9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – April 2nd, 2022

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• BIMSTEC after the Colombo summit
• Caste analysis and it’s reading today
• Quota and data: On Vanniyar quota verdict
• Building faith in India’s investigative agencies
• 7 Lessons From The Pandemic
• We need to talk about autism

GS Paper 3

• Centre does well to withdraw AFSPA from many districts in the Northeast. It must carry on working in this direction
• Testing times for PLI schemes: Covid-related delays put firms in pressure

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• Centre introduces Antarctica Bill
• Explained: The complete human genome, and what it tells us
• FASTER Platform: CJI launches software to transmit court orders swiftly
• Explained: What is a look out notice, and when is it issued?
• Hidden in Plain Sight: faint galaxy discovered in our local universe
• Geological Heritage Sites of Himalayan Region of India
• India’s Tuberculosis fight may get a shot in the arm
• UN takes note of global indigenous fire practices to control wildfires

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

BIMSTEC after the Colombo summit

News: The 5th summit of the regional grouping, the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), composed of five South Asian countries and two Southeast Asian countries, was held virtually in Colombo on March 30.

The summit has undoubtedly advanced the cause of regional cooperation and integration.

But, the question to address is – whether BIMSTEC is now capable of tackling the challenges facing the region and can this multilateral grouping trigger accelerated economic development?

How the BIMSTEC was gradually strengthened?

India took a lead in strengthening and rejuvenating BIMSTEC by convening the Leaders’ Retreat in 2016.

A forward-looking summit held in Kathmandu in 2018, meant the efforts to enshrine primacy to BIMSTEC further gained momentum.

The eventual result is now seen in the package of decisions and agreements announced at the latest summit.

What is the outcome of the Colombo summit?

Colombo package consists of the following elements:

1) BIMSTEC Charter: Adopted formally, it presents BIMSTEC as “an inter-governmental organization” with “legal personality.” Among BIMSTEC’s purposes is acceleration of “the economic growth and social progress in the Bay of Bengal region”, and promotion of “multidimensional connectivity”.

The grouping now views itself not as a sub-regional organisation, but as a regional organisation whose destiny is linked with the area around the Bay of Bengal.

2) Reduction in the number of sectors of cooperation from the 14 to a more manageable seven. Each member-state will serve as a lead for a sector:

– trade, investment and development (Bangladesh);

– environment and climate change (Bhutan);

– security, including energy (India);

– agriculture and food security (Myanmar);

– people-to-people contacts (Nepal);

– science, technology and innovation (Sri Lanka),

– connectivity (Thailand).

3) Adoption of the Master Plan for Transport Connectivity (2018-2028). This approval was delayed, but its importance lies in the highest-level political support accorded to this ambitious plan. It was devised and backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

4) Finally, the package also includes three new agreements signed by member states, relating to

– mutual legal assistance in criminal matters

– Cooperation between diplomatic academies

– The establishment of a technology transfer facility in Colombo

What are the challenges that the grouping faces?

The pillar of trade, economic and investment cooperation needs greater strengthening and at a faster pace.

– Despite signing a framework agreement for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2004, BIMSTEC has made slow progress on this front. Of the seven constituent agreements needed for the FTA, only two are in place as of now. Work on the legal instruments for coastal shipping, road transport and intra-regional energy grid connection, remains unfinished.

What is the way forward?

Speedy success has been achieved in deepening cooperation in security matters and management of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). Likewise, by working on FTAs, the economic development needs to be hastened too.

BIMSTEC should focus more in the future on new areas such as the blue economy, the digital economy, and promotion of exchanges and links among start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The personal engagement of the political leadership should be increased. The decision taken in Colombo to host a summit every two years is welcome if implemented. But in the medium term, an annual summit should be the goal, with an informal retreat built into its programme.

BIMSTEC needs greater visibility. India’s turn to host the G20 leaders’ summit in 2023 presents a golden opportunity, which can be leveraged optimally. All BIMSTEC members can be invited to the G20 summit as the chair’s special guests.

Simplifying the name: The present name running into 12 words should be changed to four words only — the Bay of Bengal Community (BOBC). Brevity reflects gravitas.

Caste analysis and it’s reading today

News: The caste is an important institution in Indian society. The institution of caste saw a new orientation during the ‘Mandal decade’ of the 1990s. However, the understanding of the caste institution is further being changed, and it is witnessing a new orientation after the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Why is the study of OBCs important for studying caste dynamics?

First, the OBCs led to the recognition that the upper castes were only a minority rather than the ‘general’ or universal category.

Second, they invited closer attention to the notion of backwardness because they were an intermediate group.

Third, the OBCs were subjected to creamy layer and non-creamy layer categorization. Therefore, they highlighted the pros and cons of categorisation in the reservation system. Further, the challenge of internal disparities within large groupings was also highlighted by the OBCs.

Fourth, they have a large population base that is distributed nationwide. Therefore, they played an important role in state politics and coalition politics at the national level.

What were the changes in the caste system over the last two decades?

The upper caste group has also entered into the game of caste and the benefits associated with it.

The internal differentiation has taken place within each large caste grouping. The major factors behind such dynamics were economic status, livelihood sources, regional location and electoral influence. For example,

(1) In Uttar Pradesh, ‘Non-Yadav OBCs’ and ‘Yadav OBC’ have emerged as two subgroups within OBCs in Uttar Pradesh.

(2) The upper castes have seen division into the non-rich, rich and super-rich classes.

What were the factors that have led to changes in the caste system?

Firstly, the groupings were far too big to remain coherent. This has led to an exponential increase in the complexity of the caste system.

Another most important factor is neoliberalism. It has reoriented the role of the state and the market in India since 1991.

Other factors include the ongoing restructuring of federalism in India; and finally, the change in the ecosystem of official statistics.

Quota and data: On Vanniyar quota verdict

News: Recently, the Supreme Court of India quashed the Tamil Nadu Special Reservation Act of 2021, or the Vanniyar quota law, on the ground that it was not based on updated quantifiable data.

What was proposed in the legislation?

Read here: Supreme Court strikes down Tamil Nadu’s 10.5% Vanniyar quota

What were the issues in the proposed reservation?

The Court said, caste can be the starting point for the identification of backward classes or providing internal reservation, but it cannot be the sole basis for giving reservation.

The Court pointed out that the relative backwardness and representation of other communities in the MBCs and DNCs were not analysed using relevant, updated and contemporaneous data.

What is the importance of judgment with respect to the state’s power on the reservation?

First, the court held that the State is competent to design subclassification among backward classes. It can prescribe the quantum of reservation based on such subclassification, and formulate an ancillary law, even with the assent of the Governor, to one included in the Ninth Schedule. But, Internal or exclusive reservations cannot be granted to any community without using quantifiable data.

Second, a caste-based census is required to determine the representation of various communities in public employment and in education. If there is an inadequate representation, it may be a ground for special treatment in the reservation.

Third, the concept of a creamy layer is very important to uphold the principle of equity in the reservation. Therefore, a person who is in the creamy layer must be excluded from providing reservations to backward classes.

Building faith in India’s investigative agencies

News: According to the CJI remarks, the institutions including the police and the investigative agencies are losing the public trust and social legitimacy. Their reputation has eroded due to allegations of corruption, police excesses, lack of impartiality and close nexus with the political class.

What are the issues affecting the investigative agencies?

The lack of infrastructure, lack of modern equipment, lack of accountability of erring officers, lack of sufficient manpower, and inhuman conditions, especially at the lowest rung are some of the pertinent problems.

There is a change in priorities with the change in the political executive, and repeated transfers of officers are some of the issues that lead to delays in trials. These issues often lead to the acquittal of the guilty and incarceration of the innocent. This severely affects the public trust in the system.

The investigative agencies still do not have the benefit of being guided by a comprehensive law.

There is an issue of multiplicity of agencies. Multiple agencies are investigating the same incident or criminal offence. It leads to dilution of evidence, prolonged incarceration of innocents etc.

In general, the female class do not report certain offences to the police machinery due to a lack of representation of women in the institutions.

The police officers are harassed after the change in the regime. But upright officers find it difficult to stand by their oath.

What steps can be taken to usher in police reform in India?

First, the police officers should break the nexus with the political executive. They should build robust and independent institutions. As a response, the political executive will change with time.

The best of talents who enter this system should learn that they should stand by their ethics and stand united with integrity, no matter how deficient and non-cooperative the other institutions are.

Second, The police and investigative agencies should win the trust of the public in order to gain social legitimacy.

Third, police should work to ensure law and order and crime prevention. It should work impartially and with the cooperation of the public.

Fourth, The need of the hour is the creation of an independent and autonomous investigative agency. For example, a statutory and an independent umbrella institution for various agencies like the CBI, SFIO, and ED can be created.

The law should clearly define its powers, functions and jurisdictions. It should be headed by an independent and impartial authority appointed by a non-partisan committee akin to the one which appoints the Director of the CBI.

The umbrella organisation will end the multiplicity of proceedings. Once an incident is reported, the organisation should decide as to which specialised wing should take up the investigation.

A separate and autonomous wing for prosecution and investigation can be set up under the umbrella organisation.

A reasonable check and balance can be introduced by instituting an annual audit of the performance of the institution.

This umbrella investigative body can be suitably adapted by the states because the police and public order is a state subjects.

Fifth, there is a need for regular up-gradation of knowledge, deployment of state-of-the-art technology, and international exchange programmes to learn the best practices.

Sixth, encouraging the presence of women personnel in the policing system will encourage hesitant women victims to approach the criminal justice system and report crimes.

Seventh, the relations between the community and police can be fixed. This can be done by including sensitisation workshops, and interactions with the public to inspire public confidence during the police training modules.

7 Lessons From The Pandemic

News: It seems that the Covid-19 pandemic may become endemic soon. In the last 2 years, Covid-19 has tested Indian governance among a number of other things. Therefore, it provides scope for learning a number of lessons from the recent covid experiences

What lessons can be learnt from India’s experience with the Covid Pandemic?

Firstly, The Indian government could have adopted a selective and targeted lockdown. The harsh and too severe lockdown resulted in the loss of millions of jobs and a lot of misery for poor migrants. For example, Bangladesh issues four days’ notice to the people to go back to their homes before imposing a lockdown.

Secondly, India failed to reform the healthcare sector. It is still rigid, inept, inefficient, ineffective and plagued with bureaucratic problems. In contrast, Thailand has linked its public and private systems to ensure healthcare reforms. It also improved its primary healthcare networks. In contrast, 33% of the nurses and 40% of doctors are absent and medicines are often stolen in India’s rural primary healthcare network.

Thirdly, the accurate data like testing, infections, deaths data at a neighbourhood level and an authentic geotagged database are important for predicting the epidemic’s evolution. It helps in taking right policy response. For example, the Kerala model has been a success story in taking the right decision.

Fourthly, India’s vaccination drive could have been better had the government pre-ordered vaccines early. Although it was impressive that vaccine drive was well coordinated, cost-effective and digitally managed. For example, India’s got vaccine certificates instantly.

Fifthly, on the government’s fiscal response. The Indian government provided free rations and a rural job guarantee through credit easing. This effectively prevented tragedy.

Sixthly, related to the educational system. The power of technology was used in education delivery, for example, the virtual classrooms were started. But it was limited to privileged children who had internet access. Poor kids without smartphones or connectivity failed to maintain their education level.

Lastly, on ideological beliefs. India needs a blend of central planning and market-based reforms. Although market-based reforms brought widespread prosperity, the poor were left at the mercy of the rich. Therefore, central planning is also needed to protect the weak.

We need to talk about autism

News: United Nations has mandated April as autism awareness month and April 2 as Autism Awareness Day. In India, Autism is emerging as a major paediatric concern. So, Our systems have to be ready for it.

What is Autism?

Autism is not a “disease” that can be cured. It is a condition that arises from certain neurobiological factors.

Characteristics: A person with Autism will have a lifelong set of developmental impairments in the domains of communication and social responsiveness. The person is accompanied by a set of restrictive and repetitive behaviours.

Research also suggests that sleep disturbances — fragmented and erratic sleeping, frequent and prolonged night waking — impact over 80% of children with autism.

What are the steps taken by India to tackle autism?

1) Autism was recognised as a disability in 2016 under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. 2) The bulk of learning for autistic children in most schools, private and NGO-run, is implemented through Individualised Education Plans (IEP). It contains joining dots, tracing letters, and putting objects from one container to the others, etc.

3) In 2019, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), launched an app — PedNeuroAiimsDiagnostics. The app aims to help in the early detection of Autism. Despite being very robust, the app has not seen much traction.

What are the challenges associated with combating Autism in India?

1) Awareness is low, and the stigma is high. For instance, wearing amulets, making children to drink the water touched by a crow, etc.

2) Low availability of data: A Government of India statistical profile from 2021 about Persons with Disabilities (PwD) does not account for autism since it bases itself on the Census data of 2011. For instance, A 2019 all-India statistic reveals a total of 10,338 persons with autism in India. Delhi reported zero cases as did many other states. But that is not the ground reality.

3) There is no one autism. There are many autisms: autism research shows that it a “spectrum of conditions.”

How can India face the challenges associated with Autism?

Health, education and awareness campaigns are the three domains the government should focus on.

Ramping up autism screening: This is because there are no biomarkers to detect the risk of autism.

Curriculum frameworks should be dynamic and responsive to the spectrum of autism are the need of the hour. RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India), NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) and NIOS must collaborate on the creation of learning material and teacher training programmes for IEP.

Autism awareness campaigns need to popularise legal rights and government benefit schemes, which include free education and financial support for benchmarked disabilities.

The National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMED) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment disseminates such information. But awareness needs to be raised.

GS Paper 3

Centre does well to withdraw AFSPA from many districts in the Northeast. It must carry on working in this direction

News: The main task before the Central govt, after the partial withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers (AFSPA) Act from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, is to slowly restore the primacy of the civilian administration in the areas still under AFSPA.

It’s a process that needs great patience, negotiation and accommodation.

Is AFSPA still in operation in the Northeast?

Yes. The withdrawal is only partial. The law still continues to be in operation in the following areas:

– nearly 75% of Nagaland

– all of the hill districts in Manipur

– 40% of Assam, mainly the districts bordering Manipur and Nagaland

What is the background behind imposition of AFSPA in the Northeast?

The Act in its present form was first imposed in Nagaland to battle the Naga nationalist movement that gained ground in the 1950s.

As Naga nationalism acquired the character of an armed insurrection, the Act was introduced in Manipur’s hill areas, which are home to Naga tribes.

As Naga nationalism influenced the rise of similar nationalist movements in neighbouring states, including in Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Assam, from the 1960s onwards, the government moved in the army and central para-military forces to the region. The AFSPA provided operational cover for these forces, not trained or mandated to operate amid a civilian population or to report to the civil administration.

Testing times for PLI schemes: Covid-related delays put firms in pressure

News: The government had launched the PLI schemes for 15 sectors. However, various companies across IT hardware, telecom products and mobile devices have failed to achieve their investment target and meet their production targets. They missed the deadlines for the first year ended on March 31.

What are the benefits of the PLI Scheme?

Growth in the Indian economy. For example, Apple and Samsung have contributed to a growth of 75% over the previous year in the mobile sector.

Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) recovery in India: As per estimates, 22% of the capital expenditure expected under PLI has started for seven out of the 15 sectors.

Import substitution: For instance, the scheme will reduce India’s import of laptops and tablets (India imports 90% from China). Also, the PLI for advanced chemistry batteries will provide batteries to power electric vehicles in India’s domestic market.

Create six million jobs: More than half of these jobs will come from five sectors — speciality steels, ACs, LEDs, autos and components, and high-tech mobile devices. For example, Apple, with its three vendors, is expected to account for 8% of the total job creation.

In addition, schemes will lead to increased Indian exports. For example, 9 sectors focused on PLI have a lot of export potential.

What were the causes behind the failure to meet the investment target?

The companies could not meet their targets due to the pandemic. There were hit by a huge supply chain disruption in 2021 (especially for chips) and a delay in factory construction among other factors.

Challenges due to ill-defined PLI schemes: For example, initially, PLI Scheme for IT hardware aimed to make India into an export hub (The export target was 75% production value). However, the export target has been reduced to 37%.

In the telecom sector, companies have been impacted by the delay in 5G auctions. Telcos have not given any orders without the auctions.

What are the requests raised by Industries?

The government has amended the PLI for making solar PV modules after requests from the industry players. It has increased allocation. This sector is expected to account for one-fourth of PLI investments across 15 sectors.

The Companies have petitioned the government to double the incentive from 2.5% to 5%. They have also requested to extend the tenure of the scheme from four to eight years because India has no component infrastructure.

The companies have also asked for another year’s extension. Most of the players could not claim incentives in FY 2021-22. The government committee has been constituted to resolve the problem.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Centre introduces Antarctica Bill

Source: This post is based on the article “Centre introduces Antarctica Bill” published in The Hindu on 2nd April 2022.

What is the News?

The Government of India has introduced the ‘Antarctica Bill’ in the Lok Sabha.

What was the need for the Antarctic Bill?

India had been a signatory to the Antarctica Treaty since 1983 and that encumbered India to specify a set of laws governing portions of the continent where it had its research bases.

India is also a signatory to treaties such as the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and the Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, both of which enjoin India to help preserve the pristine nature of Antarctica. 

Hence, to fulfil the objectives of these treaties, the Antarctic Bill 2022 has been brought.

What is the aim of the Antarctica Bill?

To have India’s own national measures for protecting the Antarctic environment and its dependent and associated ecosystem.

To regulate visits and activities to Antarctica, as well as potential disputes that may arise among those present on the continent. 

To prescribe penal provisions for certain serious violations.

What are the key provisions of the Antarctica Bill?

Applicability: The Bill will apply to Indians, foreign citizens, corporations, firms and joint ventures functioning in India, and any vessel or aircraft that is either Indian or part of an Indian expedition.

Indian expedition to Antarctica: The Bill prohibits Indian expedition to Antarctica or carrying out certain activities in Antarctica without a permit or the written authorisation of another party to the protocol.

Committee on Antarctic governance and Environmental protection: It has been set up to monitor, implement and ensure compliance with the relevant international laws, emissions standards and rules of protection. The committee is to be headed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, as ex officio chairperson.

Prohibitory Activities: The Bill prohibits drilling, dredging, excavation or collection of mineral resources or even doing anything to identify where such mineral deposits occur. The only exception is for scientific research with a permit.

There will also be a strict prohibition on damaging native plants, flying or landing helicopters or operating vessels that could disturb birds and seals, and removing soil or any biological material native to Antarctica.

The introduction of animals, birds, plants or microscopic organisms that are not native to Antarctica is also prohibited.

Provisions for Indian Tour Operators: The Bill provides for Indian tour operators to be able to operate in Antarctica after acquiring a permit.

Explained: The complete human genome, and what it tells us

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: The complete human genome, and what it tells us” published in Indian Express on 2nd April 2022.

What is the News?

In 2003, Scientists had published the map of the human genome for the first time. However, this was incomplete as about 8% of the human DNA was left unsequenced. 

Now, a large global collaboration called the Telomere-2-Telomere(T2T) project has accounted for the remaining 8% and completing the picture of the human genome for the first time.

What is Genome and why Human Genome matter?

A genome refers to all of the genetic material in an organism. The Human genome is mostly the same in all people, but a very small part of the DNA does vary between one individual and another. 

By constructing a complete human genome, scientists can use it for reference while studying the genome of various individuals, which would help them understand which variations if any, might be responsible for the disease.

When was the Human Genome Sequencing done and what was missing?

Human Genome Sequencing was made available in 2003 by the Human Genome Project, an international collaboration between 1990 and 2003.

It contained information from a region of the human genome known as the euchromatin. This chromosome is rich in genes, and the DNA encodes for protein.

The remaining 8% that was left out was in the area called heterochromatin. This is a smaller portion of the genome and does not produce protein.

Why was heterochromatin not sequenced?

There were two key reasons why heterochromatin was given lower priority:  1) This part of the genome was thought to be “junk DNA” because it had no clear function, 2) The euchromatin contained more genes that were simpler to sequence with the tools available at the time.

What has been done now?

A global collaboration called the Telomere-2-Telomere (T2T) project has completed the reading of the remaining 8% of the genome.

They found a new reference genome called T2T-CHM13. This genome includes highly repetitive DNA sequences found in and around the telomeres (structures at the ends of chromosomes) and the centromeres (at the middle section of each chromosome). 

The sequence also reveals long stretches of DNA that are duplicated in the genome and are known to play important roles in evolution and disease.

FASTER Platform: CJI launches software to transmit court orders swiftly

Source: This post is based on the article “CJI launches software to transmit court orders swiftly” published in Indian Express on 31st March 2022.

What is the News?

The Chief Justice of India has launched the FASTER (Fast and Secured Transmission of Electronic Records) platform.

What is a FASTER Platform?

Purpose: It is a digital platform to communicate interim orders, stay orders, and bail orders of the Supreme Court to authorities concerned through a secured electronic communication channel.

Developed by: Registry of the Supreme Court in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre(NIC).

Need: The idea of creating this platform came after CJI came across a report about the delay in the release of prisoners owing to the delay in physical orders reaching the prison authorities.

How will the FASTER Platform work?

FASTER Cell: It has been established in the Registry of the Supreme Court. The cell will transmit digitally signed records of proceedings or orders related to bail and release passed by the court to the nodal officers and duty holders concerned through email.

Nodal Officers: To reach all districts of India, 73 nodal officers have been nominated at various levels. All nodal officers have been connected through a specific Judicial Communication Network(JCN) by creating a secured pathway.

What is the significance of the FASTER Platform?

Firstly, it will ensure that undertrials are not made to wait for days on end behind bars to be released because the certified hard copies of their bail orders took time to reach the prison.

Secondly, it will help in preventing unnecessary arrests and custody of people even after the court had already granted them its protection.

Explained: What is a look out notice, and when is it issued?

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: What is a look out notice, and when is it issued?” published in Indian Express on 2nd April 2022.

What is the News?

A Journalist was stopped at Mumbai Airport based on a Look out Circular(LOC) issued by the Enforcement Directorate(ED) which is investigating her in a case of alleged money laundering.

What is Look Out Circular(LOC)?

An LOC is issued to make sure that an individual who is absconding or wanted by law enforcement agencies is not able to leave the country. 

It is mostly used at immigration checkpoints at international airports and seaports by the immigration branch.

In certain cases, the police can approach a court asking for restriction of a person’s movement outside the country when that person is a suspect and there is an apprehension that they may not join the investigation at a later stage.

The person against whom the LOC is issued can challenge the circular and get relief from a court.

Who can issue the LOC?

An LOC can be initiated by a large number of authorized officers, including an:

– officer not below the rank of deputy secretary,

– an officer not below the rank of joint secretary in the state government,

– a district magistrate or superintendent of police,

– designated officers of various law enforcing and security agencies,

– a designated officer of Interpol,

– an officer not below the rank of additional director in the Serious Fraud Investigation Office  and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs,

– officers not below the rank of chairman/managing director/chief executive of any public sector bank.

Does an LOC lead to arrest?

Not necessarily. LOCs can be of several types. They can seek to merely stop a person against whom the circular has been issued from travelling outside the country, to prevent a person from entering the country, or inform the concerned investigation agencies. 

Hidden in Plain Sight: faint galaxy discovered in our local universe

Source: This post is based on the article “Hidden in Plain Sight: faint galaxy discovered in our local universe” published in PIB on 1st April 2022.

What is the News?

Indian astronomers have discovered a Faint Galaxy named UVIT J2022 that remained hidden until now. 

What are Faint Galaxies?

Faint Galaxies are called low surface brightness galaxies or ultra-diffuse galaxies and have a surface brightness that is at least ten times fainter than the surrounding night sky. 

Such faint galaxies may account for up to 15 % of the mass of the universe. However, they are difficult to detect because of their inherent low luminosities.

What is UVIT J2022?

It is a faint galaxy. It was discovered while studying a known galaxy, NGC6902A. This faint galaxy is in the Milky Way’s neighbourhood situated 136 million light-years away.

It remained undetected because it lay in front of a much brighter galaxy that is further away. Moreover, it is extremely faint – about ten times fainter than the surrounding night sky.

What is the significance of this study?

Firstly, this study raises the possibility that there could be similar diffuse galaxies that have been wrongly interpreted as interacting galaxies due to their superposition with foreground or background galaxies.

Secondly, the material that the humans see around is known as baryonic matter. Studies suggest that baryonic matter makes up 5% of the Universe’s mass. The rest of the mass should be contributed by unknown forms such as dark matter and dark energy.

— However, humans still do not have a clear understanding about the 5% of the baryonic content present in the Universe. These faint galaxies can act as a link for understanding the origin of missing baryons in the universe, as they may contribute significantly to the baryonic mass in the universe.

Geological Heritage Sites of Himalayan Region of India

Source: This post is based on the article “Geological Heritage Sites of Himalayan Region of India” published in PIB on 30th March 2022.

What is the News?

The Geological Survey of India(GSI) has identified two geological heritage sites in the Indian Himalayan Region of India.

Which are the two sites identified by GSI?

The two sites identified by GSI in the Himalayan Region are:

Siwalik Fossil Park

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Description of the Site: The Siwalik Fossil park displays a rich collection of vertebrate fossils recovered from the Siwalik rocks of the area of the Plio-Pleistocene age. 

– The deposition of Siwalik sediments took place in the narrow linear depression, called the ‘fore deep‘, which started developing in front of the Himalayas since the inception of its uplift in the middle Miocene.

Stromatolite bearing Dolomite / Limestone of Buxa Formation

Location: Sikkim

Description of the Site: The Geoheritage site at Mamley exposes litho units of Buxa Formation, Daling Group of Proterozoic age. The dolostones are profusely stromatolitic (Precambrian algal structures). This site provides one of the rare examples of early life in Sikkim Himalaya.

What are Geo-heritage Sites?

Geo-heritage refers to the geological features which are inherently or culturally significant offering insight to earth’s evolution or history to earth science or that can be utilized for education.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) declares geo-heritage sites/ national geological monuments for protection and maintenance.

Geo-heritage Sites in India

India’s Tuberculosis fight may get a shot in the arm

Source: This post is based on the article “India’s Tuberculosis fight may get a shot in the arm ” published in The Times of India on 2nd April 2022.

What is the News?

Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) is in the advanced stage of developing a vaccine against tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis(TB) Cases in India

According to India’s TB Report 2022: India reported a 19% rise in tuberculosis cases in 2021 over the previous year. The total number of incident TB patients (new and relapse) notified during 2021 were 19.33 lakh, as opposed to that of 16.28 lakh in 2020.

Deaths due to TB: The total number of estimated deaths from all forms of TB excluding HIV for 2020 was 4.93 lakh, which was higher by 13% than the 2019 estimate.

A huge majority of 64% of surveyed symptomatic population did not seek healthcare services between 2019 and 2021.

State wise TB Cases: Delhi, with 534 cases per 1 lakh population, has the highest prevalence of TB, followed by Rajasthan,  Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Kerala has the lowest prevalence with 115 per 1 lakh people.

What are the vaccines being developed against Tuberculosis?

National AIDS Research Institute(NARI) under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is conducting Phase 3 Trials of two potential vaccines for TB namely VPM1002 and Immuvac. 

The trials are being done in 18 sites in six Indian states. The phase 3 trials are expected to be over by 2024 after which the patient data will be compiled and results will be analyzed.

UN takes note of global indigenous fire practices to control wildfires

Source: This post is based on the article “UN takes note of global indigenous fire practices to control wildfires” published in Down To Earth on 1st April 2022.

What is the News?

The United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) has released a report titled “Spreading like wildfire: The rising threat of extraordinary landscape fires”.

The report has taken note of burning practices and techniques of indigenous peoples around the world as a method to control wildfire incidents.

What are the key findings of the report?

Wildfires: Climate change and land-use change are projected to make wildfires more frequent and intense, with a global increase of extreme fires of up to 14% by 2030, 30% by the end of 2050 and 50% by the end of the century.

What are the recommendations given by the report to control Wildfires?

The report calls on governments to adopt a new ‘Fire Ready Formula’, with two-thirds of spending devoted to planning, prevention, preparedness, and recovery, with one third left for a response.

Other suggestions of the report include:

How can indigenous practices be adopted to control wildfires?

Fire has always played a significant role in the lives of many Indigenous peoples around the world. For some peoples, their understanding and use of fire is entrenched in creation stories and practice. 

For example, 

In Australia, the use of fire to create mosaic landscapes for hunting and gathering purposes also broke up the continuity of fuels and so inhibited the extensive spread of wildfires. 

In Canada, there is evidence of Indigenous peoples using fire as a way of managing their territory.

In Brazil, many Indigenous groups (e.g The Xavante) are trained in total fire suppression.

In the United States of America, several key initiatives have developed opportunities to support Indigenous burning activities as a way to engage in wildfire prevention and mitigation at the landscape level.