Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Researchers in India are collaborating to develop an affordable treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare and incurable genetic disorder.
- The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jodhpur, is collaborating to develop affordable therapeutics for DMD.
What is DMD?
- DMD is a progressive muscle degeneration disorder caused by alterations in the dystrophin protein.
- It is the most common and fatal type of muscular dystrophy, primarily affecting boys.
- It leads to progressive muscle degeneration, weakness, and eventually wheelchair dependency, assisted ventilation, and premature death.
Symptoms and Impact of DMD
- Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness is the primary symptom of DMD, initially affecting proximal muscles and later distal limb muscles. Difficulties in jumping, running, and walking are common.
- Other Symptoms: Enlargement of calves, a waddling gait, lumbar lordosis (inward curve of the spine), and later heart and respiratory muscle involvement. Pulmonary function impairment and respiratory failure may occur.
Current Challenges
- Costly treatment: Current therapeutic options for DMD are minimal and expensive, with costs reaching up to Rs 2-3 crore per child per year.
- Limited Treatment Options: The treatments are predominantly imported, making them financially unattainable for most families.
Efforts to Develop Affordable Therapeutics
[A] Antisense Oligonucleotide (AON)-Based Therapeutics
- The IIT Jodhpur researchers are working on enhancing the efficacy of AON-based therapeutics.
- AONs can mask specific exons in a gene sequence, addressing the challenges faced in DMD patients.
- Personalized medicine is necessary due to the variations in mutations among DMD patients.
[B] Clinical Trials and Molecular Tags
- The research team has received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to conduct multi-centric clinical trials on AON-based exon skipping in DMD patients.
- They are also working on reducing the therapeutic dose of AON through new molecular tags.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DM and Tb related facts
Mains level: The dual burden of India, TB and Diabetes, Interconnection, challenges and treatment measures
What is the news?
- India has long grappled with two major epidemics: type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus, DM) and tuberculosis (TB). With a staggering 74.2 million people living with diabetes and 2.6 million new TB cases each year, it is crucial to understand the deep interconnection between these diseases.
Central Idea
- The diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) are closely interconnected in India, with DM increasing the risk and severity of TB, and TB co-infection worsening diabetes outcomes. Among people with TB, the prevalence of DM was found to be 25.3% while 24.5% were pre-diabetic. Which highlights the need for urgent action to address this dual burden and improve care coordination for individuals affected by both diseases.
What is type 2 diabetes?
- Type 2 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus (DM), is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels.
- It is the most common form of diabetes and typically develops over time, often in adulthood.
- In type 2 diabetes, the body either becomes resistant to the effects of insulin (a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels) or does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.
What is tuberculosis (TB)?
- TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
- TB is transmitted through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria. When inhaled by others, these droplets can lead to infection
The interconnection and Impact of DM on TB
- Increased Risk of TB: People with DM have a higher risk of developing TB compared to those without DM. DM weakens the immune system and impairs the body’s ability to fight off infections, including TB.
- Increased TB Severity: When individuals with DM acquire TB infection, they tend to have a higher bacterial load, which means there are more TB bacteria in their bodies. This can result in more severe symptoms and complications associated with TB.
- Delayed Sputum Conversion:
- Sputum conversion refers to the transition from having TB bacteria detectable in the sputum (positive) to no longer having detectable bacteria (negative) after initiating treatment.
- Individuals with both TB and DM often experience delayed sputum conversion compared to those with TB alone.
- It means that it takes longer for the TB bacteria to be eliminated from their bodies, prolonging the infectious period and potentially increasing the risk of transmitting the disease to others.
- Altered Treatment Outcomes:
- TB treatment outcomes can be affected by the presence of DM. Individuals with both TB and DM may experience modified TB symptoms, radiological findings, and lung functioning compared to those with TB alone.
- Studies have shown that individuals with TB and DM have reduced lung functioning even after completing TB treatment.
- Respiratory Complications: Individuals with both TB and DM are more prone to experiencing respiratory complications related to TB. Respiratory complications can be a common cause of death in this population, highlighting the increased severity of TB when DM is present.
What measures India must take to combat the dual burden of DM and TB
- Integrated Care: Implement patient-centered care approaches that address the unique needs of individuals with both TB and DM, along with other comorbidities. This includes coordinated diagnosis and treatment, bidirectional screening, patient education, and support.
- Holistic Treatment Plans: Strengthen high-quality care for TB, DM, and associated comorbidities by developing holistic treatment plans. Prioritize individual programs for TB and DM and ensure their integration into healthcare services.
- Resilient Health Systems: Build and scale up resilient and integrated health systems by garnering increased commitment from stakeholders, formulating robust policy guidance, and mobilizing additional resources. These efforts will support the development of effective strategies to combat both diseases.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Enhance the research literature on TB and DM interactions to enable better decision-making. Access to comprehensive data and ongoing studies will provide critical insights for improving patient care and raising awareness of the impact of these interconnected diseases
Conclusion
- The coexistence of diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis in India demands immediate attention. By adopting integrated care models, improving treatment outcomes, and strengthening health systems, we can effectively address the dual burden of DM and TB. It is essential for health professionals, policymakers, and communities to prioritize research, enhance collaboration, and work together to improve the lives of those affected by these intertwined epidemics.
Also read for more details:
Is India a Diabetes capital of the world?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nature Restoration Law
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The EU Parliament’s approval of a nature restoration law has sparked backlash and debate over plans to protect endangered ecosystems.
- The law is a crucial part of the European Green Deal and aims to address the extinction of species and restore damaged habitats.
Nature Restoration Law: Why in news?
- Objectives: The law aims to restore 30% of terrestrial, coastal, freshwater, and marine habitats by 2030, which are currently in poor condition.
- Resistance: Farmers and conservative lawmakers strongly oppose the legislation, particularly concerning plans to restore drained peatlands. They argue that valuable agricultural land may be lost, leading to economic and social consequences and potential food security risks.
Importance of Peatlands and Environmental Impact
- Peatland Carbon Storage: Peatlands, wetland ecosystems formed over thousands of years, store more carbon than any other ecosystem. They absorb nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as all of the Earth’s forests combined.
- Drained Peatlands: When peatlands are drained for agriculture or other purposes, they transition from being carbon sinks to significant greenhouse gas sources, contributing to emissions.
- European Peatlands: More than half of Europe’s peatlands have been permanently damaged, leading to approximately 7% of the continent’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Calls for Rewetting and Paradigm Shift
- Rewetting Peatlands: The proposed legislation includes plans to rewet 50% of former peatlands in Europe, aiming to restore their environmental functions and mitigate climate change.
- Paradigm Shift in Agriculture: Experts advocate for a paradigm shift in agriculture, moving away from farming on drained peatlands and investing in paludiculture (farming on wetlands), which is agriculture on rewetted peat soil. This approach would stop carbon emissions while improving soil and water quality.
Political Challenges and Compromises
- Opposition by Conservative Groups: Conservative groups, including the European People’s Party, seek to reduce the scope of wetland restoration plans and oppose the conversion of agricultural land.
- Concerns and Dissemination of Misinformation: Critics claim that villages could be cleared for wetland restoration, leading to economic and social fallout. However, these claims have been labeled as misinformation and populist.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
- Long-Term Economic Return: The European Commission estimates that every euro invested in restoring natural resources would yield at least eight times the economic return over the long term.
- Sustainable Land Use: While rewetted land may not support traditional monocultures, it could enable the growth of other crops, such as timber, grasses, and reeds for insulation materials and organic plastic substitutes. Revitalized areas could also become grazing grounds for alternative livestock.
Conclusion
- The approval of the EU nature restoration law has sparked a debate between environmental conservation and agricultural interests.
- While farmers express concerns over the potential loss of agricultural land and economic impact, environmentalists argue for the restoration of threatened ecosystems and the long-term benefits of sustainable land use.
- The implementation of the law will play a crucial role in achieving the ambitious climate and biodiversity targets set by the European Green Deal.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Siachen Glacier
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- NJ 9842 vs. 5Q 131 05 084: Exploring India-Pakistan’s last demarcated point and the Siachen glacier’s assigned number by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
- Lack of recognition: Despite the historical importance, the first Siachen survey remains overlooked by scholars and mountaineers.
About Siachen
- Location: Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, just northeast of the point where the Line of Control between India and Pakistan ends.
- Significance: As the second-longest glacier in the world’s non-polar areas, Siachen Glacier stretches for 76 km, holding historical and strategic importance.
Geographical and Political Context
- Border dispute: Both India and Pakistan claim sovereignty over the entire Siachen region, leading to intermittent conflict since 1984.
- Military presence: The region houses the highest battleground on Earth, with permanent military outposts at altitudes above 6,000 m (20,000 ft).
- International recognition: Efforts to establish a transboundary peace park and nominate the region for the World Heritage List have been made.
Why discuss Siachen?
- Human casualties: Harsh weather conditions have claimed more lives than combat, with both India and Pakistan sustaining significant losses.
- Failed demilitarization attempts: Despite the desire to disengage from the costly military outposts, the lack of official recognition of the current line of control has hindered progress.
- Mountaineering expeditions and awareness: Limited expeditions have been allowed to showcase the dominance of Indian troops and raise awareness about the region.
The First Siachen Survey
- V.K. Raina’s leadership: In June 1958, V.K. Raina, an Indian geologist, conducted the inaugural Siachen survey.
- Unforeseen conflict: The peaceful region surveyed in 1958 became a disputed area between India and Pakistan, leading to Operation Meghdoot in 1984.
Geologists’ Himalayan Exploration
- Previous expeditions: Raina’s involvement in the Saser Kangri expedition and the geological survey of the Leh-Manali Highway.
- International Geophysical Year: The significance of 1958 as a year of geological studies worldwide.
- GSI’s limited resources: GSI’s plan to study the Himalayan glacier systems, assigning Raina the responsibility of surveying five glaciers in Ladakh.
Raina’s Journey and Findings
- Expedition details: Raina’s team’s journey from Calcutta to Siachen, traveling by train, bus, and foot.
- Glacier characteristics: Raina’s observations of the Siachen glacier, including the appearance of ice caves and the Nubra River’s flow.
- Survey procedures: Mapping the snout region, establishing reference points, and capturing photographs for future analysis.
Pakistan’s Response
- No objections raised: Despite the expedition’s significance and publicity, Pakistan did not lodge any protests or objections against India’s presence on the glacier during the survey.
- Reasons for indifference: The lack of objections can be attributed to the mutual demarcation under the Karachi ceasefire agreement and the absence of perceived threats or intentions of occupation.
Challenging Pakistan’s Claims
- Significance of the expedition: The 1958 GSI survey holds immense historical and geostrategic importance as it contradicts Pakistan’s early claims to the Siachen glacier.
- Pakistan’s delayed claim: It was only 25 years later, in 1983, that Pakistan formally extended the Line of Control, staking its claim to the region, violating the Simla Agreement.
- India’s response: India pre-empted Pakistan’s actions by occupying the strategic Saltoro Heights in April 1984, in response to Pakistan’s attempts to claim the Siachen glacier.
Conclusion
- Debunking myths: The survey establishes India’s early presence on the glacier and counters Pakistan’s claims.
- Understanding the geostrategic implications: The survey’s role in shaping subsequent events in the Siachen conflict is vital to comprehend the significance of this expedition.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Floods in India: A recurring challenge and measures for flood management and shifting focus towards converting calamity into a valuable resource
What is the news?
- The monsoon season in India this year brought about unprecedented changes, with Mumbai and New Delhi experiencing the onset of rains on the same day after a gap of 61 years.
” Floods are acts of God but flood losses are largely acts of man”
Central idea
- The events of heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding are occurring in various parts of India leading to significant loss of lives, damage to land, and financial losses. This highlighting the inadequacy of India’s hydro-infrastructure for effective flood management and calls for a shift in mindset towards conserving flood flows as a valuable resource
Floods in India: A recurring challenge
- Frequency: India experiences floods on a recurring basis, with at least one major flood event occurring each year. This indicates that floods are not isolated incidents but rather a consistent challenge.
- Loss of Lives: Floods in India lead to the loss of lives, with an average of 1,600 lives being lost annually, according to the National Disaster Management Authority. The loss of human lives highlights the severity and recurring nature of the flood challenge.
- Damage to Land: Floods affect a significant area of land in India, impacting approximately 75 lakh hectares. This demonstrates the recurrent impact of floods on agricultural land, leading to crop damage and agricultural losses.
- Financial Losses: Floods in India cause substantial financial losses, with damages estimated at Rs 1,805 crore. These losses encompass damages to crops, houses, and public utilities, further highlighting the recurring challenge and the need for effective management strategies.
Flood management measures
Structural Measures:
- Storage Reservoirs: These reservoirs are constructed to store excess water during high-flow periods and release it gradually, reducing flood peaks. They also serve as a water source for irrigation, electricity generation, and other purposes.
- Embankments: These structures, also known as levees, act as barriers to prevent floodwaters from encroaching on vulnerable areas such as agricultural lands, cities, and industries.
- Diversions: This measure involves redirecting excess water away from heavily populated or susceptible areas to less vulnerable regions, helping to minimize the impact of flooding.
Non-Structural Measures:
- Flood Forecasting and Warning Systems: These systems use data analysis, weather monitoring, and hydrological modeling to provide advance warnings about potential flood events. They enable timely evacuation of people and movable assets, reducing the risk to life and property.
- Flood Plain Zoning: This measure involves regulating the use of floodplains by restricting human activities and developments in flood-prone areas. By delineating zones based on flood risk, it helps minimize vulnerability and losses associated with floods.
How floods can be a valuable resource?
- Water Storage: Floods can serve as a valuable resource for water storage. By conserving and capturing floodwaters, the excess water can be stored in reservoirs or other storage facilities. This stored water can then be used for various purposes during dry periods, including irrigation, drinking water supply, and industrial needs.
- Drought Mitigation: Conserving flood flows can help mitigate the impact of droughts. By storing excess floodwaters, the saved water can be utilized to partially address water scarcity during drought periods, providing relief to agriculture, communities, and ecosystems that rely on water availability.
- Groundwater Recharge: Floods contribute to the replenishment of groundwater aquifers. The infiltration of floodwaters into the soil helps recharge underground water reserves, ensuring a sustained supply of groundwater for various uses even after the flood event subsides.
- Ecological Benefits: Floods support ecosystems and promote biodiversity. The article mentions that floods bring essential nutrients, sediments, and organic matter to wetlands and riverine habitats, which nourish the ecosystems and support diverse flora and fauna.
- Hydropower Generation: Controlled release of floodwaters can be harnessed for hydropower generation. By utilizing the energy of flowing water, floods can be a valuable resource for producing renewable energy through hydropower projects
Why India needs to upgrade its hydro-infrastructure?
- Inadequate Infrastructure: India’s hydro-infrastructure is currently inadequate for effective flood management. The existing infrastructure, such as storage reservoirs, embankments, and diversions, is not sufficient to address the challenges posed by floods.
- Insufficient Storage Space: The storage space created in major river basins, such as the Ganga and the Brahmaputra, is inadequate for the available flows. This indicates a need to enhance storage capacity to effectively manage floodwaters and maximize their utilization.
- Managing Variabilities: With changing rainfall patterns and intensities due to climate change, the variability of water flows in rivers will increase. Upgrading the hydro-infrastructure is seen as crucial to effectively manage these increasing variabilities and address the resulting challenges of floods and droughts.
- Conservation of Flood Flows: The potential value of conserving flood flows for drought mitigation. Upgrading the hydro-infrastructure would enable the conservation of unutilized flood flows, which can then be stored and utilized during dry periods to partially mitigate droughts.
- Water Security and Resilience: Upgrading the hydro-infrastructure is important for ensuring water security and resilience. It allows for improved water management, including storage, distribution, and utilization, which can reduce dependence on erratic monsoon patterns and enhance the country’s ability to cope with water-related challenges.
- Environmental Considerations: An upgraded hydro-infrastructure should incorporate environmental considerations. This includes preserving ecological flows, minimizing disruptions to ecosystems, and promoting sustainable water management practices.
Way forward: Towards comprehensive flood management
- Shift in Focus: Shifting attention and efforts from flood control to flood management. This involves adopting a comprehensive approach that encompasses structural and non-structural measures, as well as integrating environmental considerations.
- Upgrading Hydro-Infrastructure: Upgrading the existing hydro-infrastructure includes increasing storage capacity, improving embankments, and constructing new reservoirs. Upgrades should address the inadequacies of the current infrastructure and consider the potential for conserving flood flows.
- Conserving Flood Flows: By safely storing and utilizing excess floodwaters, damages caused by floods can be reduced, and the saved water can be utilized to partially mitigate droughts. This requires the development of storage facilities and infrastructure to capture and store floodwaters during high-flow periods.
- Integrated Approach: There is need for an integrated approach to flood management. This involves combining structural measures with non-structural measures such as flood forecasting, warning systems, and floodplain zoning. Integration should also consider environmental considerations and the preservation of ecological flows.
- Learning from International Experiences: Learning from international experiences in flood management. This includes evaluating the performance of flood control measures, studying integrated approaches, and understanding how other countries have balanced flood management objectives with environmental concerns.
- Community Engagement and Awareness: Raising awareness about flood risks, promoting community preparedness, and involving local communities in early warning systems and evacuation plans.
- Policy and Governance: There is need for robust policies and governance mechanisms to support comprehensive flood management. This includes incorporating climate change adaptation strategies, promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration, and ensuring environmental safeguards.
- Investment and Resource Allocation: Allocating adequate resources and funding for flood management initiatives. This involves securing financial support for infrastructure upgrades, research and development, capacity building, and community resilience programs.
Conclusion
- It is imperative for India to recognize flood flows as a valuable resource and implement measures that conserve water for subsequent use and water security. By adopting a comprehensive approach, upgrading hydro-infrastructure, and leveraging a mix of structural and non-structural measures, India can effectively mitigate the impacts of floods while ensuring sustainable water management for the future.
Also read:
The lesson from a monsoon-battered North India: Time to be prepared
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: World History: French Revolution
Central idea
- The National Day of France, also known as Bastille Day, is celebrated on July 14 every year.
- Known as La Fete Nationale or Le 14 Juillet in French, the day is celebrated with fireworks and a parade.
- One of the most important days in the history of France, it marks the fall of the Bastille, a military fortress and political prison, then considered a symbol of the monarchy and armoury.
French Revolution: A quick recap
- The French Revolution, which occurred between 1789 and 1799, was a significant period of social and political upheaval in France.
- The revolution was characterized by a period of radical social and political change, which saw the-
- Overthrow of the French monarchy
- Establishment of a republic, and
- Execution (Guillotine) of thousands of people, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette
Fall of the Bastille
- Symbolism and Discontent: The Bastille, located in Paris, represented the autocratic rule and abuse of power by the monarchy.
- Rising Unrest: Dissatisfaction with King Louis XVI’s leadership grew, and on July 14, 1789, Parisians gathered at the Bastille.
- Demands and Confrontation: The crowd demanded the release of political prisoners and access to the fortress’s weapons. The Governor refused, leading to a violent clash.
- Storming of the Bastille: After hours of fighting, the fortress fell as the people of Paris overwhelmed its defenders.
Do you know?
During the French Revolution, Queen Marie Antoinette reportedly said, “Let them eat cake” when told that the French people were starving and had no bread to eat.
The remark was seen as a symbol of the queen’s aloofness and disregard for the plight of the common people, and it helped fuel resentment towards the monarchy.
This statement alone sparked fury among the French masses leading to the mighty French Revolution. |
Significance of the Event
- Symbol of Triumph: The fall of the Bastille symbolized the people’s victory over the monarchy and the end of the oppressive old regime.
- Catalyst for Change: This event sparked a period of intense violence and upheaval, paving the way for the revolutionaries to seize power and establish a new order.
- Socio-political Transformations: The French Revolution led to the abolition of feudalism, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, and the establishment of the First French Republic.
- Ideological Influence: The revolutionary principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity have left a lasting impact on global political and social movements.
Global Importance of the Event
- Inspiring Other Nations: The fall of the Bastille became an inspiration for other nations to fight for their own rights and freedom.
- Spreading Revolutionary Ideals: The French Revolution’s principles resonated globally, influencing subsequent revolutionary movements throughout history.
- Rise of Democracy: The revolution’s emphasis on individual rights, democratic governance, and social equality has significantly shaped the political and social landscape worldwide.
Try this question from CS Mains 2019:
Explain how the foundation of the modern world was laid by the American and French Revolutions.
Post your answers here.
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