UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 May 2024

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. 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. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically.

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. 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. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically.

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 3:

• Use of AI for Drug Discovery and Development

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

• Manthan (film)

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• Earth’s Magnetic Field

• Muria Tribe

• NCBC recommends increasing the Reservation Quota for OBCs

• Use of State-Funded Media During Polls

• Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)

• 50 years since India’s first Nuclear test

• NASA’s PREFIRE mission

Mapping

• Places in News

Use of AI for Drug Discovery and Development

#### GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Application of Technology

Source: TH

Context: AI is transforming drug development by accelerating target discovery and predicting drug-target interactions.

Examples of New Drugs Formulated through AI:

• DSP-1181:For obsessive-compulsive disorder.

• Halicin:For antibiotic resistance

• BMS-986195: A potential treatment for fibrosis.

Role of AI in Drug Development and Discovery:

Aspect | Role

Enhanced Target Discovery | AI, particularly through advanced tools like AlphaFold and RoseTTAFold, revolutionizes target discovery by accurately predicting the three-dimensional structures of proteins, DNA, and RNA. It allows for a more precise understanding of how drugs can interact with these biological targets.

Improved Efficiency | AI models drastically reduce the time required for drug-target interaction studies and increase the accuracy of these predictions E.g., AlphaFold 3 predicted drug-target interactions with a 76% accuracy rate, a substantial improvement over previous methods.

Cost Reduction | By leveraging deep neural networks and generative diffusion-based architectures, AI minimizes the need for expensive and time-consuming laboratory experiments, thus reducing drug development costs.

Versatility in Predictions | Predict interactions involving any combination of protein, DNA, RNA, small molecules, and ions, broadening the scope of drug development research.

Improved Drug Design | AI algorithms predict how a molecule will interact with a target protein, allowing for more targeted drug design with better efficacy and fewer side effects.

Limitations of AI in Drug Development

• Limited Prediction Accuracy: AI tools achieve up to 80% accuracy, but drop significantly for complex interactions like protein-RNA.

• Restricted Application: AI enhances early phases like target discovery but doesn’t affect pre-clinical and clinical trials.

• Model Hallucinations: Diffusion-based AI models can generate incorrect predictions due to inadequate training data.

• Restricted Tool Access: Advanced tools like AlphaFold 3 are not publicly available, limiting verification and broader use.

• Lack of Computing Infrastructure: India lacks extensive computing resources like high-speed GPUs, hindering AI-driven drug development.

• Shortage of Skilled Professionals: There’s a significant gap in skilled AI scientists compared to countries like the U.S. and China, limiting innovation within India.

• Data Quality and Quantity: The diverse and often scarce nature of drug discovery data poses challenges for accurate analysis and modelling by AI systems.

• Cost and Technical Expertise: Implementing AI in drug discovery requires substantial investments in infrastructure and skilled personnel

• Lack of Standardization: The absence of standardized data formats, collection methods, and analysis techniques in drug discovery hinders the effective comparison of studies and datasets

What should be done:

• Data Privacy and Regulatory Compliance: Strict adherence to data protection regulations like HIPAA and GDPR is essential in AI-driven drug discovery to address ethical and legal concerns regarding patient data privacy.

• Investment in R&D: India can boost AI-driven research projects in pharmaceuticals by increasing funding and support. Public-private partnerships can expedite innovation and commercialization.

• Regulatory Framework: Establishing supportive regulations balancing innovation and safety is crucial. Investment in infrastructure like high-performance computing facilities is necessary for AI-driven research.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration among academia, government, and pharmaceutical firms accelerates AI adoption in the industry.

Case Study:

iOncology AI Project: To develop an AI-powered platform (iOncology AI) to help oncologists select the most effective treatment for cancer patients based on their genetic makeup.

The government programme for the promotion of AI in Healthcare:

• Ayushman Bharat Digital India Mission

• IndiGen Programme (for genome sequencing of Indians)

• Human Genome Project

• Health Stack

• ICMR guideline of use of AI in Healthcare

• AIRAWAT (AI Research, Analytics and Knowledge Assimilation platform): India’s first AI-specific cloud computing infrastructure

Conclusion:

The AI market has witnessed significant growth, from $200 million in 2015 to $700 million in 2018, with projections indicating a surge to $5 billion by 2024. The integration of AI in drug discovery has the potential to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare sector in India and further support India’s position as the ‘Pharmacy of the World’.

Insta Links:

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine

Prelims Links

With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?

• Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.

• This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.

• It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Manthan (film)

#### Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: BBC

Context: In the mid-1970s, half a million dairy farmers in Gujarat contributed two rupees each to fund “Manthan,” India’s first crowd-funded film, directed by Shyam Benegal.

This 1976 film depicts the rise of a dairy cooperative movement inspired by Verghese Kurien, transforming India into the world’s top milk producer. Restored after 50 years, it premiered at Cannes recently.

Values shown by this film: “Manthan” portrays values such as community cooperation, social justice, empowerment of marginalized groups, and the transformative power of collective action. It highlights the significance of grassroots movements in driving social and economic change.

About Dr. Verghese Kurien (1921-2012):

Also known as the ‘Father of the White Revolution in India,’ he spearheaded ‘Operation Flood,‘ the world’s largest agricultural program. He established 30 farmer-run institutions and played a key role in the success of the Amul brand, leading India to become the world’s largest milk producer in 1998. His efforts extended to managing the Delhi Milk Scheme and making India self-sufficient in edible oils. Honoured with the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Krishi Ratna, World Food Prize, and India’s highest civilian awards (Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan), National Milk Day on November 26 commemorates his birth anniversary.

Earth’s Magnetic Field

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Smithsonian

Context: About 600 million years ago, Earth’s magnetic field weakened significantly, allowing more solar radiation to reach the planet.

Impact:

The weakening magnetic field exposed the atmosphere to solar radiation, releasing free oxygen atoms that facilitated the emergence of early life forms. It coincided with the Ediacaran Period (about 635 million to 541 million years ago), during which multicellular organisms evolved due to increased oxygen levels in the atmosphere and oceans.

This research challenges previous theories about the origin of oxygen and suggests that multiple factors contributed to its accumulation.

About Earth’s Magnetic Field:

Earth’s Magnetic Field | Description

About | Earth’s magnetic field (or geomagnetic field) is generated in the planet’s interior and extends into space, creating a region called the magnetosphere and interacting with the solar wind. The magnetic field is generated by convection currents of molten iron and nickel in the Earth’s core (also called the geodynamo process), which carry charged particles and generate magnetic fields. Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the outer core.

| Not only Earth, but Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune also have strong magnetic fields, which are not fully understood. Mars lacks the inner heat and liquid interior needed for a magnetic field, while Venus has a liquid core but spins too slowly to generate one.

Magnetic Poles | Earth has two sets of poles: the geographic poles and the magnetic poles. The geographic North and South poles are the locations where the lines of longitude converge, with the Geographic North Pole situated in the middle of the Arctic Ocean and the Geographic South Pole located in Antarctica. In contrast, the magnetic poles are the locations where the magnetic field lines enter and exit the Earth’s surface. The Magnetic North Pole, also known as the North Dip Pole, is currently found on Ellesmere Island in northern Canada.

Magnetic Pole reversal | The forces that generate Earth’s magnetic field are constantly changing, causing changes in the strength of the magnetic field. This causes the location of Earth’s magnetic north and south poles to gradually shift, and to even completely flip locations around every 300,000 years. During a pole reversal, the magnetic field weakens but doesn’t completely disappear.

Magnetic Field’s Lifetime | Previous studies suggested a magnetic field on Earth at least 3.5 billion years old, but a recent study has extended its lifetime by another 200 million years. Using uranium-to-lead ratio analysis, researchers estimated that some of the magnetised minerals in the rocks were approximately 3.7 billion years old.

Potential Role in Earth’s Habitability | The early magnetic field may have played a critical role in making the planet habitable. It likely helped retain a life-sustaining atmosphere and shielded the planet from damaging solar radiation.

Muria Tribe

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Muria tribal farmer practices the traditional ‘deda’ seed preservation method, handed down by his ancestors.

This eco-friendly technique involves storing seeds in leaves, packed nearly airtight to resemble boulders, providing multi-layer protection from pests and worms. Each ‘deda’ supports up to 5kg of seeds and can preserve them for up to five years. The method, used for pulses like green gram and red gram, ensures food security for Muria families settled in the Godavari valley, who migrated from Chhattisgarh due to conflict.

About the Murias Tribe:

They are a sub-group of the Gond tribe, primarily residing in Chhattisgarh, India. They are known for their involvement in the Muria Rebellion of Bastar in 1876, which was a revolt against Gopinath Kapardas, the diwan of Bastar. The Murias have unique customs, including the practice of burying the dead in structures called “Gudi,” where a stone is placed 6 to 7 feet high. Additionally, they have a social institution known as “Ghotul,” where young boys and girls have the freedom to choose their own life partners.

NCBC recommends increasing the Reservation Quota for OBCs

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has recommended increasing the reservation quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in public employment in Punjab and West Bengal.

Currently, Punjab allocates 25% of public employment positions to Scheduled Castes and 12% to OBCs, totalling 37% reservation. The NCBC has proposed enhancing the OBC quota by an additional 13%, bringing the total OBC reservation in public employment to 25%, adhering to the Supreme Court’s ceiling of up to 50% reservation for socially and educationally backward classes (in the Indra Sawhney case).

In West Bengal, the reservation quota for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes is 22%, 6%, and 17%, respectively, in government-run or aided establishments. The NCBC suggests increasing the OBC reservation to reach the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court.

About the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC):

It was established as a statutory body under the NCBC Act, 1993, and was granted Constitutional Status through the 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018, with the insertion of Article 338B. The commission consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three other Members in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India. Its mandate includes investigating and monitoring all matters related to the safeguards provided for socially and educationally backward classes. Additionally, the NCBC advises the Central Government on OBC inclusion/exclusion requests from state or central governments. The commission presents its report to the President annually and at other times as it deems fit. If the Government disagrees with its recommendations, it must record its reasons.

Use of State-Funded Media During Polls

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: Recent incidents involving Sitaram Yechury and G Devarajan, where changes were made to their speeches aired on Doordarshan and AIR, have sparked controversy

About the use of state-funded media during polls:

Aspect | Descriptions

ECI’s Allocation of Time | Since 1998, recognised political parties have been allowed to freely use state-owned television and radio during polls.

The ECI determines the time allotted to each recognised national and state party before the election campaign begins.

National Parties:

– 10 hours of telecasting time on Doordarshan’s national channel

– At least 15 hours on its regional channels

– 15 hours of airing on regional AIR stations

– 10 hours on the national AIR

State Parties:

– At least 30 hours of telecasting time on the appropriate regional Doordarshan channel

– AIR radio station

Time Allotted for 2024 Elections:

– For national parties: 4.5 hours (45 minutes each) on Doordarshan and AIR

– Remaining 5.5 hours allocated based on vote share in 2019 Lok Sabha elections

– Similar formulae followed for state parties

ECI’s Guidelines on Speech Contents | Parties and speakers are expected to submit transcripts of speeches three to four days before recording.

Transcripts must be approved by concerned authorities in respective AIR and Doordarshan stations.

Forbidden Speech Content:

Criticism of other countries; Attack on religions or communities; Obscenity or defamation; Incitement of violence; Contempt of court; Attacks against the integrity of the President and judiciary; Statements affecting the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of the nation; Criticism of individuals by name

Concerns Raised by Opposition Leaders | According to Sitaram Yechury, censorship applied to his text is a patent denial of the right to dissent in a democracy.

Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: BS

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised supervisory concerns regarding the functioning of asset reconstruction companies (ARCs).

What are ARCs?

Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) are financial institutions that acquire and manage stressed assets from banks and financial institutions. Registered under Section 3 of the SARFAESI Act, 2002, ARCs face several challenges, including issues like back-door entry of defaulting promoters, lengthy settlement processes, and non-transparent practices.

Previously, in April RBI issued a master direction for ARCs:

• The direction stipulates that ARCs must maintain a minimum capital requirement of Rs 300 crore, with existing ARCs given until March 31, 2026, to meet this threshold.

• Non-compliant ARCs will face supervisory action, including the prohibition on incremental business until compliance is achieved.

• ARCs with a minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) of Rs 1000 crorecan act as resolution applicants and are permitted to invest in specified instruments, subject to certain conditions and caps on investment.

50 years since India’s first Nuclear test

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Fifty years ago (1974), India conducted its first nuclear test, Operation Smiling Buddha, in Pokhran, marking its entry into the nuclear club.

Led by Dr H.N. Sethna and Dr R. Ramanna, the test yielded successful results in the 10-15 kiloton range. This made India the first nation, apart from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, to conduct such a test. In 1998, India conducted a series of nuclear tests, code-named Operation Shakti, again in Pokhran, expanding its nuclear capabilities. These tests enabled India to build nuclear weapons with yields up to around 200 kilotons.

India’s nuclear doctrine emphasizes building a credible minimum deterrent, adhering to a “No First Use” policy, and maintaining civilian political control over nuclear retaliation.

NASA’s PREFIRE mission

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Space

Context: Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment (PREFIRE) polar mission is set to unlock the mysteries of Earth’s poles by capturing new data on heat emissions.

Consisting of a pair of CubeSats, PREFIRE will measure far-infrared radiation, shedding light on how different polar properties contribute to heat dissipation.

Places in News

#### Mapping

Source: BBC, Earth

Places | Description

New Caledonia | A state of emergency has been declared by France in New Caledonia, including curfews and bans on gatherings and alcohol sales.

New Caledonia is a French overseas territory in the South West Pacific Ocean. Its maritime neighbours include Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. Though it is one of the European Union’s Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), New Caledonia is not part of the EU, Euro, or Schengen zones. The Lagoons of New Caledonia and associated coral reef ecosystem are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nile River | Satellite imagery, geophysical surveys, and sediment cores revealed that the pyramids of Egypt were built near a now-buried 64km branch of the Nile River, named Ahramat, which facilitated the transport of massive stone blocks and materials.

The Nile River, the longest river in the world ( though this has been contested by research suggesting that the Amazon River is slightly longer), flows from south to north through Eastern Africa. Originating from rivers that feed Lake Victoria, it travels northward through northeastern Africa before draining into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile runs through or along the borders of 11 African countries, including Egypt, Burundi, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and South Sudan. Its major tributaries are the White Nile, Blue Nile, and Atbara.

Port of Call (Spain’s Cartegena) | Spain has refused permission for an Israel-bound ship carrying arms to call at the southeastern port of Cartagena. The Marianne Danica, carrying nearly 27 tons of explosive material from India’s Madras

What is a Port of Call?: A port of call is a designated stop where a ship docks during its journey. It serves as a temporary destination where passengers and cargo can embark or disembark, and where the ship can refuel, take on supplies, or undergo maintenance if necessary.

Cartagena is a port city and naval base in the Murcia region of southeast Spain.