9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 11th September, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

On ANI Vs Wikipedia Case

Source: The post On ANI Vs Wikipedia Case has been created, based on the article “On ANI’s defamation suit against Wikipedia” published in “The Hindu” on 11th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Governance- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context: The article discusses ANI’s lawsuit against Wikipedia for defamation due to claims of spreading government propaganda. It details the Delhi High Court’s actions, Wikipedia’s stance on neutrality, previous censorship issues, and global challenges faced by Wikipedia.

Why did ANI sue Wikipedia?

  1. Defamatory Description: Asian News International (ANI) sued Wikipedia due to being described as a source of government propaganda. Wikipedia’s page on ANI claimed the news agency served as a propaganda tool for the central government.
  2. Specific Allegations: ANI was accused of distributing materials from fake news websites and misreporting events, based on sources like The Diplomat, EU DisinfoLab, and The Caravan magazine.
  3. Edit War: Wikipedia’s ANI page faced continuous edits by users after new reports scrutinized ANI’s credibility in 2020. This led to a long “edit war.”
  4. Lawsuit: ANI found these claims defamatory and demanded ₹2 crore in damages, filing a lawsuit against Wikipedia’s parent organization, the Wikimedia Foundation, in the Delhi High Court.

What has the Delhi High Court ordered?

  1. On August 20, 2023, the Delhi High Court, under Justice Navin Chawla, ordered Wikimedia Foundation to provide details of three users who edited the ANI page on Wikipedia.
  2. Wikimedia was instructed to serve a summons to these users to appear in the case.
  3. ANI filed a contempt application, leading to the judge threatening to block Wikipedia in India if Wikimedia didn’t comply.
  4. The court directed an “authorized representative” from Wikimedia to be present at the next hearing on October 25, 2023.

Has Wikipedia faced similar issues in other countries?

  1. Wikipedia has faced similar issues in other countries, including Russia and Germany.
  2. In Russia, editors have been arrested since the country’s invasion of Ukraine, facing intimidation for their work on Wikipedia.
  3. In 2019, a German court ordered Wikipedia to remove content about academic Alex Waibel, showing legal challenges in Germany.
  4. Wikipedia also routinely faces lawsuits in the U.S., but most cases are dismissed due to strong protections for web platforms.
  5. In China, Wikipedia has been blocked for years, highlighting censorship issues in restrictive environments.
  6. Russia developed a forked version, Ruwiki, complying with its narratives.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons why ANI sued Wikipedia and the actions taken by the Delhi High Court in response to the lawsuit.

Ovarian cancer, known as a “silent killer”

Source: The post ovarian cancer, known as a “silent killer” has been created, based on the article “Understanding ovarian cancer: its causes, symptoms, and screening methods” published in “The Hindu” on 11th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Context: The article discusses ovarian cancer, its vague symptoms, risk factors, and challenges in early detection. It highlights genetic links, lifestyle risks, and the lack of reliable screening tests. Raising awareness can improve early diagnosis, treatment, and survival outcomes.

For detailed information on Cancer in India: A status report read this article here

Why is ovarian cancer dangerous and hard to detect?

  1. Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent killer” because its symptoms are vague and mimic common ailments.
  2. Symptoms include bloating, pelvic pain, loss of appetite, feeling full quickly, and frequent urination. These symptoms are often mistaken for less serious conditions. Because of the overlap with common conditions, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late, leading to a poor prognosis and high mortality.
  3. A 2004 study showed that women with malignant ovarian cancer experienced these symptoms 20 to 30 times per month, much more severely than those without the disease.
  4. In 2022, India reported 47,333 new ovarian cancer cases and 32,978 deaths, highlighting its severity.
  5. Unlike breast or cervical cancer, there is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. The CA125 blood test is not recommended for average-risk women due to its limited accuracy. It may cause false positives and unnecessary treatments.
  6. There are two main subtypes: type I and type II. Type I tumors are less common and usually detected early with a better prognosis. Type II tumors are more common, aggressive, and diagnosed late, contributing to most ovarian cancer deaths.

How do genetics and lifestyle factors influence ovarian cancer risk?

  1. Genetics: Ovarian cancer is highly heritable, with 65-85% of hereditary cases linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Women with BRCA1 mutations have up to a 50% risk, while BRCA2 mutations pose a 15% risk.
  2. Genetic Testing: Genetic testing allows for personalized risk management, including tailored clinical surveillance, chemoprevention, and prophylactic surgeries, which help reduce ovarian cancer risk in high-risk women.
  3. Endometriosis: Women with endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, have a slightly increased risk of developing specific types of ovarian cancer, such as endometrioid and clear-cell cancers. However, this risk is generally low, and drastic measures like removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) are not usually recommended solely to prevent ovarian cancer in these cases.
  4. Lifestyle Factors: Use of talcum powder and chemical hair products like dyes and relaxers may increase ovarian cancer risk. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) also raises the risk, even with less than five years of use. More research is needed to confirm these links, especially regarding modern talcum powders and hair products.

What Should be Done?

  1. Awareness of ovarian cancer’s risk factors, symptoms, and genetic links can lead to earlier detection and better treatment.
  2. Personalized risk management and genetic counseling can reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.

Question for practice:

Discuss why ovarian cancer is considered dangerous and challenging to detect, and how genetics and lifestyle factors influence the risk of developing the disease.

Growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to antibiotic misuse and pollution

Source: The post growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to antibiotic misuse and pollution has been created, based on the article “What is anti-microbial resistance (AMR) and why is it a grave threat?” published in “Indian Express” on 11th August 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Context: The article discusses the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to antibiotic misuse and pollution. It emphasizes the need for better hygiene, vaccinations, proper antibiotic use, and stricter regulations on pharmaceutical waste to prevent drug-resistant infections globally. Ahead of the United Nations conference on September 26, the WHO published its first guidance on antibiotic pollution, emphasizing its global threat.

For detailed information on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in India read Article1, Article2

What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

AMR is when a pathogen survives despite the use of antimicrobial drugs. It occurs due to the misuse or overuse of antibiotics. This creates superbugs, which are resistant to medicines. These superbugs spread in hospitals, water, and sewers.

Why is AMR a Concern?

  1. AMR makes common infections harder to treat, leading to complications. For example, urinary tract infections now often require hospitalization. In hospitals, AMR leads to longer stays and more expensive treatments.
  2. Overuse of antibiotics, like Norfloxacin for diarrhea, has rendered them ineffective.
  3. AMR can spread through water, sewers, and hospitals, worsening healthcare outcomes.

Why is AMR Increasing in India?

  1. Individuals: Many Indians use antibiotics without medical advice. Antibiotics are used even for viral infections like the flu, which doesn’t need them. This increases resistance.
  2. Doctors: Many doctors prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics unnecessarily. A survey showed that 71.9% of patients in hospitals were given antibiotics, with 55% prescribed not for treatment but for prevention.
  3. Pharma Companies: Antibiotic pollution from manufacturing sites contributes to AMR. WHO released guidelines on managing pharmaceutical waste to reduce pollution.

Which Pathogens are Most Resistant in India?

  1. E. coli: Resistance to carbapenem, a strong antibiotic, dropped from 81.4% in 2017 to 62.7% in 2023.
  2. Klebsiella pneumoniae: Susceptibility to carbapenem medicines reduced from 58.5% to 35.6% and 48% to 37.6% from 2017 to 2023.
  3. Acinetobacter baumannii: Its resistance to carbapenems was 88% in 2023, showing a high level of resistance.

What Measures Can Be Taken to Combat AMR?

  1. Prevention: Improving hygiene and encouraging vaccinations, like the pneumococcal and flu vaccines, can reduce infections.
  2. Education: Doctors should prescribe antibiotics only when necessary and use diagnostic tests to confirm infections.

3.Regulation: Pharmaceutical waste management should be improved to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria from manufacturing facilities.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons why antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing in India.

India’s potential role in peace diplomacy for Ukraine

Source: The post India’s potential role in peace diplomacy for Ukraine has been created, based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: India’s role in peacemaking in Ukraine” published in “Indian Express” on 11th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper-2- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses India’s potential role in peace diplomacy for Ukraine. It highlights the complex situation involving Russia, Ukraine, the US, and Europe. India supports peace but must be aware of its limitations in influencing the outcome of this conflict.

For detailed information on India’s role in Russia-Ukraine Crisis read this article here

What is India’s Role in Ukraine Peace Talks?

  1. India supports peace in Ukraine and has advocated for dialogue since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
  2. Russia welcomes India’s involvement, as noted by President Putin’s openness to diplomacy from India, Brazil, and China.
  3. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Doval have engaged in European and Russian discussions.
  4. Hungary’s peace efforts, led by Prime Minister Orban, have briefed Indian leadership on their initiatives.
  5. However, peace in Ukraine depends on a new agreement between Russia and the US, with India’s role remaining supportive but limited.

What Recent Moves Have Been Made Towards Peace?

  1. Global South Diplomacy: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin welcomed peace diplomacy from Brazil, China, and India. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy also supports involvement from Global South nations.
  2. Upcoming Peace Conference: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need for a peace conference in November, suggesting Russia’s participation. This would be a step forward, as Russia was excluded from a previous conference in June.
  3. Hungarian Peace Initiative: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met key actors like Putin, Xi Jinping, and Trump to push for peace. He reported that the US, China, and the EU have the capacity to influence the war dynamics.
  4. Indian Diplomacy: India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar visited Europe, National Security Adviser Doval traveled to Moscow, and Prime Minister Modi consulted with Quad leaders, showing India’s growing engagement.

What Challenges Are Faced in Achieving Peace?

  1. US-Russia Tensions: Peace depends on a new security order between the US and Russia, as they shaped European security after World War II and in 1991.
  2. Upcoming US Elections: Both Putin and Zelenskyy are watching the US elections, as it will influence peace efforts.
  3. EU Division: The European Union is split on how to handle the war, with some supporting Ukraine and others, like Hungary, pushing for peace talks.
  4. Continued Fighting: As winter nears, both Russia and Ukraine are still fighting to gain territory before peace talks.

How Could the War Impact India?

  1. Geopolitical Realignment: The war may lead to a reorganization of Europe’s political landscape. This could affect India’s international relations as new global and regional orders emerge.
  2. Economic Consequences: The conflict has already put pressure on India’s economy. Restoring peace would help India accelerate economic growth, essential for its development.
  3. Security Challenges: India’s security policies are impacted by the instability in Europe. Peace between Russia and the West would help India focus on ensuring security in Asia.
  4. Diplomatic Role: India’s active participation in peace diplomacy, as seen in its dialogue with Hungary and Europe, enhances its global influence.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges faced in achieving peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

 Launch of Phase III Capacity-Building Initiatives

Source: This post on Launch of Phase III Capacity-Building Initiatives has been created based on the article Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launches Phase III of capacity-building initiatives under Digital India vision, published in PIB on 11th Sep 2024.

What in news?

Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the third phase of its capacity-building initiatives.

Launch of Phase III Capacity-Building Initiatives

1. Launched by : The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Launched under: The Digital India vision

2. Key focus areas include Digital Public Infrastructure, Contract and Procurement Management, AI & ML applications, Managing Digital Transformation Projects, Digital Governance, and Data Management.

3. Aim: To improve the skills of officials from both Central and State governments, with specialized sessions happening across India.

4. The program is managed by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under MeitY, in partnership with the National Institute for Smart Governance (NISG) as the training partner.

The training combines theoretical knowledge with real-life case studies to offer a valuable learning experience for officials.

Participants will work with industry experts to develop the skills needed to strengthen Digital Public Infrastructure in their departments.

National e-Governance Division (NeGD)

1. The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) created the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under the Digital India Corporation in 2009.

2. NeGD actively supports MeitY in managing and implementing e-Governance projects.

3. NeGD provides technical and advisory support to central and state government departments.

4. NeGD focuses on managing programmes, developing projects, handling technology, building capacity, and promoting awareness under the Digital India Programme.

5. NeGD develops and manages several national digital platforms, including digiLocker, UMANG and rapid Assessment System, API Setu, Poshan Tracker, Academic Bank of Credits, National AI Portal, Meri Pehchaan, and more.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy

Key Findings on Electricity Access in Rural Villages

Source: This post on Key Findings on Electricity Access in Rural Villages has been created based on the article “Access to electricity in rural areas had differential benefits, says study” published in PIB on 11th Sep 2024.

What in the news?

Recently, an analysis of the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyut Yojana was done. It showed that larger and more populous villages benefited disproportionately more than smaller hamlets with fewer households

Key Findings on Electricity Access in Rural Villages

1. Smaller villages (<300 people) saw limited economic improvement from electrification.

2. Villages with 2,000 people experienced a doubling of per-capita expenditure by ₹1,428 due to electrification.

3. Smaller villages showed negligible changes in per-capita expenditure.

4. Electrification in smaller villages yielded “zero return” over 20 years.

5. Medium-sized villages (1,000 people) saw a modest 13% return, just above cost-effectiveness.

6. Larger villages (2,000 people) achieved a 33% return, with a 90% chance of exceeding initial costs.

7. Challenges: Electrifying small and remote villages is expensive and often ineffective. Alternatives like solar home systems or minigrids may be more cost-effective.

About Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY)

1. Launched in: Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) was launched in 2005.

2. Aim: It aim at providing electricity to all rural households.

3. Focus: The scheme primarily focuses on electrifying rural households, especially those below the poverty line.

4. Funding Structure: 90% of the funding is provided by the Central Government and 10% of the funding comes from the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).

5. Features: The scheme has the following important features:

i) Prior commitment of the States has been obtained before sanction of projects under the scheme for: A. Guarantee by State Government for a minimum daily supply of 6- 8 hours.

ii) Free of cost service connection to all families Below Poverty Lines

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy

QCI Approves NTH Ghaziabad for Drone Certification

Source: This post on QCI Approves NTH Ghaziabad for Drone Certification has been created based on the articleQuality Council of India (QCI) approves National Test House (NTH), Ghaziabad as a Certification Body for type certification of drones published in PIB on 11th Sep 2024.

What is the news?

The Quality Council of India (QCI) has provisionally approved the National Test House (NTH), Northern Region, Ghaziabad, as a Certification Body for type certification of drones under the Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

QCI Approves NTH Ghaziabad for Drone Certification

1. Onsite Drone Certification Audit at Vimaana Aerospace: NTH will conduct an onsite Stage-2 assessment at Vimaana Aerospace Technologies, Noida, on 11th and 12th September 2024.

2. The audit will evaluate the D1 application for the Krishiraj 1.0 agricultural drone, which is designed to address the specific needs of the farming sector.

3. NTH’s Role in Ensuring Standards: NTH Ghaziabad is responsible for evaluating drone models to ensure compliance with national and international safety, quality, and performance standards.

4. This initiative supports the government’s vision of establishing India as a global hub for drone technology, benefiting sectors like agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and infrastructure.

5. NTH offers drone certification services at a highly competitive fee of ₹1.5 lakh, the lowest in the industry. This low-cost structure is part of NTH’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth in India’s drone sector.

6. NTH has achieved a faster pace in the drone certification process compared to its peers, demonstrating its efficiency and expertise in drone technology certification.

7. By certifying homegrown drone technologies to international standards, NTH is contributing to the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.

About National Test House

1. Foundation: The National Test House (NTH) was founded in 1912 under the Railway Board in Alipore, Kolkata.

2. It has been a premier institution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

Functions of NTH

3.  NTH plays a key role in promoting the development of indigenous industries by providing testing and quality assurance services.

4. It bridges the gap between industrial research and the production of finished products, ensuring strict quality control.

5. NTH aids industries in developing indigenous products, supporting both export promotion and import substitution.

6. NTH also assists the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in the formulation of national standards.

7. NTH offers training programs for scientists, technologists, and technicians across various fields such as chemical, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and more.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy

First Meeting of ANRF Governing Board

Source: This post on PM Modi Convenes First Meeting of ANRF Governing Board has been created based on the article “PM Modi convenes first meeting of National Research Fund board”, published in The Hindu on 11th Sep 2024.

What is the news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the first meeting of the Governing Board of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in New Delhi recently. The meeting marked a significant step towards shaping India’s research and development (R&D) landscape.

PM Modi Convenes First Meeting of ANRF Governing Board

PM Modi convenes first meeting of National Research Fund board
Source: TH

1. PM Modi highlighted the need for identifying and eliminating obstacles in India’s research ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of setting ambitious goals and conducting path-breaking research to solve existing problems.

2. The board discussed launching a mentorship programme using a “hub and spoke” model. In this model, universities with nascent research capabilities will be paired with top-tier institutions to receive guidance and mentorship.

3. Strategic Focus Areas: The Governing Board deliberated on key strategic interventions, including:

i) Enhancing India’s global positioning in key sectors.

ii)  Aligning research and development (R&D) with national priorities.

iii) Promoting inclusive growth and capacity building.

iv) Advancing scientific research and fostering innovation ecosystems.

v) Bridging the gap between academic research and industry through translational research.

About Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

1. About: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has been established under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) 2023 Act.

The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) established by an act of Parliament in 2008, has been subsumed into ANRF with its establishment.

2. Mission: ANRF’s mission is;
a. to seed, grow, and promote research and development (R&D), and
b. to foster a culture of research and innovation across India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.

3. Aim: It aims to provide increased support to state universities and foster private sector participation in funding research and development (R&D).

4. Functions:

i) ANRF will serve as an apex body, providing high-level strategic direction for scientific research in India, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) recommendations.

ii) ANRF will focus on forging collaborations among industry, academia, government departments, and research institutions.

iii) It creates an interface mechanism for the participation and contribution of industries, State governments, and scientific and line ministries.

5. Funding Structure: ANRF seeks to establish a ₹50,000 crore corpus, with ₹36,000 crore expected to come from non-government sources. For the current financial year, ₹2,000 crore has been allocated to ANRF in the Union Budget.

UPSC Syllabus: Governance

Montelukast Medicine

Source: This post on Montelukast has been created based on the article “Montelukast: overused and dangerous”, published in The Hindu on 11th Sep 2024.

Why in news?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ‘black box warning’ for montelukast. Similarly, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the U.K. released a health alert indicating that the drug could lead to severe neuropsychiatric side effects. Greater regulation and awareness are needed to prevent misuse and mitigate adverse effects.

About Montelukast

Montelukast PLM Dosis | Qué es y Cómo se Usa |
Source: Granulado

1. Montelukast belongs to a class of medications known as leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs).

2. It functions by inhibiting the effects of substances in the body that trigger asthma symptoms and allergic rhinitis.

3. Montelukast is used to reduce inflammation and can help prevent asthma attacks in adults and children aged 2 years and older.

4.  It also serves to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (a narrowing of the airways caused by exercise, also known as exercise-induced asthma) in individuals aged 6 years and older.

5. Mechanism of Action: Montelukast works by blocking leukotrienes, substances in the body that cause inflammation and swelling, thereby improving asthma symptoms.

6. Montelukast comes as a tablet, a chewable tablet, and granules to take by mouth.

7. Concerns with Montelukast:

i) Neuropsychiatric Effects: Can cause aggression, nightmares, depression, and cognitive impairment. Associated with suicide risk.

ii) FDA Warning: In 2020, the FDA added a ‘black box warning’ for serious neuropsychiatric adverse effects. Similar warnings issued by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

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