UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 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:

• Green Biohydrogen Production in India

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• Competition Commission of India

• Arab League Summit

• Reports in News

• Psychedelic drugs in India

• Pre-eclampsia

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act

• Copernicus-EMS programme

• Naegleria fowleri

• Ferroptosis

• Malaria vaccine ‘R21/Matrix-M’

Green Biohydrogen Production in India

#### GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Indian Economy: Energy Sector/ Environment Conservation

Source: PIB

Context: The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, chaired a meeting to discuss biomass cultivation on degraded land for green biohydrogen production.

The key difference between biohydrogen and green hydrogen is in their sources of production:

• Biohydrogen: Derived from biological sources such as biogas, and often considered a form of renewable hydrogen due to its environmentally friendly conversion process. Biohydrogen is hydrogen produced from biological sources, typically through biogas reforming. It converts biogas (CH4 and CO2) into hydrogen, often referred to as syngas or bio-hydrogen

• Biohydrogen is hydrogen produced from biological sources, typically through biogas reforming. It converts biogas (CH4 and CO2) into hydrogen, often referred to as syngas or bio-hydrogen

• Green Hydrogen: Produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, and is considered the purest form of clean hydrogen.

What is Green Bio-hydrogen?

Green biohydrogen refers to hydrogen gas produced through the process of biomass cultivation, typically on degraded or barren land. This method involves utilizing organic materials such as seaweed, algae, molasses, sugarcane, and other plant-based resources to generate hydrogen through biological processes.

For: Opportunities and Challenges of Green Hydrogen in India: Click Here

Prospects of Biomass:

A recent MNRE study estimated a surplus biomass availability of approximately 230 million metric tonnes annually (2017-18) and a biomass power potential of around 28 GW. India’s tropical climate and vast agricultural potential make it conducive for biomass production. With an annual production of about 460 million tonnes of agricultural waste, biomass can substitute coal by around 260 million tonnes, potentially saving Rs 250 billion per year.

Benefits of Bioenergy crops cultivation:

• Soil Restoration and Erosion Prevention: Cultivation of energy crops rebuilds degraded soil, enhancing quality, fertility, and structure. Prevents soil erosion and fosters native plant species’ habitat. Improves biodiversity and acts as a carbon sinks, combating climate change.

• Carbon Sequestration: Biomass plants absorb carbon dioxide, aiding climate change mitigation.

• Sustainable Biohydrogen Production: Biomass serves as feedstock for green biohydrogen production via thermochemical or biochemical conversion. Green biohydrogen is a clean fuel emitting only water vapour.

• Bioenergy Generation: Specific bioenergy crops grown on degraded land are used for biomass energy production. Fast-growing trees, grasses, and high-energy plants can be converted into biofuels, biogas, or solid biomass.

• Enhancing Food Security: Biomass cultivation on degraded land preserves fertile agricultural areas for food crops. Prevents diversion of food grains, improving food security and supporting agri-export.

Government Initiatives for Bio and Green Hydrogen:

Initiative | Key Points

Global Biofuel Alliance | Leading efforts to establish global standards for hydrogen from biomass.

National Hydrogen Mission | Targeting a production increase to 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, meeting 40% of domestic requirements.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme | Proposing a Rs 15,000-crore PLI scheme for electrolysers.

Green Hydrogen Mission | Development of Green Hydrogen Production Capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum; Renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country by 2030

Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT): Funding domestic electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production.

Green Hydrogen Hubs: Identifying and developing states/regions for large-scale hydrogen production/utilization.

Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP): Under this Public-private partnership framework R&D will be facilitated under the mission.

International Collaboration | Actively partnering with other countries, research institutions, and private entities for expertise and technology development.

Renewable Energy Integration | Integrating green hydrogen production with India’s expanding renewable energy capacity for improved efficiency and sustainability.

National Biomass Atlas of India | It offers state-wise and crop-wise data on residues per crop, along with images illustrating different crops and their residue ratios.

Challenges:

• Soil Quality: Rehabilitating degraded soil lacking essential nutrients is crucial.

• Species Selection: Identifying biomass crops resilient to harsh conditions is challenging.

• Water Availability: Developing efficient irrigation methods is essential due to water scarcity.

• Economic Viability: High initial investments and aligning crops with market demand pose challenges.

• Biodiversity: Introducing biomass crops may disrupt local ecosystems and biodiversity.

• Cultivation Methods: Implementing practices to minimize ecological impact is essential.

Way forward:

To improve degraded soil fertility, strategies like incorporating organic matter such as compost and biochar, or employing techniques like bio flocculation, which leverages microbial processes, can be implemented. Additionally, by adopting agroforestry methods, integrating fast-growing tree species like Pongamia pinnata with native grasses and legumes, not only enhances soil fertility through nitrogen fixation but also facilitates biofuel production while promoting biodiversity. Drones equipped with multispectral sensors can be utilized for quick assessment of degraded land, mapping soil composition, and identifying potential biomass cultivation areas, aiding in land diagnostics. Furthermore, developing markets for biomass and its by-products is essential for ensuring economic viability and creating a value chain that supports rural livelihoods. Additionally, seaweed cultivation holds immense potential for bioenergy production and fostering a marine biomanufacturing start-up ecosystem.

Conclusion

Bio-hydrogen will be a critical industrial fuel of the 21st century. India is well-positioned to show leadership, which is in India’s and the planet’s collective interest.

Insta Links:

India’s green hydrogen challenge

Prelims Links:

With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of the sugar industry, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2013)

• Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.

• Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.

• Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: C

Mains Links:

What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (UPSC 2020)

Competition Commission of India

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: AIR

Context: At the 15th Foundation Day event of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the Attorney General of India highlighted the challenges digital markets pose for global competition regulators.

About the Competition Commission of India:

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a regulatory body established by the Government of India to enforce the Competition Act, 2002.

• Its primary objective is to promote and sustain competition in markets, protect the interests of consumers, and ensure freedom of trade.

Arab League Summit

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: UN

Context: UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at the Arab League Summit in Bahrain, called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and unimpeded aid access.

About the Arab League:

• The Arab League, formally known as the League of Arab States, is a regional organization of Arab countries in and around North Africa and the Middle East.

• It was founded on March 22, 1945, in Cairo with the signing of the Pact of the League of Arab States also known as the Alexandria Protocol, by Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan (now Jordan), Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria.

• The League has since expanded to include 22 member states (India has observer status)

Reports in News

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Reports | Description

Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 | The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the TTDI 2024

TTDI assesses factors and policies for sustainable and resilient Travel and Tourism development. This second edition evolved from the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), WEF’s flagship index since 2007.

India’s rank improved to 39 in 2024 from 54 in 2021

Global Land Outlook Thematic Report on Rangelands and Pastoralists | Released by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

The report examines the relationship between rangelands and their human communities, particularly pastoralists, to identify protection strategies.

Rangelands, comprising ecosystems like grasslands, savannahs, and deserts, cover over 54% of the Earth’s surface, with 78% in drylands.

Up to 50% of rangelands are degraded due to factors like land use changes, excessive grazing, and urban expansion.

In India, rangelands cover about 121 million hectares, with 100 million hectares underutilized.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), adopted in 1994, is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. India has ratified it.

ILO’s Financing gap for universal social protection | The report estimates the financing gap to achieve Universal Social Protection (USP) in 133 Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

India needs over US$135 billion for USP, with a financing gap of 3.3% of GDP and 11.8% of government expenditure.

World Bank’s Water For Shared Prosperity | The World Bank report, released at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia, defines shared prosperity as boosting prosperity for the poorest to achieve equitable societies.

Four building blocks of prosperity: Health and Education, Jobs and Income, Peace and Social Cohesion, and Environment.

Population growth, urbanization, and climate change increase global water access disparity.

In 2022, 197 million people in the world lacked safe drinking water, and 211 million lacked basic sanitation.

World Water Forum: Held every three years, co-hosted by the World Water Council and a host country. Aims to raise water issues on the political agenda and support international water issue resolutions.

Psychedelic drugs in India

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: DTE

Context: Driven by the need for better mental health treatments and the low success rate of current medications, researchers are calling for clinical trials of psychedelic drugs in India. P

About Psychedelics

Psychedelics are a class of drugs that alter perception, behaviour, consciousness, and thought, often intensifying sensory awareness. These drugs, a subset of psychotropic substances, are known for causing vivid hallucinations and drastically changing an individual’s thoughts and perceptions.

Categories of Psychedelics:

• Classical Psychedelics: Primarily cause hallucinations by activating the serotonin 5-HT receptor, found throughout the body. Examples include LSD, psilocybin, and DMT.

• Non-Classical Psychedelics: Interact with various receptors. Notable examples are ketamine and MDMA.

How do They work?

Psychedelics typically enhance serotonin, a mood-stabilizing hormone, by binding to serotonin receptors on cell surfaces, triggering specific biochemical reactions.

Research and Clinical Use: Five psychedelics—psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, ketamine, and DMT—are being extensively studied for treating mental health issues.

Regulation: The 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances regulates about 200 psychotropic substances, categorizing them into four schedules based on abuse potential, with Schedule I being the most restrictive. The convention does not specify the exact number or types classified as psychedelics.

Pre-eclampsia

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that leads to multiorgan dysfunction in the mother. It typically manifests after 20 weeks of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure. Other symptoms include swelling in the face, hands, and feet, severe headaches, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, and trouble breathing. Studies show that pre-eclampsia significantly raises the risk of heart failure, coronary heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular death in mothers.

India’s Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes:

• India accounts for nearly a quarter of the world’s adverse pregnancy outcomes.

• NFHS-5 statistics show perinatal mortality at 32 per 1,000 pregnancies and neonatal mortality at 25 per 1,000 live births.

• Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal death.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: CNBC

Context: The European Union has finalized the world’s first comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence, known as the AI Act.

• This legislation sets strict rules for AI applications, categorizing them based on the risks they pose to society.

• High-risk AI systems, such as autonomous vehicles and medical devices, face stringent evaluations, while AI applications deemed “unacceptable” like social scoring systems, predictive policing, and emotional recognition are prohibited.

• Companies violating the AI Act could face fines of up to 35 million euros or 7% of their annual global revenues.

The law, aimed at ensuring trust, transparency, and accountability, includes provisions for generative AI systems to respect copyright laws and undergo routine testing.

Copernicus-EMS programme

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) rapid response mapping was activated by the EU to assist in locating a helicopter carrying the Iranian President, which crashed near the Iran-Azerbaijan border.

About Copernicus programme:

• The Copernicus programme is an EU initiative that utilizes satellite and ground-based data to address climate change, disaster management, and other global challenges.

• The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) is a component of the broader Copernicus program, an initiative by the European Union (EU) aimed at providing comprehensive Earth observation and monitoring services.

The Copernicus EMS specifically focuses on delivering timely and accurate geospatial information to support emergency response efforts during natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and other emergencies.

Naegleria fowleri

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: A girl from Kerala, has died from amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, known as the ‘brain-eating amoeba.‘

*Naegleria fowleri is a type of amoeba*, a unicellular organism found in soil, warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs.

If this amoeba enters the nose and reaches the brain, it can cause a severe infection known as Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).

Due to its ability to infect and destroy brain tissue, Naegleria fowleri is often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba.”

While infections caused by this organism are rare, they are almost always fatal.

Ferroptosis

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Business Standard

Context: A recent study by researchers has identified ferroptosis, an unusual form of cell death, as a significant contributor to lung damage in COVID-19 patients.

• Ferroptosis occurs when the outer fat layers of cells collapse, leading to cell death.

• This differs from the more common type of cell death, where cells break down their internal molecules.

• The study analysed human tissues and autopsies of COVID-19 victims, along with samples from hamsters, revealing that ferroptosis was a primary mechanism behind the lung damage observed.

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterized by the iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides to lethal levels.

Unlike other forms of cell death such as apoptosis or necrosis, ferroptosis specifically involves the oxidative damage of lipids within cell membranes, leading to cell membrane destabilization and ultimately cell death.

Malaria vaccine ‘R21/Matrix-M’

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Serum Institute of India (SII) has begun exporting the ‘R21/Matrix-M’ malaria vaccine to Africa, targeting children in malaria-endemic regions.

• Developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford and Novavax’s Matrix-M adjuvant.

• It is the second malaria vaccine recommended by WHO in 2023, after RTS, S/AS01 vaccine.

About Malaria:

• Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

• It is preventable and curable, but it remains a major public health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.