12-June-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

IISC DEVELOPS METHOD TO REMOVE HEAVY METAL CONTAMINANTS FROM GROUNDWATER  

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed an innovative method to remove heavy metal contaminants, including arsenic, from groundwater. This process is designed to ensure environmental safety and sustainability. 

Three-Step Method: 

• The method involves a three-step process that is patent-pending. 
• It not only removes heavy metals but also disposes of them in an eco-friendly manner. 

Environmental Safety: 

• Unlike existing methods, this process prevents the re-entry of heavy metals into the environment. 
• Treated sludge is managed sustainably instead of being sent to landfills. 

Significance: 

• Over 113 districts in 21 Indian states have arsenic levels above 0.01 mg/L. 
• 223 districts in 23 states have fluoride levels above 1.5 mg/L, exceeding the limits set by BIS and WHO. 
• These contaminants pose serious health risks to humans and animals. 

Collaboration and Deployment: 

• The IISc team collaborates with NGOs like INREM Foundation and Earthwatch. 
• The technology is being tested in rural areas such as Bhagalpur (Bihar) and Chickballapur (Karnataka). 

Sources of Groundwater Pollution 

• Agricultural activities: Use of fertilizers and pesticides can seep into the ground and contaminate groundwater. 
• Improper storage of manure can also lead to groundwater pollution. 

• Industrial activities: Leaks from storage tanks, pipelines, and waste disposal sites can contaminate groundwater. 
• Urban activities: Runoff from roads, parking lots, and lawns can carry pollutants into storm drains, which can eventually discharge into groundwater. 
• Landfills: Leachate, the liquid that drains from landfills, can contain harmful chemicals that can contaminate groundwater. 
• Natural sources: In some cases, groundwater can be naturally contaminated with arsenic, fluoride, or other minerals. 

How to Avoid Groundwater Pollution 

• Reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides: There are a number of organic farming practices that can help to reduce reliance on chemical inputs. 
• Properly store and dispose of hazardous materials: This includes household hazardous waste as well as industrial waste. 
• Maintain septic systems: Septic systems should be inspected and pumped regularly to prevent them from failing. 
• Wellhead protection: There are a number of practices that can be implemented to protect wellheads from contamination, such as zoning restrictions and land use planning. 

Multiple choice question: 

1. Consider the following statements regarding Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

1. It is an autonomous body established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 

1. It coordinates and supervises the activities of the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). 

1. It monitors ambient air quality through a network of stations measuring nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3). 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. 1, 2 and 3 

ANSWER – B 

EXPLANATION: 

The CPCB is a statutory organization functioning under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), not an autonomous body.  

It does coordinate and supervise SPCBs established under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 

The National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) by CPCB monitors pollutants like SO2, NO2, PM10, PM2.5 etc., not O3.  

BIHAR’S CALL FOR SPECIAL CATEGORY STATUS 

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, has renewed the demand for special category status for the state. This status would increase Bihar’s tax revenues from the Centre and help address its economic challenges. 

Special Category Status 

• Special category status was introduced in 1969. 
• Aimed to assist states with geographic, social, or economic disadvantages. 
• Initially granted to Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland. 
• Later extended to eight more states including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. 

Benefits: 

• Higher central assistance: States receive 90% funding for centrally sponsored schemes (compared to 60-80% for others). 
• Tax concessions to boost economic development. 
• Bihar’s Demand for Special Status 

Economic Backwardness: 

• Low per capita income (~₹60,000), among the lowest in India. 
• Lagging behind in human development indicators. 
• Adverse fiscal impact due to state bifurcation and loss of industries to Jharkhand. 

• Frequent natural disasters and lack of water resources for irrigation. 

Political Context: 

• Bihar’s Janata Dal (United), led by Nitish Kumar, supports the BJP at the Centre. 
• Bihar Cabinet passed a resolution demanding special status. 
• Political bargaining power plays a significant role in such demands. 
• Challenges and Fiscal Implications 

Centre’s Stance: 

• Successive Union governments have hesitated to grant special status due to financial burden. 
• Fear of setting a precedent, leading to similar demands from other states. 
• Increased devolution of taxes to states (from 32% to 42%) reduces the need for special status. 

Political Considerations: 

• Political parties may promise special status for electoral gains. 
• Competitive populism can strain the Centre’s finances. 
• Congress promised special status to Bihar in its 2024 election manifesto. 
• Economic Justifications and Counterarguments 

Justifications for Special Status: 

• Economic backwardness necessitates more central funds. 
• Essential for welfare projects and infrastructure development. 
• Bihar government estimates an additional ₹2.5 lakh crore over five years could help uplift poor families. 

Counterarguments: 

• Increased funds might incentivize poor governance and penalize better-performing states. 
• Historical issues like poor rule of law have hindered growth. 
• Recent economic improvements indicate potential without special status. 
• Bihar’s GDP growth rate (10.6% in 2022-23) and per capita income growth (9.4%) suggest strong economic performance. 

Conclusion 

While Bihar’s demand for special category status is driven by genuine economic challenges, the Centre’s reluctance is based on fiscal prudence and the potential for similar demands from other states. Strengthening rule of law and governance may offer more sustainable economic improvements for Bihar in the long run. 

UGC ALLOWS UNIVERSITIES TO ADMIT STUDENTS TWICE A YEAR 

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a new policy allowing higher education institutions to admit students twice a year. Previously, admissions were limited to July/August. This new decision offers institutions the flexibility to admit students in both January/February and July/August. 

New Admission Cycles: 

• Institutions can now admit students in January/February and July/August. 
• The decision is optional, based on an institution’s infrastructure and faculty availability. 

Flexibility for Institutions: 

• Institutions can choose whether to offer admissions in one or both cycles. 
• The aim is to increase student intake and introduce new programs in emerging fields. 

Implementation: 

• Institutions must get approval from their academic and executive councils. 
• Amendments to institutional regulations will be necessary. 

Benefits: 

• Helps students who miss July/August admissions to join in January. 

• Enhances resource utilization, such as lab facilities being used more efficiently. 
• Expected to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER). 

Phased Implementation: 

• UGC-NET and other entrance exams might be conducted twice a year. 
• Biannual admissions can apply to PhD, postgraduate, and undergraduate programs. 
• Central universities might require adjustments for entrance exams like CUET. 
• This move by the UGC aims to provide greater flexibility and opportunities for both institutions and students, aligning with global educational practices. 

Previous Trials 

ODL and Online Programs: 

• UGC’s biannual admission process was first attempted with open and distance learning (ODL) and online mode programs. 
• Approximately half a million students benefited from joining programs in January instead of waiting a full year. 

Multiple choice question: 

1. With reference to the recent changes made by the University Grants Commission (UGC) regarding student admissions, consider the following statements:

1. The UGC now allows higher education institutions to admit students twice a year. 

1. Biannual admissions are mandatory for all higher education institutions. 

1. The decision to implement biannual admissions depends on the institution’s infrastructure and faculty availability. 

1. The primary goal of this policy change is to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER). 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1, 3 and 4 only 

1. 1 and 4 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1, 2, 3 and 4 

ANSWER – C 

EXPLANATION: 

The UGC now allows higher education institutions to admit students twice a year. 

Biannual admissions are not mandatory for all institutions; they are optional based on the institution’s capacity. 

The decision to implement biannual admissions depends on the institution’s infrastructure and faculty availability. 

One of the goals of this policy change is to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER). 

NEW ALZHEIMER’S DRUG: US EXPERT PANEL GREENLIGHTS FDA APPROVAL FOR DONANEMAB 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

A committee of independent advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unanimously voted that the benefits of the Alzheimer’s drug Donanemab outweigh its risks. This decision followed debates on the drug’s modest benefits and potential side effects. 

Drug Overview: 

• Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody made by Eli Lilly. 
• Targets amyloid beta protein plaques in the brain, a feature of Alzheimer’s. 

Clinical Trials: 

• Phase III trials showed a 35.1% slowdown in cognitive decline over 76 weeks in early Alzheimer’s patients. 
• The study involved 1,736 patients, with 860 receiving the drug. 

Side Effects: 

• Common side effects include amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) like brain swelling (24%) and bleeding (19.7%). 
• Three treatment-related deaths were reported. 

Approval and Administration: 

• Infusions are administered every four weeks. 
• The FDA typically follows the advisory committee’s recommendations. 

Need for Broader Therapies: 

• Emphasis on exploring other treatments due to Alzheimer’s complexity. 
• Focus on alternative targets like iron build-up and oxidative stress. 

Key Data on Alzheimer’s Disease for Students 

Definition: 

• Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes brain cells to degenerate and die, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. 

Prevalence: 

• Approximately 50 million people worldwide have dementia, with Alzheimer’s accounting for 60-70% of cases. 

Risk Factors: 

• Age: Most common in people over 65. 
• Genetics: Family history can increase risk. 
• Lifestyle: Factors like smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise may contribute. 

Early Symptoms: 

• Memory loss affecting daily activities. 
• Difficulty in planning or solving problems. 
• Confusion with time or place. 
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. 

• New problems with words in speaking or writing. 

Diagnosis 

• Medical history and mental status tests. 
• Physical and neurological exams. 
• Brain imaging (MRI, CT scans). 
• Biomarker tests (amyloid PET scans, cerebrospinal fluid analysis). 

Treatments 

• Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors (Donepezil) and memantine. 
• Monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid beta plaques (e.g., Donanemab, Lecanemab). 

Emerging Therapies: 

• Focus on amyloid beta protein, tau protein, and other biological targets. 
• Investigating the role of inflammation, iron build-up, and oxidative stress. 

Multiple choice question: 

1. Which of the following statements about Alzheimer’s Disease is/are correct?

1. Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects memory and cognitive function. 

1. The primary treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease involves the use of antibiotics to reduce brain inflammation. 

1. Early detection and intervention can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. 

1. Amyloid beta plaques are one of the key pathological features of Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 1, 3 and 4 only 

1. 2, 3 and 4 only 

1. 1, 2, 3 and 4 

ANSWER – B 

EXPLANATION: 

Alzheimer’s Disease is indeed a progressive neurological disorder affecting memory and cognitive functions. 

The primary treatments for Alzheimer’s do not involve antibiotics; rather, they include medications like cholinesterase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid beta plaques. 

Early detection and intervention can help in slowing down the progression of the disease. 

Amyloid beta plaques are one of the key pathological features observed in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. 

BIRSA MUNDA 

TOPIC: (GS1) HISTORY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA 

The Governor and Chief Minister of Jharkhand recently honoured the memory of tribal legend Birsa Munda on his death anniversary  

                       

About Birsa Munda 

• Birsa Munda, a prominent figure in Indian history, was a tribal freedom fighter belonging to the Munda tribe in the Chhotanagpur Plateau area. 
• He played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement, particularly in the tribal regions of British India. 
• His leadership and efforts led to significant reforms benefiting tribal communities. 

Background and Influence: 

• Birsa Munda hailed from the Munda tribe and understood the plight of his people under British colonial rule. 
• He rallied tribals against oppressive British policies, particularly land grabbing and exploitative practices. 

• Birsa advocated for the ownership of tribal land and preservation of tribal traditions, emphasizing the importance of tribal identity and culture. 

Munda Rebellion: 

• One of Birsa’s significant contributions was leading the Munda Rebellion, also known as Ulgulan or the Tamar Revolt. 
• The rebellion was a response to oppressive British policies, including the Forest Laws and heavy taxation. 
• Birsa united various tribal communities and led guerrilla warfare campaigns against British forces, earning him the title of “Birsa Bhagwan” among his followers. 

Legacy and Achievements: 

• Birsa’s struggle led to the passing of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act in 1908, protecting tribal land rights. 
• He founded the Birsait faith, blending animism and indigenous beliefs, and became a religious leader among the Mundas. 
• His legacy continues to inspire tribals and people across India, leading to the creation of the state of Jharkhand on his birth anniversary in 2000. 

HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: HINDUSTHAN TIMES 

Researchers in the UK have recently devised non-invasive measurement methods and innovative analysis approaches aimed at deciphering the advancement of Huntington’s disease and assessing the impact of potential treatments or lifestyle modifications on individuals affected by the condition. 

                         

About Huntington’s disease 

• Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic disorder that affects the brain, leading to the gradual breakdown and death of nerve cells. 
• It results in significant functional impairments, including movement, cognitive, and psychiatric disorders. 
• The disease has two types: adult-onset, which is the most common, and early-onset, which affects a smaller number of individuals and begins in childhood or the teen years. 

Cause: 

• HD is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, which leads to the production of a defective protein called huntingtin. 
• The mutation results in an expansion of a DNA segment within the HTT gene, causing the protein to have an abnormal number of repeats of the amino acid glutamine. 

• The severity of HD correlates with the number of repeats, with higher repetitions leading to earlier onset and more severe symptoms. 
• HD is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning that an affected person has a 50% chance of passing the mutated gene to their offspring. 

Symptoms: 

• HD manifests with a wide range of symptoms, including mood swings, cognitive decline, abnormal movements, difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking. 
• These symptoms progressively worsen over time, significantly impacting the individual’s quality of life. 

Treatment: 

• Currently, there is no cure for HD, and no treatment can halt the progression of the disease. 
• Treatment focuses on managing symptoms to improve the individual’s quality of life and functional abilities for as long as possible. 
• Therapies may include medication to manage movement and psychiatric symptoms, as well as supportive care to address physical and emotional needs. 

FOUR-HORNED ANTELOPE 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

A rare sighting of the four-horned antelope, also known as Chousingha, has been reported in the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, previously known as Nauradehi Sanctuary, in the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, India. 

This unique antelope species is significant for its distinctive features and habitat preferences. 

 

Four-Horned Antelope: 

• The four-horned antelope, scientifically known as Tetracerus quadricornis, is a small bovid antelope endemic to India and Nepal. 
• It is the smallest antelope species found in Asia, characterized by its yellowish-brown to reddish coat and slender build. 
• Unlike most other bovids, males of this species possess four horns, with one pair located between the ears and the other on the forehead. 

Distribution and Habitat: 

• Four-horned antelopes are found in open, dry, deciduous forests across India, ranging from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Deccan Plateau. 

• They prefer habitats with significant grass or heavy undergrowth cover and proximity to water bodies, typically inhabiting hilly terrain. 

Conservation Status: 

• The four-horned antelope is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as poaching pressure. 
• Conservation efforts are crucial to safeguarding this species and its habitat to ensure its long-term survival. 

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve: 

• Spread across the districts of Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur in Madhya Pradesh, this reserve covers an expanse of 2,339 square kilometers. 
• It is the seventh tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh and includes areas of the former Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary. 
• The reserve boasts diverse flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, wolves, various deer species, and a rich array of plant species. 

GHATAPRABHA RIVER 

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

Recently, a tractor accident occurred where nine individuals were rescued by local residents after the vehicle overturned and plunged into the Ghataprabha River in Karnataka, India. 

 

Ghataprabha River: 

• The Ghataprabha River is a tributary of the Krishna River, flowing primarily through Karnataka state in south-central India. 
• Starting from an elevation of 884 meters in the Western Ghats, it flows eastward for 283 kilometers until it joins the Krishna River. 
• Notably, the river descends dramatically by 53 meters at Gokak Falls in Belgaum (Belagavi) District, Karnataka. 
• The river basin spans 8,829 square kilometers, covering regions in both Karnataka and Maharashtra states, and it receives contributions from tributaries like the Hiranyakeshi River and the Markandeya River. 

Krishna River: 

• The Krishna River is one of the prominent rivers in south-central India, originating near Mahabaleshwar in western Maharashtra. 
• With a total length of 1300 kilometers, it traverses Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before draining into the Bay of Bengal. 

• The Krishna River Basin encompasses about 258,948 square kilometers, hosting various tributaries including the Ghataprabha River. 
• Notable tributaries include the Tungabhadra River, formed by the Tunga and Bhadra Rivers, along with others like the Koyna, Bhima, and Malaprabha Rivers.