Daily Prelims Notes 21 November 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

21 November 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Should you buy an air purifier? Here’s what top pulmonologists in Delhi say
2. 2024’s record ocean heat revved up Atlantic hurricane wind speeds: study
3. Europe farm crisis: British farmers latest to protest against slew of measures including inheritance tax
4. Should Package Foods Carry Nutritional Labels? A Call for Clearer Standards in India
5. Genetically Modified Crops: Balancing Food Security and Environmental Impact
6. How does PM Vidyalaxmi differ from other schemes?
7. What is Russia’s nuclear doctrine, newly updated by Vladimir Putin?
8. What happens during the exposition of sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier in Goa
9. Russia fires nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile at Ukraine for first time

1. Should you buy an air purifier? Here’s what top pulmonologists in Delhi say

Sub : Env

Sec : Pollution

Can Air Purifiers Help When AQI Levels Exceed 400?

How Air Purifiers Work:

• Air purifiers improve indoor air quality by filtering out pollutants, allergens, and harmful particles. They use various technologies to remove contaminants depending on the model and design.

Key Components

1. Filters:
   • HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters:
     • Capture particles as small as 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander.
   • Activated Carbon Filters:
     • Absorb odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and harmful gases like formaldehyde and benzene.

2. Pre-Filters:
   • Trap larger particles like dust and hair, protecting the main filter and extending its lifespan.
3. Ionizers (Optional):
   • Release charged ions that attach to airborne particles, causing them to clump together and settle out of the air or get trapped in the filter.
4. UV Light Systems:
   • Kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores by disrupting their DNA.
5. Ozone Generators (Less Common):
   • Produce ozone to neutralize pollutants but may release harmful ozone into the air.

Working Process:

1. Air Intake:
   • A fan draws in indoor air.
2. Filtration:
   • First Stage: Air passes through a pre-filter to capture larger particles.
   • Second Stage: The main filter (e.g., HEPA or activated carbon) removes smaller particles and gases.
3. Air Cleaning Technologies (Optional):
   • Ionizers or UV systems may further purify the air by targeting microscopic organisms or enhancing particle removal.
4. Clean Air Output:
   • Purified air is pushed back into the room, improving air quality.

Key Considerations for Effective Use

• Placement: Position in a central area with unobstructed airflow.
• Room Size: Use a purifier with a capacity suitable for the room’s size.
• Maintenance: Replace filters regularly to ensure efficiency.
• Doors and Windows: Keep them closed to prevent outdoor pollutants from re-entering.

Benefits:

• Removes allergens, pollutants, and harmful particles.
• Reduces odors and harmful gases.
• Improves respiratory health, especially for individuals with asthma or allergies.
• Models with activated carbon filters remove odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Potential Side Effects

• Air purifiers are not 100% effective, especially during extreme pollution.
• In a closed room, during severe AQI levels (400-500), an air purifier may only reduce PM2.5 levels to ~150 overnight.
• Ozone Emissions:
  • Some models (e.g., those with ionizers) emit trace ozone, which can irritate lungs. Choose CARB-certified models.
• Air Dryness:
  • Extended use may dry out skin and mucous membranes, especially in winter. A humidifier can help.
• Noise:
  • Some models are noisy at high speeds; check noise levels before buying.
• Cost:
  • Frequent filter replacements can be expensive.

Alternative Solutions

• Indoor Plants:
  • Plants like peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants modestly improve air quality (e.g., reduce CO2 and some VOCs).
  • Limitations:
    • Ineffective for particulate matter like PM2.5.
    • Require high numbers and strategic placement to make a significant impact.
    • Cannot replace air purifiers.

Source: IE

2. 2024’s record ocean heat revved up Atlantic hurricane wind speeds: study

Sub : Geo

Sec : Climatology

Context:

• Climate Change Amplifies Atlantic Hurricane Intensity in 2024.

Key Findings:

• Human-Driven Warming:
  • Climate change, driven by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, intensified every Atlantic hurricane in 2024.
  • Ocean surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico were 2.5°F (1.4°C) higher than without climate change, fueling stronger storms.
• Hurricane Intensification:
  • Record ocean warmth intensified the maximum wind speeds of all 11 Atlantic hurricanes in 2024 by 9-28 mph (14-45 kph).
  • Some hurricanes were pushed up a category on the Saffir-Simpson scale, significantly increasing their destructive potential.

Examples of Impact:

• Category Escalations:
  • Hurricanes Milton and Beryl: From Category 4 to Category 5.
  • Helene: From Category 3 to Category 4, causing over 200 fatalities and becoming the second deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. since Hurricane Katrina (2005).
• Peak Intensification Analysis:
  • At Hurricane Milton’s peak before landfall, climate change made the conditions (e.g., warm sea temperatures) 100 times more likely and increased its maximum wind speed by 24 mph.

Broader Implications:

• Historical Analysis:
  • From 2019 to 2023, 84% of Atlantic hurricanes were significantly strengthened by human-caused ocean warming.
• Global Application:
  • The study’s methodology can analyse tropical cyclones worldwide, not just in the Atlantic Basin.

• Future Risks:
  • Current impacts are seen with the world at 1.3°C (2.3°F) above pre-industrial levels.
  • Exceeding 1.5°C (2.7°F) will likely intensify these effects further.

Hurricanes:

• Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones or typhoons (depending on the region), are intense storm systems formed over warm ocean waters.

Process of Hurricane Formation:

Warm Ocean Waters:

• Sea surface temperatures must be at least 26.5°C (80°F) to a depth of about 50 meters.
• Warm water provides the energy needed for the storm to develop.

Low-Pressure System

• A tropical disturbance begins as a cluster of thunderstorms over warm water.
• The warm, moist air above the ocean rises, creating a low-pressure area near the surface.

Coriolis Effect

• The Earth’s rotation causes the rising air to spin.
• This spin organises the system into a cyclonic (rotating) pattern.
• Coriolis Effect is strongest near the equator but hurricanes cannot form at the equator itself (within 5° latitude) due to insufficient Coriolis force.

Convection and Thunderstorm Development

• Warm, moist air rises rapidly, cooling and condensing into clouds and releasing latent heat. This heat fuels further rising air, intensifying the system.

Development of a Core

• As air rises and more heat is released, the pressure in the center drops further, creating the eye (calm, low-pressure center).
• Surrounding this eye is the eyewall, a ring of intense thunderstorms with the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall.

Sustained Growth:

• The hurricane draws in more warm, moist air while expelling cooler, drier air at the top.
• This cycle maintains the storm’s strength as long as:
  • It remains over warm water.
  • There is minimal wind shear (difference in wind speeds/directions at different altitudes).

Movement and Dissipation:

• Hurricanes are guided by prevailing winds and pressure systems.
• They weaken when they move over land or cooler waters due to loss of energy from warm water.

Source: TH

3. Europe farm crisis: British farmers latest to protest against slew of measures including inheritance tax

Sub : IR

Sec : Places in news

Farmers Protest in Britain Against New Tax Policies

• Farmers are protesting what they call “anti-farmer” policies.
• The issue centres on changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) in the inheritance tax system.

Changes in Inheritance Tax for Farmers:

• New Rules (effective April 6, 2026):
  • £1 million limit for tax-free inheritance of agricultural and commercial properties.
  • Landowners must pay a 20% tax on values exceeding £1 million (lower than the 40% for non-farm properties).
• Previous APR System (since 1992):
  • Allowed farmers to inherit ancestral farmland tax-free, recognizing farming’s low profitability, labour intensity, and its role in food security.
  • Farmers are concerned over rising costs for fertilisers, pesticides, and fuel, along with low food prices.

Global Context of Farmer Protests

• Worldwide Trends:
  • Farmers are resisting stricter climate regulations, reduced subsidies, and other policies impacting profitability.
  • Key protest hotspots:
    • Netherlands (2019): Farmers opposed new nitrogen emission restrictions.
    • Germany (2023): Massive protests as subsidies were reduced to meet austerity measures post-Russia-Ukraine war.
    • Poland and France (2024): Farmers joined the movement, objecting to similar policies.

The Bigger Picture:

• Farmers worldwide are grappling with policies aimed at balancing economic austerity, environmental goals, and food security.
• The British protests join a growing wave of resistance, reflecting deep frustrations over taxation, costs, and global market challenges.

Source: DTE

4. Should Package Foods Carry Nutritional Labels? A Call for Clearer Standards in India

Sub : Sci

Sec : Health

Why in News

• A recent report by the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi) highlights the disparities in the healthiness of packaged foods across different global markets. The report has brought attention to the lack of clear food labelling standards in India, emphasizing the need for better regulations to curb the rising incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). This issue has gained traction due to India’s growing burden of diet-related health problems.

ATNi Report

• The Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi) is a non-profit global foundation dedicated to improving access to nutritious foods worldwide.
• Established in 2013, ATNi aims to drive change within the food and beverage (F&B) sector by assessing the nutritional quality of products and the companies’ commitments to health and nutrition.
• It focuses on motivating companies to adopt transparent and sustainable practices, particularly in promoting healthier food choices in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs).
• One of ATNi’s key projects is the Global Access to Nutrition Index, which is published every two years.
• ATNi uses a standardized rating system to evaluate the healthiness of products based on nutrient content.

Global Access to Nutrition Index:

• The 2024 edition is the 5th release of the Index.
• It evaluates 30 of the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, analyzing over 52,000 products that collectively represent about 23% of the global market share.
• In 2024, Nestlé topped the Index, recognized for its commitments and actions towards improving nutrition.
• Companies are assessed based on product healthiness, transparency, and marketing practices, with particular attention to lower-income markets.
• Low-income countries showed the poorest health ratings for products, highlighting a disparity in healthier food availability.
• Product Healthiness: Companies are assessed using internationally recognized Nutrient Profiling Models, such as the Health Star Rating (HSR). In 2024, only 31% of assessed products met the healthiness threshold of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
• Health Star Rating System: Products were evaluated on a scale from 0 to 5, with 5 stars indicating the healthiest options.
• The rating is based on components that increase health risks (like energy, saturated fats, sugars, and sodium) versus components that mitigate risks (like proteins, fibres, and fruits/vegetables).
• Using a health star rating system, the healthiness of food products in LMICs was rated at an average of 1.8 out of 5, while in HICs it stood at 2.3.
• Increasingly, companies are reporting on the healthiness of their product portfolios, but only 30% have fully adopted international standards.
• The report noted that no company fully adheres to the World Health Organization’s recommendation to prohibit marketing unhealthy foods to children under 18.
• This report echoes earlier findings, such as an April study by the Swiss NGO Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN).
• That study revealed that baby food products from Nestlé, sold in India, Africa, and Latin America, contained higher sugar content than similar products sold in Europe.

India’s Growing Health Crisis:

• Non-Communicable Disease Burden: India is experiencing a surge in NCDs, with over 101 million Indians affected by diabetes.
• According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 24% of women and 23% of men are classified as obese.
• At the same time, problems like undernutrition, anaemia, and micronutrient deficiencies persist, complicating the health landscape.
• Unhealthy diets have contributed to 56.4% of India’s total disease burden, as per the Economic Survey 2023-24, citing the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines.
• The rise in consumption of highly processed foods, combined with decreased physical activity, is a significant factor.
• Over 50% of Indians cannot afford a healthy diet, according to UN data, while expenditure on processed foods has increased among Indian households.

The Role of Food Labelling:

• India is a signatory to several World Health Assembly (WHA) resolutions, which emphasize reducing exposure to harmful food marketing, especially for children.
• The National Multisectoral Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Common NCDs (2017-22) was launched to address these challenges.
• However, there has been limited progress in implementing front-of-pack labelling for foods high in sugar, fats, and sodium.
• A draft regulation, Food Safety and Standards (Labelling & Display) Amendment Regulation 2022, proposed mandatory front-of-pack labelling. However, it has seen little movement in the last two years.
• Nutrition Advocacy for Public Interest (NAPi) argues that clear labelling can influence consumer behaviour, as demonstrated by countries like Chile and Mexico, where sugary beverage consumption dropped following mandatory labelling.
• A study by NAPi found that many packaged foods in India contain high levels of unhealthy nutrients, such as saturated fats.

5. Genetically Modified Crops: Balancing Food Security and Environmental Impact

Sub : Sci

Sec : Biotech

Why in News

• Recent discussions on genetically modified (GM) crops have gained attention due to their potential to combat global hunger while also raising concerns over long-term environmental and health impacts. A new study published in science has reviewed the benefits and challenges associated with GM crops, focusing on agricultural sustainability and ecosystem balance.

Genetically Modified (GM) Crops:

• GM crops are created by altering a plant’s genome to introduce desirable traits.
• Techniques like CRISPR allow for precise genetic modifications, avoiding the introduction of foreign genes, making them more publicly acceptable.

Examples include:

• Bt Cotton: Modified with a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis to resist insect pests.
• HT (Herbicide-Tolerant) Crops: Engineered to withstand specific herbicides, allowing targeted weed control.
• Genetic engineering aims to transcend the genus barrier by introducing an alien gene in the seeds to get the desired effects.
• GM crops have enabled sustainable farming by reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting no-till agriculture, which minimizes soil disturbance and carbon emissions.

Positive Aspects of GM Crops:

• GM crops like Bt Cotton have significantly reduced the need for chemical insecticides, lowering toxicity exposure for farmers. In India, Bt Cotton’s adoption has resulted in a decline in insecticide use, contributing to improved farmer health.
• GM technology can be used to increase crop yields and improve nutritional profiles, which is crucial in addressing food scarcity and malnutrition.
• No-till farming enabled by herbicide-tolerant crops helps retain soil structure and reduces carbon release.
• Reduced pesticide use with insect-resistant GM crops minimizes soil and groundwater contamination.

Challenges:

• Pests can evolve resistance to GM traits, such as the Bt toxin, leading to increased pesticide use.
• HT crops, although efficient, have led to increased herbicide use due to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. Excessive use of herbicides like glyphosate has raised concerns over long-term human health impacts, including potential carcinogenic effects.
• The long-term impact of GM crops on biodiversity is unclear, as data on species trends are limited. Reduced pollinator populations have been observed, but attributing the cause to GM crops remains difficult due to factors like urbanization and climate change.
• A few major corporations dominate the GM crop market, often tying herbicide sales with specific GM seeds.
• High regulatory costs (over $40 million for a single GM trait approval) restrict smaller institutions from competing, leading to market monopolization.

Sustainable Solutions for GM Crop Use:

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Emphasizing a balanced approach, IPM advocates for minimal herbicide use and accepts a certain level of weeds to maintain ecological balance.
• Combining traditional agricultural practices with GM technology can reduce dependence on agro-chemicals.
• Crop Rotation and Diversification: Rotating different crops can limit the need for herbicides and reduce pest resistance. This practice supports sustainable farming by enhancing soil health and reducing chemical dependency.
• Stricter Regulations Based on Traits: Current regulations often focus solely on whether a crop is GM, not on its intended traits or impact. Shifting the focus to the specific characteristics of GM crops—such as herbicide or insect resistance—could allow for more nuanced oversight.

Legal position of genetically modified crops in India:

• In India, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body that allows for commercial release of GM crops.

What is Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)?

• It is responsible for the appraisal of activities involving large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.
• The committee is also responsible for the appraisal of proposals relating to the release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.
• GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

6. How does PM Vidyalaxmi differ from other schemes?

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Education

Context:

• Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme aimed at providing financial support to meritorious students applying for higher education.

About PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme:

• It is a Central Sector Scheme that offers collateral-free and guarantor-free loans for meritorious students applying to higher education institutions ranked under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

Coverage:

• Only NIRF-ranked institutions (approximately 860) qualify.
• Students with annual family income up to ₹8 lakh, who are not covered by other government scholarships.
• Priority is given to students from government institutions pursuing technical or professional courses.

Loan Features:

• Covers full tuition fees and related expenses.
• Loans up to ₹10 lakh come with a 3% interest subvention during the moratorium period for 1 lakh students annually.

Comparison with previous schemes:

• Broader coverage: Unlike earlier schemes, which focused on low-income groups, PM Vidyalaxmi extends support to middle-income families, irrespective of caste.
• Eligible institutions:
  • Earlier schemes required institutions to be accredited by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) or NBA (National Board of Accreditation), covering about 20,000 institutions.
  • PM Vidyalaxmi restricts eligibility to institutions within the top 100 in NIRF rankings, significantly reducing the number.
• Simplified process: The centralized Vidyalaxmi portal ensures a more streamlined and transparent loan application process.

7. What is Russia’s nuclear doctrine, newly updated by Vladimir Putin?

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin recently updated Russia’s nuclear doctrine, replacing the 2020 doctrine, signalling a shift in its nuclear weapons policy.
• The new policy lowers the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons and introduces additional scenarios for their potential deployment.

Key features of the updated doctrine:

• The doctrine reiterates that nuclear weapons are primarily a means of deterrence against adversaries.
• Any aggression against Russia by a non-nuclear state involving participation or support from a nuclear state will be treated as a joint attack.
• A nuclear response could be considered if reliable information indicates a massive cross-border air attack using aircraft, missiles, or drones.
• The doctrine now allows for nuclear use in response to conventional attacks against Russia or Belarus that threaten their sovereignty or territorial integrity. Previously, nuclear use was limited to threats against the existence of the Russian state.
• The nuclear deterrent now extends to non-nuclear states that permit their territory, waters, or airspace to be used for aggression against Russia.

New scenarios for Russian nuclear response:

• The formation of new military coalitions or the expansion of existing ones near Russia’s borders.
• Deployment of enemy military infrastructure close to Russian territory.
• Large-scale military drills near Russia’s borders may prompt a nuclear response.

Inclusion of Belarus:

• Belarus is officially placed under Russia’s nuclear umbrella, signalling a closer military alliance.

8. What happens during the exposition of sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier in Goa

Sub : History

Sec : Medieval History

Context:

• The 18th Decennial Exposition of the sacred relics of Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, begins on November 21, 2024, and will continue till January 5, 2025. The event attracts pilgrims and tourists, primarily from the Catholic community.

What Happens During the Exposition?

• Relocation of Relics: The relics, housed in a silver glass casket at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, will be lowered from the mausoleum in a private ceremony. The relics are then carried in a ceremonial procession to the Se Cathedral, 300 meters away, where they will remain on display for 45 days.
• Religious Ceremonies: The event features masses, prayer services, novenas, and processions.

Historical Background:

• The relics were first exposed in 1554 on the saint’s death anniversary. After the saint’s canonization in 1622, the tradition gained prominence.
• In 1782, rumours that the body had been replaced led to a public exposition.
• The exposition tradition became regular after Goa’s liberation in 1961 and has been held every decade since 1964.

About St. Francis Xavier:

• Francis Xavier, referred to as “Goencho Saib” (Lord of Goa), arrived in Goa in 1542 to restore Christianity among Portuguese settlers.
• He was one of the founding members of The Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
• He died in 1552 on Shangchuan Island near China. His body was exhumed and moved to Malacca before being transported to Goa in 1554, where it was eventually housed in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in 1624.
• The body is considered “incorruptible”, showing minimal signs of decay despite multiple exhumations.

9. Russia fires nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile at Ukraine for first time

Sub : Sci

Sec : Defence

Context: In yet another sign of the escalation of Russia- Ukraine conflict, which has been going on for over 1,000 days, Russia on Thursday fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Ukraine for the first time.

This is the first time Moscow has used such a missile in the war. The missile was launched at Ukraine’s Dnipro city in the central-east.

Background:

The development comes just two days after Vladimir Putin signed a revised nuclear doctrine that formally lowers the threshold for Moscow’s use of nuclear weapons and warned the US and other NATO allies against allowing Ukraine to use longer-range weapons to hit Russian territory, which has been supplied by the Western countries.

What is an ICBM?

• Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) are strategic weapons designed to deliver nuclear warheads.
• They can also have conventional warheads.
• They are an important part of Russia’s nuclear deterrent.
• The missiles have a range of thousands of kilometres.
• ICBMs reportedly have a range between 6,000 to 9,300 miles, making a target vulnerable.
• The use would serve as a reminder of Russia’s nuclear capability and send a powerful message to the US and other NATO allies.

How does ICBM work?

There are three states: the boost phase, the midcourse phase, and the terminal phase.

• The boost phase begins at launch; midcourse phase begins after the rocket(s) stops firing.
• In the mid-course phase, the missile continues to ascend toward the highest point in its trajectory and then begins to descend toward Earth.
• During the midcourse phase, ICBMs can travel around 24,000 kilometres per hour (15,000 miles per hour).
• The terminal phase is when the detached warhead(s) re enter the Earth’s atmosphere and ends upon impact or detonation.
• During this phase, which can last for less than a minute, strategic warheads can travel at speeds greater than 3,200 kilometres per hour (1,988 miles per hour), states the fact sheet.