9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 25th, 2023
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
Migrant Workers in India – The hypocrisy of our concern for workers trapped in Uttarkashi tunnel
Source: The post Migrant Workers issue has been created on the article “The hypocrisy of our concern for workers trapped in Uttarkashi tunnel” published in “Indian express” on 25th November 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society- social issue
News: The article highlights the difficulties faced by migrant workers in India, who are vital for development yet frequently overlooked. It uses the tragic incident of a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand as an example of their dangerous working conditions and societal neglect.
Who are the migrant workers in India?
Migrant workers in India are people who move within the country for work. This movement includes rural-to-urban migration, rural-to-rural, within and between states, and circular or seasonal relocations.
They typically come from poor states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, seeking jobs in richer regions such as Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Karnataka.
About 35-40% of Indians are part of this internal migration. Their migration is influenced by the low level of formal sector employment in India, which is around 22% as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey of 2021-2022.
What challenges do migrant workers face?
Unsafe Working Conditions: Instances like the Uttarakhand tunnel incident underscore the risks they face, including building collapses and industrial accidents due to inadequate safety measures.
Inadequate Legal Protection: The only law addressing their needs, the Interstate Migrant Workmen Act of 1979, is poorly implemented. This leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and neglect.
Discrimination and Social Exclusion: They are often treated as outsiders and face discrimination in their host cities. There are no policies specifically designed to protect their rights and well-being.
Poor Living Conditions: Migrant workers frequently live in substandard housing and lack access to basic healthcare and education for their children.
What are the government initiatives for migrant workers in India?
National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW): Aims to create a comprehensive database with Aadhaar-seeded information like name, occupation, and skills, enhancing employability and social security access.
Schemes for Welfare: Includes Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri SVANIDHI Scheme, Aatm Nirbhar Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, One Nation One Ration Card, and financial assistance for construction workers.
All India Survey on Migrant Workers: Conducted by the Labour Bureau for detailed insights into migrant workers’ conditions.
Education and Scholarships: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan provides free education to children of migrant workers. Scholarships are offered through the National Scholarship Portal.
Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSH Code) 2020: This code replaces the Inter-state Migrant Workmen Act (1979), ensuring better working conditions, wages, and social security for migrant workers.
What should be done?
Develop Comprehensive Policies: Create specific policies addressing the unique needs of migrant workers, including healthcare, housing, and education for their children.
Enhance Safety Measures: Implement stricter safety protocols in workplaces, especially in high-risk environments like construction sites, to prevent incidents like the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse.
Build Thoughtful Cities: Develop urban areas that prioritize the dignity and needs of migrant workers. Move beyond just “smart cities” to create spaces that are accommodating and respectful of those who migrate for work.
Question for practice:
Examine the challenges faced by migrant workers in India and the government initiatives aimed at addressing their issues.
GS PAPER - 2
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA)- Need for climate-smart agriculture in India
Source: The post Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has been created on the article “Need for climate-smart agriculture in India” published in “The Hindu” on 25th November 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3– Environment – climate change
News: The article discusses climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a way to address climate change and improve farming. CSA helps increase farm productivity, adapt to climate changes, and reduce greenhouse gases. It’s important for sustainable development, food security, and meeting global climate goals.
What is Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)?
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), CSA is an approach designed to transform and reorient agricultural systems to support sustainable development and secure food security in the face of climate change.
It focuses on 1) increasing agricultural productivity and incomes, 2) adapting and building resilience to climate change, and 3) reducing or removing greenhouse gases.
CSA includes various practices like water-smart (efficient water use), weather-smart (responding to weather changes), energy-smart (using energy efficiently), and carbon-smart (reducing carbon footprint) methods.
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What are the benefits of CSA?
Increased Agricultural Productivity: CSA sustainably boosts farm productivity; crucial as global food demand is projected to increase by 60% by 2050.
Enhanced Adaptation to Climate Change: CSA promotes crop diversification and integrates drought-resistant crops, increasing water efficiency.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction: CSA plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gases, which is vital considering agriculture contributed 17% to global emissions in 2018.
Sustainable Food Security: CSA contributes to long-term food security, which is essential in a world with a growing population and changing diets.
Environmental Protection: CSA ecosystem-based approach helps in coexisting croplands with wild areas, protecting native species and pollinators.
Flexibility and Broad Application: CSA is not a rigid set of rules but a flexible approach with a wide range of applications. This adaptability allows it to be effectively implemented in various agricultural contexts and regions.
Socio-Economic Transformation: CSA provides access to climate-resilient methods and information, greatly benefiting farmers, especially those in disadvantaged positions.
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What are the challenges of CSA?
Novelty and Limited Scope: CSA is relatively new, particularly in countries like India. For example, the scope of initiatives like precision farming is still limited.
Localizing Responses: Each region has unique climatic and agricultural conditions that require tailored approaches.
Balancing Economic and Environmental Goals: Balancing the economic needs of farmers with environmental sustainability is complex and requires careful planning and support.
For more information on challenges of CSA read here
What initiatives have been taken to implement CSA?
Global Initiatives for CSA
Sustainable Development Goals: CSA aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in ending hunger and enhancing environmental management through sustainable agriculture.
Paris Agreement: CSA practices like agroforestry and carbon sequestration support the Paris Agreement’s objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Initiatives in India
National Action Plan on Climate Change: Emphasizes the role of climate-resilient agriculture in India’s adaptation strategies.
Government Programs: Includes National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change, National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture, and Soil Health Mission, focusing on sustainable farming practices.
Private Sector Involvement: Private companies and farmer-producer organizations are actively working towards CSA adoption in India.
For more information on Indian government initiatives read here
What should be done?
- Increase efforts to educate farmers about CSA practices, especially in areas like India where these methods are still emerging.
- Strengthen capacity-building programs to support the widespread adoption of CSA, including training and resource allocation.
- Strengthen the collaboration between government initiatives and private sector efforts to ensure a cohesive approach towards CSA adoption and practice.
Question for practice:
Discuss how Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) contributes to sustainable development and food security while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
GS PAPER - 3
On Indian Railways’ Finances – For a railway business plan
Source: This post on Indian Railways’ Finances has been created based on the article “For a railway business plan” published in “Business Standard” on 25th November 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Infrastructure: Railways.
News: This article discusses the reasons for the poor revenue of Indian Railways and its various outcomes.
Indian Railways loses money on the bulk of its passenger services. According to the Railways’ method of accounting, it loses a rupee for every rupee it gets from passengers.
What is the distribution of Indian Railways’ revenue?
- Earnings from goods traffic: Out of Indian Railways’ ₹2.4 lakh crore revenue that it earned in the financial year 2022-23, the freight revenue was ₹1.62 lakh crore (~67.5%).
- Earnings from passenger traffic: Its passenger revenue reached ₹63,300 crore in 2022-23 (~26%).
- Other earnings: These include earnings from charges from retiring rooms and rest houses, rent from land leasing, bridge tolls, receipts from catering department, etc.
How does Railways try to increase its revenue from the passenger segment?
According to the author, Indian Railways increases fares through tricks such as:
- Reclassifying a train from express to superfast (for which the fare is higher)
- Reducing the number of coaches for cheaper classes of travel and providing more coaches for higher categories.
What are the outcomes of the Railways’ poor revenue from the passenger segment?
Increase in Freight Charges: To offset the losses on its passenger service, Railways pushes up freight rates for goods transport (Cross-Subsidization Policy). This is why Railways has lost out on goods traffic to roadways. Railways accounts for only a quarter of the total goods traffic and is restricted to mostly bulk items like coal and iron ore.
Investment fuelled by Debt: With expenditure almost equal to the annual revenue, most of the massive investments being done has necessarily been funded by borrowings and increasingly through support from the Budget. This adversely impacts the government’s fiscal position and pushes the burden on the public.
Lack of Expansion in the Passenger Segment: Railways has no financial incentive to increase passenger transport (since it loses money in this segment). Freight traffic has grown 40 per cent in a decade, while passenger traffic has been static.
The situation is further aggravated due to a growing pension bill. With revenues not growing as much as required, the pension bill (increasing due to periodic Pay Commissions) is eating up 23% of its revenue.
This has necessitated the requirement of a new business plan for Indian Railways, with a new pricing plan.
Question for practice:
Indian Railways’s policy of cross-subsidisation has hampered its growth prospects. Discuss.
Casgevy gene-editing therapy – For sickle-cell anaemia, a new cure
Source: The post Casgevy gene-editing therapy has been created on the article “For sickle-cell anaemia, a new cure — for millions, a new hope” published in “Indian express” on 25th November 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- Science and technology– new technology
News: The article discusses Casgevy, a new gene-editing treatment for sickle cell anaemia using CRISPR technology. It recently got UK approval and could soon be approved in the US. It’s highly effective but expensive. India, with many sickle cell patients, is researching similar treatments. India aims to eliminate the disease by 2047 through a national program.
What is gene editing?
Genome editing, also known as gene editing, comprises a set of technologies that empower scientists to modify an organism’s DNA. These technologies enable the addition, removal, or alteration of genetic material at specific locations within the genome.
Various approaches to genome editing have been developed, including the use of restriction enzymes, zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), CRISPR-Cas9, and Programmable Addition via Site-specific Targeting Elements (PASTE), among others.
For more information on gene editing read here
For information on CRISPR read here
What is Casgevy?
Casgevy is a revolutionary gene-editing therapy designed to treat sickle cell anaemia. It utilizes the advanced CRISPR-Cas 9 tool for editing genes.
It works by editing the patient’s genes to revive fetal haemoglobin, which is normally switched off after birth. This compensates for the defective haemoglobin in sickle cells, reducing the disease’s severe symptoms and complications.
In clinical trials, Casgevy proved highly effective, eliminating painful inflammatory attacks in over 90% of the participants.
Unlike current treatments like chemotherapy and hydroxyurea, Casgevy offers a more effective solution. However, its high cost, estimated at about $2 million per patient, poses a significant challenge for widespread accessibility.
What is sickle cell disease (SCD)?
In SCD, the problem lies with haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Normally, haemoglobin allows red blood cells to be disk-shaped and flexible, easily moving through blood vessels.
However, in SCD, haemoglobin is abnormal, causing cells to turn crescent-shaped when they lose oxygen. These sickle-shaped cells die faster than normal cells and often get stuck in blood vessels. This blockage prevents the proper flow of oxygen-rich blood, leading to painful crises and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
For information on sickle-cell disease (SCD) read here
What are the implications of Casgevy for India?
High Prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease: In India, sickle cell disease is particularly prevalent, with 30,000 to 40,000 children born with the condition annually, mostly in tribal areas.
National Health Initiative Support: The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme, aiming to eliminate the disease by 2047, could be supported by the introduction of advanced treatments like Casgevy.
Cost Barrier: High cost of Casgevy, estimated at about $2 million per patient could hinder its accessibility and widespread use in the Indian healthcare system.
What are the government initiatives to eliminate SCA?
Outreach Programmes: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) are implementing outreach programmes for better disease management and control.
Portal for Data Collation: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched a portal for individuals with SCA to register, aiding in the collation of disease-related information.
2047 Elimination Mission: Announced in the FY 2023-24 budget, this mission aims for universal screening of 0-40 years age group in tribal areas, backed by awareness and counselling, funded under the National Health Mission.
National Health Mission Guidelines on Hemoglobinopathies: These guidelines include establishing community-level services for pre-marital and pre-conception screening, supported by genetic counselling.
Integrated Centers in Tribal Districts: 22 tribal districts have established integrated centers for SCA treatment and diagnosis.
Question for practice
Discuss the implications of Casgevy’s effectiveness on India’s efforts to eliminate sickle cell disease through its national program by 2047.
Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day:
Today’s 7 PM
7 PM Article - [Yojana November 2023] Energy Transition In India- Explained Pointwise + Infographic
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
NASA Psyche spacecraft fired a laser at Earth
Source– This post is based on the article “Streaming HD videos from space? Why a NASA spacecraft fired a laser at Earth” published in “The Indian Express” on 24 November 2023.
Why in the News?
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, currently nearly 16 million miles away in space, has transmitted a near-infrared laser at Earth.
Space communication and the associated problems?
1. Use of radiowaves for space communication- Currently most space communication is carried out using radio waves which are characterised by high wave lengths but low frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. High wave length allows them to pass through the atmosphere much easily.
2. Problem of data rates– A limitation of using radiowave is the problem of data rates. Higher bandwidths (range of frequencies) carry more data per second. Scientists would ideally like to transmit data at the highest bandwidths possible to increase the rates of data transfer.
– It is to address this challenge that NASA has come up with Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment.
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What is NASA’S Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment?
1. NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment seeks to use near-infrared laser signals for communication with spacecraft.
2. The laser transmission took place on November 14, 2023 is a demonstration of this and has been described as “first light” by NASA
3. The Psyche spacecraft is the first to carry a DSOC transceiver, and will be testing high-bandwidth optical communications to Earth during the first two years of the spacecraft’s journey to the main asteroid belt.
What is the Significance of this experiment?
1. DSOC will allow data rates at least 10 times higher than state-of-the-art radio telecommunications systems of comparable size and power.
2. It will enable higher resolution images, larger volumes of science data, and even streaming video.
3. DSOC is taking optical communications into deep space, paving the way for high-bandwidth communications far beyond the Moon.
3. It will help future human and robotic exploration missions.
What is NASA’s Psyche mission?
What is it? | 1. Psyche is a NASA space mission to explore the origin of planetary cores by orbiting and studying the asteroid 16 Psyche (metal-rich asteroid, orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter) 2. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) manages the project. |
Launched on | October 13, 2023 |
Features of Psyche Spacecraft | 1. The spacecraft will not land on the asteroid, but will orbit it from August 2029 through late 2031. 2. Psyche uses solar-powered hall effect thrusters for propulsion and orbital maneuvering, the first interplanetary spacecraft to use that technology. 3. It’s also the first mission to use laser optical communications beyond the Earth-Moon system. |
Significance of this mission | 1. Scientists believe this asteroid is the nickel-iron core of an early planet, studying which could provide unique insights into the impenetrable iron core of our own planet. 2. The Psyche mission is expected to provide critical insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. |
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology
Golden Gate Declaration
Source- This post is based on the article “APEC summit | APEC leaders conclude 30th meeting with Golden Gate Declaration” published in “Wion” on 18 November 2023.
Why in the News?
The 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit 2023, held in San Francisco, United States, concluded with the adoption of Golden Gate Declaration.
What is APEC?
What is the Golden Gate Declaration?
1. Adopted at the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting held in San Francisco, USA.
2. This declaration builds upon previous APEC work and focuses on key areas such as resilience, sustainability, interconnection, innovation, and inclusion.
3. Objective – The declaration underscores the commitment to “Creating a resilient and sustainable future for all”
Following commitments have been made by the member countries in the declaration:
1. San Francisco Principles– These principles focus on integrating inclusivity and sustainability into trade and investment policy. They are part of broader commitment made in Golden Gate declaration.
2. Multidisciplinary investment environment– In the Golden gate declaration document the leaders have reaffirmed their determination to deliver a free, open, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent, inclusive, and predictable trade and investment environment.
3. Commitment to WTO Reform and trade -The leaders reaffirm the importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, which continues to catalyze region’s extraordinary growth. The declaration seeks to reform WTO by 2024.
4. Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific- They will support further economic integration in the region in a manner that is market-driven including work on free trade in the region.
5. Strengthening supply chain– They reaffirm their commitment to keep markets open and address supply chain disruptions by building secure, effective, resilient, sustainable, and open supply chains.
6. Renewable energy capacity building– They will pursue and encourage efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally by 2030 .
7. Food Security Roadmap– They commit to fully implement the Food Security Roadmap Towards 2030 as a pathway to make our agri-food systems more resilient, productive, innovative, and sustainable.
8. MSME Expansion – They will extend their support MSMEs to expand into regional and global markets, including by integrating into global value chains, through collaboration with large enterprises, and through the use of digital tools and technologies.
9. Digital Transformation and Ecosystem– They reaffirm their commitment to create an enabling, inclusive, open, fair and non-discriminatory digital ecosystem for businesses and consumers.
UPSC Syllabus- International Relations
Generic drugs made available for Rare Diseases
Source– This post is based on the article “Generic drugs for 4 Rare diseases made available in India” published in “The Hindu” on 24 November 2023.
Why in the News?
The Union Health ministry has made available generic drugs for rare diseases for the first time. Presently, they are made available for four rare diseases Tyrosinemia-Type 1, Gauchers Disease, Wilson’s Disease, and the Dravet-Lennox Gastaut Syndrome.
In the next few months, the Ministry also plans to include Phenylketonuria and Hyperammonemia to the list.
What is the significance of this move?
It will reduce the cost of these generic medicines and make it more accessible.
Diseases for which generic drugs will be made available
Rare Disease | Details |
Tyrosinemia-Type 1 | Tyrosinemia type I is an inherited metabolic disorder in which the body lacks an enzyme called fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) which is needed to break down the amino acid tyrosine. |
Gauchers Disease | Gaucher disease is the result of a buildup of certain fatty substances in certain organs, particularly in spleen and liver. |
Wilson’s disease | Wilson’s disease is a rare inherited disorder that caused by abnormal copper accumulation in your liver, brain and other vital organs. |
Dravet-Lennox gastaut syndrome | Dravet syndrome (DS), Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) are rare drug-resistant epileptic conditions, characterised by seizures. |
What are rare diseases?
1. There is no universally accepted definition of rare diseases; However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) defines rare disease as often debilitating lifelong disease or disorder condition with a prevalence of one or less per 1,000 population.
2. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) defines rare diseases as a disease with one occurrence in 2,500 people.
3. Nearly 80% of these diseases are genetic in nature.
4. The Central Government has prioritised the manufacturing of drugs to treat 13 extremely rare diseases, in order to bring down the exorbitant cost of these medicines.
For more information on rare diseases Click Here to read |
What are Generic drugs & its significance?
1. A generic drug is a pharmaceutical drug that is equivalent to a brand-name product in dosage, strength, route of administration, quality, performance, and intended use.
2. The Indian government began encouraging more drug manufacturing by Indian companies in the early 1960s, and with the Patents Act in 1970.
3. They are usually cheaper than the name brands and can make healthcare more accessible.
For more information on Generic Drugs Click Here to read |
What are the recent initiatives taken by Government of India for treatment of Rare Diseases?
The Government has launched National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021 for the treatment of rare disease patients.
For more information on Initiatives taken Click Here to read |
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology (Health) & Schemes and Policies
Centre exempts CERT-In from purview of RTI Act
Source- This post is based on the article “Centre exempts CERT-In from purview of RTI Act” published in “The Hindu” on 24 November 2023.
Why in the News?
The Central government in its recent official order has exempted the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) from the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
What is CERT-In?
What is it? | The CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team- India) is the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents or cyber security threats like hacking and phishing as and when they occur. |
Established in | CERT-IN was formed in 2004 by the Government of India under Information Technology Act, 2000 Section (70B) |
Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) |
Vision | Proactive contribution in securing India’s cyber space. |
Objective | 1. Preventing cyber attacks against the country’s cyber space. 2. Responding to cyber attacks and minimizing damage and recovery time, reducing ‘national vulnerability to cyber attacks. – It was the first responder to the ransomware attack on November 23, 2022 at AIIMS which had crippled the “Hospital Information System (HIS) and e-Hospital” system for several days. 3. Enhancing security awareness among citizens. |
Additional responsibility | It has overlapping responsibilities with other agencies such as National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) which is under the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) of Prime Minister’s Office and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which is under Ministry of Home Affairs. |
Cyber Conventions | Budapest Convention on Cybercrime: It is the first international treaty that seeks to address Internet and cybercrime by harmonizing national laws. It came into force in 2004. India is not a signatory to this convention |
For more information on CERT-In and other cyber programmes click Here to read |
Exemptions for Intelligence and Security Organisations from RTI Act
1. The RTI Act, enacted in 2005, states that the legislation shall not apply to intelligence and security organisations specified in the Second Schedule, “provided that the information pertaining to the allegations of corruption and human rights violations shall not be excluded.”
2. So far, there are 26 intelligence and security organisations that are exempted from the RTI Act. This includes Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, Defence Research and Development Organisation, etc.
3. The last amendment to the Second Schedule of RTI was made in 2016 to add the Strategic Forces Command to the list of exempted organisations.
What is RTI Act- Benefits and Concerns?
UPSC Syllabus- Security (Basics of Cyber Security)
Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary: NTCA recommends declaring Nugu as a core critical area of Bandipur
Source: The post is based on the article “Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary: NTCA recommends declaring Nugu as a core critical area of Bandipur” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd November 2023
Why in the News?
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has recommended to the authorities that the Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary be declared as the core critical tiger habitat of Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
Where is Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary?
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Specifications | Details |
Located in | Karnataka |
Located near | Bandipur Tiger Reserve |
Declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in | 1974 |
Part of | Niligiri Biosphere Reserve |
Dam Flowing through it | The backwaters of Nugu dam forms the part of the sanctuary. |
Vegetation | Southern Mixed Deciduous Forest and Dry Deciduous Scrub Forest. |
Rainfall | The area receives rainfall both from south west and north east monsoons. |
Fauna | Tiger, Elephant, leopard, wild dog, striped hyena, sloth bear, gaur, sambhar, chital and four-horned antelope. In addition, the sanctuary also harbours two important riverine wildlife species, – smooth coated otter and marsh crocodile. |
Significance | It has been declared as an eco-sensitive zone by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. |
What are Critical Tiger habitats (CTHs)?
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1) Critical Tiger habitats(CTHs) also known as core areas of tiger reserves are identified under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA),1972.
2) These areas are required to be kept as inviolate for the purpose of tiger conservation without affecting the rights of the Scheduled Tribes or such other forest dwellers.
3) The notification of CTH is done by the state government in consultation with the expert committee constituted for the purpose.
What is National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA)?
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
Commission on Social Connection launched by WHO
Source: The post is based on the article “Commission on Social Connection launched by WHO” published in “WHO” on 15th November 2023
Why in the News?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a Commission on Social Connection.
What is the Commission on Social Connection?
Specifications | Details |
Launched by | World Health Organization (WHO) |
Aim | 1) To address loneliness as a pressing health threat. 2) To promote social connection as a priority and 3) To accelerate the scaling up of solutions in countries of all incomes. |
Duration of the commission | 3 year initiative (2024-26) |
Functions of the commission | 1) It will define a global agenda on social connection. 2) Analyze the role social connection plays in improving health for people of all ages. 3) Raise awareness 4) Build collaborations that will drive evidence-based solutions for countries, communities and individuals. |
Composition | It consists of 11 leading policy-makers, thought leaders and advocates |
Secretariat based at | WHO |
What is Social Isolation?
1) Social isolation is defined as a lack of social relationships and loneliness as well as the social pain of not feeling connected.
2) According to a study, one in every four older persons is socially isolated and 5% to 15% of teenagers suffer loneliness.
3) Impact: Social isolation can lead to poor educational achievements; young people who are lonely in high school are more likely to drop out of college.
– It can also have a negative economic impact; feeling alienated and unsupported at work can lead to lower job satisfaction and performance.
UPSC Syllabus: Social Issues/ International Organizations
International Sugar Organisation (ISO): India chairs it for 2024
Source: The post is based on the article “International Sugar Organisation (ISO): India chairs it for 2024” published in “PIB” on 24th November 2023
Why in the News?
International Sugar Organisation (ISO) has announced that India will chair the organization for 2024.
What is the International Sugar Organisation (ISO)?
Specifications | Details |
Type | Intergovernmental body |
Established in | 1968 |
Aim | To improve conditions on the world’s sugar market through debate, discussions, seminars and workshops. |
Members | 88 (India is one of the member) |
Significance | The members represent – 1) 87% of world sugar production 2) 64% of world sugar consumption 3) 34% of world imports and 4) 92% of world exports |
Headquarter | London, UK |
Status of Indian Sugar Industry
1) India is the largest consumer (15%) and second largest producer (20%) of sugar in the world.
2) India is the 3rd largest country in the world in ethanol production after the USA and Brazil. The ethanol blending percentage in India has increased from 5% in 2019-20 to 12% in 2022-23.
3) Despite record high global sugar prices, India ensures the cheapest sugar to its people.
UPSC Syllabus: International Organizations
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): To beat China, India must engage with APEC
Source: The post is based on the article “Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC):To beat China, India must engage with APEC” published in “Indian Express” on 24th November 2023
Why in the News?
The 30th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2023 summit was held in San Francisco, USA. The US hosted APEC after a gap of 12 years.
The summit concluded with the Golden Gate Declaration.
What is Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)?
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Specifications | Details |
Established in | 1989 |
Type | Regional economic forum |
Aim | To leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific and create greater prosperity for the people of the region through regional economic integration. |
Main Objective | Seoul Declaration (1991): As per this, APEC member economies objective is to create a liberalized free trade area around the Pacific Rim. |
Members | 21 members (Australia, Brunei, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong (as part of China), the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru and Chile) |
Consensus based decisions | All APEC members have an equal say and decision-making is reached by consensus. There are no binding commitments or treaty obligations. |
India | India is not a member of the group (India had expressed interest in joining APEC in 1991 but the group decided to stop accepting new members in 1997). However, India enjoys an observer status since 2011. |
Significance | APEC members represent 62% of the world’s GDP, 40% of the world’s population and 50% of global trade. |
Headquarters | Singapore |
UPSC Syllabus: International Organisations
Ionosphere: Reflection of Earthquake Source Process in the Ionosphere could pave way for deciphering earthquake precursors using space-based observations
Source: The post is based on the article “Ionosphere: Reflection of Earthquake Source Process in the Ionosphere could pave way for deciphering earthquake precursors using space-based observations” published in “PIB” on 24th November 2023
Why in the News?
Scientists from Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) have found that the earthquake processes have an impact on the ionosphere.
What is the Ionosphere?
1)The Ionosphere refers to a layer of the upper atmosphere about 60-1000 km above Earth’s surface.
2)This layer overlaps with the other layers of atmosphere such as mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere.
3)The layer contains electrically charged particles known as ions, and hence, it is known as ionosphere.
4)This layer is a very active part of the atmosphere as it grows and shrinks depending on the energy it absorbs from the Sun.
5)Radio waves transmitted from the earth are reflected back to the earth by this layer.
What are the studies findings on impact of earthquakes on the ionosphere?
1) Scientists have found that the earthquakes, even smaller ones, affect the ionosphere, causing disruptions known as coseismic ionospheric perturbations (CIP).
2) These perturbations are influenced by various factors like geomagnetism, the geometry of the area and the seismic activity itself.
3) Understanding these disturbances using space-based observations can help predict earthquakes even before they occur.
What are Coseismic Ionospheric Perturbations (CIP)?
1) During an earthquake, coseismic vertical crustal movements generate acoustic waves in the atmosphere.
– Note: Coseismic refers to the timeframe during and after seismic activity.
2) These acoustic waves travel upwards to the ionosphere where they disrupt the number of electrons along the paths connecting ground-based satellite receivers and satellites. These disruptions are known as coseismic ionospheric perturbations (CIP).
UPSC Syllabus: Geography
H9N2: Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring outbreak of H9N2 and clusters of respiratory illness in children in China
Source: The post is based on the article “H9N2: Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring outbreak of H9N2 and clusters of respiratory illness in children in China” published in “PIB” on 24th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China.
What is H9N2?
Specifications | Details |
What is it | H9N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus |
Causes | It causes human influenza as well as bird flu. |
Origin | Poultry is considered a genetic incubator for the origin of the H9N2 virus. |
First time found in | 1966 in Wisconsin, US from turkey flocks. |
Symptoms | Mild, flu-like symptoms or eye inflammation to severe, acute respiratory disease or death. |
Threats and concerns | H9N2 viruses could potentially play a major role in the emergence of the next influenza pandemic. |
What are the steps taken by India to strengthen its health infrastructure since the COVID pandemic?
1) PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)
2) Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
Specifications | Details |
Launched in | 2004 |
Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
Aim | 1) To strengthen decentralized laboratory based and IT enabled disease surveillance systems for epidemic prone diseases and monitor disease trends. 2) To detect and respond to outbreaks in the early rising phase through trained Rapid Response Teams (RRTs). |
Components | 1) Integration and decentralization of surveillance activities through establishment of surveillance units at Centre, State and District level. 2) Human Resource Development: Training of State Surveillance Officers (SSOs), District Surveillance Officers (DSOs), RRT and other medical and paramedical staff on principles of disease surveillance. 3) Use of Information Communication Technology for collection, collation, compilation, analysis and dissemination of data. 4) Strengthening of public health laboratories. 5) Inter-sectoral Coordination for zoonotic diseases. |
Data Management | 1) Data is collected on epidemic prone diseases on a weekly basis. 2) The information is collected on three specified reporting formats namely “S” (suspected cases), “P” (presumptive cases) and “L” (laboratory confirmed cases) filled by Health Workers, Clinicians and Laboratory staff respectively. 3) Whenever there is a rising trend of illnesses in any area, it is investigated by the RRT to diagnose and control the outbreak. |
UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology