Daily Prelims Notes 16 February 2025

Daily Prelims Notes

16 February 2025

1. Loggerhead turtles use geomagnetic field to navigate large distances

Sub : ENV

SEC: Species in news

Context:

• Loggerhead sea turtles, renowned for their long-distance migrations, exhibit remarkable abilities to return to feeding sites even after seasonal journeys.
• A study published in Nature explores the mechanisms behind how migratory species, like the loggerhead turtle, use the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation.
• It investigates how turtles use the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation, potentially through two distinct mechanisms: a “magnetic map” and a “magnetic compass.”

The Study Design:

• Kayla M. Goforth and colleagues from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill conducted experiments with juvenile sea turtles.
• These turtles were housed in tanks where magnetic fields corresponding to specific geographical locations were artificially recreated.
• The turtles spent an equal amount of time in two different magnetic fields, but only one of them was associated with feeding.
• The idea was to test whether turtles could associate one magnetic field with food.

Key Findings of the Study:

• The research demonstrates that loggerhead turtles can learn and remember the magnetic signature of specific areas.
• When the turtles were in the area associated with feeding, they exhibited a behaviour known as a “turtle dance.” This anticipatory behaviour suggests that the turtles could learn to distinguish between different magnetic fields, thus forming a magnetic map of their environment.

Magnetic Map vs. Magnetic Compass:

• The researchers discovered that the “magnetic map” and the “magnetic compass” of the turtles are based on distinct mechanisms.
• The magnetic map is a sense used for location identification, allowing turtles to recognize specific areas based on their magnetic signatures.
• The magnetic compass is used for orientation, helping the turtles to sense direction.
• The two systems work together to facilitate navigation during the turtles’ long migrations.
• The conditioned responses related to the magnetic map were not affected by exposure to radiofrequency oscillating magnetic fields, unlike the magnetic compass.

Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta):

• The loggerhead sea turtle, scientifically known as Caretta caretta, belongs to the Cheloniidae family. Loggerheads are named after their exceptionally large heads.
• Loggerhead sea turtles are found in temperate and tropical oceans around the world, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, although the bulk of loggerhead nesting is at the western rims of the Atlantic and Indian oceans.
• Loggerhead sea turtles can grow up to 1 meter in length. Their front flippers are short and thick with 2 claws, while the rear flippers can have 2 or 3 claws.
• These turtles are carnivorous and feed primarily on jellyfish, crabs, molluscs, and smaller fish. Their strong jaws are especially suited for feeding on hard-shelled creatures like crabs and conchs.
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable

2. Stubble burning contributes only 14% PM2.5 in Delhi-NCR: study

Sub : ENV

SEC: POLLUTION

Context:

• A study published in Climate and Atmospheric Science in January 2025 found no linear correlation between stubble-burning events in Punjab and Haryana and the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Delhi-NCR.

Key Findings of the Study

• Despite a decline in stubble-burning events by over 50% between 2015 and 2023, the PM2.5 levels in Delhi-NCR remained fairly stable. In fact, the PM2.5 concentration at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi increased by 20% in 2023, despite fewer stubble-burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana.
• Stubble burning from Punjab and Haryana contributes only about 14% to the PM2.5 levels in Delhi-NCR, particularly during the October-November period, challenging the notion that it is a major contributor.
• The PM2.5 levels in Delhi-NCR remain high (greater than 100 micrograms per cubic meter) well beyond November, extending into the first week of February. This suggests that factors beyond stubble burning play a significant role in the persistent pollution during winter months.
• The study also noted significant day-night differences in PM2.5 levels. In Delhi-NCR, the 5 levels increased during the night, which points to local emission sources, as stubble burning is not a major factor in the nighttime rise.

Other Factors affecting Air Quality:

• Meteorological Conditions: Stagnant winds, temperature inversions, and low mixing heights during winter months (December to February) trap pollutants, causing poor air quality.
• Local Emissions: Carbon monoxide (CO) levels in Delhi-NCR showed a persistent rise at night, suggesting that local sources like fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning, rather than stubble burning, play a significant role in PM2.5 levels.
• The study identifies other significant contributors. A major contributor to PM2.5 is the transport sector (30%), followed by local biomass burning (23%), construction (10%), and road dust, with stubble burning contributing only 13% during peak seasons (October-November).

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

• The study highlights the success of measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in reducing PM2.5 levels in Delhi-NCR.
• When strict measures, such as controlling transport and construction activities, were enforced during GRAP Stage III and IV, there was a significant reduction in PM2.5 levels.
• However, once these measures were lifted, pollution levels surged again, emphasizing the importance of local emission control.

About PM 2.5:

• Particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (PM2.5) are referred to as “fine” particles and are believed to pose the greatest health risks.
• Because of their small size (approximately 1/30th the average width of a human hair), fine particles can lodge deeply into the lungs.
• PM 2.5 particles can only be detected with the help of electron microscope.

3. Insurers agree on customer-friendly Bima Vistaar plan

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Eco

Why in News and its context?

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is developing an all-in-one insurance policy to boost insurance penetration in India.
• The plan aims to simplify access to insurance with affordable, bundled products covering multiple risks.
• India’s insurance companies have agreed on a simple, comprehensive, and customer-friendly model for Bima Vistaar.
• This initiative is part of IRDAI’s Bima Trinity to achieve “Insurance for All by 2047.”

Future Roadmap

• Budget 2025-26: FDI limit raised for the insurance sector – 74 to 100 per cent. (enhanced limit will be available for those companies which invest the entire premium in India)

4. Sugar mills demand hike in minimum selling price

Sub : Eco

Sec: Agri

Why in News?

• Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has requested the government to increase the minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar from ₹31/kg to ₹39/kg.

Context & Rationale

• Retail Sugar Prices: Stable for the last 2 years despite rising input costs.
• Rising Production Costs: Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane has increased by 11.5% in the past two years.
• Current Production Cost: ₹41/kg (while MSP remains ₹31/kg).
• Ethanol Prices: No recent revision for ethanol supplies from sugar mills.

Factors Behind the Demand

• Rising Costs:
  • Increased FRP without corresponding MSP revision.
  • Higher conversion costs for sugar production.
• Ethanol Pricing Issue:
  • Ethanol prices stagnant despite growing production costs.
• Farmer Payment Arrears:
  • Delayed payments due to lower sugar realization.

5. ICMR Seeks Industry Collaboration for Typhoid and Paratyphoid Vaccine Production

Sub : Sci

Sec : Biotech

Why in News

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited expressions of interest from manufacturers for the joint development and commercial production of a vaccine targeting both typhoid and paratyphoid infections.

Typhoid and Paratyphoid Infections:

• Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, affecting the intestines and bloodstream.
• Paratyphoid fever, caused by Salmonella paratyphi, presents similar symptoms but is typically less severe.
• Both infections spread through the consumption of contaminated food or water, direct contact with the faeces or urine of an infected person, or, in rare cases, sexual transmission.
• Typhoid fever is prevalent in parts of Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the Middle East, posing a risk, especially to travellers.
• Symptoms of typhoid can range from mild to severe, including fever, fatigue, malaise, sore throat, persistent cough, and headache, lasting about a month without treatment.
• Treatment necessitates prompt antibiotic administration. The emergence of drug-resistant strains, however, threatens the efficacy of these treatments.
• Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) typhoid, which shows resistance to multiple antibiotic classes, has been a concern but has declined in Bangladesh and India since 2000, remained low in Nepal, and slightly increased in Pakistan.
• A newer threat is Extensive Drug Resistance (XDR) typhoid, resistant to at least five classes of antibiotics, observed in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, posing a significant public health risk.
• Treatment primarily involves antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, ampicillin, and ciprofloxacin.
• India bears a significant burden of typhoid cases globally, particularly in urban areas.
• Recent studies estimate a national incidence of 360 cases per 100,000 people, equating to approximately 4.5 million cases annually.

ICMR’s Vaccine Development Initiative:

• The ICMR-National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (ICMR-NIRBI), Kolkata, has developed an enteric fever vaccine based on outer membrane vesicles derived from two different strains of typhoidal Salmonella species.
• This vaccine is designed to offer broad-spectrum protection against both Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi.
• Existing typhoid vaccines include:
  • Typbar-TCV (Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine)
  • Ty21a (Live oral vaccine)
  • Typhim Vi and Typherix (Vi polysaccharide vaccines)
• Age-based administration:
  • Conjugate vaccines (TCVs) are suitable for children over six months of age.
  • Vi polysaccharide vaccines are recommended for children above two years.

About Enteric Fever Vaccine:

• The development of an enteric fever vaccine utilizing outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from two different strains of typhoidal Salmonella species represents a significant advancement in combating typhoid and paratyphoid fevers.
• Bivalent Formulation: The vaccine comprises OMVs derived from Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A strains, specifically C-6953 and C-6915, These OMVs are combined in a 1:1 ratio to create a bivalent immunogen.
• OMVs are naturally shed, spherical nanostructures from Gram-negative bacteria, containing proteins, lipopolysaccharides, and other antigens. They mimic the bacterial surface, making them effective in eliciting immune responses.
• The vaccine enhances cell-mediated immunity by increasing populations of CD4⁺, CD8⁺, and CD19⁺ cells in the spleen. It also promotes Th1 and Th17 responses, which are crucial for combating intracellular pathogens like Salmonella.

6. Russia’s mRNA-Based Cancer Vaccine

Sub : Sci

Sec : Biotech

Why in News

• In December 2023, Russia announced the development of a new mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine, set to be available for patients by early 2025. Director of the Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, stated that pre-clinical trials showed the vaccine’s effectiveness in suppressing tumour growth and preventing metastasis.

About mRNA-Based Cancer Vaccines:

• Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines provide genetic instructions that enable the body’s cells to produce specific antigens (proteins or substances triggering immune responses).
• These antigens, once recognized on cancer cells, activate the immune system, prompting it to target and eliminate malignant cells.
• mRNA cancer vaccines function as immunotherapy, which enhances the body’s immune response to fight cancer cells.
• Cancer cells often develop mechanisms to evade detection by the immune system.
• Immunotherapy works by boosting the body’s natural defence mechanisms to recognize and destroy these cells.
• Unlike chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells, mRNA-based immunotherapy specifically targets cancer cells, reducing side effects.
• Other immunotherapy approaches include:
  • Monoclonal antibodies
  • CAR T-cell therapy
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors
• Unlike conventional vaccines that prevent disease in healthy individuals, mRNA cancer vaccines are used for treatment in patients already diagnosed with cancer.
• The vaccines are personalized, targeting specific antigens unique to each patient’s tumour, making them potentially more effective.
• Unlike COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, which target a single antigen, cancer vaccines may be designed to attack multiple cancer-related antigens simultaneously.
• Several countries and institutions are actively working on mRNA-based cancer vaccines.
  • United Kingdom (UK): The National Health Service (NHS) launched the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad to fast-track access to clinical trials for mRNA-based cancer vaccines.
  • United States (US): Biopharmaceutical company CureVac announced in September 2023 that its CVGBM cancer vaccine demonstrated promising immune responses in a Phase 1 trial for glioblastoma (a type of brain cancer).

Is the Term ‘Vaccine’ Misleading?

• Unlike infectious diseases, cancer is not caused by a single pathogen, making the term ‘vaccine’ somewhat misleading.
• Certain vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, effectively prevent cervical cancer, as over 90% of cases are linked to HPV infection.
• Similarly, the Hepatitis B vaccine helps prevent Hepatitis B infection, which has been linked to liver cancer.
• However, most mRNA cancer vaccines do not prevent cancer but are designed to treat existing tumours.

About Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs):

• Lab-made antibodies designed to target specific antigens on cancer cells.
• Can mark cancer cells for immune destruction, block growth signals, or deliver toxins.
• Examples: Rituximab (for lymphoma), Trastuzumab (for breast cancer).

About CAR T-Cell Therapy:

• Patient’s T-cells are genetically modified to express Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) that recognize cancer cells. Highly effective for blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma.
• FDA-approved therapies: Kymriah, Yescarta.

About Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors:

• Block checkpoint proteins (e.g., PD-1, CTLA-4) that prevent T-cells from attacking cancer.
• Helps immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
• Examples: Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab (for melanoma, lung cancer).

7. When can President’s Rule be imposed?

Sub : Polity

Sec : Constitution

Context: – Four days after Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned, the State was put under President’s Rule on February 13.

What is President’s Rule?

• President’s Rule is a provision under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, imposed in case of the failure of the constitutional machinery in a State.
• Based on a report by the State’s Governor or other inputs, the President can issue a Proclamation taking over the functions of the State’s government and Governor, effectively transferring them to the Union government.
• The powers of the State Assembly are transferred to Parliament, but the High Court’s powers remain unaffected.
• The President’s proclamation must be laid before Parliament and expires in two months unless ratified by both Houses.

It may be renewed every six months, for a maximum of three years, under conditions such as:

• A national or state-level Emergency being declared.
• The Election Commission declaring that elections cannot be held in the State.

Grounds for Imposing President’s Rule

• Article 356 does not provide an exhaustive list of circumstances for imposing President’s Rule.
• The Lok Sabha Secretariat’s 2016 assessment outlined common reasons for its imposition, including:
  • Militancy and law and order issues.
  • Defections by MLAs and break-up of ruling coalitions.
  • Passing of no-confidence motions.
  • Resignations of Chief Ministers.
  • Absence of a legislature in newly formed States.
  • Public agitations leading to instability.
• The 1994 Supreme Court judgment in S.R. Bommai vs Union of India listed certain circumstances for the imposition of President’s Rule but clarified that the list was not exhaustive.

Imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur

• Manipur was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, four days after Chief Minister Biren Singh resigned.
• Despite the BJP having a majority in the Assembly, the party failed to agree on a Chief Minister candidate.
• The State has been experiencing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023.
• The decision marks the 11th time President’s Rule has been imposed in Manipur, the highest for any State.

Historical Instances of President’s Rule

• President’s Rule has been imposed 135 times across 35 States and Union Territories.
• The first instance was in Punjab in June 1951, when CM Gopi Chand Bhargava resigned due to internal differences within the Congress party.
• Jammu & Kashmir has spent the most time under President’s Rule, with almost 15 years in total, including the periods 1990-1996 and 2019-2024.
• Manipur has had President’s Rule 11 times, followed by Uttar Pradesh (10 times).
• President’s Rule has been imposed in cases where the same party was in power at both the Centre and the State, including:
  • Andhra Pradesh (1973)
  • Assam (1981)
  • Gujarat (1974)
  • Karnataka (1990)
  • Manipur (2025)
• In 1977, the Morarji Desai government dismissed nine Congress-ruled States, citing a loss of confidence after the Congress was voted out at the Centre.
• In 1980, Indira Gandhi retaliated by imposing President’s Rule in nine States.
• The Supreme Court at the time refused to interfere in these matters.

Impact of the Bommai Judgment (1994)

• Marked a significant shift in judicial intervention regarding President’s Rule.
• The nine-judge Bench ruled that courts could review the President’s proclamation on grounds such as:
  • Whether it was issued without any material basis.
  • Whether the material used was relevant.
  • Whether it was issued mala fide (in bad faith).
• The judgment established that the proclamation could be struck down if found unconstitutional, acting as a deterrent to misuse.
• Between 1950-1994, President’s Rule was imposed 100 times (2.5 times per year), while from 1994-2024, it was imposed 30 times (once per year).
• Since 2014, President’s Rule has been imposed 11 times, including four times in J&K.
• Courts have struck down the proclamation twice, in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Why has the Manipur Assembly been Kept in Suspended Animation?

• Though Manipur is under President’s Rule, its Assembly has not been dissolved, but placed in suspended animation.
• In 111 cases of President’s Rule till 2015, Assemblies were:
  • Dissolved in 53 cases.
  • Kept in suspended animation in the remaining instances.
• Suspended animation allows the revival of the Assembly if a popular government can be formed before fresh elections.
• In the Bommai case, the Supreme Court observed that:
  • The Legislative Assembly remains temporarily suspended under a proclamation.
  • Upon revocation, the legislature automatically revives.
  • Granting the President unfettered dissolution powers would be dangerous and contradict the Constitution’s intent.

8. Why is a new Bill on foreigners coming?

Sub : Polity

Sec : legislation in news

Context:-The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to introduce the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 in the second half of the Budget session beginning on March 10, 2025.

The Bill aims to repeal four existing legislations that regulate immigration and movement of foreigners.

Rationale Behind the Bill

• The Bill replaces the following four Acts:
  • Foreigners Act, 1946
  • Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
  • Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
  • Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000
• Three of these laws are from the pre-Constitution period, enacted during World Wars I and II.
• The Bill aims to remove overlapping provisions and create a comprehensive legal framework for immigration.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• The Bill contains six chapters with 35 clauses, consolidating multiple laws into a single legislation.
• It defines the functions of:
  • Immigration Officers
  • Bureau of Immigration (BoI)
• It includes provisions related to:
  • Passport and visa requirements
  • Registration of foreigners
  • Obligations of universities, hospitals, and other institutions admitting foreigners

Regulation of Foreigners’ Entry and Stay

• The Bill explicitly states grounds for denying entry or stay in India, including:
  • Threat to national security, sovereignty, and integrity of India
  • Impact on relations with a foreign State
  • Public health concerns
• Immigration Officers have final authority on such decisions.

Penal Provisions

• Entry without a passport → Imprisonment up to 5 years or ₹5 lakh fine or both
• Use of forged passports or travel documents → Imprisonment (2 to 7 years) + Fine (₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh)
• Overstaying beyond visa limit → Imprisonment up to 3 years + Fine up to ₹3 lakh

Role of State Governments in Deportation

• State police are responsible for detecting and deporting illegal foreigners.
• Deportation occurs after completion of sentence/court proceedings and requires a valid travel document.
• If a foreigner lacks travel documents, they must be obtained from the respective embassy or High Commission.

Provisions Related to Detention Centers

• The Bill does not use the term “detention centers”, instead refers to:
  • “Places set apart for residence under supervision”
• Such places are subject to regulations regarding:
  • Maintenance, discipline, and security
  • Movement restrictions for foreigners awaiting deportation

Mechanisms to track movements of Foreigners

• The MHA has asked States to set up two committees to identify foreigners who have overstayed post-January 1, 2011.
• The e-FRRO portal records visa violations and is accessible by local police.
• The Foreigners Identification Portal allows States to upload biometric and other details of illegal migrants.
• The UIDAI has been asked to create a negative list of Aadhaar cards obtained fraudulently by foreigners.

9. Devolution Index ranking of Panchayat Raj system

Sub : Polity

Sec : Local Govt ( PRI)

Context: Karnataka tops the overall Devolution Index (DI) ranking of the Panchayat Raj system among States in India, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu are in the second and third spot, respectively.

About the report

• The report was released by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, on February 13, 2024.
• It ranks States/UTs on the Devolution Index (DI) based on six key dimensions:
  • Framework
  • Functions
  • Finances
  • Functionaries
  • Capacity Enhancement
  • Accountability

Key Dimensions and Rankings

Framework

• Kerala ranks first (83.56), followed by:
  • Maharashtra (74.74)
  • Karnataka (74.43)
  • Haryana (73.3)
• This dimension includes legal requirements like:
  • Holding regular panchayat elections
  • Reservation for women, SCs, and STs
  • Establishment of State Election Commission and State Finance Commission

Functions

• Tamil Nadu ranks first (60.24), followed by:
  • Karnataka (57.62)
  • Odisha (57.46)
  • Rajasthan (56.13)
• This dimension evaluates the devolution of powers to panchayats for self-governance.
• Karnataka provides significant powers, including taxation rights, to Gram Panchayats (GPs).

Finances

• Karnataka ranks first (70.65), followed by:
  • Kerala (62.89)
  • Tamil Nadu (55.78)
  • Rajasthan (54.56)
• This criterion evaluates:
  • Timely release of funds under the 15th Finance Commission
  • Constitution and implementation of recommendations by State Finance Commissions (SFCs)

Accountability

• Karnataka ranks first (81.33), followed by:
  • Kerala (81.18)
  • Maharashtra (80.36)
  • Uttar Pradesh (76.07)
• This dimension evaluates:
  • Accounting and auditing of panchayats
  • Social audit and gram sabha functioning
  • Transparency and anti-corruption measures
• The report highlights Karnataka’s Gram Panchayat (GP) system as a model of participatory democracy.

Functionaries

• Gujarat ranks first (90.94), followed by:
  • Tamil Nadu (84.25)
  • Kerala (82.99)
• Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Maharashtra also scored above 70.
• This criterion assesses:
  • Physical infrastructure and e-connectivity of panchayats
  • Sanctioned vs. actual staff positions in panchayats

Capacity Building

• Telangana ranks first (86.19), followed by:
  • Tamil Nadu (84.29)
  • Gujarat (83.96)
• Karnataka is among the top 10 States in this dimension.
• This criterion evaluates:
  • Training institutions

Training programs for elected representatives and officials