From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Antibiotics resistance;
Mains level: Concerning aspects of Antibiotic use;
Why in the news?
While vital for treating infections, antibiotics can disrupt the microbiome by indiscriminately killing both harmful pathogens and beneficial gut bacteria, especially broad-spectrum types.
Various roles played by Antibiotics (Applications):
Treatment of Infections
Antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections, significantly reducing mortality rates associated with infectious diseases
For example, penicillin and other antibiotics, the mortality rate from strep throat dropped dramatically from 1% to less than 0.1%.
Preventing Disease Spread
Treating bacterial infections, antibiotics can prevent the spread of disease to other individuals
For instance, during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, antibiotics were used to treat secondary bacterial pneumonia, which was a major cause of death.
Reducing Complications
Antibiotics can reduce the risk of serious complications from bacterial infections.
For instance, In the case of urinary tract infections (UTIs), untreated infections can lead to kidney damage or life-threatening conditions like sepsis. However, with prompt antibiotic treatment, the risk of complications is greatly reduced
Supporting Medical Procedures
Antibiotics are used prophylactically to prevent infections before certain medical procedures
For example in surgery
Concerning Aspects of Antibiotic Use
Dysbiosis: The disruption of the microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can lead to severe health issues, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Increased Infection Risk: Antibiotics can reduce colonization resistance, which is the microbiome’s ability to prevent pathogenic microorganisms from establishing infections. This reduction increases the risk of infections by harmful bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Overuse of antibiotics contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance, making it more challenging to treat infections. The global crisis of antibiotic resistance is exacerbated by the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes within the gut microbiota due to antibiotic exposure.
Long-term Health Consequences: Repeated antibiotic use can prevent full recovery of the microbiome, leading to chronic health issues. Research shows that children who receive multiple courses of antibiotics are at higher risk for developing conditions like IBD later in life.
Impact on Other Organ Systems: Dysbiosis can affect various organ systems through gut-organ axes, influencing conditions such as mental health disorders (via the gut-brain axis), liver diseases (via the gut-liver axis), and skin conditions (via the gut-skin axis) due to altered immune responses and increased permeability.
Government initiatives:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated an antibiotic stewardship program (AMSP) on a pilot basis in 20 tertiary care hospitals across India to control the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in hospital wards and ICUs.
ICMR collaborated with the Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries, and the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to ban the use of Colistin as a growth promoter in animal feed in poultry.
The Government of India launched the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) in April 2017, focusing on a One Health approach.
Way forward:
Antibiotic Stewardship Programs: Implement and promote antibiotic stewardship programs in healthcare settings to ensure antibiotics are prescribed only when necessary and with the appropriate dosage and duration.
Probiotic Supplementation: Encourage the use of probiotics alongside antibiotic treatments to help maintain a healthy microbiome and mitigate the risks of dysbiosis and related health issues.
Mains PYQ:
Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (2014)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Couse of CO2 emission and carbon sequestration;
Why in the News?
A new calculation suggests that climate models might be overestimating how long plants keep carbon before releasing it as per the recent study published in Science by an international research team.
Study by an International Team of Researchers:
A recent study published in Science by an international research team suggests that plants absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere than previously thought but release it back into their surroundings sooner than expected.
Researchers utilized climate models to analyze the impact of radiocarbon (carbon-14) from nuclear bomb tests on the carbon cycle. They tracked changes in radiocarbon levels in the atmosphere and how it was absorbed by plants during photosynthesis.
The study estimates that plants store around 80 billion tonnes of carbon per year, primarily in leaves and finer roots, which is higher than previous estimates of 43-76 billion tonnes. This indicates that plants may be cycling carbon through the atmosphere and soil more rapidly than previously thought.
Study from the Relics of the Cold War:
The nuclear bomb tests conducted during the Cold War inadvertently provided scientists with valuable data for climate research.
The tests released significant amounts of radiocarbon into the atmosphere, allowing researchers to study its movement and absorption by vegetation.
The presence of radiocarbon in the atmosphere serves as a marker for understanding carbon dynamics.
The study analyzed the radiocarbon levels before and after the 1963 Limited Test Ban Treaty, which halted atmospheric nuclear testing, providing insights into how carbon is cycled between the atmosphere and vegetation.
The study highlights that many climate models have not incorporated radiocarbon data, which could lead to inaccuracies in predicting carbon cycling and its impact on climate change.
Only one model, the Community Earth System Model 2, has accounted for radiocarbon, but it predicted lower absorption levels than the study found.
How the Whole System is Cycling Faster?
Accelerated Carbon Exchange: The researchers concluded that the entire carbon cycle is operating faster than previously understood.
This means that while plants absorb more CO2, they also release it back into the atmosphere more quickly, leading to a more dynamic and less stable carbon storage system.
Implications for Climate Mitigation: The findings suggest that strategies relying on plant carbon sequestration to offset fossil fuel emissions may need to be reevaluated.
If plants are releasing carbon sooner than expected, the potential for mitigating climate change through natural carbon sinks could be less effective than previously thought.
Way forward:
Incorporate Radiocarbon Data: Integrate radiocarbon data into existing and future climate models to more accurately predict carbon cycling and the role of vegetation in carbon sequestration. This will lead to more reliable forecasts of climate change impacts and inform better policy decisions.
Develop Dynamic Carbon Cycle Models: Improve models to account for the faster carbon cycling observed, ensuring they reflect the actual pace at which carbon is absorbed and released by plants. This will help in refining strategies for climate mitigation.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nankai Trough
Why on the News?
Japanese authorities have warned its citizens of a ‘megaquake’ and large tsunamis along the Nankai Trough.
What is the Nankai Trough?
The Nankai Trough is an extensive subduction zone, nearly 900 km long.
It is the place of collision of the Eurasian Plate over the Philippine Sea Plate.
This trough has a history of producing large earthquakes approximately every 100 to 150 years.
The most recent Nankai Trough quake happened in 1946 with magnitude 8.0 tremor and 6.9 metre tsunami, killing 1,330 people.
Potential for a Megaquake:
Japan’s researchers estimated in January 2022 that there is a roughly 70% chance of a magnitude 8-9 megaquake striking the Nankai Trough within next 30 years.
Such a quake could affect a vast region stretching from central Shizuoka, about 150 km south of Tokyo, to southwestern Miyazaki.
PYQ:
[2014] Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Perseid Meteor Shower
Why in the News?
The Perseid meteor shower, which began in July, is currently at its peak activity from August 11 to 13, 2024.
About Perseid Meteor Shower
Details
Origin
Named after the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to originate.
Cause
Caused by debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle as it orbits the Sun.
How It Occurs
Consists of ice, rock, and dust particles shed by Comet Swift-Tuttle.
Earth passes through this debris field annually between mid-July and late August.
Particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at around 214,000 km/h, causing them to heat up and create bright streaks of light.
Discovery
The connection between the Perseid meteor shower and Comet Swift-Tuttle was established in 1862 by Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle.
Historical Observations
Observed for centuries, with records dating back to ancient Chinese, Japanese, and European civilizations.
Impact of Earth’s Gravity
Earth’s gravity pulls particles from the debris field, causing them to enter the atmosphere.
Larger particles can create fireballs—bright meteors that are more intense and last longer.
Note: In the 1990s, scientists feared comet Swift-Tuttle might hit Earth or the Moon in 2126, but later calculations confirmed safety for two millennia.
PYQ:
[2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Diamond Imprest Licence
Why in the News?
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry has introduced Diamond Imprest Licence at the 40th edition of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2024.
The event was organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
What is the Diamond Imprest Licence?
The Diamond Imprest Licence is a regulatory framework introduced by the Indian government to facilitate the import of diamonds for exporters, particularly benefiting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the diamond industry.
It will allow Indian diamond exporters who meet a certain export turnover threshold to import up to 5% of their average export turnover over the preceding three years.
This policy aims to create a level-playing field for MSME diamond exporters, enabling them to compete more effectively with larger industry peers.
About the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC )
Details
Establishment
Established in 1966 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
Granted an autonomous status in 1998.
Headquarters
Mumbai, India
Regional offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat, Jaipur
Membership
Represents almost 7,000 exporters from across India.
Role and Functions
Promotes exports of gems and jewellery
Presents industry issues to the government and recommends policy interventions.
Common Facility Centers (CFCs)
Established in Amreli, Visnagar, Palanpur, and Junagadh in Gujarat.
Services include planning, laser sawing, and cutting facilities to process diamonds.
Awards
Organizes premier jewellery design competitions and awards, celebrating creativity and innovation in jewellery design.
Key Events
Hosts the Design Inspirations seminar annually in Mumbai, educating jewellers, designers, and students about upcoming trends in India, Europe, and the US.
Educational Institutes
Operates 7 educational institutes across five cities, including the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) in Mumbai, Jaipur, Delhi, Varanasi, and Udupi.
Gemmological Laboratories
Gemmological Institute of India (GII), Mumbai: Established in 1971, focusing on gemological training, research, and certification.
Gem Testing Laboratory, Jaipur: Specializes in grading and certifying colored gemstones.
Indian Gemological Institute, New Delhi: Provides gem testing and certification services, particularly for the North Indian market.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following foreign travelers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: A23a Iceberg
Why in the News?
A23a, the world’s largest iceberg, has recently started spinning in place after drifting away from Antarctica in 2020.
Now it is near South Orkney Islands, about northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula.
What is A23a?
A23a is an iceberg, about 3,855 square kilometers in area, which is 5 times the size of New York City.
It was originally part of an even larger iceberg called A23.
It broke off from the Filchner Ice Shelf in Antarctica in 1986.
What is happening with A23a?
It is now trapped over a seamount, and is spinning slowly in place.
It is completing a full spin approximately in 24 days.
Reason behind the spinning: Icebergs spin in Iceberg Alley because they get pulled by the strong Antarctic Circumpolar Current, moving into warmer waters where they melt.
Implications
A23a’s melting does not contributetoglobal sea level rise since it is already floating.
Its extended stay in this vortexcould impact marine life in the area, especially plankton and other organisms in the food chain.
The situation also provides a unique opportunity for scientists to study how such large icebergs behave in the ocean.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements:
1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.
2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[2021] How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Census of India
Mains level: Significance of Calculating Census;
Why in the News?
Despite growing concerns, India’s decadal Census has been delayed by over three years. In fact, there is an overwhelming misconception among officials about substituting the Census with alternative ways and means of counting the population.
Significance of Calculating Census
Comprehensive Population Data: The Census provides a detailed population count, which includes locational, familial, and individual information.
For instance, the Census can reveal insights into population density, age distribution, educational attainment, and employment status.
Foundation for Surveys and Indicators: The Census acts as a foundational frame for large-scale surveys like the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
Support for SDG Monitoring: In the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Census data is crucial for generating accurate indicators, particularly those requiring disaggregated data below the sub-national level.
For instance, to monitor progress on goals related to poverty reduction, gender equality, and health, precise demographic data is necessary to identify disparities and target interventions effectively.
Demographic Transition Insights: The Census is vital for capturing changes in population composition, familial structures, and occupational distribution, especially during periods of rapid demographic transition.
Global Implications: Given India’s significant influence on global population trends, accurate Census data is crucial for global demographic studies and projections.
For example Global Health Security Index and Multidimensional Poverty Indices.
Changes to understand before taking Census Count
Population Dynamics: Since the last Census, significant changes in population count and composition must be understood, including shifts due to migration, fertility, and mortality rates.
For example: In India, the average annual growth rate of the population has slowed from 2.2% in 1971 to 1.1% in 2021, with projections indicating further declines to 0.58% by 2036.
Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has had a profound impact on health, employment, and livelihoods, which need to be accurately captured in the Census.
For example, The Indian government reported over 500,000 COVID-19 related deaths, which have affected overall mortality statistics and health indicators.
Socio-economic Transformations: Changes in education, occupation, and employment patterns over the last decade are crucial to understanding current societal trends.
For example, The literacy rate in India has improved significantly, rising from 64.8% in 2001 to 77.7% in 2011, with further increases expected.
Infrastructure and Development Changes: The transformation in physical and digital infrastructure, as well as regional development patterns, must be considered to accurately reflect the current state of the nation.
For example, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, with a reported increase in internet users from 560 million in 2019 to over 800 million in 2022. This digital transformation has reshaped how people work and access services.
Demand for Caste Census in India
Political Motivations: The demand for a caste Census is largely driven by political interests, aiming to establish differential entitlements based on perceived representation and deprivation.
For instance, leaders from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) have emphasized the need for a caste Census
Historical Context: Caste auditing was part of earlier Census exercises but was discontinued for specific reasons.
For example, Caste auditing was part of earlier Census exercises, with the British-era Censuses from 1881 to 1931 enumerating all castes. However, after independence, the Government of India decided not to enumerate castes in the 1951 Census, except for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Assessment of Mobility: There is a lack of systematic assessment of social mobility in education and occupation across caste lines, despite decades of affirmative action. A caste Census could potentially address this gap but is viewed with skepticism.
For instance, while reservations exist for OBCs and SCs, the actual impact on social mobility remains unclear due to insufficient data.
Way forward:
Incorporation of Caste Data: Need to amend the Census Act of 1948 to mandate the enumeration of caste data alongside other demographic information. This would provide a legal framework for collecting comprehensive caste-wise data.
Independent Studies and Pilot Surveys: The government should conduct independent studies at district and state levels to gather data on castes and sub-castes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (2020)
Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: No-Confidence Motion
Why in the News?
As many as 50 Opposition MPs have reportedly signed a resolution to bring a no-confidence motion against Vice-President (Rajya Sabha Chairman) Jagdeep Dhankhar.
No-Confidence Motionagainst Vice President of India
Details
Provision
Article 67(b) of the Indian Constitution
Who Can Initiate
Can only be introduced in the Rajya Sabha, not the Lok Sabha.
Notice Requirement
At least 14 days’ advance notice must be given before moving the resolution.
Voting in Rajya Sabha
Requires an effective majority (majority of all members present and voting) in the Rajya Sabha.
Voting in Lok Sabha
Requires a simple majority (more than 50% of members present and voting) in the Lok Sabha.
Grounds for Removal
Constitution does not specify any grounds or justifications for the removal of the Vice President.
Temporary Vacancy
If the Vice President is removed -> Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha assumes the role of Chairman.
Historical Context
No Vice President has ever been removed under this Article in Indian parliamentary history.
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following statements:
1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the
Presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BPaL Regimen
Why in the News?
India is preparing to introduce the BPaL (bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid)regimenfor all patients with multi/extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB).
What is BPaL Regimen?
Details
Purpose
Treatment for multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB).
Provides a potent, shorter, and more effective treatment option for patients resistant to standard TB drugs.
Components of the regimen
Bedaquiline (Bdq):
Targets ATP synthase enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, disrupting energy production.
Key drug in combating drug-resistant TB.
Pretomanid (Pa):
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and kills bacteria under anaerobic conditions.
Enhances effectiveness when combined with other TB drugs.
Linezolid (Lzd):
Inhibits protein synthesis, stopping bacterial growth.
Effective against MDR and XDR TB strains.
Significance of BPaL Regimen
Studies and trials have shown that the BPaL regimen has higher success rates in treating MDR and XDR TB compared to older regimens.
It reduces treatment duration for MDR/XDR-TB from the traditional 18-24 months to 6 months approx.
It is entirely oral with NO injectable, making it easier for patients to adhere to the treatment.
It reduces number of drugs patients need to take daily from up to 14 to just 3.
PYQ:
[2014] Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
The opposition has submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha to initiate privilege proceedings against Union Education Minister.
It is alleged that the Minister ‘misled’ the House regarding the issue of the Preamble to the Constitution being ‘dropped’ from certain NCERT textbooks.
What is a Privilege Motion?
Details
What is it?
A formal notice by an MP when rights or privileges of Parliament or its members are breached.
Parliamentary privilege refers to the right and immunity enjoyed by legislatures (Article 105).
Who can move such motion?
Any Member of Parliament (MP) from Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
Governing Rules
Lok Sabha Rule book: Rule 222, Chapter 20
Rajya Sabha Rule book: Rule 187, Chapter 16
Procedure
Requires consent from Speaker/Chairperson;
Notice must concern a recent incident needing House intervention.
Role of Speaker/Chairperson
First level of scrutiny;
Can decide on the motion or refer it to the Privileges Committee.
Privileges Committee
Lok Sabha: 15 members, nominated by Speaker
Rajya Sabha: 10 members, headed by Deputy Chairperson
Outcome
Committee submits a report;
House may debate and pass a resolution based on the report.
Historical Example
1978: Privilege motion against Indira Gandhi, leading to her expulsion from the Lok Sabha.
Legal Implications
If a breach of privilege is established, the Parliament has the authority to impose penalties.
These can range from a reprimand to expulsion from the House, depending on the severity of the breach.
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:
1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Clean Plant Programme
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
What is the Clean Plant Programme (CPP)?
Details
Objective
To providevirus-free, high-quality planting material to farmers, enhancing the quality, productivity, and sustainability of fruit crops across India.
Aligns with Mission LiFE and One Health initiatives, promoting sustainable practices and reducing dependence on imported planting materials.
Key Features
Virus-Free Planting Material: Ensures availability of high-quality, virus-free planting material.
All-inclusivity: Accessible to all farmers, with emphasis on women’s participation.
Region-Specific Approaches: Tailored strategies for diverse agro-climatic conditions across India.
Core
Components
Clean Plant Centers (CPCs): Nine state-of-the-art CPCs equipped with advanced diagnostics and tissue culture labs will be established across India. These include:
These centers will produce and maintain virus-free planting material for large-scale propagation.
Certification and Legal Framework: Under the Seeds Act of 1966.
Nursery Infrastructure: Support for large-scale nurseries to multiply clean planting materials.
Key Benefits
For Farmers: Increased crop yields, improved income opportunities, and economic stability through access to virus-free, high-quality planting materials.
ForConsumers: Access to superior quality, virus-free fruits, resulting in better taste, appearance, and nutritional value.
For nation: Strengthened position in global fruit trade through the production of higher-quality, disease-free fruits.
PYQ:
[2013] Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit longer storage life because:
(a) Exposure to sunlight is prevented
(b) Concentration of carbon dioxide in the environment is increased
(c) Rate of respiration is decreased
(d) There is an increase in humidity
[2018] Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Silicosis and its health implications
Why in the News?
UK researchers suggest stricter daily silica dust exposure limits in industries could save 13,000 lives as per British Medical Journal Thorax.
What is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a lung disease that results in the hardening of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling silica dust or crystals, commonly found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite, and artificial stone.
Silicosis is a chronic disease that develops slowly, often after 10 to 20 years of exposure.
Silicosis can lead to other severe conditions, including lung cancer, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Note: Silicosis is a recognized disease under the Mines Act (1952) and the Factories Act (1948).
Causes of Silicosis:
Workers in industries such as construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery, and sculpting are at high risk.
The cutting, drilling, or breaking down of materials containing silica releases fine dust into the air.
As per National Programme on Elimination of Silicosis in India
Remedies for Silicosis:
Currently, there is no cure for silicosis, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Preventive measures:
Water Suppression Techniques: Using water or foam to suppress dust at the source.
Proper Ventilation: Ensuring adequate airflow in work environments to reduce dust accumulation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing workers with masks and respirators that filter out fine particles.
Regular Monitoring: Implementing regular health checks for workers and monitoring air quality in workplaces.
Case study related to reducing Silica Dust Exposure
United States: Implemented stricter regulations on silica dust, resulting in a significant reduction in silicosis cases.
Australia: Banned the use of engineered stone due to its propensity to release high levels of silica dust when cut or drilled.
PYQ:
[2019] Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?
(a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
(b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Trichophyton indotineae
Why in the News?
The increase in drug-resistant fungal infections, especially Trichophyton indotineae, is becoming a major health problem in India.
What Is Trichophyton Indotineae?
Trichophyton indotineae is a dermatophyte commonly known as ringworm or jock itch.
First identified in India, this fungus has now spread to several countries worldwide.
It belongs to genotype VIII within the T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale species complex, found in regions including Australia and Oman.
Factors causing its spread
Patients often present with persistent, treatment-resistant rashes that can be mistaken for eczema or other skin conditions.
Misdiagnosis leads to the use of ineffective treatments, prolonging patient suffering and allowing the infection to worsen.
Trichophyton indotineae has shown resistance to terbinafine due to genetic mutations, with growing resistance to itraconazole also a concern.
The unregulated sale of steroid-containing combination creams further complicates treatment efforts.
Treatments available
Alternative to terbinafine and Itraconazole are available but often come with significant side effects, requiring close monitoring by healthcare providers.
Integrating comprehensive skin care regimens can enhance treatment efficacy, including maintaining skin hydration and using barrier creams.
PYQ:
[2014] Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Buddhadeb Bhattacharya (1944-2024) and His contributions
Why in the News?
Former CM of West Bengal and leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharya passed away at 80.
Who was Buddhadeb Bhattacharya?
Bhattacharya was a politician who served as CM of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011.
He was known for his attempts to modernize and industrialize West Bengal while navigating the challenges of maintaining communist ideology.
In 2022, Bhattacharya was awarded Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, which he declined, citing his political principles.
Key Contributions:
Category
Details
Political Reforms
Attempted to reduce the influence of powerful trade unions in the state, particularly in the industrial sector, to attract investments and improve work culture.
Social-Cultural Reforms
Played a key role in establishing the Kolkata International Film Festival and promoted Bengali literature.
Authored several books and translated works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Vladimir Mayakovsky into Bengali, enriching the state’s cultural heritage.
Introduced measures to eliminate corruption in school recruitments by ensuring all hiring was conducted through transparent exams.
Initiated reforms to integrate mainstream subjects into madrassa education.
Economic Reforms
Led efforts to industrialize West Bengal by attracting investments in IT, steel, and special economic zones (SEZs), including the Tata Nano project in Singur.
Faced significant opposition and protests in Singur and Nandigram over land acquisition, which ultimately contributed to the political decline of the Left Front.
PYQ:
[2011] Karl Marx explained the process of class struggle with the help of which one of the following theories?
Lalit Kala Akademi, National Gallery of Modern Art
Objective
Enhance New Delhi’s cultural and aesthetic outlook
Key Themes
Nature tributes, Natyashastra, Gandhi ji, Toys of India, Hospitality, Ancient knowledge, Naad (Primeval Sound), Harmony of Life, Kalpataru (Divine Tree).
Artist Participation
Over 200 visual artists; significant participation from women artists
Artforms included
Phad paintings (Rajasthan), Thangka painting (Sikkim/Ladakh), Miniature painting (Himachal Pradesh), Gond art (Madhya Pradesh), Tanjore paintings (Tamil Nadu), Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh), Alpona art (West Bengal), Cheriyal painting (Telangana), Pichhwai Painting (Rajasthan), Lanjia Saura (Odisha), Pattachitra (West Bengal), Bani Thani Painting (Rajasthan), Warli (Maharashtra), Pithora Art (Gujarat), Aipan (Uttarakhand), Kerala Murals (Kerala), Alpana art (Tripura).
PYQ:
[2018] The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tiger Reserves in India;
Mains level: Reason for the declining population of Tigers;
Why in the News?
Facing a significant decline in its tiger population in recent years, Chhattisgarh on Wednesday approved a long-awaited proposal to establish a new tiger reserve, which will be the third largest in the country.
Process of Notification of Tiger Reserves
Proposal and Evaluation: The state government initiates the process by proposing an area to be designated as a tiger reserve. This proposal is then evaluated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Cabinet Approval: After NTCA’s recommendations, the state cabinet must approve the notification of the tiger reserve.
Integration of Areas: The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve integrates the existing Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of 2,829 square kilometers.
Note: Once a tiger reserve is notified, it cannot be easily denotified. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, allows for denotification only under exceptional circumstances and with approval from the NTCA and the National Board for Wildlife.
About Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve
It is Chhattisgarh’s fourth tiger reserve, following Indravati, Udanti-Sitanadi, and Achanakmar.
The reserve spans four districts: Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Koriya, Surajpur, and Balrampur.
It aims to bolster conservation efforts and provide a protected habitat for tigers, thereby promoting eco-tourism and creating employment opportunities for local communities.
It aims to bolster conservation efforts and provide a protected habitat for tigers by Providing additional budgetary resources from the National Project Tiger Authority for its operations.
It would promote eco-tourism and create employment opportunities for local communities.
Tiger Reserves in India
As of June 2024, India has 55 tiger reserves. This number has increased from 9 reserves in 1973 when Project Tiger was initiated. India is home to around 75% of the global tiger population.
The latest addition to the list is the Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, which is the 55th reserve established in the country.
These reserves are crucial for the conservation of the Bengal tiger, which is a keystone species in India’s ecosystems, and they collectively support around 80% of the world’s tiger population.
Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers at 785, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444).
The initiative was taken by the Government:
Strengthening Legal Framework: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides a legal framework for tiger conservation, establishing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and critical tiger habitats. The 2006 amendment led to the creation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Anti-Poaching Measures:Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) has been deployed in tiger reserves to combat poaching. Modern surveillance technologies like camera traps and drones are used to monitor tiger populations and deter poaching activities.
To avoid human-tiger conflict: As of 2023, 12,327 families from 173 villages have been successfully relocated from tiger reserves to reduce human-tiger conflict.
Way forward:
Undertake habitat restoration measures in the tiger reserves, including prey base management and removal of invasive species, to improve the quality of tiger habitats.
Deploy the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in the newly notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve to curb poaching.
Mains PYQ:
Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC IAS/2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is Weight Cutting?
Mains level: Issues related to Weight Cutting ;
Why in the News?
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics after the official weigh-in on Wednesday morning, before her scheduled gold medal bout in the evening, leaving her without a medal.
What is Weight Cutting?
Weight cutting is the process by which athletes systematically reduce their body weight before a competition. This typically involves a combination of dietary restrictions and intensive physical activity aimed at shedding a specific amount of weight, often over a period of weeks leading up to the event.
Wrestlers often employ extreme measures such as skipping meals, limiting water intake, and engaging in intense exercise, including sauna sessions and wearing heavy clothing to promote sweating. This can lead to rapid weight loss primarily through fluid loss.
Why Do Combat Athletes Cut Weight?
Combat sports like wrestling, boxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) are organized by weight classes to ensure fair competition. Athletes aim to compete in lower weight classes to gain a size and strength advantage over their opponents, as they can often regain weight after the weigh-in.
By cutting weight, athletes believe they can compete against opponents who are lighter and potentially less strong, thus increasing their chances of success in the competition.
Should Weight Cutting Be Banned?
The practice of weight cutting poses significant health risks, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and energy depletion, which can impair performance and lead to serious medical issues. Athletes may experience severe fatigue and reduced physical capabilities after extreme weight cuts.
There is an ongoing debate about whether weight cutting should be banned or regulated more strictly. Critics argue that the health risks outweigh the competitive advantages, while supporters maintain that it is a part of the sport’s culture and can be managed safely with proper guidance.
Some suggest that instead of banning weight cutting, sports organizations should implement better regulations and educate athletes about safe practices for weight management, including gradual weight loss and hydration strategies.
Way forward:
Implement Hydration Testing: Regular hydration tests can prevent severe dehydration, ensuring athletes remain within safe hydration levels.
Weight Class Monitoring: Monitor athletes’ weight throughout the training period to discourage rapid weight loss just before competition.
Set Minimum Weight Limits: Establish minimum weight thresholds based on athletes’ natural body weight to prevent extreme weight cuts.
Mains PYQ:
Q An athlete participates in the Olympics for personal triumph and the nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state-sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. (UPSC IAS/2014)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Challenges in the Himalayan region;
Why in the News?
The Teesta dam breach and Himachal floods highlight the urgent need to evaluate development projects based on their environmental impact, especially in fragile mountain regions.
What are the underlying issues in the cities of IHR?
Inadequate Planning Models: Planning institutions in the IHR often use models from the plains, which are ill-suited to the region’s unique conditions, leading to ineffective implementation and failures.
Human Resource Deficit: City governments in the IHR face a severe shortage of human resources, with staffing levels falling short by nearly 75%, hampering effective urban management.
Uncontrolled Urban Expansion: Cities are expanding into village peripheries, encroaching on common lands and natural resources, as seen in Srinagar, where built-up areas increased by 75.58% from 2000 to 2020, while water bodies shrank by 25%.
Environmental Strain:Urbanization, high-intensity tourism, and unsustainable infrastructure development are exacerbating environmental pressures in the IHR, further worsened by changing precipitation patterns and rising temperatures.
Financial Constraints: The IHR cities lack the capacity to generate capital for infrastructure needs, highlighting the need for the Finance Commission to address urban financing in this region, given the high costs and absence of industrial corridors.
What can be done?
Every town needs to be mapped, with layers identifying vulnerabilities from geological and hydrological perspectives. The planning process should involve locals and follow a bottom-up approach.
Consultant-driven urban planning processes should be shelved for Himalayan towns, with the urban design based on climate resilience.
Current intergovernmental transfers from the centre to urban local bodies constitute a mere 0.5% of GDP. This should be increased to at least 1% of GDP.
Himalayan towns must engage in wider conversations about sustainability, with the focus on urban futures being through robust, eco-centric planning processes involving public participation.
Case Study
Nainital: Integrated Development Plan
Nainital district in Uttarakhand implemented an Integrated Development Plan that aimed to balance urban growth with environmental conservation.
The plan involved mapping vulnerable areas, restricting construction in ecologically sensitive zones, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Community participation and awareness programs were also part of the initiative to ensure long-term sustainability.
Dharamshala: Green Building Norms
The Dharamshala Municipal Corporation in Himachal Pradesh has adopted green building norms for new constructions, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.
The city has also invested in public transportation and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to reduce vehicular emissions and promote sustainable mobility
Mains PYQ:
Q How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (UPSC IAS/2019)
