceasefire and support the Lebanese Armed Forces.
• The resolution called for unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to affected populations in Lebanon.
• It also mandates respect for the security and freedom of movement of UN personnel and humanitarian workers.

India and UNIFIL:

• UNIFIL comprises over 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries, with India being the third-largest contributor, supplying 903 soldiers. However, the Indian Battalion does not have a presence in Ramyah.
• A joint statement from 40 troop-contributing countries, including India to UNIFIL condemned the attacks on peacekeepers and emphasized the need for respect towards UNIFIL’s mission and the safety of its personnel.