Daily Current Affairs UPSC 02 August 2024

Genetic Testing

• Genetic testing is being used by athletes to improve their performance
• Genetic testing analyzes an individual's DNA to identify genetic variants that may impact athletic performance, health risks, and nutritional needs
• Tests can be done on blood, hair, skin, amniotic fluid, or other tissues
• Significance of genetic testing for athletes includes:
• Performance Optimization: Identifying genetic factors to enhance endurance and strength
• Nutritional Guidance: Tailoring diet plans based on allergies and nutrient absorption issues
• Injury Prevention and Recovery: Revealing genetic risks for injury and recovery times for personalized care

Ransomware

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) suspends payments in banks due to ransomware attack

• Ransomware is a type of malware that holds sensitive data or devices hostage until a ransom is paid.
• Examples of ransomware include WannaCry and NotPetya.
• Ransomware attacks can occur through phishing, exploiting vulnerabilities, or malicious downloads.

Types of Ransomware

• Crypto ransomware encrypts victim's data.
• Leakware/doxware steals sensitive data and threatens to publish it.
• Wipers threaten to destroy data if ransom is not paid.

Kindlin’s

• Study on the Influence of Kindlins in Cancer.
• Kindlins as Potential Targets for Cancer Treatment.
• Kindlins are adapter proteins found in cell membranes of vertebrate cells.
• They play a crucial role in transmitting signals within cells.
• Mutations in Kindlins can be caused by various carcinogens like nicotine and UV rays.
• Disruptions in Kindlins can lead to imbalances in the body's homeostasis.

Giant Radio Sources

Indian astronomers use GMRT to discover 34 new Giant Radio Sources

• Indian astronomers utilized the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) near Pune to discover 34 new Giant Radio Sources.
• GMRT is operated by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) and consists of 30 fully steerable parabolic dishes for research in the metre-wavelength range of the radio spectrum.

Giant Radio Sources (GRSs) explained

• GRSs are some of the largest objects in the universe and are characterized by the presence of a supermassive black hole at their core.
• The black hole acts as a central engine, attracting surrounding matter and creating jets of hot plasma, resulting in massive lobes of radio emissions.

Woody Encroachment

Impact of Woody Encroachment on Open Ecosystems

• Study findings show that woody encroachment, or the increase of tree and shrub cover, is widespread in most ecosystems.
• This process involves the conversion of open habitats to habitats with greater tree cover and/or shrub density.
• As a result, ecosystems become more homogenized, with diverse, multi-layered habitats turning into uniform layers of woody plants.
• In open ecosystems like savannahs and grasslands, woody encroachment has led to a decrease in the number of native grassland birds.

Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) (Domestic)

• States can buy rice from FCI under OMSS Domestic without e-auction from August 1, 2024
• Purpose is to reduce surplus stocks before new procurement season
• OMSS Domestic offers food grains at fixed prices through e-auction
• Goal is to control market prices and prevent inflation.

World Trade Statistical Review (WTSR) 2023

Overview of World Trade Statistical Review (WTSR) 2023

• WTSR is the main statistical publication of the WTO.
• Focuses on recent trends in global trade.
• Includes important data on global trade in goods and services.

Key findings from WTSR 2023

• India maintains 8th place in global agriculture exports in 2023.
• India is ranked 18th in merchandise exports and 7th in services exports.
• China, USA, and Germany continue to be the top three merchandise exporters in 2022.

Bent-toed geckos

New Lineages of Bent-Toed Geckos Discovered in Northeast India

• Scientists have identified six new lineages of bent-toed geckos in the Northeast region of India.
• These geckos have been found in various locations including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
• Bent-toed geckos are nocturnal creatures that can be found near forest streams, rocks, and vegetation.
• Each state in the Northeast region has its own unique species of bent-toed gecko.
• In total, there are 30 different species of bent-toed geckos in the Northeast region alone.

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak

• Born in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra on 23rd July 1856.
• Known for being a scholar, philosopher, and nationalist.

Key Contributions/Work of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak

• Advocated for Swaraj (self-rule) and complete independence from British rule.
• Established the Home Rule League in April 1916 at Belagavi.
• Founded newspapers "Kesari" (Marathi) and "The Mahratta" (English)
• Composed the 'Gita Rahasya'.

Values Upheld by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak

• Patriotism
• Courage
• Perseverance

Partnership for Health: Ministry of Ayush and WHO Sign Donor Agreement

Donor Agreement for WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre

• The Donor agreement establishes the WHO GTMC as a key knowledge hub for evidence-based TCIM.
• India will donate US$ 85 million over 10 years to support the operations of the WHO GTMC in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India.

About Traditional Medicine

• Traditional Medicine includes practices based on indigenous beliefs and experiences used for prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.
• Examples of traditional medicines include herbal medicine, yoga, Ayurveda, and acupuncture.
• Over 80% of the world's population in over 170 WHO Member States use some form of traditional medicine.
• The 2018 Declaration of Astana on primary health care recognizes the importance of including traditional medicine in primary health care delivery.

Concerns

• Traditional medicine products can have negative health effects, especially when used with other medications or in high doses.
• Most traditional medicine products are unregulated.

Initiatives Taken

• National Ayush Mission: Aimed at improving access to Ayush services through the upgrade and establishment of Ayush hospitals and dispensaries.
• Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana: Focuses on the development of traditional medicine products.
• Ayurswasthya: Provides financial assistance to eligible organizations/institutes for enhancing research and development activities in Ayush.

Proposed Changes to Disaster Management Bill in Lok Sabha

Amendment of Disaster Management Act, 2005

• Integrating disaster management into development plans.
• Aligning with recommendations of 15th Finance Commission.

Key features of Bill

Disaster Database

• Creation at national and state levels.
• Includes assessments, fund allocation details, expenditure, preparedness and mitigation plans, risk register.

Disaster Plan

• Empowering NDMA and SDMA to prepare plans at national and state levels.
• Review of national plan every three years, update every five years.

Urban Authority

• Proposal for "Urban Disaster Management Authority" for State capitals and large cities with Municipal Corporations.

Statutory Recognition

• Recognition for National Crisis Management Committee and High-Level Committee.

State Force

• Enable state government to constitute State Disaster Response Force to strengthen disaster response capability.

Key provisions of DM Act, 2005

• DM Act, 2005 sets up a 3-tier institutional structure for disaster management.
• National Level: NDMA led by Prime Minister.
• State Level: SDMAs led by Chief Ministers.
• District Level: DDMAs led by District Collector or District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner.
• Establishes National Disaster Response Force for specialized response.
• Establishes National Disaster Response Fund for addressing threatening disaster situations.

NGT Urges MoEFCC to Set Deadline for Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Zone

Western Ghats: 

• Spans across 6 states in India.
• Gadgil panel recommended declaring it as an Ecologically Sensitive Area in 2011.
• Kasturirangan panel reviewed the Gadgil report.
• Central Government issued a draft notification based on panel recommendations.

Draft Notification, 2022:

• Regulates human activities in the Western Ghats.
• Activities like mining, quarrying, and certain industries are restricted
• Hydropower projects are regulated.
• Existing healthcare establishments, agriculture, and plantation activities are unrestricted.
• Decision Support & Monitoring Centre established for assessing the ecology of Western Ghats.

Issues:

• Concerns about potential harm to local residents' livelihoods and development activities.
• States claim lack of scientific survey to determine the size of the Ecologically Sensitive Area before the draft notification was issued.

Eco-Sensitive Zones

• Defined as areas/zones with identified environmental resources of incomparable value.
• Require special attention for conservation due to landscape, wildlife, biodiversity, historical, and natural values.
• Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs).
• Regions located within 10 km of protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Notified and regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

Navigating the Middle Income Trap: World Bank Report 2024

Roadmap to Escape the Middle-Income Trap.

Middle-Income Trap

• Situation where Middle-Income Countries experience growth slowdowns.
• Unable to transition to new economic structures for sustained high-income levels.

Key Highlights of the Report

Wealth Growth and Trap

• Countries hit a trap at around 10% of annual U.S. GDP per person.
• Growth slows down after reaching this point.

Shift to High-Income Status

• Only 34 Middle-Income Countries have shifted to high-income status since 1990.

Middle-Income Countries

• 108 countries classified as MICs at end-2023.
• Home to 75% of global population and generating over 40% of global GDP.

Challenges in Escaping the Trap

• Aging Populations.
• Rising Protectionism in Advanced Economies.
• Need for Energy Transition.

India's Status

• Joined Lower MICs in 2007.
• GNI per capita at $2,540.
• Slow progress towards reaching US income per capita, estimated to take 75 years.

Key recommendations

• 3I Strategy: The key recommendation is to implement the 3I strategy, which involves focusing on investment first, then infusing new technologies, and finally adopting a balanced three-pronged approach.
• Reward Value-Adding Firms: Stimulating business dynamism can be achieved by rewarding value-adding firms, which can help deepen capital markets.
• Enhance Social Mobility: Providing equal opportunities to women, minorities, and disadvantaged groups can enhance social mobility. For example, removing barriers to entrepreneurship for women in India could increase real income by 40%.
• Reflect Environmental Costs: Enhancing economic efficiency can be achieved by reflecting environmental costs in energy prices. This can help promote sustainability and reduce negative impacts on the environment.

Supreme Court Approves Sub-Classification for SC, ST Quotas

Supreme Court ruling on sub-classification of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

• States can sub-classify SCs and STs for additional quotas for more disadvantaged groups.
• Earlier ruling in EV Chinnaiah case stated all castes in Presidential Order under Article 341(1) formed one homogeneous group.
• President of India can designate certain groups as Scheduled Castes under Article 341(1).

Key highlights of Supreme Court judgment

• State cannot have 100% reservation for a sub-class.
• Empirical study required before sub-classification.
• State's power to sub-classify subject to judicial review.
• Sub-classification does not violate equality principle under Article 14 or President's authority under Article 341.
• Need to exclude 'creamy layer' among Scheduled Castes from reservation benefits.
• 'Creamy layer' concept currently only applicable to reservation for Other Backward Classes.

Vietnamese Prime Minister's State Visit to India

India-Vietnam Partnership Highlights

• India views Vietnam as a crucial partner in its Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
• Key outcomes of the recent visit include the adoption of a Plan of Action for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• MoUs were signed in various fields such as customs capacity building, agriculture, legal, radio, television, and medicinal plants.
• India extended a US$ 300 million Line of Credit for defence procurement.
• Vietnam joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
• Both countries support a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

India-Vietnam Relations Overview

• Historical ties date back to 1972, with the partnership elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016.
• Development cooperation includes projects under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and restoration of the My Son UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Economic ties show trade at USD 14.82 billion in FY24, with Indian exports at US$ 5.47 billion and imports at US$ 9.35 billion.
• Defence cooperation includes a Joint Vision Statement and joint military exercises like VINBAX and MILAN.