Daily Prelims Notes 18 December 2022

December 18, 2022
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

18 December 2022

Table Of Contents

1. Genes responsible for long lifespan of banyan, peepal trees identified

Subject : Science and Technology

Context:

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal have carried out whole genome sequencing of banyan ( Ficus benghalensis) and peepal ( Ficus religiosa) from leaf tissue samples. They also undertook a comprehensive genome-wide phylogenetic analysis with 50 other angiosperm plant species, including four other sequenced Ficus species.

Research analysis:

17 genes of the Banyan tree and 19 genes of the peepal tree have been identified.
These genes are having multiple signs of adaptive evolution (MSA) that plays a pivotal role in the long-term survival of these two Ficus species.
The genes with MSA came about in response to the population bottleneck faced by both trees around 0.8 million years ago.
- Genes showing multiple signs of adaptive evolution in banyans were mainly associated with root development, leaf formation, metabolism, pollen tube and seed development and other developmental processes.
- The MSA genes of peepal trees were mainly associated with root development, reproduction, and metabolism.
The comparative evolutionary analysis performed across 20 phylogenetically closer Eudicot species revealed adaptive evolution in genes involved in major cellular mechanisms associated with long-time survival such as phytohormones signalling, senescence pathways, fig-wasp coevolution, and stress tolerance.
Gene family expansion/contraction analysis revealed that the highly expanded gene families of both species were involved in disease resistance functions in plants.
In the case of the banyan tree, 15 of 17 MSA genes were also associated with tolerance against environmental stress — drought, oxidative stress, and pathogens. In peepal trees, 17 out of 19 MSA genes were associated with stress tolerance activities.
- Stress tolerance mechanisms are also responsible for the medicinal properties of these trees.
In addition, the researchers identified seven genes involved in two pathways that produce volatile organic compounds in floral scents which attract wasps for pollination.

2. Reasons for treatment resistance in prostate cancer found

Subject : Science and Technology

Context:

Prostate cancer cell dynamics at a single-cell resolution across the time span of the disease — from its beginning to the point of androgen independence, where the tumour no longer responds to hormone, deprivation therapy has now been characterised.

Research analysis:

Researchers have found that a gene called Pten, which codes for a tumour-suppressing enzyme, is inactive in the majority of advanced prostate cancer patients.
This suggests that basal cells can transform into intermediate cells (expansion of these cells causes prostate cancer) upon Pten deletion.
In the intermediate cells, the researchers discovered that a 5-gene signature is specifically enriched.
Using two datasets of bulk RNA-sequencing from prostate cancer patients, they showed that the signature is associated with treatment resistance and poor clinical outcomes.

Significance of the findings:

An expansion of intermediate cells correlates with resistance to treatment and poor clinical outcomes in humans.
These cells are castration-resistant, meaning they continue to grow in the absence of testosterone and could explain how prostate tumours become resistant to hormone-related treatments.
These findings suggest that a 5-gene signature derived from prostate cancer may have importance in understanding human disease.
The presence of this gene signature may serve as a useful prognostic tool for predicting treatment resistance and outcomes in patients.

Prostate cancer:

It is cancer in a man’s prostate, a small walnut-sized gland that produces seminal fluid.
- The prostate gland epithelium — a type of body tissue that forms the surface of glands and organs — is typically composed of two types of epithelial cells: basal cells and highly differentiated luminal cells (cells which have altered in form).
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males in the U.S.
This is due to incomplete knowledge of the cellular drivers behind the disease’s progression and the risk of progressing to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

3. The challenges of quantum computing

Subject : Science and Technology

Context:

In 2021 the Indian government launched a National Mission to study quantum technologies with an allocation of ₹8,000 crores; the army opened a quantum research facility in Madhya Pradesh, and the Department of Science and Technology co-launched another facility in Pune.

Quantum computer (QC):

Quantum computers mimic the behaviour of atoms and subatomic particles to drastically increase processing speed.
The qubit is the fundamental unit of a Quantum Computer (QC).
These particles can exist in several states simultaneously, a puzzling phenomenon called quantum superposition.
- In Quantum superposition, quantum objects form inextricable bonds, or entangle, with one another and influence each other’s behaviours, even from large distances.
- Two or more bonded quantum objects create a delicate ecosystem called a composite quantum system.
- This means that if one object in the system is disturbed, every object with which it is entangled will also be disturbed.

How does a computer use quantum superposition?

The bit is the fundamental unit of a classical computer.
- Its value is 1 if a corresponding transistor is on and 0 if the transistor is off.
- The transistor can be in one of two states at a time – on or off – so a bit can have one of two values at a time, 0 or 1.
In the Qubits, instead of being either 1 or 0, the information is encoded in a superposition: say, 45% 0 plus 55% 1.
This is entirely unlike the two separate states of 0 and 1 and is the third kind of state.
One qubit can encode two states. Five qubits can encode 32 states. A computer with N qubits can encode 2N states – whereas a computer with N transistors can only encode 2 × N states.
So a qubit-based computer can access more states than a transistor-based computer, and thus access more computational pathways and solutions to more complex problems.
It’s typically a particle like an electron.

What are Transmons:

In quantum computing, and more specifically in superconducting quantum computing, a transmon is a type of superconducting charge qubit that was designed to have reduced sensitivity to charge noise.
Google and IBM have been known to use transmons, where pairs of bound electrons oscillate between two superconductors to designate the two states.

Challenges in their practical usage:

Researchers face some fractious challenges.
A practical QC needs at least 1,000 qubits. The current biggest quantum processor has 433 qubits.
There are no theoretical limits on larger processors; the barrier is engineering-related.
Qubits exist in superposition in specific conditions, including very low temperatures (~0.01 K), with radiation shielding and protection against physical shock. Even a minuscule shock can collapse the quantum state, a phenomenon called decoherence.
Material or electromagnetic defects in the circuitry between qubits could also ‘corrupt’ their states and bias the eventual result.
Researchers are yet to build QCs that completely eliminate these disturbances in systems with a few dozen qubits.
Error correction is also tricky. The no-cloning theorem states that it’s impossible to perfectly clone the states of a qubit.

Opportunities:

Quantum has the potential to significantly increase the connectivity, security, and speed of the internet.
The so-called quantum internet links quantum devices together using entanglement.
It can provide a hack-free communication system using quantum cryptography.

4. Rajasthan’s Tal Chhapar sanctuary gets protection from plan to reduce its size

Subject : Environment

Context:

Tal Chhapar blackbuck sanctuary in Rajasthan’s Churu district has received a protective cover against a proposed move of the State government to reduce the size of its eco-sensitive zone.

Details:

The court recently ordered a “complete prohibition” on any action to reduce the wildlife sanctuary’s area.
The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has also taken up a major project for the conservation of raptors in the sanctuary, spread in an area measuring 7.19 sq. km.

About the Tal Chhapar sanctuary:

Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is a sanctuary located in the Churu district of Northwestern Rajasthan, in the Shekhawati region of India.
It is known for blackbucks and is also home to a variety of birds.
The sanctuary is 210 km from Jaipur on the fringe of the Great Indian Desert.
Geology and climate:
- Tal Chhaper Sanctuary, with an almost flat tract and interspersed shallow low-lying areas, has open grassland with scattered Acacia and Prosopis trees which give it an appearance of a typical savanna.
Flora and Fauna:
- The sanctuary is host to about 4,000 blackbucks and other wild animals, over 40 species of raptors and more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds.
- The raptors, which include predators and scavengers, are on top of the food chain and control the populations of small mammals, birds and reptiles as well as insects.
- The sanctuary earlier had a large population of desert foxes and similar burrowing animals, while the large colonies of the only herbivorous lizard, the spiny-tailed lizard, exist as the prey base for raptors.

Threats to the sanctuary:

The issues confronting the sanctuary include hyper-aridity, grazing pressure, the invasive weed Prosopis juliflora, and salt mines in the vicinity.
The sanctuary’s area is insufficient for its large blackbuck population.

Monitoring of the sanctuary:

As Tal Chhapar attracts a large number of raptor species for their habitation, the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has started monitoring them to understand their status and distribution in the sanctuary.

Blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra):

Also known as the Indian antelope.
Native to India and Nepal.
It inhabits grassy plains and lightly forested areas with perennial water sources.

Blackbuck sanctuaries in India:

Tal Chhapar sanctuary, Rajasthan
Ranebennur blackbuck sanctuary, Karnataka
Jayamangali blackbuck sanctuary, Karnataka
Rehekuri blackbuck sanctuary, Maharashtra
Velavadar blackbuck national park, Gujrat

Conservation Efforts:

Raptors MoU (Global): The Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia is also known as Raptors MoU.
It is an agreement under Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
CMS or Bonn Convention provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats.
It is not legally binding.

India’s Conservation Efforts:

India is a signatory to Raptors MoU.
For the conservation of vultures, India has launched a Vulture Action Plan 2020-25.
India is also a part of the SAVE (Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction) consortium.
The Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore (Haryana) is the world’s largest facility within the state’s Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary for the breeding and conservation of Indian vulture species.

5. Breast Cancer, not a matter of ‘national’ or ‘urgent’ emergency

Subject : Science and Technology

Context:

Breast cancer, by the government’s estimate, is the leading cause of cancer in women in India however it doesn’t qualify as a matter of “national” or “extreme” urgency in the Health Ministry’s reckoning, suggest court filings as part of an ongoing case in the Kerala High Court.

About Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer is a type of cancer that arises in the epithelium (lining cells) of the ducts or lobules in the glandular tissues of the breast.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women.
It is responsible for one in six cancer deaths among women and has overtaken lung cancer as the world’s most commonly diagnosed cancer.
Survival Rates: Breast cancer survives for five years after diagnosis exceeds 80% in most high-income countries. However, it is 66% in India and 40% in South Africa.

About BRCA Gene Mutation

The genes most commonly affected in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer are the breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer 2 (BRCA2) genes.
Normally, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes protect you from getting certain cancers.
They help repair damaged DNA or destroy cells if the damaged DNA cannot be repaired. Because of this, the BRCA genes are known as tumour suppressor or caretaker genes.
However, in some people, these tumour suppression genes do not work properly.
When a gene becomes altered or broken, it doesn’t function correctly. This is called a gene mutation.
So that if you inherit one of these mutations, you are more likely to get breast, ovarian, and other cancers.

BRCA Gene Test

The BRCA gene test is a blood test that’s done to determine if you have changes (mutations) in your DNA that increase the risk of breast cancer.
BRCA 1 and an unrelated BRCA 2 are proteins associated with breast tissues .
Mutations in either breast cancer gene — BRCA1 or BRCA2 — significantly increase the risk of breast cancer.
Everyone has two copies of each of these genes — one copy inherited from each parent.
Women with abnormal BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes have up to 80 per cent risk of developing breast cancer by age 90 and women with BRCA 1 mutations have up to 55 per cent risk of developing ovarian cancer.
The discovery of BRCA mutations is of recent origin, starting in 1990. Testing for BRCA mutations became possible in 1994.
While BRCA mutations are primarily associated with breast and ovarian cancer, there is some evidence of their role in other cancers, especially in the abdominal and thoracic cavities.
Women linked to the BRCA mutation have considerably elevated risk of pancreatic cancer.
If BRCA mutation is tested positive for breast cancer, regular breast self-examination must start at the age of 18.

About Global Breast Cancer Initiative:

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced an initiative called the “Global Breast Cancer Initiative”.
Aim: The initiative aims to reduce global breast mortality by 2.5% by 2040.
The initiative will particularly focus on reducing deaths in low-income countries. There the progress to tackle the disease is relatively slow.
Key Features of the Initiative:
Guidance to Governments: Under the initiative, WHO will work with other UN agencies. They will provide guidance to governments on how to strengthen systems for diagnosing and treating breast cancer. It is expected to improve capacities to manage other types of cancer.
Evidence-based Technical Package: An evidence-based technical package will also be provided to countries as part of the initiative. It will incorporate existing WHO cancer tools and products.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Every year the Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is observed in the month of October, from 01 to 31.
The annual international health campaign aims to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness.

6. Atomic Bomb

Subject : Science and Technology

Context:

The Secretary of Energy on Friday nullified a 1954 decision to revoke the security clearance of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a top government scientist who led the making of the atomic bomb in World War II but fell under suspicion of being a Soviet spy at the height of the McCarthy era.

About Atomic Bomb

The atomic bomb is also known as A-bomb, atom bomb, nuclear bomb, or nuclear warhead.
The atomic bomb gets its destructive property from nuclear fission reactions or from the combination of nuclear fission or fusion reactions.
Nuclear fission: It is a process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or smaller nuclear fission products and usually some by-product particles. Hence, fission is a form of elemental transmutation.
Atomic bombs too realize an enormous amount of energy when exploded and cause mass destruction.
This explosion is caused due to the nuclear fission reaction where the splitting of nuclei of a heavy element like uranium, and plutonium takes place

The Explosion of Atomic Bomb

When the neutron strikes the nucleus of a uranium-235 or plutonium-239 isotope, it causes the nucleus of the atom to split into two fragments, each of which is a nucleus with about half the protons and neutrons of the original nucleus.
When the splitting takes place, a high amount of heat, gamma rays, as well as two or more neutrons are released.
Under certain conditions, the neutrons are made to fission more with uranium nuclei, which then emit more neutrons that split more nuclei. This series multiplies, resulting in an explosion.

Hydrogen Bomb

The hydrogen bomb (or) h bomb is also known as the thermonuclear bomb. These bombs have greater destructive power compared to atomic bombs.
These hydrogen bombs are the result of nuclear fusion reactions. The uncontrolled chain reaction that is self-sustaining under high temperatures takes place through a process known as nuclear fusion.
Nuclear Fusion : Reaction which involves combining two or more atomic nuclei to create one or more distinct atomic nuclei and subatomic particles is known as nuclear fusion.
Energy released or absorption of energy is given as the difference in the mass between the reactants and products.
Nuclear fusion weapons feature two main components:
Main components of the primary stage are Uranium-235 and or Plutonium-239.
A separate nuclear fusion secondary stage featuring a thermonuclear fuel: deuterium, tritium, or lithium deuteride.
Deuterium and tritium are isotopes of hydrogen, which provide ideal interacting nuclei for the fusion process. At present, lithium-6 deuteride is used as weapon fuel.

The Explosion of Hydrogen Bomb

The explosion of a Hydrogen bomb or H bomb takes place in two stages, primary stage and secondary stage, namely.
In the primary stage, fissionable uranium is used to establish a fission chain reaction. This, in turn, produces explosions and creates a high temperature of several million degrees.
It also produces a huge amount of radiation containing a large number of neutrons. The force and heat of this explosion are reflected back by a surrounding container of uranium and are streamed towards the secondary stage.
The secondary stage features the lithium-6 deuteride. The heat generated in the primary stage supports the fusion reaction and causes a huge explosion that blows the uranium container apart.
The entire hydrogen bomb explosion takes place in a fraction of a second.

7. Pendency in Judiciary

Subject: Polity

Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud has said the very purpose of the Supreme Court is to hear every little cry for personal liberty and protection of fundamental rights.
But pendency is a perennial drawback that affects the court’s role as the timely protector of citizens’ rights.
Statistics do show pendency as a constantly looming shadow, threatening to engulf the good work.

Constitution Bench

A Constitution Bench is a bench of the Supreme Court having five or more judges on it.
These benches are not a routine
A vast majority of cases before the Supreme Court are heard and decided by a bench of two judges (called a Division Bench), and sometimes of three.
Presently, Constitution Benches are set up on an ad hoc basis (particular purpose) as and when the need arises.
A matter can be referred to a larger Bench only by judicial order.
Article 145(3) provides, “The minimum number of Judges who are to sit for the purpose of deciding any case involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of this Constitution or for the purpose of hearing any reference under Article 143 shall be five.”

Public interest Litigation

Public interest Litigation (PIL) means litigation filed in a court of law, for the protection of “Public Interest”.
Any matter where the interest of public at large is affected can be redressed by filing a Public Interest Litigation in a court of law.
Public interest litigation is not defined in any statute or in any act. It has been interpreted by judges to consider the intent of public at large.
Public interest litigation is the power given to the public by courts through judicial activism.
However, the person filing the petition must prove to the satisfaction of the court that the petition is being filed for a public interest and not just as a frivolous litigation by a busy body.
The court can itself take cognizance of the matter and proceed suo motu or cases can commence on the petition of any public spirited individual.

Special leave to appeal by the Supreme Court:

Article 136 in the Constitution Of India :
(1) Notwithstanding anything in this Chapter, the Supreme Court may, in its discretion, grant special leave to appeal from any judgment, decree, determination, sentence or order in any cause or matter passed or made by any court or tribunal in the territory of India.
(2) Nothing in clause ( 1 ) shall apply to any judgment, determination, sentence or order passed or made by any court or tribunal constituted by or under any law relating to the Armed Forces.
In the case of any SLP , the SC has first to decide in its discretion whether it should grant or deny the requested Special Leave.
The SC had also argued that the remedy under Article 136 (Special Leave Petition) is a constitutional right.

Writ Petitions

Writs are a written order from the Supreme Court or High Court that commands constitutional remedies for Indian Citizens against the violation of their fundamental rights.
Article 32 in the Indian Constitution deals with constitutional remedies that an Indian citizen can seek from the Supreme Court of India and High Court against the violation of his/her fundamental rights.
The same article gives the Supreme Court power to issue writs for the enforcement of rights whereas the High Court has the same power under Article 226.
The Supreme Court of India has original and wide powers. It issues five kinds of writs for enforcing the fundamental rights of the citizens.
The five types of writs are:
Habeas Corpus
Mandamus
Prohibition
Certiorari
Quo-Warranto

Contempt of Court

Contempt of court is the power of the court to protect its own majesty and respect. The power is regulated but not restricted in the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
The expression ‘contempt of court’ has not been defined by the Constitution.
However, Article 129 of the Constitution conferred on the Supreme Court the power to punish contempt of itself.
Article 215 conferred a corresponding power on the High Courts.
The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 defines both civil and criminal contempt.
Civil contempt refers to wilful disobedience to any judgment of the court.
Criminal contempt can be invoked if an act:
Tends to scandalise or lower the authority of the court.
Tends to interfere with the due course of any judicial proceeding.
Obstruct the administration of justice.