12-April-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

CRAFTED AT HOME, NEXCAR19 TAKES INDIA TO NEXT LEVEL IN CANCER CARE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY–SOURCE: THE HINDU

Cancer remains a major healthcare challenge in India.  However, recent development of NexCAR19, an indigenously-developed Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for certain blood cancers.

• T cells are immune system cells that fight infection. CAR-T cells are engineered to recognize specific proteins on cancer cells.

Development of NexCAR19

• NexCAR19 is unique in its use of “humanized” antibody fragments, which may reduce side effects.

CAR T-CELL THERAPY

• CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that alters a patient’s T cells to target and destroy cancer cells.
• T cells are a type of white blood cell that fights infection. They are extracted from a patient’s blood, modified in a lab to identify and attack cancer cells, and then infused back into the patient.
• CAR T-cell therapy is a promising treatment for some types of leukemia and lymphoma.

Benefits and Challenges

• NexCAR-19 offers a potential cure for patients with limited treatment options.
• However, access remains a challenge due to the high cost of the therapy, though efforts are underway to bring the price down.
• Additionally, CAR-T therapy can cause side effects, requiring close monitoring by healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

The development of NexCAR19 marks a significant milestone in Indian cancer treatment. This affordable, “made-in-India” therapy offers new hope for patients battling aggressive blood cancers.  Further research and cost reduction efforts are crucial to ensure wider accessibility of this life-saving treatment.

INDIA TO FACE MOST IMPACT IF HIGH U.S. INTEREST RATES PERSIST’

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY–SOURCE: THE HINDU

U.S. Federal Reserve and European Central Bank maintain high interest rates for an extended period.

Impact on India:

• Inflation: Upward pressure, potentially increasing by 0.4 percentage points over 2024-2025.
• GDP Growth: Slight slowdown, possibly dropping by 0.2 percentage points in 2025 compared to baseline.
• Increased import costs and potential for higher inflation (0.15 percentage points).
• Improved export competitiveness (potentially adding 0.05 percentage points to GDP growth in 2024).

Risks:

• Gains from export competitiveness may be temporary.
• Ongoing conflicts and shipping disruptions could further increase inflation.

IMPACT OF INCREASING US FEDERAL INTEREST RATES ON INDIAN ECONOMY

• Capital Outflow: When the US Fed raises interest rates, US investments become more attractive to investors seeking higher returns. This can lead to capital outflow from India, as investors move their money to the US.

• Currency Depreciation: As capital leaves India, the demand for rupees decreases. This can cause the rupee to depreciate (weaken) in value compared to the US dollar.

• Import Costs: A weaker rupee makes imports more expensive. This can lead to higher inflation in India, as businesses pass on the increased costs to consumers.

• Interest Rate Hikes in India: To curb capital outflow and prevent the rupee from falling too far, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may be forced to raise interest rates in India. This can slow down economic growth, as borrowing becomes more expensive for businesses and consumers.

Overall, increasing US Federal Interest Rates can have a negative impact on the Indian economy by weakening the rupee, increasing inflation, and slowing down economic growth.

Key takeaway: India might be more vulnerable than other Asian economies due to its inflation sensitivity and reliance on imports.

INDIA HAD OVER 11% OF GLOBAL HEPATITIS BURDEN IN 2022, WITH 35.3 MILLION CASES

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY–SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

India has the second-highest number of hepatitis cases globally, with over 35.3 million infections (11.6% of global total).

• Hepatitis B is the most common type, affecting 29.8 million people, followed by Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis B and C cause chronic illness for millions and are the leading cause of liver cancer deaths.

Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis rates are low, with only 13% of chronic Hepatitis B cases and 36% of Hepatitis C cases diagnosed.
• Treatment rates are even lower, with only 3% receiving treatment for Hepatitis B and 20% for Hepatitis C.

Transmission

• Unsafe medical practices and injecting drug use contribute significantly to Hepatitis C transmission.
• Despite vaccination efforts, only 45% of infants globally receive the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.

Indian Government Initiatives

National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP): Launched in 2018, this program aims to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

• Free Screening & Diagnosis: Increased access to testing for pregnant women and high risk
• Affordable Treatment: Making antiviral medications readily available and affordable.
• Public Awareness: Educational campaigns to raise awareness about hepatitis transmission, prevention, and treatment options.

TYPES OF HEPATITIS:

Hepatitis A

• Cause: HAV (Hepatitis A virus) through contaminated food or water.
• Transmission: Fecal-oral route (improper hygiene).
• Vaccine: Available, highly effective single dose vaccine – Havrix or Vaqta

Hepatitis B

• Cause: HBV (Hepatitis B virus) through bodily fluids (blood, semen, saliva).
• Transmission: Mother-to-child, sexual contact, unsafe medical practices, sharing needles.
• Vaccine: Available – RecombivaxHB or Engerix-B

Hepatitis C

• Cause: HCV (Hepatitis C virus) through infected blood.
• Transmission: Sharing needles, unsafe medical practices, blood transfusions (before widespread screening).
• Vaccine: Not currently available, but research is ongoing.

Hepatitis D

• Cause: HDV (Hepatitis D virus) requires co-infection with Hepatitis B.
• Transmission: Same as Hepatitis B.
• Vaccine: Prevented by Hepatitis B vaccination (HDV cannot survive without HBV).

Hepatitis E

• Cause: HEV (Hepatitis E virus) through contaminated water.
• Transmission: Fecal-oral route.
• Vaccine: Available in some regions, not yet widely used – Hevrix or SKB

Conclusion

India faces a significant challenge in controlling hepatitis. Increased access to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention measures like vaccination are crucial to curb the disease burden.

ISRO’S ZERO ORBITAL DEBRIS MILESTONE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY–SOURCE: THE HINDU

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently announced a remarkable milestone achieved during its PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission: practically zero debris left in Earth’s orbit.

This feat was made possible through the innovative transformation of the mission’s final stage, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), into the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3).

Understanding POEM:

• Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), POEM utilizes the spent fourth stage of a PSLV rocket as an orbital platform.
• POEM was first employed during the PSLV-C53 mission in June 2022, where it conducted in-orbit scientific experiments.

Key Features of POEM:

• Powered by solar panels and a lithium-ion battery, POEM functions as a cost-effective space platform.
• Equipped with a navigation, guidance, and control (NGC) system, helium control thrusters, and communication systems, POEM ensures stability and operational efficiency.

POEM-3’s Achievements:

• Following the launch of PSLV C-58 on January 1, 2024, POEM-3, formerly the mission’s fourth stage, was maneuvered to a lower orbit after deploying the XPoSat satellite.
• POEM-3 hosted nine payloads from various institutions, completing 400 orbits around Earth and successfully conducting experiments.
• Notable achievements include the demonstration of power generation by fuel cells and the completion of payload objectives by January 27, 2024.

Significance of ISRO’s Initiative:

• The initiative holds immense significance amid the increasing proliferation of satellites in Earth’s orbit, which has raised concerns about space debris.
• Space debris, comprising defunct satellites, rocket fragments, and other objects, poses risks to operational satellites and spacecraft due to collisions and orbital interference.
• With over 2,500 objects launched into space in 2022 alone, effective space debris mitigation strategies are crucial to ensure the safety and sustainability of space activities.

POLAR ORBITS

Polar orbits are inclined orbits that travel north and south over the Earth’s poles.

• Satellites in polar orbits can cover the entire Earth’s surface as they rotate around the Earth.

Properties of Polar Orbits

• Inclination: near 90 degrees to the plane of the equator
• Altitude: vary from low Earth orbit (LEO) to high Earth orbit (HEO)
• Period: The time it takes for the satellite to complete one orbit around the Earth. LEO orbits have shorter periods than HEO orbits.
• Earth observation satellites: used to monitor weather, climate change, and natural resources.
• Reconnaissance satellites: used for military intelligence gathering.
• Navigation satellites: used for GPS and other global navigation systems.

BAOBAB TREE

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT–SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

The baobab tree, also known as the “Tree of Life,” is a unique and iconic species found in Africa, Madagascar, and Australia. It plays a crucial role in ecosystems due to its longevity, distinct features, and ecological significance.

Features of the Baobab Tree:

• Long-lived deciduous tree with broad trunks and compact tops.
• Mature trees have massive trunks, shaped like bottles or cylinders, tapering from bottom to top.
• Faint growth rings and can live for thousands of years.
• Produces round or oval-shaped, highly nutritious fruit.

Distribution:

• Nine species, with two native to mainland Africa, six to Madagascar, and one to Australia.
• Abundance in Mandu, Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Ecological Significance:

• Keystone species in Madagascar’s landscapes.
• Vital for storing water in arid environments.
• Extensive root systems support biodiversity and provide resources during droughts.
• Supports microorganisms and larger animals, fostering biodiversity.

Conservation Efforts:

• The Global Society for the Preservation of Baobabs and Mangroves (GSPBM) rejuvenation missions.
• Conservation measures include habitat protection, reforestation, and community involvement.

NATIONAL INVESTMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND (NIIF)

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY–SOURCE: MINT

NIIF invested $200 million in iBUS to support India’s digital infrastructure growth.

Introduction to NIIF:

• NIIF is India’s first sovereign wealth fund (SWF), established in 2015.
• It is a fund manager focusing on infrastructure and related sectors in India.

Ownership and Structure:

• Supported by the Government of India, NIIF operates as a collaborative investment platform for domestic and international investors.
• Majority-owned by institutional investors, maintaining independence in investment decisions.

Investment Mandate:

• Invests across asset classes including infrastructure, private equity, and diversified sectors.
• Targets both greenfield (new), brownfield (existing), and stalled projects to catalyze infrastructure development.

Funds Managed by NIIF:

• NIIF Master Fund: Largest infrastructure fund in India, investing in projects like roads, ports, airports, and power.
• NIIF Private Markets Fund: Invests in third-party managed funds in infrastructure and associated sectors.
• NIIF Strategic Opportunities Fund: Focuses on large-scale strategic projects crucial for national development.
• India-Japan Fund: A bilateral fund aimed at environmental preservation and fostering collaboration between Indian and Japanese companies.

Assets Under Management (AUM):

• NIIF manages over $4.9 billion in assets, making it the largest infrastructure fund in India.
• Registered as an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

CURATIVE PETITION

TOPIC: (GS3) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: THE HINDU

Supreme Court invoked a curative writ petition to revive a 2019 Delhi High Court judgment regarding the Delhi Metro arbitration award.

• A final recourse for justice seekers after exhausting other legal avenues.
• Allows the court to review and revise its own decision to prevent miscarriage of justice.

Aimed at rectifying grave miscarriages of justice and preventing abuse of legal processes.

• Originated from the case of Rupa Ashok Hurra Vs. Ashok Hurra in 2002.
• Established by a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court to rectify gross miscarriages of justice.

Article 137

• Empowers the Supreme Court to review its own judgments and orders under its inherent powers.

Curative Petition

• Mechanism to seek review based on Article 137.
• Not a guaranteed right, but a discretionary power of the Court.
• Filed after a review petition against a judgement is dismissed.
• No strict time limit, but needs to be filed within “reasonable time”.

Procedure

• Requires a certificate from a senior advocate stating the petition meets specific requirements.
• Circulated to a bench of the three seniormost judges and the judges who passed the original judgement (if available).

Purpose

• To prevent miscarriage of justice in exceptional cases.
• Not meant for prelitigation of issues already decided.

Hearing Process:

• Initially reviewed by a bench of the three senior-most judges and judges who passed the concerned judgment.
• Listed for hearing if a majority of judges agree on its necessity.
• Can be decided by judges in chambers or through an open-court hearing.
• Senior counsel may be appointed as amicus curiae to assist the bench.

IMF’S FISCAL MONITOR REPORT

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY –SOURCE: THE HINDU

Overview of the Fiscal Monitor Report:

• Provides updates on public finance developments globally.
• Assesses fiscal implications of policies relevant to the global economy.
• Prepared biannually by the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department.

Contents and Methodology:

• Based on the same database used for the World Economic Outlook (WEO) and the Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR).
• Fiscal projections for individual countries are prepared by IMF desk economists, following WEO guidelines.

Recent Findings on Industrial Policy Initiatives:

• The report suggests that industrial policy initiatives, aimed at steering innovation in specific sectors, may not be a cure-all for boosting economic growth.
• Initiatives pursued by countries like the United States and Europe are highlighted as not necessarily leading to significant growth.

About International Monetary Fund (IMF):

• Formed in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference to reconstruct the international monetary system.
• Mission includes promoting global economic growth, financial stability, international trade, and poverty reduction.
• Funding primarily comes from quotas and subscriptions from member countries.

Objective of the IMF:

• Fosters economic growth and employment.
• Provides temporary financial assistance to countries for balance of payments adjustments.
• Offers technical assistance to support economic development.

Other Reports by the IMF:

• World Economic Outlook (WEO): Provides analysis and projections of global economic trends.
• Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR): Assesses global financial stability and identifies systemic risks.