Daily Prelims Notes 9 September 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

9 September 2024

Table Of Contents

1. ‘Redevelopment’ threatens heritage value of 125-year-old Coonoor rail station
2. Impact of Arctic Sea Ice Changes on Indian Monsoon Patterns
3. On uncommon cyclones in the Arabian Sea
4. Government Clears 12 Indian Start-ups for Incentives Under Chip Design Plan
5. Natural Growth of India’s EV Sector to Avoid Dependency on China
6. India Becomes Largest Weight in MSCI EM IMI, Overtakes China
7. Breakthrough in Long COVID: New Study Identifies Fibrin as Key Driver of Inflammation
8. Dissolution of Standing Committee on Statistics Amid Controversy Over Census Delay
9. Process of judicial appointments to superior court not prerogative of single individual: SC
10. Registry set up for patients who need hand transplantation
11. Planetary protection: keeping out ‘toxic aliens’

1. ‘Redevelopment’ threatens heritage value of 125-year-old Coonoor rail station

Sub :History

Sec: Art and Culture

Context:

• The Coonoor railway station, part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undergoing significant renovations.
• The station, over 125 years old, remains largely unchanged and is a relic of colonial history.
• Renovations, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, have been criticised by history enthusiasts and heritage conservationists.

About Coonoor railway station:

• It is an NSG–4 category Indian railway station in the Salem railway division of Southern Railway zone.
• It serves Coonoor, a municipality town and popular hill station in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.
• The train station is a part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a World Heritage Site. The train station is an important rail hub for trains passing to Udhagamandalam (Ooty).
• Paul Hockings, in his “Encyclopedia of the Nilgiri Hills,” mentions that the idea of a railway in the Nilgiris was discussed for over 50 years before construction began.
• The ghat line connecting Mettupalayam and Coonoor was opened in 1899 after Lord Wenlock initiated its construction in 1891.
• It was opened in 1908.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS):

• It is an ongoing Indian Railways mission launched in February 2023 by the Ministry of Railways to redevelop railway stations across India.
• The development plan takes into account the unique needs of each station, promoting a holistic approach to railway station enhancement.
• The scheme aims to transform railway stations into modern, well-equipped hubs with improved passenger amenities, better traffic circulation, inter-modal integration, and enhanced signage.
• The scheme shall cater for the introduction of new amenities as well as the upgradation and replacement of existing amenities.
• The ultimate goal is to transform these stations into vibrant city centres over the long term.
• Key Features:
  • Modern passenger amenities: This includes providing clean and hygienic waiting areas, restrooms, Special amenities for the disabled, and food and beverage outlets.
  • Improved traffic circulation: This includes creating separate entry and exit points for passengers and vehicles, widening roads and footpaths, and providing adequate parking facilities.
  • Inter-modal integration: This includes providing seamless connectivity between railway stations and other modes of transport, such as buses, taxis, and autorickshaws.
  • Upgraded signage: This includes providing clear and visible signage in multiple languages to guide passengers.
  • Sustainability: This includes using energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
• Eco-friendliness: 
  • Rainwater harvesting systems and green spaces
  • Ballastless tracks, which reduce noise and vibration
  • Roof plazas, where available, provide additional space for commercial activities and passenger amenities

Source: TH

2. Impact of Arctic Sea Ice Changes on Indian Monsoon Patterns

Sub :Geo

Sec: Climatology

Why This is in the News

Recent research highlights a critical link between declining Arctic Sea ice and the increasingly unpredictable patterns of the Indian monsoon. The findings have significant implications for climate science and weather forecasting, particularly in light of recent severe weather events in India.

Influence of Arctic Sea Ice on the Monsoon

A study published in Remote Sensing of Environment in June utilized data from 1980 to 2020 and climate models (CMIP5 and CMIP6) to explore the impact of Arctic sea ice changes on the Indian monsoon.

Key Observations:

• Reduced Sea Ice in Central Arctic: Leads to decreased rainfall in western and peninsular India, but increased rainfall in central and northern India.
• Reduced Sea Ice in Barents-Kara Sea Region: Results in a delayed and more unpredictable monsoon onset.
• Accelerated Ice Loss: Climate change accelerates the reduction of Arctic Sea ice, which exacerbates variability and unpredictability in the ISMR.

Atmospheric Mechanisms

• Cyclonic Circulation and Rossby Waves: Reduced Sea ice in the central Arctic enhances cyclonic circulation at lower latitudes, impacting Rossby waves. These waves affect high and low-pressure systems, shifting the Asian jet stream and altering rainfall patterns.
• Barents-Kara Sea Influence: Lower Sea ice levels create high pressure over southwest China, affecting atmospheric stability over the Indian subcontinent and leading to increased rainfall in northeastern India while reducing rainfall in other regions.

About Monsoon:
Monsoons are periodic or seasonal winds that reverse direction with the changing seasons. These winds are a large-scale version of the land and sea breezes.

Duration and Intensity: The Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) occurs from July to September, with peak rainfall in July and August.

Double System of Winds:

• Summer: Winds flow from the sea to the land (South-West Monsoon).
• Winter: Winds flow from land to sea (North-East Monsoon).

Global Occurrence: Monsoons are prominent in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, parts of Central Western Africa, and some other regions. However, they are most pronounced in the Indian subcontinent.

Indian Monsoon System: Monsoons in India are large-scale convection cells.

India experiences the South-West Monsoon in the summer and the North-East Monsoon in the winter.

South-West Monsoon brings heavy rainfall to most of India, while the North-East Monsoon brings rain primarily to the southeastern coast, including Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Formation of South-West Monsoon: Intense heating of the Tibetan Plateau during summer creates a low-pressure system.

Presence of a permanent high-pressure cell in the South Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar.

Onset Factors of South-West Monsoon:

• Heating of the Tibetan Plateau.
• Subtropical Jet Stream (STJ).
• Tropical Easterly Jet (African Easterly Jet).
• Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Factors Affecting the Intensity of South-West Monsoon:

• Strength of low-pressure over Tibet and high-pressure over the southern Indian Ocean.
• Somali Jet (Findlater Jet): A strong air current from Somalia towards India.
• Somali Current: Ocean current that affects moisture movement.
• Indian Ocean Walker Cell: Large-scale atmospheric circulation.
• Indian Ocean Dipole: Temperature gradient in the Indian Ocean that affects monsoon variability.

Formation of North-East Monsoon:

• Formed due to high-pressure cells over the Tibetan Plateau and the Siberian Plateau in winter.
• The weakening of high-pressure cells over the Southern Indian Ocean.
• Southward shift of the ITCZ during the winter.

Circum-global teleconnection (CGT) refers to a large-scale atmospheric wave pattern that influences climate and weather patterns across the globe. It is a type of atmospheric wave that occurs primarily in the mid-latitudes, connecting distant regions through a series of high and low-pressure systems, much like how the atmosphere moves energy and moisture around the world.

Influence on the Indian Monsoon: The CGT plays a significant role in shaping the monsoon’s behavior. For example, when the CGT is strong, it can lead to enhanced monsoon activity, bringing more rainfall. Conversely, disruptions in the CGT can weaken monsoon currents, leading to droughts or irregular rainfall in the Indian subcontinent.

Rossby Waves: The meandering jet streams are called Rossby Waves.

Rossby waves are natural phenomenon in the atmosphere and oceans due to rotation of earth.

In planetary atmospheres, they are due to the variation in the Coriolis effect (When temperature contrast is low, speed of jet stream is low, and Coriolis force is weak leading to meandering) with latitude.

Rossby waves are formed when polar air moves toward the Equator while tropical air is moving poleward.

The existence of these waves explains the low-pressure cells (cyclones) and high-pressure cells (anticyclones).

Jet Stream: The Jet Stream is a geostrophic wind blowing horizontally through the upper layers of the troposphere, generally from west to east, at an altitude of 20,000 – 50,000 feet.

Jet Streams develop where air masses of differing temperatures meet. So, usually surface temperatures determine where t/he Jet Stream will form.

Greater the difference in temperature, faster is the wind velocity inside the jet stream.

Jet Streams extend from 20 degrees latitude to the poles in both hemispheres.

Arctic Sea

Location: Surrounds the Arctic region, bordering Canada, Russia, Greenland, Norway, and the U.S. (Alaska).

Key Seas: Includes Barents, Kara, Laptev, East Siberian, and Beaufort Seas.

Ice Coverage: Mostly covered by sea ice, with seasonal melting and freezing patterns.

Climate Change: Rapid warming has reduced ice, opening new shipping routes (e.g., Northern Sea Route) and access to resources.

Resources: Estimated 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil and 30% of natural gas reserves.

Arctic Council: Forum of 8 nations addressing Arctic governance, environment, and indigenous peoples’ issues.

Barents Sea

Location: The Barents Sea is part of the Arctic Ocean, located north of Norway and Russia.

Borders: It is bordered by the Norwegian Sea to the west and the Kara Sea to the east.

Strategic Importance: It is vital for Russia’s oil and gas exploration, particularly in the Arctic region, and houses significant petroleum reserves.

Kara Sea

Location: The Kara Sea lies to the east of the Barents Sea, between the Siberian coast of Russia and the Arctic Ocean.

Borders: It is enclosed by the Novaya Zemlya archipelago to the west and the Severnaya Zemlya archipelago to the east.

Natural Resources: Rich in oil and natural gas reserves, it is a key area for Russia’s Arctic energy projects, including the Vostochno-Prinovozemelsky oil fields.

3. On uncommon cyclones in the Arabian Sea

Sub :Geo

Sec: Climatology

Context:

• In August 2023, a rare cyclone, Asna, formed from a strong land-born depression transitioning to the warm Arabian Sea, marking the first August cyclone in the north Indian Ocean since 1981.
• The depression was notable for its powerful growth over land, feeding off soil moisture from excess rainfall before gaining strength in the Arabian Sea.

Cyclones in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean:

• The north Indian Ocean is crucial for the summer monsoon, supplying moisture through evaporation from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
• Despite being warm tropical waters, the north Indian Ocean sees fewer cyclones compared to other global regions due to a mix of factors that both promote and suppress cyclone formation.

Cyclone Patterns:

• The Arabian Sea cools significantly during the monsoon due to strong winds mixing surface waters with cooler subsurface waters.
• Low-pressure systems form more frequently in the Bay of Bengal during the monsoon but rarely intensify into full cyclones due to vertical wind shear.
• Cyclone activity over the north Indian Ocean occurs primarily in the pre-and post-monsoon seasons, with the Arabian Sea seeing fewer cyclones due to its cooler temperatures and less convective activity.
• Despite some reports of increasing cyclone numbers since 2010, the Arabian Sea has been relatively calm in recent years.

Why does the North Indian Ocean have two cyclone seasons?

• The Indian Ocean is distinctive for its monsoonal circulation and oceanic tunnels, connecting it to the Pacific and Southern Oceans.
• The North Indian Ocean has two distinct cyclone seasons due to the unique monsoonal circulation patterns in the region:
  • Pre-monsoon season (March-May): The Arabian Sea warms rapidly during this time as the sun crosses over to the Northern Hemisphere. The Bay of Bengal is relatively warmer and begins producing atmospheric convection and rainfall. This leads to cyclogenesis in both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
  • Post-monsoon season (October-December): This is the northeast monsoon season for India. The Arabian Sea cools due to the strong southwesterly winds and mixing of cold subsurface waters. However, the Bay of Bengal remains favourable for The post-monsoon season is the major cyclone season in the North Indian Ocean.

Role of Climate Change:

• Climate change intensifies the uniqueness of the Indian Ocean, bringing more heat from the Pacific and Southern Oceans.
• Rapid warming in the Indian Ocean influences the global heat balance and cyclone formation, affecting how cyclones respond to climate drivers.

Source: TH

4. Government Clears 12 Indian Start-ups for Incentives Under Chip Design Plan

Sub :Eco

Sec: National Economy

• Total Project Cost:
  • The approved projects will cost a total of Rs 342 crore, with the Centre committing close to Rs 133 crore towards them.
• Government Financial Assistance:
  • So far, the government has released over Rs 7 crore in financial assistance.
  • Out of the 59 applications received under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, 12 start-ups have been cleared for assistance, while 21 applications are still under review.
• India’s Chip Design Ambition:
  • India is emerging as a major force in chip designing, with most global semiconductor companies having design offices in the country.
  • Traditionally, Indian engineers have designed systems for foreign companies, resulting in little intellectual property (IP) creation.
  • The DLI scheme is an attempt to address this gap by incentivizing the development of IP in India.
• Scheme Progress:
  • The government’s goal is to fund at least 100 start-ups over five years, which translates to 20 entities per year.
  • However, since December 2021, only 12 start-ups have been approved.
• Semiconductor Units in India:
  • Recently, India approved its fifth semiconductor unit, an assembly and testing plant by Kaynes Semicon in Gujarat.
• Previously approved projects include:
  • Tata Electronics’ $11 billion fabrication plant in partnership with Taiwan’s Powerchip.
  • Three chip assembly plants by the Tata Group, Micron Technology (USA), and CG Power in partnership with Japan’s Renesas.
• Future Plans:
• Additional proposals for semiconductor units are under review, such as:
  • Israel’s Tower Semiconductor in partnership with the Adani Group.
  • A Rs 4,000 crore assembly plant by Zoho.
• Next Phase of Semiconductor Scheme:
  • The government has almost committed the full $10 billion under the current phase and is preparing for a second phase. The outlay could increase to $15 billion, focusing on capital support for raw materials used in chip manufacturing, while reducing subsidies for assembly and testing plants.

Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme

• Objective and Aim:
  • The Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme aims to offer financial incentives and design infrastructure support across various stages of semiconductor design development for:
• Integrated Circuits (ICs)
• Chipsets
• System on Chips (SoCs)
• Systems & IP Cores
• Semiconductor-linked designs
  • Duration: The scheme is initially for three years, starting from 01-01-2022.
• Key Objectives:
  • Nurturing domestic companies, startups, and MSMEs to boost the semiconductor industry.
  • Achieving indigenization in semiconductor content and intellectual property (IPs) for electronic products to reduce imports and increase value addition in the electronics sector.
  • Strengthening access to semiconductor design infrastructure for startups and MSMEs.

Three Components of the Scheme:

• Chip Design Infrastructure Support:
• C-DAC will set up the India Chip Centre to provide state-of-the-art design infrastructure such as:
• EDA Tools
• IP Cores
• Support for MPW (Multi-Project Wafer) fabrication
• Post-silicon validation
  • This infrastructure will be accessible to supported companies.
• Product Design Linked Incentive:
  • Offers reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible expenditure, with a ceiling of ₹15 crore per application.
  • Fiscal support will be provided to approved applicants engaged in semiconductor design.
• Deployment Linked Incentive:
  • Provides an incentive of 6% to 4% of net sales turnover over 5 years.
  • The maximum incentive per application is ₹30 crore.
  • This is applicable to approved applicants whose semiconductor designs for ICs, Chipsets, SoCs, Systems & IP Cores are deployed in electronic products.

Nodal Agency: C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) is the nodal agency responsible for the implementation of the DLI scheme.

Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) 

• Overview:
  • C-DAC is a premier R&D organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
  • It focuses on high-performance computing, software technologies, networking, cybersecurity, and semiconductor design.
• Mission:
  • To drive innovation in IT and electronics, promoting the development of indigenous technologies.
  • To facilitate the growth of advanced computing and electronics in India, aligning with national priorities.
• Key Objectives:
  • Research and Development in advanced computing, software, and electronics technologies.
  • Providing solutions to national technological challenges in computing, cybersecurity, and networking.
  • Enabling the growth of the semiconductor and electronics design ecosystem in India.

5. Natural Growth of India’s EV Sector to Avoid Dependency on China

Sub :Eco

Sec: External sector

• GTRI Recommendation:
  • India should allow the electric vehicle (EV) sector to grow naturally without heavy reliance on incentives.
  • This approach would prevent India from becoming an “EV colony” for China.
• Challenges for India’s EV Adoption:
  • 80% of electricity in India is generated from fossil fuels like coal.
  • Frequent power cuts create additional hurdles for large-scale EV adoption.
  • Dependency on imports for making EVs, including batteries and critical minerals, poses a significant challenge.
• Global EV Market Shift:
  • The global EV market is undergoing a seismic shift due to high tariffs and import restrictions imposed by the US, EU, and Canada on EVs and parts from China.
  • These regions account for 50% of China’s EV exports, leading China to shift production to ASEAN countries and target India.
• Risks of Chinese Imports:
  • Chinese production units in ASEAN would still depend on 70-80% imports from China for parts, including batteries.
  • Thailand is already facing challenges with rising imports and reduced sales for established manufacturers due to Chinese production.
• Risk of EV Dumping in India:
  • As access to developed markets becomes difficult for China, there is a risk that China may dump excess EVs in India.
• GTRI’s Suggested Strategy:
  • India should focus on capturing leadership in the next phase of EVs, particularly through advanced battery technologies.
  • Investment should be increased in research and development (R&D) for new batteries, battery recycling infrastructure, and clean energy sources to power EV charging stations.
• Experts View:
  • The global EV market is set to face turbulence due to several trends:
  • Countries are offering subsidies, tax benefits, and other incentives to encourage EV adoption.
  • The availability of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel will impact the growth of the EV industry positively.

New Electric Vehicle Policy:

• Duty Reduction for EV Imports:
  • Customs duty rate reduced to 15% for Completely Knocked Down (CKD) units of EVs with a minimum CIF value of USD 35,000 or above.
  • The duty reduction is applicable for a total period of 5 years.
• Import Cap and Investment Prerequisites:
  • The policy caps the number of imported EVs at 8,000 units per year.
  • Manufacturers must invest a minimum of Rs 4,150 crore (∼USD 500 Mn) to avail duty concessions.
  • There is no ceiling on maximum investment, encouraging substantial capital infusion.
• Manufacturing and Value Addition Requirements:
  • Manufacturers must set up operational facilities within 3 years and achieve a minimum domestic value addition (DVA) of 25%, escalating to 50% within 5 years.
  • DVA is the share of value added to goods and services produced domestically for export.
• Maximum Import Allowance:
  • If investments exceed USD 800 Mn, up to 40,000 EVs can be imported, with a maximum of 8,000 units per year.
• Duty Limit:
  • The total duty waived on imported EVs will be capped at either the investment made or Rs 6,484 Cr, whichever is lower.
• Bank Guarantees:
  • The bank guarantee will be returned upon achieving 50% DVA and making an investment of at least Rs 4,150 crore or to the extent of duty foregone in 5 years.

Impact of the Policy:

• Aims to attract global players like Tesla by offering investment incentives and import duty reductions.
• Global EV manufacturers had been advocating for tariff concessions to set up manufacturing plants in India.
• India’s position as the world’s third-largest automobile market further underscores the potential for the EV sector. 

6. India Becomes Largest Weight in MSCI EM IMI, Overtakes China

Sub :Eco

Sec: Financial market

• India Overtakes China:
  • India overtook China in the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (IMI) on September 4, 2024, becoming the largest weight.
  • India is also close to surpassing China as the top weight in the broader MSCI Emerging Markets index.
• MSCI EM IMI Overview:
  • The MSCI Emerging Markets IMI includes large, mid, and small-cap stocks from 24 emerging markets economies.
• Morgan Stanley’s Perspective:
  • Morgan Stanley explores whether India’s rising index weight is a sign of market exuberance or driven by fundamental factors.
  • The rising free-float and increasing relative earnings of Indian companies are viewed as fundamental drivers.
  • India remains Morgan Stanley’s top preference in the Emerging Markets (EM) context and is ranked as their second choice in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Foreign Investors Outpaced by Domestic Participants:
  • Currently, domestic investors are outbidding foreign investors for Indian equities.
  • The growing issuance pipeline is considered crucial to encourage more foreign investment participation.
• Market Correction Possibilities:
  • Morgan Stanley points to several potential market correction triggers, but doesn’t expect these to halt the ongoing bull run.
  • The bull market is seen as only halfway through, with India’s weight in the index expected to continue rising.
• Future Outlook:
  • The bull market peak may still be ahead, with India’s index weight having further potential to increase before reaching its peak.

MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index

The MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (IMI) is a comprehensive index designed to measure the performance of stocks from emerging market countries. It includes large, mid, and small-cap companies, covering around 99% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

• Broad Market Coverage: The MSCI Emerging Markets IMI includes large, mid, and small-cap segments, offering a full representation of the investable equity market.
• Countries Included: This index covers 26 emerging market countries, which are generally characterized by lower levels of economic development compared to developed markets. Examples include countries like Brazil, India, China, South Africa, and Russia.
• Number of Constituents: The index consists of over 3,000 companies across various industries, providing a diversified exposure to emerging markets.
• Free Float-Adjusted: Like most MSCI indices, the free float-adjusted market capitalization methodology is used, which means it only considers shares available to international investors, excluding shares held by insiders or governments.
• Sector Diversification: The index covers a wide range of sectors, such as information technology, financials, consumer discretionary, and energy.
• Investment Use: It is widely used by investors, fund managers, and institutions as a benchmark to track the performance of emerging markets. It’s often referenced by ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) and other investment products that focus on emerging markets.
• Growth Opportunities: Emerging markets are seen as regions with significant growth potential due to favorable demographics, increasing consumption, and improving infrastructure. However, they may also have higher volatility and political risk compared to developed markets.
• Performance & Volatility: The index provides exposure to high-growth opportunities, but investors need to be aware of the inherent risks such as currency risk, political instability, and market liquidity.

7. Breakthrough in Long COVID: New Study Identifies Fibrin as Key Driver of Inflammation

Sub :Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

A recent study published in Nature on August 28, 2023, has identified fibrin as a key factor driving the inflammation and complications associated with COVID-19, rather than being a byproduct of the infection. This finding could change the way long COVID is understood and managed, offering a fresh perspective on potential treatments. The study, conducted using a mouse model, has opened up possibilities for new therapeutic strategies, especially using monoclonal antibodies.

Study Findings

Fibrinogen and Spike Protein Interaction: Using a mouse model, the researchers demonstrated that fibrinogen and fibrin bind with high affinity to the spike protein of the virus. This interaction plays a significant role in the inflammation seen in COVID-19 cases.

Clotting and Immune Response: The binding of fibrin with the spike protein alters the clot structure, making it more resistant to breakdown, which explains why clot-dissolving drugs are less effective in COVID-19 patients.

Inflammatory Mechanism: The study found that fibrin-spike protein interaction alters immune pathways, further exacerbating the inflammatory response.

Current Understanding of SARS-CoV-2 Pathogenesis

Vasculopathy and Inflammation: SARS-CoV-2 is widely known as a vasculopathic agent, meaning it damages blood vessels. Its severe complications, such as stroke, are linked to this damage.

Dominant Respiratory Symptoms: Most respiratory symptoms in COVID-19 are due to inflammation and clotting in the blood vessels of the lungs, not the airways.

Long COVID: Persistent inflammation and clotting mechanisms lead to long-term symptoms, termed as long COVID. These symptoms persist even after population immunity has reduced severe COVID-19 cases.

About SARS-CoV-2: Belongs to the coronavirus family (CoVs).

Causes a range of respiratory illnesses, from mild colds to severe diseases like SARS and MERS.

General Structure:

• Envelope: Composed of a lipid bilayer that protects viral components and facilitates cell entry.
• Spike Proteins (S): Crown-like spikes on the surface, key for binding to host cells.
• Nucleocapsid (N): Contains the viral RNA and aids in viral replication.
• Membrane Protein (M): Determines the shape of the virus envelope and plays a role in viral lifecycle.

Virus Particle Description:

• Identified as a betacoronavirus.
• Enveloped, spherical to pleomorphic particles, 80 to 160 nm in size.
• Contains a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome.

Structural Proteins:

• Spike (S), Membrane (M), Envelope (E), Nucleocapsid (N) proteins form the structural basis of the virus.
• The S and M proteins extend across the membrane, essential for virus assembly.
• The N protein binds to RNA, forming the nucleocapsid, crucial for replication and influencing the host’s response.

Function of Spike Protein:

• Binds to the ACE2 receptor found in human respiratory, intestinal, and blood vessel cells.
• Its strong affinity to ACE2 enhances infection efficiency.
• Facilitates fusion with the host cell membrane, allowing viral RNA to enter and initiate infection.

Crown-Like Appearance: The polymerized spike proteins embedded in the viral envelope give SARS-CoV-2 its characteristic crown-like appearance.

Mutation Rate: As an RNA virus, SARS-CoV-2 has a higher mutation rate than DNA viruses.

This contributes to the emergence of new variants over time, making it a rapidly evolving pathogen.

Fibrin as a Key Player

Conventional View: Previously, it was thought that inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2 damages the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelium), leading to fibrin deposition and blood clots.

New Perspective: The recent study reveals that fibrin actively binds to the spike protein of the virus, driving inflammation and complications in the lungs and brain, rather than just being a result of the infection.

Monoclonal Antibody as a Potential Treatment

Therapeutic Strategy: The researchers tested a monoclonal antibody, 5B8, which targets the binding site of fibrinogen where the spike protein attaches. This antibody prevents the spike protein from binding to fibrin, reducing inflammation without affecting the normal function of fibrinogen.

About Monoclonal Antibodies:

Specificity: mAbs are highly specific, meaning they are designed to target only a particular antigen. This precision allows them to neutralize pathogens or block certain pathways involved in disease.

Production: Monoclonal antibodies are created by fusing a specific type of immune cell (B-cell) with a cancer cell to create a hybrid cell called a hybridoma. These hybridomas can be cultured to produce large quantities of a single type of antibody.

Therapeutic Uses:

• Cancer Treatment: mAbs can target cancer cells specifically, helping to deliver chemotherapy or radioactive substances directly to the tumor, reducing damage to healthy cells.
• Infectious Diseases: In diseases like COVID-19, mAbs can block the virus from binding to human cells, reducing its ability to spread in the body.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Monoclonal antibodies can inhibit inflammatory responses in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.

COVID-19 Treatment: During the pandemic, monoclonal antibodies were used to neutralize the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, preventing the virus from entering human cells. Some antibodies also reduce inflammation and help in managing complications like long COVID.

Terminologies:

Persistent Thrombo-inflammation refers to a prolonged condition where both blood clotting (thrombosis) and inflammation occur simultaneously and continuously in the body. It is often seen in conditions like severe infections, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammatory states. This phenomenon can damage blood vessels and other tissues, leading to complications such as organ damage, strokes, or cardiovascular events.

ACE2 Receptor: A protein found on the surface of certain cells that acts as a gateway for SARS-CoV-2 to infect the host.

Positive-Sense RNA Virus: Viral RNA that can directly be translated into proteins by the host’s ribosomes.

Pleomorphic: Virus particles that can vary in shape and size.

Zoonotic Origin: SARS-CoV-2 is believed to have originated from animals, particularly bats.

8. Dissolution of Standing Committee on Statistics Amid Controversy Over Census Delay

Sub :Polity

Sec: National Body

Why this is in News

The Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has dissolved the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS), raising concerns due to the panel’s questioning of delays in conducting India’s decennial Census. The panel was disbanded without clear communication to its members, sparking debate over the government’s approach to handling key statistical tasks.

Key Points

Formation and Purpose of the Standing Committee on Statistics

Formed in July 2023, the SCoS was established to advise the government on survey methodology, including the sampling frame, survey design, and finalization of tabulation plans.

The panel consisted of 14 members, headed by economist and former Chief Statistician Pronab Sen.

The committee’s mandate was to aid the Ministry in improving the methodologies for data collection and tabulation across national surveys.

Census Delay and Dissolution of the Panel

India’s 2021 decennial Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has yet to be officially scheduled.

During its meetings, the SCoS had raised questions about the delay in conducting the Census.

Steering Committee for National Sample Surveys:

The committee is chaired by Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, the Chairman of the National Statistical Commission (NSC). The purpose of this committee is to streamline and standardize the survey process, ensuring accuracy and consistency across surveys. It replaces some of the roles previously held by the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS), with several SCoS members included in the new committee to avoid duplication of work.

About CENSUS: The census provides information on size, distribution and socio-economic, demographic and other characteristics of the country’s population.

During the regime of the Mughal king Akbar, the administrative report ‘Ain-e-Akbari’ included comprehensive data pertaining to population, industry, wealth and many other characteristics.

A systematic and modern population census, in its present form was conducted non synchronously between 1865 and 1872 in different parts of the country.

However, the first synchronous census in India was held in 1881. Since then, censuses have been undertaken uninterruptedly once every ten years.

The decennial Census is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs.

National Statistical Commission (NSC)

The National Statistical Commission (NSC) was established by the Government of India on 12th July 2006 to set policies, standards, and priorities in statistical matters. Its formation followed recommendations from the Rangarajan Commission (2001), aimed at improving India’s statistical system.

The NSC comprises a part-time Chairperson, four part-time members, and an ex-officio member. The Chief Statistician of India, who also serves as Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, acts as the Commission’s Secretary.

9. Process of judicial appointments to superior court not prerogative of single individual: SC

Sub :Polity

Sec: Judiciary

Context:

• A Supreme Court bench delivered its verdict on a plea by two senior-most district and sessions judges serving in Himachal Pradesh, who had alleged that their merit and seniority were not considered by the high court collegium in selection of names for high court judgeship.

What the Supreme Court said:

• The process of judicial appointments to a superior court is not the prerogative of an individual.
• Instead, it is a collaborative and participatory process involving all collegium members.
• The underlying principle is that the process of appointment of judges must reflect the collective wisdom that draws from diverse perspectives.
• The court also stressed on the need to protect certain sensitive information in matters involving appointment of judges and said disclosing such information would compromise not only the privacy of an individual but also the integrity of the process.

Background of the case

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and Prashant Kumar Mishra delivered its verdict on a plea by two senior-most district and sessions judges serving in Himachal Pradesh — Chirag Bhanu Singh and Arvind Malhotra — who had alleged that their merit and seniority were not considered by the high court collegium in selection of names for high court judgeship.

It said collegium of the Himachal Pradesh High Court should reconsider the names of these two judicial officers for elevation as high court judges.

Constitutional Provision regarding judicial appointment

• Article 217 of Indian Constitution covers the appointment and conditions of a High Court Judge.
• It says that every Judge of a High Court shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the State.
  • In the case of appointment of a Judge other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of the High Court shall also be consulted.
  • The Government have, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, decided as a matter of policy to appoint the Chief Justice of all High Courts from outside.

Eligibility 

• A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a Judge of a High Court unless he is a citizen of India and—
  • has for at least ten years held a judicial office in the territory of India; or
  • has for at least ten years been an advocate of a High Court in any State specified in the First Schedule or of two or more such Courts in succession.
• A High Court judge holds office until they are 62 years old.

About Collegium System:

• The Collegium system is a mechanism used for the appointment and transfer of judges in the higher judiciary in India, specifically the Supreme Court (SC) and High Courts (HC).
• It is a judge-led appointment system, not mentioned in the Constitution, but evolved through judicial interpretations.

Evolution of the Collegium System:

• First Judges Case (1981):
  • Executive had primacy in judicial appointments.
  • The role of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) was to be consulted, but advice tendered by CJI is not binding.
  • SC held that consultation does not mean concurrence.
• Second Judges Case (1993):
  • Overturned the First Judges Case saying consultation means concurrence.
  • Introduced the Collegium system, giving primacy to the CJI in judicial appointments.
  • Advice given by CJI is binding. However, the advice should not be CJI’s individual opinion. CJI has to form the opinion after consulting two senior-most judges in the SC.
• Third Judges Case (1998):
  • Collegium expanded to include a five-member body (CJI + four senior-most SC judges).
  • High Court appointments handled by a 3-judge collegium (CJI + 2 senior-most judges).

Composition of Collegium:

• Supreme Court: CJI + 4 senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
• High Court: CJI of the respective HC + 2 senior-most judges of that HC.

Process of Appointment:

• Judges are appointed based on the recommendation of the Collegium.
• The President of India formally appoints the judges after Collegium recommendations.

National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014:

• The act sought to replace the Collegium system with a commission involving members of the judiciary, executive, and civil society.
• However, NJAC was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015 as unconstitutional, re-establishing the Collegium system.

10. Registry set up for patients who need hand transplantation

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

• India has set up a registry for the first time for patients requiring hand transplantation, which will facilitate the allocation of the donated organ in a transparent manner and on a priority basis.

About the registry:

• The registration will be accepted in the national registry maintained by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), which falls under the aegis of the Union Health Ministry.
• This will help NOTTO in smoothening the national allocation process and data management for hand transplant of donors and recipients.
• Hand donation process is not perceived favourably and the establishment of a registry and pan-Indian allocation of the hands on a priority basis will give boost to the donation.

Hand transplantation:

• Hand transplantation is a surgical procedure to transplant a hand from one human to another.
• Usually, organs are donated after brain death but hands can be donated both after brain death and cardiac death.
• In case of a cardiac death, hands should have to be donated within half an hour after the heart has stopped.

Hand transplantation in India:

• Presently nine hospitals are registered for performing hand transplants in the country.
• So far 36 patients have received hand transplants and 67 hands have been transplanted, according to the data compiled by NOTTO.
• Hands at various levels of amputation i.e. Forearm, upper arm and even at shoulder level has been carried out successfully in India.

About NOTTO:

• National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) is a national level organization set up under Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• NOTTO functions as an apex centre for All India activities of coordination and networking for procurement and distribution of Organs and Tissues and registry of Organs and Tissues Donation and Transplantation in the country.
• It also lays down policy guidelines and protocols for transplantations.

11. Planetary protection: keeping out ‘toxic aliens’

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Context:

• China announced its plan to launch Tianwen-3, its ambitious Mars sample-return mission, by 2028. The mission would abide by the planetary protection principle.

What is planetary protection?

• Planetary Protection is the practice of protecting solar system bodies from contamination by Earth life and protecting Earth from life forms that may be returned from other solar system bodies.
• It’s an important principle of interplanetary missions.
• It stems from the idea that we ought to keep the planetary biosphere “pristine” and from being “corrupted” by influences that may not exist had the space mission not been undertaken.

Legal basis:

• The principle has a legal basis in Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty (1967).
• It states that parties to the treaty explore outer space while avoiding harmful contamination and adverse changes in the earths and the body’s environments due to “the introduction of extraterrestrial matter.”

How is it achieved?

• One method used to clean spacecraft ahead of interplanetary missions to conform to the planetary protection principle is to fully assemble the vehicle and bake it in a dry room for three days at 120⁰C.
• This process increases the costs and the technical strength of the spacecraft.