Daily Prelims Notes 27 October 2024

October 27, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

27 October 2024

Table Of Contents

1. What is the livestock census? Why is it conducted?

Sub : Eco

Sec : Agri

Context:

The 21st Livestock Census was launched by Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The enumeration process for the 21st census will take place between October 2024 to February 2025.

About Livestock Census:

Conducted every five years, this census is a nationwide headcount of domesticated animals, poultry, and stray animals in India.
The census takes into account information about the species, breed, age, sex, and ownership status of the animals.
Since 1919, a total of 20 livestock censuses have been carried out so far, with the last being conducted in 2019.

Which animals will be counted in the 21st census:

Information on sixteen animal species will be collected in the 21st census.
These include: cattle, buffalo, mithun, yak, sheep, goat, pig, camel, horse, ponies, mule, donkey, dog, rabbit, and elephant.
In total, the census will capture information on 219 indigenous breeds of these sixteen species recognised by ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).
The census will also carry out a headcount of poultry birds such as fowl, chicken, duck, turkey, geese, quail, ostrich, and emu.

Objective of the livestock census:

The livestock sector is crucial for rural employment and contributes approximately 7% to the overall Gross Value Added (GVA) of the economy and 30% of agricultural GVA.
The collected data will assist in shaping policies to ensure sustainable growth within the livestock sector.
The census data will also help track progress towards achieving UN SDGs, particularly related to food security and genetic diversity.

How is this census different from previous ones:

As in 2019, this census will be fully digitized, utilizing a mobile application for online data collection and monitoring through a digital dashboard.
New Data Points: This census will collect data on:
The census will, for the first time, collect data on the contribution of pastoralists to the livestock sector, their socio-economic status, and livestock holding.
The census will find out the proportion of households whose major income comes from the livestock sector.

2019 Livestock census:

The total livestock population recorded then was 78 million, including 192.9 million cattle, 148.88 million goats, 109.85 million buffaloes, 74.26 million sheep and 9.06 million pigs.
All other animals taken together contributed just 23% of the total livestock population in India.

Sub : Sci

Sec :Human health

Context:

Recent research indicates that semaglutide, an active ingredient in diabetes and weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, may significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
This finding has been published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

Study Methodology:

Researchers examined health records of over one million US patients with type 2 diabetes.
The study compared the effects of semaglutide against seven other diabetes medications, including metformin, insulin and liraglutide, tracking patients for up to three years for AD diagnoses.

Key findings of the study:

Semaglutide was found to lower the risk of a first-time Alzheimer’s diagnosis by 40% to 70% compared to other diabetes medications.
The study results were consistent across various demographics, including age, gender, and obesity status.
The benefits of semaglutide became apparent within 30 days of treatment, with sustained effects observed over time.

How it works:

The study on GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including semaglutide, suggests they may protect brain function and mitigate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression.
The findings indicate that semaglutide can lower toxic protein levels, improve glucose utilization in brain cells, reduce harmful plaques and tangles, and decrease neuroinflammation, all of which are linked to AD.

Potential implications:

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two treatments, Biogen’s Leqembi and Eli Lilly’s Kisunla, that marginally slow the progression of AD by targeting the disease’s hallmark amyloid plaques in the brain. But these can cause serious side effects, including brain swelling and brain bleeding.
GLP-1 drugs present a dual-purpose approach by managing diabetes and potentially preventing dementia, without the side effects.
This is particularly important for India, which has high rates of type 2 diabetes associated with cognitive decline due to insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

About Alzheimer’s disease:

A progressive disease wherein, brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important mental functions.
Alzheimer’s causes a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behaviour, and social skills, and it is the most common cause of dementia.
No cure exists, but medication and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms.

3. Strengthening Animal Health Security: India’s $25-Million Pandemic Fund to Tackle Zoonotic Diseases

Sub : Sci

Sec :Human health

Why in News

The Government of India, in collaboration with international organizations like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has launched a $25-million G-20 pandemic fund project. The project is focused on strengthening animal health security, enhancing zoonotic disease monitoring, and building a resilient framework for pandemic preparedness.

$25 Million G20 Pandemic Fund Project:

Established under Indonesia’s G20 Presidency in 2022, the initiative specifically targets improving the capacity of low- and middle-income countries to respond to animal disease outbreaks that pose pandemic risks.

Implementing Entities: Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Primary Goal: Enhance countries’ capabilities to prevent, detect, and respond to zoonotic diseases, reducing the risk of pandemics.

Significance: Five of the six public health emergencies declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) were of animal origin. Previous outbreaks like SARS and Avian Flu have caused substantial global economic losses, estimated at $50 billion and $30 billion, respectively, highlighting the need for robust animal health systems to mitigate such impacts.

Global Health Security Index: India scored 42.8 on the Global Health Security Index, indicating high environmental risks and public health vulnerabilities.

Key Components of the Project:

Upgrading and expanding animal health labs across the country to facilitate early detection and diagnosis of zoonotic diseases.

Introducing genomic and environmental surveillance to detect zoonotic diseases early, preventing their spread to humans.

Strengthening partnerships with neighbouring countries to improve the monitoring and management of zoonotic diseases, recognizing the transnational nature of these pathogens.

Upgrading data management systems and enhancing analytics capabilities to facilitate better risk assessment and decision-making.

Developing a disaster management framework specifically for the livestock sector, aiding in effective response to zoonotic outbreaks.

What are Zoonotic Diseases?

Zoonosis refers to the transmission of diseases between animals and humans. Such diseases are termed Zoonotic Diseases.

Zoonotic diseases range from mild to severe, while in extreme cases can even be fatal.

Zoonoses may be bacterial, viral, or parasitic, or may even involve unconventional agents for the transmission of the disease.

WHO in 1959 defined Zoonoses as “those diseases and infections which are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and man.”

World Zoonoses Day is observed every year on July 6 to create awareness on zoonotic diseases, how to prevent them, and what actions to take when exposed.

COVID -19 is an example of a zoonotic disease which broke out in China’s Wuhan district in December 2019.

Impact of Climate Change: Climate change has intensified the risks and occurrences of zoonotic diseases in India. Diseases carried by mosquito species like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are becoming more prevalent, raising health concerns.

4. Understanding the Long-Term Stability of Donor Stem Cells in Transplant Recipients

Sub : Sci

Sec : Biotech

Why in News

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine has explored how hematopoietic stem cells from donors evolve over time after being transplanted into recipients. This research focuses on recipients who have survived for extended periods—some up to 46 years—offering critical insights into mutation rates and potential risks of clonal expansion.

What are Stem Cells?

A stem cell is a cell with the unique ability to develop into specialized cell types in the body. These cells provide new cells for the body as it grows, and replace specialized cells that are damaged or lost. In the future, they will be used to replace cells and tissues that have been damaged or lost due to disease.

About Hematopoietic Stem Cells:

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are multipotent stem cells that are essential for the production of all blood cell types, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These cells have the unique ability to self-renew and differentiate, ensuring the continuous replenishment of blood cells throughout an individual’s life.
Primary Function: HSCs are responsible for generating and sustaining the entire blood cell system in the body.
Location: Primarily found in bone marrow, but also present in umbilical cord blood and, to a lesser extent, in peripheral blood.
Clinical Importance: Hematopoietic stem cell transplants are a key treatment for conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, and certain genetic blood disorders.
Self-Renewal Capacity: HSCs can divide to produce new stem cells, maintaining a steady supply of blood cells.
Differentiation Ability: They can differentiate into myeloid and lymphoid lineages, leading to various blood cell types.
Role in Regenerative Medicine: Due to their regenerative capacity, HSCs are central to therapies involving blood cancers and immune system disorders.
Significance for Blood Cancer Treatment: Hematopoietic stem cell transplants are a crucial treatment for blood cancers, as they restore the patient’s ability to produce blood cells.

About Duplex Sequencing:

Duplex Sequencing is an advanced DNA sequencing technique designed to significantly enhance accuracy by identifying and eliminating errors in DNA sequencing data.
Duplex sequencing offers unparalleled accuracy by independently analysing both DNA strands to eliminate errors, reducing false positives significantly.
Lowers sequencing errors by up to 10,000 times compared to traditional methods, enhancing mutation detection accuracy.
Detects low-frequency mutations and is sensitive enough for applications like cancer research and monitoring residual disease.
Helps track mutation rates in studies involving long-term genetic stability, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplants.
Useful in areas requiring high precision, such as cancer diagnostics, evolutionary studies, and aging-related genetic research.

5. Implications of H5N1 Virus in Cattle and Humans: An Emerging Threat

Sub : Sci

Sec : Human health

Why in News

The emergence of a new clade of Avian Influenza H5N1 in cattle and its potential implications for human health have garnered attention. The rapid spread of this highly contagious virus has raised concerns regarding its impact on agriculture, public health, and zoonotic disease transmission.

What is the H5N1 virus?

Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 (A/H5N1) is a subtype of the influenza A virus, which causes influenza (flu), predominantly in birds.

It is enzootic (maintained in the population) in many bird populations, and also panzootic (affecting animals of many species over a wide area).

A/H5N1 virus can also infect mammals (including humans) that have been exposed to infected birds; in these cases, symptoms are frequently severe or fatal.

Ever since it emerged in 1996, H5N1 has resulted in the mass killing of billions of wild birds as well as fowls.

According to scientists, the virus lacks changes that would make it better adapted to transmit between people and therefore, the risk to human health remains low.

The potential for influenza viruses to rapidly evolve and the wide geographic spread of H5N1 signals that more human infections should be expected.

New Clade Emergence: The Avian Influenza H5N1 (clade 2.3.4.4b) emerged in late 2020, leading to a global outbreak primarily spread by migratory birds.

Millions of birds have died due to the outbreak, and the virus has been detected in over 200 mammalian species, including humans.

Human Cases: As of April 2024, human infections from the outbreak in cattle were noted, with 26 cases reported across multiple states, including Texas and California. Most cases involved individuals with direct contact with infected cattle or poultry.

6. How mangroves in Odisha likely reduced Cyclone Dana’s impact

Sub : Env

Sec: Ecosystem

Context:

Cyclone Dana made landfall near Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha. Although anticipated to cause significant damage, the impact was less severe due to effective measures by state authorities and natural defenses:
- Evacuation Efforts: Over one million people were evacuated to cyclone shelters.
- Mangrove Forests as a Natural Barrier: Bhitarkanika’s dense mangrove cover played a crucial role in reducing the cyclone’s impact.

What are Mangroves?

Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs found in estuarine and intertidal zones, where freshwater and saltwater meet.
Characteristics:
- Aerial, breathing roots and waxy, succulent leaves.
- Propagate through seedlings, or propagules, which germinate on the parent tree before dispersing into the water to grow independently.
Largest Mangrove Forest: The Sundarbans, spanning India and Bangladesh, is the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest.
Types of Mangroves in India: Includes species like Red mangrove, Avicennia marina, and Grey mangrove, Rhizophora.
Locations in India: Notable mangrove forests are found in:
- Godavari-Krishna delta in Andhra Pradesh
- Bhitarkanika in Odisha
- Andaman Islands, Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and others.

How Mangroves Protect Against Cyclones:

Barrier Against Storm Surges: Mangroves block the flow of storm surges (sea-level rises caused by storms) with their roots, husks, and leaves.
Impact on Water Flow:
- According to the World Bank Group, mangrove species like Sonneratia apetala can reduce surge height by 4 cm to 16.5 cm with strips 50 m to 2 km wide.
- Mangroves can also reduce water flow velocity by 29% to 92% with strips 50 m to 100 m wide.
Combined Defense with Infrastructure: Mangroves planted in front of embankments further reduce cyclone impacts by decreasing water flow velocity.

Bhitarkanika’s Mangrove Forest Cover:

Mangrove Area: Odisha has a mangrove forest area of 231 sq km, with Bhitarkanika holding the majority.
- Bhitarkanika ranks second in India after Sundarbans in terms of mangrove density.
- 82 sq km in Bhitarkanika is dense mangrove forest, and 95 sq km is moderately dense.
Wildlife Sanctuary Status: In 1975, a coastal area of 672 sq km was declared the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The core 145 sq km area received National Park status in September 1998.
Cyclone Resilience: Bhitarkanika has withstood multiple cyclones, including the 1999 Super Cyclone, due to its robust mangrove ecosystem.

7. Why is WHO cagey about publishing Meghalaya polio case details

Sub : Sci

Sec: Human Health

Context:

The Meghalaya polio case involving a two-year-old boy has raised concerns about information transparency from health authorities, including the WHO.

Key Details of the Meghalaya Polio Case:

Initial Detection: The boy from West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya displayed polio symptoms in early August.
On August 12, the ICMR-NIV Mumbai lab confirmed it as a type-1 vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV). The results were shared with India’s Health Ministry, the Meghalaya government, and the WHO.
CDC Confirmation: The CDC Atlanta also confirmed the type 1 VDPV.
Immunological Profile: Follow-up tests by ICMR-NIV revealed the child’s immune profile was normal, ruling out an immunodeficiency-related VDPV (iVDPV).
Cause: The polio resulted from a mutation in the weakened type-1 virus strain used in the oral polio vaccine. The child, who was not fully immunized, contracted polio, but there was no evidence of the virus circulating in the community.

Delay in Public Announcement by WHO and GPEI:

Despite having details of the case by August 12, neither the WHO nor the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has published an official statement.

Comparisons with Previous Cases:

Global Response Time:
- Israel (2022): GPEI announced a type-3 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV3) case 10 days after it was detected in an unvaccinated child.
- U.S. (2022): A type-2 VDPV case in New York was announced by GPEI within three days after CDC was notified.
WHO Response Time:
- WHO’s Disease Outbreak News took 45 and 38 days to report the cases in Israel and the U.S., respectively, in 2022.
- Zika Case in Gujarat (2017): WHO reported three Zika virus cases in Gujarat 11 days after being informed, despite limited circulation of the virus at the time.

Concerns Raised

Lack of Transparency: The delay by WHO and GPEI contrasts with their faster response in similar cases worldwide.
Public Health Communication: Questions arise about WHO’s adherence to its stated commitment to quickly disseminate information on acute public health events per the International Health Regulations (2005).

Polio Virus:

Poliovirus is highly infectious, primarily affecting children under 5.
Transmitted through contaminated water/food (fecal-oral route)
Most infections (72%) are asymptomatic
Can cause paralysis in about 1/200 infections by attacking the nervous system
Three serotypes: Type 1, 2, and 3 (Type 2 and 3 have been eradicated globally)

Polio Vaccines:

Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV):

Injectable vaccine containing killed virus
Provides excellent immunity
Cannot cause vaccine-derived polio
More expensive
Requires trained healthcare workers

Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV):

Contains weakened live virus
Given as oral drops
Less expensive
Easier to administer
Provides intestinal immunity
Can be transmitted to others, helping community protection

Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV):

Rare cases where the weakened virus in OPV mutates and regains virulence
Occurs in under-immunized populations
Takes 12-18 months of circulation to become virulent
Three types:

Circulating VDPV (cVDPV): Community transmission
Immunodeficiency VDPV (iVDPV): In immunocompromised individuals
Ambiguous VDPV (aVDPV): Source unclear

Prevention of VDPV:

High vaccination coverage (>80%)
Switching to IPV in areas with good coverage
Environmental surveillance
Rapid response to outbreaks

Global Strategy:

WHO recommends using both IPV and OPV
Gradual transition from OPV to IPV globally
Special focus on remaining endemic countries
Enhanced surveillance for VDPV cases