27-December-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

A GLOBAL POLIO RESURGENCE AND THE NEED TO REEVALUATE THE BASICS

TOPIC: (GS2) SOCIAL JUSTICE: THE HINDU

The resurgence of polio, including vaccine-derived strains, has become a major global health concern. Despite significant progress in polio eradication, the virus continues to pose a threat due to incomplete eradication efforts, vaccination gaps, and ongoing surveillance challenges.

Detection of Polio Cases and Environmental Samples

• The World Health Organization (WHO) identified poliovirus in wastewater systems across five European countries: Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the UK, beginning in September 2024.
• No confirmed polio cases have been reported in these countries, but the presence of the virus in the environment highlights the ongoing risks.
• WHO stresses the importance of continued vaccination and surveillance to prevent potential outbreaks and to mitigate risks associated with polio transmission.

Polio Cases and Virus Detection Worldwide

• In Pakistan, there have been reports of four cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) and eight environmental samples testing positive for the same strain.
• Countries such as Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, and Nigeria have reported circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2).
• Environmental samples containing cVDPV2 were also found in several cities, including Barcelona, Warsaw, and Munich, indicating the virus’s spread across borders.

Vaccination and Immunity Levels

• Countries like Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the UK maintain high immunization rates of 85-95% with the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which offers strong protection against the virus.
• However, regions with lower vaccination coverage, particularly in subnational areas, may have immunity gaps that pose a risk to polio eradication efforts.
• WHO is working to investigate and address these gaps through enhanced vaccination campaigns and targeted surveillance.

Resurgence of Vaccine-Derived Polio and Debate on Transmission Routes

• There is growing debate about the primary transmission route of the poliovirus. Traditionally, the faecal-oral route has been considered the main pathway.
• Recent studies suggest that respiratory transmission may also play a significant role in spreading the virus.
• A study published in Infectious Diseases highlights that poliovirus shedding from the throat is a key factor in transmission, suggesting that respiratory spread could be more prevalent than previously believed.

Switching from OPV to IPV

• Experts recommend a global shift from the oral polio vaccine (OPV) to the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).
• This change is seen as a critical step to prevent the emergence of vaccine-derived poliovirus and accelerate efforts towards complete eradication.

Conclusion

While polio eradication efforts have made significant strides, the continued presence of the virus in wastewater systems and environmental samples reminds us of the need for sustained vaccination efforts and enhanced surveillance. Shifting to IPV and addressing gaps in immunization coverage are essential steps in eliminating the disease globally.

SHOULD ASSISTED DYING BE LEGALISED

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The recent decision by the UK to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill patients has sparked global ethical and legal debates. This decision raises important questions about human rights, medical ethics, and the role of law in end-of-life care. India’s stance on euthanasia, particularly in terms of the “right to die with dignity,” has also become a key point of comparison.

Recent Legal Developments in the UK

• On November 29, 2024, the UK House of Commons voted in favor of legalizing assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales.
• The proposed law allows mentally competent adults with a terminal illness and less than six months to live to opt for assisted dying.
• The move has generated widespread public debate, with 75% of people supporting it, according to a UK National Centre for Social Research survey.
• Advocates argue that assisted dying is a compassionate option for those suffering from painful, debilitating conditions.
• Opponents, such as the Church of England, express concerns that vulnerable individuals could be coerced into ending their lives.

Current and Proposed Laws in the UK

• The 1961 Assisted Suicide Act decriminalized suicide but criminalized assisting it, carrying a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.
• The new bill would permit assisted dying but requires approval from two doctors and a High Court judge for any request.

Legal Precedents in the UK

• UK courts have consistently stated that the issue of assisted dying should be decided by Parliament, not the judiciary.
• Earlier petitions based on human rights violations regarding assisted dying were dismissed, but in 2014, the Supreme Court suggested that the law could be amended by Parliament.
• The European Court of Human Rights also maintained that the issue should be addressed by Parliament.

Assisted Dying in India

• In the 2018 Common Cause vs. Union of India case, the Supreme Court recognized the “right to die with dignity” as part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• Passive euthanasia was legalized, and the court set guidelines for withdrawing life support. In 2023, the guidelines were simplified to make the process more accessible, with necessary safeguards.

Arguments in Favor of Assisted Dying in India

• Right to Die with Dignity: It is argued that individuals should have the right to end their suffering and die with dignity, especially in terminal conditions.
• Relieves Pain and Suffering: Assisted dying provides a humane option for patients in extreme pain, allowing them to control the timing of their death.
• Autonomy and Self-Determination: People should have the autonomy to decide when and how to end their lives, as part of their personal liberty.
• Bypassing Bureaucracy: Assisted dying could simplify the current complex and judicially intensive processes involved in euthanasia.

Arguments Against Assisted Dying in India

• Ethical Concerns: Critics fear that legalizing assisted dying could lead to abuse, with vulnerable individuals being pressured into ending their lives.
• Slippery Slope: There are concerns that it could open the door to euthanasia for non-terminal conditions.
• Undermines Palliative Care: Focus on assisted dying might detract from improving palliative and hospice care services.
• Religious and Cultural Values: Many oppose assisted dying on the grounds that it contradicts moral, religious, and cultural principles.

Conclusion

The legalization of assisted dying raises important ethical, legal, and social questions. While it offers relief to terminally ill patients suffering extreme pain, it also presents risks of abuse and societal challenges. Both the UK and India continue to grapple with balancing personal autonomy and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SECTOR

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

Introduction

India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector has experienced substantial growth, with fish production increasing by 83% since 2013-14, reaching 17.5 million tons in 2022-23. Inland fisheries contribute 75% of this total, positioning India as the second-largest global producer of fish and aquaculture.

Importance of Strengthening Extension Services

• Improved Practices: Providing support on species selection, water quality management, disease control, and sustainable rearing technologies.
• Business Viability: Assisting seed growers and hatcheries to develop sustainable business models.

Role of Matsya Seva Kendra’s (MSKs)

MSKs, established under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), offer:

• Capacity Building: Training in best practices for inland and marine fisheries.
• Disease Management: Testing and promoting regenerative and conservation management practices.
• Government Support: Up to 60% funding for women and marginalized groups to set up MSKs.

Role of Sagar Mitras

• Data Collection: Information on marine catches, pricing, and marketing needs.
• Information Dissemination: Updates on regulations, weather forecasts, and hygiene practices.

Improving Extension Services

• Institutional Collaboration: Integrating with over 700 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and state services.
• Digital Outreach: Utilizing platforms like AquaBazaar for virtual learning on breeding and seed production.
• Fisher Digital Identities: A World Bank-assisted project aims to create digital identities for fishers, enhancing extension services and capacity building.

Conclusion

Strengthening fisheries extension services is essential for sustainable growth, improved practices, and enhanced livelihoods in India’s fisheries sector. Initiatives like MSKs, Sagar Mitras, and digital platforms play pivotal roles in this endeavour.

INDIA’S RURAL CONNECTIVITY REVOLUTION

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

The expansion of mobile and internet connectivity in rural India is a key factor in empowering women and promoting self-sufficiency. Various government initiatives like GeM, Bharat Net, and PM-WANI have played a crucial role in reducing the digital divide.

Role of Mobile and Internet Connectivity

• Empowering Rural Women: Mobile and internet access is crucial for women in rural areas to achieve self-independence. This connectivity opens doors to new opportunities, enhances confidence, and helps them access broader markets.
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM): The GeM platform has allowed rural entrepreneurs, especially women, to expand their market reach, boosting their income and providing access to national markets.
• Self-Reliance (Aatma Nirbharta): Connectivity aids women in rural areas by offering opportunities for education, business, and social engagement, making them more self-reliant.

Government Efforts to Enhance Rural Connectivity

• Mobile Coverage in Villages: By September 2024, nearly 98% of India’s villages (622,804 out of 644,131) were connected through mobile networks. Furthermore, 614,564 villages have access to 4G connectivity.
• Special Initiatives for Vulnerable Groups: Under the PM JANMAN Mission, over 1,100 mobile towers were installed in tribal areas to ensure connectivity for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG).
• Expansion of 4G Network: The government has sanctioned over 1,000 new mobile towers, with a total investment of ₹1,014 crore, aiming to extend 4G services to remote tribal habitations.

Key Government Programs for Digital Inclusion

• Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN): This fund, previously the Universal Service Obligation Fund, supports the installation of mobile towers in underserved areas. As of December 2024, over 8,700 towers have been set up across nearly 2 lakh villages.
• Bharat Net Project: The aim is to provide high-speed, affordable internet to every Gram Panchayat. As of December 2024, more than 2.14 lakh Gram Panchayats have been connected.
• PM-WANI: This initiative creates Wi-Fi hotspots to increase access to the internet. By December 2024, 247,000 hotspots have been set up across India, enabling more people to access the internet.

Protection for Telecom Users

• The government has introduced safeguards for telecom users, including the “Know Your Mobile Connections” service and a “Do Not Disturb” (DND) feature to block unwanted calls.
• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) uses AI tools to track unregistered telemarketers and penalize telecom companies that fail to comply.

Impact of Connectivity on Rural Socio-Economics

• Transformation of Rural Economy: The expansion of digital services in rural areas has significantly impacted the socio-economic landscape, leading to better access to services, improved market connectivity, and greater economic participation.
• Foundation for Digital Inclusion: Programs like DBN, Bharat Net, and PM-WANI are laying the groundwork for a digitally inclusive India, ensuring that rural areas benefit from the digital economy.

Conclusion
The government’s efforts to expand mobile and internet coverage in rural India are transforming lives by providing new opportunities for economic empowerment and social inclusion. Continued focus on these initiatives will further bridge the digital divide and contribute to overall national development.

IMPACT OF SMART CITIES MISSION

TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: PIB

The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), launched in June 2015, focuses on transforming 100 cities in India by improving infrastructure and ensuring a sustainable, clean, and liveable environment using smart technologies. This initiative has positively impacted education and urban safety.

Key Impacts:

Education:

• Smart classrooms have improved school enrolment by 22% across 19 cities.
• Over 9,400 smart classrooms were established at ₹1,071.7 crore.
• The use of technology enhanced the learning experience, particularly in smaller cities like Ajmer.
• Challenges: Data gaps hinder progress evaluation, especially regarding gender parity and maintaining infrastructure post-mission.

Urban Safety:

• Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) and CCTV systems have been implemented across 93 cities, improving urban safety.59,802 CCTV cameras and 13.95 lakh streetlights were installed.
• In cities like Nagpur, Chennai, and Tumakuru, CCTV footage played a crucial role in crime-solving and enhancing public safety.
• Public perception of safety improved, reflecting the success of these surveillance systems.

Challenges:

• Data collection and reporting gaps limit the ability to measure long-term impacts, especially in education.
• The Smart Cities Mission has faced delays, with only 9% of projects completed by 2023. The deadline has now been extended to March 2025.

Conclusion:

The Smart Cities Mission has contributed significantly to education and urban safety. However, challenges such as data gaps and project delays must be addressed for sustainable progress. Continued funding and timely execution are key to ensuring long-term success.

NATION MOURNS FOR FORMER PRIME MINISTER MANMOHAN SINGH

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: PIB

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who served from 2004 to 2014, passed away at the age of 92 on December 26, 2024. He was widely recognized as the architect of India’s 1991 economic liberalization.

Early Life and Education

• Birth and Background: Born on September 26, 1932, in British-ruled India, Manmohan Singh hailed from a modest family. He pursued higher education in economics at Cambridge and Oxford universities.

Career Highlights

• Chief Economic Adviser (1972–1976): Played a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic policies during a challenging period.
• Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982–1985): Strengthened India’s monetary and financial systems.
• Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission (1985–1987): Helped frame India’s development strategies.
• Finance Minister (1991–1996): Spearheaded historic economic reforms, including liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG), dismantling the License Raj, boosting foreign investment, and implementing fiscal consolidation.
• Prime Minister (2004–2014): Oversaw sustained economic growth, launched social welfare programs like Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, finalized the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement, and expanded healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Legacy

Manmohan Singh’s tenure was marked by significant economic reforms and social welfare initiatives. His leadership in the 1991 economic liberalization transformed India’s economy, and his tenure as Prime Minister saw continued growth and development. He is remembered for his integrity, humility, and dedication to nation-building.

MARBURG VIRUS DISEASE (MVD) OUTBREAK IN RWANDA

TOPIC: (GS3) HEALTH: THE HINDU

Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is a severe and often fatal haemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, with no approved vaccines or treatments currently available. Rwanda recently declared its first-ever outbreak of MVD officially over after 42 days without new cases.

History and Origin

• First Identification: MVD was first identified in 1967 in the German city of Marburg, linked to laboratory workers exposed to infected green monkeys imported from Uganda.
• Geographical Spread: Most outbreaks have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, including countries like Tanzania, Uganda, Angola, Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.

Transmission and Symptoms

• Transmission: Initially transmitted from fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) to humans. Spread occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
• Symptoms:
  • Early Signs: High fever, severe headache, and malaise.
  • Advanced Stage: Severe bleeding, liver failure, multi-organ dysfunction, shock, and death within 8-9 days of symptom onset.
• Fatality Rate: The average case fatality rate is approximately 50%, varying from 24% to 88% depending on the virus strain and case management.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis: Confirmed through RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests and virus isolation procedures that require maximum biohazard containment.
• Treatment: No specific treatment exists. Supportive care includes rehydration, electrolyte replacement, and symptom management, improving survival chances.

Vaccine Development

• Current Status: Promising vaccines, such as the Sabin Vaccine Institute’s single-dose vaccine, are under Phase 2 trials in Uganda and Kenya. Rwanda also received investigational vaccines to support outbreak control.

Rwanda’s Response to the 2024 Outbreak

• Outbreak Details: Rwanda’s first Marburg outbreak was declared on September 27, 2024, with 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths.
• Containment Measures: The government implemented strict isolation protocols, contact tracing, and vaccination campaigns.
• Outcome: The outbreak was declared over on December 20, 2024, after 42 days without new cases.

Conclusion

Rwanda’s successful containment of the Marburg Virus Disease outbreak underscores the importance of rapid response, effective surveillance, and international collaboration in managing emerging infectious diseases.

MITOCHONDRIAL DNA MUTATIONS AND AGE-RELATED MUSCLE LOSS

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, significantly impacts the elderly by reducing strength and mobility. Recent research has identified mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations as a key factor in this process.

About Mitochondria

Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles within most eukaryotic cells, often referred to as the cell’s “powerhouses.”

Maternal Inheritance: Mitochondria are inherited exclusively from the mother through the egg cell.

Key Functions:

• Energy Production: Generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy carrier essential for muscle contraction, protein synthesis, and cell division.
• Cellular Respiration: Facilitate the conversion of nutrients into energy in the form of ATP.
• Regulating Cell Death: Control apoptosis, maintaining healthy tissues.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): Contains its own DNA, which is susceptible to mutations that can disrupt cellular functions.

Key Findings on mtDNA Mutations and Muscle Loss

• Deletion Mutations: These mutations reduce mtDNA size and functionality, diminishing mitochondrial efficiency over time.
• Dominance Over Healthy mtDNA: Mutated mtDNA molecules can outnumber healthy ones, leading to decreased ATP production.
• Chimeric Genes Formation: Deletion mutations can create chimeric genes by merging different mitochondrial genes, resulting in abnormal sequences that disrupt mtDNA expression and accelerate mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Age-Related Increase: Older individuals show a significant rise in chimeric mitochondrial mRNA, correlating with biological aging.
• Systemic Impact: These mutations affect both brain and muscle tissues, indicating a widespread influence on the aging process.

Implications for Biological Aging

• Biomarkers: mtDNA deletion mutations and chimeric mRNA serve as indicators of biological aging.
• Therapeutic Potential: Understanding these markers could lead to treatments aimed at preventing or repairing mutations, potentially delaying age-related muscle loss.

Conclusion

Mitochondrial DNA mutations play a crucial role in age-related muscle degeneration. Further research into these mutations may offer pathways to mitigate muscle loss associated with aging, enhancing the quality of life for the elderly.

OCEAN ANOXIC EVENT 1A (OAE 1A)

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU

Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a) occurred during the Cretaceous Period (145–66 million years ago) when Earth’s oceans experienced a severe oxygen shortage. This phenomenon disrupted marine ecosystems and left lasting geological records. A recent study, analyzing fossils and rocks from Mount Ashibetsu in Japan, has provided refined details about the timing and duration of this event.

What is Ocean Anoxic Event 1a?

OAE 1a was a period during which oxygen levels in oceans drastically reduced, causing significant ecological changes.

Causes:

• Triggered by massive volcanic eruptions releasing high amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), leading to global warming.
• Oceans became oxygen-depleted, forming anoxic marine basins where oxygen was almost absent.

Impacts:

• CO₂ combined with seawater to form carbonic acid, dissolving marine organisms’ shells.
• Oxygen loss caused mass extinction of species, especially plankton.
• Black shales, rich in organic carbon, formed as evidence in geological layers.

Anoxic Marine Basins and Characteristics

• Areas with extremely low or no oxygen, typically in deep oceans.
• Favor survival of certain microbes and fungi, while most aerobic life cannot thrive.
• Help in carbon sequestration by slowing organic matter decomposition, reducing atmospheric CO₂.
• Examples include the Black Sea, Cariaco Basin, and Orca Basin.

Key Findings of the Recent Study

Timing:

• Began 119.5 million years ago and lasted 1.1 million years.
• Recovery of ocean ecosystems from warming and anoxia was prolonged.

Volcanic Link:

• Associated with the Ontong Java Nui volcanic eruptions, which released significant CO₂.

Modern Relevance:

• Offers warnings about parallels between ancient volcanic activity and current human-induced warming.
• Suggests rapid climate change could similarly disrupt marine ecosystems, risking biodiversity loss.