1. “There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (2021)
2. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate. (2015)
Prelims PYQs
‘Global Financial Stability Report’ is released by which organization? (2016)
a) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
b) World Economic Forum
c) World Bank
d) World Trade Organization (WTO)
Note4Students:
Relevance: GS II(International Relation)
Prelims: United Nations and Security Council;
Mains: Global Order and Challenges; Major International Organizations; United Nations;
Mentor Comments:UPSC has been known to ask questions about ‘how things are at present vs. how things should be ideally’ across subjects like IR, Science and Technology, governance, or Economy. This op-ed is useful for analyzing the recent ongoing dynamics at the geopolitical level which is affecting the power play among the significant multilateral organizations.
So, Let’s Learn.
Why in the News?
Recently, at the 55th regular session of the Human Rights Council, Antonio Guterres (UN Secretary-General), has expressed growing pessimism about the organization’s future due to the “lack of unity” among members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Context:
During the 2020s, the United Nations-led system, although traditionally the default option, is presently facing significant challenges.
There is an urgent need for reform within the UN due to existing divisions, as superficial changes may not be sufficient to address the underlying issues to revitalize its effectiveness.
Is this the end of the road for the current global order?
1) The Evolution and the shift in Global world order w.r.t United Nations System:
The UN’s foundation dates back to January 1942 when 26 Allied nations signed the Declaration of the United Nations, endorsing the Atlantic Charter of 1941 that outlined the war aims of the US and UK.
Evolution of the UN and Power Dynamics:
The UN was created to uphold sovereignty and equalityamong nations through collective security principles but faced challenges within the Security Council due to the dominance of its five Permanent Members.
Post-1942 negotiations led to a structure where major Allied powers were granted permanent veto power, resembling early 19th-century European power dynamics.
The Bretton Woods Conference in July 1944 established key financial institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and GATT (later WTO) to create an international economic order focused on post-war reconstruction and global trade liberalization.
Shifts in Power and Economic Order:
The creation of the IMF marked a shift in power dynamics as imperial Britain’s debt burden led to the US emerging as a dominant force in global finance.
Britain had to relinquish its imperial trade preferences, symbolizing a transition from sterling to dollar dominance in international financial systems
2) Controlling Power Structures:
Influence of old power structures: The governance of the World Bank and IMF reflects old power structures, with an American heading the World Bank and Europe nominating the IMF head.
Voting rights: Voting rights in the IMF remain stagnant, favoring major economies like the US, UK, and G-7 nations, giving them significant influence.
For Example, currently the percentage voting rights for, say, the original BRICS members (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) are 2.22, 2.59, 2.63, 6.08, and 0.63. The U.S. alone commands 16.5; add to it the votes of the U.K.
Special Drawing Rights (SDR): Special Drawing Rights allocation and major reforms require an 85% majority vote, effectively granting the US a powerful veto within the IMF.
The IMF maintains global stability by promoting financial stability, offering advice, and providing funds to countries in financial difficulty, as long as they accept conditions set by the leadership of the Fund.
What are the significant challenges in maintaining UN’s role in global governance and international peace and security?
Global Events and Geopolitical Constraints: The geopolitical constraints on the UN are intensifying, with deep rifts among major powers affecting the organization’s effectiveness in addressing global crises.
The 2020s have exposed vulnerabilities within the global system, with events like COVID-19 border closures disrupting cooperation and shared prosperity ideals. Secondly, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlighted the disregard for rules by powerful nations, undermining the system’s integrity.
New Fault Lines and Declining Political Influence: The UN’s political influence is decreasing due to political divisions and resource gaps, requiring new strategies to mobilize its strengths for peace.
For Example, presently, the conflict in Gaza revealed divisions between developed and developing nations, questioning support for the UN and exposing underlying tensions over human rights and historical injustices. Further, the crisis in West Asia is pushing the UN to the sidelines as key players challenge its authority, testing their commitment to fundamental UN principles.
Major-Power Divisions: Divisions among major powers are shrinking the space for multilateral cooperation, impacting the UN’s ability to manage international peace and security.
For Example, the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) aimed to challenge the World Bank but faces resistance, highlighting ongoing power struggles in global governance.
Security Council Paralysis: The Security Council has been slow and indecisive in reacting to crises, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine posing a serious challenge to international security and highlighting the need for more effective collective solutions.
Moreover, developing countries struggled to overcome Security Council vetoes and Bretton Woods Institutions’ voting structures.
Silver Lining:
Existing organizations outside the UN, like ASEAN, EU, G-7, G-20, and NATO, serve specific interests rather than universal values, lacking the binding legal framework of the UN. These organizations operate as clubs or regional security alliances, and can be more effective considering global governance structure.
Way Forward:
Need for an Inclusive Global Cooperation: There is a growing need for more effective and inclusive global cooperation, emphasizing the importance of reforming international financial institutions and strengthening the role of the General Assembly within the UN system.
Need for Pragmatic Approach: In light of these challenges, there is a consensus on the necessity for flexibility, and adaptability within the UN to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and effectively address global issues while restoring trust and reigniting global solidarity.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Criminality of Politicians, Vote Bank Dynamics
In the news
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the National Election Watch has found that 36% of the newly elected Rajya Sabha candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.
Context:
Increase in Serious Crimes: 17% of total candidates face serious criminal charges, including with cases related to attempted murder, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Biased Representation: Approximately 21% of the candidates are billionaires, with assets exceeding Rs 100 crore, reflecting the significant wealth amassed by certain individuals in the political arena.
Prevailing disparities: The majority (76%) of candidates belong to the 51-70 age group, with only 19% being women, reflecting gender disparities in political representation.
Why does Criminality persist in Indian politics?
Political Patronage: Criminals seek political backing to sustain their illicit activities, while politicians rely on criminals for funding, muscle power, and electoral support.
Protracted Legal Processes: Lengthy court proceedings, averaging around 15 years, coupled with declining conviction rates, allow criminals to evade justice and continue their political careers.
Legal Ambiguity: Pending cases become a shield for tainted candidates, who exploit the “law will take its own course” narrative to deflect scrutiny.
Electoral Advantage: Candidates with criminal records may have higher chances of winning elections, incentivizing parties to field them despite ethical concerns.
Limited Scrutiny: Despite legal mandates for candidates to disclose criminal cases, voters often lack the awareness or resources to scrutinize this information effectively.
Vote Bank Dynamics: Parties exploit caste, religious, or regional loyalties, prioritizing short-term gains over candidate integrity.
Impacts of Criminality in Indian politics:
Corrosive Effects: The fusion of crime and politics has corrosive effects on the governance. The nexus between crime and politics can exacerbate corruption and weaken governance structures. When politicians with criminal backgrounds hold office, there is a higher likelihood of corruption, misuse of power, and a lack of transparency in decision-making processes, all of which can have detrimental effects on the economy.
Undermining Democracy: Allowing criminals in politics undermines the development of a healthy democracy that India’s freedom fighters fought for. The impact extends to the provision of public goods. Research findings suggest that the effects are concentrated in less developed and more corrupt Indian states, indicating that the presence of criminal politicians hinders the effective delivery of public goods and services to constituents.
Economic Growth: While criminal candidates may win elections in the short term, their presence can hinder the long-term development of a robust democracy. The election of criminally accused politicians leads to lower economic growth in their constituencies. Studies show a 22% point lower yearly growth in the intensity of night-time lights, which serves as a proxy for economic activity, following the election of such politicians.
Measures Taken to Address Criminalization in Politics
[A] Legislative Interventions
Representation of the People Act, 1951: Sections 8(1), 8(2), and 8(3) establish grounds for disqualification of individuals convicted of certain offenses, barring them from contesting elections.
Conduct of Election Rules, 1961: Mandates candidates to file affidavits disclosing pending criminal cases and convictions, enhancing transparency in electoral processes.
Chapter IX A of Indian Penal Code: Defines and penalizes electoral offenses such as bribery and undue influence, deterring criminal activities in elections.
[B] Establishment of Special Courts
Judicial Mechanisms: Special courts dedicated to expediting criminal cases against legislators and parliamentarians help ensure timely justice and accountability.
Tackling Impunity: Targeted prosecution of political figures accused of criminal activities reduces impunity and strengthens the rule of law.
[C] Vohra Committee Report (1993)
Comprehensive Analysis: The Vohra Committee investigated the political-criminal nexus, highlighting its extent and proposing strategies to combat this menace.
Policy Recommendations: Recommendations from the report informed policy decisions aimed at disrupting criminal networks operating within political structures.
[D] Election Commission Initiatives
Affidavit Reforms: Election Commission directives mandate candidates to declare criminal records, financial assets, and educational qualifications, empowering voters with crucial information.
Moral Code of Conduct: Effective enforcement of ethical standards during elections minimizes the influence of criminal elements and promotes fair electoral practices.
Major Judicial Interventions
Background
Key Outcome
Significance
Union of India vs. Association for Democratic Reforms (2002)
Challenged lack of transparency in electoral processes regarding candidates’ records.
Supreme Court mandated Election Commission to compel candidates to disclose criminal, financial, and educational details.
Empowered voters with vital information for informed choices, fostering accountability in elections.
Ramesh Dalal vs. Union of India (2005)
Imposed disqualification criteria for convicted candidates.
Supreme Court ruled sitting MPs/MLAs would be disqualified if convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more.
Established stringent disqualification criteria to deter candidates with criminal backgrounds, enhancing integrity of elected representatives.
Lily Thomas vs. Union of India (2013)
Addressed interpretation of Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Supreme Court declared Section 8(4) unconstitutional, disqualifying legislators convicted and sentenced to two years or more.
Closed loopholes allowing convicted legislators to retain seats, reinforcing accountability and integrity in the political system.
People’s Union for Civil Liberties vs. Union of India (2013)
Addressed voters’ rights to reject candidates with criminal backgrounds through NOTA.
Supreme Court ruled voters could reject all candidates using NOTA in electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Introduced NOTA as a voting option, empowering voters to express dissatisfaction with criminalized politics, and promoting cleaner elections.
Way Forward
Decriminalization Legislation: Enact laws to prevent individuals facing serious criminal charges from contesting elections, ensuring that those with criminal backgrounds are barred from political office.
State Funding of Elections: Introduce state funding of elections to reduce the influence of money and muscle power, thereby minimizing the role of criminals in financing political campaigns.
Enhanced Voter Awareness: Educate voters about the detrimental effects of criminalization in politics and provide easily accessible information about candidates’ backgrounds to enable informed decision-making.
Empowering Election Commission: Grant Election Commission broader regulatory powers to enforce inner-party democracy, regulate party finances, and curb the influence of criminals in political parties.
Continued Judicial Oversight: Uphold the judiciary’s role in safeguarding electoral integrity by delivering landmark judgments that reinforce accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct among elected representatives.
Strict Enforcement of Disqualification Criteria: Ensure strict implementation of disqualification criteria for convicted politicians, irrespective of their appeals or legal maneuvers.
Try this question from CS Mains 2017:
Q. Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (150 Words, 10)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Science Day
Mains level: RD ecosystem in India
In the news
National Science Day is commemorated on Feb 28 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sir CV Raman.
AboutNational Science Day 2024
Theme: “Science for Sustainable Development” underscores India’s commitment to leveraging science and technology for long-term socio-economic progress.
Key Driver: Science and technology play pivotal roles in India’s journey toward achieving developed nation status by 2047, aligning with global sustainability goals.
The Current Scenario: R&D Spending in India
Low Expenditure: India’s expenditure on research and development (R&D) stands at a mere 0.64% of GDP, a concerning figure for a nation aspiring for technological advancement.
Stagnant Growth: Despite calls to double R&D spending, India’s allocation for fundamental research has seen a decline in recent years, highlighting the need for enhanced investment in scientific endeavours.
Comparative Analysis with Developed Nations
Global Benchmarks: Developed nations typically allocate 2-4% of their GDPs to R&D, showcasing a stark contrast to India’s minimal spending. Moreover, even Nations like South Korea have shown significant growth in R&D expenditures, averaging 10.9% annually over 2000–10 and 7.8% for 2010–19.
Private Sector Contribution: In economically advanced countries, the private sector contributes significantly to R&D investment, unlike India, where public funding dominates. In leading economies, the corporate sector accounts for about two-thirds of gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD), while in India, its share is only 37%. This disparity highlights the need for increased private sector investment in R&D in India.
What is the significance of Sustainable Funding for India’s ‘Science Power’ Ambition?
Low Corporate Sector Investment: The primary reason for India’s low R&D expenditure is the inadequate investment by the corporate sector. While leading economies see two-thirds of R&D funding coming from corporations, in India, this share is only 37%. Increasing corporate investment in R&D is essential to boost innovation and technological progress.
Underestimation of GERD Data: There is evidence suggesting that India’s Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) data may be underestimated. The current method of data collection relies on surveys and secondary sources like annual reports and databases like Prowess. However, this method may not capture all R&D-performing enterprises, leading to incomplete statistics
Foreign Investment Discrepancy: Foreignmultinational corporations (MNCs) play a significant role in R&D spending in India. However, the latest statistics indicate that foreign MNCs’ R&D spending in India is only about 10% of what U.S. firms report spending in the country. Encouraging higher foreign investment in R&D can contribute to India’s scientific growth.
Challenges in Data Collection: Collecting accurate data from the private corporate sector poses a challenge due to factors like firms’ reluctance to disclose information and the limitations of existing databases like DSIR and Prowess. Enhancing data collection methods is crucial to obtaining a comprehensive picture of R&D activities in the country.
Challenges Faced by India in Achieving ‘Science Power’ Ambition:
Limited Research Workforce: India faces a shortage of high-quality universities and appropriate job opportunities for graduates, which impedes the expansion of its research workforce. To enhance scientific capabilities, there is a critical need to establish more top-tier educational institutions and create avenues for skilled professionals in the field.
Bureaucratic Hurdles: The bureaucratic red tape in India poses a significant challenge to research and innovation. Delays in fund disbursement, lengthy recruitment processes, and administrative inefficiencies hamper the pace of scientific advancements. Streamlining administrative procedures and enhancing efficiency are essential to foster a conducive environment for research.
Lack of International Collaboration: India has relatively low levels of international collaboration compared to other developing nations, limiting its exposure to global scientific advancements and partnerships. Strengthening ties with international counterparts can facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and collaborative research initiatives.
Inadequate Funding: India’s R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP is significantly lower than other emerging nations like China and Brazil, as well as established economies like the United States and Europe. Insufficient funding limits the capacity for research and innovation, hindering India’s progress in the scientific domain.
Infrastructure and Technological Challenges: The development of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing requires robust infrastructure and technological capabilities. India’s limited investment in science and technology, coupled with bureaucratic hurdles and outdated procurement systems, hinders the adoption of global best practices and impedes research progress.
Way forward
Sustainable funding: India is committed in making progress towards becoming a developed country by 2047 through sustainable means, including R&D funding.
Streamline bureaucracy: India needs to streamline its bureaucratic processes to enhance efficiency and reduce delays in funding and project approvals.
Increase R&D spending: India aims to increase its Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) to 2% of GDP, which is a national goal for some time.
Improve infrastructure and technology: India needs to improve its infrastructure and technological capabilities to drive innovation and research progress.
Increase in International collaboration: India aims to increase its international collaboration to facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and collaborative research initiatives.
Conclusion
As India commemorates National Science Day under the theme of sustainable development, addressing the imperative of sustainable funding for science emerges as a critical priority.
By fostering a conducive ecosystem for R&D investment and optimizing budget utilization, India can pave the way for transformative scientific advancements and sustainable socio-economic progress.
Back2Basics: CV Raman and Raman’s Effect
Details
Birth
Chandrasekhar Venkata Raman born in Tiruchirappalli, Madras Presidency on 7 November 1888.
Appointment in IISc
Appointed as Director of Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore in 1933, served until retirement in 1948.
Initial Research
Published first research paper, “Unsymmetrical diffraction bands due to a rectangular aperture”, in 1906 while still a graduate student.
Raman Effect
Discovered phenomenon where light changes wavelength and frequency upon traversing transparent material, known as Raman Effect.
Acoustics
Worked on theory of transverse vibration of bowed string instruments, studied acoustics of various musical instruments including Indian ones.
Colour of Sea Water
Conducted observations on sea water using spectroscope,
Concluded blue color not due to Rayleigh scattering, studied water color attribution.
Spectroscopic Behaviour
Investigated behavior of crystals spectroscopically, studied composition and characteristics of diamonds and colorful materials.
Angular Momentum
Discovered light photons have angular momentum, shifted to atoms that absorb them.
Scientific Institutions
Established Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru in 1949, became its first director.
Awards and Recognition
Awarded Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for work on scattering of light and discovery of Raman Effect, first Indian and Asian to win Nobel in sciences.
Elected member of Royal Society of London in 1924.
Honored with India’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, in 1954.
Received Lenin Peace Prize, Franklin Medal, and Hughes Medal in 1930.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), Melanism in Tigers
Mains level: NA
In the news
The Odisha government’s estimation of the tiger population in its forests has been reported to be 30 Royal Bengal Tigers, while the All India Tiger Estimation-2022 report has found only 20 tigers present.
About All Odisha Tiger Estimation:
The State tiger census was conducted by the State Forest Department.
According to the census, the State has 30 Tigers out of which Similipal Tiger Reserve recorded 27 tigers in the wild.
The remaining three belong to Hirakud wildlife division (Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary), Paralakhemundi territorial division and Keonjhar territorial and wildlife division.
Methodology: The census was conducted using camera-trapping exercises.
About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
Concerned over the sizeable number of pseudo-melanistic tigers in its Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), largely due to inbreeding, the Odisha government has written to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to consider introducing female tigers from other landscapes to the reserve.
Details
Location and Size
Located in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj District, spanning 2750 sq km.
Surrounded by high plateaus and hills;
Khairiburu and Meghashini peaks reach 1515 m.
History
Initially a hunting ground, designated as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973,
Later declared a wildlife sanctuary and biosphere reserve.
Flora and Fauna
Rich biodiversity includes tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, diverse bird species, King cobras, orchids, and medicinal plants.
Tribes
Inhabited by tribes like Kolha, with traditional conservation practices.
UNESCO Recognition
UNESCO listed it as a Biosphere Reserve in May 2009 due to its ecological significance.
Recent Events
A significant fire in 2021 posed a threat to the reserve’s biodiversity, highlighting ongoing conservation challenges.
Global Recognition
Recognized as a Global Network of Biospheres site since 2009.
Melanism in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
Genetic Anomaly: Melanism, a genetic condition, results in increased melanin production, leading to black or nearly black skin, feathers, or hair in animals.
Pseudo-Melanism: The royal Bengal tigers of Similipal boast a unique lineage with elevated melanin levels, resulting in black and yellow interspersed stripes on their coats, making them pseudo-melanistic rather than entirely black.
Genetic Mutation: Research indicates that a single mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) gene causes Similipal’s black tigers to develop distinctive striped patterns.
Inbreeding and Isolation: Genetic analyses suggest that Similipal’s black tigers may have originated from a small founding population, leading to inbreeding due to isolation from other tiger populations.
What are the Population Dynamics and Conservation Efforts made by Odisha Govt?
High Frequency: Approximately 37% of tigers in Similipal Tiger Reserve exhibit pseudo-melanistic traits, highlighting the prevalence of this unique phenotype.
Conservation Measures: Odisha plans to establish a melanistic tiger safari near Similipal, aiming to raise awareness about tiger conservation and provide visitors with an opportunity to observe these rare big cats up close.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2020:
Q. Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gaganyaan Mission
Mains level: Significance of manned space mission for India
In the news
Prime Minister announced the astronaut designates for India’s inaugural crewed spaceflight, Gaganyaan, slated for a 2025 launch.
About Gaganyaan Mission
The Gaganyaan Mission is India’s initiative to demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities by sending a crew of 4 members into a 400 km Low Earth Orbit.
It aims to demonstrate India’s indigenous capability in undertaking human space flights, with an immediate goal of executing a manned mission.
GSLV Mk III, also known as LVM-3, will be used as a launch vehicle in Gaganyaan mission.
Technological Requirements
Human-Rated LVM3: A modified version of ISRO’s LVM3 serves as the launch vehicle, equipped with Crew Escape System (CES) and an Orbital Module to ensure crew safety.
Orbital Module (OM):
Crew Module (CM): Provides a habitable space for crew members, featuring a double-walled rigid construction and essential life support systems.
Service Module (SM): Supports the Crew Module in orbit, housing propulsion, thermal, and power systems.
Crew Escape System (CES): Facilitates emergency escape mechanisms for astronauts during critical phases of the mission, ensuring their safety.
Life Support System: Ensures a conducive environment for crew members in space, addressing physiological needs and emergency provisions.
Phases of Gaganyaan Mission
Testing Phase: Included Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT) and Pad Abort Test (PAT), crucial for validating safety mechanisms and system performance.
Unmanned Missions: Technology demonstration and safety verification precede the manned mission, involving advanced tests and flight trials. Vyommitra AI humanoid underwent tests for this mission.
Manned Mission: Culminates in executing the human spaceflight module of Gaganyaan, following successful unmanned missions.
Significance of the Mission
Technological Advancement: Propels India towards future technological capabilities, fostering affordable space programs and scientific exploration.
Youth Inspiration: Inspires youth towards careers in science and technology, igniting innovation and creativity in space science.
Diplomatic Collaboration: Opens avenues for international cooperation in space exploration, enhancing diplomatic ties and knowledge exchange.
Scientific Breakthrough: Enables groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, material science, and biology through microgravity experiments.
Economic Growth: Stimulates economic development, technology spin-offs, and job creation, contributing to India’s overall progress.
Challenges Associated
Indigenous Technology: Reliance on indigenous technology necessitates complex research and development efforts, ensuring program safety.
Space Transportation Vehicle: Development of customized launch vehicles poses challenges due to payload constraints and weight limitations.
Training and Simulation: Lack of critical space training facilities necessitates dependence on other space agencies, augmenting challenges.
Regenerative Environment: Creation of self-sustaining life support systems in space remains a daunting task, requiring innovative solutions.
Crew Safety: Mitigating risks associated with crew safety, including psychological and physiological effects of space travel, is imperative.
Conclusion
The Gaganyaan Mission epitomizes India’s leap towards space exploration, encapsulating aspirations of scientific discovery, technological innovation, and international collaboration.
Amidst challenges and complexities, India stands poised to script a new chapter in its space odyssey, inspiring generations and propelling towards the frontiers of the cosmos.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Genome India Project
Mains level: NA
In the news
The completion of the ‘10,000 genome’ mapping under the Genome India Project marks a significant milestone in India’s quest to establish a comprehensive reference database of whole-genome sequences, representing the diverse genetic makeup of its population.
About the Genome India Project
Details
Initiative
Launched in 2020 by Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and ISRO
Aim
To sequence 10,000 Indian genomes for a reference genome.
Objective
Understand Indian genetic variations for predictive diagnostics.
Scope
Involves 20+ institutions to collect samples and create a reference grid.
Significance
Addresses India’s genetic diversity for personalized healthcare.
Applications
Advances biotech, agriculture, and healthcare for diseases like diabetes and cancer.
What is Genome Sequencing?
Genome sequencing involves deciphering the complete set of genetic instructions contained within an organism’s DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid).
It entails determining the sequence of the four nucleotide bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T).
The human genome comprises over 3 billion of these genetic letters, but current DNA sequencing methods can only handle short stretches at a time.
While human genomes consist of DNA, viruses can have genomes composed of either DNA or RNA (Ribonucleic acid).
Notably, viruses like the coronavirus possess RNA genomes.
Each organism possesses a unique genome sequence, making genome sequencing a vital technique for understanding genetic information encoded in DNA or RNA.
Outcomes of the Genome India Project
Population Complexity: India’s vast population, comprising over 4,600 distinct groups, exhibits significant genetic diversity, owing to factors such as endogamy.
Unique Variations: Various disease-causing mutations are amplified within specific population groups, highlighting the importance of understanding India’s genetic landscape.
Future Implications
Insight into Population Diversity: The project aims to provide deeper insights into India’s genetic diversity, facilitating improved diagnostic methods and medical counselling.
Personalized Medicine: Identifying genetic predispositions to diseases and developing personalized drugs are envisioned outcomes, enhancing healthcare interventions.
Biobank Establishment: A biobank housing 20,000 blood samples, located at the Centre for Brain Research, IISc, supports genome sequencing efforts.
Data Archiving: Data archiving at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), set up by the DBT at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, underscores the project’s commitment to transparency and collaboration.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Obelisks, Viroids
Mains level: NA
In the news
Recently identified by scientists at Stanford University, obelisks represent a distinct class of virus-like entities residing within the human body.
What are Obelisks?
Novel Discoveries: Recently identified, obelisks represent a distinct class of virus-like entities residing within the human body.
Genetic Diversity: Comprising diverse RNA molecules, obelisks have pervaded both human and global microbiomes, yet remained unnoticed until now.
Distinctive Characteristics:
Structural Symmetry: Named after the rod-like, highly symmetrical structures formed by their twisted RNA strands.
Genetic Makeup: Obelisks boast compact genetic sequences of approximately 1,000 nucleotides, devoid of known similarities to other biological agents.
Size Disparity: Significantly larger than conventional genetic molecules like plasmids, which are primarily composed of DNA.
Taxonomic Position: Positioned between viruses and viroids, obelisks constitute a unique class of organisms with intriguing properties.
Host Interaction: While the hosts of certain obelisks remain unidentified, bacterial associations are speculated, hinting at a broader ecological significance.
Spatial Distribution: Various types of obelisks inhabit diverse regions within the human body, highlighting their pervasive presence and potential physiological roles.
Understanding Viroids: Nature’s Tiny RNA Loops
Genetic Cousins: Viroids are compact loops of RNA, closely related to DNA, primarily infecting plant organisms.
Discovery: In 1971, Theodor Diener identified viroids during research on potato spindle tuber disease, revealing naked RNA entities devoid of protein coats or lipid layers.
Unique Features:
Lack of Encapsulation: Unlike larger RNA viruses, viroids lack protective shells, relying solely on their RNA structure for stability.
Genetic Composition: Viroid RNA does not encode protein-building instructions, contrasting with viruses that carry genetic blueprints for their replication machinery.
Host Interactions: Viroids exploit host enzymes for replication, highlighting their parasitic nature within plant cells.
