Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – Care (12-12-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Polity: Railways (Amendment) Bill passed in the Lok Sabha |
| Health: In 2022, health priority declined globally from COVID-19 peak, says WHO |
| Science and Technology: In a first, Indian Institute of Astrophysics astronomers spot ultraviolet emissions from novae in Andromeda galaxy |
| Indian scientists develop novel gene therapy treatment for haemophilia |
| Ecology and Environment: Excess salt in soil impacts 1.4 billion hectares of land globally, risking food security, finds UN report |
Railways (Amendment) Bill passed in the Lok Sabha
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 Polity and governance, GS 3– Transportation (Railways)
Context: Statutory Backing to Railway Board
Why in News
- The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed on December 11, 2024 in the Lok Sabha
Key Highlights of the Bill:
- Statutory Backing to Railway Board:
- The Bill integrates provisions of the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, into the Railways Act, 1989.
- The Railway Board, which has functioned without statutory backing since its inception, will now have its structure and powers legally defined.
- The Central government is authorized to decide the composition of the Railway Board, including the number of members, their terms of service, and qualifications.
- Simplification of Legal Framework:
- Consolidation of laws under the Railways Act, 1989, eliminates the need for dual references, ensuring smoother legal processes.
- This is part of a broader push for modernization and simplification of governance frameworks in India.
- Operational Efficiency and Decentralization:
- The Bill emphasizes decentralizing powers to Railway Zones, a demand advocated by committees like the 2014 Sreedharan Committee.
- Enhanced autonomy for zones is expected to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.
- Independent Regulator:
- Proposes the establishment of a regulator to oversee:
- Tariffs
- Safety
- Private sector participation
- The regulator aligns with recommendations from the 2015 Committee on Restructuring Railways.
- Proposes the establishment of a regulator to oversee:
- Infrastructure and Connectivity:
- The Bill allows for fast-tracking approvals for train services and infrastructure projects, potentially benefiting underserved regions like Bihar with projects such as the Arunachal Express extension.
Stress Factors for Indian Railways:
- Aging Infrastructure:
- Large parts of the network still rely on colonial-era systems.
- Operational Inefficiencies:
- Centralized decision-making delays project approvals.
- Financial Strain:
- Balancing public welfare objectives with financial sustainability remains a challenge.
- Safety Concerns:
- Persistent derailments and accidents highlight the need for stronger safety measures.
- Private Sector Involvement:
- Lack of clear frameworks for private participation hinders investments.
Significance of the Amendment:
- Modernization: Streamlining legal frameworks reflects India’s commitment to aligning railways with contemporary needs.
- Decentralization: Enhanced autonomy at the zone level empowers regional railway management.
- Private Sector Participation: A regulatory framework will encourage private investments while maintaining safety and affordability.
- Boost to Regional Connectivity: Fast-tracking projects can address longstanding demands for improved train services in neglected regions.
Conclusion:
- The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, represents a transformative step towards modernizing Indian Railways.
- By ensuring statutory backing for the Railway Board and promoting decentralization, the amendment lays the groundwork for efficient governance, enhanced safety, and greater regional connectivity.
- However, successful implementation will depend on robust execution and addressing existing challenges like infrastructure upgrades and financial sustainability.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Assertion (A): The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes to provide statutory backing to the Railway Board.
Reason (R): The Railway Board has been functioning without statutory sanction since its inception, operating only through executive decisions.
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Q. With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements: (2015)
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 Answer: (d)
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| Answer – 1 – A
Explanation –
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In 2022, health priority declined globally from COVID-19 peak, as per WHO
Source: Down to Earth
UPSC Relevance: GS 2- Public Health
Context: Decline in health priority post-covid times across all country income groups in 2022
Why in News
- The World Health Organization (WHO) released its report, Global Spending on Health: Emerging from the Pandemic, on December 9, 2024, highlighting a decline in health priority across all country income groups in 2022.
Key Highlights of the report
- Decline in Health Priority:
- Health spending, as a proportion of government expenditure, declined globally in 2022, though it remained slightly above pre-pandemic levels in upper-middle and high-income countries.
- In low and lower-middle income countries, health priority fell back to levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Global Health Spending:
- Aggregate global health spending in 2022 was $9.8 trillion, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP. This marked a decline from 10.3% of GDP in 2021 but was still higher than in 2019.
- Government Schemes:
- Government health scheme spending rose in 2020 and 2021 in real terms across most income groups but declined by 7% in 2022.
- Despite this drop, 116 countries recorded higher government scheme spending per capita in 2022 compared to 2019.
- Pandemic Impact:
- Health spending peaked during the pandemic, with most public health expenditures channelled through government schemes to respond to the crisis.
- Opportunities Post-Pandemic:
- The report emphasizes the need for political commitment and collaboration between health and finance ministries to ensure sufficient public health funding.
- Development partners must aid low- and lower-middle-income countries to create resilient and sustainable health systems.
Implications:
- The decline in health spending underscores the challenge of maintaining pandemic-era health priorities.
- Strengthened global cooperation and dedicated policies are critical for achieving long-term health objectives and addressing disparities in health funding.
About WHO and Its Reports
- The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
- Established in 1948, WHO publishes authoritative reports on global health trends, including the World Health Report, Global Tuberculosis Report, World Malaria Report, and the Global Spending on Health Report.
- These reports provide insights into healthcare challenges, financing, and strategies for achieving health objectives, guiding global and national health policies.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the WHO report titled “Global Spending on Health: Emerging from the Pandemic”:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only
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Q. The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the: (2020)
a) International Monetary Fund b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development c) World Economic Forum d) World Bank Answer: (c)
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| Answer 2– B
Explanation –
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Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) Astronomers Spot Ultraviolet Emissions from Novae in Andromeda Galaxy
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 3 Science and Technology
Context: Transient astronomical phenomena and binary star systems
Why in News
- Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have achieved a groundbreaking discovery by detecting far ultraviolet (FUV) emissions from novae in the neighboring Andromeda galaxy for the first time.
Key Highlights
What are Novae?
- Novae are transient astronomical events characterized by the sudden appearance of a bright star-like object during an outburst. The brightness gradually fades over weeks or months.
- These occur in interacting binary star systems where one star accumulates matter from its companion, occasionally leading to an explosive release.
Role of AstroSat and UVIT:
- AstroSat: India’s first dedicated space astronomy observatory, with a focus on multi-wavelength observation.
- UVIT (Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope): One of AstroSat’s primary payloads, developed by IIA, capable of observing in both far and near ultraviolet wavelengths with fine spatial resolution.
- Using data from UVIT/AstroSat’s public archives, astronomers detected FUV emissions from 42 novae, including four caught during their eruption phase.
Significance of the Discovery:
- This is the first instance of spotting FUV emissions from novae in the Andromeda galaxy, located 2.5 million light-years away.
- The findings enhance our ability to study binary star systems at various stages of their evolution, from mass accumulation to material ejection.
- Accretion disks around these systems were identified, with the flux stability in these disks providing insights into the matter consumption process.
Research Team:
- The study was led by Judhajeet Basu (IIA and Pondicherry University) and included researchers from IIA, Pondicherry University, and Amrita University.
- Their observations were facilitated by UVIT’s high-resolution imaging capabilities and simultaneous multi-band ultraviolet observation.
Implications for Future Research:
- This discovery opens new avenues for studying stellar interactions in binary systems in nearby galaxies.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
- The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) is a premier research institute in India dedicated to the study of astronomy, astrophysics, and related fields. It operates under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, IIA is recognized globally for its contributions to theoretical and observational astronomy.
Key Highlights of IIA:
- History and Establishment:
-
- Traces its origins to the Madras Observatory established in 1786, making it one of the oldest observatories in the world.
- In 1971, the Madras Observatory evolved into the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
- Research Focus Areas:
-
- Stellar and Solar Physics
- Extragalactic Astronomy
- Space Astronomy
- Instrumentation for astronomy
Facilities and Observatories:
- Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO), Tamil Nadu: Houses one of the largest optical telescopes in Asia.
- Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO), Tamil Nadu: Known for its pioneering work in solar physics.
- Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle, Ladakh: One of the highest observatories in the world, ideal for infrared and optical astronomy.
- CREST (Centre for Research and Education in Science and Technology), Hosakote, Karnataka: Functions as a data center and a facility for remote observations.
International Collaborations:
-
- Works with institutions like NASA, the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and other leading global organizations on space-based and ground-based astronomy projects.
- Active in the development of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), an international mega-science project.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||||
Q3. Match the following elements with their descriptions in the context of the IIA’s discovery of ultraviolet emissions from novae:
Options:
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Q. Consider the following pairs: (2018)
Terms sometimes Context/Topic
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (b) |
| Answer 3– A
Explanation – A. Novae – 1: Novae are transient astronomical events involving sudden brightness due to material accumulation and ejection in binary systems. B. AstroSat – 2: AstroSat is India’s first space observatory dedicated to multi-wavelength astronomy. C. UVIT – 3: UVIT is AstroSat’s payload designed to observe in far and near ultraviolet wavelengths. D. Andromeda Galaxy – 4: The Andromeda galaxy is the closest spiral galaxy to the Milky Way, located 2.5 million light-years away. |
Indian Scientists Develop Novel Gene Therapy Treatment for Haemophilia
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Science and Technology
Context: Haemophilia disease
Why in News
- Indian scientists have successfully developed a novel gene therapy treatment for severe haemophilia A, a rare hereditary blood disorder characterized by severe and spontaneous bleeding due to a deficiency in clotting factor VIII.
What is Haemophilia A?
- A rare condition caused by the absence of Factor VIII, a protein essential for blood clotting.
- Classified as severe if clotting factor levels are less than 1%.
- India has the second-largest patient pool, with 40,000–100,000 individuals affected.
Gene Therapy Trial:
- The trial involved five patients in Tamil Nadu who reported no bleeding episodes for over 14 months.
- Traditional treatments require frequent injections of clotting factor VIII, costing approximately ₹2.54 crore per patient over 10 years.
- Gene therapy introduces a therapeutic gene into the body, enabling it to produce clotting factor VIII naturally, providing a one-time solution.
Innovative Approach:
- Unlike the U.S. FDA-approved Roctavian, which uses an adenovirus vector, the CMC trial utilized a lentivirus vector fused with the clotting factor gene.
- This approach is safer, eliminates the need for immunosuppressive therapy, and is potentially suitable for children.
Global and Local Implications:
- Gene therapy has the potential to reduce treatment costs and increase accessibility in resource-constrained settings like India.
- The study underscores India’s capability to pioneer cutting-edge medical advancements.
Recognition:
- Published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), the study has been described as “ground-breaking” by international experts.
- It highlights India’s potential to localize the production of gene therapy, making it more affordable and widely accessible.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the novel gene therapy treatment for haemophilia developed in India:
Which of the statements given above are correct? Options:
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Q. ‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations? (2023)
a) Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go b) Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat c) Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals d) Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies Ans: (a) |
| Answer 4- C
Explanation
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Excess Salt in Soil Threatens Global Food Security, Says UN FAO Report
Source: Down to Earth
UPSC Relevance: GS 3 Ecology and Environment
Context: Salinity in soil, human-induced mismanagement and climate change, poses a significant risk to global food security
Why in News
- A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) titled “The Global Status of Salt-Affected Soils” reveals that nearly 1.4 billion hectares of land, or 10.7% of the global land area, are affected by salinity.
Key Highlights:
- Scope of Salinity:
-
- Around 10% of irrigated and rainfed cropland globally is affected by salinity.
- Salt-affected soils either have high levels of soluble salts (saline soils) or exchangeable sodium (sodic soils), adversely impacting plant growth and soil fertility.
- Crops like rice and beans can experience yield losses of up to 70% due to salinity stress.
- Regional Impact:
-
- India: 6.72 million hectares are salt-affected (2.1% of total land area). States like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan account for 75% of this.
- Global Hotspots: Countries such as Australia, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Russia, and China hold the largest areas of salt-affected soils.
- Severe Impact: Nations like Oman (93.5%) and Uzbekistan (92.9%) have the highest proportion of salt-affected land.
- Drivers of Salinisation:
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- Natural Causes: Climate change, increasing aridity, rising sea levels, and thawing permafrost.
- Human-Induced Causes: Poor agricultural practices, excessive irrigation with brackish water, deforestation, overuse of fertilizers, and lack of drainage infrastructure.
- Implications:
-
- Projected trends show that salt-affected areas could increase to 24–32% of the global land surface if current practices persist.
- Developing nations are expected to face the brunt of this crisis, with significant implications for food security and environmental sustainability.
- Proposed Solutions:
-
- Mitigation: Mulching, crop rotation, drainage system installation, and interlayering loose materials.
- Adaptation: Development of salt-tolerant crops suited for challenging ecosystems like mangrove swamps and salt deserts.
- Bioremediation: Use of bacteria, fungi, and plants to detoxify salt-affected soils.
- Policy Frameworks: Establishing legal safeguards at national and international levels to protect saline ecosystems and ensure sustainable soil management.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established on October 16, 1945. Its headquarters are in Rome, Italy, and it leads international efforts to combat hunger and ensure food security. The FAO aims to achieve sustainable agriculture, improve nutrition, and eliminate hunger by working closely with member countries and other international organizations.
Key Objectives of FAO:
- Achieving Food Security:
- Ensures that all people have regular access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for an active and healthy life.
- Promoting Sustainable Agriculture:
- Encourages agricultural practices that protect the environment and preserve natural resources for future generations.
- Eradicating Hunger and Malnutrition:
- Focuses on reducing global hunger through programs like Zero Hunger and partnerships with governments.
- Combatting Rural Poverty:
- Aims to uplift the livelihoods of rural populations by improving income opportunities and living conditions.
- Building Resilience:
- Works to reduce the impact of natural disasters, conflicts, and climate change on food systems.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the FAO’s report on salt-affected soils:
Which of the statements given above are correct? Options: |
Q. Which of the following best describes/ describe the aim of the ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India? (2016)
1. Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the `green accounting’ 2. Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future 3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (c)
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| Answer 5- C
Explanation
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