UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 August 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 August 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 August 2024)
• WHO: Monkeypox is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
• Bio-Economy in India
Reports in News
• Women and Men in India 2023
Women and Men in India 2023
• Study: Human Deaths Linked to Declining Vulture Population
Study: Human Deaths Linked to Declining Vulture Population
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)
National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)
• Amplitude of the solar cycle
Amplitude of the solar cycle
• Prokaryotes
Prokaryotes
• Thriving communities of microbes in microwave ovens
Thriving communities of microbes in microwave ovens
• EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite
EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite
• Californium
Californium
• Three new wetlands in the Ramsar site tag
Three new wetlands in the Ramsar site tag
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 August 2024
#### GS Paper 3:
WHO: Monkeypox is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions/ Science and Technology: Health
Source: IE
Context: The WHO has declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern, with 99,176 cases and 208 deaths reported across 116 countries since 2022. It has been declared a global PHEIC for the second time in two years.
What is Monkeypox?
Mpox (monkeypox) is a DNA virus from the Poxviridae family, first identified in monkeys in 1958. It spreads from animals to humans through direct contact, and symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that appears within two days of fever onset. First detected in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A new clade (new strain of the virus), primarily spread through sexual contact, is causing concern due to its rapid spread. Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact, including skin-to-skin and sexual contact. Testing is done via PCR. The outbreak, particularly in Africa, has prompted a global health emergency.
Smallpox, Chickenpox, and Monkeypox difference:
• Smallpox: Caused by the Variola virus, it was highly severe and often fatal. It spread through respiratory droplets and contact, but it was eradicated in 1980.
• Chickenpox: Caused by the Varicella-zoster virus, it is mild and common in children. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets and contact with lesions. Vaccination has reduced its prevalence.
• Monkeypox (Mpox): Caused by the Monkeypox virus, it is milder than smallpox and rarely fatal. It spreads through contact with infected animals or fluids and is endemic in parts of Africa.
What is Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?
It is declared by WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005 when an outbreak is unusual, poses a risk of international spread, and may require immediate global action. IHR is a binding agreement involving 196 countries. Since 2009, WHO has declared seven PHEICs, including the H1N1 pandemic, polio, Ebola, Zika, COVID-19, and Mpox.
Three Criteria for declaring:
• The spread is an” Extraordinary Event”
• It “Constitutes a Public Health Risk” to other States through the international spread of disease
• It potentially requires a coordinated International Response
Why Mpox has been declared as PHEIC?
Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its rapid and unusual global spread, the emergence of new viral strains, and the potential for widespread international transmission.
How does PHEIC declaration help?
A PHEIC declaration helps by alerting the global community to take coordinated action, enhancing international collaboration, mobilizing resources, and implementing measures to prevent the spread of a health threat across borders.
Monkeypox (Mpox) cases in India:
It has been relatively limited, with cases first reported in 2022. As of now, there have been at least 27 laboratory-confirmed cases and one death. Initial cases were reported in Kerala from individuals with a history of international travel, and later cases were detected in Delhi among those without travel history. The prevalence remains low, but vigilance is required due to the potential for spread through international travel and contact with infected individuals.
Mains Link:
Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (UPSC 2020)
Prelims Link:
The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of (UPSC 2021)
(a) genes introduced in the genetically modified plants
(b) development of India’s own satellite navigation system
(c) radio collars for wildlife tracking
(d) spread of viral diseases
Ans: (d)
Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (UPSC 2019)
Genetic predisposition of some people
Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
Using antibiotics in livestock farming
Multiple chronic diseases in some people
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)
Bio-Economy in India
Syllabus: Economy: Energy
Source: PIB
Context: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized that the next Industrial Revolution will be driven by the bio-economy, with India’s biotech sector growing rapidly.
The sector has expanded 13-fold over the last decade, reaching over $130 billion in 2024, and is projected to hit $300 billion by 2030.
What is Bio-Economy?
The bio-economy refers to an economic system that focuses on the sustainable production, utilization, and transformation of biological resources, including renewable biological materials, products, and processes. India’s bio-economy signifies a promising pathway to holistic development.
Status of India’s Bio-economy:
• Value: India’s bio-economy jumped from $8 billion in 2014 to $100 billion (2.6 per cent share of India’s GDP in 2023) and the country now targets $150 billion by 2025.
• Market share: India has a 3-5% market share in the global biotechnology industry and it ranks 12th in the world in biotech and 3rd in Asia-Pacific.
• Approved plants: India has the second highest number of USFDA-approved manufacturing plants outside the US.
• Startups: On average, at least three biotech startups were incorporated every day in 2021 (a total of 1,128 biotech startups set up in 2021) and the industry crossed USD 1 billion in research and development spending.
• The Indian Diagnostics and medical devices market is likely to see a huge jump both in terms of consumption and exports. Covid-19 helped the nation to create the right ecosystem to manufacture, source, and export as well.
Potential contribution of bio-economy:
• Growth and Employment: The bio-economy has the potential to create numerous jobs across sectors, from agriculture and manufacturing to research and development. g. Bt cotton adoption led to a significant increase in cotton production, benefiting farmers’ income.
• g. Bt cotton adoption led to a significant increase in cotton production, benefiting farmers’ income.
• Exports and Trade: Bio-based products, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural exports contribute significantly to India’s export earnings. India is the world’s largest provider of generic drugs, accounting for 20% of global generic drug exports.
• India is the world’s largest provider of generic drugs, accounting for 20% of global generic drug exports.
• Innovation and Research: Investments in biotechnology research and innovation bolster economic competitiveness and contribute to cutting-edge technologies. E.g. New segments like smart proteins, protein and peptide-based materials, contact lenses, etc.
• E.g. New segments like smart proteins, protein and peptide-based materials, contact lenses, etc.
• BioServices sector: which includes Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs), along with the BioIT segment, is projected to experience substantial growth from $4 billion to $26.6 billion. This remarkable expansion represents a near quadrupling of the segment’s value.
• This remarkable expansion represents a near quadrupling of the segment’s value.
• BioPharma segment: India can leapfrog in the Vaccines and Therapeutics segment. These two together account for nearly 50 per cent share of the BioPharma and the Diagnostics labs, medical devices, and services segment estimated to reach $60 billion.
• Awaiting potential: India has a huge wealth of bio-resources, an unsaturated resource waiting to be harnessed and an advantage in biotechnology especially due to the vast biodiversity and the unique bio-resources in the Himalayas.
Positive impacts of bio-economy on citizen lives in India:
• Healthcare Access: The bio-economy improves healthcare accessibility through affordable generic drugs, diagnostic tools, and medical technologies. E.g. PM Janausadhi Kendra.
• Nutritional Security: Innovations in agriculture and food processing enhance nutritional quality and address food security challenges. E.g. fortification of rice with vitamin A.
• Environmental Sustainability: The adoption of bio-based products, sustainable agriculture practices, and biofuels reduces environmental degradation and fosters a greener economy. E.g. 20 % Ethanol blending in petrol.
• Inclusive Growth: The bio-economy’s multi-sectoral nature can support the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, promoting inclusive economic development.
Challenges in the Bio-Economy Sector:
• Regulatory Issues: Uncertain regulations and lack of uniform standards.
• Research Limitations: Limited advanced research centres and inadequate R&D funding.
• Ethical Concerns: Ethical issues like genetic modification under Responsible Research and Innovation principles.
Initiatives and Policies to Boost Bio-Economy:
• BIRAC’s Role: The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) fosters biotech innovation in India through schemes like the Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme and BioNEST incubators.
• Policy Measures:
• National Biofuel Policy (2018): Promotes sustainable biofuel production. National Biopharma Mission: Aims to accelerate biopharma growth. National Mission on Bioeconomy: Focuses on enhancing the bio-economy sector.
• National Biofuel Policy (2018): Promotes sustainable biofuel production.
• National Biopharma Mission: Aims to accelerate biopharma growth.
• National Mission on Bioeconomy: Focuses on enhancing the bio-economy sector.
• BioRRAP: The Biological Research Regulatory Approval Portal (BioRRAP) serves as a single gateway for regulatory approvals in biological research, streamlining processes and boosting innovation.
Conclusion
Biotechnology is hailed as India’s sunshine sector, with a ripple effect on the economy. It has ushered the country into a new growth phase, globally recognizing its immense potential to impact and revolutionize lives.
Insta Links:
India’s Biotech Sector
Mains Links:
How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (UPSC 2019)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 August 2024 – Reports in News:
Reports in News:
Reports/Study | Description
Women and Men in India 2023 | Released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Key highlights: India’s population is projected to reach 152.2 crores by 2036, with an improved sex ratio of 952 women per 1000 men
The population under 15 years will decrease, while those aged 60 and above will rise significantly.
Maternal Mortality Ratio has reduced to 97 per lakh live births, nearing the SDG target
Labour Force Participation Rate has increased for both men and women, with female participation rising from 23.3% to 37% from 2017-2023
Women’s electoral participation rose to 67.2% in 2019, and 47.6% of recognized startups are led by women.
Study: Human Deaths Linked to Declining Vulture Population | Findings: Human Mortality: An estimated half a million premature deaths occurred between 2000 and 2005 due to the decline of vultures in India.
Keystone Species: Vultures are crucial for cleaning up carcasses and controlling scavenger populations.
Public Health Impact: Their decline led to a 4% rise in human mortality from worsened sanitation and pathogen spread.
Economic Impact: The public health crisis from declining vultures has caused an estimated $70 billion in annual economic losses.
About Vultures: India is home to 9 species of vultures, including 3 migratory species (Cinereous, Griffon, and Himalayan vultures). Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, vultures face threats like habitat loss, food scarcity, harmful drugs like diclofenac, and electrocution. Conservation efforts include bans on harmful veterinary drugs, the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2020-25), breeding centres such as in Pinjore, Haryana, and vulture restaurants in Koderma and Raigad to provide safe feeding grounds.
Human Mortality: An estimated half a million premature deaths occurred between 2000 and 2005 due to the decline of vultures in India.
India is home to 9 species of vultures, including 3 migratory species (Cinereous, Griffon, and Himalayan vultures). Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, vultures face threats like habitat loss, food scarcity, harmful drugs like diclofenac, and electrocution. Conservation efforts include bans on harmful veterinary drugs, the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2020-25), breeding centres such as in Pinjore, Haryana, and vulture restaurants in Koderma and Raigad to provide safe feeding grounds.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 August 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)
- •Source: TH*
Context: The Union Government launched the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) to help farmers connect with agriculture scientists for pest control.
• The NPSS aims to reduce farmers’ reliance on pesticide retailers by fostering a scientific approach to pest management.
• Through the platform, farmers can upload photos of affected crops, which will be analyzed by experts to provide accurate pest control advice.
• The system is designed to ensure the correct use of pesticides, improve crop yields, and protect soil health.
The NPSS will benefit around 14 crore farmers and is part of a broader effort to bring technological innovations in agriculture directly to the fields.
Amplitude of the solar cycle
Source: TH
Context: Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have developed a new method to predict the amplitude of upcoming solar cycles, which is crucial for space weather forecasting.
• By analyzing 100 years of solar data from the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, they discovered a correlation between the width of supergranular cells on the solar surface during the solar cycle’s minimum and the number of sunspots at the next solar maximum.
• This method, based on the width of these cells observed in the chromosphere, can help forecast space weather, which significantly impacts communication, power transmission, and satellite operations.
Prokaryotes
Source: TH
Context: A new research suggests that as oceans warm, prokaryotes will decline less in biomass compared to other marine life, leading to their increased dominance.
• Prokaryotes, which include bacteria and archaea, play a vital role in marine ecosystems, supporting food chains and balancing carbon emissions.
• This shift could reduce fish populations, crucial for global food supply, and diminish the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon emissions.
About Prokaryotes:
Prokaryotes are organisms whose cells lack a nucleus and other organelles.
Prokaryotes are divided into two distinct groups: the bacteria and the archaea, which scientists believe have unique evolutionary lineages.
Most prokaryotes are small, single-celled organisms that have a relatively simple structure.
Thriving communities of microbes in microwave ovens
- •Source: IE*
Context: A new study reveals that microwave ovens, whether used in homes, offices, or laboratories, host diverse communities of microbes.
• This challenges the common belief that microwave radiation kills all bacteria, which can cause food-borne illnesses.
• The study, which involved sampling 30 microwave ovens, found 747 different genera of bacteria, with human-skin bacteria like Bacillus, Micrococcus, and Staphylococcus being dominant.
EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite
- •Source: TH*
Context: ISRO successfully launched the EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
• This marked the third and final developmental flight of the SSLV, which accurately placed the EOS-08 into a 475 km circular orbit.
• EOS-08 is a unique mission featuring advanced payloads for infrared observation, GNSS-based remote sensing, and UV radiation monitoring.
• The SSLV is designed for cost-effective, flexible, and rapid satellite launches, capable of carrying payloads ranging from 10 to 500 kg.
Tags: GS3, Science, Space, EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite
Californium
Source: IE
Context: Recently Bihar police, seized a metallic lump they suspected was Californium, a highly radioactive and expensive material.
• It was later found to be fake.
About Californium:
The element with atomic number 98 is a silvery-white, synthetic, and highly radioactive substance.
Named after the University of California, this element is a strong neutron emitter and is extremely expensive.
Its applications include use in portable metal detectors, identification of gold and silver ores, and assisting in starting nuclear reactors.
However, it poses significant health threats due to its radioactivity, which can damage genetic material and is hazardous to health.
Three new wetlands in the Ramsar site tag
Source: HT
Context: India has added three new wetlands—Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh—to its list of Ramsar sites, bringing the total to 85.
• These wetlands account for around 10% of India’s total wetland area across 18 states, with Tamil Nadu having the most Ramsar sites (18), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).
• India, a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since 1982, has seen a significant increase in Ramsar sites over the past decade.
Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
• Large shallow wetland named after King Nanjarayan.
• Water Source: Relies on heavy rainfall and the Nallar drainage.
• Ecological Role: Serves as a feeding and nesting habitat for resident and migratory birds, and provides water for agriculture.
Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
• Location: Brackish shallow lake on the Coromandel Coast, north of Pondicherry.
• Connections: Linked to the Bay of Bengal via Uppukalli Creek and Yedayanthittu estuary.
• Ecological Significance: Lies in the Central Asian Flyway, serving as a breeding ground for birds and fish, and contributes to aquifer recharge. It also contains degraded mangrove patches with Avicennia species.
Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh)
• Location: Inside Satpura Tiger Reserve, bordering Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Construction: Built at the confluence of the Tawa and Denwa rivers.
• Water Source: The Tawa River, a left-bank tributary of the Narmada River, originates from Mahadeo Hills, with major tributaries being the Malanni, Sonbhadra, and Nagdwari rivers.
Tags: GS3, Environment, Three new wetlands into Ramsar site tag
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 August 2024 [PDF]
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