Daily Prelims Notes 3 December 2024

  • December 3, 2024
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
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Daily Prelims Notes

3 December 2024

1. Global push for cooperation as space traffic crowds earth orbit

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Context:

  • The rapid increase in satellites and space junk will make low earth orbit unusable unless companies and countries cooperate and share the data needed to manage that most accessible region of space.

Details:

  • Low earth orbit is the region most congested with human-made objects as it offers a balance between cost and proximity, making it a prime target for the rapidly growing commercial space sector. It has also seen a 17% rise in close approaches per satellite over the past year.
  • Over 14,000 satellites, including 3,500 inactive ones, and 120 million debris pieces from launches and collisions.
  • Only a few thousand debris pieces are large enough to track effectively.
  • Major Incidents:
    • August 2024: Chinese rocket stage explosion added thousands of fragments.
    • June 2024: Russian satellite explosion forced astronauts on the International Space Station to seek shelter.
  • Satellite Boom:
    • Rapid growth in satellite numbers, particularly by commercial players like SpaceX’s Starlink (6,764 satellites in orbit as of November 2024).
    • Starlink satellites performed nearly 50,000 collision-avoidance manoeuvres in the first half of 2024, a sharp increase over the previous six months.

Financial and Operational Risks:

  • Projected collision damages: $556 million over five years, with $111 million in annual damages.
  • Satellites at 800–900 km altitudes pose higher collision risks, containing 20% of the total mass of LEO objects.

Key Challenges

Data Sharing and Coordination:

  • Lack of a centralized global system for tracking and managing space traffic.
  • Geopolitical tensions and proprietary concerns hinder cooperation.
  • Operators rely on informal mechanisms, such as U.S. Space Force data, leading to inconsistent standards.

Regulation and Enforcement

  • No enforceable global rules akin to air traffic systems.
  • Geopolitical events, such as Russia’s satellite destruction tests, exacerbate risks.

Space Debris Removal:

  • Space debris is a critical issue for the safety of operating satellites and the long-term sustainability of space activities. Some initiatives to deal with space debris include

International Initiatives

  • Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC): Established in 1993, it is an international governmental forum for the global coordination of activities concerning man-made and natural debris in space. ISRO is a member of the committee.
    • Designing to minimise space debris production during normal operations & fragmentation due to strikes
    • Employ launchers that do not pollute the LEO environment
    • Active passivation of the spacecraft
    • Draining of all power, fuel and energy sources
  • Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS): It is a United Nations committee established in 1958 to govern the exploration and use of space for the benefit of all humanity.
    • The committee had 18 founding members, including India.
  • Clean Space Initiative: It is a program launched in 2012 by the European Space Agency (ESA) that aims to ensure the sustainability of the space environment for future generations.
    • Clearspace-1: The first mission to remove a piece of space debris from orbit, is planned to be launched in 2026 by the ESA.
  • Liability Convention of 1972 (Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects): Adopted in 1972, it states that a launching State is absolutely liable to pay compensation for damage caused by its space objects on the Earth’s surface or to aircraft, as well as for damage caused by its faults in space.
  • Remove DEBRIS: It aims to conduct key active debris removal technology demonstrations in order to determine the best way to capture the estimated 40,000 pieces of space debris orbiting Earth.
  • Outer Space Treaty: Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies 1967.
  • Other mechanism:
    • IAF Space Debris Working Group
    • IAA Space Traffic Management Working Group
    • ISO Space Debris Working Group

Initiatives for Space Debris Removal by India

  • ISRO System for Safe & Sustainable Operations Management (IS4OM): Launched in 2022, it is ISRO’s holistic approach to ensuring the safety of space assets and the continued use of outer space for national development. It monitors objects that pose collision threats.
  • Project Netra (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis): It is an early warning system launched by ISRO in space to detect debris and other threats to Indian satellites. It can spot, track, and catalogue objects as small as 10 cm, up to a range of 3,400 km.
  • Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres: In order to avoid collisions with other space objects, ISRO performed 21 collision avoidance manoeuvres of Indian operational space assets in 2022.
  • ISRO SSA (Space Situational Awareness) Control Centre: It was established in 2020 to function as a hub of all space situational awareness activities within India, to ensure safe and sustainable space operations.

2. Deccan empires, from the Mauryans & Satavahanas to Kakatiyas and Vijayanagar knew monsoon’s vagaries, its socio-economic & political impacts: Study

Sub: History

Sec: Ancient India

Study on Water Management in Ancient Deccan Empires:

  • Explored the relationship between monsoon variations, ancient settlement patterns, and water retention practices in the Deccan over the last 3,000 years.
  • Developed a high-resolution terrestrial monsoon proxy record using stalagmites from Kadapa Cave, Andhra Pradesh.
  • Utilized oxygen isotopic data (δ18O) to reconstruct past monsoon rainfall changes, identifying wet and dry phases.

Key Findings:

  1. Monsoon Variability and Societal Response:
    • The Deccan witnessed significant monsoon fluctuations over three millennia.
    • Empires responded to droughts and floods by constructing water retention structures such as tanks, anicuts, dams, and
  2. Historical Water Management Practices:
    • Mauryan Empire (322 BCE–185 BCE):
      • The Mauryans demonstrated a profound understanding of water balance, rainfall measurement, and hydrological processes, implementing water pricing systems, and constructing dams with spillways, reservoirs, and
      • The well-maintained lift irrigation system of the Mauryan times was highly effective.
      • Inscriptions from the Nashik cave and Mathura describe the construction of tanks and reservoirs post-Mauryan era.
      • Varahamihira’s Brihat-Samhita mentions tank construction and artificial irrigation.
      • The Mauryans recognised the importance of irrigation.
      • Uncertainties in land settlement and tax collection led to administrative inefficiencies, internal conflicts, and loss of control over distant provinces, contributed to the empire’s decline.
      • Additionally, severe climate stress and inadequate land and irrigation policies played a role.
    • Satavahana Dynasty (228 BCE–224 CE):
      • Advanced irrigation with waterwheels.
      • Decline correlated with prolonged drought conditions.
    • Pallavas, Cholas, and Chalukyas (6th–11th century CE):
      • Constructed extensive tanks, canals, and reservoirs.
      • Emphasis on sustainable water management during frequent droughts.
      • Even smaller, lesser-known kingdoms and polities like the Ikshvaku kings (builders of Nagarjunakonda) and the Kadambas were known for their emphasis on waterworks such as canals and tanks.
    • Vijayanagara Empire (14th–17th century CE):
      • Built vast reservoirs and transformed valleys into irrigation tanks.
      • Promoted agriculture through large-scale land reclamation and irrigation projects.
    • Bahamani Sultanate and Successor States:
      • Introduced karez systems (underground aqueducts) for irrigation in Bidar, Bijapur, and Gulbarga.

Scientific Insights from Kadapa Stalagmites:

  • Speleothems: Captured monsoon variability through oxygen isotope changes.
    • Lower δ18O values = wetter conditions; higher values = drier conditions.
    • A 1-1.5‰ change in δ18O corresponds to an 86–100 mm change in rainfall.
  • Analyzed Z-scores of isotopic anomalies to map historical droughts and floods.

Speleothems:

  • These are mineral deposits that form in caves over time and are made up of calcium carbonate.
  • Speleothems capture terrestrial paleoclimate records, reflect rainfall variation in the tropics through changes in stable oxygen isotopes. These isotopic changes indicate variations in cave temperature and rainfall.

Relevance to Contemporary Challenges:

  • Revitalizing Traditional Systems:
    • Ancient water retention structures like tanks and ponds are sustainable solutions for groundwater recharge and irrigation.
    • Effective for addressing modern water scarcity, especially amid climate change.
  • Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Modern Technology:
    • Combining small-scale irrigation methods with modern dams can enhance water security during droughts or famines.

Source: DTE

3. Panel to Revise Base Year for National Accounts to 2022-23

Sub : Eco

Sec : National Income

Formation of the Panel

  • A new panel has been constituted to update the base year for calculating Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 2011-12 to 2022-23.
  • The panel includes representatives from:
    • Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
    • Central and State governments
    • Academia

Objective of the Revision

  • To ensure that the GDP calculation reflects the current economic structure and dynamics.
  • Revision aims to improve accuracy and relevance by incorporating more recent data sources.

Role of Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics (ACNAS)

  • ACNAS has been established to:
    • Identify new data sources for GDP compilation.
    • Advise on methodology for revising National Accounts Statistics.
  • ACNAS will contribute to enhancing the methodology and statistical framework used in the revised series.

Government’s Commitment to Statistical Improvement

  • The government is focused on enhancing the harmonization and quality reporting of the National Statistical System.
  • Steps include:
    • Standardization of data structures.
    • Continuous improvement in the statistical system for better policy formulation and economic analysis.

Significance of Base Year Revision

  • Updating the base year helps to:
    • Reflect the latest economic activities, structural changes, and consumption patterns.
    • Improve the relevance of macroeconomic indicators like GDP, inflation, and productivity.

Base Year

A base year is a reference year used for comparing economic data over time, especially in the calculation of GDP, price indices, or inflation. It serves as the benchmark for measuring growth and trends in an economy.

Purpose of a Base Year:

  • Provides a consistent reference to measure economic performance across years.
  • Ensures accurate comparisons of economic output by accounting for inflation and price changes.
  • Allows policymakers and analysts to detect real economic growth and structural changes over time.

Key Features of a Base Year:

  • Normal Year: Free from major disruptions like pandemics, natural disasters, or economic crises.
  • Recent and Relevant: Should not be too old, ensuring relevance to current economic conditions and consumer behavior.
  • Stable Economy: Represents a period of economic stability with balanced growth.

4. Govt. Scraps Windfall Tax on Domestic Crude Oil and Fuel Exports

Sub : Eco

Sec : Fiscal Policy 

Overview of the Decision

  • The government has abolished the windfall tax on:
    • Domestically-produced crude oil.
    • Exports of aviation turbine fuel (ATF), diesel, and petrol.
  • Decision follows a decline in international oil prices.

Official Notification

  • Minister of State for Finance tabled the notification in Rajya Sabha and the notification rescinded the June 30, 2022 order, ending the special additional excise duty on crude oil and fuel exports.

Background of the Windfall Tax

  • First imposed on July 1, 2022, the tax aimed to capture super-normal profits of energy companies.
  • Initial levies included:
    • ₹6 per litre on petrol and ATF.
    • ₹13 per litre on diesel.
    • ₹23,250 per tonne on domestic crude oil.

Revenue Generated

  • The windfall tax generated:
    • ₹25,000 crore in the first year (2022-23).
    • ₹13,000 crore in 2023-24.
    • ₹6,000 crore so far in the current fiscal year (2024-25).

Impact on Key Players

  • Companies like Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Reliance Industries will benefit from the removal of these levies.
  • The road and infrastructure cess on exports of petrol and diesel has also been withdrawn.

Rationale for the Move

  • Declining global oil prices reduced the need to impose taxes on excess profits.
  • This move aligns with global practices as windfall taxes are adjusted based on market conditions.

Windfall Tax

A windfall tax is a higher tax imposed on companies or industries that earn unexpectedly large profits due to external factors beyond their control, such as geopolitical events, commodity shortages, or policy changes.

Key Characteristics:

  • Unplanned Profits: Arises from external factors like wars, pandemics, or economic crises.
  • Target Industries: Commonly applied to sectors like oil, gas, mining, and occasionally on lottery winnings or inheritance gains.
  • Temporary Measure: Often introduced as a short-term policy to capture extraordinary gains.

Objective of Windfall Tax:

  • Redistribution of Wealth: Used to redirect excess profits for public welfare and social spending.
  • Government Revenue: Acts as a supplementary revenue source, especially during fiscal deficits or economic emergencies.
  • Fairness Argument: Since the profits result from external conditions, taxing them ensures equitable contribution to society.

Examples of Application:

  • During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, global oil and gas prices surged, leading to windfall taxes on energy companies.
  • Governments in countries like the UK, India, and Italy have introduced windfall taxes on energy companies to curb inflationary pressures and fund social welfare programs.

5. Oxford study lauds PRAGATI system for fast-tracking projects

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Governance

Context:

  • A study by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School has highlighted the significant contributions of PRAGATI in transforming India’s infrastructure landscape.

About PRAGATI platform:

  • PRAGATI, which stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation of projects, is an infrastructure monitoring system launched in 2015.
  • The system aims to accelerate the completion of major infrastructure projects across India by addressing bureaucratic inefficiencies and fostering accountability.
  • The platform brings together diverse stakeholders from both central and state governments, enabling coordinated efforts in addressing complex challenges such as land acquisition and inter-ministerial coordination.
  • The PRAGATI platform uniquely bundles three latest technologies: Digital data management, video-conferencing and geo-spatial technology.
  • It is a robust system for bringing e-transparency and e-accountability with real-time presence and exchange among the key stakeholders.

Impact of PRAGATI:

  • Since its inception, PRAGATI has fast-tracked the completion of 340 infrastructure projects worth $205 billion, significantly contributing to India’s economic growth.
  • According to studies by the Reserve Bank of India and the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, every rupee spent on infrastructure generates a return of ₹2.5 to ₹3.5 in GDP.
  • By improving the quality of essential services like roads, railways, water, and electricity, PRAGATI has enhanced the living standards of millions of Indians.
  • The PRAGATI system has incorporated sustainability into its operations, promoting the use of green technologies and ensuring environmental considerations are integrated into infrastructure projects.

6. Mpox still global public health emergency. Here’s why WHO terms latest upsurge ‘extraordinary’

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

  • Mpox continues to be a public health emergency of international concern, with rising cases and geographic spread.
  • The outbreak, initially reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has expanded to over six WHO regions, with significant hotspots in the DRC, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
  • The WHO’s Emergency Committee highlighted the “extraordinary” nature of the current Mpox upsurge, emphasizing the broadening transmission from sexual networks to community settings. This has increased the complexity of managing the outbreak.

Shift in Transmission dynamics:

  • Clade Ib of the virus, which has one of the highest death rates, has moved from sexual networks to broader populations, including households and communities. This shift has led to an increased spread across all age groups and vulnerable populations, such as children.
  • There is also an increased risk of co-infection with other pathogens, further complicating the situation.
  • During sustained community transmission, there is higher risk of mutations of the clade Ib, resulting in new transmission dynamics or morbidity and mortality patterns.

Challenges in Controlling Mpox

  • Challenges such as delayed testing, insufficient contact tracing, and limited public education have hindered efforts to control Mpox.
  • Despite over 1.1 million vaccine doses being allocated, issues like logistical hurdles, vaccine hesitancy, and uncertainty regarding vaccine effectiveness have slowed progress.
  • Concurrent health emergencies and resource limitations in affected countries have made it difficult to prioritize Mpox control efforts.

WHO’s response:

  • The WHO, in collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, has launched a joint response plan. This plan focuses on surveillance, equitable vaccine allocation, and regional collaboration to curb the outbreak.
  • The WHO has called for intensified local actions, including better surveillance and response at the community level.

7. How land degradation is threatening Earth’s capacity to sustain humanity

Sub : Geo

Sec: Geomorphology

Context:

  • A new United Nations report highlights the growing issue of land degradation, which is undermining Earth’s ability to support humanity.
  • Each year, 1 million square kilometres of land are degraded, with 15 million square kilometres already impacted, which is more than the size of Antarctica.

Details of the report:

  • The report, published by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and Germany’s Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, emphasizes that land degradation reduces the biological and economic productivity of land, impacting ecosystems and human health.
  • The report has identified several land degradation hotspots in dry regions such as South Asia, northern China, the High Plains and California in the United States, and the Mediterranean.
  • A third of humanity now lives in drylands, which include three-quarters of Africa.
  • It also noted that land degradation hits low-income countries disproportionately as poorer countries have lesser resilience to withstand land degradation and its fallouts.

Definition of Land Degradation:

  • According to UNCCD, land degradation is “the reduction or loss of the biological or economic productivity and complexity of rainfed cropland, irrigated cropland, or range, pasture, forest and woodlands resulting from a combination of pressures, including land use and management practices”.

Causes of Land Degradation:

  • Unsustainable Agricultural Practices: The excessive use of chemical inputs (fertilizers, pesticides), poor irrigation methods, and land management practices such as overgrazing and deforestation contribute to land degradation.
  • Climate Change: Global warming exacerbates land degradation through extreme weather events like floods, heat stress, and changes in precipitation patterns. This worsens soil erosion and reduces the land’s capacity to recover.
  • Rapid Urbanization: The expansion of urban areas leads to habitat destruction, increased pollution, and loss of biodiversity, all of which contribute to land degradation.

Impacts of Land Degradation

  • Land degradation reduces the quality and quantity of food production, leading to malnutrition.
  • Poor land management also contributes to the spread of water and food-borne diseases due to a scarcity of clean water and poor hygiene.
  • It reduces the capacity of ecosystems to absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.
    • According to the report, degraded land ecosystems, such as forests and soils, now absorb 20% less human-caused carbon dioxide compared to the last decade. These ecosystems previously absorbed about one-third of human emissions.
  • Degraded land contributes to global warming by releasing stored carbon and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, further accelerating climate change.

FACTS:

Land degradation affects almost 2 billion hectares of land worldwide, and is home to 1.5 billion people. The Space Applications Centre has estimated India to have about 96.4 million hectares under desertification and land degradation.

Measures to combat desertification

The Government is implementing several schemes/programmes to combat desertification, which include, inter –alia:

  • National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board (NAEB) is implementing National Afforestation Programme (NAP) for ecological restoration of degraded forests and adjoining areas through people’s participation. The scheme is implemented through 3 tier institutional set up of State Forest Development Agency (SFDA) at State level, Forest Development agency (FDA) at Forest Division Level and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) at village level. An amount of 157.78 crore has been released to the States/UTs to treat an area of 37110 hectares during 2018-21 under NAP. The state wise details with regard to area covered and fund released is at Annexure I and II respectively.
  • National Mission for Green India (GIM) aims at protecting, restoring and enhancing India’s forest cover by means of plantation activities in forest and non-forest areas. GIM activities were started in the FY 2015-16. A sum of Rs. 594.28 Crores have been released to fifteen States namely Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sikkim, West Bengal, and one union territory Jammu & Kashmir for creation of plantation over an area of 117503 hectares. In the last three years (2018-19 to 2020-21), an amount of Rs 298.10 crore has been sanctioned, out of which Rs. 233.44 crore has been utilized.
  • Demand driven action oriented research work is carried out through projects under National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS). Certain projects include the development of models for land reclamation, soil conservation and watershed management, etc. Rs,10.84 crore was sanctioned under NMHS and the entire amount was utilized in the last three years (2018-19 to 2020-21).   The detail is at Annexure III.
  • Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) is implemented under Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna, with objective to develop rainfed and degraded lands. The activities undertaken include, inter-alia, ridge area treatment, drainage line treatment, soil and moisture conservation, rainwater harvesting, nursery raising, pasture development, livelihoods, etc through interventions to ensure sustainable development and improved natural resource management with better resilience to climate change.

8. India’s Strategic Defence Advancements: Deals for Rafale-M Jets, Scorpene Submarines, and Nuclear Capabilities

Sub: Sci

Sec: defence

Why in News

  • India is making significant strides in its defence capabilities, with the Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi announcing key updates on strategic procurements and nuclear advancements. The country is poised to finalize major defence deals, enhancing its maritime and aerial combat readiness.
  • Rafale-M Fighter Jets: India is in advanced stages of finalizing a deal to procure 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets from France.
  • The Rafale M, developed by Dassault Aviation, is a naval adaptation of the Rafale fighter jet specifically designed for carrier-based operations. It incorporates unique modifications to meet the demanding requirements of maritime environments.

Key Features of Rafale M:

  • Reinforced Nose and Tail: Strengthened to withstand the stress of catapult launches and arrested landings on aircraft carriers.
  • Landing Gear: Specially designed to endure the high-impact forces during carrier landings.
  • Operates seamlessly on carriers equipped with CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) Used on the French Navy’s flagship carrier, Charles de Gaulle.
  • Maximum speed: Mach 1.8, enabling rapid interception and engagement.
  • Combat radius: 1,000+ km, suitable for long-range naval operations.
  • Equipped with state-of-the-art radar and electronic warfare systems for superior situational awareness and survivability.
  • Features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for tracking multiple targets simultaneously.
  • Capable of carrying a diverse range of armaments, including air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and anti-ship missiles. Compatible with nuclear payloads, adding to its strategic significance.
  • Corrosion-resistant coating to withstand the harsh marine environment.
  • Folding wings for efficient storage aboard aircraft carriers.

Scorpene-Class Submarines: India plans to acquire three additional Scorpene-class submarines under a repeat order for Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) in collaboration with France’s Naval Group.

Diesel-electric attack submarines optimized for stealth, versatility, and operational efficiency in Indian waters.

Key Features

  • Stealth Capabilities: Advanced acoustic silencing techniques and low radiated noise make them difficult to detect. Designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence-gathering missions.
  • Speed: Over 20 knots (submerged).
  • Endurance: Equipped with an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for prolonged underwater operations.
  • Armament: Capable of deploying torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and laying mines.

Inducted Units: Five submarines—INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, INS Vagir—have been commissioned.

Bolsters India’s undersea warfare capabilities and addresses gaps in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs):

INS Arihant:

  • India’s first indigenously developed SSBN, launched in 2009 and commissioned in 2016.
  • Forms the backbone of India’s nuclear triad under its credible minimum deterrence
  • Length: 112 meters; Displacement: 6,000 tons.
  • Equipped with K-15 SLBMs (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles) with a range of 750 km and K-4 SLBMs with a range of 3,500 km.
  • Successfully completed multiple deterrence patrols, showcasing India’s second-strike capability.
  • Enhances strategic stability in South Asia.

INS Arighaat:

  • India’s second SSBN, commissioned recently as an improved version of INS Arihant.
  • Plays a crucial role in augmenting India’s strategic deterrence.
  • Enhanced stealth features, endurance, and weapon delivery systems compared to its predecessor.
  • Armed with K-4 SLBMs, enabling deep-strike capability.
  • Successfully conducted the K-4 missile test with a range of 3,500 km, demonstrating operational readiness. Currently undergoing trials for various missile systems.

Nuclear Attack Submarines (SSNs):

  • Aimed at developing nuclear-powered attack submarines under the Atmanirbhar Bharat
  • India plans to build six SSNs for enhanced undersea offensive capabilities.
  • Powered by a nuclear reactor for unlimited underwater endurance.
  • Equipped for multi-role missions, including anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering.
  • The first SSN is expected to be ready by 2036-37, reflecting the complexity of indigenous nuclear submarine construction.
  • SSNs provide India with the capability to monitor and counter adversarial movements in the IOR.
  • Complements the SSBN fleet for a robust maritime defense posture.

9. DNA Analysis and the Challenge of Privacy

Sub: Sci

Sec: Biotech

Why in News

  • Recent advancements in DNA fingerprinting by the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) in Hyderabad have revealed the potential ethical and privacy challenges associated with genetic analysis. A recent case involving a family’s organ donation highlighted the unintended exposure of private familial details, bringing attention to the broader implications of DNA technology on privacy and societal norms.

Case Background:

  • The CDFD conducted DNA profiling in a family where the father offered to donate an organ to his son. While the mother-son relationship was confirmed, the DNA analysis revealed that the husband was not the biological father but a close paternal relative, possibly a brother.
  • This discovery exposed the practice of levirate marriage, creating a sensitive situation for the family.

About Levirate Marriage:

  • A custom where a widow or a woman whose husband is incapacitated bears children with her husband’s brother. The practice, though rooted in traditional norms, is often kept private to avoid societal judgment.

About DNA Profiles:

A DNA profile is derived by analysing Simple Tandem Repeats (STRs) on chromosomes. STRs are short DNA sequences repeated at specific locations, varying between individuals.

  • DNA Extraction: DNA is extracted from a biological sample.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Amplifies specific DNA regions.
  • Capillary Gel Electrophoresis: Segregates DNA fragments by size, determining the number of STR repeats.
  • Human Genome: Composed of 23 chromosome pairs, with 2 billion base-pairs.
  • Largest Chromosome (1): Over 240 million base-pairs.
  • Smallest Chromosome (21): Over 40 million base-pairs.

Simple Tandem Repeats (STRs):

  • STRs are short DNA sequences repeated consecutively at specific locations on chromosomes.
  • The number of repeats varies between individuals, making them unique markers for identification.
  • STR loci are used in forensic science and DNA profiling.
  • STR analysis provides a genetic fingerprint by identifying repeat patterns unique to each individual.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):

  • PCR is a technique to amplify specific DNA regions, producing millions of copies from a small sample.
  • Denaturation: DNA strands are separated by
  • Annealing: Short DNA primers bind to target sequences.
  • Extension: DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides.
  • Enables detailed analysis of DNA, even from minute samples.
  • Essential for forensic investigations, medical diagnostics, and genetic research.
  • High sensitivity, rapid processing, and precise amplification.

10. Decoding the Puzzle of the World’s Rarest Whale

Sub : Env

Sec: Species in news

Why in News

  • A rare spade-toothed whale, the world’s rarest whale species, was recently found dead on a New Zealand beach. This discovery has sparked the first-ever detailed dissection and study of this elusive marine mammal by scientists and cultural experts, offering a unique opportunity to uncover secrets about its biology and behaviour.

About Spade-Toothed Whale:

  • Rarest Whale: Only seven specimens of the spade-toothed whale have ever been documented.
  • A near-perfectly preserved 5-meter-long male whale washed ashore in July 2024 on a New Zealand beach.
  • Part of the beaked whale family, known for their elusive nature.
  • Distinctive spade-like teeth gave the species its name.
  • First-Ever Dissection: Conducted at a research centre near Dunedin.
  • Scientists aim to study its brain, sound production mechanisms, digestive system, and potential parasites.
  • New Zealand’s Indigenous people(local Maori iwi) consider whales a taonga – a sacred treasure of cultural significance.
  • In April, Pacific Indigenous leaderssigned a treaty recognising whales as “legal persons,” although such a declaration is not reflected in the laws of participating nations.
  • Southern Pacific Ocean, hometo some of the world’s deepest ocean trenches.
  • Conservation status: Data deficient
  • CITES: Appendix II
  • Found:New Zealand and Chilie
  • Discovered: Pitt Island, New Zealand in 1872
  • Scientific name: Mesoplodon traversii
  • Family: Ziphiidae

About Cetacean: Cetacea is an infraorder of aquatic mammals belonging to the order Artiodactyla that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises.

New Zealand as a Whale-Stranding Hotspot: Over 5,000 strandings recorded since 1840.

  • Notable finds include spade-toothed whale bones from Pitt Island (1872) and Robinson Crusoe Island (1986).
  • Recent Stranding: Marks from cookie cutter sharks were observed on the current specimen but were not the cause of death.

About Maori iwi (tribes):

  • Location: New Zealand
  • Language: Te Reo Maori
  • Art:Maori art
  • Indigenous tribe
  • Rich and vibrant culture
  • Kaitiaki(guardians) of the natural resources
Daily Current Affairs Prelims Notes