27-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

VACCINE-DERIVED POLIO: A PERSISTENT THREAT

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

Vaccine-derived polio (VDP) is a rare but serious complication of the oral polio vaccine (OPV).

Despite India’s successful eradication of wild polio, VDP cases continue to be reported, highlighting the challenges in maintaining polio-free status.

What is VDP?

• VDP is a strain of poliovirus that arises from the weakened live virus used in the OPV.
• It can cause paralysis and other severe health complications.
• VDP can occur in children with weakened immune systems or in areas with low immunization rates.

How VDP Occurs

• The weakened virus in the OPV can continue to circulate in the community, eventually regaining its ability to cause disease.
• In rare cases, the virus can infect children with weakened immune systems, leading to chronic infection and the development of a VDP strain.

Prevention and Control

• High Immunization Rates: Maintaining high levels of immunization is crucial to prevent the spread of both wild and vaccine-derived polio.
• IPV Switch: Some experts recommend switching to the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) to eliminate the risk of VDP. However, IPV requires trained personnel for administration and may not prevent the spread of infection.
• Surveillance: Continuous surveillance for VDP cases is essential to detect and respond to outbreaks promptly.

POLIO Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly viral disease that primarily affects the nervous system. Types: There are three distinct wild poliovirus strains: ·       Wild Poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) ·       Wild Poliovirus type 2 (WPV2) ·       Wild Poliovirus type 3 (WPV3) Transmission: Polio is mainly spread through the faecal-oral route or less frequently through contaminated water or food. Target Group: It predominantly affects children under the age of five. Invasion: The virus multiplies in the intestine and can invade the nervous system, leading to paralysis. Symptoms of Polio ·       General: Most individuals with polio are asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms such as fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, and pain in the limbs. ·       Severe Cases: In rare instances, polio can cause permanent paralysis or even death if the respiratory muscles are affected or if there is brain involvement.

Weakened Virus:

A weakened virus, also known as an attenuated virus, is a live virus that has been modified in a laboratory to reduce its virulence, or ability to cause disease. This modification is achieved through various techniques, such as culturing the virus in different cell types or treating it with chemicals or radiation.

Purpose of Weakened Viruses:

• Vaccines: Weakened viruses are commonly used in vaccines to induce immunity against specific diseases. The weakened virus stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the disease-causing virus, providing protection against future infections.
• Research: Weakened viruses are also used in research to study the pathogenesis of diseases, develop new vaccines and treatments, and understand the immune response.

Examples of Weakened Virus Vaccines:

• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): A weakened poliovirus is used in the OPV, which has been instrumental in eradicating polio in many countries.
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: The MMR vaccine contains weakened live viruses of measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Yellow Fever Vaccine: The yellow fever vaccine uses a weakened live virus to provide protection against the disease.

Safety Considerations:

• While weakened viruses are generally safe, there is a small risk of them reverting to their virulent form and causing disease, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
• This is why the use of weakened viruses in vaccines is carefully monitored and regulated.

Conclusion

While India has made significant progress in polio eradication, the ongoing threat of VDP underscores the importance of maintaining high immunization rates and implementing effective surveillance systems. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability of India’s polio-free status.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding Polio:
2. Polio is a viral disease that primarily affects the respiratory system.
3. The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is administered only once in a child’s lifetime.
4. India was certified polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

Polio primarily affects the nervous system, not the respiratory system.

The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is administered multiple times, starting from birth, followed by several doses during infancy and a booster dose.

India was certified polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014.

NEW MINING LEVIES CAN RAISE CONSUMER POWER BILLS: ICRA

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: THE HINDU

The recent Supreme Court verdict allowing states to impose mining taxes has significant implications for the Indian economy.

This decision is expected to lead to an increase in power tariffs for consumers, as well as impact the profitability of steel and aluminium industries.

• Increased Power Tariffs: The new mining levies are likely to raise power tariffs by 0.6% to 1.5% for consumers. This is due to the increased costs faced by coal-fired thermal power producers, which will be passed on to consumers.
• Impact on Steel and Aluminum Industries: The levies are expected to have a significant impact on the operating margins of domestic steel and aluminum players. ICRA estimates that margins could shrink by 30-40 basis points (bps).
• Retrospective Application: The Supreme Court has allowed states to levy the cess retrospectively, which introduces additional uncertainty for businesses.
• State-Specific Levies: The actual impact on industries will depend on the specific rates set by individual states.

WHAT IS ICRA? ICRA is a company that helps people understand the risk of investing in different things, like bonds or loans. They give these things a “rating” to show how likely they are to be paid back. How Does ICRA Work? ·       Rating Scale: ICRA uses a scale to rate things from “AAA” (very safe) to “D” (very risky). ·       Risk Assessment: They look at how likely it is that a company or government will be able to pay back the money it borrows. ·       Factors: They consider things like the company’s financial health, the economy, and the industry it’s in. Why is ICRA Important? ·       Investor Protection: ICRA helps investors make informed decisions by providing them with information about the risks involved. ·       Market Efficiency: ICRA’s ratings can help to make the market more efficient by ensuring that investors are aware of the risks associated with different investments. ·       ICRA’s ratings are only a tool, and investors should always do their own research before making investment decisions.

Conclusion

The new mining levies are expected to have a multifaceted impact on the Indian economy. While the increase in power tariffs may be relatively modest, the potential impact on steel and aluminum industries could be more significant. The retrospective application of the levies introduces additional uncertainty and may burden businesses with past tax liabilities. It is crucial for the government to carefully consider the implications of these levies and take steps to mitigate any negative consequences.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on state taxation of mining activities?
2. The ruling empowers states to impose taxes on mining activities.
3. The ruling allows states to levy taxes retrospectively.
4. The ruling limits the state’s power to tax mining activities to only those within their boundaries.
5. The ruling could potentially increase power tariffs for consumers.

ANSWER – C

Explanation:

The Supreme Court’s ruling empowered states to impose taxes on mining activities within their jurisdictions. It did not limit the state’s power to tax mining activities solely within their boundaries. In fact, the ruling allows states to levy these taxes retrospectively, from a specific date in the past.

While the ruling is likely to increase power tariffs for consumers due to the increased costs faced by coal-fired thermal power producers, this is not a direct limitation of the state’s power to tax mining activities.

PUSH FOR ADULT LITERACY IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) SOCIETY– SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Education Ministry of India has redefined the concept of “literacy” and what it means to achieve “full literacy” under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP).

This renewed effort focuses on adult literacy, targeting individuals aged 15 and above across all States and Union Territories.

Key Definitions:

• Literacy: According to the new definition by the Education Ministry, literacy encompasses the ability to read, write, and compute, with comprehension. It also includes critical life skills such as digital and financial literacy.
• Full Literacy: Full literacy, as per the Ministry, is considered to be achieving 95% literacy in a State or Union Territory.

New India Literacy Programme (NILP):

• Objective: NILP is a five-year initiative (2022-27) aiming to onboard one crore adult learners each year, enhancing their literacy and life skills.
• Assessment: The Foundation Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) is the benchmark for declaring a person literate under NILP.

Progress and Challenges:

• FLNAT Performance: In 2023, 3.94 crore adult learners appeared for FLNAT, with an 85.27% success rate. However, the pass percentage has seen a decline in 2024 to 85.27% from over 89% in the previous years.
• Significant Literacy Challenge: As per the 2011 Census, India still has 25.76 crore non-literate individuals, with a substantial gender gap, comprising 9.08 crore males and 16.68 crore females.

Financial Allocation:

• Budget Allocation: The Ministry allocated ₹160 crore for NILP in 2024-25. Despite the hike in the budget, actual utilization has been lower, with only ₹76.41 crore used in the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Measures Taken in India to Increase Literacy Rate Constitutional Provisions: ·       Education of Minorities (Article 30): Grants all minorities the right to establish and administer their own educational institutions. ·       Free and Compulsory Education: Under Articles 41, 45, and 46 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, the Constitution mandates the State to provide free education to all citizens. Key Government Initiatives: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): ·       Launched in 2001, this flagship program aims to universalize elementary education by providing free and compulsory education to children aged 6-14 years. ·       Focuses on improving access, reducing dropout rates, and ensuring quality education. Midday Meal Scheme: ·       Introduced in 1995, it provides free meals to students in primary and upper primary classes. ·       Aims to enhance enrollment, attendance, and retention rates by addressing classroom hunger. Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: ·       Enforces free and compulsory education as a fundamental right for children aged 6-14 years. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: ·       Sets the goal of achieving 100% youth and adult literacy in the country. ·       Challenges and Recommendations: Revamping Teacher Education: ·       Modernize the curriculum to include innovative teaching methodologies. ·       Emphasize the importance of quality school leadership to nurture a learning culture. Expanding the Concept of Good Educaion: ·       Move beyond rote learning to focus on cognitive development and celebrating diverse intelligences. Literacy Rate Trends: ·       Census 2011: The effective literacy rate stood at 74.04%, with male literacy at 82.14% and female literacy at 65.46%. ·       Improvement since 2001: Overall literacy improved by 9.21%, with significant gains in female literacy (11.79%). Regional Variations: ·       Highest Literacy Rates: Kerala (93.91%), Lakshadweep (92.28%), Mizoram (91.58%). ·       Lowest Literacy Rates: Bihar (63.82%), followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Conclusion:

Despite significant strides, the literacy challenge in India remains vast. The NILP’s focus on comprehensive literacy, including essential life skills, marks a significant step towards addressing this issue. However, the effectiveness of these efforts will depend on improving implementation and overcoming the existing challenges in reaching the non-literate population.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding literacy rates in India:
2. Kerala has the highest literacy rate among all Indian states as per the Census 2011.
3. The difference in literacy rates between men and women is minimal in the state of Rajasthan.
4. The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 made education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India as per Census 2011.

The difference in literacy rates between men and women is greatest in Rajasthan, not minimal.

The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 made education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years.

INDIA-US DEFENSE COOPERATION: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

India and the United States have strengthened their defense and security ties by signing two significant agreements: the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) and the Memorandum of Agreement on Liaison Officers. These agreements build on a decade of deepening military collaboration.

Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA):

• SOSA allows both nations to prioritize support for defense-related goods and services.
• It addresses supply chain disruptions and enhances interoperability between the two countries.
• While non-binding, SOSA lays the groundwork for a future Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement to further standardize and integrate defense equipment.

Memorandum of Agreement on Liaison Officers:

• This agreement facilitates greater information sharing by allowing the deployment of liaison officers.
• India will station its first Liaison Officer at the US Special Operations Command in Florida, marking a major step in military cooperation.

Cooperation Milestones:

• The 2023 Roadmap includes co-production projects like jet engines and unmanned platforms.
• The US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) and INDUS-X aim to expand strategic technology partnerships.

Challenges:

• India is balancing deeper US ties with its strategic autonomy.
• Divergent views on global issues, like India’s stance on Russia, present challenges to this partnership.

INDIA’S WEATHER FORECASTING UPGRADE

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: PIB

India is set to enhance its weather forecasting capabilities with a new mission aimed at improving the accuracy of local and extreme-weather predictions. With a budget of at least ₹10,000 crore, this mission will significantly bolster the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecasting abilities.

Mission Details:

• The new mission is expected to surpass the scope and budget of the Monsoon Mission launched in 2012.
• It will focus on advanced research, development of better computer simulation models, and the deployment of sophisticated instruments like Doppler radars.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) will be integrated to improve hyperlocal forecasts.

Current Challenges:

• The IMD faces issues with accuracy in local-level predictions, with errors seen in approximately 40% of the forecasts for Mumbai’s rainfall in July.
• The increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change underscores the need for more precise predictions.

Planned Enhancements:

• The mission will upgrade the weather monitoring network by deploying additional weather satellites and improving data resolution.
• AI and ML will be used to enhance predictive models, building on research from institutions like IIT-Bombay.

Expected Outcomes:

• The mission aims to provide more accurate forecasts and early warnings for extreme weather events, aiding better preparedness at the local level.
• The incorporation of advanced technology and a stronger monitoring network will improve the reliability of weather predictions across India.

BIOE3 POLICY: TRANSFORMING INDIA’S BIOECONOMY

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: PIB

The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment, and Environment) Policy, launched by the central government, aims to position India as a global leader in biotechnology. The policy focuses on sustainable bio-manufacturing, innovation, and employment generation, driving India’s growth in the bioeconomy and the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Growth of India’s Bioeconomy:

• India’s bioeconomy has seen remarkable growth, expanding from $10 billion in 2014 to $130 billion in 2024.
• The BioE3 policy aims to further boost this growth, with a projected value of $300 billion by 2030.
• It will significantly contribute to the ‘Make in India’ initiative by positioning India at the forefront of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Key Focus Areas:

• Transition to Bio-Based Economy: The policy promotes a shift from traditional chemical-based industries to sustainable bio-based models.
• Circular Bioeconomy: Emphasizes recycling and waste reduction by utilizing biomass, helping to lower carbon footprints.
• Climate Action: Aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions through innovative waste management, including the use of biomass, landfills, and greenhouse gases.
• Ethical Biosafety: Focuses on global regulatory harmonization and aligning with international safety standards.

Innovation and Infrastructure:

• Bio Manufacturing Hubs: Establishes hubs for large-scale production of bio-based products, including mRNA vaccines.
• Bio-AI Hubs: Integrates artificial intelligence to analyze biological data, fostering innovation in gene therapies and food processing.

Employment Generation:

Focus on Tier-II and Tier-III Cities:

• The policy targets smaller cities for establishing bio-manufacturing hubs, creating jobs and boosting local economies by leveraging local biomass resources.

Conclusion:

The BioE3 policy is a transformative initiative that fosters sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship. By focusing on bio-based industries, innovation, and job creation, it aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ vision and propels the nation towards becoming a sustainable global leader.

MEDIA GROUPS CALL ON EUROPEAN UNION TO SUSPEND TREATY, IMPOSE SANCTIONS ON ISRAEL

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

Sixty media and rights organizations have called on the European Union (EU) to suspend its cooperation accord with Israel and impose sanctions due to alleged violations of press freedom, including the deaths of over 130 journalists in Gaza since October 7.

About the Treaty:

• The EU-Israel Association Agreement governs the bilateral relationship between the EU and Israel.
• It covers various areas, including trade, political cooperation, and economic collaboration.
• Key provisions emphasize respect for human rights and democratic principles, as highlighted in Article 2 of the agreement.
• The treaty is designed to enhance cooperation in trade, technology, and research, providing a framework for dialogue on issues of mutual interest.
• This agreement is part of the EU’s broader strategy to build closer ties with non-member countries while upholding fundamental values like human rights and democracy.

CREATION OF FIVE NEW DISTRICTS IN LADAKH

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

The Indian government announced the formation of five new districts in Ladakh: Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. This move aims to enhance governance and ensure that public services reach the remote populations of this Union Territory.

Focus on Better Governance:

• The creation of these new districts aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the development of Ladakh.
• By forming these districts, the government aims to improve governance by making administration more accessible and efficient, especially in the region’s challenging and remote terrain.

Administrative Process:

• Union Home Minister announced the decision, and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the Ladakh administration to form a committee.
• This committee will assess various aspects of the new districts, such as boundaries, headquarters, and administrative posts.
• The committee’s report is expected within three months, after which a final proposal will be submitted to the MHA for approval.

Rationale for the New Districts:

• Ladakh currently consists of Leh and Kargil districts, which cover a vast and sparsely populated area with difficult terrain.
• The new districts are intended to address administrative challenges and ensure that government welfare schemes effectively reach the grassroots level.

Census Boundary Implications:

• Typically, administrative boundaries are frozen before a Census by the Registrar General of India (RGI). However, the government has proceeded with the creation of new districts.
• Although unusual, this decision is permissible as both the RGI and Ladakh Administration are under the MHA, and post facto permission can be obtained.

Conclusion:

The creation of new districts in Ladakh is a significant step toward improving governance and public service delivery in this remote region, reflecting the government’s commitment to developing Ladakh.