9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 6 April, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Systemic challenges in parliamentary oversight: Parliaments past, a mirror to changing dynamics
Source: The post systemic challenges in parliamentary oversight has been created, based on the article “Parliaments past, a mirror to changing dynamics” published in “The Hindu” on 6th April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Polity- Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
News: This article discusses how the Indian Parliament, particularly the 17th Lok Sabha, has functioned recently. It highlights shifts in focus, like more questions about health and agriculture and fewer about national security. It also notes changing trends in parliamentary debates and oversight.
What are the systemic challenges in parliamentary oversight?
Decline in Questions to the Prime Minister: The Prime Minister’s Office received only 28 answers out of 1,146 questions from Rajya Sabha MPs, indicating limited engagement at the highest executive level.
Reduced Focus on Key Ministries: Interest in national security issues has decreased, with the Ministry of Home Affairs witnessing a 32% drop in queries.
Changing Ministerial Priorities: The Ministries of Health and Agriculture are now receiving more questions, shifting focus from earlier priorities.
Increasing Disallowed Questions in Rajya Sabha: The percentage of disallowed questions in the Rajya Sabha is rising, with 36.6% relating to key ministries like Health, Home Affairs, and Finance, suggesting hindrances in oversight.
Missed Opportunities for Discussion: Crucial issues, like student suicides due to exams, were not adequately addressed, indicating missed chances for accountability and debate.
What changes have occurred in parliamentary discussions?
Increased Use of Zero Hour Over Time: Over the past 15 years, the use of Zero Hour in parliamentary discussions has seen a significant increase: a 62% rise in the Rajya Sabha and a 34% increase in the Lok Sabha. This trend suggests a growing focus on addressing immediate and pressing issues.
Decline in Traditional Interventions: The use of ‘Half-an-Hour Discussions’, ‘Short Notice Questions’, ‘Calling Attention’, ‘Short Duration Discussions’, and ‘Special Mentions’ has decreased, suggesting a shift away from these traditional methods.
Way forward
To revitalise legislative engagement, Indian Parliament should seize every opportunity for accountability and constructive debate, focusing on enacting policies that prioritize national welfare, as seen in the proactive dynamics of the 16th Lok Sabha.
Questions for practice:
Discuss the recent trends and challenges in parliamentary oversight and engagement in the Indian Parliament
Lancet Study on Global Life Expectancy
Source-This post on Lancet Study on Global Life Expectancy has been created based on the article “Global life expectancy increased by 6.2 years in the past three decades: Lancet study” published in “Down to Earth” on 5 April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2– Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Context– As per the new study published in The Lancet from 1990 to 2021, there has been an overall increase in life expectancy worldwide by 6.2 years.
What are the reasons behind the increase in overall life expectancy?
This progress is due to a reduction in deaths from enteric infections, lower respiratory infections, ischemic heart disease, and strokes worldwide.
What is the largest contributing factor towards increasing life expectancy?
1) Enteric disease–
Description-These are food and waterborne illnesses caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses. The category of diseases includes typhoid and diarrhea.
Achievement-It has contributed to the highest reduction in deaths. There was a substantial gain of 3.1 years in life expectancy in South Asia.
Way forward-There is need to focus on preventing and treating these diseases, strengthening and expanding immunization programs, and developing brand-new vaccines against E. coli, norovirus, and Shigella.
2) Lower respiratory infections–
It was the second-largest contributing factor towards increasing life expectancy. It led to a gain of 0.9 years from 1990 to 2021.Further, the drop in chronic respiratory diseases contributed to an increase of 0.5 years (about 6 months) in life expectancy. East Asia had a significant role in this, with improvements in mortality in China.
3) Measels–
As per studies, measles has shown widespread reductions in mortality rates. For ex-Under-5 deaths from measles were mainly concentrated within western and eastern sub-Saharan Africa
Way forward– There should be equitable distribution of life saving tools to people in all countries, even where resources are limited. These life savings have cut deaths from ischemic heart disease, stroke, and other non-communicable diseases in most high-income countries.
What is the regional variation in life expectancy?
Life expectancy was highly variable between regions. For ex-Southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania have gained 8.3 years of life expectancy overall. This is the highest worldwide.
What was the impact of Covid-19 on life expectancy?
Impact-Between 1990 and 2019, the leading causes of death remained consistent. In 2019, ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease etc. were the top causes of age-standardized deaths globally followed by stroke etc.
However, in 2021, COVID-19 emerged as the second leading cause of age-standardized deaths in 202 by replacing stroke with 94 deaths per 100,000 population.
Regional variation-1) The effect of COVID-19 on life expectancy showed varying degrees of severity. It varied from large loss of 4.9 years in Andean Latin America to almost no change in East Asia.
2) Regions that had advanced medical facilities handled Covid-19 cases in an efficient way as compared to locations with poor healthcare infrastructure.
There is a need for effective disease mitigation programmes to guide future policy in burdened countries.
Question for practice
How can the findings of recently released Lancet study help policy makers to guide future policy in burdened countries?
GS PAPER - 3
Green Hydrogen: Why green hydrogen presents both major opportunities, significant challenges
Source: The post Green Hydrogen has been created, based on the article “Why green hydrogen presents both major opportunities, significant challenges” published in “Indian Express” on 6th April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-economy- infrastructure- renewable energy
News: The article discusses India’s efforts to use green hydrogen, a cleaner fuel, for transportation. It talks about government funding for pilot projects, development by vehicle manufacturers, and challenges like cost, infrastructure, and technology for hydrogen fuel compared to traditional and electric vehicles.
For details information on green hydrogen read Article 1, Article 2, Article 3
What is the New Scheme by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)?
MNRE’s New Scheme: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in India has announced a key scheme with several components:
Funding Allocation: Rs 496 crore allocated, extending until 2025-26.
Pilot Project Support: Focus on pilot projects to test green hydrogen as a vehicle fuel.
Infrastructure Focus: Development of hydrogen refuelling stations.
Role of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways: Collaboration in selecting and executing projects.
Project Execution Agency: The selected company or consortium will act as the executing agency.
Viability Gap Funding (VGF): MNRE, based on the Project Appraisal Committee’s recommendation, will approve VGF for each project, considering their specific needs, merits, and feasibility.
Timeframe: The executive agency must complete the pilot project within two years.
How is Green Hydrogen Produced?
Green hydrogen is produced using a process called electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen. This process is powered by renewable energy sources, making it environmentally friendly and virtually emission-free.
Unlike grey hydrogen, which is created from natural gas and emits a lot of carbon, green hydrogen uses water as its feedstock and doesn’t release any carbon upon consumption.
This method positions green hydrogen as an end-to-end sustainable energy solution.
What are the benefits of green Hydrogen Fuel?
Emission Reduction: Green hydrogen, being virtually emission-free in production and usage, significantly reduces greenhouse gases.
Environmental Impact: It aids in combating global warming and climate change by offering a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.
Energy Independence: India could reduce its dependence on costly fossil fuel imports, contributing to energy security.
Economic Opportunity: There’s potential for India to become a global hub in the production and export of green hydrogen, fostering new business opportunities.
Sustainable Transportation: It’s a promising solution for the transportation sector, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses, where it can replace diesel, reducing pollution.
Technological Advancement: Green hydrogen production advances renewable energy technologies and supports the shift towards sustainable energy practices.
What challenges does Green Hydrogen face?
Cost Challenges:
High production costs make green hydrogen currently more expensive than other fuels.
Storage demands stronger carbon fibre for high-pressure cylinders, adding to the expense.
Developing infrastructure like refueling stations incurs significant costs.
Technical and Supply Issues:
Storing and transporting hydrogen is complex due to high pressure requirements.
Supply complications, as observed with Shell’s hydrogen refueling stations in California.
Safety and Standards:
Hydrogen’s flammability necessitates stringent safety protocols and handling standards.
Competition and Market Readiness:
Electric vehicles (EVs), particularly with advancements in battery technology, pose a competitive challenge.
Green hydrogen-powered vehicles are yet to gain widespread acceptance as an alternative to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for personal transportation.
What are Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles?
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) use hydrogen to generate electricity through a fuel cell, powering the vehicle. They store hydrogen in high-pressure tanks and convert it into electricity, with water being the only byproduct.
These vehicles are lighter than battery electric vehicles (BEVs) because hydrogen is a light element and fuel cell stacks weigh less than EV batteries. FCEVs are seen as a viable option, especially for heavy-duty trucks, due to their increased payload capacity.
Questions for practice:
Examine the key challenges hindering the widespread adoption of green hydrogen as a fuel for transportation in India, particularly in comparison to traditional and electric vehicles.
Lawsuit filed by The New York Times against OpenAI and Microsoft: Copyright VS Ai
Source: The post lawsuit filed by The New York Times against OpenAI and Microsoft has been created, based on the article “Copyright VS Ai” published in “Indian express” on 6th April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– Science and technology-Awareness in the fields of IT, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, issues relating to intellectual property rights
News: This article discusses a lawsuit filed by The New York Times against OpenAI and Microsoft. The NYT claims these companies used its copyrighted content without permission to train their AI models, which then created similar content, potentially infringing on NYT’s copyrights.
For details information on generative artificial intelligence read Article1, Article 2, Article 3
How does the NYT argue its case?
Claims of Content Usage: The NYT claims OpenAI and Microsoft used its content, like articles and opinion pieces, to train their AI without permission.
AI Generating Similar Outputs: They argue this AI can generate outputs like NYT’s style, sometimes using verbatim text.
Competition and Financial Impact: The lawsuit suggests this capability competes directly with the NYT, potentially taking away readers and revenue. The newspaper mentions financial losses but doesn’t specify an amount, seeking an injunction instead.
Targeted and Extensive Use of NYT Content: The NYT emphasizes that their content was specifically targeted and extensively used in AI training.
Argument Against Fair Use: The NYT contests the idea that this usage constitutes fair use, arguing that it’s not transformative and directly competes with their original works.
What is OpenAI and Microsoft’s Defense?
OpenAI’s Defense Against Hacking Claims: The article mentions OpenAI’s response, stating that “the Times paid someone to hack OpenAI’s products” to generate specific results for their complaint.
Allegation of Manipulating AI Results: OpenAI asserts that it took the NYT “tens of thousands of attempts” and exploiting a bug through “deceptive prompts” to elicit verbatim passages of NYT articles.
Comparison to VCR Legal Battle: Microsoft draws a parallel to the historical lawsuit involving VCRs, where the entertainment industry initially opposed them, fearing copyright infringement. This comparison is made to highlight how new technology, despite initial resistance, can ultimately benefit an industry.
Technological Innovation and Consumer Choice: Microsoft emphasizes the importance of supporting technological advancements and consumer choice, suggesting that restricting AI development could hinder progress in these areas.
Way forward
Moving forward, the resolution of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how AI technology uses copyrighted material. Collaborative approaches, like those between Axel Springer and OpenAI, might offer a model for balancing innovation with copyright protection.
Questions for practice:
Examine how The New York Times argues its case against OpenAI and Microsoft in the lawsuit regarding the alleged unauthorized use of NYT’s copyrighted content for training AI models.
Need for new definition of elephant corridors
Source-This post on Need for new definition of elephant corridors must be carefully planned has been created based on the article “Efforts to reconnect elephant corridors must be carefully planned” published in “Down to Earth” on 5 April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus- GS Paper-3– Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
Context-The article highlights the need to develop a national framework that is based on recent scientific methods to secure habitat connectivity and conservation of elephants.
What is an elephant corridor?
Landscape ecology definition – In the 1960s, it defined corridor as an elongated stretch of land joining two reserves. To identify elephant corridor, experts relied on field knowledge and marked a long and narrow passage that can be preserved or restored as a corridor.
What is the significance of the Elephant corridor?
1) Preventing fragmentation of population– Population fragmentation is the splitting of a large single population into smaller and isolated units. This increases the risk of extinction for endangered species. Elephant corridors would allow smooth group movement of elephant.
2) Preserving genetic diversity-Protecting the habitat and ensuring connectivity of the elephants through corridors will help maintain a genetically viable population and conserve biodiversity.
Read more-The Asian Elephant
What are the problems with the expert identification of elephant’s corridors?
1) Inappropriate design– The sensory world and physiological requirements of animals are entirely different from humans and animals decide their movement based on many variables unknown to humans. Thus, corridor designed by experts may not be suitable for animals
2) Lack of comprehensive views– Experts do not have a synoptic or a comprehensive view of larger landscapes.They know some parts of landscapes better than others. This may lead to bias. Further,they may also overlook disruptions, such as a noise barrier that may deter animals from crossing.
3) The Wrong Approach-Animals movement is not accorded great importance by the investigation carried out by the experts. This realization influenced a new era in the early 2000s. Landscape ecology has become more accurate and new frontiers of scientific exploration opened to include aspects of animal behaviour, physiology and evolutionary biology.
What are the current factors of identifying core areas and corridors?
They are based on three factors-
1) Intensive use of field data- It helps in collecting essential knowledge on animal presence, movement records and genetic profile.
2) Improvement in GIS (Geographic Information Systems)- Animal presence is obtained from camera trapping or from georeferenced indices. The movement paths are obtained by radio or satellite telemetry.
3) Availability of geospatial data and adapted algorithms.
What is the significance of Resistance map and Connectivity map?
1) Resistance Map-It talks about resistance to animal movement in two dimensions. It can be compared to a road map with speed limits that is road chosen by the vehicle will depend on the road capacity and speed limit. Similarly, animal movement is modelled on the resistance map through several algorithms known to specialists such as circuit theory, factorial least-cost paths.
2) Connectivity map-In this, regions with highest connectivity start in the core areas, usually within reserves, and extend into the landscape matrix that is guided by the animal’s biology rather than expert knowledge.
Corridor should be defined as a place where connectivity is higher. It should not depend on whether the corridor is inside or outside protected areas.
Question for practice
What is the significance of the elephant corridor. Highlight the issues with the experts engaged in identifying elephant’s corridor?
Climate engineering – Potential & Concerns
Source-This post on climate engineering -Potential & Concerns has been created based on the article “Climate engineering carries serious national security risks — countries facing extreme heat may try it anyway, and the world needs to be prepared” published in “Down to Earth” on 5 April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
Context- African countries have called for a moratorium on climate engineering at the recently held United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2024. Further, nations like United States have highlighted the need for scientific group to undertake studies regarding potential risks and benefits of Climate engineering.
What is the negative impact of climate change?
1) Heat records are routinely broken.
2) Wildfire seasons have become more extreme.
3) There has been an increase in the strength of Hurricane.
4) Due to rise in sea level, small islands national and coastal areas are submerging.
5) Climate change can pose a threat to food and energy security. This may lead to climate-induced migration and can threaten the security of any nation.
What is climate engineering?
Description-It is a set of proposed actions to deliberately change the climate. It is also called geoengineering, sunlight reduction methods or solar climate intervention.
Strategy–
1) It will mimic the cooling effects of large volcanic eruptions by placing large amounts of reflective particles in the atmosphere.
2) It will make low clouds over the ocean brighter. This would reflect a small amount of sunlight back to space to cool the planet.
What can be the potential advantages of climate engineering?
1) Preventing temperature rise-Activities like fossil fuel use and industrialization are currently emitting 37 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. However, existing carbon dioxide removal projects that includes growing trees and direct air capture devices remove only 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide. Thus, it may take a long time to achieve the target of Net Zero emissions. Climate engineering may help in the interim.
2) Climate Modification – It can allow countries with increasingly dangerous heat waves to cause deliberate cooling. For ex- Australia is currently exploring the feasibility of rapidly cooling the Great Barrier Reef to prevent its demise.
What are the concerns associated with climate engineering?
1) Regional conflicts-The climate doesn’t respect national borders. So, a climate engineering project in one country may affect temperature and rainfall in neighboring countries. The countries may blame climate engineering for extreme events such as hurricanes, floods and droughts without any scientific evidence.
2) Endanger interest of poor countries– Climate change can leave the poorest regions most vulnerable to harm, and climate engineering should not accentuate that harm. Poorer countries may get negatively impacted by climate engineering solutions of rich countries.
3) High Cost – Building a fleet of airplanes to carry megatons of reflective particles into the stratosphere each year is a very costly process. It will be difficult to get funding for this scientific project.
4) Limitation of climate models – Current information about climate engineering relies heavily on climate models. However,they cannot address questions of geopolitics and conflict.
Climate engineering may provide solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.Nevertheless,there is a need for more research that may help policy makers to make informed decisions.
Question for practice
Highlight the potential of climate engineering for addressing climate change. What are the concerns associated with widespread adoption of climate engineering?
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
RBI proposed two new UPI features
Source-This post on RBI proposed two new UPI features is based on the article “RBI introduces two new UPI features! From cash deposit to PPI wallet interoperability” published in “The Times of India” on 5th April 2024.
Why in the News?
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RBI recently announced two new features for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) users, aiming to enhance ease of transactions and cash deposits.
What are the new UPI features?
1. Cash deposit facility through the use of UPI– Customers will now have the option to deposit cash at cash deposit machines (CDMs) in banks and ATMs using the UPI app. Presently, cash deposits at CDMs typically necessitate the use of a debit card, whether at banks or ATMs.
2. Allowing third-party apps to access UPI for Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs)– Currently, UPI payments from Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) require using the web or mobile app provided by the PPI issuer. It’s now suggested to allow using third-party UPI apps for making UPI payments from PPI wallets.
Other measures announced by RBI
1. Permit FPIs to invest in Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs)– To encourage broader participation of non-residents in Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs), the RBI has decided to authorize eligible foreign investors in the International Financial Services Centre to invest in these bonds.
Currently, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) registered with SEBI can invest in Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) through various investment routes available for FPIs in government securities.
2. Mobile app for Retail Direct scheme– The RBI will introduce a mobile app for its Retail Direct scheme, launched in November 2021. This scheme allows individual investors to hold gilt accounts with the RBI and invest in government securities.
Note– Gilt Account means an account opened and maintained for holding Government securities.
UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy
Shallow fakes
Source– This post on Shallow fakes is based on the article “More than deepfakes, shallow fakes should worry everyone” published in “The Indian Express” on 29th March 2024.
Why in the News?
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With Lok Sabha elections starting on April 19, social media is flooded with misinformation, mostly in shallow fakes forms.
What are Shallow fakes?
1. About– Shallowfakes, similar to deepfakes, involves altering people’s images, videos, and voice clips for malicious purposes. However, unlike deepfakes, which requires advanced AI software, shallowfakes can be made using basic editing software like Photoshop.
2. Why term “shallow”? – Shallow Fakes are called so because they involve lower-quality image and video editing compared to the sophisticated techniques used in Deep Fakes.
3. Used for:
a. To fabricate false proof of identity or address, such as photo ID documents like passports and driver’s licenses.
b. To produce counterfeit supporting evidence for claims or transactions, such as contracts, agreements, invoices for services, no claims discount certificates, etc.
c. Spreading political narratives and defaming opponents, for example, a video depicting AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi singing Shiv Tandav stotra.
4. Impact– Due to their simpler creation process, many experts see shallowfakes as posing greater threats than deepfakes.
What are Deepfakes?
Deepfakes are fake content in the form of videos, pictures and audio which are created using powerful artificial intelligence tools. The origin of the word “deepfake” can be traced back to 2017 when a Reddit user, with the username “deepfakes”, posted explicit videos of celebrities.
Read more– Deep fakes |
Difference between deep fakes and shallow fakes
1. Technology used– Deepfakes use advanced AI and machine learning algorithms, while shallowfakes are less advanced, involving basic editing techniques like cropping, splicing, or adjusting video speed. Shallowfakes can be created with common editing software and may not require AI or machine learning.
2. Accessibility– Shallow fakes are easier for regular people to make and are used more widely compared to deepfakes, which need AI and machine learning.
3. Detection– Deepfakes are typically difficult to detect with the naked eye and may require specialized software or expertise. Shallowfakes are usually easier to spot than deepfakes because they can show visual mistakes or differences.
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology
Criollo: Cattle breed capable of withstanding climate change
Source-This post on Criollo: Cattle breed capable of withstanding climate change is based on the article “Criollo: This breed of cattle developed in the New World can withstand climate change, say Irish scientists” published in “Down To Earth” on 4th April 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, Irish researchers found that Criollo cattle have adapted well to climate change by thriving in hot and humid conditions, a trait they have developed over many years.
About Criollo cattle
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Aspect | Details |
Origin | 1. Originating in the Americas, Criollo cattle descended from cattle introduced by Spanish explorers during colonization. 2. The First cattle in the Americas, from La Gomera in the Spanish Canary Islands, were transported to Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic) during Christopher Columbus’s second voyage in 1493. |
Physical attributes | 1. Compact-bodied cattle of small to medium size. 2. Sporting short, glossy coats, typically found in shades like black, brown, or red. |
Adaptability | Capable of thriving in various climates, including tropical and subtropical regions, as well as hot and humid areas, and arid, rugged terrains. |
Disease Resistance | Developed natural immunity to common diseases like ticks and parasites in their native habitats. |
Significance | Criollo cattle serve as a sustainable food source, providing meat and dairy for local communities, while also contributing to sustainable agriculture and conservation efforts in the Americas. |
UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Species in news)
Experimental Licence module for 100 5G Labs
Source-This post on Experimental Licence module for 100 5G Labs is based on the article “Telecom Secretary virtually launches one of “Experimental Licence Module for 100 5G Labs“ at IIT Madras” published in “PIB” on 5th April 2024.
Why in the News?
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The Telecom Secretary recently virtually inaugurated an “Experimental License module for 100 5G Labs” during a 5G workshop at IIT Madras.
Background
1. 100 5G labs– The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has awarded ‘100 5G Use Case Labs’ to educational institutions nationwide. The announcements were made in the 2023-24 budget.
2. Aim– To foster skills and involvement in 5G technologies among students and startup communities.
3. License requirement– These labs will use 5G frequency bands for experiments and testing different cases. Therefore, they need to obtain an Experimental (Non-Radiating) license from the Department of Telecommunications to ensure interference-free operations with licensed Telecom Service Providers.
Experimental License for 100 5G Labs
The DoT has implemented a simplified process for issuing this license, introducing a specific Approval Type called ‘Experimental License for 100 5G Labs’ on the National Single Window System (NSWS) Portal.
Aim– To simplify the experimental license requirements for these institutions, making operations smoother and promoting innovation in the 5G field.
Key features of the new process
1. Efficiency: This streamlines the application process by automatically filling in technical specifications and schematic details, saving time and effort.
2. Instant Licensing: Applicants can now quickly obtain the experimental license through a “Self-declaration Mode” and instantly download it with a single click, allowing for immediate commencement of operations.
3. Simplified Application: With only basic information required, such as institute address, authorized personnel, and a nominal fee of Rs. 5000, the application process is simplified, making it accessible to more institutions.
UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation (Governance)
India achieves target to eliminate ‘Kala-Azar’
Source-This post on India achieves target to eliminate ‘Kala-Azar’ is based on the article “India achieves target to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis ‘Kala-Azar‘” published in “Business Standard” on 5th April 2024.
Why in the News?
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According to data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) Programme, India has successfully met its goal of eradicating visceral leishmaniasis, commonly referred to as kala-azar.
The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) started in 2003-04 to prevent and control diseases like Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Dengue, Kala-azar, Lymphatic Filariasis, Malaria, and Chikungunya. |
Decline in Kala Azar Cases in India
1. According to the most recent data from NCVBDC, India recorded a total of 520 cases of kala-azar in 2023 nationwide, thus fulfilling the elimination criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
2. WHO criteria stipulates that no area within the country should report more than one case per 10,000 people.
3. According to WHO, in 2020, India represented 18% of the world’s kala-azar cases.
What is Kala-Azar?
Aspect | Details |
About | 1. Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania parasites (Leishmania donovani in India). 2. It is a neglected tropical disease and is the second-largest parasitic killer in the world (after malaria). |
Transmission | It is transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. |
Symptoms | Fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anemia |
Impact | Kala-azar primarily affects the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. |
Fatality rate | 95%, if left untreated. |
Treatment | 1. Injectable liposomal amphotericin B is administered. 2. 12-week course of Oral Miltefosine is prescribed for PKDL (Post Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis). |
Note– Post Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL)– It occurs when Leishmania donovani invades and multiplies in skin cells, causing skin lesions. PKDL typically appears after kala-azar treatment.
Strategies Adopted to Eliminate Kala Azar in India
1. Spraying: Intensive indoor residual spraying to target and reduce sandfly breeding grounds.
2. Wall Plastering: Coating walls with a specific soil (Gerrard Soil) to deter sandflies from nesting.
3. Treatment Compliance: Engaging the ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) network to oversee treatment completion for PKDL patients.
Three mains form of the Kala-azar
1. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL)– Impacts multiple organs and represents the most severe illness.
2. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common form, causing skin ulcers, mainly on exposed body parts, which can result in lifelong scars and disability or stigma.
3. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis destroys mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, and throat, leading to severe damage.
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology
Vaping raises heart failure risk by 19%, reveals study
Source-This post on Vaping raises heart failure risk by 19%, reveals study is based on the article “Vaping increases risk of heart failure by 19 per cent, reveals study” published in “The Indian Express” on 3rd April 2024.
Why in the News?
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A recent extensive study conducted in the US indicates that vaping at any stage of life is associated with a 19% rise in the likelihood of heart failure.
What is Vaping?
1. Vapes or e-cigarettes use electronic heating to vaporize a mixture of glycerine, flavors, and nicotine, the addictive component found in traditional cigarettes.
2. It is also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
3. Impact:
a. Nicotine in e-cigarettes might lead to addiction rather than helping quit regular cigarettes. Accidental exposure to the liquid could also result in acute nicotine poisoning.
b. Due to the lack of standardized liquid, numerous vapes emit chemicals that can lead to lung diseases and contain cancer-causing substances and heavy metals.
c. E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) can cause shortness of breath, chest pain and severe difficulty in breathing.
What does the recent study say?
1. The study examined 170,000 individuals over 45 months. Among them, 3,242 experienced heart failure.
2. The findings revealed that individuals who used e-cigarettes at any time had a 19% higher risk of developing heart failure compared to non-users.
3. The study also discovered that vaping raised the chances of a specific type of heart failure known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This condition involves stiffening of the heart muscles, leading to improper filling between contractions.
What are the Regulations on the Use of E-cigarettes Worldwide?
1. Thirty-four countries have banned the sale of e-cigarettes, 88 countries have no minimum age at which e-cigarettes can be bought and 74 countries have no regulations in place for these harmful products.
2. In India, the possession of e-cigarettes and similar devices is a violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act, 2019.
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology