9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 17^th October, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Status of organ transplant surgeries in India

Source: The post status of organ transplant surgeries in India has been created, based on the article “Express View on illicit kidney trafficking: The body shop” published in “Indian Express” on 17th October 2024

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

Context:  The article discusses India’s organ transplant sector, highlighting both its growth and the illegal organ trafficking networks. It mentions legal donations and reveals international illicit markets, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement and better awareness about organ donation.

For detailed information on Organ donation in India read this article here

What is the status of organ transplant surgeries in India?

1. India is a major hub for organ transplants, performing about 18,000 operations each year, the highest number after the US and China.
2. These surgeries mostly occur in private hospitals and attract international patients, showcasing India’s advanced healthcare capabilities.

For detailed information on India trails in deceased organ donation read this article here

What illegal activities are associated with organ transplants?

1. The sector faces challenges with illegal organ trafficking involving doctors, hospital staff, and criminals.
2. A report exposed a network operating between India and Bangladesh, using fake documents to facilitate organ sales, deceiving the system as “altruistic donations.”

What are the legal frameworks for organ donation in India?

1. India’s laws allow three types of organ donations: from close relatives, altruistic donors, and swap donations between incompatible pairs.
2. Foreign donors must prove their donations are not coerced or paid for, requiring a certificate from their embassy.

For detailed information on National Organ Transplant Programme(NOTP) read this article here

What are the consequences of these illegal activities?

1. Illegal organ trading has been ongoing for over eight years, undermining trust in the healthcare system.
2. Despite some police success in dismantling trafficking rings, more consistent and thorough investigations are needed to preserve the integrity of organ transplantation.

What are the solutions to organ trafficking?

In addition to stronger law enforcement, there is a need to raise awareness about organ donation, correct misconceptions, and address gender imbalances—where women are often donors and men recipients. These steps could reduce organ trafficking in the long term.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges faced by India’s organ transplant sector, including both legal frameworks and the illegal organ trafficking networks.

Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF) in India

Source: The post Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF) in India has been created, based on the article “Reimagining access to justice” published in “The Hindu” on 17th October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– dispute redressal mechanisms

Context: The article discusses Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF) in India. It highlights how TPLF can help individuals afford legal battles against powerful entities. The article also emphasizes the need for a regulatory framework to manage TPLF and ensure fair access to justice for all.

For detailed information on third party funding read this article here

What is Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF)?

Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF) allows external investors to finance legal cases. In return, these investors get a share of the winnings. It helps people who can’t afford legal expenses, making justice more accessible.

Why is TPLF Important in India?

1. Justice in India is becoming increasingly expensive, and many can’t afford them.
2. With over 80,000 cases pending in the Supreme Court and around 40 million across the country,
3. TPLF could provide access to justice and empower disadvantaged groups to pursue legal action.
4. The Supreme Court views TPLF as a “potential equaliser” in the courtroom.

How has TPLF been accepted in India?

1. The Supreme Court, in Bar Council of India v. A.K. Balaji, supported TPLF. It said TPLF is acceptable as long as lawyers don’t fund the cases.
2. This builds on the Ram Coomar Coondoo v. Chunder Canto Mookerjee case, which said English laws against such funding don’t apply in India.

What Challenges Does TPLF Face?

1. Profit-Driven Funding: Critics worry that funders may choose only profitable cases, ignoring important but less profitable ones. There is also concern over how much control funders should have in deciding case strategies.
2. Regulatory Gaps: India lacks a comprehensive national framework for TPLF, leading to uncertainty in operations. Only some states, like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, have started to recognize TPLF.
3. Transparency Issues: Without regulations, there are concerns about how funding deals are structured, risking clients’ decision-making rights.
4. Court Involvement: Determining the appropriate level of court oversight is complex and needs clear guidelines to maintain judicial integrity.

What are global examples of TPLF regulation?

Hong Kong’s 2019 Code of Practice for Third Party Funding in Arbitration requires funders to disclose financial details, liability, and control. India may adopt similar rules to protect against risks and ensure fair litigation.

Question for practice:

Discuss the importance of Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF) in making justice more accessible in India.

GS PAPER - 3

How western industrialization led to political and economic advantages over the East

Source: The post how western industrialization led to political and economic advantages over the East has been created, based on the article “Spotlighting the work of the Economics Nobel winners” published in “The Hindu” on 17th October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Indian Economy Growth and Development

Context: The article discusses the Great Divergence, highlighting how Western industrialization led to political and economic advantages over the East. It emphasizes the role of institutions, especially extractive ones established during colonialism, in shaping long-term economic development, particularly in countries like India.

What is the Great Divergence?

1. The Great Divergence refers to the growing economic and political gap between the West and the East in the 17th and 18th centuries.
2. Western Europe industrialized early, gaining advantages that allowed them to project political power globally. This also helped them reap economic rewards, leading to lasting global inequalities.

What is the role of institutions in development?

1. Institutions are the rules that shape human behavior and constrain power. For example, constitutional limits on executive power prevent misuse of authority.
2. Economists Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson (AJR) highlighted the difference between extractive and inclusive institutions. Extractive institutions benefit a small elite, while inclusive institutions promote broad participation and prosperity.

For detailed information on How different types of institutions impact a country’s prosperity read this article here

How does AJR’s research apply to India?

1. AJR’s research highlights how colonialism established extractive institutions in India that hindered long-term development.
2. Landlord-based land tenure systems under British rule led to lower agricultural investments and productivity. Abhijit Banerjee and Lakshmi Iyer (2005) found that these areas still suffer from lower growth today.
3. Direct vs. Indirect Colonial Rule: Lakshmi Iyer (2010) showed that areas under direct British rule in India had fewer schools, roads, and health centers than those under indirect rule. This disparity persisted for years.
4. AJR’s research suggests that political power shaped economic outcomes. Colonial elites benefited from extractive institutions, which hindered economic progress in many regions of India, especially in agriculture and infrastructure development.

Question for practice:

Examine how the establishment of extractive institutions during colonialism impacted long-term economic development in countries like India.

India’s electronics manufacturing goal

Source: The post India’s electronics manufacturing goal has been created, based on the article “India’s $500 billion opportunity — and how not to lose it” published in “Indian Express” on 17th October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.

Context:  The article discusses India’s ambitious goal of reaching $500 billion in electronics manufacturing by 2030. It emphasizes the need for regional clusters to support growth, customized regulations, and devolution of powers to local authorities to create competitive manufacturing environments.

For detailed information on Semiconductor Industry in India read this article here

What is India’s electronics manufacturing goal?

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi set a target of $500 billion (Rs 4.20 lakh crore) for electronics manufacturing by 2030.
2. This target is bold, as India’s total manufacturing output in 2023-24 was only $660 billion (Rs 55.4 lakh crore). Growth in electronics manufacturing can help create jobs.

What Strategy is Needed to Meet This Target?

1. The government plans to focus on export-led growth.
2. This involves developing competitive regional manufacturing clusters, similar to those in Silicon Valley, Taiwan, and Shenzhen.
3. Regions like Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu and Noida in Uttar Pradesh are already key players, contributing nearly 50% of India’s electronics exports.

What factors make successful manufacturing regions?

Three main factors are crucial:

1. Large Size with Anchor Investors: Successful regions are large and have major companies that drive growth. For example, Shenzhen in China covers 2,000 square kilometers and exports around $350 billion.
2. Customized Regulations: These include favorable labor laws and taxation policies that facilitate easy movement and management of components across borders.
3. Devolution of Power: Local authorities need the power to make decisions quickly and efficiently, catering to the needs of the manufacturing sector.

How Can India Implement These Changes?

1. It is suggested to develop around existing manufacturing clusters by declaring large special regions. This would integrate current factories and new parks.
2. Regulations should be adjusted to attract major global players and streamline processes. The example of GIFT city, a differentially regulated zone for financial services, shows that such models can work in India.
3. By focusing on these strategic areas, India aims to transform its electronics manufacturing sector and meet its ambitious 2030 target.

Question for practice:

Examine the strategies and factors necessary for India to achieve its $500 billion electronics manufacturing target by 2030.

Importance of disaster risk insurance

Source: The post importance of disaster risk insurance has been created, based on the article “Why climate change is a national security issue” published in “Indian Express” on 17th October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– Disaster Management

Context: The article discusses the importance of disaster risk insurance in protecting both individuals and the economy from the impacts of disasters. It emphasizes the need for early warning systems, compensation, and insurance to secure human and national security. Importance of Disaster Risk Insurance.

For detailed information on Disaster Management Act 2005 read this article here

How do disasters affect personal and national security?

1. Disasters can devastate personal lives, rendering even middle-class families homeless, as seen during earthquakes.
2. Nationally, disasters hinder economic growth, impacting India’s $5-trillion and $10-trillion economic goals.
3. Disasters lead to downturns, damaging infrastructure and disrupting livelihoods.
4. In 1991, Bangladesh lost 140,000 people to a super cyclone, causing long-term human security challenges.
5. The 2011 Haiti earthquake killed 316,000 people, forcing migration due to inadequate recovery efforts.
6. Pakistan’s 2022-23 floods displaced 2.6 million people, making them vulnerable to exploitation by extremist groups, further destabilizing national security.

What role does disaster risk insurance play?

1. Disaster risk insurance helps people recover from losses after a disaster.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Ten-Point Agenda on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) highlights the importance of risk coverage for everyone, including households and companies.
3. Insurance cannot stop disasters, but it can ensure that people receive compensation to rebuild their lives.
4. Many countries use disaster risk insurance to ensure faster recovery.

Why is disaster-related insurance important in India?

1. India is now focusing on disaster-related insurance as it realizes the importance of protecting people and the economy.
2. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is working with insurance companies to develop effective insurance models.
3. Parametric insurance is being considered, as it offers quick payouts based on agreed disaster parameters, avoiding lengthy claim processes.

How can disaster risk insurance strengthen human security?

1. Human security is crucial for national security, especially in conflict-prone regions.
2. Countries like Bangladesh and Haiti have struggled with the aftermath of disasters, leading to displacement, illegal migration, and vulnerability to radical ideologies.
3. Pakistan’s floods displaced 2.6 million people in 2022-23, and without proper recovery support, these people could be exploited by extremist groups, just like Afghan refugees were in the 1980s. Disaster risk insurance can reduce such vulnerabilities.

Question for practice:

Discuss how disaster risk insurance can strengthen human and national security.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

IndiaAI Mission

Source: This post on IndiaAI Mission has been created based on the article “India Commits to Ethical AI with New EoI initiative” published in PIB on 17th October 2024.

Why in news?

IndiaAI Mission has chosen eight Responsible AI Projects from over 2000 proposals.

About IndiaAI Mission

1. About: IndiaAI Mission aim to create a comprehensive ecosystem, drive AI innovation, and encourage AI for ethical, transparent, and trustworthy AI use across all sectors.

2. Implementing Agency: IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division (IBD) of the Digital India Corporation, is responsible for implementing the mission. IndiaAI operates under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) as part of the Digital India Corporation.

3. Objectives of the IndiaAI Mission

i) To ensure AI benefits are accessible to all societal levels.

ii) To fostering Technological Self-Reliance: Develop indigenous tools and frameworks based on Indian data.

iii) To aligns with India’s vision of inclusive growth through AI.

iv) To strengthen India’s role as a leader in AI on the global stage.

4. Themes of Responsible AI Projects

i) Machine Unlearning: Removing data influence on models without retaining individual user information.

ii) Synthetic Data Generation: Creating artificial datasets to protect privacy.

iii) AI Bias Mitigation: Developing techniques to reduce bias in AI systems.

iv) Ethical AI Frameworks: Establishing guidelines for ethical AI usage.

v) Privacy-Enhancing Tools: Ensuring AI respects and protects user privacy.

vi) Explainable AI: Making AI decision-making processes more transparent.

vii) AI Governance Testing: Creating standards for evaluating AI governance practices.

viii) Algorithm Auditing Tools: Tools for thorough examination and validation of AI algorithms.

Read more: IndiaAI Mission

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Nobel Prize for microRNA Discovery

Source-This post on Nobel Prize for microRNA Discovery is based on the article “Nobel Prize for microRNA find underscores RNA’s primacy in biology” published in “The Hindu” on 17th October 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the discovery of microRNA earned the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. This is the fifth Nobel Prize awarded for RNA research, emphasizing RNA’s fundamental role in cell biology.
Previous awards have recognized discoveries like mRNA (1965), RNA as enzymes (1989), RNA interference (2006), and mRNA vaccines (2023).

About Cellular Biology

Each cell contains a DNA blueprint to build and maintain the organism. Proteins, made based on DNA instructions, perform various functions like oxygen transport by haemoglobin. Only specific genes are expressed in different cell types, allowing specialized protein production in each type.

About MicroRNAs (miRNAs)

1. They are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression.

2. They are typically about 20-24 nucleotides long and function by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, leading to mRNA degradation or inhibition of translation.

How microRNA Regulates Protein Production

1. mRNA is a transient copy of DNA used to create proteins through transcription.

2. miRNAs bind to mRNA, halting protein synthesis by either marking mRNA for degradation or preventing it from producing proteins.

3.  miRNA and mRNA share the same four chemical bases but differ in length, with miRNA being only about 22 bases long.

Importance of microRNA in Cellular Processes

1. miRNAs regulate approximately 60% of human genes and are crucial in processes like cell development, differentiation, cell division, and response to stress and disease.

2. They play a significant role in controlling abnormal protein production, making them potential targets for cancer and other therapies.

3. miRNA trials, like those for miRNA-34a, began in 2013 but faced challenges due to early delivery technology limitations, leading to immune reactions and halted trials.

4. Improved packaging and delivery methods have enabled trials against diseases such as hepatitis C and cardiovascular conditions.

5. Current Status: As of the recent Nobel announcement, 581 miRNA-related clinical trials had been registered in the U.S., with mixed outcomes.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Global Hunger Index 2024 report

Source-This post on Global Hunger Index 2024 report is based on the article “What does the Global Hunger Index 2024 state about India?” published in “The Hindu” on 17th october 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, Global Hunger Index 2024 was released by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. It indicates that India faces a ‘serious’ hunger situation, ranking 105th out of 127 countries.

India’s Hunger Situation in 2024

1. India scores 27.3, placing it at 105th out of 127 countries.

On this scale, a score under 9.9 represents low hunger levels, 10-19.9 signifies moderate hunger, 35-49.9 is alarming, and scores above 50 are classified as extremely alarming.

2. Indicators Used for Ranking:

Indicators	Status
Undernourishment	13.7% of India’s population has inadequate caloric intake.
Child Stunting	35.5% of children under five are stunted, indicating chronic undernutrition.
Child Wasting	India has the highest global rate, with 18.7% of children under five experiencing wasting (low weight relative to height).
Child Mortality	2.9% of children do not survive past their fifth birthday.

India’s Efforts and Areas for Improvement

1. Political Will and Initiatives: The report acknowledges India’s initiatives like the National Food Security Act, Poshan Abhiyan, PMGKAY, and the National Mission for Natural Farming as significant steps toward addressing hunger and malnutrition.

2. Intergenerational Undernutrition: The report highlights a pattern of undernutrition passed down through generations, linking maternal malnutrition and low birth weight with high child wasting rates.

3. GDP Growth and Nutritional Security: The report notes that economic growth does not automatically translate into reduced hunger and emphasizes the need for pro-poor policies that also address social and economic inequalities.

 Proposed Solutions

1. Enhanced Social Safety Nets: Recommendations include expanding access to Public Distribution Scheme (PDS), PMGKAY, and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) for improved food security.

2. Investments in Agriculture and Diversified Food Production: Advocates for a holistic food systems approach that emphasizes ecological and nutritious crops like millets.

3. Maternal and Child Health Investments: Suggests improving sanitation, water, and hygiene to support better health outcomes for mothers and children.

4. Integration with Gender and Climate Change: Calls for policies that consider the interplay between nutrition, gender, and climate resilience.

UPSC Syllabus: Index and reports 

FAO report on impact of climate change on farmers

Source: This post on FAO report on impact of climate change on farmers has been created based on the article “Secretary (DEPwD) inaugurates “Climate change impact harsher on poorer farmers in India: FAO report “ published in The Hindu on 17^th October 2024.

Why in news?

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported recently that poor households globally lose an average of 5% of their total income each year due to heat stress and 4.4% due to floods, in contrast to relatively better-off households.

Findings of the study

1. Income Loss from Heat and Floods: Poor households globally lose an average of 5% of their income annually due to heat stress and 4.4% due to floods.

2. Structural Inequalities: The report suggests that structural inequalities make poor households more vulnerable to climate stressors, which exacerbates income disparities.

3. Effect on On-Farm Income: Rural poor in India experience varying impacts on their farm income depending on the type of climate stress. Droughts and similar events prompt poor households to allocate more time and resources to agricultural production as off-farm job opportunities decline.

4. Reduced Total Income: Poor households tend to have lower overall income compared to those not exposed to significant climate stressors.

Policy Recommendations for Mitigating Impact

Expand Social Security: The report calls for a broader social security net to mitigate the adverse effects of climate stress on poor farmers.

Anticipatory Social Protection: Scaling up social protection programs to prepare for extreme weather events can help reduce the reliance on negative coping strategies and prevent poverty induced by these events.

Workforce Diversification: Enhancing non-farm employment opportunities and addressing gender barriers in these fields can help improve economic resilience.

Government Response and Initiatives

National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA): NICRA was launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2011 to enhance resilience of Indian agriculture to climate change and climate vulnerability through strategic research and technology demonstration.

Contingency Plans and Employment Schemes: India has contingency plans for all agricultural districts and was the first to implement an employment guarantee scheme as a social safety net for farmers.

UPSC Syllabus: Agriculture 

Roopkund Lake

Source: This post on Roopkund Lake has been created based on the article “Uttarakhand’s ‘skeleton lake’ Roopkund shrinking due to climate change?” published in Times of India on 17^th October 2024.

Why in news?

Climate change is leading to the annual shrinking of Roopkund Lake in Uttarakhand.

About Roopkund Lake

1. Location: Roopkund Lake is situated at an altitude of approximately 5,029 meters (16,499 feet) in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, within the Himalayas.

2. The lake is commonly referred to as the “Skeleton Lake” due to the hundreds of ancient human skeletons found around its edges.

3. Roopkund is a shallow, high-altitude lake, typically around 2 meters (6.5 feet) deep, although its size fluctuates with seasonal melting and freezing.

4. Roopkund is a glacial lake, meaning it was formed by glacial activities, with crystal-clear water revealing the bones during the summer months when the ice melts.

5. The skeletal remains around Roopkund Lake date back to the 9th century CE, believed to be from a group of travelers or pilgrims. Studies suggest they died due to a sudden hailstorm.

6. The lake’s mysterious skeletons were first reported by a forest ranger in 1942, which led to various studies and speculations about their origins.

7.  Recent DNA analysis has shown that the skeletons belong to two distinct groups: one with ancestry similar to people from South Asia, and the other group likely from the Mediterranean region.

8. Geo-chemical analysis of the lake’s boulders offers insights into weather extremes from thousands of years ago, making it a valuable source of historical and climatic information that should be preserved.

9. Cultural Significance: The lake holds cultural importance for the local communities, who believe it is associated with Goddess Nanda Devi. A Nanda Devi Raj Jat pilgrimage occurs every 12 years, during which devotees travel through this region.

UPSC Syllabus: Geography 

Mechazilla and its application

Source: This post on Mechazilla and its application has been created based on the article “What is ‘Mechazilla’? The giant arms that caught the massive Starship rocket midair” published in Business Times on 17^th October 2024.

Why in news?

SpaceX has reached a significant milestone in space exploration by landing its Starship rocket using an innovative structure called “Mechazilla.”

About Mechazilla

1. Mechazilla is the nickname for SpaceX’s 400-foot tall rocket-catching structure at its Starbase facility in South Texas.

2. It is equipped with two massive mechanical arms, known as “chopsticks,” Mechazilla is designed to catch the Super Heavy booster mid-air as it returns from space.

3. This innovative approach marks a significant leap in reusable rocket technology, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional landing techniques.

4. The tower itself is outfitted with multiple tracks and cables that enable precise movement of the arms, giving it the dexterity required to align and catch the descending booster.

How Does Mechazilla Work?

1. Launch and Ascent: The Starship rocket, mounted on its Super Heavy booster, launches from the ground.

2. Booster Separation: At a specific altitude, the booster detaches from the upper stage of the rocket.

3. Controlled Descent: Using precision thrusters, the booster carefully navigates its return to Earth, guiding itself toward the landing site.

4. Catching the Booster: As the booster approaches the ground, Mechazilla’s arms position themselves for the catch. The booster hovers briefly, allowing the arms to securely catch it and complete the controlled landing.

Why is Mechazilla Important for SpaceX?

1. Reduced Wear and Tear: By catching the booster mid-air, Mechazilla minimizes the stress and impact damage usually associated with traditional landings.

2. Faster Turnaround: This method accelerates the process of refurbishing and preparing the booster for its next launch, significantly cutting down on downtime.

3. Cost Efficiency: Reusing boosters more quickly and easily lowers the overall costs of space missions, contributing to more sustainable operations.

Future Implications of Mechazilla

Mechazilla represents a major advancement in aerospace engineering, with the potential to revolutionize space travel. As SpaceX refines this technology, it could pave the way for more frequent and cost-effective missions. Ultimately, this innovation brings humanity closer to making space exploration accessible and sustainable on a larger scale.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology