Daily Prelims Notes 17 July 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

17 July 2024

Table Of Contents

1. 346 More Defence Items Worth ₹1,048 Crore Removed from Import List
2. Global Bond Index Inclusion to Enhance ‘Indianisation’ of Hot Money
3. Banks’ Deposit Growth Dips to 10.6%; Credit Growth at 13.9% as of June 28
4. The Problem with Billionaire Consumption
5. Karnataka Cabinet clears Bill mandating 50% reservation for locals in management jobs and 75% in non-management positions
6. Poor performance of India’s most populated states to end hunger & empower women slows down national, global SDG progress
7. Wild guess
8. CITES defines guidelines on the trade of rosewood species
9. Chouhan asks scientists to carry out research on natural farming, without lowering production
10. What is PM SHRI, the ‘showcase’ schools’ scheme that Centre is pushing in states?
11. Searching for LUCA, the first life-form from which all other life descended
12. Chandipura virus infection
13. India could soon allow ‘game-changing’ weight-loss drugs – Tirzepatide

1. 346 More Defence Items Worth ₹1,048 Crore Removed from Import List

Sub: Eco

Sec: External Sector

Overview:

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has notified the 5th ‘Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)’ consisting of 346 items.
• The aim is to reduce dependence on imports by allowing defence PSUs to place orders worth ₹1,048 crore with domestic vendors.

Purpose:

• The initiative is led by the Department of Defence Production (DPP) under the MoD to boost self-reliance (aatmanirbharta) in the defence sector.

Defence PSUs Involved:

• Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
• Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL)
• Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL)
• BEML Ltd
• India Optel Ltd (IOL)
• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL)
• Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL)
• Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE)
• Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL)

Implementation:

• These DPSUs have started the process of issuing expressions of interest/requests for proposals on their websites, linked to the ‘Srijan Portal’.
• Industry, MSMEs, and start-ups are encouraged to participate.

Indigenisation Achievements:

• Over 12,300 items have been indigenised in the last three years.
• This has resulted in DPSUs placing orders worth ₹7,572 crore with domestic vendors.

Total Indigenisation Efforts:

• By June 2024, over 36,000 defence items were offered to the industry for indigenisation.
• More than 12,300 items have been indigenised in the last three years.

Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)

Concept: The Positive Indigenisation List entails that the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) will source specific items exclusively from domestic manufacturers. These manufacturers include private sector entities and Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).

Objectives:

• Align with India’s vision of ‘Atma Nirbharta’ (self-reliance)
• Boost the domestic defense industry
• Enhance investment
• Reduce dependency on imports

Procurement and Industry Participation:

• DPSUs’ Role: Initiate procurement actions for the items listed in the fourth PIL.
• Srijan Portal Dashboard: Designed to facilitate the procurement process, encouraging industry participation.

2. Global Bond Index Inclusion to Enhance ‘Indianisation’ of Hot Money

Sub: Eco

Sec: External Sector

Introduction:

• India’s inclusion in global bond indices is expected to bolster the balance of payments (BoP) surplus and promote the ‘Indianisation’ of global hot money, according to SBI’s economic research team.

Key Developments:

• In September, JP Morgan Chase announced that Indian Government Bonds (IGBs) would be included in its Emerging Market Index Global Diversified (GBI-EM GD) index starting June 28, 2024.
• Monthly net inflows into FAR (Fully Accessible Route) securities have reached ₹90,000 crore from October 2023 to June 2024.

Expected Outcomes:

• Post-inclusion, India’s weight in the index is expected to reach 10% in the GBI-EM Global Diversified index and approximately 8.7% in the GBI-EM Global index, potentially attracting passive flows of $20-22 billion by March 2025.
• The decision to include India in the JPM GBI-EM index first is seen as a deliberate strategy by the Government/RBI to ensure smooth future developments.

Inflows from ETFs:

• Once the Bloomberg Barclays EM bond index incorporates Indian bonds starting January 2025, fund flows are expected to increase further.
• Global marquee ETFs (iShares, Vanguard, SPDR) modelled along these indices are anticipated to crowd in inflows.
• Several global marquee funds, currently using proxies like total returns swaps and supranational bonds, have shown interest in directly entering the Indian market.

Competitive Edge:

• This inclusion indicates the incremental Indianisation of global flows, positioning India to compete with China in the Asia Ex-Japan (AXJ) category.
• With bond issuances in China totalling 71 trillion yuan (about $10 trillion) in 2023, India aims to become the second-largest bond market among emerging markets, overtaking Brazil.

Impact on Liquidity:

• Significant foreign investment will enhance the depth of the government bond market and support system liquidity.
• The liquidity situation, affected by the just-in-time mechanism and government surplus cash balances, might see some improvement.
• However, primary liquidity from index inclusion flows is expected to be managed by the RBI to maintain stability.

Conclusion:

• India’s ascent to the second-largest bond market among emerging markets could directly compete with China for fund allocations.
• RBI’s management of debt and forex markets will be crucial in smoothing out any frictions and maintaining a strong foreign currency debt to GDP ratio, enhancing India’s case for a rating upgrade by major agencies.

Fully Accessible Route (FAR)

• Launch Date: April 1, 2020
• Purpose: Allows non-residents to invest in specified government bonds without restrictions.
• Initiative: Opens certain categories of government bonds fully for non-resident investors.
• Policy: Under FAR, eligible investors can invest in specified government securities without any investment ceilings.
• Framework: FAR operates alongside existing routes such as the Medium Term Framework (MTF) and the Voluntary Retention Route (VRR).

Benefits:

1. Access: Substantially eases access for non-residents to Indian government securities markets.
2. Global Inclusion: Facilitates inclusion in global bond indices.
3. Foreign Investment: Attracts stable foreign investment in government bonds.

Voluntary Retention Route (VRR):

Purpose: Encourages Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) for long-term investments in Indian debt markets.

Features:

• Operational Flexibility: Provides operational flexibility and exemptions from certain regulatory requirements.
• Retention Period: Requires a minimum retention period of three years, with FPIs maintaining a minimum of 75% of the allocated amount in India.
• Investment Limits: Available on tap and allotted by the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL) on a ‘first come first served’ basis.

3. Banks’ Deposit Growth Dips to 10.6%; Credit Growth at 13.9% as of June 28

Sub: Eco

Sec: Monetary Policy

Overview:

• Deposit growth of commercial banks has slowed to 10.64% for the fortnight ending June 28.
• Credit growth also saw a decline during this period.

Key Statistics:

• Credit Growth:
  • 13.88% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) increase, reaching Rs 163.8 trillion as of June 28.
• Deposit Growth:
  • 10.64% Y-o-Y increase, totaling Rs 211.95 trillion.

Exclusion of HDFC Merger Impact:

• The figures do not account for the impact of the HDFC-HDFC Bank merger which took effect on July 1, 2023.

Comparative Data:

• For the previous fortnight ending June 14:
  • Deposit growth: 12.1%
  • Credit growth: 15.6%

RBI Concerns:

• RBI Governor has highlighted the persistent gap between credit and deposit growth in a meeting with bank chief executives.
• Banks are encouraged to enhance their liability franchise to prevent deposit growth from constraining credit offtake.

Credit to Deposit (C/D) Ratio:

• CareEdge Ratings noted that the C/D ratio has hovered around 80% since September 2023.
• For the fortnight ending June 14, 2024:
  • C/D ratio: 79.9%
  • Excluding HDFC merger impact: 77.9% compared to 75.5% on June 16, 2023.

Implications:

• The slowdown in deposit growth coupled with relatively high credit growth indicates potential pressures on banks’ ability to meet credit demand.
• Efforts by banks to shore up deposit growth will be crucial in ensuring sustained credit offtake and maintaining financial stability.

Credit-Deposit Ratio Simplifier

The Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio is a key banking metric that measures the proportion of a bank’s total deposits given out as loans. It reflects how efficiently a bank uses its deposits to generate income.

• Regulatory Guidelines:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) does not prescribe any specific CD ratio.
• Ideal Range:
  • An optimal CD ratio generally falls between 80-90%.
• Above 90%: May indicate aggressive lending practices.
• Below 80%: Suggests underutilization of deposit base.
• Implications:
  • High CD Ratio: Indicates significant lending, which can lead to liquidity issues if not managed properly.
  • Low CD Ratio: Suggests insufficient lending, potentially reducing profitability.
• Factors Influencing the CD Ratio:
  • Credit Growth: Rising demand for loans increases the CD ratio.
  • Deposit Growth: Higher deposits can lower the CD ratio if lending does not grow proportionately.
  • Economic Conditions: Booms or recessions affect loan demand and deposit growth.

4. The Problem with Billionaire Consumption

Sub: Eco

Sec: National Income

Introduction:

• The lavish wedding celebrations of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s youngest son highlight the issue of conspicuous consumption by the rich.
• This raises questions about the impact of such private wealth displays in a society with high inequality.

Perspectives on Billionaire Consumption:

A. Right-Wing View:

• Billionaire consumption is seen as a legitimate exercise of private freedom in a liberal capitalist democracy.
• Inequality is viewed as a result of flawed policies rather than the fault of billionaires.
• Market access is believed to ensure adequate wealth distribution for all.

B. Left-Wing (Marxist) View:

• Profits are viewed as unfair extraction of value since value is created solely by labor.
• Billionaire consumption is seen as illegitimate, as it represents a denial of workers’ rightful claims.
• Structural imbalances in capitalism continually enrich a few at the expense of many.

Economic Impact of Billionaire Consumption:

A. Positive Economic Impact:

• Domestic consumption by billionaires can increase demand for locally-made goods, boosting domestic employment and incomes.
• In economies with employment concerns, rich individuals’ private consumption can boost aggregate demand.

B. Investment vs. Consumption:

• Long-term growth depends on investment rather than consumption.
• Example: Buying clothes (consumption) vs. buying sewing machines (investment) — the latter increases labour productivity and per capita incomes.
• Investment spending increases demand in both the investment and consumption sectors.

The Keynesian Perspective:

• Capitalist societies operate on a social contract, allowing wealth control and production provided capitalists ensure high levels of investment.
• Investment drives economic welfare; the rate of growth is highest when profits are entirely invested.
• Conspicuous consumption reduces resources available for investment, thus reducing welfare.

Modern Capitalism’s Peculiar Problems:

• Profits are accrued privately, and investment decisions are taken privately.
• Capitalists may choose not to invest due to risks or may engage in lavish consumption.
• Workers lack control over investments, affecting their employment and living standards.
• Monopoly prices further reduce real wages and purchasing power for workers.

Conclusion:

• The purpose is not to criticize specific instances of conspicuous consumption but to highlight broader economic issues.
• Keynesian view: Lavish consumption is problematic if it leads to insufficient investment and high monopoly prices.
• The stark inequalities, youth unemployment, stagnant real wages, and job losses in the informal sector present significant public policy challenges.

Keynesian Economics

Named after British economist John Maynard Keynes, Keynesian economics is a theory that emphasizes the role of government intervention in stabilizing the economy. Keynesianism gained prominence during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Core Principles:

Aggregate Demand: Keynesian economics asserts that aggregate demand (total spending in the economy) is the primary driver of economic activity and employment.

Government Intervention: It advocates for active government intervention to manage economic cycles. This includes fiscal policies (government spending and tax policies) to influence demand.

Short-Run Focus: Keynesians believe that in the short run, economic output is influenced by demand, and that economies can be below full employment for extended periods.

Key Concepts:

Fiscal Policy: Use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy. During a recession, Keynesians advocate for increased government spending and/or tax cuts to boost demand.

Multiplier Effect: The idea that an initial amount of spending (usually by the government) leads to increased consumption and thus greater total economic output.

Liquidity Preference: The preference for holding cash rather than investing in uncertain assets, particularly during times of economic uncertainty.

Marginal Propensity to Consume (MPC): The proportion of additional income that a consumer will spend rather than save. High MPC suggests that fiscal policy will be more effective.

Economic Policies:

Counter-Cyclical Policies: To counteract economic fluctuations, Keynesians recommend expansionary fiscal policy during recessions and contractionary policy during booms.

Deficit Spending: Keynesians argue that during economic downturns, governments should run budget deficits to stimulate demand and reduce unemployment.

Public Works Programs: Investment in infrastructure and public projects to create jobs and spur economic activity.

Criticisms:

Long-Term Debt: Critics argue that persistent government intervention and deficit spending can lead to high levels of public debt and long-term economic issues.

Inflation: Excessive government spending can lead to inflation if the economy is at or near full capacity.

Crowding Out: Increased government borrowing may lead to higher interest rates, potentially crowding out private investment.

5. Karnataka Cabinet clears Bill mandating 50% reservation for locals in management jobs and 75% in non-management positions

Sub: Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

• The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024.
• The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the Bill requiring industries, factories, and other establishments to appoint local candidates in 50% of management positions and 75% in non-management positions.

Eligible Candidates:

• A local candidate is defined as someone born in Karnataka, domiciled in the state for 15 years, capable of speaking, reading, and writing Kannada legibly, and has passed a required test conducted by a nodal agency.
• Candidates must have a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language or pass a Kannada proficiency test as specified by the nodal agency.
• If qualified local candidates are not available, industries and establishments must collaborate with the government to train local candidates within three years.
• Industries may apply for relaxation from the provisions if a sufficient number of local candidates are not available, but the percentage of local candidates should not fall below 25% in management positions and 50% in non-management categories.
• Non-compliance may attract penalties ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000.

Background and Demand:

• The Bill comes amid demands for 100% job reservation for Kannadigas.
• Earlier in July, Kannada organizations held rallies demanding the immediate implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi report, which recommended quotas for locals in government and private sector jobs.
• The Sarojini Mahishi Committee, led by former Union Minister Sarojini Mahishi, submitted a report in 1984 with 58 recommendations, including 100% reservation for locals in group C and D jobs in Central government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs) operating in Karnataka.

Source: TH

6. Poor performance of India’s most populated states to end hunger & empower women slows down national, global SDG progress

Sub: Economy

Sec: National Income

Context:

• India has performed the worst on SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) among the 15 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) monitored, according to NITI Aayog’s SDG Index, 2023-24.
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) were not included in the ranking criteria, as SDG 14 applies only to coastal states.

SDG 5: Gender Equality:

• The national average score for SDG 5 is the lowest at 49 out of 100.
• 13 states and one Union Territory scored below the national average, including Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal.
• Odisha performed the worst with a score of 39, particularly struggling with the female-to-male wage ratio at 0.56, followed by Jharkhand (0.6).

SDG 2: Zero Hunger:

• The national average score for SDG 2 is the second lowest at 52 out of 100.
• 10 states and one Union Territory scored below the national average.
  • These include: Odisha, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh and Telangana.
• Bihar scored the lowest at 24, followed by Jharkhand at 28.
• Bihar’s performance was notably poor, with 42.9% of children under five being stunted against a national target of 23.7%.

State Performance Analysis:

• Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, some of India’s largest states by population, performed poorly on both SDG 2 and SDG 5.
• Bihar, despite improvements from a score of 32 in 2020-21 to 57 in 2023-24, remained the poorest performer, lagging in five SDGs including SDG 2 and SDG 5.

Global Perspective:

• India’s global rank improved to 109 out of 166 countries, yet the country still faces major challenges under SDG 2 and SDG 5.
• The Sustainable Development Report 2024 indicated India’s progress on ending hunger has stagnated, despite dismissing the findings of the Global Hunger Index, which reported the highest child wasting rate.

SDG India Index:

• The SDG India Index is a tool developed by NITI Aayog to measure and track India’s progress towards the SDGs set by the United Nations.
• The Index supports the localisation of SDGs, encouraging states to integrate these goals into their development plans.
• It serves as a benchmark for policymakers to identify gaps and prioritise actions towards achieving sustainable development by 2030.
• Methodology: The Index assesses the performance of states and union territories (UTs) across 16 SDGs using a set of indicators aligned with national priorities.
• The SDG India Index measures national progress using 113 indicators aligned to the National Indicator Framework.
• Goal-wise scores are computed for the 16 SDGs, and overall composite scores are derived for each State/UT. Goal 14 (Life Below Water) has not been included in the calculation of the Composite Score for the Index as it solely pertains to the nine coastal States.
• Scores range from 0-100, with higher scores indicating greater progress toward SDG targets.
• State/UTs are categorised based on their SDG India Index score as follows: Aspirant: 0–49, Performer: 50–64, Front-Runner: 65–99, and Achiever: 100.

Source: IE

7. Wild guess

Sub: Env

Sec: Ecosystem

Wildfires as Major CO2 Emitters:

• If wildfire-affected areas were a country, they would be the second-largest emitter of CO2, only behind China.
• In 2023, global wildfires released 7,330 million tonnes of CO2, surpassing the 6,000 million tonnes of greenhouse gases emitted by the US in 2022.
• Calculating wildfire emissions is challenging due to variables like temperature, wind, humidity, and drought.
• Global warming has increased the frequency and intensity of wildfires, leading to higher CO2 emissions.

Measurement Uncertainties:

• The margin of error for wildfire-related CO2 emissions can be as high as 20%, compared to 6% for fossil fuel combustion.
• Measuring emissions requires data on burned area, biomass density, emission factors, and combustion factors.
• Methods like the Global Fire Assimilation System (GFAS) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) have limitations, often underestimating emissions.

Smouldering Fires and Emission Factors:

• Smouldering fires emit large amounts of carbon and are difficult to detect and suppress.
• Peatlands, covering 3% of the world’s landmass, store significant carbon and are prone to smouldering fires.
• Emission factors vary by region and vegetation type, with limited data from the Global South.

India’s Wildfire Emissions:

• India’s forest fire emissions contribute 1-1.5% of global wildfire emissions.
• Climate change could increase fire-prone areas in regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Global Fire Assimilation System (GFAS):

• GFAS assimilates fire radiative power (FRP) observations from satellite-based sensors to produce daily estimates of emissions from wildfires and biomass burning.
• FRP is a measure of the energy released by the fire and is therefore a measure of how much vegetation is burned.

Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS):

• MODIS is a satellite-based sensor used for earth and climate measurements.
• There are two MODIS sensors in Earth orbit: one on board the Terra (EOS AM) satellite, launched by NASA in 1999; and one on board the Aqua (EOS PM) satellite, launched in 2002.
• MODIS has now been replaced by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), which was first launched in 2011 aboard the Suomi NPP satellite.

Biomass Burning Uncertainty: Reactions, Emissions, and Dynamics (BBURNED):

• BBURNED aims to better quantify the current understanding of the uncertainty and variability in biomass burning emission estimation, and determine how to more accurately represent atmospheric chemistry resulting from fire.
• BBURNED is an activity of the IGAC Project (International Global Atmospheric Chemistry) at the University of Colorado / CIRES.

Source: DTE

8. CITES defines guidelines on the trade of rosewood species

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has issued guidelines for sustainable harvest and trade of rosewood specimens.

Details:

• CITES oversees the trade of rosewood species in genera Dalbergia, Afzelia, Khaya, and Pterocarpus, currently listed in Appendix II, indicating they are not immediately threatened but could be at risk without regulation.
• Focus on capacity-building for 13 high-priority and 14 medium-priority species.
• Pterocarpus erinaceus (African rosewood) is highly threatened due to over-exploitation and illegal trade.
• Trade suspension recommendations are in place for range states of Pterocarpus erinaceus.

Non-Detriment Findings (NDF) and Capacity Building:

• Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) are a cornerstone sustainability requirement for continuing the global trade in CITES-listed species that supports livelihoods in countries where it grows and industries in production and destination countries.
• NDFs are essential for supporting livelihoods and industries while protecting species from extinction.
• Evidence-based NDFs are crucial for sustainable global trade in CITES-listed species.

Report and Data Utilization:

• CITES published a report on CITES-listed species traded under rosewood, using data from TRAFFIC experts.
• The report includes locations of existing rosewood NDFs, species vulnerability, and conservation priority.
• Information is vital for creating NDFs and assessing exportable timber volume while ensuring species survival.

About Rosewood Tree:

• Rosewood: A commercial term encompassing a wide range of tropical hardwoods in the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family.
• Distribution: Native to Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Sabah, Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Indian Rosewood:

• Dalbergia sissoo (North Indian rosewood): Fast-growing, hardy, deciduous tree native to the Himalayas’ foothills.
• Distribution: From Afghanistan to Bihar, India.
• Habitat: Primarily along riverbanks above 200 m elevation, up to 1,400 m.
• Dalbergia latifolia (East Indian Rosewood): Known as East Indian Rosewood, Black Rosewood, Bombay Blackwood, Indonesian Rosewood, and Malabar Rosewood.
• Habitat: Tropical dry and moist deciduous forests, also in plains.
• Distribution: India, Nepal, Andaman Islands, Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, Himalayas, China, Malaysia.
• Uses: Furniture, musical instruments, decorative items, and veneers.
• Conservation status: Listed in Appendix II of the CITES list.

Source: DTE

9. Chouhan asks scientists to carry out research on natural farming, without lowering production

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

Context:

• Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) scientists to research natural farming to maintain crop production levels while protecting soil health for future generations, on the occasion of ICAR Foundation Day

Focus on High-Yielding Varieties:

• There is a decline in acreage under soybean and sunflower due to farmers’ reluctance to grow low-productivity crops.
• Livestock and fisheries contribute 35% to the GDP, with the potential to exceed 50% with proper attention.

Soybean crop:

Sunflower crop:

Source: TH_BL

10. What is PM SHRI, the ‘showcase’ schools’ scheme that Centre is pushing in states?

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Education

Context:

• The Centre has stopped funding for the umbrella program for school education in three opposition-ruled states that have refused to implement its PM SHRI scheme.
• The Samagra Shiksha Scheme, for which funding has been stopped in West Bengal, Punjab, and Delhi, supports implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

What is Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Scheme?

• PM SHRI is a Centrally Sponsored scheme announced in 2022.
• It aims to develop more than 14500 schools across the country by strengthening selected existing schools being managed by Central Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies.
• It will create and nurture holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st century skills.
• The duration of the scheme is from 2022-23 to 2026-27, after which it shall be the responsibility of the States/UTs to continue to maintain the benchmarks achieved by these schools.
• PM SHRI schools will act as exemplar schools showcasing all components of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) and offering mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.
• The PM SHRI Schools will be developed as Green Schools, incorporating environment-friendly aspects.
• The focus will be on the learning outcomes of every child in every grade.
• Assessment at all levels will be based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real-life situations and will be competency-based.
• Linkage with Sector Skill Councils and local industry for enhancing employability and providing better employment opportunities will be explored.
• A School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) is being developed, specifying the key performance indicators to measure outcomes. Quality evaluation of these schools at regular intervals will be undertaken to ensure the desired standards.
• These schools will provide leadership to other schools in their respective regions by providing mentorship.

What is the Samagra Shiksha Scheme?

• Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is an integrated scheme for school education extending support to States from pre-school to class XII.
• The scheme not only provides support for the implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 but has also been aligned with the recommendations of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 
• It aims to deliver inclusive, equitable, and affordable school education.
• It subsumes the three Schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE).
• It is being implemented as a centrally sponsored scheme.
• To enhance the direct outreach of the scheme, all child-centric interventions will be provided directly to the students through DBT mode on an IT-based platform over a period of time.
• The scheme covers 1.16 million schools, over 156 million students and 5.7 million Teachers of Govt. and Aided schools (from pre-primary to senior secondary level) by involving all stakeholders of the school ecosystem i.e. teachers, teacher educators, students, parents, community, school management committees, SCERTs, DIETs, BITEs, Block resource Persons, Cluster resource persons, volunteers for providing quality, inclusive and equitable education.
• Samagra Shiksha supports a new pedagogical and curricular structure of school education (5+3+3+4):3 years in Anganwadi/pre-school and 12 years in school.

• The scheme has been extended for a period of five years i.e., from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

11. Searching for LUCA, the first life-form from which all other life descended

Sub :  Sci

Sec : Msc

Context:

• In a new study, scientists have said the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) could have formed just 300 million years after the earth formed.

What is LUCA?

• The last universal common ancestor (LUCA) is the hypothesized common ancestral cell from which the three domains of life, the Bacteria, the Archaea, and the Eukarya originated.
• The concept of LUCA is based on the phylogenetic relationship among all the organisms.
• LUCA is not the first living form on earth or the first living ancestors.
• There is no fossil evidence to support the existence of LUCA, but the fact that modern genomes share so many features provides some insights.
•  The first universal common ancestor (FUCA) is a hypothetical non-cellular ancestor to LUCA and other now-extinct sister lineages.

Which is older: LUCA or fossils?

• According to the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, researchers at the University of Bristol and Exeter in the U.K. constructed a phylogenetic tree of 350 bacterial and 350 archaeal genomes and using a molecular clock, they estimated that LUCA could have originated around 4.2 billion years ago, just 300 million years after the earth itself formed.
• The team also reported that  LUCA may have had a small genome, of some 2.5 million bases and encoding around 2,600 proteins, which help it survive in a unique environmental niche.
• The team also suggested the metabolites produced by LUCA — compounds produced as a result of its metabolism — could have created a ‘secondary’ ecosystem in which other microbes could have emerged.
• Researchers have found fossil records of the earliest life-forms in the Pilbara Craton in western Australia, one of the few places on the planet where archaean rocks are exposed aboveground and accessible.
• Studies of these fossils have suggested the life that lived on the rocks emerged around 3.4 billion years ago. 
• The current study has  pushed this date back by almost a billion years, almost on the heels of the birth of our planet itself.
• The researchers also found that  LUCA may have had genes responsible for immunity, suggesting it had to fight off viruses.

What is a Molecular Clock?

• The molecular clock is a figurative term for a technique that uses the mutation rate of biomolecules to deduce the time in prehistory when two or more life forms diverged.
• The biomolecular data used for such calculations are usually nucleotide sequences for DNA, RNA, or amino acid sequences for proteins.
• To calibrate the molecular clock to a particular rate of mutations, researchers establish links between a genome with known events, such as the ‘date’ on which the first mammal evolved or with the age of certain fossils. These links act like temporal benchmarks.

Origin of Earth

• Earth formed around 4.54 billion years ago, approximately one-third the age of the universe.
• There are a number of competing theories but all of them lack conclusive proof.
• Oparin-Haldane hypothesis:
  • In 1924 and 1929, Oparin and Haldane respectively suggested the first molecules making up the earliest life forms gradually self-organized from a “primordial soup” in a young earth’s tempestuous, prebiotic environment.
•  Miller-Urey experiment:
  •  Miller-Urey experiment in 1952, showed that in the right conditions, inorganic compounds could give rise to complex organic compounds.
  • Miller and Urey mixed methane, ammonia, and water, and when they applied a strong electric current — like a lightning strike might have — the mixture contained amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.

12. Chandipura virus infection

Subject: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

6 children die of suspected Chandipura virus infection in Gujarat: What is the disease, and what are its symptoms?

More about News:

• Several species of sandflies and some species of mosquitoes are known to transmit the infection. It can cause brain inflammation, leading to death in some cases.
• States where virus spread:
  • Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar and Kheda districts of – Gujarat
  • Rajasthan
  • Madhya Pradesh
• A lot of kutcha houses also use cowdung paint or maybe making cowdung cakes, which in turn attracts sandflies.
• Kutcha house:
  • A Houses made of mud and straw are known as kutcha houses.

CHPV infection:

• CHPV is a virus of the Rhabdoviridae family.
• Other members such as the lyssavirus that causes rabies.
• Several species of sandflies like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, and some mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti (which is also the vector for dengue) are considered vectors of CHPV.

Rhabdoviridae virus:

• Rhabdoviridaeis a family of negative-strand RNA virus.
• Vertebrates(including mammals, humans), invertebrates, plants, fungi and protozoans serve as natural
• Diseases associated with member viruses include rabies encephalities  caused by the rabies virus, and flu-like symptoms in humans caused by
• The individual virus particles (virions) of rhabdoviruses are composed of RNA, protein, carbohydrate and lipid. 

How is it transmitted?

• The virus resides in the salivary gland of these insects, and can be transmitted to humans or other vertebrates like domestic animals through bites.
• The infection caused by the virus can then reach the central nervous system which can lead to encephalitis — inflammation of the active tissues of the brain.

Symptoms of CHPV infection:

• Initially with flu-like symptoms.
• Acute onset of fever
• Body ache
• Headache
• It may then progress to altered sensorium or seizures and
• Other symptoms such as respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, or anaemia.
• The infection often progresses rapidly after encephalitis, which may then lead to mortality within 24-48 hours of hospitalisation.
• Susceptibility has largely remained limited to children below 15 years.

How can the infection be managed?

• There is no specific antiretroviral therapy or vaccine available for treatment.
• Disease progression can be as rapid as a patient reporting high fever in the morning, and their kidneys or liver being affected by the evening. This makes it harder to manage the symptoms.

Prevention of CHPV infection:

• Clean Surrounding: Chandipura virus is mostly infected from sand flies that breed over garbage, little and dirty areas.
• Avoid stagnation of water.
• Keep kids away from dustbins in public spaces.

Which are the worst affected regions in India?

• The CHPV infection was first isolated in 1965 while investigating a dengue/chikungunya outbreak in Maharastra.
• One of the most significant outbreaks of the disease in India was seen in 2003-04 in states such as Maharashtra, northern Gujarat and Andra Pradesh.
• The infection has largely remained endemic to the central part of India, where the population of CHPV infection-spreading sandflies and mosquitoes is higher.

Measures taken by district authorities:

• The district authorities have deployed teams to conduct preventive measures like dusting to kill sandflies and fumigation to kill insects and mosquitoes in affected areas in order to prevent further spread of the virus.

Has the disease pattern changed over the years?

• There are changes in patterns being reported — both in the disease manifestation as well as the vector.
• The outbreaks are more pronounced because sandflies multiply more during the monsoon season.
• Sandflies usually do not fly at a height more than 3 feet from the ground but this time during surveillance, sandflies have been found on terraces and higher heights.
• Additionally death with brain haemorrhages, which is a new presentation.
• Cases are also suspected in other tribal areas such as Pavagadh, Khedbrahma and Godhra.

Tribal areas  –  Tribes

Pavagadh         –   Rathwa

Khedbrahma    –   Damor

Godhra             –   Godhra

13. India could soon allow ‘game-changing’ weight-loss drugs – Tirzepatide

Subject: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

India approves 2 weight loss drugs — Mounjaro and Zepbound, and soon allow ‘game-changing’ weight-loss drug tirzepatide.

More about news:

• Indians can now avail the blockbuster weight loss and diabetes drug Tirzepatide — marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound in the US and made by Eli Lilly.
• The final approval is expected to come from the Drug-Controller General of India based on this recommendation.
• Indians will be able to access injectables of this class of drugs for the first time, bringing hope to those battling diabetes and obesity issues.
• These can reduce your body weight by up to 18 per cent.
• The oral version of a weight loss drug made by Eli Lilly’s Danish competitor Novo Nordisk –Semaglutide — has been approved and is available in India for diabetes management, its higher dose, injectable version meant for weight-loss isn’t.
• Mounjaro addresses diabetes more while Zepbound targets weight loss.

Why experts cleared the drugs?

• The committee has approved the import of single dose vials and pre-filled pens of the injectable drug in six different doses, ranging from 5 mg to 12.5 mg.
• This nod is based on two global clinical trials, which also included a significant number of Indians.
• In a trial of adults without type 2 diabetes, those on the highest dose of Tirzepatide lost an average of 18 per cent of their body weight in 72 weeks.
• In a trial among those with diabetes, participants lost an average of 12 per cent of their body weight.

Why Tirzepatide has an edge over semaglutide:

• Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which lower serum glucose levels.
• Tirzepatide mimics both the GLP-1 hormone and the GIP hormone.
• The latter can trigger insulin creation and sensations of fullness, thereby increasing the chances of weight loss.

Who can use the drugs?

• The patients should also be asked to follow a diet and exercise
• The drug should be prescribed only when they are able to maintain the same weight level or bring it down by adhering to it.

Who should not use these drugs?

• History of pancreatic diseases
• Disorders of the endocrine systems
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Side effects:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Injection-site reactions
• Fatigue
• Allergic reactions
• Hair loss
• Heartburn

High risk:

• Thyroid tumours
• Lump or swelling in the neck
• Hoarseness
• Trouble swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Individuals cannot use Zepbound if they, or any family members, have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a type of thyroid cancer, or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a rare inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands.

Are the drugs effective?

• Dosage should follow only after the patient has done lifestyle modifications and is still hovering around the body mass index (BMI) of 30.
• These drugs may help knock off the weight initially but to sustain the weight loss.
• They do not work the same way for all.

Affordability:

• These are expected to cost around Rs 15,000 a month.
• Long-term use would be a drain on the resources.

Are Zepbound and Mounjaro the same?

• Mounjaro and Zepbound are once-weekly injections that contain the same active ingredient:
• Both brand names share similar dosages, side effects, and drug interactions.
• Mounjaro is FDA approved for Type 2 diabetes in
• Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management in adults

Semaglutide vs tirzepatide:

• The FDA has approved Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) for chronic weight management in adults.
• These drugs can be prescribed to those who are obese (with a body mass index of over 30), or overweight (with a BMI between 27 and 30), and have at least one other health condition related to their weight (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes).
• Semaglutide and tirzepatide are polypeptides, small proteins that boost the levels of naturally-occurring hormones in the body, including that of glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1), which control weight through the brain and digestive tract.
• Higher GLP-1 levels, released in the gut, spark a reaction by stimulating neurons that alter gut function, leading to a sense of fullness.
• This process also taps into a brain mechanism that lights up neural pathways, triggering the sensation of satiety – the feeling of being satisfied and having had enough to eat.
• They also help manage glucose levels, making them an effective treatment for diabetes.
• Semaglutide only targets GLP-1 receptors. On the other hand, tirzepatide also boosts a second hormone: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
• The GIP also regulates weight through receptors in brain and fat cells.