Daily Prelims Notes 19 April 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

19 April 2024

1. Report claims Nestle adds 2.7 g sugar in every serving of Cerelac in India: What does this mean for you?

Subject: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

• According to a report by a Swiss NGO, Public Eye and International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN),Global food and beverage giant Nestle sells baby products with higher sugar content in poorer south Asian (including India), African and Latin American countries as compared to markets in Europe.

More on news:

• Around 150 baby products sold in different counties were scrutinized for the report, which found them to contain sugar over and above international food safety guidelines.
• According to government officials, lab reports of the Indian samples will be sought from IBFAN and placed before the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for examination.
• The report claims that Nestle’s wheat-based product, Cerelac, for six-month babies, which is sold without any added sugars in the UK and Germany, contained 2.7 grams of added sugar per serving in India.

What are added sugars?

• Added sugars are sweetening agents such as syrups that are added in processed foods and beverages.
• This is considered to be more harmful than the naturally occurring sugars found in fruits and milk.
• Added sugars or free sugars are sugar carbohydrates (caloric sweeteners) added to food and beverages at some point before their consumption.
• These include added carbohydrates (monosaccharides and disaccharides), and more broadly, sugars naturally present in honey, syrup, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates.
• They can take multiple chemical forms, including sucrose (table sugar), glucose (dextrose), and fructose.

Why are added sugars harmful?

• The WHO advises against the introduction of added sugars before the age of two years to prevent addictive eating habits. 
• This exposure can lead to weight gain, obesity and an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer later in life. 
• Additionally, high sugar consumption in infancy has been associated with an increased risk of dental caries (tooth decay) and poor nutrient intake, as sugary foods often displace more nutritious options in a child’s diet.

What do Indian guidelines say?

• They do not prescribe any upper limit for added sugars. 
• The regulations allow use of corn syrup and malt in cereal-based infant food. 
• It also allows the use of sucrose and fructose as a carbohydrate source, provided it makes up less than 20 percent of the carbohydrates in the food.

2. Anti-Maoist operations status report

Subject: Geography

Sec: Mapping

Context:

• At least 29 alleged Maoists were killed in a gunfight with security forces in the forests of southern Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district on Tuesday.

More on news:

• The operation is the largest (in terms of Maoists’ bodies recovered) since the creation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, and among the biggest successes for security forces in their decades-long fight against left-wing extremism (LWE).

Place of operation:

• The operation saw security forces push deep into the Maoist stronghold of Abujhmad (literally, “the unknown hills”) — a 4,000 sq km swathe of forest land in southern Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, mainly covering the districts of Narayanpur, Bijapur, and Dantewada, just south of Kanker.
• Only a small part of the forest falls in Kanker.
• The difficult terrain, absence of roads, and presence of LWE has meant that 90% of Abujhmad, bigger in terms of area than Goa, remains unsurveyed by the government.
• These jungles are, thus, used both as safe havens and transit corridors by Maoists to travel between Maharashtra (to the west), Andhra Pradesh (to the south), Telangana (to the southwest), and Odisha (to the east) via Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district.

LWE in Chhattisgarh

• Chhatisgarh is the only state in which Maoists continue to have a significant presence, and retain the capability to mount big attacks. 
• According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) website, there are 70 LWE-affected districts in the country. 
• Chhattisgarh accounted for over a third of these incidents, and more worryingly, for 70-90% of deaths.

About LEFT WING EXTREMISM DIVISION:

• This Division was created w.e.f. October 19, 2006 in the Ministry, to effectively address the Left Wing Extremist insurgency in a holistic manner.
• The LWE Division implements security related schemes aimed at capacity building in the LWE affected States.
• The Division also monitors the LWE situation and counter-measures being taken by the affected States. The LWE Division coordinates the   implementation of various development schemes of the Ministries/Departments of Govt. of India in LWE affected States. 
• The States of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala are considered LWE affected, although in varying degrees.

3. Srinagar vies for global craft city tag as World Craft Council International team tours craft clusters

Subject: History

Sec: Art and culture

Context:

• The World Crafts Council International (WCCI), a Kuwait-based organization working on recognition and preservation of traditional crafts across the globe, has picked Srinagar for mapping its craft clusters before its final nomination as the World Craft City (WCC) from India this year.

More on news:

• A three-member team of the WCCI, which is headed by Saad Al-Qaddumi, is in Srinagar to inspect craft clusters, processes involved, and the status of artisans.
• The annual ceremony to grant WCC status to cities across the globe is aimed at promoting, preserving and evolving handicrafts” and “building new market linkages.
• The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage-Kashmir (INTACH-K) is collaborating with the J&K Handicrafts department to map the craft sector ahead of the final nomination.

Why is Srinagar chosen?

• According to official data, Srinagar, spread over 416 square kilometers, has a registered artisan base of 20,822 craftsmen, who are involved in multiple disciples of papier mache, walnut wood carving, hand-knotted carpet, Kani shawl, Khatamband, pashmina, Sozni craft etc.
• The total craft related workforce in Srinagar stands at 1.76% approximately.
• Kashmir is home to centuries-old practices of handicrafts in most disciplines like shawls, carpet, papier mache etc

About WCCI:

• The World Crafts Council (WCC AISBL) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that was founded in 1964.
• The WCCI aims at fostering economic development through income generating craft related activities, exchange programs, workshops, conferences, seminars, and exhibitions across the globe.

4. Why have private investments dropped?

Subject: Economy

Sec: National Income

Context:

• The Indian economy has faced significant challenges due to a decline in private investment, as indicated by the decreasing Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) relative to GDP since 2011-12.
• In an effort to reverse this trend, the government reduced corporate taxes from 30% to 22% in 2019, with the aim of encouraging large corporations to increase their investment levels.

What is GFCF and why does it matter?

• Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) measures the increase in fixed capital in an economy, including assets like buildings and machinery that are necessary for production.
• Components of GFCF: 
  • Private GFCF indicates the investment level by the private sector, while overall GFCF also includes investments made by the government.
• Importance of GFCF:
  • Fixed capital is crucial as it enables workers to produce more goods and services, thereby fostering economic growth and elevating living standards.
  • The amount of fixed capital is a key factor in determining a country’s output and consumer market capacity. Developed countries like the U.S. generally have higher fixed capital per capita compared to developing countries like India.

What is the trend seen in private investment in India?

• Private investment in India has experienced notable fluctuations, influenced significantly by economic reforms and global events.
• Initially, from India’s independence until the economic liberalization in the late 1980s and early 1990s, private investment was relatively stable, hovering around 10% of GDP. The economic reforms during this period boosted private sector confidence, leading to a surge in private investment.
• This upward trend in private investment continued robustly until it peaked at about 27% of GDP in 2007-08, just before the global financial crisis. Following this period, from 2011-12 onward, there was a noticeable decline in private investment, which further dropped to 19.6% of GDP by 2020-21.
• This decline reflects the challenges and shifts in the economic environment post-liberalization and post-global financial crisis.

Why has private investment fallen?

• Many Indian economists attribute the lacklustre performance of private investment over the past decade, particularly post-pandemic, to low private consumption expenditure.
• They argue that high consumer spending is essential for boosting business confidence and necessary for investments in fixed capital.
• As a solution, these economists recommend that the government increase disposable income for the populace to spur consumption and thereby encourage private investment.
• Contrary to this view, historical data reveals an inverse relationship between private consumption and investment in India.
• Specifically, private consumption expenditure steadily declined from about 90% of GDP in 1950-51 to 54.7% in 2010-11, coinciding with a peak in private investment just before its prolonged decline began in 2011-12. Since then, as private consumption has risen, private investment has notably decreased.
• This inverse trend suggests that increases in savings and investment funds, whether by government action or private enterprise, typically come at the expense of reduced consumption expenditure.
• Other economists point to structural issues and policy uncertainties as the primary reasons for the significant decline in private investment as a percentage of GDP over the last decade. They cite unfavourable government policies and a slowdown in economic reforms, particularly under the later terms of the UPA and current NDA governments, as major deterrents to private investment.
• Additionally, the correlation between the rise in private investment during the 1990s and early 2000s with the 1991 economic reforms contrasts sharply with the investment slump associated with the recent slowdown in reform efforts, highlighting the importance of consistent policy direction to maintain investor confidence.

What about low private investment?

• Low private investment could lead to slower economic growth since a robust fixed capital base is essential for increasing economic output.
  • Some critics argue that increased government investment might crowd out private investment, further dampening the private sector’s role in the economy.
  • On the other hand, proponents believe that government investment can make up for the shortfall in private investment, potentially stabilizing economic growth.
• Despite this, private investors are generally viewed as more efficient allocators of capital than public officials, thus helping to minimize wasteful expenditure.
• Additionally, raising taxes to fund public spending can significantly hinder economic performance, as it reduces disposable income and consumption.

Source: TH

5. US sorting out WTO disputes with India

Subject: Economy

Sec: External Sector

• USTR Katherine Tai emphasizes the resolution of WTO disputes with India as beneficial for American agriculture and rural communities.
• Concerns were raised regarding India’s wheat subsidies impacting American farmers.

Resolutions Reached with India:

• Last June, India and the US resolved six WTO disputes, leading to the removal of retaliatory tariffs on several US products.
• Improved access for chickpeas, lentils, almonds, walnuts, and apples is highlighted, benefiting farmers across various states including Michigan, Oregon, and Washington.
• Additionally, in September, India agreed to reduce tariffs on several US products, providing more market access for turkey, duck, blueberries, and cranberries, benefiting farmers in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Settled WTO Disputes:

• Disputes settled include issues such as tariffs on steel and aluminum products, renewable energy subsidies, export subsidy programs, and countervailing duties on certain steel products.
• The last dispute, settled in September 2023, involved poultry imports from Washington, with India agreeing to cut import duties on some farm items.

Concerns of US:

• US alleges that India’s wheat subsidies distort prices and directly harm American farmers.
• Emphasizes the importance of trade enforcement to counter unfair trading practices, mentioning Mexico’s illegal fishing practices and China’s unfair subsidies and trade practices.

India’s Defense on Wheat Subsidies:

• India maintains that its wheat subsidies comply with WTO regulations and are necessary to support vulnerable farmers and feed the poor.

Impact on US Farmers:

• USTR cites an example of a family growing almonds in California, impacted by India’s retaliatory tariffs imposed in 2019.
• Removal of these tariffs provided economic certainty for the family and others.

Bilateral Trade Between US and India:

• The US was India’s largest trading partner in 2022-23, with bilateral trade rising to $128.55 billion, marking a 7.65% increase.

About USTR –

USTR stands for the Office of the United States Trade Representative. It’s a federal agency responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The USTR advises the President on international trade issues, conducts trade negotiations, and enforces trade agreements. Its primary goal is to promote free and fair trade to benefit American businesses, workers, and consumers.

6. Bombay HC prevents Cognizant from using trademark logo in India

Subject: Science and tech

Sec: IPR

• The Bombay High Court issues a temporary prohibition against Cognizant Technology Solutions, preventing them from using their new trademark logo in India.
• Allegations arise that Cognizant’s logo closely resembles that of Bengaluru-based Atyati Technologies Pvt Ltd.
• Court acknowledges that a prima facie case in favor of Atyati Technologies and stating that the balance of convenience favors the plaintiff.
• The court’s decision mandates Cognizant to refrain from utilizing the trademark logo in India until further orders.

Arguments presented in favor of Atyati Technologies:

• Atyati Technologies asserts that Cognizant’s logo closely resembles its own, discovered last October during Cognizant’s provision of nearly identical services in IT infrastructure, software development for banking and financial services, and consulting services.

Absence of justification from Cognizant

• Cognizant’s use of the similar mark/logo could potentially lead to confusion among the public and within the trade community regarding any affiliation between the two entities.

Bombay High Court’s ruling:

• The court acknowledges Atyati Technologies’ strong case, asserting that Cognizant’s use of the impugned mark/logo is almost identical and/or deceptively similar to Atyati’s registered marks.
• Cognizant is directed to refrain from prominently featuring the mark/logo as its leading and essential feature until further orders.

What is a Trademark?

• A trademark is a symbol, word, phrase, design, or combination of these elements that distinguishes the goods or services of one company from another.
• Protected by Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
• Can be registered with government agencies for legal protection.
• Governed by laws such as the Trade Marks Act 1999 in India and its subsequent amendments.

Key Aspects of Trademark Protection:

• Registration: Trademarks can be registered to prevent unauthorized use.
• Legal Framework: Laws such as the Trade Marks Act 1999 provide guidelines for registration and penalties for infringement.
• Enforcement: Infringement occurs when a mark is used without permission, leading to legal consequences.
• Regular Use: Trademark owners must use their mark regularly to maintain legal protection.
• Consequences of Non-Use: Failure to use a mark may result in cancellation or invalidation.

Trademark Infringement:

• Occurs when someone uses a mark identical or deceptively similar to a registered trademark without permission.
• Legal Action: Infringement can lead to legal action, including damages, injunctions, and criminal sanctions.

Importance of Trademark Protection:

• Brand Recognition: Trademarks help consumers identify and distinguish between products and services.
• Business Identity: They represent the identity and reputation of a business in the marketplace.
• Market Exclusivity: Trademark protection provides businesses with exclusivity in the market, preventing others from using similar marks.
• Asset Value: Trademarks can be valuable assets for businesses and are often associated with brand value and goodwill.

7. Emerging Oil Trade Scenario in India

Subject: Economy

Sec: National Body 

• Indian refiners are increasingly sourcing higher quantities of Murban from UAE.
• This shift is due to payment issues and western sanctions on ships transporting Sokol, Russia’s light sweet crude.

Factors Strengthening Murban’s Prospects:

• Higher cost of transporting WTI from the US.
• Limited availability of light sweet crude from Nigeria.

Murban Shipments and Trends:

• Murban shipments to Indian refiners have consistently risen since January 2024.
• Average daily sourcing of Murban increased from over 104,200 barrels in 2023 to more than 265,000 barrels in the first four months of 2024.

Crude Oil Processing Dynamics in India:

• India heavily processes heavy sulfur or sour grades, accounting for over three-fourths of total crude oil processing.
• Processing of light sweet crude decreased from 1.24 mb/d in FY20 to 1.13 mb/d in FY24.

Cost Dynamics and Arbitrage:

• Murban’s cost-efficiency makes it a preferred option for Indian refiners.
• Murban-Dubai swaps spread decreased in 2024, making Murban more competitive.
• Middle East to West coast of India transport is quicker and more cost-effective compared to US Gulf coast shipments.

Murban vs. WTI:

• Competition between Murban and WTI is intensifying in Asia.
• Indian refiners are modifying import strategies due to the unavailability of Sokol and the increasing cost of Nigerian barrels.

Origins of Brent and WTI:

• Brent crude oil originates from oil fields in the North Sea between the Shetland Islands and Norway.
• West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is primarily sourced from US oil fields in Texas, Louisiana, and North Dakota.

Sulphur Content and Sweetness:

• WTI has a lower sulphur content (0.24%) compared to Brent (0.37%), making it “sweeter” in terms of sulphur content.

API Gravity:

• Both Brent and WTI are relatively light oils, but WTI has a slightly higher API gravity, indicating that it is lighter than Brent.
• API gravity is an indicator of the density of crude oil or refined products.

Benchmark Prices:

• Brent crude price serves as the international benchmark price used by OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries).
• WTI crude price is a benchmark for US oil prices.

Usage in India:

• Since India primarily imports from OPEC countries, Brent serves as the benchmark for oil prices in India.

Cost of Shipping:

• The cost of shipping Brent crude is typically lower because it is produced near the sea, allowing for immediate shipment.
• Shipping of WTI is priced higher as it is produced in landlocked areas like Cushing, Oklahoma, where storage facilities are limited.

8. IRDAI marks 25th anniversary with slew of regulatory reforms

Subject: Polity

Sec: National Body

1. Introduction to IRDAI:

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) marks its Silver Jubilee year.
• Established in 1999 as an autonomous body to regulate and develop the insurance industry.
• Incorporated as a statutory body on April 19, 2000.

2. Regulatory Reforms:

• IRDAI initiated regulatory reforms announced in March, effective from the current financial year.
• Originated from the recommendations of the Malhotra Committee report.
• Opened up the insurance market in August 2000, allowing foreign companies ownership of up to 26%.

3. Achievements and Growth:

• Over the last 24 years, IRDAI steered the industry towards growth, with premium income reaching significant figures.
• Life and non-life insurance registered premium income of ₹7.83-lakh crore and ₹2.57-lakh crore in 2022-23.
• Expected growth of 13-16% in these segments in 2024.

4. Pivotal Role of IRDAI:

• IRDAI played a pivotal role in safeguarding consumer interests and industry advancement.
• Actively engaged with policyholders and prioritized their well-being.

Reform Agenda and Governance:

• IRDAI spearheaded a major regulatory revamp encompassing various domains.
• Replaced 34 regulations with six regulations to enhance clarity and coherence.
• Working on master circulars to implement recent reforms.
• IRDAI’s inclusive approach facilitated ease of doing business while prioritizing policyholders’ interests.
• Initiatives led to the development of consumer-centric insurance products and enhanced distribution access.

About IRDAI:

• Establishment: IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) is an autonomous and statutory body established under the IRDA Act 1999.
• Supervision and Regulation: It serves as the apex body overseeing and regulating the insurance sector in India.
• Objective: The primary objective of IRDAI is to protect the interests of policyholders, regulate, promote, and ensure the orderly growth of the insurance industry in India.
• Nodal Ministry: IRDAI operates under the Ministry of Finance of the Government of India.
• Head Office: The headquarters of IRDAI is located in Hyderabad.
• Composition: IRDAI consists of a 10-member body comprising a Chairman, five full-time members, and four part-time members appointed by the Government of India.

9. India must invest more in education, and health to capitalise on demographic dividend: IMF

Subject: Economy

Sec: National Income

Context:

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised India to significantly invest in education and health to capitalize on its large, young, and growing labour force.

Details:

• The suggestion comes in light of concerns about India potentially wasting its demographic dividend, as noted by the World Bank.
• With 15 million people joining the labour force annually, strategic investments in education and health are crucial for equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to compete in a changing global economy, including challenges from AI.
• Despite a high unemployment rate among the youth, which was over 40% in 2022-23, the IMF projects a 6.8% growth rate for India’s economy in FY2024/25.
• This growth has been primarily driven by public investment and private consumption.
• The impact of public capital expenditure, such as infrastructure, has been beneficial for economic growth. However, it raised concerns about whether it has sufficiently stimulated private investment, which until recently, was described as weak.
• There has been a recent uptick in private investment and a pickup in consumption, attributed to a deceleration in inflation, which currently stands close to a 4% target at 4.7%. This is expected to further boost consumption.
• The IMF official also mentioned short-term risks to economic growth from volatile commodity prices, including oil, and potential food price shocks.
• Long-term challenges could arise from weather-related shocks and geo-economic issues, which could have mixed impacts on growth.

Government Initiatives:

• To address these drawbacks in education, skill development, and job creation, the government has initiated several programmes/ schemes, including Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, National Skill Development Mission, under which programmes like Skill India, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), and National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), Atal Innovation Mission, National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Startup India, National Research Foundation, and Digital India campaign.

Demographic Dividend

• According to the UN Population Fund, the demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential arising from changes in a population’s age structure, specifically when the working-age population (typically defined as ages 15-64) exceeds the non-working-age population.
• India is expected to experience its demographic dividend peak around 2041, with projections suggesting that the working-age population will constitute 59% of the total population at that time, according to the Economic Survey 2018-19.
• Currently, over two-thirds of India’s population falls within the working-age category, while the elderly (aged 60 and above) make up less than 7%.
• This demographic advantage provides an opportunity to generate resources for significant investments in human capabilities, potentially fostering broader societal and economic growth and development.

Importance of India’s demographic dividend:

• The burgeoning young population in India leads to an increased labour supply as more individuals enter working age.
• With fewer dependents, individuals are likely to save more, boosting national savings rates and capital stock, and thereby facilitating enhanced capital formation through investment.
• The demographic shift contributes to increased GDP per capita and reduced dependency ratios, fostering demand-driven economic growth. Historically, similar demographic dividends have accounted for up to 15% of overall growth in advanced economies.
• A sizeable young population fosters entrepreneurship and innovation, driven by lower risk aversion and a propensity to innovate. India ranks as the third largest startup ecosystem globally, following the USA and China.
• Lower fertility rates lead to healthier women and reduced economic pressures at home, creating opportunities to integrate more women into the workforce and enhance overall human capital.

About the United Nations Population Fund:

• It is an international development agency created in 1968 to support the execution of projects and programmes in the area of population and sexual and reproductive health.
• Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
• In 1987, it was officially renamed as the United Nations Population Fund but the original abbreviation UNFPA (United Nations Fund for Population Activities) was retained.
• Headquarters: New York
• It is not directly responsible for the collection of primary statistics; it plays an important role in the technical and financial support of statistical activities in countries, such as population censuses and thematic surveys etc.
• UNFPA funds assistance, research, and advocacy programs in three major areas:
  • Reproductive health, including family planning, safe motherhood, and the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases,
  • The population problems of developed and developing countries and possible strategies for addressing them.
  • Issues related to the status of women, including the gender gap in education.
• UNFPA assistance programs are undertaken only in response to government requests.

Source: TH

10. Randomised Control Trials: the technique that transformed TB treatment

Subject: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

• Despite the discovery of the TB bacterium in 1882, effective treatments were not available for many years, resulting in countless deaths across different social strata.
• Today, nearly a century later, the treatment and management of TB have improved significantly. The goal is now to eliminate tuberculosis globally by the end of the decade.
• The theme of World TB Day in 2024 is “Yes, we can end TB”.

Historical Context of TB:

• TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has plagued humanity for millions of years, with its presence traceable back to the dawn of civilization.

Introduction of Antibiotics:

• The discovery of antibiotics by Sir Alexander Fleming initiated a new phase in combating TB. However, the true revolution in TB treatment came through the pioneering work of Sir Austin Bradford Hill.

Contributions of Sir Austin Bradford Hill:

• He introduced the randomized control trial technique at the British Medical Research Council (BMRC).
• This methodology was employed in one of the first randomized clinical trials to assess the efficacy of antibiotics against TB. 
• Hill is also renowned for establishing early ethical guidelines for clinical trials, thereby setting new standards for scientific integrity in medicine.

Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs):

• RCT is a form of scientific experiment used to control factors not under direct experimental control.
• Examples of RCTs are clinical trials that compare the effects of drugs, surgical techniques, medical devices, diagnostic procedures, diets or other medical treatments.
• Participants who enroll in RCTs differ from one another in known and unknown ways that can influence study outcomes, and yet cannot be directly controlled.
• By randomly allocating participants among compared treatments, an RCT enables statistical control over these influences. Provided it is designed well, conducted properly, and enrolls enough participants, an RCT may achieve sufficient control over these confounding factors to deliver a useful comparison of the treatments studied.

Impact of Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs):

• RCTs have revolutionized modern medicine by providing a systematic, unbiased method to assess the efficacy of treatments and interventions.
• This technique has underpinned numerous medical advancements, including the development of therapies for heart attacks, HIV, mental health conditions, and COVID vaccines.
• Hill’s application of RCTs to test streptomycin significantly changed TB treatment. His research not only proved the antibiotic’s effectiveness against TB but also optimized its dosage, transforming streptomycin from a laboratory discovery into a practical treatment.
• This shifted TB management from specialized surgeons to primary care settings.
• Beyond TB, Hill contributed foundational principles to epidemiology with his ‘Bradford Hill Criteria.’
• These nine criteria (strength, consistency, specificity, temporality, biological gradient, plausibility, coherence, experiment, analogy) provide a framework for establishing causality in epidemiology.
• They have been instrumental in linking various factors with health outcomes, such as the relationship between smoking and lung cancer, alcohol and cardiovascular disease, and sugary drinks with obesity.
• Influence on Public Health Policy:
  • The impact of his work extends beyond TB treatment, influencing public health policies and providing a robust framework for establishing causal relationships in epidemiology.
  • Hill’s research on smoking and lung cancer, in particular, provided conclusive evidence that countered tobacco industry misinformation, leading to significant changes in public perception and health policies regarding tobacco use.

Source: TH

11. WHO defines pathogens that transmit through air

Subject: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has standardized the term “infectious respiratory particles” (IRPs) to describe pathogens that transmit through the air. This initiative resolves the lack of common terminology previously evident, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Details:

• The decision was made after extensive consultations held between 2021 and 2023 involving multiple steps and contributions from various sectors to address the challenges experienced during the COVID-19 crisis, including inconsistencies in terminology which affected public communication and intervention strategies.
  • The consultation involved diverse and leading public health experts, coordinated by WHO Chief Scientist Jeremy Farrar and co-chair Gagandeep Kang, reflecting a significant collaborative effort across multiple disciplines.
• Infectious Respiratory Particles (IRPs) are related to respiratory infections caused by pathogens such as COVID-19, influenza, measles, MERS, SARS, and tuberculosis, among others. These particles are expelled by infected individuals through various actions like breathing, talking, and sneezing.
• The WHO emphasized that IRPs vary continuously in size without a clear boundary to distinguish smaller particles from larger ones, helping move away from the previous binary classification of ‘aerosols’ and ‘droplets’.
• Global Collaboration:
  • The terminology was finalized through a global technical consultation report, reflecting a consensus among the WHO and major public health agencies including the Africa CDC, Chinese CDC, European CDC, and US CDC.
• Impact and Future Directions:
  • The agreed terminology aims to standardize communication and enhance public health responses to airborne diseases.
  • It sets a foundation for future research and the implementation of interventions.
  • Further steps include ongoing technical research and exploring broader implications of these terminological updates.
• Broader Transmission Descriptors:
  • Additionally, the term “through the air” is recommended for general use in describing diseases with airborne transmission, with sub-categories of ‘airborne transmission or inhalation’ and ‘direct deposition’ for more specific cases.

Source: TH

12. Burkina Faso expels French diplomats for ‘subversive activities’

Subject: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• Burkina Faso has expelled three French diplomats, Gwenaelle Habouzit, Herve Fournier, and Guillaume Reisacher, for alleged “subversive activities.” The French government has refuted these allegations as unfounded.

Details:

• Steps taken by Burkina Faso against French expulsions:
  • Cancelled military agreements
  • Withdrawing French troops
  • Expelled diplomats on the charge of espionage
• Now Burkina Faso is seeking security support from Russia.
• Collaborating with Russia to build a nuclear power station in the country.
• Amidst ongoing jihadist threats, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all governed by military juntas, have formed a defense and economic pact named the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and have withdrawn from the ECOWAS. The alliance focuses on combating terrorism in the region.

Alliance for Sahel States (AES):

• The junta leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed a charter to establish a defence alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States. 
• Under this alliance, any attack on one or more signatory states will be considered an attack on all signatories.
• The alliance between three West African states, all ruled by military juntas and former French colonies.
• These three countries were also members of the France-supported G5 Sahel alliance joint force, with Chad and Mauritania being the other two allies.

Burkina Faso: