9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – December 5th, 2023

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

On Regulating ‘Dark Patterns’ – Battling dark patterns

Source: This post on Regulating ‘Dark Patterns’ has been created based on the article “Battling dark patterns” published in “Business Standard” on 5th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Governance – Government policies and interventions.

News: The article discusses the growing concern of digital platforms employing ‘dark patterns’.

The Central Consumer Protection Agency (CCPA) has issued guidelines for the prevention and regulation of ‘dark patterns’ on the web. These guidelines will apply to all digital platforms offering goods and services in India.

Read about the Central Consumer Protection Agency (CCPA) here.

What are ‘Dark Patterns’?

Dark patterns refer to a variety of deceptive practices used to manipulate or strongly influence online consumers into making consumer decisions that might not align with their best interests.

They are designed to manipulate user behaviour by exploiting psychological vulnerabilities. These are widely recognised as unfair trade practices.

Examples: A false timer showing offer expiry, showing limited stocks, being part of mailing subscription lists that are hard to opt out of, collecting user data by evading informed consent, etc.

What are the growing concerns regarding Dark Patterns?

  1. Increased Manipulation due to Technological Advances: The proliferation of dark patterns may only increase with further advances in machine learning and automation.
  2. Financial Harm: Their use in the financial services industry can cause significant harm to savers and investors (for example, being lured into taking short-term high-interest credit).
  3. Disproportionately harms vulnerable socio-economic groups: Certain socio-economic groups and individuals with low digital literacy are more susceptible to dark patterns.

What should be the aims of regulation of dark patterns?

1 Protecting consumers from manipulation.

2 Preventing discrimination, so that dark patterns do not increase current inequalities.

3 It is also important to ensure that regulations do not end up significantly increasing the compliance burden for firms in India’s digital economy, which has a huge potential (According to the government’s projection, the digital economy is expected to reach 20% of India’s GDP by 2026 from the current 11%).

Question for practice:

Digital literacy should be the precursor of an ever-expanding digital economy. Discuss in the context of the growing concern around ‘dark patterns’.

Healthcare for transgender people -No, one Centre of Excellence in Transgender Care is not enough

Source: The post healthcare for transgender people has been created on the article “No, one Centre of Excellence in Transgender Care is not enough” published in “Indian express” on 5th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- Governance- mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

News: The article discusses the need for better healthcare for transgender people in India. It talks about legal changes, the lack of proper healthcare facilities, and the importance of inclusive services. AIIMS Delhi’s plan for a specialized center is highlighted, but more widespread action is needed.

Who is Transgender?

According to World Health Organization, Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and expression does not conform to the norms and expectations traditionally associated with the sex assigned to them at birth.

As per the Census of 2011, the total population of Transgender in India is 4.9 lakh.

The highest proportion of the trans-gender population, about 28%, has been identified in Uttar Pradesh followed by Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.

For more information on Transgender read here

What are the issues with transgender healthcare in India?

Historical Discrimination: Transgender individuals in India historically face marginalization and lack access to healthcare due to discrimination and unscientific practices.

Gaps in State Healthcare Policies: State policies have not effectively ensured access to healthcare for the transgender community, especially in primary and secondary care.

Mandatory Surgery for Gender Recognition: The Transgender Act requires transgender individuals to undergo surgery to change their gender within male-female binaries, which contradicts the NALSA judgment that states surgery should not be mandatory for declaring one’s gender.

Limited Role of Government Hospitals: While private providers offer gender-affirming procedures, government hospitals, including AIIMS, have been less involved in providing these services.

What government initiatives are in place to improve transgender healthcare in India?

Legal Recognition and Healthcare Directions: NALSA v Union of India (2014) judgment legally recognized transgender individuals, the Supreme Court directed central and state governments to ensure medical care catering to mental, sexual, and reproductive health.

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019: This act reinforced the government’s role in providing holistic healthcare services to the transgender community. This includes necessary procedures like sex reassignment surgery and hormone therapy, along with counseling and HIV sero-surveillance.

Transgender Persons Rules, 2020: These rules specifically instructed state governments to provide separate wards and washrooms for transgender people in hospitals by 2022. It also emphasized the sensitization of healthcare professionals and required establishments to publish an equal opportunity policy and appoint a complaint officer.

AIIMS’s Planned Centre of Excellence: AIIMS, New Delhi, has announced its intention to open a Centre of Excellence for transgender healthcare in 2024, a significant step towards specialized healthcare services for the transgender community.

Way forward

To improve transgender healthcare in India, all government medical colleges and hospitals should offer gender-affirming services. This includes accessible primary and secondary care. Medical education needs to be revised for inclusivity. More grassroots healthcare centers, tailored to transgender needs, are crucial. These should complement specialized centers like AIIMS’s proposed Centre of Excellence.

Question for practice:

Examine the current status and challenges of transgender healthcare in India.

Effect of delimitation on Fiscal federalism – The Finance Commission has a highly critical task

Source: The post Effect of delimitation on Fiscal federalism has been created on the article “The Finance Commission has a highly critical task” published in “Live Mints” on 5th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- polity- issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure

News: The article effectively highlights the challenges that the 16th Finance Commission (FC) will encounter, especially in terms of fiscal federalism, due to the upcoming delimitation exercise. These challenges are reminiscent of those faced by the 15th FC following the introduction of GST. It emphasizes the complexities in tax distribution and the likely changes in Lok Sabha seats post the 2026 census, which may significantly impact political representation.

About 16th finance commission:

The Union Cabinet has approved the Terms of Reference for the Sixteenth Finance Commission, for five years (starting from 1st April 2026).

For more details on 16th FC term of reference read here

For more details on challenges faced by FC read here

What are the challenges in front of 16th FC due to delimitation exercise?

Shift in Political Representation: Post-2026 census delimitation is expected to reallocate Lok Sabha seats. It may likely increase the representation of northern states due to higher population growth.

Tax Revenue Distribution Complications: This political shift could affect the FC’s approach to distributing tax revenues, possibly favoring states with greater representation. For example, States like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, despite their significant economic contributions, may struggle to advocate for their fiscal interests due to potentially reduced representation.

Maintaining Federal Harmony: The Commission must navigate these changes carefully to maintain harmony in India’s federal structure, ensuring that the fiscal needs of all states are met while managing the shifting political landscape.

For more information read here

What should be done?

Fair Lok Sabha Representation: To ensure fair representation of all states in the Lok Sabha post-2026 census delimitation, it is crucial to consider both population and economic contributions. This approach will help address the concerns of southern and western states, which have achieved better population control and economic growth. They fear losing their political influence in the Lok Sabha due to the current population-based seat allocation system.

Strengthen Federal Structure: Develop mechanisms to manage the economic disparities between states more effectively, reducing the burden on higher-performing states while encouraging efficient resource utilization.

Question to practice:

Examine the impact of the 2026 census delimitation on political representation and fiscal federalism

GS PAPER - 3

On the utility of Nuclear Power – Embracing nuclear power

Source: This post on the utility of Nuclear Power has been created based on the article “Embracing nuclear power” published in “Business Standard” on 5th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Environment – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation.

News: The article discusses the importance of nuclear power in achieving renewable energy targets as part of the global commitment to prevent further climate change.

Two pledges concerning renewable energy were announced at the recent UNFCCC COP-28. This includes:

  1. Tripling of the global renewable energy capacity by 2030.
  2. Tripling nuclear energy by 2050 (pledge by 22 countries).

In addition to this, the International Atomic Energy Agency drafted a statement, alongside multiple countries, making it clear that “net zero needs nuclear power”.

This highlights the importance of nuclear energy as a tool to achieve renewable energy targets. However, India was unwilling to sign these declarations (due to references to phasing down coal generation).

What are the advantages of Nuclear Power generation compared to other renewable energy sources?

High Output: Just around 400 nuclear reactors in 30 countries produce 10% of the world’s power and represent 25% of global low-carbon generation.

Consistent Power Generation: Unlike solar or wind power, which are intermittent and dependent on weather conditions, nuclear power provides consistent electricity ensuring a stable energy supply.

High Energy Density: Nuclear reactions release a tremendous amount of energy from a small amount of fuel, making it highly efficient.

Less Land Requirement: Nuclear power plants typically occupy less land compared to large-scale renewable projects like solar or wind farms.

What are the disadvantages of Nuclear Power generation?

Radioactive Waste: Nuclear power generates radioactive waste that remains hazardous for thousands of years. Proper disposal and management of this waste poses significant challenges.

Risk of Accidents: Nuclear accidents can have grave consequences, as seen in incidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima.

Limited Fuel Availability: While uranium, the primary fuel for nuclear reactors, is available, its supply is finite. There are concerns about potential scarcity in the long run.

Nuclear Proliferation: The technology used in nuclear power plants can also be diverted for the production of nuclear weapons, raising proliferation concerns.

A detailed article on Nuclear Energy can be read here.

What should India do?

Revisiting the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act: It has led to limited private investment in the nuclear sector in India.

Diversification: India remains overdependent on Russia. Current liability systems must be changed to make it easier to bring in newer reactors from France and other countries.

Question for practice:

Critically analyse Nuclear Power as a viable source of energy. Discuss its impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

UNLF Peace Accord

Source: This post on the UNLF Peace Accord has been created based on the article “UNLF Peace Accord” published in “Indian Express” on 5th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Internal Security – Security challenges and their management in border areas.

News: The article discusses the recently signed peace accord between Manipuri insurgent group UNLF and Govt of India. It also highlights the various challenges in implementing peace agreements.

Recently, a tripartite peace accord has signed by the Government of India, Government of Manipur and the United National Liberation Front (UNLF). Although the terms of the agreement are awaited, at the moment it is largely on suspension of operations (SoO). A Peace Monitoring Committee has been set up to oversee its enforcement.

What has been India’s experience with peace accords?

Peace Achieved: Normalcy has been achieved in states like Mizoram and Tripura.

Removal of AFSPA: For instance, in Assam, except for the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), separatist groups have signed accords and the state removed AFSPA from 4 more districts in October.

Decline in Violence: Security personnel KIA, civilian casualties and number of violent incidents have considerably declined. Since 2014, 6,112 insurgents have surrendered.

Failure: Nagaland and Manipur are the two states where all groups have not come to the table.

North-East Insurgent Groups. Source: USI

What is the UNLF?

The UNLF was formed in 1964 and is a valley-based insurgent group — distinct from the insurgent groups in the state’s Naga-dominated and Kuki-Zomi dominated hills.

It was formed with the demand of secession from India under the leadership of Arambam Samarendra Singh. Its armed wing, the Manipur People’s Army, was formed in 1990 and over the years, it has carried out multiple attacks targeting Indian security personnel.

What is the significance of this peace agreement?

  1. It will end hostility, bring peace and normalcy in the region.
  2. It will address the concerns of the community.
  3. First valley-based armed group to participate: This will encourage other insurgent groups.

What are the challenges in implementing peace agreements in the North-East?

  1. Multiplicity of Stakeholders: This is reflected in the divergent interests of different groups. Diverse demands from various ethnic and/or tribal communities are difficult to reconcile.
    For instance, UNLF has two factions with different stance – the Pambei faction has advocated for dialogue, while the Koireng faction has refrained from engaging in talks.
  2. Disruption by Extremists: The peace agreements can be halted by disruptions caused by extremist factions or splinter groups resorting to violence.
  3. Historical Distrust: The lack of faith in the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises outlined in peace agreements due to historical distrust undermines their effectiveness.
  4. Geopolitical Factors: External influences and geopolitical factors also play a role. Lack of cooperation and interference by external actors can destabilize the region.
    For instance, some cadres and leaders of the UNLF remain in Myanmar, where they are reported receiving support from the military junta.

What should be done in addition to the peace accord?

1 Victims of violence should be provided with enhanced compensation.

2 Rehabilitation of those displaced due to insurgency.

3 Dismantling of Zones carved out by militant groups.

4 Criminal cases must be prosecuted at the earliest.

5 Pushing for a political agreement between the various stakeholders.

Manipur is a volatile border state. Appointing a political negotiator backed by a team of administrators to meet the various stakeholders and come up with a peaceful agreement supported by all stakeholders should be the way forward.

Question for practice:

Signing peace accords with insurgent groups is only the first step among many in achieving long-term peace and stability. Explain the various roadblocks that may arise in implementing peace agreements.

Hidden costs of agriculture in India – The need to transform agri-food systems

Source: The post Hidden costs of agriculture in India has been created on the article “The need to transform agri-food systems” published in “The Hindu” on 5th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3 – Economy- agriculture (issues of buffer stocks and food security)

News: The article discusses a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, highlighting the “hidden costs” of current farming methods. These methods, focused on a few crops and heavy chemical use. It affects the environment and health. In India, it is leading to poverty and health issues. The report suggests that diverse, more natural farming methods can reduce these hidden costs, benefiting farmers, health, and the environment.

What is Hidden cost of agrifood systems?

Hidden costs of agrifood systems encompass various aspects. These include environmental costs, such as greenhouse gas and nitrogen emissions, water usage, and land-use changes. Additionally, there are hidden health-related costs due to decreased productivity from unhealthy dietary patterns and social hidden costs associated with poverty and productivity losses resulting from undernourishment.

Major finding of the State of Food and Agriculture report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations are:

  1. Present, global agri-food systems have hidden costs exceeding $10 trillion.
  2. India’s total hidden costs of agrifood systems were approximately $1.1 trillion. Which makes it the third largest in the world after China ($2.5 trillion) and the United States ($1.5 trillion).
  3. The current farming practices in India account for nearly 11% of India’s GDP in hidden costs, contributing to higher poverty levels.
  4. In India, the burden of disease (productivity losses from dietary patterns) had the largest share (60 per cent) among hidden costs, followed by the social cost of poverty among agrifood workers (14 per cent), and then the environmental cost of nitrogen emissions (13 per cent).

What are the reasons for the hidden costs of current farming in India?

Impact of Green Revolution:  The Green Revolution in India increased hidden farming costs by promoting monocultures of rice and wheat, which now make up over 70% of agricultural production. This focus led to loss of seed sovereignty and Indigenous knowledge, reduced crop diversity, and increased farmer debt. By 2013, farmers’ debt-to-asset ratio had risen by 630% from 1992, showing the economic strain of these practices.

India’s Agriculture Policy (National Food Security Act 2013 and MSP): The National Food Security Act 2013 legally assures food at subsidized rates to 65% of households, around 800 million people. It increased priority to rice and wheat, for example, in 2019-2020, India focused on rice and wheat, procuring over 850 lakh MT, but only 3.49 lakh MT of coarse grains, less than 1% of the total. This led to a 20% decrease in coarse grain cultivation from 1966-1967 to 2017-2018, while rice and wheat cultivation increased by 20% and 56%, respectively.

This policy framework inadvertently encourages water-intensive and chemical-dependent farming practices. Which has led to a monoculture system, impacting biodiversity and soil health.

Global Market Influence:

Fluctuations in global markets, like with soy prices between 2021 and 2016, impact local farmer incomes.

Historical global trade relations, like the British-enforced exports of cotton, also shaped local production, aligning it more with global demands than local needs.

What should be done?

Shift to Multi-Cropping Systems: Diversify crops to enhance farmers’ well-being and nutritional outcomes. This can be achieved by implementing systems like ‘akkadi saalu’ in Karnataka, which involve mixing legumes, pulses, and oilseeds.

Reduce Chemical Usage: Gradually transition from chemical-intensive practices to natural farming methods. This can reduce input costs and improve soil health.

Rebalance Crop Allocation: Increase the cultivation and procurement of coarse grains and nutritious crops. This can be accomplished by decreasing the emphasis on rice and wheat to promote dietary diversity.

Policy and Subsidy Reforms: Redirect subsidies to support sustainable farming and diverse crop cultivation. There is a need to incentivize farmers for their eco-friendly practices.

Collaborative Efforts: Encourage collaboration among institutions, policymakers, and farming communities. This is essential for developing and implementing sustainable agricultural strategies.

Question for practice:

Discuss the reasons for the hidden costs of current farming in India.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

NCRB Report 2022

Source- This post is based on the article “One-third of all 2022 suicides were of daily wage earners, farmers, says NCRB report” published in “The Hindu” on 4th December 2023

Why in the News?

Recently, NCRB has released the annual Crime in India report and the Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report for 2022.

What are the Major Findings of the Crime in India report?

Increase in Cyber Crimes
1) It indicated a 24% surge in cyber crimes across India compared to 2021.

2) Bengaluru ranked the highest in cyber crimes. OTP and online bank frauds were the most common cybercrimes reported in the city

3) Cybercrime cases in Delhi almost tripled in 2022 . Most of the crimes related to offences such as publication and transmission of content depicting children in sexually explicit acts in electronic form.

Increase in crimes against SC and ST
1) It showed overall increase in crimes and atrocities committed upon Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)

2) Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan continued to figure at the top with the highest incidents of crimes and atrocities committed upon SCs and STs.

3) Mizoram, which had reported no cases of atrocities against either SCs or STs in 2021, reported 34 cases of atrocities in 2022.

Increase in UAPA cases
1) A 25% increase in cases registered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) suggests increase in offences against the State.

2) It also shows dip in sedition cases after Supreme Court 2022 Judgement to keep sedition cases in abeyance.

Fake currency notes crimes
Government authorities seized counterfeit Indian currency notes worth over ₹342 crore in 2022, most of which are Rs.2000 currency notes, followed by Rs.500 notes.

What are the Major Findings of the Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India report?

Increase in suicide rate
1) India reported a total of over 1.7 lakh suicides in 2022, nearly one-third of whom were daily wage earners, agricultural labourers, and farmers.

2) The maximum suicides in the year were reported from Maharashtra (22,746), Tamil Nadu (19,834), Madhya Pradesh (15,386), Karnataka (13,606), Kerala (10,162), and Telangana (9,980).

Common causes of suicides

The report pointed out that the most common causes for suicides reported in 2022 were “family problems” and “illness”, which together accounted for almost half of all suicides in the year. This was followed by drug abuse, alcohol addiction, marriage related issues.

UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

Indonesia’s Volcano Mount Marapi erupts: 11 of 26 hikers dead, 3 rescued

Source– This post is based on the article “Indonesia’s Mount Marapi erupts: 11 of 26 hikers dead, 3 rescued” published in “The Times of India” on 4th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Mount Marapi, an active volcano situated on Sumatra Island in Indonesia, has erupted again, causing deaths of many.

What is Mount Marapi?

Mount Marapi
Source– researchgate

1) Mount Marapi, is an active stratovolcano located in Central Java, Indonesia that has erupted regularly since 1548.

2)  It stands 2,891m (9,485ft) high and is situated at a subduction zone, where the Indo-Australian Plate is subducting under the Eurasian Plate.

3) Indonesia, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences significant volcanic and seismic activity, boasting nearly 130 active volcanoes.

What are Volcanoes?

Click Here to read

What is the Pacific Ring of Fire?

1) The Pacific Ring of Fire, also known as circum-Pacific belt, is a path along the Pacific Ocean characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.

2) It accounts for 75% of world’s volcanoes and 90% of earthquakes.

3) It is home to over 450 volcanoes, including three of the world’s four most active volcanoes – Mount St. Helens in the USA, Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines.

UPSC Syllabus- Geography and Places in News

INS SANDHAYAK

Source– This post is based on the article “First ship of survey vessel Sandhayak delivered to Indian Navy” published in “PIB” on 4th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Sandhayak, the first of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, was delivered to the Indian Navy.

What is INS Sandhayak?

Specification Details
What is it? Survey Vessel (Large)
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata
Zone of Operation Its zone of operation includes maritime limits upto EEZ/ extended continental shelf
Functions 1) The primary role of the ship would be full scale coastal and deep-water Hydrographic Survey of Port/ Harbour approaches and determination of navigational channels/ routes
2) The ships will collect oceanographic and geophysical data for defence and civil applications.
3) In their secondary role, ships will provide limited defence and function as Hospital ship during war/ emergencies
Features 1) It has a displacement of about 3400 tons and an overall length of 110 meters
2) Sandhayak is fitted with state of the art hydrographic equipment such as Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Remotely Operated Vehicle etc.
3) Powered by two Diesel Engines, the ship is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 18 knots.
4) Sandhayak has an indigenous content of over 80% by cost

UPSC Syllabus- Defence

Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Source– This post is based on the article “Biological Diversity Act, 2002‘ published in “PIB” on 4th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently the Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated the conservation efforts and measures taken for Biodiversity Heritage Sites and plant genetic resources.

What are Biodiversity Heritage sites?

1) Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) are areas that are unique, ecologically fragile
ecosystems that have rich biodiversity.

2) BHS must comprise of any one or more of the following components– species richness, high endemism, presence of rare, endemic and threatened species, keystone species, species of evolutionary significance, wild ancestors of domestic/cultivated species etc.

3) They are recognised under the Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

4) They are notified by the State Government in consultation with the local bodies.

5) Currently, there are 44 Biodiversity Heritage Sites in 16 States.

For more information on Biodiversity Heritages sites Click Here to read

What are the efforts taken by government for conservation of plant genetic resources?

1) Government is creating awareness on conservation of plant genetic resources including seeds of farmers’ varieties and landraces through the schemes like Tribal Sub-Plan, North-Eastern Hill Region and Scheduled Caste Sub Plan.

2) National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources – ICAR, New Delhi conserves a total of 233 most potential varieties of different crops identified by farmers through various practices.

3) Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFR) Act, 2001 – Under section 39(1) (iv), the PPVFR Authority annually confers awards, rewards, and recognitions to farmers (s)/farming communities who are involved in the conservation of Plant Genetic Resources.

For more information on PPVFR Authority Click here to read

What is Biological Diversity Act, 2002?

The act aims at the conservation of biological resources, managing its sustainable use and enabling fair and equitable sharing benefits arising out of the use and knowledge of biological resources with the local communities.

For more information on Biological diversity Act 2002 recent amendments Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Environment 

Green Industrialisation Initiative

Source– This post is based on the article “COP28: Africa set to scale up green growth through Green Industrialisation Initiative” published in “DownToEarth” on 3rd December 2023.

Why in the News?

African leaders launched the Green Industrialisation Initiative during the third day of COP28, aiming to accelerate green growth in African industries and attract finance and investments.

What are the key features of Green Industrialisation Initiative?

1) The initiative builds upon the existing $4.5 billion Africa green investment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

2) The leaders emphasized on developing long-term plans for green industrialization.

3) Significance –
a. It highlights Africa’s priorities for industrial transition and the need for just and equitable partnerships.
b. The initiative underscores the importance of green industrialisation to harness Africa’s vast and quality resources to secure prosperity for all.
c. It aims to position Africa as a global supplier of green energy and resources.

What is the potential of Africa for Green Industrialisation?

1) Africa has 40 per cent of the world’s critical minerals necessary for energy transition such as bauxite, chromium, cobalt, copper, gold, iron, etc. and has the world’s largest natural carbon sink.

2) The continent has potential of exporting green steel through reserves of iron ore and production of green hydrogen, huge bauxite reserves for green aluminium and renewables assets in the Sahel region.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment/ Geography

Population-level genome sequencing

Source– This post is based on the article “The transformative benefits of population-level genome sequencing | Explained” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd December 2023.

Why in the News?

The UK has announced the completion of half a million whole-genome sequences, almost 0.7% of its population, under its ‘100K Genome Project’

What is Population-level Genome sequencing?

Population-level genome sequencing involves deciphering the complete genetic makeup of large populations. This entails sequencing an organism’s entire DNA. This offers unprecedented insights into human diversity and can be useful in healthcare sector.

What are the benefits of population-level genome sequencing?

1) Understanding disease prevalence and biomarkers which allows discovery of novel therapeutic targets.

2) Genomic data can be used in decision-making and medical care to build scalable public-health initiatives.

2) It will also contribute significantly to our knowledge of human biology, human evolution, migration patterns, and adaptation to diverse environments.

What are some other population-level genome sequencing projects?

Genome Initiative Origin Country
AllofUS program U.S
1+ Million Genomes The European Union
Three Million African Genomes By Ambroise Wonkam (Professor) of Cape Town University in South Africa
deCODE initiatve Iceland
GenomeAsia Project Several Asian countries and the USA

Genomic Initiatives India
India’s IndiGen Programme: Providing insights into genetic diseases and variants, with plans for a larger GenomeIndia initiative to sequence 10,000 genomes.

UPSC Syllabus -Science & Technology

World Malaria Report 2023

Source– This post is based on the article “What the World Malaria Report says about India” published in “The Indian Express” on 3rd December 2023.

Why in the News?

According to the World Malaria Report 2023, released by WHO, malaria cases continue to dip in India despite an increasing trend globally.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

India Trend
1) Reduction in Malaria cases and Fatalities in 2022: India saw a decline of 30 per cent in malaria incidence and 34 per cent in mortality in 2022, compared to the previous year.

2) India accounted for 1.4% of total malaria cases in the world

3) Reasons for decline- Focus on primary healthcare in remote areas, digital data-backed surveillance, effective management of extreme weather events like cyclones, better preventive strategies, and point of care diagnostics have played crucial roles.

Global Trend
1) Globally, malaria cases have witnessed an increasing trend since the pandemic, rising by 5 million in 2022 to 249 million.

2) Of the 5 million additional cases, the highest 2.1 million was from Pakistan that had a flood in 2022

What are the Challenges for eliminating malaria?

1) Climate change- Climate change can not only directly increase geographies for malaria spread (with increasing temperature and extreme events like rainfall), but also indirectly affect the impact of the disease by reducing access to healthcare facilities and timely treatment.

2) Biological threats– Drug resistance, insecticide resistance, gene deletions in parasites which make diagnosis difficult.

3) Vivax malaria- Vivax plasmodium, known to hide in the liver and cause recurrent infections, accounts for over 40 per cent of malaria cases in India. It requires a 14-day treatment course which often is not completed.

What is Malaria?

1) It is a disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

2) There are five kinds of malarial parasites — Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax (the commonest one), Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium knowlesi.

3) The first approved vaccine is RTS,S, also known as Mosquirix. The WHO recommends two malaria vaccines: RTS,S/AS01
and R21/Matrix-M

For more information on Malaria Vaccine developments and India’s Malaria burden &  Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

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