Daily Prelims Notes 9 October 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

9 October 2024

1. Russia and China conducts joint naval patrol in the Pacific

Sub: IR

Sec: Msc

Context:

• Russian and Chinese naval vessels recently conducted a joint patrol in the northeast Pacific The patrol follows a series of joint military exercises between the two countries.
• Both countries are deepening their collaboration to counter Western military influence, with plans for China to participate in Russia’s upcoming “Ocean-2024” strategic exercise.

Geopolitical Context:

• The move comes amid escalating tensions with NATO, which has labelled China as an “enabler” of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Deepening China – Russia ties:

• Both nations are seeking to counterbalance western influence in global affairs.
• Joint participation in international forums (e.g., BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization).
• Growing trade relations, including energy partnerships (oil and gas exports), with China being Russia’s largest trading partner.
• Cooperation in technology and infrastructure development through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.
• Increased military exercises with a focus on anti-submarine warfare and enhanced operational capabilities.

About Ocean 2014 exercise:

• Ocean 2024 is a military exercise conducted by Russia, focusing on enhancing naval capabilities and strategic readiness.
• It involves various branches of the Russian armed forces, showcasing advanced maritime tactics and coordination.
• Includes live-fire exercises, anti-submarine warfare, amphibious landings, and other tactical operations.
• China is expected to participate this year.

2. India has eliminated trachoma, says WHO

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

• WHO has now recognised that India has successfully eliminated trachoma, a bacterial infection that affects the eyes, as a public health problem.
• India is the third country in the Southeast Asia Region to reach this public health milestone.

About Trachoma:

• Trachoma is a disease of the eye caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
• It is a public health problem in 42 countries, and is responsible for the blindness or visual impairment of about 1.9 million people.
• Blindness from trachoma is irreversible.
• Prevalence: in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
• Transmission: Spread through direct contact with infected eye secretions ((via hands, clothes, bedding or hard surfaces)) or by flies that have come into contact with those secretions.

Symptoms

• Initial symptoms include mild irritation and redness of the eyes, sensitivity to light, and discharge.
• It can progress to scarring of the eyelids (trichiasis) and corneal damage, resulting in blindness if untreated.

SAFE Strategy:

WHO recommends the SAFE strategy to combat trachoma.

• Surgery: For those with advanced disease (trichiasis).
• Antibiotics: To treat active infections.
• Facial cleanliness: Promoting hygiene practices to reduce transmission.
• Environmental improvements: Improving access to clean water and sanitation.

3. India makes pledge of $300 million for WHO programme

Sub :IR

Sec: Int Org

India’s contribution:

• India has pledged over $300 million for the WHO’s core program from 2025 to 2028. So far, WHO has received contribution pledges for over $2.2 billion towards a $7.1 billion funding gap.
• The largest share of $250 million will be spent on the Centre of Excellence for Traditional Medicine.
• India is the sixth largest contributor of core funding to the World Health Organization (WHO). India has committed the largest amount of funds so far in southeast Asia.
• The funding aims to save at least 40 million lives over four years through various initiatives including increased vaccine delivery to priority countries and support to 55 countries in training and employing2 million health workers.

WHO’s funding:

The WHO relies on two primary types of funding: assessed contributions and voluntary contributions.

• Assessed contributions: These are mandatory payments made by member states, calculated based on the country’s wealth and population. They support the core functions of WHO.
• Voluntary contributions: These are funds provided by member states, international organizations, and private sector entities. They often fund specific programs and initiatives.

Classification of Voluntary Contributions:

• These funds are categorized based on the flexibility WHO has in their allocation.
• Core Voluntary Contributions (CVC): Core Voluntary Contributions are fully unconditional, giving WHO complete discretion on fund usage.
• Thematic and Strategic Engagement Funds: These funds are partially flexible, allowing some discretion while meeting contributors’ reporting and accountability requirements.
• Specified Voluntary Contributions: These contributions are tightly earmarked for specific programmatic areas and must be spent within a designated timeframe. Specified voluntary contributions made up 87% of all voluntary contributions in 2022-2023.

4. Discovery of ‘Spatial Grammar’ in Gene Expression: Insights for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advances

Sub :Sci

Sec: Biotech

Why in News

• A groundbreaking study has uncovered a surprising new ‘spatial grammar’ of gene expression. The findings, published in the journal Nature, offer fresh insights into how the spatial arrangement of transcription factor binding sites can influence gene expression, which can potentially inform new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for diseases like cancer caused by mutations in regulatory elements.

Spatial Influence on Gene Expression

• Research explored how cells interpret the same genome differently by examining the spatial arrangement of transcription factors relative to transcription start sites.
• Transcription Factors: These proteins bind to specific DNA sequences to control the rate at which genetic information is transcribed from DNA to RNA.
• New Discovery: The positioning of these transcription factor binding sites—before or after the transcription start site—significantly influences gene expression.
• The team developed tools to analyse patterns in DNA sequences and performed RNA sequencing on cultured cells to detect transcription start sites.
• Activator Transcription Factor: NRF1 was found to bind before the start site, increasing transcription, while YY1, a dual-function factor, bound after the start site, sometimes repressing transcription.
• Position-Dependent Outcomes: The binding site’s location—either before or after the transcription start site—had different effects on transcription rates. This revealed that the same transcription factor could act as an activator or repressor depending on its spatial positioning.
• Result: Contrary to traditional biology, transcription factors do not always act solely as activators or repressors; their role can shift depending on spatial factors.

About Transcription Factor:

• Transcription factors are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to control the transcription of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA). They play a critical role in regulating gene expression.
• Transcription factors either promote (activators) or inhibit (repressors) the process of transcription.
• Activators bind to enhancers, promoting the assembly of the transcription initiation complex, which includes RNA polymerase.
• Repressors, on the other hand, prevent this process by binding to DNA sequences that block the initiation complex.

Types of Transcription Factors:

• General Transcription Factors: Essential for the transcription of all class II genes that encode proteins. They help RNA polymerase bind to the promoter regions of DNA.
• Specific Transcription Factors: Regulate transcription in a cell type or tissue-specific manner by binding to enhancer or promoter regions of particular genes.
• Transcription factors are vital for cell differentiation and development.
• By controlling which genes are turned on or off, they allow cells to develop into different types, despite having the same genetic code. This is crucial in processes like embryonic development and the immune response.
• Mutations in transcription factors can lead to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Hence, understanding their function is vital for fields like biotechnology and medicine.

About NRF1 (Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1)

• NRF1 is a transcription factor that regulates genes involved in mitochondrial function, oxidative phosphorylation, and cellular respiration. It is essential for mitochondrial DNA transcription, replication, and biogenesis, making it crucial for energy metabolism in cells.
• NRF1 plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases, muscle function, and cancer, due to its involvement in maintaining mitochondrial health.

About YY1 (Yin Yang 1)

• YY1 is a multifunctional transcription factor that can act as both an activator and repressor of gene transcription. It binds to specific DNA sequences to regulate genes involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.
• YY1 is implicated in numerous diseases, including cancers and developmental disorders, due to its versatile role in controlling gene expression.

5. Nobel Prize in Physics 2024: Recognizing Pioneers of Machine Learning with Neural Networks

Sub: Sci

Sec: Awareness in IT and Computer

Why in News

• The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John J. Hopfield of Princeton University, USA, and Geoffrey E. Hinton of the University of Toronto, Canada. Their contributions to the field of machine learning and artificial neural networks (ANN) have laid the groundwork for modern advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Their foundational discoveries have revolutionized areas like data processing, decision-making, and cognitive tasks, influencing various fields from physics to daily life applications.

John J. Hopfield and the Hopfield Network

• In 1982, Hopfield introduced a type of recurrent neural network, now called the Hopfield network, which models the brain’s associative memory system. It is designed to process information and recognize patterns based on the strength of connections between neurons.
• The network’s learning is based on the Hebbian learning principle, where if one neuron consistently activates another, the connection between them strengthens.
• Hopfield applied principles of statistical physics, such as energy minimization in magnetic systems, to explain how neural circuits could perform complex tasks. This was a significant leap in understanding the computational potential of simple neuron models.

Geoffrey E. Hinton and the Boltzmann Machine

• Hinton, building on the Hopfield network, adapted the Boltzmann machine to perform cognitive tasks. He later introduced the Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM), which became one of the first deep learning
• Hinton’s work in the 2000s led to the creation of ANNs capable of deep learning, which allowed for the training of multiple layers of neurons to recognize patterns in complex data. This architecture has been instrumental in modern AI applications.
• Hinton’s advances have been applied in image recognition, natural language processing, medical diagnostics, and more, with substantial success in fields such as physics, chemistry, and finance.

What is an Artificial Neural Network?

• Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are computing systems inspired by biological neural networks in the brain, designed to simulate human cognitive functions like learning and problem-solving.
• ANN is inspired by the structure of the human brain, specifically its network of neurons.
• Neurons communicate through synapses, strengthening or weakening connections as new information is learned. Similarly, ANN nodes simulate neurons by adjusting connection strengths based on data input.
• ANNs learn by adjusting the strength of connections between nodes, much like how the brain strengthens connections between neurons when learning new information. This allows the ANN to recognize patterns and make decisions without being explicitly programmed to follow specific instructions.
• The concept originated in the 1940s with early models like the McCulloch-Pitts neuron model.
• Significant advancements occurred in the 1980s when John Hopfield introduced Hopfield networks, and Geoffrey Hinton developed deep learning architectures in the 2000s.
• Structure: ANNs consist of layers of interconnected nodes (neurons). Each node processes input data and passes it through activation functions to produce output. The system adapts by strengthening or weakening the connections (synapses) between nodes.
• ANNs learn by adjusting the weights of connections during training through algorithms like backpropagation, which minimizes errors between predicted and actual outcomes.

Types of ANN:

• Feedforward Neural Networks: Information flows in one direction, from input to output.
• Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs): Nodes form directed cycles, allowing data to flow in both directions, suitable for sequence prediction.
• Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs): Designed to process structured grid data like images, typically used in image and video recognition.
• Hopfield Networks: A type of recurrent network, used for associative memory and optimization problems.

Relation to Deep Learning:

• Deep learning is a subset of machine learning involving multi-layered ANNs (often more than three layers), enabling the model to learn complex patterns from vast datasets. Deep learning techniques, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, are used for tasks like image classification and speech recognition.

Applications: ANNs are widely applied in:

• Image and speech recognition (e.g., facial recognition, voice assistants).
• Natural language processing (e.g., chatbots, translation tools).
• Medical diagnostics (e.g., identifying diseases in medical images).
• Autonomous vehicles (e.g., interpreting sensor data for navigation).
• Finance (e.g., stock market predictions and fraud detection).

6. PSLV-C37 Upper Stage Re-Entry after Seven Years: ISRO’s Historic Mission

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the atmospheric re-entry of the upper stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C-37 mission on October 6, 2024. This marks the completion of the PSLV-C37 mission, launched in 2017, which set a world record for deploying 104 satellites in a single launch. The re-entry event signifies ISRO’s commitment to international space debris mitigation guidelines.

About PSLV-C37 Mission:

The PSLV C37 mission, launched by ISRO on February 15, 2017, set a world record by deploying 104 satellites in a single mission. The primary satellite onboard was Cartosat-2D, an Earth observation satellite, accompanied by 103 smaller satellites from countries such as the USA, Israel, Kazakhstan, the UAE, and the Netherlands. Out of the 104, 96 satellites were from the USA.

Launch Site: Sriharikota, India

Co-passenger Satellites: 103 satellites, including INS-1A, INS-1B, Al-Farabi 1, BGUSAT, DIDO-2, Nayif 1, PEASS, 88 Flock-3p satellites, and 8 Lemur-2 satellites.

Historical Achievement: ISRO made history by deploying 104 satellites in a single mission, the first of its kind globally.

Upper Stage Name: PS4 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle’s fourth stage)

Orbit Details: After mission completion, the PS4 upper stage was left in an orbit of approximately 470 x 494 km.

Tracking: The upper stage was tracked by U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) under NORAD ID 42052.

About PSLV

• PSLV stands for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. It’s an expendable launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to launch satellites into polar orbits.
• PSLV’s first launch was in 1994, and it has been ISRO’s main rocket ever since. Today’s PSLV, however, is vastly improved and several times more powerful than the ones used in the 1990s.
• It is the first Indian launch vehicle to be equipped with liquid stages.
• PSLV is the most reliable rocket used by ISRO till date, with 52 of its 54 flights being successful.
• It successfully launched two spacecraft – Chandrayaan-1in 2008 and Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in 2013 – that later traveled to Moon and Mars respectively.
• It has been used for a wide range of missions, including launching Earth observation satellites, communication satellites, and scientific payloads into polar orbits around the Earth.

Key features about the PSLV:

Variants: The PSLV comes in various configurations, including the PSLV-G (standard version), PSLV-CA (Core Alone), and PSLV-XL (extended version). Each variant is tailored for specific mission requirements.

Payload Capacity: The PSLV can carry payloads ranging from a few hundred kilograms to over a ton, depending on the specific variant and mission requirements.

Versatility: It is known for its adaptability and ability to launch satellites into a variety of orbits, including polar orbits, geostationary transfer orbits (GTO), and sun-synchronous orbits (SSO).

Reliability: The PSLV has earned a reputation for its reliability and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice for satellite launches not only for Indian payloads but also for international customers.

Notable Missions: The PSLV has conducted several remarkable missions, including the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013 and the launch of numerous small and large satellites for various purposes.

Contributions: It has played a crucial role in India’s space program and has been instrumental in Earth observation, remote sensing, navigation, and communication satellite deployments.

Compliance with International Guidelines

Debris Mitigation Guidelines: The re-entry of PSLV-C37’s upper stage was fully compliant with the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC).

IADC Guidelines: These guidelines recommend that defunct objects in low-Earth orbit (LEO) should have a post-mission orbital life of no more than 25 years to mitigate space debris.

IADC (Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee): An international organization that provides guidelines for reducing space debris and ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities.

Safe Re-entry: ISRO ensured the re-entry adhered to international space sustainability norms, further affirming India’s dedication to responsible space operations.

IS4OM (ISRO’s System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management): A system developed by ISRO to ensure the safety and sustainability of its space operations, including tracking space objects and monitoring potential threats.

7. Population of wild asses, an ‘endangered species’, has been rising since 1976 in Gujarat: State govt

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Wild Ass Population in Gujarat (2024):

• The wild ass population in Gujarat has reached 7,672, as per the 10th Wild Ass Population Estimation (WAPE) conducted earlier this year.
• This marks a 26.14% increase from the previous estimate in 2020, when the population was 6,082.
  • The wild ass population has been on an upward trend since 1976, when the state recorded only 720 wild asses.
• Methodology:
  • WAPE-2024 covered 15,510 square kilometers and employed the Direct Count Method.
  • Enumerators received training in traditional methods and modern technology such as drone cameras, camera traps, and forest modules.

Population Distribution (WAPE 2024)

• District-wise Breakdown: Surendranagar: 2,705 wild asses, Kutch: 1,993 wild asses, Patan: 1,615 wild asses, Banaskantha: 710 wild asses, Morbi: 642 wild asses, Ahmedabad: 7 wild asses.
• Categorization by Area:
  • Forest/Sanctuary Areas: 2,569 female wild asses, 1,114 male wild asses, 584 baby wild asses, 2206 unclassified wild asses
  • Revenue Areas: 558 female wild asses, 190 male wild asses, 168 baby wild asses, 283 unclassified wild asses

Other Wildlife Enumerations (2024): Asian Antelope: 2,734, Wild Boars: 915, Indian Hares: 222, Indian Gazelles: 214, Indian Jackals: 153

About Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur):

• The Indian Wild Ass (Indian onager or, in the local Gujarati language, Ghudkhur and Khur) is a subspecies of Asiatic Wild Ass native to South Asia.

Physical Characteristics:

• Sandy-colored coat with darker mane
• Stands about 2-2.5 meters in length
• Distinctive upright mane and dark brown stripe along the back

Habitat & Distribution:

• Primarily found in the Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India
• Prefers arid and semi-arid grasslands and salt flats
• The Little Rann of Kutch Wild Ass Sanctuary is their main protected area

Behavior:

• Lives in herds of varying sizes
• Males sometimes maintain territories
• Active during early morning and late afternoon
• Excellent runners, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 km/h

Conservation Status:

• Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN
• Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act
• Main threats include habitat loss and competition with livestock

Historical Range:

• Historically, wild asses were found in North-West India, Pakistan, and Central Asia
• Now confined primarily to Gujarat’s Little Rann of Kutch.

8. Why is the textile industry struggling to perform better?

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco geo

Context:

• The Indian textile and apparel sector aims for a $350 billion business by 2030, expected to generate 3.5 crore jobs.
• The industry faced a tumultuous phase over the last two financial years, casting doubt on achieving a 10% CAGR.

Size and Global Standing (2021):

• Estimated size: $153 billion (with $110 billion from domestic business).
• India was the third-largest textile exporter globally in FY22, holding a 5.4% share.
• Second largest in terms of manufacturing capacity, with a comprehensive value chain.
• The sector contributes about 2.3% to GDP (FY21) and 10.6% of manufacturing GVA (FY23).
• Employs 105 million people directly and indirectly.

Recent Slowdown (2022-2024):

• Impact on Manufacturing:
  • Slowing demand starting from FY23 worsened in FY24, with significant drops in both exports and domestic demand.
  • Tamil Nadu, India’s largest spinning hub, saw 500 textile mills close in the past two years.
  • Tiruppur, a major knitwear hub, experienced a 40% decline in business in FY23.
• Key Factors Behind Export Slump:
  • Geopolitical issues and weakening demand in key markets.
  • High raw material prices (cotton and Man-Made Fibres – MMF).
  • 10% import duty on cotton, making Indian cotton more expensive.
  • Disruption in MMF prices due to quality control orders.
  • Calls for removing the import duty on cotton during April-October (off-season) for competitive pricing.

Other Industry Challenges:

• Changing Business Models:
  • Growth of direct-to-customer retailing via e-commerce.
  • Increased focus on sustainability (ESG) by foreign brands, requiring suppliers to meet specific sustainability goals.
  • Shift in demand towards comfort wear, loungewear, and athleisure.
• Changing Consumer Preferences:
  • Rural and semi-urban customers prefer shopping at multi-brand outlets and hypermarkets, moving away from lesser-known brands.

What next:

• Investment Plans:
  • The sector is looking at $100 billion in investments by 2030 to boost production capacity and achieve its business goals.
• Labour and Technology:
  • Labour costs are around 10% of production costs, with wages of trained textile workers at ₹550/day and unskilled workers at ₹450/day.
  • Increasing focus on technology adoption and workforce skilling to enhance productivity and reduce wastage.

9. Global Digital Compact: advancing digital innovation in a sustainable fashion

Sub :SCI

Sec: Awareness in IT

Global Digital Compact (GDC):

• The Global Digital Compact (GDC) is a non-binding diplomatic instrument focused on harnessing and regulating digital technologies for the common good.
• It outlines shared goals for governments, institutions, businesses, and other stakeholders, aiming for eventual soft law adoption.
• The GDC builds on previous UN-led compacts, such as the Global Compact (focused on sustainability) and the Global Compact for Migration.

Objectives and Framework:

• Digital Technologies Impact: The GDC acknowledges the transformative power of digital technologies and their potential to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while also recognizing the challenges they pose.
• The GDC emphasizes global cooperation in digital governance, proposing panels on AI governance and AI scientific study to promote responsible digital development.
• Key goals include:
  • Closing the digital divide.
  • Ensuring equitable data governance.
  • Promoting trustworthy technologies in a free and competitive market.

Digital Public Goods and Infrastructure:

• The GDC proposes creating digital public goods like open-source software, open data, and AI models to drive social change and build digital public infrastructure.
• This infrastructure would involve partnerships with private entities to provide services through shared digital systems, focusing on public needs.

Challenges and Limitations:

1. Limited Openness in Partnerships:
   • Public-private partnerships in digital projects may limit openness due to non-disclosure agreements and intellectual property protections.
2. Lack of New Internet Governance Frameworks:
   • The GDC relies on self-regulation by tech companies, which has proven ineffective in the past.
3. Interoperable Data Governance Risks:
   • While promoting data sharing for AI innovation, the GDC doesn’t adequately address the risks posed by insufficient personal data protection laws.
4. Monopolistic Control:
   • The GDC calls for involving corporations in data governance but doesn’t outline measures to prevent monopolistic control over data and technology.

GDC’s Position in Global Governance:

• The GDC aligns itself with the UN’s broader digital governance efforts but offers little concrete guidance on pressing issues like AI governance.
• It promotes “data flow with trust”, which some countries resist due to concerns about digital sovereignty and data localization.
• The GDC links its objectives with the SDGs, reflecting a belief in the role of digitalization in achieving sustainable development. However, given the slow progress on SDG goals, there’s skepticism about whether the GDC can create meaningful change.

Source: TH

10. A Nobel Prize and the hunt for patents

Sub: Sci

Sec: Biotech

Context:

• The decision by Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna to withdraw their CRISPR patents stems from a technical review by the European Patent Office (EPO). This withdrawal marks a surprising turn in the contentious battle over the intellectual property rights of the revolutionary genome-editing technology.

Key Reasons for Patent Withdrawal:

• EPO Decision: The technical appeals board of the EPO found that the duo’s 2017 patent filings lacked sufficient detail for others to replicate the CRISPR method. As a result, the patents did not meet the necessary criteria for an invention, specifically the requirement for a clear and comprehensive description.
• Patent Criteria: For a patent to be valid, it must be novel, non-obvious, usable, and provide clear instructions for replication. The board concluded that the initial patent application by Charpentier and Doudna failed to fulfill this last requirement.

Broader Issues in Scientific Patenting:

1. Collaboration and Recognition: Modern scientific breakthroughs rely on extensive collaboration. The CRISPR discovery is a prime example, with numerous co-inventors, such as Martin Jinek and Krzysztof Chylinski, contributing crucial research but receiving less recognition than Charpentier and Doudna.
2. Unfair Recognition: Other scientists, like Virginijus Šikšnys from Lithuania, made significant contributions to CRISPR research around the same time as the Nobel-winning duo but were largely overlooked due to biases in the global scientific community.
3. The Role of Institutions: Major research hubs, like MIT and Harvard, dominate the recognition and commercialization of discoveries, sidelining researchers from lesser-known institutions. Šikšnys, for example, was one of the first to demonstrate the programmable DNA cleavage ability of CRISPR-Cas9 but was ignored by journals and awards committees.

About CRISPER Ca9: Gene editing tool:

• CRISPR-Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9) is a precision gene-editing tool that works like molecular scissors.
• Basic Components:

1. Guide RNA (gRNA): Targets specific DNA sequences
2. Cas9 enzyme: Cuts DNA at targeted location

Working Mechanism:

• Guide RNA locates target DNA sequence
• Cas9 makes precise cuts in DNA double strand
• Cell’s natural repair mechanisms then either:
  • Disable gene through errors in repair
  • Insert new genetic material at cut site

Key Applications:

1. Medical Research & Treatment: Gene therapy for genetic disorders, Cancer research and treatment, Drug development, Disease modeling
2. Agriculture: Crop improvement, Disease resistance, Yield enhancement, Nutritional value modification
3. Biotechnology: Biofuel production, Industrial enzyme development, Material science

Advantages:

• Precise and efficient, Relatively cost-effective, Versatile applications, Easier to use than previous methods

Limitations & Concerns:

1. Technical: Off-target effects, Delivery challenges, Efficiency varies by cell type
2. Ethical: Human germline editing concerns, Genetic enhancement debates, Biosafety considerations

Recent Developments:

• Base editing refinements
• Prime editing technology
• Improved delivery methods
• Enhanced specificity variants

Impact:

• 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Revolutionized genetic research, Growing commercial applications

Source: DTE

11. As the world converges on Baku for COP29, the Caspian Sea it is located on is threatened with ‘catastrophic shrinkage’

Sub :Env

Sec: Int Conventions

Context:

• The drying up of the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest enclosed body of water, due to human-induced climate change is becoming an urgent crisis.
• 29th Conference of Parties (CoP) to the UNFCCC will be held in Capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku, which lies on the shore of the Caspian Sea.
• The Caspian Sea is threatened with a severe reduction in water levels. Scientists estimate that up to a quarter of the sea could vanish within the next 20 years.

What is threatening the Caspian Sea?

• The primary factor behind the Caspian Sea’s shrinking is climate change.
• According to a 2024 study, the water level in the Caspian has been largely dependent on river inflows, particularly from the Volga River, which accounts for over 80% of the water flowing into the sea.
• The Volga River, the largest in Europe, plays a critical role in maintaining the sea’s hydrological balance.
• However, in recent years, declining snowfall and precipitation, linked to climate change, have significantly reduced its runoff.
• From 1977 to 2020, the Caspian’s water level dropped by 133 cm.

Why is this happening?

• The warming climate has been a key factor in this decline.
• As temperatures rise, the Caspian Sea experiences increased evaporation, worsened by changing wind patterns.
• When eastern winds from Central Asia, carrying hot and dry air, prevail over the region, the rate of evaporation accelerates. This intensifies during periods of lower sea levels.

Potential Impacts

• Environmental Damage: Similar to the Aral Sea disaster, the drying of the Caspian would severely impact biodiversity, fisheries, and ecosystems in the region.
• Western Disturbances: The Caspian plays a role in influencing weather systems, such as Western Disturbances that bring rainfall to regions like India. A diminished Caspian could alter these patterns, affecting agriculture and water supplies across Eurasia.
• Geopolitical Ramifications: The Caspian’s decline is a serious concern for nations like Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, which border the sea. Shrinking coastlines could spark disputes over territorial waters and shared resources.

Lessons from the Past

• The Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth-largest lake, dried up largely due to Soviet policies diverting rivers for irrigation. Iran has also witnessed the near disappearance of Lake Urmia.
• Both cases serve as stark reminders of the devastating effects of mismanaged water systems and the urgent need for international cooperation.

About Caspian Sea:

• The Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water, is located between Europe and Asia and is often referred to as both a lake and a sea due to its vast size and salinity.
• Covering a surface area of 371,000 km² (143,000 sq mi), approximately the size of Japan, the Caspian is a unique endorheic basin, meaning it has no direct outflow to the world’s oceans.
• It is bordered by Kazakhstan to the northeast, Russia to the northwest, Azerbaijan to the southwest, Iran to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southeast.

Geographical and Ecological Features:

• Length: 1,200 km (750 mi) from north to south.
• Width: An average of 320 km (200 mi).
• Salinity: 1.2%, about one-third of typical seawater salinity.
• Main freshwater inflow: The Volga River, Europe’s longest river, significantly contributes to the Caspian’s hydrology, entering at the shallow northern end.
• Depth: The deepest point in the southern basin is 1,023 m (3,356 ft) below sea level, making it the third-lowest non-oceanic depression in the world.

Ecological and Economic Significance:

• The Caspian Sea is known for its caviar industry, with the sturgeon population being crucial for this trade.
• It is also a hub for the oil industry, which has contributed both economically and ecologically to the region.
• However, pollution from oil extraction, along with the construction of dams on rivers such as the Volga, has harmed the sea’s ecology.

Source: DTE

12. CAG Urges Advancing Date for Closure of States’ Monthly Accounts

Sub :POLITY

Sec: National body

• Call for Advancing Monthly Account Finalization:
  • CAG Murmu emphasized the need to advance the finalization of states’ monthly accounts to the 10th of the succeeding month instead of the current deadline of the 25th.
  • He made this statement during the first State Finance Secretaries Conference, organized by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
• Need for Harmonization of Expenditure:
  • Harmonization of expenditure at the disaggregate level of ‘Object Heads’ for all State governments and the Centre was highlighted as a key area needing attention.
  • This matter has been a point of concern for multiple stakeholders for some time.
• Engagement with Stakeholders:
  • The CAG stressed that it is crucial to engage with stakeholders, especially the Union and State governments, to make public financial management more robust and sustainable.
• Financial Management Reforms:
  • Reforms in financial management applications like the Central PFMS, State IFMS, and RBI’s e-Kuber should interface with the CAG’s accounting applications in states.
  • This would ensure robust and timely reporting across states.
• Annual Conference on Public Financial Management:
  • Deputy CAG (Government Accounts) Jayant Sinha announced that the conference will become an annual event in the fiscal calendar to engage with State governments and stakeholders on issues of public financial management.
• Participants in the Conference:
  • The conference was attended by the Secretary (Expenditure), Government of India, and senior officials like Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries (Finance) from various states.
  • Representatives from the RBI, constituted accounting services, and the Union Ministry of Finance also participated.

This summary captures the main points of the conference, highlighting the importance of advancing monthly account finalization, harmonizing expenditure, and ensuring stakeholder engagement for improved public financial management.

Central PFMS (Public Financial Management System):

PFMS is an online platform developed by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. It facilitates efficient management of government funds by providing real-time information on fund disbursement and expenditure. The platform aims to improve transparency, accountability, and financial discipline in the government’s payment systems. PFMS is used extensively for tracking payments under various government schemes, subsidies, grants, and more. It helps in ensuring that funds are utilized for the intended purpose.

State IFMS (Integrated Financial Management System):

State-level IFMS platforms are implemented by individual state governments to manage their public finances. These systems integrate various functions such as budgeting, treasury, accounting, and payroll, and allow seamless communication between different state departments and financial entities.

State governments use IFMS to improve financial discipline, ensure timely payments (such as salaries and pensions), and enhance transparency in the use of public funds.

RBI’s e-Kuber:

The e-Kuber platform is a Core Banking Solution (CBS) for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), facilitating banking transactions for the government and other financial institutions. It allows real-time processing and settlement of government payments, receipts, and transactions.

e-Kuber helps manage liquidity and monetary transactions between the RBI, commercial banks, and the government. It enables the smooth functioning of government payments such as subsidies, salary disbursements, and tax collections.

13. Malaysia Respects India’s Decision on Edible Oil Import Duty Increase

Sub :Eco

Sec: External sector

• Respect for India’s Decision:
  • Malaysia’s Minister for Plantation and Commodities stated that Malaysia respects India’s decision to raise import duties on edible oil.
  • The decision would not affect the trade relations between Malaysia and India.
• Support for India’s Sustainable Palm Oil Mission:
  • Malaysia is ready to support India’s National Mission on sustainable oil palm cultivation by offering technology transfer, high-yielding seeds, and saplings.
  • Mr. Ghani expressed this support while addressing reporters during the Malaysian Palm Oil Conference, an annual event for stakeholders in the palm oil sector.
• Meeting with Indian Government Officials:
  • Recently, Mr. Ghani met with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other senior officials in New Delhi.
  • During the meeting, Malaysia conveyed its willingness to assist India with improved farming practices and technology.
• Temporary Impact of Import Duty Hike:
  • Mr. Ghani acknowledged that the cancellation of some orders due to the rise in import tariffs on edible oil is a temporary issue.
  • He emphasized that India, with its 1.4 billion population, will continue to need edible oil, and Malaysia will remain a trusted partner, offering sustainable products.
• No Request to Reconsider Tariff Hike:
  • Malaysia will not request India to reconsider the tariff increase, as Mr. Ghani stated it is India’s exclusive right to make such decisions.
  • He reiterated that Malaysia values its partnership with India, which also supplies Malaysia with essential commodities like rice and onions.
• Support for Indigenous Palm Oil Production in India:
  • Malaysia expressed its readiness to support India’s indigenous palm oil production efforts, ensuring a strong bilateral relationship in the agricultural sector.
• European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR):
  • On the EUDR, which presents challenges to Malaysia as one of the largest exporters of palm oil, Mr. Ghani welcomed the European Commission’s decision to delay its implementation until December 30, 2025.
  • He urged the EU to develop transparent benchmarking criteria to avoid unfairly labeling producer countries as high-risk, and he hoped for a more accommodative stance from the EU Parliament to ensure trade fairness.

In summary, Malaysia remains a supportive partner to India, focusing on technology collaboration in palm oil production, while continuing to respect India’s economic decisions on import duties.

European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

The EUDR aims to remove deforestation from the supply chains of everyday items in the EU. This regulation seeks to ensure that products imported into the EU do not contribute to deforestation, promoting sustainable land use and environmental protection.

Legislation

•   Adoption: The legislation was adopted in Brussels in 2023.
•   Target Year: The target year for full compliance is 2030.
•   Focus Areas: Biofuels, palm oil, and deforestation are key areas under the Palm Oil Policy and Deforestation Legislation.

Key Requirements

• Deforestation-Free Products: Firms must ensure that products exported to the EU have been grown on land that has not been deforested after December 31, 2020.
• Due Diligence and Traceability: The regulation imposes strict due diligence and traceability requirements for commodities such as coffee, cocoa, soy, palm oil, rubber, wood, and cattle.
• Administrative Burdens: Palm oil exporters, in particular, face significant administrative burdens to meet the EUDR requirements.

Compatibility and Impact

• WTO Compatibility: The EUDR is not compatible with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and is considered a non-tariff barrier.
• Impact on Exporters: Exporters, particularly from developing countries, face increased administrative and compliance costs to meet the stringent requirements of the EUDR.

National Mission for Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP):

The National Mission for Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) was launched by the Government of India in August 2021. It is designed to boost oil palm cultivation and increase the production of crude palm oil (CPO) within the country. The mission aims to make India more self-reliant in the production of edible oils and reduce its dependency on imports.

Key Features: 

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme:
  • The scheme has a special focus on the North East region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as these areas are deemed suitable for oil palm cultivation.
  • It aims to enhance the area and productivity of oilseeds, particularly oil palm.
• Financial Outlay:
  • The total outlay for the scheme is ₹11,040 crores.
  • Of this, ₹8,844 crore is the Government of India’s share, and ₹2,196 crore comes from the States’ share, including viability gap funding.
• Targets:
  • Area Expansion: Increase oil palm cultivation area to 10 lakh hectares (from 3.5 lakh hectares in 2019-20) by 2025-26, adding an extra 6.5 lakh hectares.
  • Crude Palm Oil (CPO) Production: Increase production from 0.27 lakh tonnes (2019-20) to 11.20 lakh tonnes by 2025-26.
  • Consumption: The mission also aims to maintain per capita consumption of edible oil at 19 kg/person/year until 2025-26 through awareness programs.
• Implementing Stakeholders:
  • The scheme will involve a range of stakeholders including the State Department of Agriculture, State Department of Horticulture, Central Universities, ICAR-Institutions, KVKs, oil palm processors, cooperatives, and media channels such as DD Kisan and All India Radio (AIR).

Benefits and Focus Areas:

• The scheme is expected to significantly reduce India’s dependence on imported edible oils, particularly palm oil, which is a major component of edible oil consumption in the country.
• By focusing on domestic cultivation, especially in regions like the North East and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, it is aligned with the government’s broader goals of agricultural development and self-reliance.

14. CCPA Issues Show-Cause Notice to Ola Electric for Alleged Consumer Rights Violations

Sub :POLITY

Sec: National body

Show-Cause Notice from CCPA:

• The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued a show-cause notice to Ola Electric Mobility Ltd..
• The notice pertains to alleged violations of consumer rights, misleading advertisements, and unfair trade practices.
• Timeline for Response:
  • Ola Electric has been given 15 days to respond to the notice.
  • The company confirmed it will respond within the stipulated time, providing the necessary supporting documents.
• Impact on Stock:
  • On Monday, Ola Electric’s stock experienced a drop of over 8%.
  • However, on Tuesday, the stock recovered by 5.11% to ₹95.46.
  • Despite this recovery, analysts predict that challenging times may lie ahead for Ola Electric.

In summary, Ola Electric is facing regulatory scrutiny from the CCPA for alleged unfair practices, and while its stock has shown some recovery, the competitive landscape in the EV market continues to pose challenges.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

Establishment:

• Year of Establishment: 2020
• Based on: Provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

Composition:

• Head: A Chief Commissioner.
• Members:
• Two Commissioners:
• One handles matters related to goods.
• The other handles matters related to services.
• Investigation Wing:
  • Led by a Director General to conduct investigations.

Powers and Responsibilities:

• Primary Objective:
  • To promote, protect, and enforce the rights of consumers as a class.
• Empowered to:
  • Conduct Investigations: Look into violations of consumer rights and take appropriate legal action.
  • Order Recall: Recalling unsafe goods and services from the market.
  • Discontinue Unfair Practices: Take action against misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices.
  • Impose Penalties: Penalize manufacturers, advertisers, endorsers, and publishers involved in deceptive practices.

District Collectors’ Powers:

• Investigate Complaints:
  • Violations of consumer rights.
  • Unfair trade practices.
  • False or misleading advertisements.

Enforcement Actions:

•   Investigations: Probe violations of consumer rights.
•   Prosecutions: File complaints against violators.
•   Order Recalls: Unsafe goods and services can be withdrawn from the market.
•   Stop Unfair Practices: Tackle misleading advertisements and unfair practices.
•   Penalties: Enforce penalties on offenders, including advertisers.

Consumer Protection Focus:

• The CCPA ensures the protection of consumer rights by maintaining a fair and transparent marketplace.
• The authority plays a regulatory role by ensuring compliance with consumer protection laws and fostering awareness about consumer rights.

Regulatory Role:

• Acts as a regulatory body ensuring that businesses adhere to consumer protection laws.
• Ensures that the rights of consumers are respected and market practices remain transparent.