Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (12-06-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Science and Technology: What is the multi-drug-resistant pathogen found in the International Space Station? |
| WHO confirms human case of H9N2 bird flu in India |
| International Relations: U.N. Security Council adopts a ceasefire resolution aimed at ending Israel-Hamas war in Gaza |
| Disaster Management: Why heatwaves have not been included as a notified disaster in the Disaster Management Act |
| Defence: Japan India Maritime Exercise – 24 (Jimex – 24) Commenced At Yokosuka Japan |
What is the multi-drug-resistant pathogen found in the International Space Station?
Source: Down To Earth
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Science and Technology
Context: Multi-drug-resistant pathogen found in the International Space Station
Why in News
- Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have carried out a collaborative study of the behaviour of multi-drug resistant pathogens aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Key findings Of Study
- The research, funded by an Ames Space Biology grant, brought together a multi-disciplinary team of scientists from IIT-Madras and NASA’s JPL.
- They used advanced analytical techniques, including metabolic modelling to explore the coexisting microbial communities alongside E bugandensis.
- The study focused on the genomic, functional and metabolic adaptations of Enterobacter bugandensis, a bacterium notorious for causing hospital-acquired infections.
- Enterobacter infections are extremely difficult to treat, according to a 2018 report in the journal Microbiology Resource Announcements.
- Enterobacter species are members of the ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species) group of pathogens and are on the WHO priority list for developing new antimicrobials.
- With microgravity, heightened carbon dioxide levels and increased radiation as constant challenges, ISS provides a distinctive setting for studying microbial dynamics.
- Researchers isolated 13 strains of E bugandensis from various surfaces within the ISS, revealing accelerated mutations that rendered them genetically and functionally distinct from their Earth counterparts.
- One of the pivotal findings from the study underscored the role of stress-induced genomic adaptations in bolstering the pathogen’s resistance to antimicrobial treatments.
- The ISS strains of E bugandensis displayed remarkable persistence over time, coexisting with other microorganisms and sometimes even assisting in their survival.
Significance of the Research
- The latest findings have implications for both space exploration and terrestrial healthcare, according to the researchers.
- The investigation delved into the mechanisms enabling these pathogens to thrive in the unique environment of the ISS.
- This resilience of microbial life in the confined and extreme environment of the ISS offers valuable insights into the behaviour of pathogens in analogous settings on Earth, such as hospital intensive care units and surgical theatres.
- Understanding these adaptations is important given the formidable challenges posed by multi-drug resistant pathogens in healthcare settings.
- Investigating the pathogenic potential of microorganisms in space environments is crucial not only for safeguarding astronaut health but also for mitigating the risks associated with opportunistic pathogens in closed human-built environments on Earth.
ISS and Pathogen Stir
- The potent pathogen created a stir in the Indian subcontinent with Indian-origin Sunita Williams being among the nine crew members aboard the ISS. Williams arrived at the space station on June 6, 2024.
- The ISS orbits approximately 400 kilometres above Earth and serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory.
- It has been continuously occupied since November 2000, providing a unique platform for scientific research across multiple disciplines, including biology, physics, astronomy and other fields.
- The presence of multi-drug resistant pathogens aboard the ISS added a new layer of complexity to the health and safety protocols for astronauts.
- The findings of the study underscored the need for robust preventive measures to ensure the health and safety of astronauts, who operate under altered immune conditions with limited access to medical facilities.
Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs)
- Multidrug-resistant organisms are bacteria that have become resistant to certain antibiotics, and these antibiotics can no longer be used to control or kill the bacteria.
- Antibiotics are important medicines.
- They help fight infections that are caused by bacteria. Bacteria that resist treatment with more than one antibiotic are called multidrug-resistant organisms.
Causes of MDROs
- Multidrug-resistant organisms develop when antibiotics are taken longer than necessary or when they are not needed.
- At first, only a few bacteria may survive treatment with an antibiotic.
- The more often the antibiotics are used, the more likely it is that resistant bacteria will develop.
- These MDROs can go on to infect people.
International Space Station
- The International Space Station (ISS) is a large space station assembled and maintained in low Earth orbit by a collaboration of five space agencies and their contractors: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada).
- The ISS is the largest space station ever built. Its primary purpose is to perform microgravity and space environment experiments.
- Operationally, the station is divided into two sections: the Russian Orbital Segment (ROS) assembled by Roscosmos, and the US Orbital Segment, assembled by NASA, JAXA, ESA and CSA.
- A striking feature of the ISS is the Integrated Truss Structure, which connects the large solar panels and radiators to the pressurized modules.
- The pressurized modules are specialized for research, habitation, storage, spacecraft control, and airlock functions.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements with regards to Enterobacter species:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
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Q. Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (2019)
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (b) |
| Answer 1– D
Explanation –
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U.N. Security Council adopts a ceasefire resolution aimed at ending Israel-Hamas war in Gaza
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 2 – West Asia, International Relations
Context: Israel Hamas war and UN Resolution
Why in News
- The UN Security Council on June 10 overwhelmingly approved its first resolution endorsing a ceasefire plan aimed at ending the eight-month war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Key Highlights
- The U.S.-sponsored resolution welcomes a ceasefire proposal announced by President Joe Biden that the United States says Israel has accepted.
- It calls on the militant Palestinian group Hamas to accept the three-phase plan.
- The resolution — which was approved with 14 of the 15 Security Council members voting in favour and Russia abstaining — calls on Israel and Hamas “to fully implement its terms without delay and without condition.”
- Whether Israel and Hamas agree to go forward with the plan remains in question, but the resolution’s strong support in the U.N.’s most powerful body puts added pressure on both parties to approve the proposal.
Background
- The war was sparked by Hamas’ surprise Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel in which militants killed about 1,200 people, mainly Israeli civilians, and took about 250 others hostage. About 120 hostages remain, with 43 pronounced dead.
- Israel’s military offensive has killed more than 36,700 Palestinians and wounded more than 83,000 others, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. It has also destroyed about 80% of Gaza’s buildings, according to the U.N.
- The Security Council adopted a resolution on March 25 demanding a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with the U.S. abstaining, but there was no halt to the war.
Response of Hamas
- Hamas said it welcomed the adoption of the resolution and was ready to work with mediators in indirect negotiations with Israel to implement it.
- The statement was among the strongest from Hamas to date, but it stressed the group would continue its struggle against Israeli occupation and work on setting up a “fully sovereign” Palestinian state.
Response of Israel
- A senior Israeli diplomat did not directly mention the resolution, telling the council Israel’s position is unwavering: “We will continue until all of the hostages are returned and until Hamas’ military and governing capabilities are dismantled.”
- “This also means that Israel will not engage in meaningless and endless negotiations, which can be exploited by Hamas as a means to stall for time,” Minister Counsellor Reut Shapir Ben Naftaly said.
- U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield reiterated, however, that Israel has accepted the cease-fire deal, which is supported by countries around the world.
Significance of UN Resolution
- UN ’s resolution underscores “the importance of the ongoing diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States aimed at reaching a comprehensive cease-fire deal, consisting of three phases” and says the three countries are ready “to work to ensure negotiations keep going until all the agreements are reached.”
- Biden’s May 31 announcement of the new proposal said it would begin with an initial six-week cease-fire and the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza and the return of Palestinian civilians to all areas in the territory.
- Phase one also requires the safe distribution of humanitarian assistance “at scale throughout the Gaza Strip,” which Biden said would lead to 600 trucks with aid entering Gaza every day.
- In phase two, the resolution says that with the agreement of Israel and Hamas, “a permanent end to hostilities, in exchange for the release of all other hostages still in Gaza, and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza” will take place.
- Phase three would launch “a major multi-year reconstruction plan for Gaza and the return of the remains of any deceased hostages still in Gaza to their families.”
- The resolution reiterates the Security Council’s “unwavering commitment to achieving the vision of a negotiated two-state solution where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders.”
- It also stresses “the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority,” something Netanyahu’s right-wing government has not agreed to.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. Consider the following statements with regards to UNSC resolution on Israel-Hamas war:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
|
Q. With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2022) (a) 3 only (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 2 Ans: (a) |
| Answer 2– C
Explanation –
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Heatwaves have not been included as a notified disaster in the Disaster Management Act
Source: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/heatwaves-notified-disaster-9386059/
UPSC Relevance: GS 3- Heat waves, Disaster Management
Context: Notified disasters under the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005.
Why in News
- The ongoing spell of extreme heat in many parts of the country has once again reopened discussions on the inclusion of heatwaves as one of the notified disasters under the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005.
What are notified disasters?
- The DM Act was enacted in the wake of the 1999 Odisha super-cyclone and the 2004 tsunami.
- It defines a disaster as a “catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence” arising from “natural or man-made causes” that results in substantial loss of life, destruction of property, or damage to the environment.
- It must also be of such nature which is “beyond the coping capacity” of the community.
- If such an event happens, then the provisions of the DM Act can be invoked.
- The provisions allow states to draw money from the two funds that have been set up under this law — the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) at the national level and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) at the state level.
- The states first utilise the funds available in the SDRF, and only if the magnitude of the disaster is unmanageable with the SDRF, states seek the money from the NDRF.
- While the entire money of the NDRF comes from the central government, states contribute 25% of the money in the SDRF (10% in case of special category states), the rest comes from the Centre.
- The money in these funds cannot be used for any purpose other than response and management of notified disasters.
- Currently, there are 12 categories of disasters which are notified under this Act.
- These are cyclones, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloudburst, pest attack, and frost and cold waves.
Why heatwaves were not included as notified disasters?
- Though heatwaves are not a new phenomenon in India, and heat-related illnesses and deaths have been common in large parts of northern, eastern and central India, these were not viewed as a disaster when the Act came into being in 2005.
- It was because heatwaves were a common occurrence during summer, and not really an unusual weather event.
- In the last 15 years, however, both the severity and frequency of heatwaves have increased.
- Due to increased economic activity, there is a far larger number of people who have to remain outdoors for their livelihoods or other reasons, exposing them to the risk of a heat-stroke.
- There are 23 states, which are vulnerable to heatwaves.
- These states as well as several vulnerable cities have now prepared heat action plans (HAPs) to deal with the impacts of extreme heat.
- HAPs involve activities like creation of shaded spaces, ensuring availability of cool water in public places, distribution of simple oral solutions, and reorganising the schedules of schools, colleges and office working hours.
- These measures require expenditure but state governments have not been able to use the SDRF for them.
- This is the reason for the demand for inclusion of heatwaves as a notified disaster in the DM Act.
Why is the Centre not adding heatwaves as a notified disaster now?
There are primarily reasons for this:
Finance Commission Reluctance
- States have put the demand of including heatwaves as a notified disaster before the last three Finance Commissions — the periodically established Constitutional body that decides on the distribution of financial resources between the Centre and states.
- However, the Finance Commissions have not entirely been convinced.
- The 15th Finance Commission, whose recommendations are currently being applied, said the existing list of notified disasters “covers the needs of the states to a large extent” and did not find merit in the request to include heatwaves.
- But it endorsed an enabling provision created by the preceding Commission that allowed states to utilise at least a part of the SDRF money — up to 10% — for “local disasters” such as lightning or heatwaves, which states could notify on their own.
- Using this new enabling provision, at least four states — Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala — have added heatwaves as local disasters.
- The Centre has so far resisted demands to notify it as a national disaster, using the Finance Commission as an excuse.
Practical Difficulties
- Although unstated, the main reason behind the reluctance to add heatwave as a notified disaster is the potentially huge financial implication of the move.
- The government has to provide monetary compensation — Rs 4 lakh — for every life lost because of a disaster that is in the notified list.
- Grievous injuries also have to be compensated.
- Heatwaves claim a large number of lives every year, even though the recorded number of deaths have not been very high in recent years.
- This year, more than 500 heat-related deaths have already been reported.
- Once the government is mandated to provide compensation, a larger number of deaths could be revealed.
- The other reason is the problem in attributing deaths to heatwaves. In most cases, heat itself does not claim lives.
- Most people die due to other pre-existing conditions, made worse by the impact of extreme heat.
- It is often difficult to ascertain whether it was heat that made the difference.
- This is very different from other disasters in whose case the identification of the victims is easier and more straight-forward.
- For the five year period between 2021-26, the 15th Finance Commission had recommended an allocation of Rs 1,60,153 crore to the various SDRFs, a substantial sum of money.
- A state like Uttar Pradesh has been allocated about Rs 11,400 crore in its SDRF for the five-year period.
- Maharashtra’s share is the maximum, about Rs 19,000 crore. This money is meant to deal with all kinds of disasters during this period.
- The fear is that even this money could become insufficient if heatwaves and lightning — another disaster that claims a large number of lives every year — is added to the notified list of disasters.
- On the other hand, inclusion as a notified disaster can improve the management of heatwaves.
- Heat-related illnesses and deaths would be better reported, and authorities would be more alert to minimise the impacts of heatwaves.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statements:
1.The 15th Finance Commission has recommended to add heatwaves in the existing list of notified disasters. 2. 15th Finance Commission allowed states to utilise at least 50% of the SDRF money for local disasters. 3. All the states have added heatwaves as local disasters. Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
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Q. What are the possible limitations of India in mitigating global warming at present and in the immediate future? (2010)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (a) |
| Answer 3 D
Explanation • The 15th Finance Commission, whose recommendations are currently being applied, said the existing list of notified disasters “covers the needs of the states to a large extent” and did not find merit in the request to include heatwaves. So, Statement 1 is incorrect. • 15th Finance Commission endorsed an enabling provision created by the preceding Commission that allowed states to utilise at least a part of the SDRF money — up to 10% — for “local disasters” such as lightning or heatwaves, which states could notify on their own. So, Statement 2 is incorrect. • Using this new enabling provision, at least four states (NOT All) — Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala — have added heatwaves as local disasters. So, Statement 3 is incorrect. •Therefore, option D is the correct answer. |
Japan India Maritime Exercise – 24 (Jimex – 24) Commenced at Yokosuka Japan
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2024261
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2- Bilateral relations, GS 3- Defence
Context: Japan – India Maritime Exercise 2024 (JIMEX 24).
Why in News
- Indian Navy’s indigenous Stealth Frigate INS Shivalik arrived at Yokosuka, Japan to participate in the bilateral Japan – India Maritime Exercise 2024 (JIMEX 24), which is the eighth edition of JIMEX, since its inception in 2012.
Key Findings
- The INS Shivalik was accorded a warm welcome by VAdm ITO Hiroshi, Commander JMSDF Yokosuka District & Ambassador Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan.
About Japan – India Maritime Exercise 2024 (JIMEX 24)
- Japan-India maritime exercise (Jimex 24) commenced at Yokosuka in Japan.
- JIMEX is a bilateral naval exercise between the navies of the two countries.
- It was started in 2012 in Japan.
- The 7th JIMEX -23 was hosted by the Indian Navy off Visakhapatnam in July 2023.
Key Features
- The exercise includes both harbour and sea phases.
- The harbour phase will comprise professional, sports and social interactions, after which the two navies will jointly hone their war fighting skills at sea and enhance their interoperability through complex multi-discipline operations in the surface, sub-surface and air domains.
- The IN is being represented by INS Shivalik and the JMSDF is being represented by the Guided Missile Destroyer JS Yugiri.
- Integral helicopters from both navies will also participate in the joint exercise.
Significance
- Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, JIMEX 24 provides an opportunity to learn from each other’s best practices and facilitates operational interactions between IN and JMSDF to foster mutual cooperation and reaffirm their shared commitment towards maritime security in the Indo – Pacific.
Military Exercise between Indian and Japan
- India and Japan conduct various military exercises, including JIMEX for naval cooperation, DHARMA GUARDIAN for army collaboration, and Veer Guardian for air force coordination.
- These exercises signify the growing defense relationship between the two countries.
- India and Japan enjoy close political ties.
- The Indian defence forces regularly conduct military exercises with the Japanese force. Some of the military exercises are as follows:
JIMEX :
- JIMEX is a bilateral naval exercise between the navies of the two countries.
- It was started in 2012 in Japan.
- The 7th JIMEX -23 was hosted by the Indian Navy off Visakhapatnam in July 2023.
DHARMA GUARDIAN :
- The DHARMA GUARDIAN is an annual military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force.
- The DHARMA GUARDIAN exercise was started in 2018 and was held in India.
- The exercise is held alternatively in India and Japan.
- The 5th DHARMA GUARDIAN exercise was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan in February/ March 2024.
Veer Guardian
- Veer Guardian is a joint military exercise of the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF).
- The first Veer Guardian exercise was held at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan, from 12 to 26 January 2023.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
Code: A. Only one pair B. Only two pairs C. Only three pairs D. All four pairs |
Q. Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): (2017)
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (b) |
| Answer 4- B
Explanation
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WHO confirms human case of H9N2 bird flu in India
Source: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/who-confirms-human-case-of-h9n2-bird-flu-in-india-9387112/
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Science and Technology
Context: H9N2 bird flu in India
Why in news
- The World Health Organization said a case of human infection with bird flu caused by the H9N2 virus was detected in a four-year-old child in West Bengal.
Key highlights
- This is the second human infection of H9N2 bird flu from India, with the first in 2019, the agency said.
- While the H9N2 virus typically tends to cause mild illness, the United Nations agency said that further sporadic human cases could occur as this virus is one of the most prevalent avian influenza viruses circulating in poultry in different regions.
- An immediate response from the Indian health ministry was not available during late hours.
About H9N2 Virus
- H9N2 is a subtype of influenza A virus, which causes human influenza as well as bird flu.
- The H9N2 subtype was isolated for the first time in Wisconsin, US in 1966 from turkey flocks.
- H9N2 viruses are found worldwide in wild birds and are endemic in poultry in many areas.
About The H9n2 Bird Flu Strain
- The H9N2 strain is a subtype of the avian influenza virus, commonly found in birds.
- This is the second case of H9N2 in India.
- Direct contact with infectious animals or indirect interaction with contaminated environments are the two ways that the virus spreads.
- H9N2 is less hazardous to public health due to its comparatively lower pathogenicity, but regular observation is still necessary because of its global distribution and human infection potential.
Symptoms
- Common symptoms of H9N2 are familiar to other viral infections. Individuals may experience fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and headache.
- Other symptoms could include muscle aches, fatigue, and conjunctivitis.
- In some cases, severe symptoms like difficulty breathing and pneumonia can occur.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q5. Consider the following statements with respect to H9N2 Virus:
1. H9N2 is a subtype of influenza A virus, which causes human influenza as well as bird flu. 2. Recently a case of human infection with bird flu caused by the H9N2 virus was detected in a child in India. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Q. H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? (2015)
(a) AIDS (b) Bird flu (c) Dengue (d) Swine flu Ans: (d) |
| Answer 5 A
Explanation
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