Daily Prelims Notes 8 October 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

8 October 2024

Table Of Contents

1. The Discovery of microRNAs: A Landmark in Gene Regulation and its Implications for Medicine
2. Genome-Editing Advancements in Understanding and Treating Hereditary Cancers
3. World’s water cycle getting unpredictable, says UN study
4. Mineral Reserves Crucial for the Global Energy Transition
5. India signs $750-mn currency swap deal with forex-starved Maldives
6. India slipped on academic freedom index over the past decade: report
7. On ‘casteist’ provisions in prison manuals
8. Tribal leader Rajappa to receive award for welfare, forest conservation work
9. How high-performance buildings are the next step towards a sustainable future
10. Indigenous Amazon activist in Columbia takes his fight to the UN biodiversity forum

1. The Discovery of microRNAs: A Landmark in Gene Regulation and its Implications for Medicine

Sub: Sci

Sec: Biotech

Why in News

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNAs—small RNA molecules that play a critical role in gene regulation. This discovery has transformed our understanding of how genes are expressed in cells and opened new pathways for medical research, particularly in cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.

Revolutionizing Gene Regulation Understanding

Prior to the discovery of microRNAs, it was believed that gene regulation mainly involved transcription factors—specialized proteins that bind to DNA and determine which genes produce messenger RNA (mRNA).

Ambros and Ruvkun’s research demonstrated that gene regulation extends beyond transcription factors. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression at a later stage, post-transcription, after mRNA is produced but before proteins are synthesized.

About MicroRNAs (miRNAs):

They are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression in eukaryotes by interfering with the translation of mRNA into proteins.

The discovery began with experiments on C. elegans, a tiny roundworm, where researchers showed that gene regulation can happen post-transcription, challenging the previous understanding that it was solely the domain of transcription factors.

By 2001, microRNAs were found to be present in invertebrates and vertebrates, and many of them were highly conserved across species, indicating that microRNA-mediated regulation is a universal mechanism.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules, approximately 21-24 nucleotides in length, involved in regulating gene expression.

miRNAs bind to messenger RNA (mRNA) in the cell cytoplasm to control gene expression.

They either trigger the degradation of mRNA or prevent it from being translated into proteins, thereby regulating protein production.

Underexpression of miRNA can lead to overexpression of the protein it controls, while overexpression of miRNA results in underproduction of the associated protein.

miRNAs are involved in key biological processes such as development, cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

They help maintain cellular homeostasis and respond to environmental stimuli.

Alterations in miRNA expression contribute to diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other human conditions.

Circulating miRNAs are considered potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases due to their stability in human fluids.

What is RNA?

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) is a single-stranded molecule composed of ribose sugar, phosphate groups, and nucleotide bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, uracil).

It plays a crucial role in various biological processes, mainly in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Types of RNA:

Messenger RNA (mRNA): Carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

Transfer RNA (tRNA): Helps in translating mRNA into proteins by bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): A structural component of ribosomes, essential for protein synthesis.

MicroRNA (miRNA): Regulates gene expression by binding to mRNA, either degrading it or inhibiting its translation into protein.

RNA plays a central role in the process of transcription (copying genetic code from DNA to RNA) and translation (using mRNA to build proteins).

RNA is single-stranded (unlike double-stranded DNA).

RNA contains uracil instead of thymine, which is found in DNA.

RNA has a ribose sugar instead of deoxyribose found in DNA.

Gene regulation: miRNA and other small RNAs control gene expression.

Catalytic activity: Certain RNAs like ribozymes act as enzymes.

Messenger function: mRNA acts as a template for protein synthesis.

RNA-based technologies, such as mRNA vaccines, have become critical tools in developing treatments for diseases, including COVID-19.

2. Genome-Editing Advancements in Understanding and Treating Hereditary Cancers

Sub :Sci

Sec: Biotech

Why in News

Advances in CRISPR-based genome-editing techniques are improving the understanding of hereditary cancers, including how certain genetic mutations affect cancer development and resistance to targeted therapies. These breakthroughs offer promising new avenues for cancer treatment and personalized medicine.

Global Cancer Statistics:

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.74 million cancer-related deaths occurred in 2022, projected to rise to 32 million new cases and 16 million deaths by 2045. Asia may account for almost half of the global cancer burden by 2045.

Around 10% of cancer cases are caused by inherited genetic mutations. The prevalence is notably high in certain cancers, such as ovarian cancer (20% of cases), and lower in cervical cancer (6%).

Hereditary Cancer: Occurs when an individual inherits mutations in cancer-causing genes. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are the most well-studied, causing Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC).

The BRCA gene (BRCA stands for BReast CAncer gene) refers to two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, which play a crucial role in suppressing tumors by repairing DNA damage. Mutations in these genes can impair their ability to repair DNA, leading to an increased risk of several cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancers.

Germline Mutations: These mutations predispose individuals to multiple cancers, including breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and gastric cancers.

Women with BRCA mutations face a 69-72% risk of breast cancer and a 17-44% risk of ovarian cancer by age 80. This is significantly higher compared to the general population’s lifetime risks of 12% for breast cancer and 1% for ovarian cancer.

Preventive Measures: Options like prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy can reduce the risk of developing cancer by 90-100% and significantly lower cancer-related deaths.

Genetic bottlenecks and founder effects contribute to the higher prevalence of BRCA mutations in certain populations.

Genome Editing and Personalized Cancer Therapy:

Testing for BRCA mutations helps in early identification of cancer risk, leading to personalized prevention strategies, such as increased surveillance and targeted therapies.

CRISPR in Cancer Research: It has revolutionized cancer research by allowing scientists to create specific mutations in BRCA genes, helping to better understand their role in DNA repair and cancer development.

What is CRISPR-Cas9?

CRISPR is a dynamic, versatile tool that allows us to target nearly any genomic location and potentially repair broken genes.

CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) are sections of DNA and are sections of genetic code containing short repetitions of base sequences followed by spacer DNA segments.

CAS-9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) is an enzyme. It uses a synthetic guide RNA to introduce a double strand break at a specific location within a strand of DNA. It is a system used by bacterial cells to recognize and destroy viral DNA as a form of adaptive immunity.

Targeted Therapies: PARP inhibitors, a new class of chemotherapy drugs, show promise in treating cancers caused by BRCA mutations. Clinical trials reveal their effectiveness, especially when combined with platinum-based chemotherapy.

Genome-wide CRISPR screens have identified mutations in other DNA repair genes that may affect the response to PARP inhibitors, providing insights into why some patients resist these treatments.

About Cancer:

Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells within the body. It can arise in various tissues and organs, leading to the formation of tumours.

Cancer begins with genetic mutations that alter the normal behaviour of cells. These mutations can result in the proliferation of cancerous cells, forming clusters known as tumours.

The cancerous cells may detach from these tumours and spread through the lymphatic system or bloodstream, leading to metastasis in other body regions.

Approximately 63% of all deaths in India are attributed to NCDs, with cancer being a significant contributor.

By 2030, the economic burden of cancer-related illnesses is projected to reach approximately $3.55 trillion in lost output.

3. World’s water cycle getting unpredictable, says UN study

Sub: Geo

Sec: Oceanography 

Context:

• Increasingly intense floods and droughts are a “distress signal” of what is to come as climate change makes the planet’s water cycle ever more unpredictable, the United Nations said.

Details:

• Last year, the world’s rivers were their driest for more than 30 years, glaciers suffered their largest loss of mass in half a century, and there were also a “significant” number of floods.
• Last year marked the hottest year on record, characterized by extreme weather events such as prolonged droughts and floods worldwide. These extremes were driven by both naturally occurring phenomena like La Niña and El Niño, as well as human-induced climate change.
• A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to more intense rainfall, while faster evaporation worsens drought conditions.

Water resources are either excessive or insufficient, creating severe challenges:

• Africa was the most impacted continent in terms of human casualties.
• In Libya, catastrophic floods caused by dam collapses in September 2023 resulted in over 11,000 deaths and affected 22% of the population.
• Floods also devastated regions like the Greater Horn of Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Malawi.
• Currently, 3.6 billion people experience insufficient access to fresh water at least once a month, with this figure projected to rise to over five billion by 2050.

• Massive Glacier Melt:
  • From September 2022 to August 2023, glaciers lost over 600 billion tonnes of water, the largest melt observed in the past 50 years.
  • This rapid melt threatens long-term water security for millions, but urgent action remains lacking.

Water cycle:

• The hydrologic cycle, also known as the water cycle, explains the journey taken by water molecules as they go from the surface of the Earth to the atmosphere and back again, occasionally going below the surface.
• At its core, the water cycle is the motion of the water from the ground to the atmosphere and back again.
• Water travels through many different layers of the earth’s surface, including the oceans, glaciers, and lakes, as well as simultaneously (or more slowly) moving through the soil and rock layers below the surface. These are complex paths.
• The water is afterwards released back into the atmosphere.
• The fact that the hydrologic cycle has no beginning and no end is a basic aspect of it.

Key Processes in the Water Cycle:

• Evaporation:
  • Liquid water turns into gas (water vapour).
  • Requires energy from the sun, atmosphere, or other sources (e.g., body heat through sweating).
  • Cooling effect, as seen after swimming or showering.
• Transpiration:
  • Water evaporates from plants via small openings called stomata, mostly on leaf undersides.
  • Depends on atmospheric humidity and soil moisture.
  • 99.9% of water from transpiration is released into the atmosphere; only 1% aids plant growth.
• Condensation:
  • Water vapour turns back into liquid, forming clouds or dew.
  • Occurs when the air temperature cools to the dew point.
  • Releases heat, contributing to weather phenomena like hurricanes.
• Precipitation:
  • When condensation particles collide and grow too large, they fall as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
  • Provides Earth’s main source of fresh water, with an average of 38.5 inches (980 mm) of precipitation annually.
• Runoff:
  • Excess water from precipitation flows over land, forming rivers and lakes.
  • Some runoff evaporates; the rest returns to oceans.
  • In closed lakes (with no outflow), evaporation leads to increased salinity (e.g., Dead Sea, Great Salt Lake).

4. Mineral Reserves Crucial for the Global Energy Transition

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco geo

Why in News

The global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is accelerating the demand for specific minerals essential for technologies like solar, wind, nuclear power, and electric vehicles. As nations strive to meet their climate goals, understanding the distribution of these critical mineral reserves is essential for achieving a sustainable and low-carbon future. The latest 2024 data highlights which countries hold the largest reserves of these vital minerals, crucial for driving the clean energy transition.

5. India signs $750-mn currency swap deal with forex-starved Maldives

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• India signed a $750 million currency swap agreement with the Maldives to help the island nation tide over its current foreign currency crunch.

Details:

• India is set to extend financial assistance to the Maldives, offering $400 million through the US Dollar/Euro Swap Window.
• Additionally, ₹30 billion (about $357 million) will be provided under the INR Swap Window.
• The arrangement was signed between the Reserve Bank of India and the Maldives Monetary Authority under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework and is available until 2027.

What is currency swap?

• Currency swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange one currency for another at a preset rate over a given period.
• The main purpose of currency swaps is to avoid turbulence and other risks in the foreign exchange market and exchange rate.

SAARC Currency Swap Framework:

• The SAARC Currency Swap Framework was established to provide short-term liquidity support to SAARC member countries.
• The primary purpose of this facility is to address balance of payment crises and enhance financial stability among member nations.
• Launched in 2012 and administered by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the facility includes all SAARC members.
• This framework allows member countries to access swap arrangements in US Dollars, Euros, or Indian Rupees, depending on their needs. The framework provides certain concessions for swaps in Indian rupee.

Other agreements:

• Launch of the RuPay card in the Maldives.
• Handover of 700 houses built with Indian assistance.
• Agreement to enhance cooperation on trade using national currencies.
• Plans to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement.

Maritime and Economic Security:

• A vision statement was released for a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership.
• Jointly constructed runway for the Hanimaadhoo international airport inaugurated.

6. India slipped on academic freedom index over the past decade: report

Sub: Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

• The “Free to Think 2024” annual report, published by the Scholars at Risk (SAR) Academic Freedom Monitoring Project, indicates a significant decline in India’s academic freedom over the past decade.
• SAR is a network of 665 universities across the globe.
• The report analysed 391 attacks on higher education communities across 51 countries between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024

About the Academic Freedom Index:

• The Academic Freedom Index (AFI) is a tool designed to assess and measure the level of academic freedom in various countries around the world.
• It is published by Global Public Policy Institute as a part of a global time-series dataset (1900-2019) in collaboration with Scholars at Risk (SAR) and V-Dem Institute (Varieties of Democracy).
• The scores are scaled from 0 (lowest) to 1 (highest)
• Indicators:
  • Freedom to research and teach
  • Institutional Autonomy
  • Freedom of academic exchange and dissemination
  • Campus integrity
  • Freedom of academic and cultural expression

Decline in India’s performance:

• India’s score on the Academic Freedom Index dropped from 6 points in 2013 to 0.2 points in 2023.
• This score categorizes India as “completely restricted”, marking its lowest point since the mid-1940s.

Threats to Academic Freedom:

• Government’s attempts to exert political control over universities.
• There is an imposition of a Hindu nationalist agenda on educational policies, alongside limitations placed on student protests.
• Restrictions Imposed by Institutions:
  • Notable universities such as Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and South Asian University (SAU) implemented new policies that restrict student expression.
  • JNU has barred protests near academic buildings.
  • SAU has prohibited protests on campus altogether.
• Political Conflicts:
  • The BJP-led Union government has engaged in disputes with state governments over the control of higher education.
  • In Kerala, a conflict arose when Governor Arif Mohammed Khan opposed a legislative amendment that would replace him as Chancellor of state universities.
  • Similar struggles for control of higher education have occurred in other states, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Punjab.

7. On ‘casteist’ provisions in prison manuals

Sub: Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

• On October 3, the Supreme Court of India declared the caste-based division of labour in prisons to be unconstitutional.
• A three-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice Y. Chandrachud, struck down various provisions in State prison manuals that reinforced caste inequalities, deeming them violative of prisoners’ fundamental rights.

Background of the case:

• The ruling stemmed from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by journalist Sukanya Shantha, which highlighted provisions in prison manuals from several states including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
• These provisions legitimized caste-based inequalities. For instance:
  • In Palayamkottai Central Jail (Tamil Nadu), prisoners from different castes like Thevars, Nadars, and Pallars were segregated into separate sections, showcasing blatant caste-based segregation.
  • The Rajasthan Prison Rules, 1951, assigned latrine duties to the Mehtar caste (a Scheduled Caste) while higher-caste prisoners were given roles in kitchens, perpetuating caste divisions.

Colonial Legacy in Prison Manuals

• The Criminal Tribes Act, 1871, allowed the British to label certain marginalized communities as criminal tribes, perpetuating the notion of born criminals.
• After the act was repealed, these communities were categorized as denotified tribes.
• However, prison manuals continued to label them as habitual offenders without any conviction.

Examples cited by Supreme court:

• The West Bengal Jail Code required that convict overseers be chosen based on their caste, specifically excluding those from wandering tribes.
• Manuals in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala defined habitual criminals broadly, stigmatizing entire communities.

Violation of Fundamental Rights:

• The manuals were found to be in violation of Article 14 (right to equality). The segregation based on caste would reinforce social divisions, contrary to the principles of equality.
• The assignment of labour based on caste, where marginalized communities were given menial tasks while higher castes were allowed to engage in cooking, constitutes direct discrimination under Article 15(1).
• The practice of assigning roles based on “customary” notions leads to indirect discrimination, violating the dignity and reformation rights of marginalized prisoners.
• The Court noted that labelling tasks based on caste not only perpetuates untouchability (prohibited under Article 17) but also restricts the reformation and dignity of prisoners, thereby violating their right to life.

Directions issued:

• The Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to amend their prison manuals and rules within three months to eliminate discriminatory practices.
• Necessary reforms were mandated for both the Model Prison Manual, 2016 and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023.
• To ensure compliance, district legal services authorities and boards of visitors were tasked with conducting regular inspections of prison practices.

8. Tribal leader Rajappa to receive award for welfare, forest conservation work

Sub : Env

Sec: biodiversity

Context:

• The Hulikanu Wildlife Conservancy Foundation (HWCF) in Bengaluru has nominated J.T. Rajappa, a tribal conservationist and community leader, for the prestigious Hulikanu Progressive Adivasi Wildlife Award.
• The award includes a ₹3 lakh cash prize.

Hulikanu Wildlife Conservancy Foundation (HWCF):

• It is a Private incorporated on 03 February 2014.
• It is classified as Non-government company and is registered at the Registrar of Companies, ROC Bangalore.

About J.T. Rajappa:

• Born in 1965 into the Jenu Kuruba tribe, Rajappa grew up in the Malalu Kolli Hadi hamlet near Nagarahole, Karnataka.
• He developed a strong passion for wildlife and conservation from an early age.
• He worked as a Forest Department watcher (1984-1987), where he became aware of the hardships faced by his community.
• Elected to the Virajpet taluk panchayat in 2005, Rajappa began driving positive change for forest-dwelling communities.
• Since 2007, he has been instrumental in the voluntary resettlement of over 300 tribal families to modern communities outside the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.

Key Achievements:

• 2010: Led the relocation of 150 families to Settahalli in Hansur taluk.
• Served on influential committees:
  • National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) (2012-2015).
  • Mysore District Relocation Committee (post-2015), where he pushed for the integration of social development with wildlife conservation.

Jenu Kuruba tribe:

• The Jenu Kuruba are a tribe of people who traditionally gathered honey and lived in the forests of the Western Ghats in India.
• The word “Jenu” means “honey” in Kannada, reflecting the tribe’s traditional occupation.
• The Jenu Kuruba are primarily found in the Nilgiris region, which borders Karnataka and Kerala.

Source: TH

9. How high-performance buildings are the next step towards a sustainable future

Sub : Env

Sec: Climate Change

Importance of Energy Efficiency in Buildings:

• Buildings and Emissions: Globally, buildings are responsible for about 40% of total final energy consumption, primarily due to operational needs like Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and lighting.
  • Emissions Impact: This accounts for 28% of energy-related carbon emissions, both from on-site energy use and off-site sources like power plants.
  • In India, buildings contribute to more than 30% of national energy use and 20% of its carbon emissions (Bureau of Energy Efficiency).
• Urbanization Challenge: As India’s urban population is expected to reach 600 million by 2030, unchecked building practices could significantly increase the sector’s carbon footprint, surpassing global benchmarks for energy efficiency and emissions.

High-Performance Buildings (HPBs) vs Green Buildings:

• Green Buildings: Focus on reducing environmental impact, energy use, and water conservation, often achieving certification through established programs.
• High-Performance Buildings (HPBs):
  • Aim for peak efficiency in energy, water use, and occupant comfort, going beyond basic requirements.
  • Features:
    • Advanced technologies such as energy-efficient HVAC systems, greywater recycling, and smart lighting.
    • Real-time performance tracking using a Building Management System (BMS) for resource optimization.
    • Site-specific designs incorporating natural lighting, ventilation, and terrain water management.
    • Use of sustainable materials like low U-value windows to enhance thermal efficiency.
  • Examples in India:
    • Unnati in Greater Noida: Incorporates high-performance glass and façade design for energy efficiency.
    • Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi: Uses a cutting-edge HVAC system that reduces energy consumption through natural convection.
• These building designs have paved the way for net-zero buildings (structures that generate as much energy and water as they consume) and grid-interactive buildings.

Benefits of HPBs:

• Operational Efficiency: Smart systems in HPBs extend the lifespan of building systems and reduce the need for frequent upgrades.
  • Example: The Infosys campus in Bengaluru uses a BMS to monitor and adjust building performance, lowering maintenance costs.
• Higher ROI: HPBs generally provide better returns through higher property values and lower operational costs.
• Technological Integration: Automation and AI in HPBs can create intelligent ecosystems, where systems adjust lighting, temperature, and ventilation based on real-time data like occupancy or weather.
• Health and Comfort: These buildings prioritize occupant well-being with better air quality, natural lighting, and thermal comfort.

HPBs and India’s Urban Challenges:

• Resilience: HPBs can withstand resource scarcity, energy market fluctuations, and rising temperatures.
  • TCS Banyan Park in Mumbai is an example of integrating green spaces and natural lighting to create a sustainable, energy-efficient environment.
• Infrastructure Pressure: As India urbanizes, HPBs offer a proactive solution by positioning buildings as drivers of sustainable growth, easing the burden on public infrastructure, and contributing to a low-carbon economy.

Source: TH

10. Indigenous Amazon activist in Columbia takes his fight to the UN biodiversity forum

Sub : Geo

Sec: Biodiversity

Context:

• Ecuadoran activist Alex Lucitante, a determined defender of the Amazon rainforest, continues his fight against land-grabbing miners and armed groups threatening his homeland. Later this month, Lucitante will represent Indigenous communities at the COP-16 biodiversity conference in Cali, Colombia, where he aims to amplify the voices of his people on the global stage.

Key Points:

• Alex Lucitante, 31, belongs to the ‘Cofan Avie ethnic group’ and is the son of a shaman.
• He has led efforts to combat illegal gold mining in the Amazon, establishing an Indigenous guard and a drone surveillance system to protect his community’s lands.
• In 2018, Lucitante and his community won a major legal case that resulted in the annulment of 52 gold mining concessions in Ecuador, which were granted without community consultation.
• In 2022, Lucitante and fellow activist Alexandra Narvaez received the Goldman Prize, often considered the “Nobel” for environmentalists, for their work protecting the Amazon.
  • Each year, the Goldman Environmental Prize is awarded to grassroots environmental champions from around the world.
• Despite legal and grassroots victories, illegal gold mining continues in the Amazon, devastating local ecosystems.

Cofan Avie ethnic group:

• The Cofán, who call themselves A’i, are an Indigenous people living in Sucumbíos Province in northeast Ecuador, Southern Colombia, and between the Guamués and Aguarico Rivers.
• They speak A’ingae (Cofán language)

Source: TH