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

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

UNESCO tag for garba dance: A dance for all

Source: This post on Garba Dance Form has been created based on the article “UNESCO tag for garba: A dance for all” published in “Indian Express” on 9^th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 History, Art and Culture – Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

News: The article discusses the inclusion of Garba in the list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. It also highlights its distinct features.

Read in detail about Garba here.

Read about UNESCO Intangible Heritage Sites here.

Recently, Garba joined other Indian dances, such as the Kalbelia folk dance of Rajasthan, Chhau from eastern India, Sankirtana from Manipur and Mudiyettu from Kerala, on the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. With this, it has become a representative of the richness of India’s performing art traditions.

It is an important part of every Gujarati celebration, from wedding to birth, and, most notably, the annual 9-day festival of Navratri. The worship of goddess Amba (a form of Durga) is a key part of this tradition.

What are Intangible Cultural Heritages?

These are the traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed through generations as a way of life. These include oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe and the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts.

What are the distinct features of Garba?

Symbolises the Cycle of Life: It is performed around a centrally lit clay lantern, which symbolizes both the metaphorical universal womb from which humanity emerged and the earth’s fertility. The ring formed by dancers and their revolutions around the lantern represent the cycle of time from birth to death and rebirth.

Participation of all ages and genders: It thrives due to its deep ties to community, where people of all ages, genders, skill levels, and faiths come together to dance.

Adaptability to Changing Times: Every new generation adapts dancing to its preferences. Garba has embraced both old songs and techniques alongside modern ones, shaping the dance to suit every generation.

Reports, in recent years, of performances being open to only Hindus, and assault for attending events, must be taken seriously. It is important to retain the inclusive character of Garba if this intangible heritage is to continue to thrive.

NOTE-Recent additions in the last few years-

A) Nawrouz- (2016)
B)Kumbh Mela (2017)
C) Durga Puja of Kolkata (2021)
Question for practice:

India’s performing arts, especially its folk dances, carry unique underlying messages representing the history, culture and philosophy of this land. Elaborate.

Risks of glacier melting – An icy warning

Source: The post risks of glacier melting has been created on the article “An icy warning” published in “The Hindu” on 9th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 1 – Geography – Changes in critical geographical features

News: The article discusses the findings of the World Meteorological Organization’s report titled “The Global Climate 2011-2020: A Decade of Accelerating Climate Change.” It primarily highlights the state of glacier health.

What are the key highlights of the WMO report “The Global Climate 2011-2020”?

1. The significant thinning of the world’s glaciers, averaging about a meter per year from 2011 to 2020.
2. The volume of glaciers is forecast to decline anywhere from 55% to 75% by the end of the century.
3. Greenland and Antarctica lost 38% more ice from 2011 to 2020 compared to the 2001-2010 period.
4. During the summer melt season, Arctic Sea ice decreased, reaching a mean minimum extent 30% lower than the 1981-2010 average.
5. The rapid glacier melting will lead to their disappearance. For instance, glaciers on the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Kenya in Africa are projected to vanish by 2030, and those on Kilimanjaro by 2040.

For more information key highlights of WMO report read here

For information on WMO read here

What are the risks of glaciers melting?

a) Glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are a major risk, as seen in the Uttarakhand floods in 2013, which were caused by glacial melt.
b)The destruction of infrastructure due to flooding from melting glaciers, like the collapse of the Chungthang dam in Sikkim.
c) The rapid decline in glacier volume may lead to a decrease in freshwater supply in the future, impacting regions by 2050.
d) Additionally, the disappearance of glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayas was reported to be 65% faster in the 2010s than in the previous decade, emphasizing the accelerating pace of glacier melt.

What should be done?

a) Enhance the monitoring of glacier health, as the rapid thinning of glaciers globally indicates a critical need for detailed observation,
b) Develop and implement early warning systems specifically for glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs), to prevent disasters,
c) Conduct comprehensive risk assessments in regions affected by glacier melting to understand and mitigate risks better,
d) Prioritize the development of resilient infrastructure in vulnerable areas, keeping in mind the potential for increased flooding and other glacier-related hazards,
e) Raise the threat level of glacier-related risks to that of other significant natural disasters such as cyclones and earthquakes. This action will guarantee the implementation of sufficient response and preparedness measures.

Question for practice:

Discuss the impact of glacier melting, as indicated by the World Meteorological Organization’s report “The Global Climate 2011-2020.”

GS PAPER - 2

India’s alarming ‘Fixed Dose Combination (FDC)’ problem

Source: This post on Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) has been created based on the article “India’s alarming ‘fixed dose combination’ problem” published in “The Hindu” on 9^th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Issues relating to Health.

News: The article discusses the growing concerns regarding Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs).

A recent study shows that a large volume of unapproved and even banned fixed dose combination (FDC) of antibiotics are sold in India. According to the findings, in 2020, ~60% FDCs of antibiotics being sold were unapproved and ~10% were banned.

What are FDCs and why are they useful?

FDCs are combinations of one or more known drugs. For example, 3 medications are combined into one tablet or one syrup.

FDCs reduce the number of pills to be taken and hence can improve patient compliance (i.e. the patient taking all the medicines at the correct time). This eventually leads to enhanced treatment outcomes.

What are the issues with FDCs?

Reduces Efficacy of Drugs: When formulated together, the active or inactive ingredients may interact to affect the functioning of drugs. It may reduce the therapeutic efficacy of drugs or form toxic elements (metabolites).

Tool to Escape Legal Liabilities: Since FDCs are not covered under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO) (which enables the government to fix the prices of individual drugs), manufacturing FDCs is a way to escape the ambit of the DPCO.

Unproductive Combinations Produced: A large variety of produced FDCs lack any medical rationale. For example, anti-inflammatory drugs combined with vitamins, vitamins combined with analgesics, etc.

Lack of Quality Standards: There are no standards set by regulatory bodies for testing the quality of these drugs. As a result, it is difficult to hold manufacturers accountable for producing poor-quality FDCs.

Higher Costs of Drugs: A new FDC may be claimed as a unique new product catering to a specific need. This allows them to charge a higher price until their competitors introduce similar products and the prices go down.

Failure of States to Implement Strict Licensing Norms: State drug controllers continue to ignore legal provisions and issue manufacturing licences for FDCs not approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

Prohibitionary Orders Stuck in Complex Litigation: The prohibition on the manufacture of specific FDCs by the Ministry of Health has been caught in complex litigation and inconsistent decisions by Courts.

Contributes to AMR: Unregulated FDCs contribute to the Anti-Microbial Resistance problem in India.

For more on AMR, read here.

It is crucial that all FDCs go through a scientifically designed approval process to make them safe for consumption. A strong regulatory framework is the need of the hour.

Question for practice:

What are Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) drugs? Mention the factors behind the prevalence of unsafe FDC drugs in the Indian markets. Also highlight their impact on public health.

Economic relations between India and Sri Lanka -Bridge this deficit

Source: The post economic relations between India and Sri Lanka has been created based on the article “Bridge this deficit between India and Sri Lanka” published in The Hindu on 9th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International relation- India and its neighborhood- relations.

News: The article discusses Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with India. It covers projects like a land bridge, connecting electricity grids, and trade agreements. Progress in these areas has been slow, but recent developments in tourism, energy, and dairy cooperation show improvement. The goal is to enhance mutual economic benefits and move beyond past challenges.

About India-Sri Lanka economic relation

India is a key export destination for Sri Lanka, ranking third after the US and UK.

Indian FDI in Sri Lanka reached USD 1.7 billion (2005-2019), showing strong investment ties.

In 2022, Indian tourists topped Sri Lanka’s visitor list, emphasizing cultural and economic connections.

The countries are developing a multi-product petroleum pipeline, enhancing energy cooperation.

During Sri Lanka’s unprecedented economic crisis, India provided approximately USD 4 billion in aid.

India has also been actively involved in supporting Sri Lanka in restructuring its debt, collaborating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other creditors.

What efforts have been made to strengthen economic relations between India and Sri Lanka?

Land Connectivity Proposal: Sri Lanka proposed a bridge linking Rameswaram, India, and Talaimanar, Sri Lanka, an idea first suggested 20 years ago.

Energy Cooperation: there are attempts since the 1970s to link electricity networks, though progress is slow compared to India’s successful power exports to Bangladesh.

Recent Collaborative Initiatives: Resumption of air services between Chennai and Jaffna, new ferry services, and a dairy sector joint venture, all aiming to bolster economic relations.

Note: Apart from these, both nations also signed several MoUs, including a collaboration in renewable energy, Network to Network Agreement between NPCI International Payments Limited and Lanka Pay to promote the Unified Payments Interface application in Sri Lanka. Additionally, an energy permit was granted for the Sampur Solar Power Project, which aims to produce 100 MW of power for Sri Lanka.

What are the challenges in the India-Sri Lanka relationship?

Opposition to Land Connectivity: Proposed bridge linking Rameswaram, India, and Talaimanar, Sri Lanka, faced opposition from Sinhalese-Buddhist groups, leading to stalling of the project.

Energy Project Delays: Despite a MoU signed over 13 years ago for an electricity grid connection, there’s been no progress, unlike India’s successful power exports to Bangladesh.

Delayed Trade Agreements: The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, signed in 1998, hasn’t progressed significantly, with protracted negotiations on an upgraded economic and technology cooperation agreement.

Lagging Trade Performance: Despite India being the largest source of imports for Sri Lanka, accounting for 26% of total imports, the trade performance is underwhelming compared to trade with other regional countries.

What should be done?

Prioritize Energy Grid Connection: Emulate India’s success in exporting 7,000 million units of electricity to Bangladesh to expedite the India-Sri Lanka electricity grid project.

Enhance Trade Agreements: Renew efforts on the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, taking lessons from India’s $18.14 billion trade with Bangladesh, compared to the $5.45 billion with Sri Lanka.

Utilize Tourism Potential: Build on the fact that 17% of Sri Lanka’s tourists are from India to strengthen economic relations further.

For more information on India-Sri Lanka relationship read here

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges and potential solutions for improving the India-Sri Lanka economic relationship.

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Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day: 

7 PM Article - Cyclone disaster management in India- Explained Pointwise + Infographics

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Guyana and Venezuela Conflict

Source– This post is based on the article “Dissecting the discord between Guyana and Venezuela: Conflagration or pacification?” published in “DownToEarth” on 8th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently Venezuela held a nonbinding referendum to strengthen the nation’s century-old claim to the oil-rich Essequibo territory governed by Guyana.

What is the dispute between Guyana and Venezuela?

Source- BBC

Historical background

1) The land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela has been disputed since its colonial inception between British and Spanish powers in South America.

2) In the 1840s, the British government had the border unilaterally surveyed, but the proposed line encroached on Venezuelan territorial claims.

3) While the British line, accepted by Guyana, is the current de facto boundary, Venezuela maintains a historic claim to all territory currently administered by Guyana west of the Essequibo River.

4) Venezuela contends that the Essequibo River represents the natural border between the countries, dating back to Spanish rule, while Guyana upholds the border established during the British colonial era, validated by 1899 arbitration court.

Current Status

1. Guyana submitted the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2018. The ICJ validated Guyana’s claims.

2) Venezuela proceeded with the referendum despite calls from the ICJ to refrain from actions affecting the disputed territory.

About Essequibo

1) Essequiba is a disputed territory west of the Essequibo River, claimed by both Guyana and Venezuela.

2) The region makes up two thirds of the total of the land currently controlled by Guyana and is home to 125,000 of Guyana’s 800,000 citizens.

3) It is an oil and mineral-rich (gold, copper, diamond, aluminium and iron ore) region.

UPSC Syllabus- International Relations/ Geography and places in News

Early Warnings for All

Source– This post is based on the article “Early Warnings for All” published on the website of United Nations.

Why in the News?

This article discusses the aim and benefits of Early Warnings for All initiative.

What is Early Warnings for All Initiative?

1) The “Early Warnings for All” initiative is a groundbreaking effort to ensure that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027.

2) It was launched by UN Secretary-General in March 2022.

3) The initiative is being led by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)

4) It calls for over $3 billion investment over five years to strengthen-
a. Disaster risk knowledge
b. Observation and forecasting
c. Warning dissemination
d. Response capabilities

5) It leverages existing pooled funding mechanisms, such as the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems initiative and the Systematic Observations Financing Facility, as well as global multilateral funds including the Green Climate Fund and the development banks.

6) The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. 

Why is there a need for Early Warning Systems?

1) These systems are a cost-effective tool that saves lives, reduces economic losses, and provides a nearly tenfold return on investment.

2) Early warning systems have helped decrease the number of deaths resulting from hazardous weather, water, or climate events.

3) They hold significance as we witness increase in frequencies of extreme climate events with climate change.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment

Lyfgenia and Casgevy: U.S FDA approves gene therapies for sickle cell disease

Source: The post is based on the article “Lyfgenia and Casgevy: U.S FDA approves gene therapies for sickle cell disease” published in “The Hindu” on 9th December 2023

Why in the News?

The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pair of gene therapies named Lyfgenia and Casgevy for the treatment of sickle cell disease.

What is Lyfgenia?

Specifications	Details
What is it	Lyfgenia is a cell-based gene therapy developed for the treatment of sickle cell disease.
Developed by	Bluebird Bio
Eligibility	The therapy is approved for people aged 12 years and older.
Treatment process	1) The treatment involves removing stem cells out of bone marrow from a patient’s blood. 2) The stem cells are then genetically modified to produce HbAT87Q. It is a gene-therapy-derived haemoglobin that functions similarly to haemoglobin A or the normal adult haemoglobin produced by those who do not have sickle cell disease. 3) The modified stem cells are then delivered to the patient in a one-time, single-dose infusion.

What is Casgevy?

Click Here to read

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

1) It is a genetic red blood cell disorder that affects the shape of the hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen through the body.

2) The RBCs become crescent- or “sickle”-shaped which makes the flow of hemoglobin through the blood vessels difficult, blocking the blood flow to the rest of the body.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology

Santiago Network

Source– This post is based on the article “COP28 diary (December 6): Santiago Network draft adopted; scientists promote tech to curb methane emissions” published in “DownToEarth” on 7th December 2023.

Why in the News?

The draft text on the Santiago Network has been adopted at COP28.

What is Santiago network?

1) The Santiago Network was established at COP 25 in Madrid

2) It was established as part of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage (WIM) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

3) Objective- It aims to catalyze technical assistance for vulnerable developing countries in order to address loss and damage.

4) Significance of this initiative-
a. Enhanced capacity of developing countries to address loss and damage.
b. Increased access to finance and technology.
c. More effective implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

What are the other initiatives discussed on the sidelines of COP 28?

1. The Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)- it is a collective commitment under the Paris Agreement aimed at “enhancing [the world’s] adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change.

2. Dairy Methane Alliance- Six of the world’s largest food companies, including Nestle, have come together to accelerate food industry action to drive down  methane emissions from the sector.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment

Ecological Impact of Biofortified Seeds

Source– This post is based on the article “Ecological Impact of Biofortified Seeds” published in “PIB” on 8th December 2023.

Why in the News?

The article has provided an overview on the various benefits of biofortified varieties and the initiatives taken to promote bio-fortified varieties.

What is Biofortification?

1) Biofortification is the process of improving the nutritional quality of food crops.

2) This can be achieved through agronomic practices, conventional breeding or biotechnology based approaches like genetic engineering and genome editing.

3) For example- ‘Golden Rice’ is fortified with Vitamin A

What is the Status of Biofortified Varieties in India?

1) Since 2014, 142 biofortified varieties including 124 of field crops and 18 of horticultural crops have been developed under aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

2) During past six years, more than 10 million hectare area including wheat, rice, pearl millet, mustard and lentil has been covered under biofortified varieties.

What is the Significance of Biofortified Seeds?

1) Nutritional value addition- Biofortified seeds are designed to contain higher levels of essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. This is especially important in regions where nutrient deficiencies, such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and others, are prevalent and contribute to health problems.

2) Better yield- All the biofortified varieties are equal or better in yield to conventional varieties of respective crops.

3) Not expensive- Produce of these biofortified varieties is not expensive than the existing varieties in the market, as there is no yield penalty and no extra cost incurred in cultivation of biofortified varieties.

4) No ecological impact- These biofortified varieties don’t have any impact on ecological conditions especially on soil and water, as these are normally bred varieties and their water and nutrient requirement is like traditional varieties.

UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy (Agriculture)

National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)

Source– This post is based on the article “Annual General Meeting of National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation” published in “PIB” on 8th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently the Annual General Meeting of National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) was held at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.

What is the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)?

1. NSKFDC was set up in January 1997 as a non profit company under section 25 of the companies act 1956 (now section 8 of Company Act, 2013).

2. It is a wholly-owned Govt. of India Undertaking under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (M/o SJ&E).

3. It aims for the all-around socio-economic upliftment of the Safai Karamcharis, Scavengers, and their dependants throughout India, through various loan and non-loan-based schemes.

What are the Key Functions of NSKFDC?

1. Mechanization of cleaning works- NSKFDC focuses on complete mechanization of Sewer and Septic Tank cleaning operation by providing financial assistance to Sanitation Workers, Urban Local Bodies etc., including under Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY)

2. Training of Sanitation workers- Adequate training is provided free of cost to sanitation workers regarding safety precautions, use of PPE kits and operation and maintenance of cleaning machines and equipments.

3. Skill Development- it provides free skill development training to sanitation workers and their dependents under Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers(SRMS) and PM DAKSH Yojana. Stipend is also provided during training period.

4. Loan facility to beneficiaries- NSKFDC provides various loans at low interest rates to ensure their empowerment. For example, it provides loans upto Rs.1.00 lacs under its Mahila Samridhi Yojana and Micro Credit Finance Scheme at an interest rate of 4% and 5%, respectively.

Note- Out of the total loan beneficiaries, 80 % are women.

UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Governance

First India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB) 2023

Source: The post is based on the article “Govt working to institutionalize global cultural initiatives: PM” published in “Business Standard” on 9th December 2023

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister has inaugurated the First Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale (IAADB) 2023 being held at Red Fort.

Note: A Biennale is a large-scale art exhibition or cultural event that typically occurs every two years.

What is the Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale (IAADB)?

Specifications	Details
What is it	It is India’s first Global Cultural Initiative to showcase Indian art, architecture and designs.
Organized by	Ministry of Culture
Aim	1) To institutionalise a global cultural initiative in India, similar to the ones organised at places like Venice, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Sharjah. 2) To initiate a conversation between artists, architects, designers and others to strengthen the cultural dialogue.
Partners	1) Ministry of Education 2) National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) 3) Archaeological Survey of India 4) National Council of Science Museums 5) Lalit Kala Akademi
Themes	The exhibitions will be based on seven themes – Doors of India, Gardens of India, Baolis (step-wells) of India, Temples of India, Architectural Wonders of Independent India, Indigenous Design and Women in Architecture and Design.
Significance	1) The initiative would serve as a warm-up for India’s participation in the Venice Biennale in 2024. 2) Provides a platform to the creators of art, architecture and design to collaborate.

What is Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design (ABCD)?

1) Named Project Aatman, it is a centre setup to to pave the way for a sustainable cultural economy derived from the indigenous crafts.

2) Aim:
a. To promote unique and rare crafts of India and
b. To bring together artisans and designers to help them innovate according to the market.

3) Setup by: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Ministry of Culture

4) Housed at the Red Fort premises, it was inaugurated along with IAADB.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and Culture

Olive Ridley Sea Turtles: Missile testing paused in Odisha to save sea turtles

Source: The post is based on the article “Missile testing paused in Odisha to save sea turtles” published in “TOI” on 9th December 2023

Why in the News?

To help protect Olive Ridley sea turtles during their nesting season, Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has decided to stop testing missiles at Wheeler Island near Odisha’s coast from January to March, 2024. 

What are Olive Ridley Turtles?

Specifications	Details
What is it	These are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world.
Habitat	They are found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Diet	They are carnivores.
Mass Nesting	1) They are best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. 2) The coast of Odisha in India is the largest mass nesting site for the Olive Ridley. 3) Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is the world’s largest known rookery (breeding colony) of the Olive Ridley sea turtles.
IUCN Red List	Vulnerable
CITES	Appendix I
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972	Schedule I
Threats	1) Poor fishing practices. 2) Hunted for food and their oil. Unhatched eggs and shells on the sand are used as fertilizers. 3) Missile testing, mechanized boats and movement of people adversely impact the mass nesting and breeding.
Initiatives	Indian Coast Guard undertakes “Operation Olivia” every year. It is an Olive Ridley Turtle protection program.

Where is Wheeler Island?

1) Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island is an island off the coast of Odisha, India.

2) The island was originally named after English commandant Lieutenant Wheeler.

3) The Integrated Test Range missile testing facility is located on the island and serves as the test facility for most of India’s missiles such as the Agni, Prithvi, etc.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Dodo De-extinction Project: Why scientists are planning to bring back the bird to Mauritius

Source: The post is based on the article “Dodo De-extinction Project: Why scientists are planning to bring back the bird to Mauritius” published in “Indian Express” on 9th December 2023

Why in the News?

Scientists have launched an ambitious Dodo De-extinction Project to bring the dodo back to life and also re-introduce it in its once-native habitat in Mauritius.

What is Dodo?

Specifications	Details
What is it	Dodo was a flightless bird endemic to the Island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.
IUCN Status	Extinct
Reason for extinction	Dodos went extinct in 17th century. Reasons include hunting by humans as well as dogs, cats, etc.

What is the Dodo De-extinction project?

1) The Dodo Extinction Project is an ambitious project to bring back the extinct dodo bird to life.

2) The project is a collaboration between genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation 

3) Scientists will edit the primordial germ cells (PGCs) of the Nicobar pigeon, the dodo’s closest living relative, to express the physical traits of a dodo. These edited PGCs will then be inserted into the embryos of a sterile chicken and rooster, who will act as ‘interspecies surrogates’. In theory, when the chicken and rooster reproduce, they will give birth to a dodo offspring.

Note- PGCs are basically embryonic precursors of a species’ sperm and egg.

What are the benefits of the Dodo De-extinction project?

1) Ecological Restoration: The dodo played a crucial role in seed dispersal and its return could help restore the island’s ecosystem.

2) Inspires Conservation Efforts: The project’s symbolism could inspire people and promote global conservation efforts.

3) Technology Advancement: The de-extinction technology being used to revive the dodo would help to conserve and restore other avian populations.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Advocates Amendment Bill aims to weed out ‘touts’

Source: The post is based on the article “Advocates Amendment Bill aims to weed out ‘touts’” published in “Indian Express” on 9th December 2023

Why in the News?

Lok Sabha has passed the Advocates Amendment Bill 2023 during the Winter Session.

What is the Advocates Amendment Bill 2023?

Aim: To amend the Advocates Act of 1961 and repeal the Legal Practitioners Act of 1879.

Key Provisions of the bill:

1) Punishment for illegally practising in courts: The bill prescribes six months of imprisonment for persons illegally practicing in courts and before other authorities.

2) Touts: The bill enables every High Court (HC) and district judge to frame and publish lists of touts. However, before inclusion in the list, the person should be given an opportunity to be heard.
– Once a person’s name is included in the list, the judge may exclude them from the premises of the Court.

Note- A tout is someone who procures clients for a legal practitioner in exchange for payment.

3) Penalty for touts: Any person who acts as a tout while his name is included in the list of touts will be punished with imprisonment up to three months, a fine up to Rs. 500 or both.

What is the Legal Practitioners Act of 1879?

1) The Legal Practitioners Act came into force in 1880. The act aims to consolidate and amend the law relating to Legal Practitioners in certain provinces.

2) The Act defined the term “legal practitioner” to include advocates, vakils , or attorneys of any High Court. 

3) It also defined the term “tout”.

What is the Advocates Act of 1961?

The Advocates Act, 1961 was enacted to create a single Act to regulate the legal profession and to provide for the constitution of Bar Councils and an All-India Bar.

UPSC Syllabus: Bills in News