UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 February 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 February 2025 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 February (2025)
• Panchayati Raj Institutions India
Panchayati Raj Institutions India
• Marital Rape
Marital Rape
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Major Contributors to Delhi-NCR Air Pollution
Major Contributors to Delhi-NCR Air Pollution
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
• Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs)
Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs)
• Aero India 2025
Aero India 2025
• Tamil Civilization
Tamil Civilization
• Exercise Dharma Guardian
Exercise Dharma Guardian
• mRNA-Based Cancer Vaccine
mRNA-Based Cancer Vaccine
Mapping:
• Gulf of Eilat
Gulf of Eilat
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 February 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Panchayati Raj Institutions India
Syllabus: Panchayat Raj Institutions
Source: TH
Context: The Panchayati Raj system in India is facing distress due to declining public participation, excessive reliance on centrally-sponsored schemes, and reduced fiscal autonomy.
Evolution of Panchayati Raj in India:
• Constitutional Recognition: Article 40 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) emphasizes the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs).
• Committees for Strengthening PRIs:
• Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992:
• Granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions. Introduced Part IX (Articles 243-243O) and Eleventh Schedule covering 29 functional subjects. Mandated regular elections, reservation for SCs/STs/women, and devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries.
• Granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions.
• Introduced Part IX (Articles 243-243O) and Eleventh Schedule covering 29 functional subjects.
• Mandated regular elections, reservation for SCs/STs/women, and devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries.
Powers and Functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions:
• Legislative & Executive Functions: Authority to formulate village development plans, implement schemes, and maintain local governance.
• Fiscal Powers: Empowered to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees (Article 243H).
• Planning & Development: Involved in rural infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture development under the Eleventh Schedule.
• Social Welfare Implementation: Execution of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), PMAY-Gramin, and other social schemes.
Significance of Panchayati Raj in India:
• Democratic Decentralization: Empowers grassroots democracy by enabling direct participation in governance and decision-making.
• Women Empowerment: Provides 50% reservation for women, increasing their leadership roles in rural governance and policy implementation.
• Rural Development Catalyst: Enhances rural infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihood opportunities through decentralized planning.
• Local Governance & Accountability: Strengthens transparency by ensuring direct accountability of elected representatives to citizens.
• Social Inclusion: Facilitates the representation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and marginalized groups in governance.
Challenges Facing Panchayati Raj Institutions:
• Limited Administrative & Fiscal Autonomy: States control major finances and decision-making, reducing the effectiveness of local governance.
• Overdependence on Centrally Sponsored Schemes: PRIs act as mere implementers, with limited authority to plan and execute local projects.
• Politicization & Bureaucratic Interference: Excessive influence of political parties and bureaucrats limits independent functioning of Panchayats.
• Declining Public Participation: Weak Gram Sabha participation and lack of civic engagement reduce transparency and local decision-making.
• Impact of Urbanization: Migration to cities shifts policy focus away from rural governance, limiting PRI relevance and resources.
Way Forward:
• Strngthening Fiscal Decentralization: Increase untied funds and revenue-raising powers to enhance Panchayat autonomy.
• Enhancing Administrative Devolution: Transfer all 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule to PRIs for better governance.
• Leveraging Technology for Governance: Implement digital governance, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision-making.
• Capacity Building & Awareness: Train Panchayat representatives in financial management, governance, and policy execution.
• Enhancing Grassroots Participation: Strengthen Gram Sabhas, community involvement, and social audits for participatory governance.
Conclusion:
The Panchayati Raj system remains a cornerstone of India’s democratic governance, but its role needs urgent revival to adapt to changing socio-economic realities. Strengthening decentralization, fiscal autonomy, and digital governance can empower PRIs to play a pivotal role in rural transformation and sustainable development.
• To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots? (UPSC-2022)
Marital Rape
Syllabus: Governance
Source: IE
Context: The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that the marital rape exemption applies to Section 377 IPC, removing the legal recourse for married women against non-consensual acts.
What is Marital Rape?
• Definition: Marital rape refers to non-consensual sexual intercourse by a husband with his wife, which remains exempted from criminal prosecution under Indian law.
• Legal Status in India: Exception 2 to Section 375 IPC and Section 63 of BNS grants immunity to husbands for non-consensual sex with their wives above 18 years.
• Global Perspective: Over 100 countries, including the U.K., U.S., France, and Nepal, have criminalized marital rape, considering it a violation of women’s rights.
Chhattisgarh High Court Judgment
• Ruling: The HC ruled that Section 377 IPC’s criminalization of unnatural sex does not apply within marriage, reinforcing marital rape immunity.
• Legal Reasoning: Since Section 375 IPC already exempts husbands, Section 377 cannot be applied for non-consensual unnatural sex in marriage.
• Impact: Removes the last legal avenue for married women to prosecute husbands for sexual violence, leaving them with limited civil remedies.
Arguments in Favor of Criminalizing Marital Rape:
• Violation of Fundamental Rights: Article 14 (Equality) & Article 21 (Right to Dignity and Privacy) are violated by treating married and unmarried women differently.
• Consent in Marriage: Marriage does not imply permanent consent; bodily autonomy must be upheld as per Supreme Court judgments (Puttaswamy judgement, Joseph Shine judgement).
• Global Legal Standards: Countries like the U.K. and Nepal criminalized marital rape, setting an international human rights precedent.
• Underreporting & Justice for Victims: NFHS-5 data shows one-third of married women face sexual or physical violence from their husbands, with no legal recourse.
• Judicial Precedents: Karnataka HC (2022) recognized marital rape as an offence, recommending progressive legal reform.
Arguments Against Criminalizing Marital Rape:
• Preservation of Marriage: The government argues that criminalizing marital rape could undermine the institution of marriage and increase divorce rates.
• Risk of False Cases: Concerns that false allegations could be misused to harass husbands, though studies show sexual crimes remain underreported.
• Legislative Domain: The Centre argues that this is a policy decision that should be made by the Parliament, not the judiciary.
• Existing Remedies: Other laws like domestic violence laws provide civil remedies, although they lack criminal deterrence.
• Cultural & Societal Norms: Some contend that Indian societal values do not align with criminalizing marital rape, making its implementation challenging.
Way Forward:
• Amend the IPC/BNS: Remove Exception 2 in Section 375 IPC and BNS Section 63 to recognize marital rape as a crime.
• Judicial Review: The Supreme Court should strike down the marital rape exception to uphold constitutional rights.
• Awareness & Sensitization: Educate law enforcement, judiciary, and society about women’s rights and bodily autonomy.
• Introduce Safeguards Against Misuse: Develop stringent legal scrutiny to prevent false cases while ensuring justice for genuine victims.
• Legislative Consultation: The Centre should engage with women’s rights groups, legal experts, and stakeholders to frame a balanced law.
Conclusion:
The Chhattisgarh HC ruling further restricts legal avenues for married women facing sexual violence. Criminalizing marital rape is essential for upholding women’s constitutional rights, bodily autonomy, and dignity. The judiciary and legislature must work together to bring much-needed legal reforms that align with global human rights standards.
• We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace. (UPSC-2014)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Major Contributors to Delhi-NCR Air Pollution
Context: A new study published in January 2025 found that stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana contributes only 14% to Delhi-NCR’s PM2.5 levels, debunking the perception that it is the primary cause of air pollution.
About Major Contributors to Delhi-NCR Air Pollution:
• Transport Sector (30%): The largest contributor to PM2.5 pollution, primarily from vehicular emissions and road congestion.
• Local Biomass Burning (23%): Includes wood, charcoal, and waste burning, particularly in low-income settlements.
• Stubble Burning (13%): Seasonal contributor (October-November) but not the primary cause of winter smog in Delhi.
• Construction & Road Dust (10%): Unregulated construction activities and dust from unpaved roads significantly raise particulate levels.
• Unaccounted Sources (10%): Miscellaneous factors including waste burning, illegal industries, and secondary aerosols.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 3 (Environment & Ecology): Covers air pollution, climate change, and mitigation strategies.
• GS Paper 1 (Urbanization & Challenges): Highlights the impact of rapid urbanization on environmental degradation.
• GS Paper 2 (Governance & Policies): Related to Delhi’s Air Pollution Control Policies, Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), and Sustainable Urban Planning.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
Source: IE
Context: The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY) was announced in the Union Budget 2025 by Finance Minister to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability.
About Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY):
• What is PMDKY?
• A comprehensive agricultural development scheme designed to enhance farm productivity, crop diversification, irrigation, and storage infrastructure.
• A comprehensive agricultural development scheme designed to enhance farm productivity, crop diversification, irrigation, and storage infrastructure.
• Ministry & Implementing Agency
• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Implementing Agency: Central and State Governments in partnership with NABARD and financial institutions.
• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
• Implementing Agency: Central and State Governments in partnership with NABARD and financial institutions.
• Aim of PMDKY: Boost Agricultural Productivity: Improve crop yield and land utilization in identified districts. Promote Sustainable Farming: Encourage crop diversification and eco-friendly agricultural techniques. Strengthen Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Establish panchayat and block-level storage facilities. Enhance Irrigation Facilities: Expand access to efficient irrigation systems for small and marginal farmers. Improve Access to Agricultural Credit: Facilitate long-term and short-term credit availability.
• Boost Agricultural Productivity: Improve crop yield and land utilization in identified districts.
• Promote Sustainable Farming: Encourage crop diversification and eco-friendly agricultural techniques.
• Strengthen Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Establish panchayat and block-level storage facilities.
• Enhance Irrigation Facilities: Expand access to efficient irrigation systems for small and marginal farmers.
• Improve Access to Agricultural Credit: Facilitate long-term and short-term credit availability.
• Key Features of PMDKY:
• Targeted Approach for 100 Districts: Focuses on low-productivity areas with moderate cropping intensity and weak credit availability. Data-Driven Implementation: Uses data from Department of Financial Services and NABARD to identify districts. Convergence Model for Fund Allocation: Utilizes existing agriculture and allied schemes from multiple ministries for implementation. Focus on Small & Marginal Farmers: Aims to benefit 1.7 crore farmers by improving productivity and financial inclusion. Post-Harvest & Credit Support: Enhances storage infrastructure and access to farm credit for long-term agricultural sustainability.
• Targeted Approach for 100 Districts: Focuses on low-productivity areas with moderate cropping intensity and weak credit availability.
• Data-Driven Implementation: Uses data from Department of Financial Services and NABARD to identify districts.
• Convergence Model for Fund Allocation: Utilizes existing agriculture and allied schemes from multiple ministries for implementation.
• Focus on Small & Marginal Farmers: Aims to benefit 1.7 crore farmers by improving productivity and financial inclusion.
• Post-Harvest & Credit Support: Enhances storage infrastructure and access to farm credit for long-term agricultural sustainability.
Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs)
Source: IE
Context: India’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) have faced low investor demand, limiting the government’s ability to secure a greenium (lower borrowing cost).
About Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs):
• What are Sovereign Green Bonds?
• Debt instruments issued by governments to raise funds for eco-friendly projects that reduce carbon emissions and enhance climate resilience.
• Debt instruments issued by governments to raise funds for eco-friendly projects that reduce carbon emissions and enhance climate resilience.
• Ministry & Implementing Agency: Ministry of Finance, with oversight from the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).
• Aim of SGrBs: Raise Capital for Green Projects: Mobilize funds for clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and climate resilience. Promote Low-Carbon Transition: Support India’s renewable energy goals under its Net Zero 2070 commitment. Encourage Green Financing: Create a sustainable investment ecosystem for climate action.
• Raise Capital for Green Projects: Mobilize funds for clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and climate resilience.
• Promote Low-Carbon Transition: Support India’s renewable energy goals under its Net Zero 2070 commitment.
• Encourage Green Financing: Create a sustainable investment ecosystem for climate action.
• Projects Covered under SGrBs:
• Electric Locomotive Manufacturing: Funding for energy-efficient three-phase electric locomotives. Metro & Public Transport: Investments in metro rail expansion and sustainable urban mobility. Renewable Energy: Support for solar, wind, and National Green Hydrogen Mission. Afforestation: Funds allocated for National Mission for a Green India.
• Electric Locomotive Manufacturing: Funding for energy-efficient three-phase electric locomotives.
• Metro & Public Transport: Investments in metro rail expansion and sustainable urban mobility.
• Renewable Energy: Support for solar, wind, and National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• Afforestation: Funds allocated for National Mission for a Green India.
• Key Features of SGrBs: Dedicated Use of Proceeds: Funds exclusively allocated to green projects, ensuring transparency and accountability. Lower Interest Rates (Greenium): Typically, lower yields than conventional bonds, though India’s greenium remains weak. Foreign Investor Participation: Open to global climate-focused funds to enhance demand. Limited Secondary Market Liquidity: Bonds held until maturity, restricting market trading opportunities. Part of India’s Green Finance Framework: Aligns with climate goals and international green bond standards.
• Dedicated Use of Proceeds: Funds exclusively allocated to green projects, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Lower Interest Rates (Greenium): Typically, lower yields than conventional bonds, though India’s greenium remains weak.
• Foreign Investor Participation: Open to global climate-focused funds to enhance demand.
• Limited Secondary Market Liquidity: Bonds held until maturity, restricting market trading opportunities.
• Part of India’s Green Finance Framework: Aligns with climate goals and international green bond standards.
Aero India 2025
Source: TH
Context: Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest biennial airshow, is being held in Bengaluru, showcasing advanced military aviation, defense technologies, and global aerospace collaborations.
About Aero India:
• What is Aero India?
• A premier aerospace and defense exhibition showcasing military aviation, advanced defense technologies, and global partnerships.
• A premier aerospace and defense exhibition showcasing military aviation, advanced defense technologies, and global partnerships.
• Origin & Host City:
• First held in 1993 as Avia India, rebranded to Aero India in 1996. Hosted at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru.
• First held in 1993 as Avia India, rebranded to Aero India in 1996.
• Hosted at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru.
• Frequency & Organizers
• Biennial event (held every two years). Organized by Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, with support from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), DRDO, and Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Biennial event (held every two years).
• Organized by Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, with support from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), DRDO, and Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Aim & Significance: Strengthen India’s Aerospace & Defense Industry: Encourages Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense manufacturing. Global Defense Cooperation: Attracts major defense firms for joint ventures, contracts, and technology transfers. Showcase Advanced Aircraft: Demonstrates fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, and next-gen aviation technologies. Boost Foreign Investment: Facilitates collaborations between Indian and international defense companies.
• Strengthen India’s Aerospace & Defense Industry: Encourages Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense manufacturing.
• Global Defense Cooperation: Attracts major defense firms for joint ventures, contracts, and technology transfers.
• Showcase Advanced Aircraft: Demonstrates fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, and next-gen aviation technologies.
• Boost Foreign Investment: Facilitates collaborations between Indian and international defense companies.
• Key Features of Aero India: Live Aerial Displays: Features combat aircraft, helicopters, and aerobatic teams like Surya Kiran. Defense Tech Exhibitions: Showcases cutting-edge radar systems, drones, and AI-driven defense solutions. Business & Military Delegations: Participation from global defense ministers, military officials, and aerospace CEOs. Platform for MMRCA Deals: Previous editions played a key role in India’s Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft procurement.
• Live Aerial Displays: Features combat aircraft, helicopters, and aerobatic teams like Surya Kiran.
• Defense Tech Exhibitions: Showcases cutting-edge radar systems, drones, and AI-driven defense solutions.
• Business & Military Delegations: Participation from global defense ministers, military officials, and aerospace CEOs.
• Platform for MMRCA Deals: Previous editions played a key role in India’s Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft procurement.
• Aero India 2025 Theme: “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”
Tamil Civilization
Source: TH
Context: The report Antiquity of Iron: Recent Radiometric Dates from Tamil Nadu states that the Iron Age began in Tamil Nadu, dating iron usage to the first quarter of the 4th millennium BCE.
About Tamil Civilization:
• What is Tamil Civilization?
• One of the oldest known civilizations, with evidence of advanced urban life, trade, and metallurgy dating back over 5,300 years. Flourished along major rivers like Thamirabarani, Vaigai, and Noyyal, forming a continuous cultural and economic network.
• One of the oldest known civilizations, with evidence of advanced urban life, trade, and metallurgy dating back over 5,300 years.
• Flourished along major rivers like Thamirabarani, Vaigai, and Noyyal, forming a continuous cultural and economic network.
• Major Archaeological Sites & Their Significance:
• Sivagalai:
Year: 2953 BCE – 3345 BCE
Significance: Iron Age site with evidence of paddy cultivation (1155 BCE), skeletal remains, and iron tools, confirming early metallurgy in Tamil Nadu.
• Keeladi:
Year: 6th Century BCE
Significance: Urban settlement with Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, a flourishing weaving industry, and advanced craftsmanship, highlighting early Tamil urban culture.
• Adichanallur:
Year: 3rd Millennium BCE
Significance: Oldest known burial site with gold diadems, microlithic tools, and Tamil-Brahmi potsherds, indicating a highly sophisticated ancient civilization.
• Korkai:
Year: 785 BCE
Significance: Once the capital of Pandya kings, excavation revealed a shell bangle-making industry and trade links with the Gangetic plains, confirming maritime trade.
• Mayiladumparai:
Year: 4,200 Years Ago.
Significance: Confirms the early Iron Age presence in Tamil Nadu with discoveries of memorial stones, Tamil-Brahmi potsherds, and Neolithic tools.
• Kodumanal:
Year: 2,000 Years Ago
Significance: A major industrial hub known for carnelian beads, inscribed potsherds, and Sangam-era trade, proving its role in ancient Tamil commerce.
• Gangaikondacholapuram:
Year: 11th Century CE
Significance: Former Chola capital, excavation revealed palace ruins, copper bracelets, and medieval city structures, showcasing Tamil architectural grandeur.
• Porpanaikottai:
Year: Sangam Age
Significance: Excavations revealed Sangam-age fort ruins, iron nails, glass beads, and terracotta artifacts, signifying an advanced defense and trade network.
• Pallavaram:
Year: Paleolithic Age, 1863 Discovery
Significance: One of the oldest inhabited places with evidence of prehistoric human settlement, hand axes, and terracotta sarcophagi, proving early human occupation.
Exercise Dharma Guardian
Source: DD News
Context: The sixth edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian, a joint military exercise between India and Japan, is scheduled to take place at Mount Fuji, Japan.
About Exercise Dharma Guardian:
• Nations Involved: India and Japan
• Host Place: Mount Fuji, Japan
• Frequency: Biennial (every two years)
• Aim & Objectives: Enhance Military Cooperation: Strengthen bilateral defense ties and improve military-to-military relations. Urban Warfare & Counter-Terrorism Training: Conduct joint urban combat and anti-terrorism operations under UN guidelines. Interoperability Between Forces: Develop tactical synergy and joint planning between the two armies. Strategic Partnership Growth: Build on the momentum of high-level defense exchanges between India and Japan.
• Enhance Military Cooperation: Strengthen bilateral defense ties and improve military-to-military relations.
• Urban Warfare & Counter-Terrorism Training: Conduct joint urban combat and anti-terrorism operations under UN guidelines.
• Interoperability Between Forces: Develop tactical synergy and joint planning between the two armies.
• Strategic Partnership Growth: Build on the momentum of high-level defense exchanges between India and Japan.
About Mount Fuji:
• Location:
• Situated on Honshu Island, Japan, about 100 km southwest of Tokyo.
• Situated on Honshu Island, Japan, about 100 km southwest of Tokyo.
• Geographical Features: Highest Mountain in Japan: 3,776.24 meters (12,389 feet), making it Japan’s tallest peak. Active Stratovolcano: Last erupted in 1707-1708. Snow-Capped Cone: Covered in snow for five months of the year, making it a symbol of Japan. UNESCO World Heritage Site (2013): Recognized for its cultural and artistic influence. Sacred Site: One of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains” (Sanreizan) alongside Mount Tate and Mount Haku.
• Highest Mountain in Japan: 3,776.24 meters (12,389 feet), making it Japan’s tallest peak.
• Active Stratovolcano: Last erupted in 1707-1708.
• Snow-Capped Cone: Covered in snow for five months of the year, making it a symbol of Japan.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site (2013): Recognized for its cultural and artistic influence.
• Sacred Site: One of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains” (Sanreizan) alongside Mount Tate and Mount Haku.
mRNA-Based Cancer Vaccine
Source: TH
Context: Russia has developed an mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine, which will be available for free to patients by early 2025.
About mRNA-Based Cancer Vaccine:
• What is an mRNA-Based Cancer Vaccine?
• An mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccine provides genetic instructions to the body’s cells, enabling them to produce antigens that trigger an immune response. Unlike traditional vaccines, these are not preventive but are used to treat existing cancer patients by targeting tumor-specific antigens.
• An mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccine provides genetic instructions to the body’s cells, enabling them to produce antigens that trigger an immune response.
• Unlike traditional vaccines, these are not preventive but are used to treat existing cancer patients by targeting tumor-specific antigens.
• How Does it Work? Trains the Immune System: The vaccine delivers genetic instructions to produce proteins resembling tumor antigens, prompting the immune system to attack cancer cells. Personalized Treatment: Designed to target specific cancer markers in individual patients, improving precision and effectiveness. Lower Side Effects: Unlike chemotherapy, it kills only cancer cells, reducing damage to healthy tissues. Potential Multi-Antigen Targeting: Unlike the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, which targets one antigen, cancer mRNA vaccines can target multiple tumor markers.
• Trains the Immune System: The vaccine delivers genetic instructions to produce proteins resembling tumor antigens, prompting the immune system to attack cancer cells.
• Personalized Treatment: Designed to target specific cancer markers in individual patients, improving precision and effectiveness.
• Lower Side Effects: Unlike chemotherapy, it kills only cancer cells, reducing damage to healthy tissues.
• Potential Multi-Antigen Targeting: Unlike the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, which targets one antigen, cancer mRNA vaccines can target multiple tumor markers.
• Other mRNA Vaccines for Cancer: UK’s Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (2023): Aims to accelerate clinical trials for personalized cancer immunotherapy. CureVac’s CVGBM Vaccine (USA, 2023): Shows promising immune response in glioblastoma (brain cancer) patients.
• UK’s Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (2023): Aims to accelerate clinical trials for personalized cancer immunotherapy.
• CureVac’s CVGBM Vaccine (USA, 2023): Shows promising immune response in glioblastoma (brain cancer) patients.
• Significance of mRNA-Based Cancer Vaccine:
• Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment: Represents a new era of immunotherapy, offering a targeted and personalized approach to cancer treatment.
• Precision Medicine Advancement: Unlike conventional chemotherapy, mRNA vaccines are tailored to individual patients, enhancing effectiveness and reducing side effects.
• Potential for Multi-Cancer Application: Can be adapted to various cancer types by targeting multiple tumor antigens, making it a versatile treatment option.
• Improved Immune Response: Boosts the body’s natural defense mechanism, helping it recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 February 2025 Mapping:
Gulf of Eilat
Source: TH
Context: A new study has revealed that coral reefs in the Gulf of Eilat experienced a 3,000-year growth shutdown due to global cooling, but later recovered naturally from deeper waters.
About Gulf of Eilat (Gulf of Aqaba):
• Location:
• A northern extension of the Red Sea, situated east of the Sinai Peninsula and west of the Arabian Peninsula. It is also known as Gulf of Aqaba.
• A northern extension of the Red Sea, situated east of the Sinai Peninsula and west of the Arabian Peninsula.
• It is also known as Gulf of Aqaba.
• Neighbouring Nations: Shares its coastline with four countries: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
• Geographical Features: Key Cities: Includes Taba (Egypt), Eilat (Israel), and Aqaba (Jordan) at its northernmost point. Depth & Size: Maximum depth of 1,850 meters, significantly deeper than the adjacent Gulf of Suez. Geological Formation: Forms the southern end of the Dead Sea Transform, a major tectonic fault zone. Coral Ecosystem: Home to the world’s northernmost coral reefs, which have shown resilience despite environmental changes.
• Key Cities: Includes Taba (Egypt), Eilat (Israel), and Aqaba (Jordan) at its northernmost point.
• Depth & Size: Maximum depth of 1,850 meters, significantly deeper than the adjacent Gulf of Suez.
• Geological Formation: Forms the southern end of the Dead Sea Transform, a major tectonic fault zone.
• Coral Ecosystem: Home to the world’s northernmost coral reefs, which have shown resilience despite environmental changes.
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 17 Feb 2025
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