UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 November 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 – 7 November 2024)

1. Tuberculosis in India

GS Paper 3:

2. RNA Editing

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Speech at Asian Buddhist Summit

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Tuna Cluster

2. PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme

3. MAHASAGAR

4. Agrivoltaic farming

5. Allulose

6. Millimeter Wave Transceiver

7. Gravity Energy Storage

8. Markhor

Mapping:

1. Land Port Darranga

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 November 2024

GS Paper 2:

Tuberculosis in India

Syllabus: Health

Source:  PIB

 Context: India has made notable progress in its mission to eliminate tuberculosis (TB), with a 17.7% decline in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023, surpassing the global average.

Strategies and Targets for Ending Tuberculosis in India:

• SDG Goal 3.3: Target to end TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global 2030 deadline.
• Key targets:
  • 80% reduction in TB incidence from 2015 levels.
  • 90% reduction in TB mortality.
  • Zero TB-affected households facing catastrophic expenses.

India’s approach:

• National tuberculosis elimination programme (ntep): Implements the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017–2025 for TB elimination.
• Diagnosis expansion: Increased access to sputum smear and nucleic acid amplification tests.
• Treatment support: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana; incentives for ASHA workers, TB champions, and family caregivers.
• Community engagement: Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) drives community involvement with support from over 1.5 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras.
• Holistic care: Focuses on coexisting health conditions like malnutrition, diabetes, HIV, and substance abuse through inter-ministerial partnerships.

Challenges:

• High TB Burden: India continues to bear the world’s highest TB burden.
• Resource constraints: Limited healthcare infrastructure and workforce in remote areas.
• Awareness and Stigma: Social stigma and low awareness impact treatment adherence.
• Drug resistance: Increasing drug-resistant TB strains present treatment challenges.

Way forward:

• BCG studies: Research on adult BCG vaccination.
• Expanded preventive therapy: scale up Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT) with new, shorter regimens.
• Improved diagnostics: Broaden access to molecular diagnostic tests.
• Decentralized care: TB service delivery through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
• Enhanced Community Support: Strengthen community-based care via PMTBMBA.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 November 2024 GS Paper 3:

RNA Editing

Syllabus: Science and Technology

Source:  TH

Context: Recently, companies like Wave Life Sciences have made significant strides in RNA editing, with the first clinical application of this technology.

About RNA Editing:

• Definition: RNA editing involves making precise changes to RNA molecules, which carry instructions from DNA to produce proteins. This process allows scientists to correct errors in RNA before they are translated into proteins.
• Mechanism: One method uses enzymes like adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) to convert adenosine to inosine, which mimics guanosine, restoring normal protein function.
• Guide RNA (gRNA): gRNA directs ADAR enzymes to specific mRNA regions to correct mutations linked to genetic disorders.

Difference Between RNA and DNA Editing:

• Permanency: DNA editing makes permanent changes to the genome; RNA editing makes temporary changes, reducing long-term risk.
• Safety: DNA editing uses proteins from bacteria, which may cause immune reactions; RNA editing utilizes ADAR enzymes already present in the human body, lowering immune risks.
• Flexibility: RNA editing allows effects to fade over time, enabling doctors to stop treatment if side effects arise.

Challenges in RNA Editing:

• Specificity: ADAR enzymes may cause unintended edits in non-targeted mRNA regions, which could lead to side effects.
• Transient Effects: The temporary nature of RNA edits requires repeated treatments for sustained benefits.
• Delivery Limitations: Current delivery methods, like lipid nanoparticles, struggle with transporting large molecules, limiting effectiveness.

Applications in Various Fields:

• Genetic Disorders: Treats single-point mutations in conditions like Huntington’s disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
• Neurological Conditions: Companies are exploring RNA editing for diseases like Parkinson’s.
• Oncology: Rznomics’ trials focus on using RNA editing to regulate protein production related to liver cancer.
• Ophthalmology: Treating ABCA4 retinopathy, which is caused by mutations affecting protein expression in the eye.

Conclusion:

RNA editing offers a promising, flexible approach to treating genetic disorders with fewer risks than DNA editing. As clinical applications expand, RNA editing is poised to become a vital tool in precision medicine. Ongoing research and collaboration are key to unlocking its full potential.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Speech at Asian Buddhist Summit

Context: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the first Asian Buddhist Summit organised by the Union Culture Ministry and the International Buddhist Confederation in New Delhi.

President speech in Asian Buddhist Summit:

• “Buddha Dharma can bring peace, real peace, to Asia and the world — a peace free from not only physical violence but also from all forms of greed and hatred.”
• “If one word could capture the Buddha Dhamma, it had to be karuna or compassion, which is what the world needs today.”
• “The preservation of the Buddha’s teachings has been a great collective endeavour.”
• “The middle path and four noble truths of the Buddha offer timeless solutions.”
• “India reaffirms its commitment to strengthen the ‘Dhamma Setu’, the Buddhist bridge connecting Asian nations.”

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus

• Ethics (GS-IV): Insights on compassion (karuna) and non-violence as ethical principles.
• Indian Culture (GS-I): Role of Buddhism in Indian heritage and its global influence.
• International Relations (GS-II): Use of Buddhism for diplomatic and cultural relations with Asian countries.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Tuna Cluster

Source: PIB

Context: The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, has designated the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a Tuna Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

• With approximately 6.0 lakh square km of under-utilized Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) rich in tuna resources, the region offers unique advantages in fisheries development due to its proximity to Southeast Asia, sustainable fishing practices, and conducive trade routes.

About Tuna Fish:

• Species: Belongs to the Thunnus genus, adapted for speed with streamlined bodies.
• Habitat: Found in both tropical and temperate oceans, known for extensive migrations.
• Economic significance: Tuna species like Skipjack, Yellowfin, and Bluefin contribute around $41 billion annually in trade (2018).
• Unique physiology: Maintains a body temperature higher than surrounding water, a trait shared with Mackerel sharks and Opah.
• Nutritional value: High in Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants, supporting health and nutrition.

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

• Launch: Launched in 2020 as the flagship scheme of the Department of Fisheries.
• Objective: To boost the fisheries sector’s growth through integrated, consolidated efforts from various initiatives.
• Components: An umbrella scheme comprising the Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
• Focus areas: Includes enhancing productivity, post-harvest infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks for sustainable fisheries development.
• Other clusters:
  • The Department of Fisheries has already identified three locations as priority areas for development,
    • Hazaribagh District in Jharkhand for pearl culture
    • Madurai District in Tamil for ornamental fisheries
    • UT of Lakshadweep for seaweed.

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PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme

Source:  PIB

Context: The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, aimed at providing financial support to meritorious students, ensuring that financial challenges do not hinder anyone in India from pursuing quality higher education.

About PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme:

• Objective: To provide financial assistance to meritorious students, eliminating financial constraints in accessing quality higher education.
• Eligibility: Available to students admitted to top 860 HEIs in India, as per NIRF rankings, covering over 22 lakh students annually.
• Loan features: Offers collateral-free, guarantor-free education loans with a user-friendly, digital application process.
• Credit guarantee: Government provides a 75% credit guarantee on loans up to ₹7.5 lakhs, supporting banks in loan expansion.
• Interest subvention: For families with an annual income up to ₹8 lakhs, a 3% interest subvention is provided on loans up to ₹10 lakhs. Full interest subvention is available to students with family incomes up to ₹4.5 lakhs under the PM-USP scheme.
• Unified portal: The scheme will be accessible through the “PM-Vidyalaxmi” portal, enabling easy loan applications and interest subvention processing via e-vouchers and CBDC wallets.
• Complementary schemes: Supplements existing schemes like CSIS and CGFSEL under PM-USP, offering comprehensive support for technical and professional courses in approved HEIs.

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MAHASAGAR

Source:  PIB

Context: The Indian Navy recently conducted the third edition of MAHASAGAR, a high-level virtual engagement that brought together naval leaders from Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations.

About MAHASAGAR:

• Meaning: “MAHASAGAR” translates to “vast ocean” in Hindi.
  • MAHASAGAR which stands for Maritime Heads for Active Security And Growth for All in the Region.
• Objective: Strengthen cooperation on maritime security through joint training and capacity-building in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Participants: Heads of Navies/Maritime Agencies from 10 IOR littoral nations, including Bangladesh, Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
• Initiative: Started by the Indian Navy in 2023, conducted bi-annually as a virtual interaction platform for IOR nations.
• Focus of Third Edition: Emphasized collaboration on training to develop skilled manpower and strengthen collective responses to maritime security challenges.

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Agrivoltaic farming

Source:   News on Air

Context: The Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) concluded in New Delhi, highlighting sustainable energy and agrivoltaic farming a practice that combines agriculture with solar energy generation on the same land.

About Agrivoltaic Farming:

• Definition: Agrivoltaic farming is the simultaneous use of land for agriculture and solar energy generation, allowing crops to grow beneath solar panels.

• Agrivoltaic farming working:

• Elevated panels: Solar panels are raised 2-3 meters, providing space for crops to grow beneath with adequate light and air.
• Angle and Spacing: Panels are angled and spaced to optimize sunlight for both solar energy and crop growth.
• Shade and Protection: Panels offer shade, reducing heat stress and protecting crops from harsh weather.
• Water conservation: Shading lowers evaporation, conserving soil moisture and reducing water needs.
• Greenhouse integration: Panels on greenhouse roofs allow light/rain for crops while generating energy.
• Dual harvesting: Utilizes land for both solar power and agriculture, maximizing energy and food production.

• Significance of Agrivoltaic Farming:
  • Enhanced Land Use: Maximizes land efficiency by combining agriculture and solar energy production on the same land.
  • Climate resilience: Provides shade to crops, reducing heat stress and water loss, and protecting from extreme weather.
  • Renewable energy generation: Contributes to solar power expansion, supporting climate goals and energy needs.
  • Increased food security: Supports sustainable food production for a growing population without needing additional land.
  • Economic benefits: Enables farmers to diversify income through both crop production and solar energy revenue.

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Allulose

Source:  DD News

Context: South Korea has emerged as a key market for allulose, a new sugar substitute gaining popularity among consumers and food manufacturers.

About Allulose:

• Natural source: Found naturally in figs, kiwis, and other fruits.
• Sweetness and Calories: 70% as sweet as sugar with almost zero calories, making it ideal for low-calorie diets.
• Health benefits: May aid in weight loss and help lower blood glucose levels when combined with sugars, beneficial for diabetics.
• Health concerns: Side effects include potential gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and bloating if consumed in large quantities.
• Regulatory status: Approved in the U.S. and South Korea, but still classified as a “novel food” in the EU and Canada, with limited global regulatory approval.
• Challenges: High production costs and need for further research on long-term safety limit its broader commercialization.

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Millimeter Wave Transceiver

Source:  PIB

Context: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has signed an agreement with the IIT Roorkee to develop a Millimeter Wave Transceiver aimed at improving 5G connectivity in rural areas under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme.

 About Millimeter Wave Transceiver Technology:

About Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF):

• Origin: Previously called the Universal Service Obligation Fund Scheme.
  • Was established by the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003
• Aim: To support R&D in telecom tech, enable affordable broadband and mobile services in rural/remote areas, and foster synergies between startups, academia, and industry.
• Ministry: Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.
• Features:
  • Provides grants to Indian entities for telecom innovation and indigenous manufacturing.
  • Encourages Intellectual Property creation, technology co-innovation, and reduced imports.
  • Supports the telecom ecosystem, including standards development, design, prototyping, and testing.

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Gravity Energy Storage

Source:  DTE

Context: As climate change intensifies, transitioning to renewable energy is crucial, with solar energy offering abundant yet intermittent supply. Gravity energy storage is emerging as a sustainable solution to stabilize power grids, providing an alternative to batteries.

About Gravity Energy Storage:

• What it is: A renewable energy storage technology that uses gravitational force to store and release energy, especially suitable for grid-scale applications.
• How It works:
  • During excess energy generation, a heavy mass (water, concrete, or compressed earth blocks) is lifted, converting electrical energy into stored potential energy.
  • When energy demand rises, the mass is released, descending to drive water through a turbine, generating electricity.
• Advantages:
  • Longevity: Lasts for decades with minimal maintenance compared to battery systems.
  • Environmentally friendly: No harmful chemicals; reduces disposal and environmental impact.
  • Cost-effective: Offers lower lifetime energy and storage costs for large-scale applications.
  • Flexible deployment: Can be used in areas unsuitable for pumped-hydro or large battery systems, such as urban or constrained environments.
• Limitations:
  • Early Development Stage: High initial setup costs and regulatory challenges.
  • Geographic limitations: Requires suitable locations for large infrastructure.
  • Limited energy density: While effective for grid storage, less efficient for compact or smaller-scale applications compared to batteries.

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Markhor

Source:   Greater Kashmir

Context: Efforts are urgently needed to protect the habitat of the endangered Markhor, the world’s largest wild goat, to support and increase its population in Jammu and Kashmir.

About Markhor:

• Scientific name: Capra falconeri
• The UN General Assembly proclaimed 24 May the International Day of the Markhor, and it is celebrated for the first time in 2024.
• Distinctive features: Spiral horns (up to 160 cm in males), thick fur in shades of brown and gray; males weigh 80-110 kg, females weigh 32-50 kg.
• Habitat: Mountainous regions at 600–3,600 meters in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India (J&K), and Tajikistan.
• Diet: Herbivorous; feeds on grasses, leaves, herbs, and woody plants in winter.
• Social behavior: Males often solitary or in small groups, while females and young form larger herds.
• Threats: Illegal hunting for horns, habitat encroachment, livestock competition, and climate change effects.
• Conservation status: Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN; conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, reducing poaching, and managing livestock competition.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 November 2024 Mapping:

Land Port Darranga

Source: ANI News

Context: The Immigration Check Post (ICP) at Land Port Darranga in Assam’s Tamulpur district, located just 700 meters from the Indo-Bhutan border, is set to be inaugurated.

About Darranga Check Post:

• Location: Positioned near the Indo-Bhutan border, only 700 meters from Bhutan, in Assam’s Tamulpur district.
• Facilities: Spans 14.5 acres with advanced infrastructure for efficient cross-border travel and trade.
• Connectivity: Benefits from proximity to National Highway 27 and Bhutan’s enhanced customs facilities.
• Economic impact: Expected to catalyze trade expansion, benefiting India’s development goals and Bhutan’s industrial output.
• Significance: Acts as both a commercial hub and an immigration checkpoint, fostering economic and cultural ties between India and Bhutan.

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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 7 Nov 2024

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