21-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

SC FORMS A TASK FORCE TO ENSURE SAFETY OF DOCTORS

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

In response to the tragic rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata, the Supreme Court of India has taken significant steps to ensure the safety of medical professionals across the country.

Formation of National Task Force (NTF):

Objective: The NTF is tasked with recommending security measures for medical professionals, especially in hospital settings.

Key Measures:

• Infrastructure development, including separate restrooms.
• Installation of CCTV cameras.
• Provision of night transport and crisis workshops.
• Quarterly safety audits and enhanced police presence in hospitals.
• Technological interventions to restrict access to critical areas.

Composition of NTF:

• The NTF includes prominent medical professionals such as Surgeon Vice-Admiral Arti Sarin and Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, among others.
• Ex-officio members include the Cabinet Secretary, Union Home and Family Welfare Secretaries, and other key officials.

Gender Safety Concerns:

• The Supreme Court emphasized the vulnerability of women medical professionals to sexual assaults.
• A national protocol for safe working conditions for doctors is deemed necessary, with real implementation beyond just paperwork.

Judicial Oversight:

• The Supreme Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a report on the incident by August 22.
• The West Bengal government was warned against taking action against protesting doctors, with assurances that their safety concerns are a top priority

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s proactive approach aims to create a safer environment for doctors, ensuring that tragedies like the one in Kolkata are not repeated, and that medical professionals can work without fear.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. With reference to the powers of the Supreme Court of India, consider the following statements:
2. The Supreme Court has the power to issue writs to enforce fundamental rights.
3. The Supreme Court can review the validity of laws passed by the Parliament.
4. The Supreme Court can act as the highest court of appeal in the country.

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: D

EXPLANATION:

The Supreme Court has the power to issue writs like habeas corpus, mandamus, quo warranto, certiorari, and prohibition to enforce fundamental rights. These writs are used to protect individual rights and prevent the misuse of power by government authorities.

The Supreme Court can review the validity of laws passed by the Parliament. If a law is found to be inconsistent with the Constitution, the Supreme Court can declare it invalid. This power is known as judicial review.

The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal in India. This means that it is the final court of appeal for all cases that are heard in lower courts. Any person who is dissatisfied with the decision of a lower court can appeal to the Supreme Court.

INDIA, JAPAN CONDUCT ‘2+2’ DIALOGUE WITH FOCUS ON INDO-PACIFIC

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS– SOURCE: THE HINDU

The India-Japan ‘2+2’ dialogue, held in Delhi, emphasized the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, particularly in the context of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

Key Discussions:

• Focus on Indo-Pacific: Both nations underscored the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, amid concerns over China’s increasing military activities in the region.
• Strategic Partnership: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the evolution of India-Japan relations into a special strategic and global partnership over the past decade, driven by shared interests and converging objectives.
• Defence Cooperation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of the India-Japan partnership in achieving India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Building domestic defence capabilities is a key aspect of this vision.

Values and Vision:

• Democratic Values: The partnership is rooted in shared democratic values and the rule of law, forming the foundation for cooperation in various sectors, including defense.
• Mutual Support: Both nations are committed to supporting each other’s strategic objectives and working with like-minded countries to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific.

2+2 Ministerial Dialogue:

• The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is a strategic meeting format that involves the Foreign and Defence Ministers of two participating countries.
• It aims to broaden discussions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of mutual strategic concerns and priorities.

Countries Engaged in 2+2 Dialogue with India:

• United States: 5 meetings.
• Japan: 3 meetings (2019, 2021, 2023).
• Australia: 2 meetings.
• Russia: 1 meeting.
• India-Japan 2+2 Dialogue:

The dialogue underscores a unique strategic partnership.

Key discussions include defense cooperation, maritime security, regional stability, and Indo-Pacific strategy.

The most recent meeting in Tokyo (March 8, 2023) emphasized aligning on regional and global issues, particularly within the context of the Quad.

Significance for Indian Diplomacy:

• Strategic Importance: Enhances bilateral ties by fostering mutual trust and understanding.
• Comprehensive Collaboration: Facilitates cooperation on defense, security, trade, technology, and climate change.
• Global and Regional Influence: Reinforces India’s role in shaping regional security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
• Strengthened Alliances: The dialogue symbolizes India’s commitment to its strategic partnerships, crucial in a volatile global environment.

Conclusion:

The ‘2+2’ dialogue reinforces the India-Japan partnership as a vital component of regional security and development, with a shared vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue):
2. The Quad consists of India, Japan, Australia, and Russia.
3. The primary objective of the Quad is to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
4. The Quad members regularly conduct joint military exercises and collaborate on various security issues.

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

ETHANOL BLENDING IN INDIA: PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

India’s ethanol blending program aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, boost rural economy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While significant progress has been made, challenges related to feedstock availability, fuel efficiency, and pricing persist.

Progress and Targets

• Target: India aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26.
• Current Status: As of 2023-24, ethanol blending has reached 13-15%.
• Capacity Expansion: The government has incentivized distilleries to increase ethanol production capacity.
• Feedstock Diversification: Efforts are underway to diversify feedstocks beyond sugarcane molasses to include grains like maize and rice.

Challenges and Considerations

• Food vs. Fuel: The use of food grains for ethanol production raises concerns about food security.
• Feedstock Availability: Ensuring a consistent supply of sugarcane molasses and grains for ethanol production is a challenge.
• Fuel Efficiency: Higher ethanol blends can affect vehicle performance, requiring modifications or adjustments.
• Pricing: The pricing of ethanol, particularly in states with lucrative liquor markets, can influence distilleries’ choices.
• Regional Variations: The ethanol economy’s impact differs across states due to factors like feedstock availability, pricing, and market dynamics.

Government Initiatives and Future Outlook

• Policy Measures: The government has introduced various policies to promote ethanol blending, including interest subvention schemes and mandates for distilleries.
• Technology Adoption: Research and development are focused on improving ethanol production efficiency and addressing challenges related to fuel efficiency.
• Sustainable Feedstocks: Efforts are being made to explore sustainable feedstocks like cellulosic biomass to reduce pressure on food grains.

Ethanol and Ethanol Blending Programme Ethanol: Definition: Ethanol is a clear, colourless, and flammable organic compound with a characteristic odour. Production: Ethanol can be produced through: ·       Fermentation: Yeast fermentation of sugars, commonly used in producing alcoholic beverages. ·       Chemical Synthesis: Hydration of ethylene, a chemical process. Uses: ·       Beverages: The primary alcohol in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits. ·       Fuel: A biofuel, often blended with gasoline to produce ethanol-blended fuels. ·       Industrial Solvent: Used in manufacturing pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and other products. ·       Medical Uses: Acts as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and preservative. ·       Chemical Feedstock: Serves as a precursor for various chemical products. Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP): ·       Overview: The EBP is a government initiative aimed at promoting ethanol as a renewable and eco-friendly fuel blended with petrol. The programme seeks to reduce fuel imports, conserve foreign exchange, and support the sugar industry. Achievements: ·       The target of 10% ethanol blending for Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2021-22 has been met. ·       E20 petrol (20% ethanol blend) is being rolled out across India. ·       The National Policy on Biofuels – 2018 aims for 20% blending by ESY 2025-26. ·       Raw Materials: Ethanol is mainly derived from molasses, a sugar industry by-product, but can also be produced from sugarcane juice, sugar, sugar syrup, and damaged food grains.

Government Initiatives to Promote Ethanol Blending

• Nodal Agency: Department of Food and Public Distribution oversees ethanol production.
• Ethanol Procurement: Government allows ethanol procurement from various sources.
• Ethanol Blended Petrol Program: Launched in 2003 with increasing blending targets.
• National Policy on Biofuels: Sets targets for biodiesel blending.
• Differential Pricing: Provides incentives for ethanol production from specific feedstocks.
• GST Reduction: Reduces GST on ethanol for EBP.
• Interest Subvention Scheme: Supports ethanol production capacity expansion.
• Roadmap for Ethanol Blending: NITI Aayog’s roadmap outlines measures for blending.

Conclusion

India’s ethanol blending program has made significant strides toward achieving its goals. However, addressing challenges related to feedstock availability, fuel efficiency, and regional variations is crucial for long-term sustainability. Continued policy support, technological advancements, and sustainable practices are essential to ensure the success of this initiative.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. With reference to ethanol production, consider the following statements:
2. First-generation ethanol is primarily produced from starchy crops like corn and sugarcane.
3. Second-generation ethanol is produced from lignocellulosic biomass, such as wood chips and agricultural residues.
4. Third-generation ethanol is produced from algae.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

ANSWER: D

EXPLANATION:

First-generation ethanol: This is the most common type of ethanol produced from starchy crops like corn, sugarcane, and wheat.

Second-generation ethanol: Produced from lignocellulosic biomass, which is a more sustainable option as it doesn’t compete with food crops.

Third-generation ethanol: Derived from algae, offering a potential for high yields and reduced land use requirements.

AKSHAY URJA DAY: CELEBRATING RENEWABLE ENERGY IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Akshay Urja Day is celebrated annually on August 20 to emphasize the importance of renewable energy in India.

The day marks India’s progress in renewable energy and is observed to honor the birth anniversary of former PM Rajiv Gandhi.

Launched by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy in 2004, the day aligns with India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030.

Significance of Akshay Urja:

• “Akshay” means “eternal” in Sanskrit, symbolizing the endless nature of renewable energy.
• The celebration underlines the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which are limited and harmful to the environment.
• Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower are crucial for sustainable development and combating climate change.

Objectives:

• To highlight renewable energy’s role in India’s energy strategy.
• To raise awareness about the benefits of renewable energy, including reduced dependency on fossil fuels.
• To promote renewable energy as a key solution to climate change.

Types of Renewable Energy:

• Solar Energy: Harnesses the sun’s power; major producers include China, the US, India, and Japan.
• Wind Energy: Converts wind into electricity; significant in countries like China and the US.
• Hydropower: Uses flowing water; leading consumers are China, Brazil, and Canada.
• Biomass Energy: Derived from organic materials; considered renewable as the sources can be replenished.
• Geothermal Energy: Generated from Earth’s heat; prominent in the US, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
• Tidal and Wave Energy: Utilizes Ocean movements; key producers include South Korea and the UK.

India’s Progress:

• India committed to the Paris Agreement with ambitious targets for reducing emissions and expanding renewable energy.
• By 2024, India installed 191 GW of renewable energy, with substantial contributions from solar, wind, and hydropower.
• The country aims to reach 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.

Key Initiatives: ·       PM-KUSUM: Promotes solar power in agriculture. ·       PLI Scheme: Boosts domestic solar panel production. ·       Green Energy Corridor: Integrates renewable energy into the national grid. ·       National Green Hydrogen Mission: Aims for 5 million tonnes of Green Hydrogen production by 2030. ·       FDI in Renewable Energy: Encourages foreign investment with up to 100% FDI under the automatic route.

 

MIYAWAKI METHOD: BOOSTING AFFORESTATION EFFORTS

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

The Miyawaki method is an innovative afforestation technique developed by Japanese botanist Professor Akira Miyawaki.

Recently, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department implemented this method during the Van Mahotsav in the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (MCB) district.

Key Features of the Miyawaki Method:

• Dense Planting: Involves planting 2-4 indigenous tree species per square meter, resulting in rapid growth as the trees compete for sunlight.
• Use of Native Species: Only native species, which would naturally grow in the area without human intervention, are used, enhancing ecological compatibility.
• Rapid Growth: Trees planted using this method become self-sustaining within three years and grow ten times faster than traditional methods.
• High Biodiversity: Miyawaki forests are 30 times denser and contain 100 times more biodiversity than conventional forests.
• Low Maintenance: After the initial two to three years, these forests require no further maintenance and can be established on small sites.

Benefits and Goals:

• Environmental Impact: Miyawaki forests help improve biodiversity, sequester carbon, increase green cover, reduce air pollution, and preserve the water table.
• Urban Resilience: This method is a viable solution for cities aiming to rapidly enhance climate resilience.

YAKS: IMPORTANT LIVESTOCK OF THE HIMALAYAN REGION

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

Recently, around 40 Chinese yaks entered Indian territory in the Demchok area of eastern Ladakh, where they are now under the control of local villagers.

Yaks are significant herd animals found throughout the Himalayan region, the Tibetan plateau, and Mongolia.

About Yaks:

• Scientific Classification: Wild yaks are known as Bos mutus, while domestic yaks are referred to as Bos grunniens. Both can interbreed with other cattle species.
• Habitat: Wild yaks inhabit alpine tundra at altitudes of 5,000 to 7,000 meters, while domestic yaks can survive at lower altitudes. Their habitats include alpine meadows, steppes, and desert steppes.
• Distribution in India: Yak-rearing regions include Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Features:

• Wild yaks can reach up to two meters in height, while domestic yaks are about half that size.
• Both have long, shaggy hair for insulation against cold, and both sexes possess curved horns, with males having larger ones.
• Yaks have a lung capacity three times that of cattle and more red blood cells, enabling efficient oxygen transport at high altitudes.

Uses:

• Domesticated yaks are primarily raised for their milk, meat, and as beasts of burden. They are also vital for transporting goods across mountain passes.
• Yaks can easily navigate steep cliffs and climb up to 20,000 feet.

Conservation:

• Wild yaks are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.

PARVOVIRUS B19

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

Parvovirus B19 is a common viral infection, particularly affecting individuals with weakened immune systems.

It is often called the “slapped cheek” illness due to the red rash it causes on the cheeks.

Historically, it’s also known as “Fifth disease,” being the fifth identified childhood illness associated with a rash.

Transmission:

• The virus spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• It can also be transmitted through blood or contaminated blood products.
• Pregnant women with the virus can pass it to their fetus through the placenta.

Complications:

• In children, the infection is generally mild and often resolves without treatment.
• In adults, it can be more serious, especially for pregnant women, where it may cause complications for the fetus.
• People with certain types of anemia or those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications.

Symptoms:

• Many people infected with parvovirus B19 show no symptoms.
• When symptoms do appear, they include a distinctive “slapped cheek” rash in children and joint pain in adults.

Treatment:

• The infection usually resolves on its own without specific treatment.
• Symptom management may include relief for fever, itching, and joint pain.

SOUTH AMERICAN LUNGFISH: A UNIQUE EVOLUTIONARY RELIC

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

A recent study revealed that the genome of the South American lungfish has significantly expanded over the past 100 million years.

This species, Lepidosiren paradoxa, is a remarkable example of evolutionary history, closely resembling the first land vertebrates.

About South American Lungfish:

• Habitat: Found in slow-moving and stagnant waters across Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana, and Paraguay.
• Evolutionary Significance: The South American lungfish is the closest living relative to the first land vertebrates, with ancestry dating back over 400 million years.
• Genome: It has the largest genome of any animal on Earth, with its DNA stretching nearly 60 meters in each cell, compared to just 2 meters for the human genome. Its genome size is more than 50 times larger than that of humans, with 90% of it composed of repetitive elements.

Key Features:

• Lungfish first appeared during the Devonian Period, a critical time when fish evolved into the first tetrapods, or land vertebrates.
• Unlike most fish that rely solely on gills, lungfish have lung-like organs, allowing them to breathe air, particularly in oxygen-poor environments like the Amazon and Parana-Paraguay River basins.
• This ability to breathe air is crucial for their survival in swampy, oxygen-starved habitats.

THE HAYFLICK LIMIT: UNDERSTANDING CELLULAR DIVISION AND AGING

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

The Hayflick limit refers to the maximum number of times a normal somatic cell can divide.

This concept was discovered by biomedical researcher Leonard Hayflick, who recently passed away.

It is significant in understanding aging and the onset of age-related diseases.

Cell Division Phases:

Hayflick observed that cells undergo three phases of division:

• Phase 1: Rapid and healthy cell division.
• Phase 2: Mitosis slows down.
• Phase 3: Senescence, where cells stop dividing entirely but remain alive for some time.

After cells stop dividing, they eventually undergo programmed cell death, known as apoptosis.

Telomeres and Aging:

• The discovery of telomeres in the 1970s further supported Hayflick’s findings.
• Telomeres are protective DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division.
• When telomeres become too short, the cell can no longer divide, leading to the end of its lifespan.
• While telomere shortening is associated with aging, the precise link between telomere length and overall lifespan is still not fully understood.