Daily Prelims Notes 15 September 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

15 September 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Increase in import duty on edible oil to help farmers: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
2. Post-glacial ecosystems could help slow down climate change: Study
3. Taj dome leaks; ASI says no damage, only seepage
4. Diabetes drug may lower death rate in obese people: study
5. ICMR signs pacts for clinical trials for four drug molecules
6. The Role and Significance of Jute in India’s Economy and Environment
7. Enhancing Weather Forecasting and Management: Mission Mausam
8. Progress and Challenges: Legal Rights and Entitlements for Queer Couples in India

1. Increase in import duty on edible oil to help farmers: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco geo

Updated Agricultural Policies in India:

1. Edible Oil Import Duty Increase:
   • Import duty on edible oils raised from 0% to 20%
   • Basic duty on refined oil increased to 32.5%
   • Total effective duty on imported edible and refined oils: 27.5%
2. Basmati Rice Export Policy:
   • Minimum export duty on Basmati rice removed
3. Impact on Farmers:
   • Expected to benefit oilseed farmers, especially soybean and green gram producers
   • Likely to increase sowing of oilseeds in Rabi season
   • Anticipated boost in mustard crop prices
   • Potential increase in soya production and exports
4. Onion Export Duty Reduction:
   • Export duty on onions reduced from 40% to 20%
   • Aimed at benefiting onion farmers and related sectors
5. Onion Price Control Measures:
   • Subsidized retail sale of onions at ₹35 per kg through NCCF and NAFED
   • Expanded retail sales to e-commerce platforms, Kendriya Bhandar, and SAFAL outlets
   • Implementation of bulk sales strategies
   • Improved logistics using road and railway networks to reduce post-harvest losses

Details of crops in news:

National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED):

• Established on October 2, 1958 (Gandhi Jayanti).
• Apex organization of marketing cooperatives in India.
• Registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act 2002.
• Primary Objectives:
  • Promote cooperative marketing of agricultural produce.
  • Facilitate farmers in getting better prices for their produce.
  • Implement price support operations for pulses and oilseeds.
• Key Functions:
  • Procurement of agricultural commodities at Minimum Support Price (MSP).
  • Distribution of agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizers.
  • Export promotion of agricultural and processed food products.
  • Implementation of Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) operations.
• Government Role:
  • Works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Acts as a central nodal agency for procurement of notified agricultural commodities.
  • Recent Initiatives: E-Kisan Mandi: An online platform for direct selling of farm produce.

Source: TH

2. Post-glacial ecosystems could help slow down climate change: Study

Sub: Geo

Sec: Climatology

Context:

• A global study titled “The Development of Terrestrial Ecosystems Emerging After Glacier Retreat,” published in Nature, suggests that while glacier retreat is a clear sign of climate change, it may also create new ecosystems that could help mitigate its effects.

Key Findings:

1. Immediate Effects of Deglaciation:
   • May accelerate climate change by reducing surface reflectivity
   • Could release stored carbon
2. Long-term Potential:
   • Post-glacial ecosystems might slow down climate change
   • Proper management could boost biogeochemical processes

Research Methodology:

• 10-year investigation led by professors from the University of Milan and Italy’s Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources
• Over 1,200 soil samples collected from nearly 50 glaciers worldwide
• Climates ranged from tropical to subpolar regions
• Indian contribution: Samples from Gangotri and Bara Shigri glaciers in the Himalayas

Ecosystem Development in Deglaciated Areas:

1. Initial colonization (immediately after retreat):
   • Microorganisms: bacteria, protists, algae are the first to colonise the barren landscape
   • Role: Make minerals available for other species
2. Within a decade:
   • Hardy plants: lichens, mosses, grass
   • Role: Enrich soil, prepare for more complex plant life
3. Later stages:
   • More complex plant life
   • Larger animals

Importance of Post-Glacial Ecosystems:

• Carbon capture and storage through biomass growth
• Temporary habitats for species threatened by climate change
• Potential refuges for cold-adapted species
• Enhanced biodiversity

Management Recommendations:

• Promote wild herbivores to enhance life in these regions
• Protect and study these ecosystems for ecological benefits

Relevance to India:

• Crucial for water regulation in the Himalayas
• Impacts rivers supporting millions (drinking water, agriculture, hydropower)
• Potential for medicinal and agricultural discoveries
• Opportunity for eco-tourism to boost local economies

Source: TH

3. Taj dome leaks; ASI says no damage, only seepage

Sub: History

Sec: Art and Culture

Context:

• Water leakage has been reported at the Taj Mahal and the garden adjacent to it has been submerged after heavy rainfall.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) authorities said that there is no damage to the heritage structure.

About Taj Mahal:

• Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agra on the bank of the Yamuna river in the city of Agra.
• The 17th century structure is among the seven wonders of the world.
• It was commissioned in 1632 by Shah Jahan (reigned from 1628 to 1658) to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself.
• The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653.
• The construction project employed some 20,000 artisans under the guidance of a board of architects led by the court architect to the emperor, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.
• The Taj Mahal was declared a monument of national importance in 1920.

The architecture of the Taj Mahal:

• The Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the greatest architectural achievements in human history. Its design is a synthesis of Islamic, Persian, and Indian architectural traditions.
• It was built out of white Makrana marble that was sourced from the Indian state of Rajasthan.
• To further enhance the beauty of the memorial, thousands of precious and semi-precious gemstones were also incorporated into its design.

4. Diabetes drug may lower death rate in obese people: study

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

• Recently, a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists, originally used for diabetes, has gained attention for its role in weight loss.

About the study:

• The trial included 17,604 obese or overweight participants with cardiovascular disease but no diabetes.
• They were randomised to receive weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo and were followed-up for three years.

Findings:

• Compared to the placebo group, participants who received semaglutide had lower death rates from all causes, including cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular, and also COVID-19 deaths.
• A 19% reduction in cardiovascular mortality, heart attacks, and strokes was recorded in the semaglutide group.

GLP-1 agonists:

• These drugs mimic the gut hormone GLP-1, which enhances insulin release and slows digestion, promoting a sense of fullness.
• Among these drugs, Semaglutide has been in use for diabetes since 2017.
• In higher doses, it is now used as a weight-loss drug in Western countries.

Semaglutide:

• Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) drug that increases the secretion of insulin (which helps decrease blood sugar levels) after a meal while reducing the production of glucagon (which helps increase blood sugar levels).
• Besides regulating glucose levels in the body, the drug also aids in weight loss, lowers the risk of hypoglycaemia, and improves heart health and kidney function.
• The drug was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017.
• According to a study, semaglutide specifically showed greater weight loss in subjects than other GLP-1 RA drugs.
• Apart from regulating glucose, it also increases gastric emptying time, meaning food takes longer to pass through the gastrointestinal tract and it makes you feel full for a longer period of time.

5. ICMR signs pacts for clinical trials for four drug molecules

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has formalised Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) with multiple sponsors under its ‘Network for Phase 1 Clinical Trials’.
• The agreements mark an entry into first-in-human clinical trials for four promising molecules, the council said.

The four agreements:

• Collaborative research over a small molecule for multiple myeloma with Aurigene Oncology Limited with Indian Immunologicals Limited
• Coordinating a seasonal influenza virus vaccine trial with Mynvax Private Limited
• CAR-T cell therapy advancement study for a new indication of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with ImmunoACT.

Significance:

• It is a crucial step towards establishing India as a leader in the clinical development of pharmaceutical agents.
• The collaboration between ICMR and prominent industry and academic partners is a key milestone in the pursuit of affordable and accessible cutting-edge treatments for all citizens.

ICMR’s ‘Network for Phase 1 Clinical Trials’

• The network is designed to enhance India’s capacity to conduct early phase clinical trials, supported by robust infrastructure and dedicated manpower at each trial site, ensuring smooth and effective operations.
• The network comprises of four strategically located institutions across India
  • King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Mumbai
  • Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai
  • SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur
  • Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
• They are supported by the Central Coordinating Unit at the ICMR’s headquarters in New Delhi.

4 stages of clinical trials:

• Phase I:
  • This is the first time where the new drug is administered to a small number, a minimum of 2 healthy, informed volunteers for each dose under the close supervision of a doctor.
  • The purpose is to determine whether the new compound is tolerated by the patient’s body and behaves in the predicted way.
• Phase II:
  • During this phase, the medicine is administered to a group of approximately 10-12 informed patients in 3 to 4 centres to determine its effect and also to check for any unacceptable side effects.
• Phase III:
  • Purpose is to obtain sufficient evidence about the efficacy and safety of the drug in a larger number of patients, generally in comparison with a standard drug and/or a placebo as appropriate.
  • In this phase, the group is between 1000-3000 subjects.
  • If the results are favourable, the data is presented to the licensing authorities for a commercial license to market the drug for use by the patient population for the specified and approved indication.
• Phase IV:
  • Phase of surveillance after the medicine is made available to doctors, who start prescribing it.
  • The effects are monitored on thousands of patients to help identify any unforeseen side effects.

6. The Role and Significance of Jute in India’s Economy and Environment

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

 Why in the News

Jute, often referred to as the “golden fiber,” is garnering attention due to its environmental benefits and economic importance. As the world increasingly shifts away from plastic, jute presents a biodegradable alternative for various applications, including packaging. India’s significant role as the largest global producer of jute highlights its potential for both economic and environmental impact.

About Jute:

Natural Fiber: Jute is a crucial natural fiber and a major cash crop in India.

Biodegradable Alternative: It serves as an eco-friendly substitute for plastic, particularly in packaging.

Growth Period: Jute can be harvested between 100 to 150 days of vegetative growth.

Optimal Harvesting Stage: Harvesting at the early pod formation stage balances quality and yield.

Harvesting Method: Plants are cut close to the ground with sharp sickles, or uprooted in flooded areas.

Post-Harvest Processing: After cutting, plants are left to shed leaves, bundled, and left in the field for a few days.

What is Retting Process?

Retting is the process of separating the fiber from the stem.

Procedure: Bundles are kept submerged in clean water, weighed down by logs or concrete blocks, and covered with water hyacinth or non-tannic weeds.

Optimal Conditions: Retting is best conducted in slow-moving, clean water at around 34°C. It is considered complete when the fiber easily separates from the wood.

Importance of Retting: Proper retting ensures that the jute fibers are of high quality and suitable for various applications.

Economic Value: High-quality fiber improves the market value of jute products and contributes to better economic returns for farmers.

Environmental and Economic Prospects

Plastic Reduction: With increasing global efforts to reduce plastic use, jute’s biodegradable nature makes it a valuable alternative.

Value-Added Products: Beyond traditional uses, jute can be used to produce paper, pulp, composites, textiles, and other materials.

7. Enhancing Weather Forecasting and Management: Mission Mausam

Sub: Geo

Sec: Climatology 

Why in the News

On September 11, the Indian Cabinet approved a ₹2,000 crore initiative called Mission Mausam aimed at revolutionizing weather forecasting and management. This program seeks to upgrade the infrastructure for atmospheric observations, improving the accuracy of weather predictions and enhancing the response to extreme weather events.

Objectives of Mission Mausam

Enhanced Atmospheric Observations

Upgrade and deploy ‘next-generation radars’ and satellite systems.

Incorporate advanced sensors and high-performance supercomputers.

Develop improved earth-system models and a GIS-based automated Decision Support System.

Improved Forecasts and Alerts

Better quality monsoon forecasts.

Enhanced alerts for deteriorating air quality.

Advanced warnings for extreme weather events and cyclones.

Implementation and Infrastructure

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is the nodal agency.

Procurement and installation plans until 2026 include: 60 weather radars, 15 wind profilers and 15 radiosondes. These instruments will monitor wind speeds, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature.

About Next-Generation Radars: Next-generation radars represent a significant advancement in radar technology, designed to enhance the accuracy, resolution, and reliability of weather observations.

Advanced Technology and Sensors

Doppler Radar Technology: Utilizes the Doppler effect to measure the velocity of precipitation, which helps in determining wind speed and direction within a storm.

Dual-Polarization: Offers enhanced detection of precipitation types and sizes by transmitting and receiving radar signals in both horizontal and vertical polarizations.

High-Resolution Imaging: Provides more detailed and accurate images of weather phenomena, including precipitation intensity and storm structure.

About Radiosondes: Radiosondes are integral instruments used in meteorology to collect and transmit atmospheric data from various elevations. They are crucial for understanding vertical profiles of the atmosphere, which helps in weather forecasting and climate research.

Structure and Function

Design: A radiosonde is a small, lightweight device attached to a weather balloon. It typically consists of sensors, a transmitter, and a power source.

Sensors: Measure various atmospheric parameters including temperature, humidity, and pressure.

Transmission: Sends real-time data back to ground-based receiving stations as the balloon ascends through the atmosphere.

Types of Measurements

Temperature: Monitors air temperature at different altitudes.

Humidity: Measures the relative humidity of the air, providing insights into moisture content.

Pressure: Records atmospheric pressure changes with altitude.

Wind Speed and Direction: Can be derived from tracking the radiosonde’s ascent path and the balloon’s drift.

Predecessor- Monsoon Mission (2012): Relied on statistical methods for forecasting. Provided broad estimates but lacked precision for droughts and regional diversity.

Introduced high-performance computing and dynamical models for better accuracy in medium-range forecasts.

Advancements in Weather Management: Focus on weather modification through cloud seeding to influence precipitation.

Plans to control lightning to reduce fatalities: Lightning is a major cause of natural deaths in India, with 2,821 out of 8,060 accidental deaths in 2022 due to lightning (NCRB report).

Establishment of a large ‘cloud chamber’ at IITM for simulating cloud interiors.

8. Progress and Challenges: Legal Rights and Entitlements for Queer Couples in India

Sub: Polity

Sec: Constitution

Why in the News

A recent Finance Ministry advisory, along with a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) circular, has taken a small but significant step towards easing some of the difficulties faced by queer couples in India. This includes allowing LGBTQIA+ individuals to open joint bank accounts and nominate their partners as beneficiaries. However, there remains a broader struggle for legal recognition and entitlements for queer couples, which continues to be a pressing issue.

Finance Ministry Advisory and RBI Circular: The Finance Ministry advisory and RBI circular now permit queer couples to open joint bank accounts and nominate their partners as beneficiaries.

• Permission to Open Joint Accounts: LGBTQIA+ individuals are allowed to open joint bank accounts with their partners.
• Nomination Rights: Partners in queer relationships can be nominated as beneficiaries in joint accounts and other financial instruments.
• Non-Discrimination Clause: Banks must ensure that their policies do not discriminate against individuals based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Legal Framework: The circular reinforces that the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals to access financial services should be protected, aligning with broader legal and human rights frameworks.

Formation of Six-Member Panel: A six-member panel, including Secretaries from various ministries, was established to define the scope of entitlements for queer couples.

The panel is tasked with addressing issues such as ration cards, medical decisions, jail visitation rights, succession rights, and other legal benefits.

About LGBTQIA+

The LGBTQIA+ acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual. The + represents the evolving understanding of gender and sexual identities.

• The country has repealed its colonial-era laws that directly discriminated against homosexual and transgender identities and also explicitly interpreted Article 15 of the Constitution to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. But many legal protections have not been provided for, including same-sex marriage.
• In 2018, in the landmark decision of Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, the Supreme Court of India decriminalised consensual homosexual intercourse by reading down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Codeand excluding consensual homosexual sex between adults from its ambit
• SC in its judgement specifically said that the Right to Privacy and the protection of sexual orientation lie at the core of the fundamental rights guaranteed by Article 14(Equality before Law), Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of race, religion, caste, sex, place of birth), Article 21 (Protection of life and liberty) and Article 19 (Freedom of expression) of the Constitution.
• Supreme Court stated that the ‘Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Law in Relation to Issues of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity’ should be applied as a part of Indian law.
• Yogyakarta Principlesrecognise freedom of sexual orientation and gender identity as part of Human Rights. They were outlined in 2006 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia by a distinguished group of International Human Right experts.

Supreme Court Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage (October 2023)

• The Supreme Court did not recognize same-sex marriage but acknowledged that the Constitution protects the right of all individuals, including queer couples, to form unions.
• The Court highlighted the need for the State to recognize entitlements associated with such unions and emphasized the setting up of a committee to address these issues.

Areas Requiring Legal Changes

• Legal backing is crucial for enforcing these policies and ensuring equitable treatment.
• Family and Inheritance Laws: Amendments are needed to include queer couples in family and inheritance laws.
• Juvenile Justice Act and Income Tax Act: Legislative changes in these areas may be required to provide comprehensive rights and benefits.
• Insurance Regulators: Similar advisories from insurance regulators could help in making benefits accessible to queer couples.
• Public Distribution System: State departments may need to adapt policies to include queer families.