03-Oct-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

MEDICINE NOBEL 2023 GOES TO DUO WHO PAVED THE WAY FOR MRNA COVID VACCINES

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – THE HINDU 

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Hungarian biochemist Katalin Karikó and American physician-scientist Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking work in the field of mRNA (messenger RNA) technology. Dr. Katalin Karikó’s recognition as a Nobel laureate is significant, as she becomes the 13th woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Their discoveries enabled the development of highly effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, marking a significant advancement in the fight against the pandemic.

Key Points:

mRNA Technology:

1. mRNA stands for messenger RNA, a molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to the cellular machinery for protein synthesis.
2. Central Idea: The core concept of mRNA technology is to use synthetic mRNA to instruct cells to produce specific proteins.
3. Vaccine Development: mRNA vaccines are designed to prompt an immune response by delivering synthetic mRNA encoding harmless portions of pathogens, such as viral spike proteins. This trains the immune system to recognize and fight the pathogen without causing the disease.

Collaboration and Research: Dr. Karikó and Dr. Weissman collaborated in the late 1990s and conducted extensive research to overcome the challenges associated with mRNA-based vaccines. Their studies focused on ensuring that synthetic mRNA could enter cells without triggering an immune response.

Key Breakthrough: In a 2005 study, they discovered that modifying certain bases in synthetic mRNA allowed it to enter cells without being identified as foreign. This breakthrough addressed a critical hurdle in mRNA vaccine development.

Ongoing Research: mRNA technology continues to hold promise beyond COVID-19. Scientists are exploring its applications in developing vaccines for other diseases such as influenza, dengue, as well as in the treatment of certain cancers and autoimmune disorders.

Global Significance: The Nobel Prize recognition highlights the global significance of mRNA technology in revolutionizing vaccine development and its potential to address a wide range of health challenges.

Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman’s pioneering work has not only transformed the field of medicine but has also had a profound impact on global health and the response to infectious diseases like COVID-19.

COUNTING DEATHS IN INDIA’S PRISONS

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Classification of Prison Deaths:

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) publishes the Prison Statistics India (PSI) report annually, categorizing prison deaths as ‘natural’ or ‘unnatural.’

‘Natural’ deaths are attributed to ageing and illnesses, including specific diseases.

‘Unnatural’ deaths encompass suicides, homicides, accidents, and other non-age-related causes.

Challenges with Classification:

Courts and experts have raised concerns about the vague distinction between ‘natural’ and ‘unnatural’ deaths in prison reports.

Deaths classified as ‘natural’ may mask underlying issues related to prison conditions, neglect, or mistreatment.

The classification can hinder efforts to address systemic problems contributing to inmate deaths.

Role of Overcrowding and Infrastructure:

• Overcrowding and inadequate prison facilities are significant factors leading to custodial deaths.
• Overcrowding results in poor sanitation, limited healthcare access, and increased stress on inmates, contributing to health issues and violence.
• Custodial deaths in overcrowded conditions may not address the root causes due to classification as ‘natural’ deaths.

Investigation of Custodial Deaths:

• The NCRB is required to report custodial deaths within 24 hours, followed by post-mortem and magisterial inquest reports.
• The inquiry process may result in recommendations for compensation or disciplinary action against public servants found negligent.
• Custodial deaths are often underreported and lack proper investigations, leading to many being classified as ‘natural.’

Government Actions and Recommendations:

• Several guidelines and recommendations emphasize inmates’ rights to healthcare, access to mental health services, and suicide prevention programs.
• There is a need to scale up the quantity and quality of staff, particularly medical and mental health professionals, to address the growing prison population.
• Recommendations also include providing inmates with access to telephones, newspapers, and periodicals to reduce isolation and harmful activities.

Structural Reforms Needed:

Structural changes in the criminal justice system are essential to prevent custodial deaths and improve the overall well-being of inmates.

Conclusion:

Classification and investigation of deaths in Indian prisons face significant challenges, with concerns about vague distinctions and inadequate reporting and investigations. Addressing overcrowding and infrastructural deficiencies, as well as implementing recommended reforms, are crucial steps in preventing custodial deaths and ensuring the welfare of prisoners.

CAPTURING THE RAINS

GS 1 (GEOGRAPHY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

India recently experienced a deficit monsoon in 2023, with lower-than-normal rainfall in many regions. This variation in rainfall patterns, attributed to climate phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, underscores the unpredictable nature of the monsoon. While some areas faced drought-like conditions, others experienced intense rainfall and floods. These variations highlight the impacts of anthropogenic warming on the monsoon.

Monsoon Deficit in 2023:

• India experienced a deficit monsoon in 2023, with 82 cm of rainfall, nearly 6% lower than the normal of 89 cm.
• The anticipation of a subdued monsoon was based on the presence of El Niño, which typically leads to reduced rainfall over India, especially in the northwest.

Unpredictable Monsoon Patterns:

• Despite expectations of a below-average monsoon, the actual experience was unpredictable, with some regions receiving excessive rainfall and others facing drought-like conditions.
• Intense rainfall in north India caused floods and landslides, attributed to western disturbances, which are not typically associated with the monsoon.
• Drought conditions were reported in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Karnataka, leading to water stress issues and disputes over river water sharing.

Importance of Resilient Infrastructure:

• The Situation emphasizes the need to invest in resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding unpredictable climate variations.
• Variability in the monsoon pattern underscores the importance of preparing for extreme weather events and mitigating their impact.

Improved Weather Forecast Models:

• The focus should be on enhancing weather forecast models that provide early warnings for significant weather changes, helping authorities and communities prepare in advance.
• Investment in forecast modelling and expertise is essential to better understand and predict the dynamics of the Indian monsoon.

Conclusion:

Given the increasing unpredictability of monsoon patterns, there is a critical need for India to develop resilient infrastructure and invest in advanced weather forecasting models. This approach can serve as all-weather insurance against the vagaries of the global climate, helping the country better cope with extreme weather events and their consequences.

BIHAR CASTE SURVEY DATA RELEASED: A LOOK AT THE COMPLICATED HISTORY OF CASTE SURVEYS

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

The Bihar government has released the results of its caste survey, revealing that Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) constitute over 63% of the state’s population. This marks a significant development in understanding the social composition of the region.

Caste Data in Census:

• Every Census in independent India from 1951 to 2011 published data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes but not on other castes.
• Before 1931, every Census included data on caste.
• In 1941, caste-based data was collected but not published due to its enormous cost during World War II.

Demand for a Caste Census:

• The demand for a caste census is recurrent, primarily coming from OBCs and deprived sections, while upper-caste sections tend to oppose it.
• The opposition parties, in particular, have called for a caste census in the context of Census 2021, converging on the theme of “social justice.”

Government’s Stand:

• The government, as a matter of policy, has decided not to enumerate caste-wise populations other than SCs and STs.
• Despite this policy, in August 2018, there were indications that data on OBCs would be collected for Census 2021.
• The stand on this matter appears inconsistent, with no official minutes of key meetings made available.

SECC Data:

• The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted in 2016, excluding caste data.
• The raw caste data was handed over to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for classification, but it’s unclear whether a report was submitted.

Conclusion:

The release of Bihar’s caste survey results underscores the complex history and persistent demand for a caste census in India. The government’s stance has evolved over time, leading to debates on data collection and classification. The issue remains a significant aspect of India’s social and political discourse.

WHO APPROVES USE OF MALARIA VACCINE WITH ADJUVANT TECH

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the use of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India in collaboration with Novavax’s adjuvant technology.

• The vaccine was recommended for use following a scientific review by the WHO’s advisory bodies, including the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group (MPAG), and paves the way for wider vaccine roll-out, possibly starting next year.
• The Serum Institute has the production capacity for 100 million doses per year, with plans to double it in the next two years.
• The Matrix-M component, a proprietary saponin-based adjuvant from Novavax, is licensed to the Serum Institute for use in endemic countries while Novavax retains commercial rights in non-endemic regions.
• The vaccine’s development received support from organizations such as the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), the Wellcome Trust, and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

IAF LIKELY TO INDUCT ASTRA BVR AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE BY YEAR-END

GS 3 (INTERNAL SECURITY) THE HINDU

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to induct the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile by the end of the year.

• Two contracts have been placed with Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL) for this purpose. Development is also progressing on the more advanced Astra-Mk2, with successful static firing tests conducted.
• The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) has granted bulk production clearance for the Astra-MK1 missiles, and the IAF plans to conduct proof firing and induction this fiscal year.
• The Astra missile is fully integrated with the Su-30MKI, and it has been successfully tested on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
• The IAF aims to reduce import dependency on BVR missiles by incorporating the Astra series into its fleet.