Daily Prelims Notes 25 August 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

25 August 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): Balancing Reform with Financial Responsibility
2. Malaysia Announces adopt-an-orangutan plan for palm oil importers
3. Illegal wildlife trade: When creatures of the sea take flight
4. Nicobar project will not disturb or displace tribes: Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav
5. Most number of deaths by H1N1 in Punjab, Kerala, and Gujarat
6. Red and processed meat linked to higher type 2 diabetes risk
7. Why is sanction for prosecution needed?
8. The Siang River Dams: A Conflict Between Development and Indigenous Rights
9. Cabinet Approves BioE3 Policy to Revolutionize Biotechnology Manufacturing
10. India’s Zika Virus Testing: Challenges and Developments
11. Virupaksha temple in Hampi

1. Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): Balancing Reform with Financial Responsibility

Sub: Eco

Sec: Fiscal Policy

• Introduction of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS):
  • The Central Government has introduced the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to address the concerns of government employees regarding pension security.
  • The scheme integrates features of both the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and the New Pension Scheme (NPS).
  • Effective Date: The scheme will be implemented starting from April 1, 2025.
• Key Features of UPS:
• Defined Assured Pension:
• Employees will receive 50% of their average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement as a guaranteed pension.
• Government Contribution:
• The government’s contribution to the pension scheme will be increased from 14% to 18.5% of the basic pay, ensuring greater financial security for employees.
• Employee Contribution:
• The employee’s contribution will remain at 10% of the basic pay.
• Additional Features:
• The UPS includes family pension and a minimum pension for those with less than the mandatory service period required for full pension.
• Financial Impact:
• Increased Government Expenditure:
• The introduction of UPS will result in an estimated additional cost of ₹6,250 crore in the first year due to the higher government contribution.
• Arrears for Retired Employees:
• The government also estimates ₹800 crore will be needed to cover arrears for employees who retired after the NPS was introduced in 2004.
• Addressing Employee Grievances:
• The UPS aims to address the key concerns of government employees, including income stability and family security.
• By raising the government’s contribution, the UPS fills the gap between the assured 50% salary as pension and the actual returns from the NPS corpus.
• Reform Characteristics Maintained:
• Retention of NPS Structure: The UPS retains the contributory and funded nature of the NPS, ensuring fiscal prudence.
• The scheme offers the assurance of a defined pension similar to OPS while maintaining the flexibility and sustainability of the NPS.
• Fiscal Prudence: The UPS is seen as more fiscally responsible than OPS, avoiding the long-term liabilities associated with unfunded pension schemes.
• Political and Economic Implications:
• The UPS is a response to the demands of a significant political constituency—government employees—who have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with NPS.
• Impact on State Governments:
• Most states are expected to adopt the UPS structure, following the Centre’s lead. However, this may lead to increased financial strain on state budgets.
• The RBI had previously flagged concerns about the financial risks associated with states reverting to OPS, highlighting the projected ₹17 lakh crore pension outgo under OPS compared to ₹4 lakh crore under NPS.
• Conclusion:
  • The Unified Pension Scheme represents a significant policy shift, aiming to balance the need for pension security among government employees with the necessity of maintaining fiscal responsibility.
  • By combining elements of both OPS and NPS, the UPS seeks to offer a sustainable solution that addresses employee concerns without compromising long-term financial stability.

Comparison with Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

• Assured Pension: Like UPS, OPS also provided a fixed pension at 50% of the last drawn basic pay, with DA adjustments.
• No Employee Contribution: Unlike UPS, OPS did not require any contribution from employees, making it an unfunded scheme.
• Unfunded Scheme: OPS was criticized for being fiscally unsustainable due to its unfunded nature.

Comparison with New Pension Scheme (NPS)

• No Assured Pension: NPS does not offer a guaranteed pension, as the returns are based on market performance.
• Employee Contribution: NPS requires employees to contribute 10% of their basic salary and DA, with a matching contribution from the government.
• Funded Scheme: Contributions under NPS are invested in various pension funds, making the pension amount dependent on market risks.

Key Differences and Benefits of UPS

• Funding Structure: UPS, like NPS, is a funded contributory scheme, but unlike OPS, it is fiscally sustainable.
• Assurance: UPS offers the assurance of a fixed pension amount, blending the security of OPS with the contributory model of NPS.
• Higher Contribution: UPS requires a higher employee contribution rate of 18.5%, compared to NPS’s 14%.
• Mitigation of Market Risks: The UPS is designed to provide assured benefits while minimizing market risks, ensuring financial stability for retirees.

The Unified Pension Scheme represents a significant step forward in addressing the shortcomings of the NPS while maintaining fiscal prudence, offering a balanced approach to securing the financial future of government employees.

2. Malaysia Announces adopt-an-orangutan plan for palm oil importers

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

• Malaysia’s Commodities Minister, Johari Abdul Ghani, announced that companies importing palm oil from Malaysia can adopt orangutans, but the animals must remain in the country. This revision comes after initial plans to send orangutans abroad as trading gifts faced backlash from conservation groups.

Details:

• The original plan in May aimed to use orangutans as trading gifts to address concerns about the impact of palm oil production on their habitat. However, this was met with objections from conservationists due to the critical endangerment of orangutans.
• The revised approach focuses on collaboration with palm oil buyers to preserve the forests where these primates live.
• The Minister pledged to halt deforestation in Malaysia, maintaining that 54% of the country is forested and that this figure will not fall below 50%.

What is Orangutan Diplomacy?

• It is a Malaysian strategy that seeks to use orangutan conservation as a tool of soft power, inspired by China’s “panda diplomacy.”
• It had first announced plans to gift orangutans (IUCN Status: Critically Endangered) to palm oil-buying countries.
• It engages other countries in conservation efforts, focusing on symbolic adoptions rather than sending animals abroad.
• Reasons behind:
  • Palm Oil Industry Criticism: Malaysia faces criticism for deforestation due to palm oil plantations, threatening orangutans.
  • Enhance Image: It aims to counter negative perceptions and showcase commitment to sustainability and position Malaysia as a leader in wildlife protection.
  • Global Cooperation: It seeks to strengthen ties with major palm oil importers like China, India, and the EU through conservation partnerships.

Orangutans:

• Orangutans are great apes native to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia, currently found only in parts of Borneo and Sumatra.
• Originally considered a single species, they were reclassified into two species in 1996: the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus, with three subspecies) and the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii). A third species, the Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis), was identified in 2017.
• Orangutans are the only surviving species of the subfamily Ponginae, which genetically diverged from other hominids (gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans) between 19.3 and 15.7 million years ago.

Physical Characteristics and Behavior

• Orangutans are the most arboreal of the great apes, spending most of their time in trees. They have long arms, short legs, and reddish-brown hair.
• Adult males weigh around 75 kg (165 lb), while females weigh about 37 kg (82 lb). Dominant males develop cheek pads and emit long calls to attract females and intimidate rivals.
• Orangutans are largely solitary, with strong social bonds mainly between mothers and their offspring.
• Their diet consists mainly of fruit, but they also consume vegetation, bark, honey, insects, and bird eggs. They can live over 30 years in both the wild and captivity.

Intelligence and Cultural Significance:

• Orangutans are among the most intelligent primates, using sophisticated tools and constructing elaborate sleeping nests nightly.
• Their learning abilities have been extensively studied, and there may be distinctive cultures within different populations.

Conservation Status and Threats:

• All three orangutan species are critically endangered due to severe population declines and shrinking habitats caused by human activities.
• Major threats include poaching (for bushmeat and retaliation for crop consumption), habitat destruction and deforestation (mainly for palm oil cultivation and logging), and the illegal pet trade.

Source: TP

3. Illegal wildlife trade: When creatures of the sea take flight

Sub: Env

Sec: Int Conventions

Illegal Wildlife Trade: The Rising Threat:

• The illegal wildlife trade, including marine species like seahorses, whales, and sharks, has seen a significant increase, particularly in the last four years. In August 2024, enforcement agencies at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport seized 6,626 dried seahorses, highlighting the smuggling activity driven by demand in Southeast Asian markets for traditional medicine, cuisine, and ornamental purposes.
• Between 2023 and July 2024, 66 operations across Karnataka resulted in the recovery of various wildlife products.
  • These include porcupine quills, Alexandrine parakeets, elephant tusks, spotted deer, bison horns, Stony corals, tiger nails, 9-foot long python skins, ball pythons, Thailand king cobras, capuchins, spider monkeys, spotted deer antlers, elephant bones, hippo tusks, owls, woodpeckers, jungle cat paws, nails and teeth, wild boar teeth, jackal teeth, red sand boa, otter skin, pangolin scales, monitor lizard penis, sea fans, leopard nails, civet cat jaws, ambergris and sea shells.

Impact on Marine and Terrestrial Ecosystems:

• The illegal trade impacts marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of fishing communities. Over 1,900 kg of pangolin scales were seized in the northeastern states between 2012 and 2024. From 2015 to 2021, 14,188 kg of processed and dried fins were seized across India. Other species at risk include sea cucumbers, sea fans, and rays.
• The pandemic exacerbated the trade, with an increase in exotic wildlife as pets. Displaced individuals turned to hunting and trade for income, fueling the industry. The trade now includes lesser-known species like pangolins and lorises, driven by online trends and legislative gaps.

Counter Wildlife Trafficking (CWT) Programme:

• Launched in 2018, by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) – India, the CWT Programme aims to address wildlife trafficking in India.
  • Wildlife Conservation Society – India (WCS-India) is a Section 25 non-profit company incorporated in India and compliant with all Indian regulations.
• The initiative works across various landscapes and species, employing evidence-based approaches and fostering collaboration with key stakeholders to conserve wildlife at risk from trafficking.
• Their work has included monitoring open-source information to map trade dynamics, legal analysis to document patterns in wildlife crime, capacity development of enforcement agencies, technical support to aid enforcement, and creating and disseminating IWT resources, including manuals and films.

Source: TH

4. Nicobar project will not disturb or displace tribes: Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav

Sub: Env

Sec: Protected Areas

Development Impact on Indigenous Tribes:

• The Environment Minister, Bhupendra Yadav, assured that the development of a port and airport in the Nicobar Islands as part of the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Project would not disturb or displace the Shompen tribe, a vulnerable indigenous group.

Strategic and Economic Justifications:

• The project aims to counter China’s regional influence, prevent marine resource theft by Myanmarese poachers, bridge infrastructure gaps, and promote international trade.

Great Nicobar is home to:

• Two national parks (Galathea Bay and Campbell Bay NPs),
• A biosphere reserve (Great Nicobar BR), and
• The Shompen and Nicobarese tribal peoples, and
  • Ex-servicemen from Punjab, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh who were settled on the island in the 1970s.

About the Great Nicobar Development Project:

• A “greenfield city” has been proposed, including
  • An International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT),
  • A Greenfield International Airport,
  • A power plant, and
  • A township for the personnel who will implement the project.
• A total of 166.1 sq km along the island’s southeastern and southern coasts have been identified for the project along a coastal strip of width between 2 km and 4 km.
• Some 130 sq km of forests have been sanctioned for diversion, and 9.64 lakh trees are likely to be felled.
• The port will be controlled by the Indian Navy, while the airport will have dual military-civilian functions and will cater to tourism as well.
• Roads, public transport, water supply and waste management facilities, and several hotels have been planned to cater to tourists.

Project Implementation Timeline:

• Development activities are proposed to commence in the financial year 2022-23, and the port is expected to be commissioned by 2027-28.
• The project is to be implemented in 3 phases over the next 30 years.
• More than 1 lakh new direct jobs and 1.5 lakh indirect jobs are likely to be created on the island over the period of development.

Source: TH

5. Most number of deaths by H1N1 in Punjab, Kerala, and Gujarat

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

• Punjab (41), Kerala (34), and Gujarat (28) top the list of States that have recorded the maximum number of deaths by influenza A (H1N1), according to the latest figures released by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
• With over 9,000 H1N1 cases, India has registered 178 deaths by H1N1 , till the end of July in 2024.

About H1N1:

• H1N1, also known as swine flu, is a respiratory disease that can affect both pigs and humans.
• H1N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus that causes infections in the respiratory tract.
• Symptoms of HIN1 include cough, sore throat, chills, body ache etc.

Transmission:

• The virus spreads through the air by coughing, sneezing, breathing, and talking, and can also enter the body via contaminated surfaces.
• The virus is contagious from about a day before symptoms appear until about four days after they start.
• Children and people with weakened immune systems may be able to spread the virus for a slightly longer period of time.

Zoonotic diseases:

• Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can transfer between animals and humans.
• It inclues rabies, anthrax, influenza (H1N1 and H5N1), Nipah, COVID-19, brucellosis, and tuberculosis.
• These diseases are caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.
• Prevention and control of zoonotic diseases is achieved by vaccination, good hygiene and animal husbandry practices, and vector control.

National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC):

• It is an institute under the Indian Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• NCDC, formerly National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), had its origin as the Central Malaria Bureau, established at Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh) in 1909.
• NICD was transformed into the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) with a larger mandate of controlling emerging and re-emerging diseases in 2009.
• It functions as the nodal agency in the country for disease surveillance facilitating prevention and control of communicable diseases.
• It is also a national level institute for training specialized manpower for public health, laboratory sciences and entomological services and is involved in various applied research activities.
• The Institute has its headquarters in New Delhi.

6. Red and processed meat linked to higher type 2 diabetes risk

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

• Consumption of processed meat and unprocessed red meat is associated with a higher type 2 diabetes risk across populations, an analysis of data from 1.97 million participants, published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, has found.

About the study:

• To determine the association between consumption of processed meat, unprocessed red meat and poultry and type 2 diabetes, the team led by researchers at the University of Cambridge analysed data from 31 study cohorts in 20 countries.
• The analysis took into account factors such as age, gender, health-related behaviours, energy intake and body mass index.

Findings:

• The researchers found that the habitual consumption of 50 grams of processed meat a day is associated with a 15% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the next 10 years.
• The consumption of 100 grams of unprocessed red meat a dayiss associated with a 10% higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

Significance of the study:

• Global meat production has increased rapidly in recent decades and meat consumption exceeds dietary guidelines in many countries.
• These findings highlight the importance of reducing meat consumption for public health.

What constitutes red meat?

• Red meat includes beef, lamb, mutton, pork, goat etc.
• They contain more myoglobin, a protein that holds oxygen in muscles, than white meat.

Alternative to red meat:

• Poultry such as chicken, turkey, or duck is often considered to be an alternative to processed meat or unprocessed red meat, but fewer studies have examined the association between poultry consumption and type 2 diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

• Diabetes is a medical condition wherein the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it produces effectively, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
• Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause serious health problems, such as damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Types of Diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes: It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in a lack of insulin.
  • This type of diabetes is typically found in children and young adults.
• Type 2 diabetes: It is a metabolic disorder in which the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.
  • This type of diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet and mostly seen in adults.
  • Genetics also plays an important role.

7. Why is sanction for prosecution needed?

Sub: Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

• Karnataka Governor has given approval to open an investigation against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and to prosecute him in connection with alleged irregularities in the allotment of compensatory plots to his wife by the Mysore Urban Development Authority.

Why is sanction required to prosecute a public servant?

• Sanction for prosecuting a public servant has been a mandatory feature of anti-corruption law.
• This is intended to protect public servants from vexatious and malicious prosecution for actions and decisions made in the course of discharging their official duties.

Legal provisions:

• Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) said no court could take cognisance of a case against a public servant unless an authority competent to remove that person grants sanction.
• Section 197 spoke of anyone who ‘is or was’ a public servant.
• Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1947 also has a sanction requirement, which is limited to the period when the public servant is in office.
• Under both the CrPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), the State and Central governments had the authority to sanction prosecution of their respective employees.

What are the latest provisions on granting sanction?

• Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the procedure code that has replaced the CrPC, retains the sanction provisions.
• PCA amended in 2018:
  • a new provision was introduced under which the government’s approval is required, even to begin an investigation.
  • Now, sanction is a pre-requisite for any court to take cognisance of a charge sheet or complaint of corruption.
  • Also, sanction is applicable to those who are and were public servants.

What is the Governor’s role in a case against a CM?

• Generally, the State government and the Central government grant sanctions for those employed by their respective governments.
• However, PCA has a clause stating that in the case of “any other person”, the sanction would be granted by the authority competent to remove the public servant in office.
• As the Governor is vested with the power to dismiss a CM, the Governor is seen as the authority to consider granting sanction for prosecuting a CM.

Question of Discretion:

• Questions have often arisen as to whether the Governor exercises his discretion while considering sanction, or he is bound to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

What the courts says:

• In the case of A. R. Antulay, the Supreme Court held that the Governor should act in his discretion.
• In Madhya Pradesh Special Police Establishment vs. State of MP and others (2004), the Supreme Court held that “on those rare occasions where on facts, the bias becomes apparent and/or the decision of Council of Ministers is shown to be irrational and based on non-consideration of relevant factors, the Governor would be right to act in his own discretion and grant sanction”.

8. The Siang River Dams: A Conflict Between Development and Indigenous Rights

Sub: Geo

Sec: Indian Physical geo

Why is This in News?

• Controversy Over Dam Projects: The Adi community in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Minyong subgroup, has been protesting against proposed large dam projects on the Siang River, fearing they will disrupt their way of life and violate the river they consider sacred.
• Government Push for Hydropower: The Central and State governments have been pushing for hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh to meet national energy goals and combat climate change, leading to tensions with the indigenous population.

The Main Issue: Hydropower Projects on the Siang River

• Community Concerns:
  • The Adi community fears that large dams on the Siang will submerge agricultural land, displace villages, and threaten the ecosystem.
  • The Siang River, considered sacred by the Adis, plays a central role in their cultural identity and daily life.
• Government Initiatives:
  • In the last 15 years, numerous hydropower projects have been proposed on the Siang River and its tributaries.
  • The government is keen on these projects to harness Arunachal Pradesh’s hydropower potential, contributing to India’s energy needs and climate commitments.
• Activism and Resistance:
  • Activists from the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) and other groups have been vocal against these projects.
  • Protests have been met with detentions and suppression, reflecting the tensions between development goals and indigenous rights.

Key Developments in the Hydropower Push

• Policy Shifts:
  • Initial enthusiasm for large-scale dams under former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu’s Hydro Power Policy, which led to the signing of 233 MoUs for hydropower projects.
  • A shift in the government’s approach, with more emphasis on public sector projects after private players withdrew due to economic unviability.
• Recent Moves:
  • In August 2023, 12 hydropower projects were transferred to Central PSUs, including NHPC and NEEPCO, reigniting concerns among the local communities.
  • The Siang Upper project was upscaled to almost 12,000 MW, intensifying fears of large-scale displacement and environmental damage.

The Cultural Significance of the Siang River

• Adi Community:
  • The Adi community reveres the Siang River, referring to it as “Aane” (mother), and believes it has healing and spiritual properties.
  • The community has historically resisted attempts to alter the river, seeing it as an infringement on their cultural and spiritual heritage.
• Environmental Impact:
  • Concerns about the ecological fragility of the eastern Himalayas, where the Siang River flows, a region prone to earthquakes and landslides.
  • The potential impact on wildlife sanctuaries and national parks downstream in Assam.

Anticipating a Chinese Water Threat

• Strategic Concerns:
  • China’s plans to build a mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which becomes the Siang in India, have raised alarms in India.
  • The fear of a “water bomb” from China, which could cause artificial floods in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, has been used to justify the construction of large dams on the Indian side.

Opposition and Government Responses

• Political Dynamics:
  • The BJP’s stance has evolved from opposing mega dams to supporting them, citing national interest and strategic concerns.
  • Local leaders, some of whom were once anti-dam activists, are now advocating for “sustainable dams,” leading to accusations of betrayal by the community.
• Legislative and Legal Challenges:
  • The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act of 2023, which allows the government to bypass certain clearances for projects near international borders, has further complicated the situation.

Geographic and Cultural Overview: Detailed Insights

Adi Community:

• Location & Distribution:
  • Predominantly found in the central regions of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Concentrated in districts such as East Siang, West Siang, and Upper Siang.
• Cultural Significance:
  • Known for their rich oral traditions, festivals, and agriculture-based lifestyle.
  • Key festival: Solung, a harvest festival celebrating the agricultural cycle.
• Minyong Subgroup:
  • One of the major subgroups of the Adi community.
  • Primarily reside in the Siang and East Siang districts.
  • Renowned for their distinctive dialect, customs, and traditional dances like the Ponung.

Siang River:

• Geographical Origin:
  • Begins as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, near Mount Kailash.
  • Transitions into the Siang River upon entering Arunachal Pradesh.
• Course and Tributaries:
  • Flows for approximately 230 km through Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Tributaries include:
    • Simang River: Flows through West Siang district; known for its rugged terrain.
    • Siyom River: Joins the Siang in Upper Siang district, contributing to its volume.
    • Sibo Korong: A smaller but significant tributary known for causing seasonal disruptions during the monsoon.
• Cultural Importance:
  • Revered by the Adi community as Aane (Mother).
  • Believed to possess healing properties and spiritual significance.
• Environmental Concerns:
  • The river is central to the ecosystem, supporting diverse flora and fauna.
  • Concerns about large-scale hydropower projects potentially disrupting the river’s flow and local biodiversity.

Dibang River:

• Geographical Origin:
  • Rises in the Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Course:
  • Travels through the Dibang Valley district before joining the Brahmaputra.
• Significant Features:
  • Notable for its deep gorges and steep terrain, making it a site of interest for hydroelectric projects.
  • Merges with the Lohit River before entering the Brahmaputra.
• Environmental and Cultural Impact:
  • The river basin is home to diverse ecosystems, including several endangered species.
  • Indigenous communities, including the Idu Mishmi tribe, depend on it for their livelihood.

Subansiri River:

• Geographical Origin:
  • Originates in Tibet, where it is known as the Chayul Chu.
• Course:
  • Flows southward into Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
  • The largest tributary of the Brahmaputra, contributing significantly to its water volume.
• Tributaries:
  • Important tributaries include the Kamla River and Par River.
• Hydropower Potential:
  • The site of the controversial Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (2,000 MW).
  • The project has faced opposition due to concerns over seismic activity and ecological impacts.

Brahmaputra River:

• Geographical Origin:
  • Begins in the Angsi Glacier in Tibet, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo.
• Course:
  • Travels eastward across Tibet, takes a sharp turn (the Great Bend), and enters India as the Siang River.
  • Merges with the Dibang and Lohit rivers in Assam to form the Brahmaputra.
  • Continues its journey through Assam and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
• Tributaries:
  • Major tributaries include:
    • Dibang River
    • Lohit River
    • Subansiri River
    • Teesta River (joins in Bangladesh)
• Strategic and Environmental Importance:
  • Vital for agriculture, fisheries, and transportation in northeastern India.
  • Prone to seasonal flooding, which affects millions of people in Assam and Bangladesh.
  • Home to unique ecosystems, including the Kaziranga National Park and the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.

Additional Facts:

• Hydropower Projects:
  • Arunachal Pradesh has a hydropower potential of over 57,000 MW, making it a key state for India’s renewable energy plans.
• Seismic Activity:
  • The Eastern Himalayas, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, lie in a seismically active zone (Zone V), raising concerns over the construction of large dams.
• International Relations:
  • The Yarlung Tsangpo/Brahmaputra is a transboundary river, with India, China, and Bangladesh sharing its waters. This makes it a critical point in India-China water diplomacy and regional geopolitics.

India-China Water Diplomacy: A Brief Overview

India-China water diplomacy primarily revolves around the shared rivers that flow from Tibet into India, with the Yarlung Tsangpo (known as the Siang River in India) being a central focus. The dynamics of water sharing and management between these two nations are influenced by strategic, environmental, and geopolitical concerns.

Key Aspects:

• Strategic Importance of the Yarlung Tsangpo/Siang River:
  • The Yarlung Tsangpo originates in Tibet and flows into India as the Siang River, eventually becoming part of the Brahmaputra. China’s plans to build a mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo near the Great Bend have raised concerns in India about potential water diversion and artificial floods.
  • India fears that Chinese control over the flow of the Yarlung Tsangpo could lead to water scarcity during lean seasons and increased flood risks during the monsoon, affecting millions in downstream regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
• Diplomatic Engagements:
  • India and China have engaged in dialogue and agreements to share hydrological data, especially during the monsoon season, to manage flood risks. However, the effectiveness of these engagements is often limited by a lack of transparency from China.
  • China’s approach to water management is often seen as unilateral, as seen in its dam-building activities on the Mekong River, which have raised similar concerns among Southeast Asian nations.
• Environmental and Security Concerns:
  • The construction of large dams on the Siang River by India is often justified by the need to secure first-user rights and create a buffer against potential Chinese water projects. This has led to the proposed mega projects on the Siang, which aim to manage the river’s flow and protect downstream regions from sudden water surges.
  • The environmental fragility of the eastern Himalayas, a region prone to earthquakes and landslides, adds another layer of complexity to the water diplomacy between India and China.
• Impact on Local Communities:
  • The indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh, such as the Adi, are directly affected by these diplomatic and strategic decisions. While the Indian government pushes for large dams in response to Chinese activities, local populations resist these projects due to fears of displacement, loss of livelihood, and environmental degradation.

9. Cabinet Approves BioE3 Policy to Revolutionize Biotechnology Manufacturing

Sub: Sci

Sec: Biotech

Context:

On August 24, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aimed at transforming biotechnology-based manufacturing in India. This initiative is expected to spearhead a technology revolution comparable to the IT boom of the 1990s.

Key Objectives of the BioE3 Policy

Focus Areas:

1. Bio-based Chemicals and Enzymes:
   • Development of high-value bio-based chemicals and enzymes.
2. Smart Proteins and Functional Foods:
   • Promotion of alternative protein sources and nutritionally enhanced food products.
3. Precision Biotherapeutics:
   • Advancement in targeted therapies for healthcare.
4. Climate Resilient Agriculture:
   • Development of agricultural practices and crops resilient to climate change.
5. Carbon Capture and Utilization:
   • Implementation of technologies for capturing and reusing carbon emissions.
6. Marine and Space Research:
   • Exploration of new frontiers in marine and space environments for biotechnological innovation.

Merging of Science Ministry Schemes into Vigyan Dhara

Vigyan Dhara Scheme Overview:

• The Cabinet merged three existing Science Ministry schemes into a single comprehensive scheme called Vigyan Dhara.
• Scheme Objective:
  • Purpose: Vigyan Dhara aims to consolidate and streamline efforts in scientific research, technology development, and innovation under one comprehensive framework.
• Financial Outlay:
  • Budget: The scheme is allocated ₹10,579 crore for the period up to 2025-26, focusing on various initiatives across the science and technology sectors.
• Integration of Schemes:
  • Merged Schemes: Vigyan Dhara combines three existing schemes of the Science Ministry, simplifying administration and enhancing focus on key scientific areas.
• Core Areas of Focus:
  • Institutional and Human Capacity Building:
    • Strengthening institutions and building human capital through education, training, and research initiatives.
  • Innovation and Technology Development:
    • Encouraging the creation and deployment of new technologies across various sectors.
  • R&D and Collaboration:
    • Promoting collaborative research efforts between academia, government, and industry both nationally and internationally.
• Educational and Research Support:
  • Internships:
    • Provision of internships for students in 11th and 12th grades to introduce them to scientific research.
  • Fellowships:
    • Fellowships available for graduate and post-graduate students to support advanced research.
• International Cooperation:
  • Global Collaboration:
    • The scheme supports international bilateral and multilateral cooperation, providing access to global research facilities and expertise.
• Gender Parity in Science:
  • Focus on Women in S&T:
    • Targeted interventions to increase female participation in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), aiming for gender parity in these fields.
• Support for Innovation:
  • From Schools to Start-ups:
    • The scheme encourages innovation at all levels, from school education to higher education and industry, promoting a culture of scientific exploration and entrepreneurship.

Impact on India’s Biotechnology Sector

Technological Advancement:

• The BioE3 Policy is poised to transform India into a global leader in biotechnology manufacturing, driving innovations that address critical national and global challenges.

Research and Development:

• The integration of research and innovation initiatives under Vigyan Dhara will strengthen India’s R&D capabilities, promoting sustainable and advanced technological solutions.

Human Resource Development:

• The focus on internships, fellowships, and gender parity aims to cultivate a skilled and diverse workforce in science and technology, essential for the nation’s progress.

10. India’s Zika Virus Testing: Challenges and Developments

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why This Is in the News

The lack of indigenously developed and approved Zika virus test kits in India remains a pressing issue, with national labs and government medical colleges relying on imported kits from the U.S. CDC.

Main Issue

Reliance on U.S. CDC Kits

• NIV’s Dependence: The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, has relied on the CDC’s Trioplex RT-PCR test kits since the first Zika case in India in 2016.
• Regulatory Gaps: As of February 2023, no Zika virus test kit has been approved by India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), limiting the availability of validated testing tools.

Impact on National Labs

• Limited Testing Capability: Most national labs and government medical colleges in India face challenges in Zika virus testing due to the unavailability of accurate test kits.
• Turnaround Time Issues: Delays in testing and confirmation of Zika cases could impede timely detection and outbreak control.

What Is a Test Kit and How It Works

A test kit for viruses like Zika typically includes reagents and tools for detecting viral RNA in samples. The CDC’s Trioplex RT-PCR test can simultaneously detect Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses, addressing the challenge of cross-reactivity among these viruses.

Zika Virus Overview

Cause: Zika virus is caused by the Zika virus, which is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

First Detected: The Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys and later in humans in 1952.

First Detected in India: The first cases of Zika virus infection in India were reported in Ahmedabad in November 2016.

Symptoms: Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. Many infections are asymptomatic.

Complications: The virus is associated with neurological complications, including microcephaly (a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than normal) and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Transmission: Besides mosquito bites, Zika can be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy, through sexual contact, and potentially through blood transfusion.

Prevention: Preventive measures include avoiding mosquito bites using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Vaccination: As of now, there is no commercially available vaccine for Zika virus.

Microcephaly:

Trioplex RT-PCR Test by CDC

• Development: Created by the U.S. CDC, this test kit was granted emergency use authorization by the U.S. FDA.
• Detection Capability: It can identify Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses.
• Cross-Reactivity Issue: These viruses can cross-react, making diagnosis challenging; the Trioplex RT-PCR test addresses this challenge by distinguishing between them.

Relevant Institutions: NIV and IAV

National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune

Establishment: Founded in 1952 as a premier institute for virus research in India.

Function: Focuses on research, diagnosis, and control of viral infections.

Affiliation: Operates under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Key Role: Plays a crucial role in identifying and confirming outbreaks of viral diseases, including Zika, dengue, and chikungunya.

Facilities: Equipped with high-level biosafety labs for handling dangerous pathogens.

Contributions: Developed diagnostics and research for several significant outbreaks, including H1N1, Ebola, and COVID-19.

Collaborations: Works with international organizations like the CDC and WHO for research and diagnostics.

Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV), Thiruvananthapuram

Establishment: Established in 2018 as a specialized institute for advanced virology research and diagnostics.

Function: Focuses on the research, detection, and management of viral infections.

Affiliation: Operates under the Kerala State Government and the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB).

Key Role: Develops diagnostic assays and conducts research on emerging and re-emerging viral diseases, including Zika virus.

Achievements: Developed an in-house assay for Zika virus testing and validated it using local outbreak samples.

Facilities: Equipped with advanced laboratories for virology research and diagnostic testing.

Collaborations: Partners with national and international institutions for research and outbreak management.

Virus Detection and Surveillance

Importance of Genome Sequencing

• Mutation Impact: Mutations in viruses can affect the efficacy of tests, as seen with COVID-19 variants and mpox clade mutations.
• Need for Public Data: Rapid sharing of genome sequences is essential for developing effective diagnostic assays.

Cost-Effective Testing

• IAV’s Assay: The in-house test developed by IAV is more affordable, facilitating broader surveillance and testing in both humans and mosquitoes.

Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika:

• Dengue: Caused by the dengue virus; transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes; symptoms include fever, rash, and joint pain.
• Chikungunya: Also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes; symptoms include severe joint pain, fever, and rash; often confused with dengue due to similar symptoms.
• Zika: Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes; associated with birth defects like microcephaly in newborns when pregnant women are infected.

11. Virupaksha temple in Hampi

Sub: History

Sec: Medieval India

Context:

Earlier this year, when the saalu mantapa, a pavilion at the Virupaksha temple in Hampi, collapsed in torrential rainfall, questions were raised about the alleged neglect of the World Heritage Site.

More on News:

• Monuments are everywhere in Hampi.
• Some stand tall and elegant against the backdrop of giant granite boulders, others lie low and truncated.
• There are sculptures of elephants with missing trunks, court musicians with an amputated limb or nose – reminding the visitor of the devastation caused by a 16th century war to this once thriving metropolis that was at the centre of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• A variegated list of around 1,600 monuments, spread across an area of 250 square kilometres, makes Hampi one of the largest such sites in India to receive a UNESCO World Heritage tag.
• The World Heritage tag given to Hampi in 1986  these 30 villages are spread across two separate districts, Vijayanagara and Koppal, and are governed by their respective administrations too.
• But it is the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Karnataka government’s Department of Archaeology that has the painstaking task of keeping the monuments alive through a rigorous conservation process.

Vijaynagar Empire

• Vijayanagara or “city of victory” was the name of both a city and an empire.
• The empire was founded in the fourteenth century (1336 AD) by Harihara and Bukka of Sangama dynasty. They made Hampi as the capital city.
• It stretched from the river Krishna in the north to the extreme south of the peninsula.
• Vijayanagar Empire was ruled by four important dynasties and they are:
  • Sangama
  • Saluva
  • Tuluva
  • Aravidu
• Krishnadevaraya (ruled 1509-29) of the Tuluva dynasty was the most famous ruler of Vijayanagar.
• He is credited with building some fine temples and adding impressive gopurams to many important south Indian temples.
• He composed a work on statecraft in Telugu known as the Amuktamalyada.

The story of Hampi

• Known to be the last great Hindu medieval kingdom, the Vijayanagara empire was established in 1336 by brothers Harihara-I and Bukka Raya-I of the Sangama dynasty.
• The spectacular city of Vijayanagara – Hampi was the empire’s capital.
• Its magnificence was noted by several foreign travellers visiting the region, among them Portuguese Domingo Paes, who visited Vijayanagara in 1520 and wrote about the city that was “as large and beautiful as Rome”.
• The city, on the banks of the Tungabhadra, has also been the subject of numerous books, including Salman Rushdie’s latest Victory City, a fictionalised reinterpretation of the rise and fall of the Vijayanagara empire.
• The site was practically untouched and largely forgotten till the end of the 18th century when the British first began exploring it. The British antiquarian Colin Mackenzie, who went on to become the first surveyor-general of India, made the first map of Hampi in 1799.
• For instance, in the Virupaksha temple’s gopuram, one can see a steel rod from 1856 with the mark ‘Made in England’ on it.
• The white granite pavilions on either side of the street, stretching out from the Vitthala temple, for instance, were submerged under approximately 3 metres of debris, before they were excavated in the 1970s.
• Inscriptional evidence suggested that this was a flourishing marketplace for horse and elephant traders.

A fight to keep the ruins alive

• An immediate impact of the 1986 World Heritage tag was that both the ASI and the State Department of Archaeology intensified their conservation efforts.
• A part of the conservation was directed at repairing the destruction caused by the war centuries ago.
• The chariot at the centre of the Vitthala temple, for instance, shows remnants of a pair of horse sculptures that was in all probability destroyed.
• But the conservationists had another, bigger, challenge on their hands — how to deal with Hampi’s living heritage, its people whose lives were tied to the land.
• With Hampi’s UNESCO tag bringing in tourists, the inhabitants of the 30 villages that constitute the heritage site saw opportunities for themselves.
• But in 1999, Hampi had a scare when UNESCO put the site on the ‘World Heritage in Danger List’. The whip had followed the Karnataka government’s attempt to construct a bridge across the Tungabhadra, a violation of UNESCO’s policies for a protected archaeological area.
• Consequently, the government halted work on the bridge and set up an overarching body, the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA), tasked with providing an integrated solution to the protection of Hampi.
• In 2007, HWHAMA established a masterplan for Hampi as part of which the entire area was divided into three parts — a 40-sqkm core zone that has all the major monuments, a 90-sqkm buffer zone, and the remaining peripheral zone.
• Each of these zones were brought under specific regulations and laws regarding construction activities and use of commercial and residential properties.
• Nongjai Mohd Ali Akram Shah, commissioner of HWHAMA, however, says that those who were moved out of the heritage site were eventually rehabilitated in villages away from the site. “People had occupied the pavilions and pillars at the temple site. They have now been given concrete homes and amenities as well as a separate site for commercial activities.”
• The bigger concerns are environmental degradation and the lack of consideration of community engagement in planning.
• Hampi needs better sanitation, green mobility plans and architectural guidelines. The pillars of Hampi are, after all, its people and this ancient and rich landscape they inhabit.

Protecting Our Heritage and Fostering Creativity:

• It is becoming a fact that no development can be sustainable without a strong culture component.

UNESCO has adopted a three-pronged approach to make culture takes it rightful place in development strategies and processes:

• Spearheads worldwide advocacy for culture and development.
• Engages with the international community to set clear policies and legal frameworks
• Works on the ground to support governments and local stakeholders to safeguard heritage, strengthen creative industries and encourage cultural pluralism.

Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA):

• Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority basically deals with providing design solutions and guidelines for local development.
• The technical wing of authority comprising of architects, engineers and surveyors, study the drawings submitted for building construction permission within the LPA (local planning area) as well as check on site and in accordance with the norms laid down in the master plan, comment on feasibility of the building.
• Apart from these, various projects falling under tourism sector and development of tourism is also being taken care of.
• The Master plan was prepared by the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA) as part of its mandate to protect cultural, natural heritage and regulate development in the Local Planning Area. The plan was prepared under Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act – 1961 with the assistance of the Department of Town and Country Planning, Government of Karnataka.