20-June-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

INDIA EYES BREAKTHROUGH AGAINST SICKLE CELL

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

India is advancing towards developing a gene therapy for sickle cell disease, particularly affecting Scheduled Tribes. Key officials and researchers are optimistic about the progress.

• High Prevalence in Tribes: Sickle cell disease is common among Scheduled Tribes.
• Research and Development: The gene therapy uses CRISPR-Cas9 technology. AIIMS researchers aim to start treatment within a year.
• Government Efforts: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is coordinating with healthcare workers. ASHAs and Anganwadi workers play a crucial role in implementation.

Recent Developments:

• The U.S. FDA approved CRISPR-Cas9 for sickle cell disease in 2023.
• India’s goal is to make the therapy cost-effective.

Mission and Screenings:

• India aims to eradicate sickle cell disease by 2047.
• Over seven crore screenings planned; three crores completed.

Technical Aspects:

• CRISPR-Cas9 is a precise and versatile gene-editing tool.
• It enables targeted DNA changes to cure genetic disorders.

Challenges:

• Causes severe pain, anaemia, infections, and complications like stroke.
• Life expectancy reduced; quality of life severely affected.

Healthcare Barriers:

• Limited access to advanced healthcare in tribal areas.
• Low awareness and delayed diagnosis among affected populations.

Measures to Address Sickle Cell Anaemia:

• Early Diagnosis and Screening: Conduct widespread screenings, especially in high-prevalence areas. Utilize genetic counselling and newborn screening programs.
• Treatment and Management: Provide access to comprehensive care, including pain management and infection prevention.
• Gene Therapy Development: Accelerate research on CRISPR-Cas9 based gene therapy. Ensure affordability and accessibility of new treatments.
• Awareness and Education: Educate communities about the disease, its symptoms, and management.
• Train healthcare workers, including ASHAs and Anganwadi workers, for better grassroots implementation.

Government Initiatives:

• Implement the mission to eradicate sickle cell disease by 2047.
• Integrate efforts across Ministries and departments for coordinated action.

By focusing on these measures, India aims to significantly reduce the burden of sickle cell anaemia and improve the quality of life for those affected.

Multiple choice question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Anaemia Mukt Bharat initiative:
2. It includes prophylactic Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation for children, adolescents, and women of reproductive age.
3. The initiative promotes delayed cord clamping during childbirth.
4. It incorporates periodic deworming for children and adolescents.
5. The initiative focuses solely on nutritional interventions to combat anaemia.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

ANSWER: C

EXPLANATION:

The initiative includes prophylactic Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation.

It promotes delayed cord clamping during childbirth.

Periodic deworming for children and adolescents is included.

The initiative also addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia, such as malaria, hemoglobinopathies, and fluorosis.

NEED TO ASK IF DECLINE IN INEQUALITY IS A GOOD THING: DEBROY

TOPIC: (GS3) SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE –SOURCE: THE HINDU

Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC) highlighted the need to reassess India’s poverty line and addressed debates on inequality and household consumption expenditure.

Current Poverty Line:

• Based on Suresh Tendulkar’s 2009 recommendations.
• Set at ₹33/day in urban areas and ₹27/day in rural areas.

Need for a New Poverty Line:

• Rangarajan Committee’s 2014 recommendations were not officially adopted.
• Multidimensional Poverty Index (MDPI) by NITI Aayog isn’t a poverty line.

Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES):

• Data from HCES is crucial for understanding poverty and inequality.
• Helps in various analytical applications.

Debates on Consumption Expenditure:

• Discrepancies between household survey data and national income accounts.
• This issue is common internationally.

State-wise Gini Coefficients:

Suggested examining Gini coefficients individually for different states to understand regional inequality better.

Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

The Global MPI measures simultaneous deficiencies in health, education, and living conditions. It complements income poverty measurements by directly measuring and comparing deprivations.

• Publication: Jointly published by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

2030 Agenda:

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Addresses economic, environmental, and social well-being, focusing on the principle of “leaving no one behind.”

Core Principle: Aligns with the 17 SDGs to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.

National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) – India

• Nodal Agency: NITI Aayog is responsible for constructing an indigenized index to monitor the performance of States and Union Territories (UTs) in addressing multidimensional poverty.
• Institutionalization: An inter-ministerial MPI Coordination Committee (MPICC) was constituted by NITI Aayog. This includes Ministries and departments related to health, education, nutrition, rural development, drinking water, sanitation, electricity, and urban development.

Multiple choice question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):
2. The Global MPI is jointly published by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the World Bank.
3. The Global MPI captures overlapping deprivations in health, education, and living standards.
4. The National Multidimensional Poverty Index in India is constructed by NITI Aayog and includes inputs from various ministries such as health, education, and rural development.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

The Global MPI is jointly published by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), not the World Bank.

The Global MPI captures overlapping deprivations in health, education, and living standards.

The National Multidimensional Poverty Index in India is constructed by NITI Aayog with inputs from various ministries related to health, education, and rural development.

AS A NEW CAMPUS RISES AT AN ANCIENT SITE, THE STORY OF NALANDA

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

Nalanda University, recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, blends ancient heritage with modern facilities. Located in Rajgir, Bihar, it aims to revive the glory of the ancient Buddhist learning center.

Reviving Nalanda:

• Proposal: Initiated by President APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006 to re-establish Nalanda as a learning hub.
• Endorsements: Supported at the East Asia Summits in 2007 and 2009.
• International Collaboration: 17 countries, including Australia, China, and Japan, contributed to its establishment.

Campus and Facilities:

• Area: Spread across 455 acres.
• Architecture: Designed by B V Doshi’s Vastu Shilpa Consultants.
• Sustainability: Features include natural cooling methods, water bodies, and extensive greenery.
• Modern Amenities: Smart classrooms, yoga center, library, sports complex, and no-vehicle zones.

Academic Structure:

• Inception: Admitted its first batch in 2014.
• Schools: Historical Studies, Ecology, Buddhist Studies, Languages, Management, and International Relations.
• Courses: Offers Master’s, PhD programs, and certificate courses.

Multiple choice question:

1. Which dynasty is credited with the founding of the ancient Nalanda University?
2. Maurya
3. Gupta
4. Chola
5. Pallava

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

Nalanda University, an ancient centre of learning in India, was founded during the Gupta dynasty in the 5th century CE.

OFFSHORE AREAS MINERAL RULES 2024

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

Offshore Areas Mineral rules are introduced by the central government under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002.

It aims to develop and regulate mineral resources within India’s territorial waters, continental shelf, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and other maritime zones.

Key Points of the Rules

Applicable to all minerals except:

• Mineral oils and hydrocarbons.
• Minerals listed in Part B of the First Schedule to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

Defines stages of exploration, including:

• Initial exploration.
• Feasibility studies.
• Economic viability assessments.

Classification of mineral resources and reserves.

Offshore Mining

• Involves extracting mineral deposits from the seabed at depths greater than 200 meters.
• Significant for India’s mineral resource development.

Significance for India

• Offshore mineral reserves include valuable resources such as gold, diamonds, copper, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and rare earth elements.
• India’s EEZ, covering over two million square kilometres, contains significant recoverable resources.
• Offshore mining can boost mineral availability and reduce dependence on imports.

Challenges

• Limited private sector participation.
• High requirement for skilled labour.
• High capital investment needed for offshore mining operations.

SIPRI REPORT ON NUCLEAR WARHEADS

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

SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) released a report on nuclear warheads, detailing global nuclear arsenals.

The report provides insights into the number and status of nuclear weapons possessed by various countries.

Findings of SIPRI Report on Nuclear Warheads

• China’s Nuclear Arsenal: China has approximately 500 nuclear warheads, marking a significant increase. Some of these warheads are reportedly on high operational alert for the first time.
• India’s Nuclear Arsenal: India’s nuclear arsenal has grown to about 172 warheads. India slightly exceeds Pakistan, which possesses around 170 warheads.

Recent Indian Naval Developments

• SSBN Arighat: India launched its second SSBN (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear) named Arighat in November 2017. After advanced sea trials, its commissioning has been delayed to 2024.
• Enhancement of Nuclear Triad: India is strengthening its undersea nuclear capabilities and developing long-range missiles. The third SSBN was launched in November 2021, with a fourth under construction for possible launch in 2024.
• Characteristics of New Submarines: These newer submarines are notably larger than previous ones, with satellite images indicating they are approximately 20 meters longer.

About Nuclear Warheads

• Definition: A nuclear warhead is the explosive part of a missile or delivery system that uses nuclear reactions to cause massive destruction.
• Delivery Platforms: Nuclear warheads can be deployed via intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers.
• Destructive Power: Nuclear warheads derive their immense destructive power from nuclear fission (splitting atomic nuclei) or fusion (combining atomic nuclei), resulting in energy release, blast effects, radiation, and heat.

OPHICHTHUS SURYAI

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

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India’s Gopalpur regional centre have recently identified a new species of snake eel, named ‘Ophichthus Suryai,’ in Odisha.

About Ophichthus Suryai:

This newly discovered species can be distinguished from its closely related species, Ophichthus alleni, Ophichthus zophistius, and Ophichthus altipennis.

Key distinguishing features

• The dorsal fin origin (DFO) located just above or slightly anterior to the gill opening.
• Unique vertebral count and teeth patterns with multiple rows on both maxilla and mandible.

What is a Snake Eel?

• Snake eels belong to the family Ophichthidae, within the order Anguilliformes.
• Often mistaken for sea snakes, snake eels are typically found in warm, tropical waters.
• They generally live and hide in bottom materials of rivers or the sea.
• Snake eels can survive at depths exceeding 2,000 feet (around 600 meters), but usually inhabit shallower waters.
• Their sizes vary significantly, with some species reaching lengths of up to 10 feet (about 3 meters).
• Features include a scaleless body, small eyes, pointed snout, and almost circular cross-section.
• Snake eels primarily feed on small fish and crustaceans.

DOUBLE SUN HALO PHENOMENON

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

A rare celestial phenomenon known as a “double sun halo” was recently observed in the skies over Ladakh.

About Double Sun Halo:

• Definition: A double sun halo is a rare optical phenomenon where two concentric rings appear around the sun.
• Cause: It occurs when sunlight is refracted through ice crystals suspended in cirrus clouds, creating a dazzling visual effect.
• Variation: It is a variation of the more common 22-degree halo, where a single bright ring encircles the sun.

Formation:

• Inner Halo: The inner halo, with a radius of approximately 22 degrees, forms when sunlight is refracted through randomly oriented hexagonal ice crystals.
• Outer Halo: The outer halo, with a radius of around 46 degrees, forms when ice crystals are aligned horizontally, with their flat faces parallel to the ground, causing additional refraction.
• Crystals: These ice crystals act as natural prisms, refracting and reflecting the sunlight at specific angles.

Rarity:

• Alignment: The precise alignment of the ice crystals required for a double sun halo is rare.
• Ideal Conditions: Regions like Ladakh, with suitable atmospheric conditions, provide an ideal setting for such phenomena, making it an uncommon sight.

KRISHI SAKHI CONVERGENCE PROGRAM

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

Recently, the Prime Minister of India awarded certificates to over 30,000 women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) as ‘Krishi Sakhis’ under the Krishi Sakhi Convergence Programme (KSCP).

About Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program:

Objective: The program aims to empower rural women, known as Krishi Sakhis, by providing them with training and certification as Para-extension Workers.

Training Areas:

• Agro-Ecological Practices: Training covers activities from land preparation to harvest.
• Farmer Field Schools: Organizing practical learning sessions for farmers.
• Seed Banks: Establishment and management of seed banks.
• Soil Health and Conservation: Techniques for maintaining soil health and moisture.
• Integrated Farming Systems: Combining various farming practices for sustainability.
• Livestock Management: Basic practices for managing livestock.
• Bio Inputs: Preparation, use, and management of bio-inputs.
• Communication Skills: Essential skills for effective communication with farmers.

Current Initiatives:

• Refresher Training: Krishi Sakhis are currently undergoing refresher training focusing on Natural Farming and Soil Health Card through agencies under DAY-NRLM in coordination with MANAGE.
• Phase 1 Implementation: The program has been rolled out in 12 states including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya.