Daily Prelims Notes 15 November 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

15 November 2024

Table Of Contents

1. COP29: BASIC countries ask rich nations to honour commitments for climate finance rather than ‘diluting obligations’
2. Tajikistan lost 1000 glaciers in 3 decades: Minister
3. Corals in crises: Almost half of all species at risk of extinction, finds IUCN
4. Iran tells UN nuclear chief it won’t negotiate under ‘intimidation’
5. EU regulator backs Eisai-Biogen Alzheimer’s drug
6. Supreme Court’s order on mandatory accessibility standards, why it matters
7. Simplified Environmental Compliance for 39 Industries: A Step Towards ‘Ease of Doing Business’
8. Concerns over Online Drug Delivery through Food Delivery Platforms
9. The Discovery of Insulin and the Eternal Flame of Hope

1. COP29: BASIC countries ask rich nations to honour commitments for climate finance rather than ‘diluting obligations’

Sub: Env

Sec: INT CONVENTIONS

Context:

• The BASIC bloc (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China), along with other developing nations, has called on developed countries to fulfill their climate finance commitments instead of shifting responsibilities.

Key Demands by Developing Nations:

• Full Implementation of the Paris Agreement:
  • BASIC countries stressed the need to uphold the legally binding Paris Agreement (2015), which aims to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The target is to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C and strive for 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (baseline: 1850-1900).
• Call for Binding Climate Finance Agreements:
  • India, Egypt, and the Independent Alliance of Latin America and the Caribbean (AILAC) urged developed nations to convert financial pledges into binding contribution agreements.
  • The G-77/CHINA coalition demanded a balanced New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance tailored to the needs of developing countries.
  • A technology implementation program was also requested, backed by the financial mechanism’s operating entities.

Positions and Reactions:

• BASIC Bloc’s Stance:
  • The BASIC countries rejected any attempts by developed nations to offload their financial responsibilities onto developing countries.
  • They reiterated the importance of a fair and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.
• Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS):
  • AOSIS highlighted the inadequacy of current financial pledges, calling for urgent and scaled-up contributions to support meaningful climate action.
• Arab Group and Republic of Korea:
  • Both emphasized that guidelines for countries must align strictly with the Paris Agreement, safeguarding the autonomy of nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
• India’s Opposition:
  • India opposed any top-down regulations that undermine national sovereignty in climate commitments, arguing against imposed features on NDCs.

Developed Countries’ Proposals:

• Developed nations pushed for all countries, including emerging economies, to quantify their climate goals and align with the 1.5°C target.
• This stance was supported by the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) but faced opposition from India.

About BASIC countries:

• BASIC was formed in November 2009 just before the Copenhagen Climate Summit (COP15)
• The group consists of Brazil, South Africa, India, and China
• These are major emerging economies that decided to coordinate their positions, particularly on climate change issues

Goals and Purpose:

1. Climate Change Negotiations:

• To present a united front in international climate negotiations
• To protect developing nations’ interests in climate talks
• To ensure development rights while addressing climate challenges

2. Common Interests:

• Advocate for the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR)
• Push for developed nations to take greater responsibility for historical emissions
• Secure technological and financial support from developed nations

Key Characteristics:

• All are large developing economies
• Significant regional influence
• Large populations
• Growing carbon emissions due to rapid industrialization
• Similar developmental challenges

Significance:

• Together represent about 40% of the world’s population
• Major players in global economic growth
• Significant influence in G77 (group of developing nations)
• Growing importance in international affairs

2. Tajikistan lost 1000 glaciers in 3 decades: Minister

Sub : Geo

Sec : Climatology

Context:

• At the ongoing COP29 climate conference in Baku, Tajikistan’s Energy and Water Resources Minister, Daler Juma, highlighted the alarming disappearance of glaciers in Central Asia, raising concerns about the region’s water security.

Key Highlights:

• Rapid Glacier Loss in Tajikistan:
  • Over the past 30 years, more than 1,000 out of Tajikistan’s 14,000 glaciers have disappeared.
  • Glaciers in Tajikistan are essential as they provide fresh water to rivers, ensuring water supply during dry periods.
• Regional Impact and Water Security Threat:
  • The loss of glaciers is a critical issue for Central Asia, which relies heavily on glacial meltwater for food and water security.
  • Kyrgyzstan, another Central Asian country, is also experiencing similar challenges due to rising temperatures and accelerated glacier melt.
• Global Context and Climate Change:
  • The rapid melting of glaciers is attributed to climate change, posing a significant threat to water resources not just regionally, but globally.
  • According to UN scientists, glaciers in Central Asia could completely vanish by the end of the 21st century if current trends continue.
• Potential Consequences:
  • The disappearance of glaciers would result in severe water shortages, affecting approximately 80 million people across Central Asia.

3. Corals in crises: Almost half of all species at risk of extinction, finds IUCN

Sub : Geo

Sec: Geography

Context:

• The latest assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) highlights a dire situation for coral species, presenting at the ongoing COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The findings reveal an increasing risk of extinction for reef-building corals, driven primarily by climate change and other human-induced threats.

Key Findings:

• Increased Risk of Extinction:
  • 44% of reef-building coral species are now at risk of extinction, a significant increase from 33% in 2008.
  • The assessment was based on data from the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Major Threats:

• Primary Threat: Climate Change
  • Rising sea temperatures and increased frequency of bleaching events are the biggest risks to coral health.
• Other Threats:
  • Pollution, agricultural runoff, diseases, and unsustainable fishing practices are also contributing to the decline.

Impact on Marine Ecosystems and Livelihoods:

• Biodiversity Loss:
  • Coral reefs support a vast range of marine life, including fish and crustaceans.
• Economic and Social Impact:
  • 500 million people depend on coral reefs for food and income.
  • Coral reefs contribute around $375 billion annually through tourism, fisheries, and coastal protection.
  • The degradation of coral reefs increases vulnerability to storms, floods, and rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities.

Threatened Coral Species:

• Of the 892 warm-water coral species assessed:
  • 15% (56 species) are vulnerable.
  • 67% (251 species) are endangered.
  • 9% (33 species) are critically endangered, including the Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) and Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata).

Broader Biodiversity Crisis:

• Coral decline is part of a larger global biodiversity issue:
  • 46,300 species are classified as threatened worldwide.
  • This includes 41% of amphibians, 37% of sharks and rays, 34% of conifers, and 26% of mammals.
• Global Funding Gap:
  • The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) aims to raise $12 billion, but only $30 million has been secured so far.
  • Increased investment is needed from both public and private sectors to promote a sustainable, “reef-positive” economy.

Future Steps:

• The upcoming 2025 UN Ocean Conference in France is seen as a critical event for mobilising support and resources for coral conservation efforts.
• More research is required to determine if corals can adapt to warming waters, though current evidence suggests limited adaptation capabilities.

2025 UN Ocean Conference:

• The 2025 UN Ocean Conference will be held from June 9 to June 13, 2025, in Nice, France.
• Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the conference aims to accelerate global action to conserve and sustainably use oceans and marine resources, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14).
• The conference will build on the outcomes of previous UN Ocean Conferences held in New York (2017) and Lisbon (2022).
• It will feature discussions on issues like marine pollution, sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity, and climate impacts on oceans.
• The event is expected to gather a wide range of stakeholders, including scientists, NGOs, financial institutions, and Indigenous communities.

Key Objectives:

• Strengthen international cooperation to address ocean degradation.
• Promote sustainable management of marine ecosystems.
• Foster partnerships among governments, international organizations, private sectors, and civil society.
• Enhance implementation of existing commitments and policies for ocean conservation.

Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR):

• The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is a unique, public-private partnership initiative aimed at supporting the conservation and sustainable management of coral reefs worldwide.
• Launched in 2020, the GFCR seeks to mobilize financial resources, foster innovative solutions, and create a positive impact on coral ecosystems, which are critical to marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people.
• The GFCR works with multiple stakeholders, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and private sector partners.

Objectives:

• Coral Reef Protection:
  • Enhance the conservation and resilience of coral reefs against climate change and other human-induced threats.
• Sustainable Development:
  • Support sustainable economic activities that benefit local communities while protecting coral reef ecosystems.
• Innovative Financing:
  • Mobilize both public and private investments to close the funding gap for coral reef conservation.
• Climate Resilience:
  • Help build resilience of coral reefs and dependent communities against climate impacts, including sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

Key Features:

• Blended Finance Approach:
  • The GFCR uses a blended finance model, combining grants, loans, and private investments to attract more funding for coral conservation projects.
  • It aims to leverage $500 million in funding, including capital from governments, philanthropic organizations, and private investors.
• Project Areas:
  • The fund focuses on high-priority regions where coral reefs are under threat, such as the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
• Support for “Reef-Positive” Projects:
  • Invests in projects that provide economic incentives for sustainable practices, such as eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and coral restoration efforts.

Impact:

• Economic Benefits:
  • Coral reefs contribute about $375 billion annually through fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection.
• Biodiversity Support:
  • Reefs are home to 25% of all marine species, making their conservation vital for maintaining global marine biodiversity.
• Community Livelihoods:
  • Approximately 500 million people rely on coral reefs for food, income, and coastal protection.

Source: DTE

4. Iran tells UN nuclear chief it won’t negotiate under ‘intimidation’

Sub: IR

Sec: Int org

Context:

• Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran will not engage in talks under “intimidation” during his meeting with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi.

Iran’s Nuclear Programme:

• Iran’s nuclear program began in the 1950s, with assistance from the United States under the Atoms for Peace initiative. However, after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the program became more secretive and increasingly controversial.
• Iran has periodically expanded its nuclear activities, including the construction of new reactors and expanding enrichment capabilities.
• Iran has also enriched uranium at varying levels, including up to 20% purity, well above the 5% limit set for peaceful purposes. Uranium enriched to 90% is considered weapons-grade.
• Since 2003, the IAEA has conducted regular inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities and has reported instances where Iran was found to have violated some agreements or lacked full transparency in reporting its nuclear activities.

Iran Nuclear Deal:

• A major development in the international effort to manage Iran’s nuclear program came in 2015 with the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and six world powers (the U.S., U.K., France, Russia, China, and Germany).
• Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 3.67% and reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium in exchange for reduced sanctions. Iran also agreed to provide the IAEA with greater access to its nuclear facilities and share more detailed information about its activities.
• In 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the JCPOA, re-imposing harsh sanctions on Iran. Following this, Iran has expanded its nuclear program.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

• IAEA is the international centre for cooperation in the nuclear field.
• It was formed in 1957 as a result of Conference on the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency held at the UN headquarters.
• The Agency works with its member states and multiple partners worldwide to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
• The organisation’s policy making body is the General Conference comprising of all member states and the 35-member Board of Governors.
• The General Conference convenes annually at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, typically in September.
• The IAEA reports to the UN Security Council in regard to instances of members’ non-compliance with safeguards and security obligations.

5. EU regulator backs Eisai-Biogen Alzheimer’s drug

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

• The European Union’s drugs regulator, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), recently recommended the approval of Leqembi (a drug developed by Eisai and Biogen) for patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
• This decision marks a reversal from its initial rejection four months ago and could potentially make Leqembi the EU’s first approved treatment for the condition if the recommendation is accepted by the European Commission.

Narrow Patient Group:

• The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended Leqembi for a more specific group of patients: those with one or no copies of the ApoE4 gene variant.
• These patients are less likely to experience severe side effects, such as brain swelling or bleeding, observed in persons with two copies of ApoE4 gene variant.

About Alzheimer’s disease:

• Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die.
• Alzheimer’s causes a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behaviour, and social skills, and it is the most common cause of dementia.
• Its symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behaviour.

6. Supreme Court’s order on mandatory accessibility standards, why it matters

Sub: Polity

Sec: Legislation in news

Context:

• The Supreme Court recently ruled that the Union Government must frame mandatory rules to ensure the accessibility of public places and services to persons with disabilities.
• The Court observed that while RPwD Act created a mechanism for mandatory compliance, the 2017 rules only provided self-regulatory guidelines, leading to non-compliance and inconsistencies in accessibility across various sectors.
• The judgment emphasized that accessibility is a fundamental right.

Directive to the Union Government:

• The Supreme Court directed the Union Government to frame mandatory rules to enforce accessibility standards, in line with the RPwD Act, within three months.
• The government was instructed to consult NALSAR’s Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) and other relevant stakeholders while drafting the rules.
• The Court also directed that once the mandatory rules are in place, Centre and state governments must ensure that violations of accessibility standards are penalised by withholding completion certificates and imposing fines.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016:

• The RPwD Act aims to ensure that persons with disabilities can live their lives with dignity, without discrimination, and with equal opportunities.
• It aligns with India’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which calls for full accessibility in all aspects of life.

Key provisions:

• Responsibility has been cast upon the appropriate governments to take effective measures to ensure that the persons with disabilities enjoy their rights equally with others.
• The Act provides a comprehensive definition of disability and recognizes 21 types of disabilities, including physical, mental, intellectual, and sensory disabilities.
• Additional benefits such as reservation in higher education (not less than 5%), government jobs (not less than 4 %), reservation in allocation of land, poverty alleviation schemes (5% allotment) etc. have been provided for persons with benchmark disabilities and those with high support needs.
• Every child with benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years shall have the right to free education.

7. Simplified Environmental Compliance for 39 Industries: A Step Towards ‘Ease of Doing Business’

Sub: Env

Sec : Env legislation and organisation

Why in News

• The Union Ministry of Environment has recently introduced significant reforms in the environmental regulatory framework. The Ministry has exempted 39 categories of industries from the mandatory requirement of dual eco-clearance, a move aimed at reducing the compliance burden on non-polluting industries. This decision aligns with the government’s objective of fostering a more business-friendly environment while maintaining environmental safety.

Exemption of 39 Industry Categories:

• The Environment Ministry has removed the requirement for 39 specific industry categories to obtain consent from State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) for operation.

These industries include:

• Manufacturing units of solar cells and modules.
• Wind and hydropower units.
• Fly ash bricks and block manufacturing.
• Leather cutting and stitching.
• Assembly, repair, and servicing of air-coolers and air-conditioners.
• These sectors fall under the “white category” of industries as per the 2016 classification by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), indicating they are the least polluting.

Reduced Compliance Burden:

• The decision eliminates the need for both Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE) for non-polluting industries. Now:
• Industries classified under the “white category” do not require CTE or Consent to Operate (CTO) at all.
• Industries that have received EC are exempted from obtaining additional CTE.
• This reform aims to prevent duplication of environmental approvals, reducing bureaucratic delays and easing the regulatory burden on businesses.

The changes follow recent amendments to the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. These amendments empower the central government to have greater oversight, even over decisions traditionally managed by SPCBs.

The Water Act of 1974 was the first legislation in independent India to address water contamination and led to the establishment of the CPCB and SPCBs to monitor and control pollution from industrial and sewage discharge.

State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs):

• SPCBs enforce pollution control laws at the state level, including water and air quality standards.
• They have the authority to set standards for effluent discharge from industries into water bodies.
• SPCBs can inspect, collect samples, and monitor industries to ensure compliance with environmental norms.
• These boards have the power to issue closure orders or restrictions on industries violating pollution standards.
• SPCBs are empowered to grant or deny consent for the establishment of any industry based on environmental assessments.

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974:

• The Act aims to prevent and control water pollution and maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water.
• It led to the establishment of the Central and State Pollution Control Boards.
• The Act gives pollution control boards the authority to set water quality standards and oversee compliance.
• It provides mechanisms for effluent monitoring and specifies penalties for non-compliance.
• The Act empowers pollution control boards to take legal action against industries causing water pollution.

8. Concerns over Online Drug Delivery through Food Delivery Platforms

Sub: Env

Sec : Env legislation

Why in News

• A recent initiative in Bengaluru to deliver medicines through a food delivery platform has raised serious concerns about patient safety and regulatory compliance. The move has sparked objections from pharmacists and doctors who highlight the risks associated with such a system.

Violation of Regulations:

• The Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association has argued that delivering medicines through online platforms could violate the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. According to the rules, only a licensed pharmacist should dispense medicines after verifying a valid prescription.
• There’s scepticism about whether prescriptions will be properly verified by qualified pharmacists in an online setup. Unlike traditional pharmacies, online platforms might lack the necessary checks to ensure correct dosages.

Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940:

• Regulates the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics to ensure safety, efficacy, and quality.
• The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 provide guidelines on drug classification, storage, sale, and prescriptions.
• Drug: Any substance used for the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of diseases in humans or animals, including medicines, medical devices, and substances affecting body function.
• Cosmetic: Products applied to the body for cleansing, beautification, or appearance enhancement.

Objectives of the Act:

• Regulates the import of drugs to prevent substandard or counterfeit products.
• Controls domestic production and distribution of medicines, including Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathic drugs.
• Ensures only qualified individuals handle the sale and distribution of drugs.
• Manages the quality standards for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics by periodic inspections and laboratory testing.

Regulatory Provisions:

• Licensing: Requires permits for the manufacture, sale, and distribution of drugs and cosmetics.
• Quality Monitoring: Drug inspectors conduct regular checks, collecting samples for analysis to maintain standards.
• Labelling and Packaging: Sets specific guidelines for the labelling and packaging of various drugs and cosmetics.

Salient Features:

• Penalties: Life imprisonment and a fine up to ₹10 lakhs or three times the value of seized goods for serious offences.
• Prosecution Authority: Both Drug Controller officers and other gazetted officers can initiate prosecution for violations.
• Special Courts: Designated courts exist for handling offences under the Act, including certain cognizable and non-bailable offences.
• Advisory Bodies: Establishment of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) for regulatory oversight.

9. The Discovery of Insulin and the Eternal Flame of Hope

Sub: Sci

Sec : Health

Why in News

• World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14 each year, commemorates the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin. This date is a tribute to one of the most significant medical discoveries that revolutionized diabetes treatment. Additionally, the “Flame of Hope,” a perpetual flame in Canada, honours Banting’s contribution and symbolizes the ongoing search for a definitive cure for diabetes.

Role of Insulin and the Endocrine System:

• The human body’s endocrine glands release hormones, chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions.
• Hormones are produced in minute quantities, ranging from 10⁻⁹ to 10⁻¹² grams, and travel through the bloodstream to impact distant organs and tissues.
• Unlike the nervous system, which relies on a network of neurons, the endocrine system transmits instructions from the brain throughout the body without a specific anatomical pathway.
• Role of the Pancreas: The pancreas functions as both an endocrine and exocrine organ, playing a key role in blood sugar regulation through insulin production.
• Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is crucial in maintaining normal blood glucose levels.

Historical Context:

• In 1869, Paul Langerhans identified clusters of specialized cells in the pancreas, now known as the “islets of Langerhans,” hinting at the organ’s endocrine function.
• In 1889, German scientists Oskar Minkowski and Joseph von Mering demonstrated a direct connection between the pancreas and blood sugar control by surgically removing a dog’s pancreas, which led to diabetic symptoms.
• Banting and Best successfully isolated insulin from the islets of Langerhans through experiments on dogs.
• Biochemist James Collip later joined the team and played a crucial role in refining the insulin extraction process, making it safe and effective for human use.
• On January 11, 1922, Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old diabetic patient, received the first insulin injection, which initially caused an allergic reaction due to impurities.
• Collip improved the purification process, and a second injection on January 23, 1922, led to a significant reduction in blood glucose levels without adverse effects.
• In 1923, Banting and Macleod were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of insulin, just a year after its success.
• Controversy arose as Banting felt that Charles Best deserved recognition instead of Macleod, while Macleod believed James Collip’s contribution was crucial. In a gesture of fairness, Banting shared half of his Nobel Prize money with Best, and Macleod did the same with Collip.
• Decades later, the Nobel Committee acknowledged that Charles Best’s exclusion was an oversight.

Recombinant DNA Technology:

• In the 1980s, scientists utilized recombinant DNA technology, inserting the human insulin gene into Escherichia coli bacteria using plasmids—small DNA molecules capable of replication.
• This allowed bacteria to produce large quantities of insulin identical to human insulin, enabling mass production and meeting global demand.

The Eternal Flame:

• In 1989, Queen Elizabeth II lit the “Flame of Hope” in Sir Frederick Banting Square, London, Ontario, Canada, to commemorate Banting’s discovery of insulin.
• This flame symbolizes the commitment to ongoing research until a complete cure for diabetes is found. It will remain lit until that goal is achieved.

About Type 1 diabetes:

• An absolute lack of insulin, usually due to destruction of theinsulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, is the main problem in type 1 diabetes.
• It is to be due to an autoimmune process, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly targets its own tissues. 
• This tendency for the immune system to destroy the beta cells of the pancreas is likely to be, at least in part, genetically inherited,although the exact reasons that this process happens are not fully understood.
• Insulin Dependence: This leads to a lifelong dependence on externally administered insulin to manage blood sugar levels.

About Type 2 diabetes:

• People who have type 2 diabetes can still produce insulin, but do so relatively inadequately for their body’s needs. 
• Genetics plays a role in the development of type 2 diabetes, and having a family history and close relatives with the condition increases your risk; however, there are other risk factors, with obesity being the most significant.

Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: