Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (23-05-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| International Relations: Ireland, Spain, Norway to formally recognise Palestine |
| Science and Technology: X chromosome revival in older women increases autoimmune disease risk |
| Physical Geography: What is aircraft turbulence? |
| Environment and Ecology: Naegleria fowleri or ‘brain-eating amoeba’ in news |
| Science and Technology: eVTOL – a boon or bane? |
Ireland, Spain, Norway to formally recognise Palestine
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 (West Asia, International Relations)
Context: Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz has ordered Israel’s ambassadors from Ireland and Norway to immediately return to Israel.
Why in News
- Norway, Ireland and Spain announced on May 22 that they will formally recognise the state of Palestine, even as reports emerged of Israel pushing its way further into Rafah in southern Gaza.
Key Highlights
- Israel reacted furiously to the announcements by recalling its ambassadors to the three countries.
- The recognition of Palestine is expected to take place on May 28.
- Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, Ireland’s Prime Minister, Simon Harris, linked the recognition to Ireland’s own freedom struggle from Britain.
- In a separate message released online, Mr Harris said Ireland believed that recognizing a Palestinian state would lead to peace and reconciliation in West Asia.
- Ireland also recognised Israel’s right to “exist securely and at peace” with its neighbours.
- There should be no further military incursion into Rafah and no further rockets fired at Israel by Hamas and Hezbollah.
- The European countries’ announcements come weeks after 143 of 193 countries in the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly voted for full membership to the U.N. for the State of Palestine.
- E.U. countries had mixed reactions to the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan’s decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Need of the Recognition
- Norway has been involved in peace talks between Israel and Palestine for decades, including by hosting the beginning of the Oslo process, which culminated in the Oslo Peace Accords in the early-mid 1990s, agreements that were meant to usher in a resolution to the conflict and a two-state solution.
- Spain’s announcement that it would recognise Palestine was not against the Israelis, the country’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told parliament, but a step-in favour of “peace, justice and moral consistency”.
Impact of recognising a Palestinian state
- As fighting and suffering continues in Gaza, and violence grows in the West Bank, prospects of the Palestinian people gaining their own state might seem further away than ever.
- The decision by several European countries to formally recognise the existence of a Palestinian state will not overcome the reality that such ambition still faces huge obstacles.
- But the declarations by Ireland, Spain and Norway will put pressure on other countries in Europe – including the UK, France and Germany – to follow them in supporting Palestinian self-determination.
- But Israeli ministers insist this will encourage Hamas and reward terrorism, further reducing the chances of a negotiated settlement.
- Palestine currently has a kind of enhanced observer status at the UN, which gives them a seat but not a vote in the assembly.
- It is also recognised by various international organisations including the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
- A minority of European countries already recognise a Palestinian state.
- They comprise Hungary, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Bulgaria which adopted the position 1988; and others including Sweden, Cyprus and Malta.
What does it mean for the peace process?
- Scores of countries already recognise Palestine as an independent state, but the momentum towards recognition, particularly among European countries, will have important implications.
- Perhaps most significant is how the new recognitions point to the erosion of US “ownership” of the Israel-Palestine peace process since the period of Oslo peace talks and agreement.
- With the peace process long largely moribund, Palestinian officials have been working assiduously to canvass support in Europe for a process that accelerated in the Trump era as Palestinians were sidelined by the Abraham accords.
Abraham Accords
- The Abraham Accords are a series of agreements signed in 2020 between Israel and several Arab states, marking a historic shift in diplomatic relations in the Middle East.
- The Accords were named ‘Abraham Accords’ in reference to the supposed common ancestor of the Jews and the Arabs, the biblical Abraham, and as an expression of brotherhood.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Which of the countries are signatory to the Abraham Accord?
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Q. Consider the following statements: (2023)
Statement-I: Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. Statement-II: The ‘Arab Peace Initiative’ mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans- C |
| Answer 1- C
Explanation:
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X chromosome revival in older women increases autoimmune disease risk
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS3- Science and Technology
Context: Scientists have found a molecular link between altered X-chromosome inactivation and autoimmune diseases
Why in News
Recent genomic studies have shed light on the fundamental biological processes the X chromosome modulates and the genes it encodes. The gathering evidence suggests in fact that it plays a part in a variety of biological functions as well as controls the sex-specific susceptibility to certain diseases.
Key Highlights
- The human X chromosome encodes around 800 genes, which in turn code for proteins.
- A loss of function of these genes could thus lead to a variety of genetic diseases.
- Broadly, the diseases whose onset and/or progression the X chromosome influences can be grouped into three types:
- (i) X-linked genetic diseases,
- (ii) diseases influenced by XCI escape,
- (iii) those linked to X-chromosome aneuploidy.
- There are more than 500 X-linked genetic diseases , and they most affect males.
- Many of the X-linked traits and diseases are not uncommon in the general population.
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy, caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene and affecting 1 in every 3,500-5,000 boys born in India and agammaglobulinemia, an immunodeficiency disorder that affects around 1 in 200,000 live births, are also X-linked.
Inactivation of the X chromosome
- In mammalian species, the females typically carry two X chromosomes while males possess one X and one Y chromosome.
- Each of the X chromosomes is inherited from the parents. In 1961, an English geneticist named Mary Frances Lyon argued that since females have two copies of the X chromosome, one of the X chromosomes is randomly inactivated during early embryonic development, in a process called X chromosome inactivation (XCI), to prevent the overexpression of X-linked genes in females.
- In this process, epigenetic changes silence most genes on one X chromosome (epigenetics refers to the processes by which genes are influenced by the environment in which they operate).
- XCI ensures a balance in the gene expression but scientists are also learning that it plays a role in various genetic disorders.
- Issues such as incomplete inactivation or skewed inactivation can lead to the abnormal expression of genes, which contributes to diseases including X-linked disorders, certain cancers, and autoimmune conditions.
Why aren’t vaccines for whole parasites effective against malaria?
- Natural immunity doesn’t work until you’ve had a lot of different infections and that’s why adults are generally protected against malaria and don’t become very unwell.
- The people who die of malaria in an endemic area are the young children who may never have been infected before and die with their first infection when they’re one year old, or they might have had one or two episodes, but that wasn’t enough to give them sterilising immunity.
- Malaria has been around for tens of millions of years. Not just in humans, but in the species that we were before we became humans.
- It’s a very wily parasite and has developed immune escape mechanisms of all sorts.
Autoimmune diseases
- Researchers have suggested for a while that a number of immune diseases — including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome — are more common in females than males.
- In a paper published on May 3 in Science Advances, French researchers perturbed the expression of Xist — which triggers XCI — in female mice, and found that previously inactive genes on the inactive X chromosome were reactivated.
- This was particularly true of genes involved in the Toll-like receptor 7 signalling pathway in immune cells.
- The result was the spontaneous development of lupus-like inflammatory signs in the female mice, including an increased level of autoantibodies and altered immune cell populations.
X and Alzheimer’s disease
- Another disease with a sex bias and linked to the X chromosome is Alzheimer’s disease.
- Women seem to have a higher risk of getting it; worldwide, almost twice as many women have Alzheimer’s as men.
- Based on studies of mice brains, the researchers suggested the gene escapes X inactivation and is expressed more in females. This also opens new avenues to develop treatments for Alzheimer’
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Which of the following statements about Gene Bank are correct?
1. Gene banks are a type of biorepository that preserves genetic material 2. World’s Second largest Gene Bank is located in India 3. Gene Bank is a method of in-situ Conservation of flora and fauna. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Q. With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements: (2021)
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
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Answer 2– A
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What is aircraft turbulence ?
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 1– Physical Geography, GS 3- Science and Technology
Context: What is aircraft turbulence and how common is it?
Why in News
- One passenger died of a suspected heart attack and 30 others were injured after a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore hit severe turbulence on May 21, forcing the Boeing 777-300ER jet to divert to Bangkok.
What is turbulence?
- Turbulence or pockets of disturbed air can have many causes, most obviously the unstable weather patterns that trigger storms, according to an industry briefing by plane maker Airbus.
- The resulting water particles can be detected by weather radar.
- Singapore Airlines did not immediately say what type of turbulence was involved.
- Tracking service FlightRadar24 said there were storms — some severe — in the area at the time.
What is clean air turbulence?
- Known by its abbreviation CAT, this is a sudden and severe swirl that causes violent buffeting of a plane even where there are no clouds, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Such invisible pockets of air can appear without warning, and are hard to predict.
- Mark Prosser of the University of Reading said the May 21 event most likely involved convective or storm-related turbulence, but stressed it was too early to be certain.
- An investigation has been launched and experts stress aircraft accidents typically involve a combination of factors.
How common is it?
- Turbulence-related incidents are common, according to a 2021 study by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
- From 2009 through 2018, it found that turbulence accounted for more than a third of reported events and most resulted in one or more serious injuries, but no aircraft damage.
- The last fatal turbulence-related accident on Cirium’s database involved a United Airlines Boeing 747 in 1997.
How do pilots respond?
- Crews plan by studying turbulence and other weather forecasts, which have improved over the years, loading extra fuel when needed and monitoring weather radar during flight.
- But sometimes violent CAT leaves little time to react. “If it’s unexpected then it’s a bit late.
How do planes react to air turbulence?
- In terms of their structure, all modern commercial jets are built to cope with forces many times those experienced in-flight.
- But according to Swedish turbulence-forecasting website Turbli, the feeling experienced by passengers varies from plane to plane and seat to seat.
- Long planes can feel most turbulent at the back and the ideal spot is around the centre of gravity, which is typically just ahead of the wings.
- Boeing’s high-tech 787-9, with a “Gust Alleviation System” from Honeywell, ranks first for handling turbulence, according to Turbli.
- Next is the Airbus A340-500/600, though the four-engined model is no longer widely used due to fuel costs.
- The Boeing 777 family is widely seen as having a strong safety record — excluding Malaysia Airlines MH17 which was downed by a missile over Ukraine and the mystery disappearance of MH370, both in 2014.
- It is equipped with traditional weather radar but does not have the newer 787’s alleviation system.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
Q. Consider the following statements: (2015)
1. The winds which blow between 30°N and 60°S latitude throughout the year are known as westerlies. 2. The moist air masses that cause winter rains in North-Western region of India are part of westerlies. 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: b |
| Answer 3: A
Explanation:
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Naegleria Fowleri or ‘brain-eating amoeba’, in news
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Environment and Ecology
Context: Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare brain infection that is caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri.
Why in News
- A five-year-old girl undergoing treatment for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare infection caused by Naegleria fowleri or “brain-eating amoeba”, died at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode.
What is primary amoebic meningoencephalitis?
- Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare brain infection that is caused by Naegleria fowleri.
- It is a free-living amoeba or a single-celled living organism.
- Naegleria fowleri lives in warm fresh water and soil around the world, and infects people when it enters the body through the nose.
- Higher temperatures of up to 115°F (46°C) are conducive to its growth and it can survive for short periods in warm environments.
- The amoeba can be found in warm freshwater, such as lakes and rivers, swimming pools, splash pads, surf parks, or other recreational venues that are poorly maintained or minimally chlorinated.
How does Naegleria fowleri infect people?
- Naegleria fowleri enters the body through the nose, usually when people are swimming.
- It then travels up to the brain, where it destroys the brain tissue and causes swelling.
- In the recent Kozhikode case, it is being suspected that the girl was infected while swimming in a local river.
- Notably, people cannot get infected with Naegleria fowleri from drinking water contaminated with the amoeba. PAM is also non-communicable.
What are the symptoms of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis?
- In the initial stage, the symptoms include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. Later on, the patient may have a stiff neck and experience confusion, seizures, hallucinations and slip into a state of coma.
- According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Most people with PAM die within 1 to 18 days after symptoms begin. It usually leads to coma and death after 5 days.
What is the treatment for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis?
- Scientists haven’t been able to identify any effective treatments for the disease yet.
- At present, doctors treat it with a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.
Past incidents of infection
- There have been 20 reported cases of PAM in India, with the Kozhikode case being the seventh such infection in Kerala.
- In July 2023, a 15-year-old boy died of it in Alappuzha.
- The first incident in Kerala was also reported in Alappuzha in 2016, perhaps due to the large number of water bodies here.
- Since then, infections have been reported in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
Q. Consider the following statements: (2017)
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 Ans 18: c |
| Answer 4 C
Explanation
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Is eVTOL a boon or bane?
Source: Down To Earth
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Science and Technology
Context: The electric aircraft has low maintenance and operating costs and can be extremely beneficial for emergency situations
Why in News
- Lilium, a German company, has already begun producing battery packs for its Lilium Jet and hopes to obtain European Union Aviation Safety Agency type certification as early as 2026.
Key Highlights
- Indian Institute of Technology, Madras-incubated ePlane Company is expected to launch its e-flying taxis in Bengaluru this year, pending Directorate General of Civil Aviation approval.
- European corporation Airbus’s eVTOL project, CityAirbus, is also scheduled to undertake its maiden flight later in 2024.
- Airbus’s vehicle will have an 80 km operational range and a cruise speed of 120 km/h.
- It has been designed “with quiet flights in mind” to make it suitable for use in cities.
- The United Kingdom may see the first eVTOL flying taxi flight in the country by 2026.
- However, the Indian government has yet to establish clear policies regarding eVTOL flying taxis.
- This technology will necessitate much more precise route planning, collaboration with public works departments, and a dedicated air traffic control unit.
What Are eVTOL Aircrafts?
- eVTOL aircrafts are electric aircrafts that take off and land going straight up and down.
- Short for electric vertical take-off and landing aircrafts, eVTOLs are sometimes referred to as air taxis or flying taxis.
- Powered by batteries, eVTOLs hover and fly, much like a helicopter, and are typically designed to carry two to six passengers including a pilot.
- The acronym eVTOL stands for Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing.
- Many pilots are already familiar with VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircrafts, and the flight characteristics of eVTOL aircraft are similar.
Significance of eVOTL
- eVTOL is a technology that is seeing rapid research and development across the world.
- It is expected to cut through the road traffic for daily commute and cargo delivery and even be used for military purposes.
- Also, they will be flying much closer to the ground, unlike traditional aircraft. This technology’s widespread adoption will be aided by its electric nature and low maintenance and operating costs.
- This technology is extremely beneficial for emergency situations such as urgent medical care.
- If it is certified by Indian government agencies, it will most likely carve out a niche as a premium and/or emergency service in India’s congested cities.
Features of eVTOL
- eVTOL is emerging as a runway independent technological solution” for the globe’s transportation needs.
- There are an estimated 250 eVTOL concepts or more being fine-tuned to bring alive the concept of UAM.
- Some of these include the use of multi-rotors, fixed-wing and tilt-wing concepts backed by sensors, cameras and even radar.
- The key word here is autonomous connectivity.
- In short, eVTOLs have been likened to “a third wave in an aerial revolution”; the first being the advent of commercial flying, and the second, the age of helicopters.
Developments in powering eVTOLs
- The roles eVTOLs adopt depends on battery technology and the limits of onboard electric power.
- Power is required during the key phases of flight such as take-off, landing and flight.
- There is a “Diamond Nuclear Voltaic (DNV) technology” using minute amounts of carbon-14 nuclear waste encased in layered industrial diamonds to create self-charging batteries.
- There are some industry experts who are questioning the use of only batteries and are looking at hybrid technologies such as hydrogen cells and batteries depending on the flight mission.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q5. With reference to Electric Vertical Take off and Landing(eVTOL) aircraft, consider the following statements;:
1.Distributed electric propulsion technology is associated with eVTOL aircrafts. 2.These aircrafts are free from cyberattacks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Q. “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft”. The experiment in question refers to (2020)
(a) Voyager (b) New Horizons (c) LISA Pathfinder (d) Evolved LISA Ans: (d) |
| Answer 5 A
Explanation
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