DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 8th March 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – Science

Context: Clinical trials are being conducted by an Indian pharmaceutical company to test a biosimilar of Pertuzumab (drug for treatment of breast cancer) that was invented by swiss company Roche.

Background:-

• Since Comparator clinical trials have to be conducted in comparison to a “reference product”, which in this case is Roche’s product, the Indian company had to procure Roche’s products for their clincal studies.Roche, which presumably keeps close track of the sales of its drugs (which are expensive and subject to stringent storage protocols) has now raised questions on how and where the Indian company accessed the “reference products” for the purpose of its clinical trials.

About Biosimilars:-

• Biosimilars are similar copies of a class of drugs called biologicals. Biological medicines have created new opportunities to treat diseases, including cancers, autoimmune conditions and diabetes, to name a few.
• As their name suggests, biologics are made with biological materials, including materials from humans, plants, animals, bacteria, and other microorganisms; they go through a rigorous, tightly controlled manufacturing process and tend to be patented.
• Biologics are highly complex molecules that are grown rather than synthesized and have an inherent level of micro-variability. Because of this variability in the structure of reference biologics, biosimilars cannot be exact copies. Instead, biosimilars mimic the active ingredient in the reference biologic.
• A biosimilar has a structure that is highly similar to, but not exactly the same, as a brand name biologic. A biosimilar behaves in much the same way, so that there are “no meaningful differences” between it and its brand name biologic. This means that the biosimilar is also considered as safe and effective as the biologic.

Biosimilars vs. Generic Medications

• Biosimilars are often compared to generic medications, but there are key differences.
• The active ingredient within generic versions (of drugs that aren’t biologics) are exact copies of name brand medications, made with an easily repeatable manufacturing process.
• In contrast, due to the variability of biologics, biosimilars cannot be exact copies but they do have the same mechanism of action and the same expected benefits and risks as the original biologics.
• Similar to generics, biosimilars provide patients with lower-cost medicines, often making these treatments more accessible and improving quality of life for patients.

Source: Scroll

Syllabus

• Prelims -History

Context: Remembering the stories of  women leaders on Women’s Day

Background:

• Even after seven decades of Independence, the gendered writing of our history and popular narratives present only men as the architects of our Constitution. However, the 299-member Constituent Assembly had a bright set of 15 women who came from diverse backgrounds and endured patriarchy, caste oppression, child marriage and widowhood.

Women in constituent assembly of India :

• The women members of the Constituent Assembly were Ammu Swaminathan, Dakshayani Velayudhan, Begum Aizaz Rasul, Durgabai Deshmukh, Hansa Mehta, Kamla Chaudhary, Leela Roy, Malati Choudhury, Purnima Banerjee, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Renuka Ray, Sarojini Naidu, Sucheta Kriplani, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit and Annie Mascarene.
• Annie Mascarene:She fought to integrate the princely state of Travancore into the newly independent India and became the first woman to hold a ministerial and legislative assembly position in Travancore(erstwhile princely state; part of Kerala after its formation).
• Hansa Jivraj Mehta:She remained committed to women’s issues throughout her life and, in the Constituent Assembly, made strong arguments against reservations for women as a tool for equality and justice.
• Dakshayani Velayudhan:Born into the Pulaya community of Kerala, Dakshayani Velayudhan faced acute discrimination from the upper caste communities in Cochin and Travancore.
• Amrit Kaur:She played an important role both during the freedom struggle and in shaping independent India. Kaur joined Gandhi in the Civil Disobedience movement in 1930.Kaur also served as the first women Health Minister
• Ammu Swaminathan:She started becoming politically involved in 1917 when she formed the Women’s India Association along with Annie Besant to address the social and economic problems of women workers.
• Durgabai Deshmukh:Remembered as the ‘Mother of Social Work’, Durgabai Deshmukh was one of the drivers of rigorous nation-building and social reform.She pioneered the Andhra Mahila Sabha in 1937, which became an institution of education and social welfare.
• Begum Aizaz Rasul: She was the only Muslim woman member in the Constituent Assembly and advocated for minority rights in a secular state. She opposed reservations and separate electorates on communal lines.
• Vijaya Laxmi Pandit: She was the first woman cabinet minister in the British era and also one of the first leaders to call for an Indian constituent assembly to frame a Constitution.She was also the first woman President of the UN General Assembly in 1953.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims : Current event

Context: Recently, Union Minister for Communications launched the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP).

Background:

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) introduced two initiatives, Chakshu and the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), to combat spam and fraud calls through the Sanchar Saathi portal.

About Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)

• The Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) is an integrated and secure platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India.
• Its purpose is to enhance information exchange, real-time intelligence sharing, and coordination among various stakeholders.
• The DIP aims to curb the misuse of telecom resources in cyber-crime and financial frauds.
• It empowers citizens to proactively report suspected fraudulent communication through the Chakshu (चक्षु) facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal.

Key Features of DIP:

• Case Recording and Information Sharing:

1. The DIP records details of instances related to telecom misuse and fraud.
2. It shares this information with relevant stakeholders, allowing them to take action within their respective domains.

• Backend Repository for Citizen-Initiated Requests:

3. The DIP serves as a backend repository for requests initiated by citizens on the Sanchar Sathi portal.
4. These requests pertain to cyber fraud or misuse of telecom resources.
5. Stakeholders can use this repository to address cases effectively.

Chakshu Platform:

• As part of the Sanchar Sathi portal, the government introduced the Chakshu platform.
• Citizens can use Chaksu to report suspected cyber or telecommunication fraud.
• It enhances the capability to tackle various cybersecurity threats in India.
• For instance, citizens can report mobile numbers leaked by businesses, leading to necessary actions against those businesses.

Source: PIB

Syllabus

• Prelims – Geography

Context: The Great Lakes have experienced historic lows in ice cover recently.

Background:

• The lakes were conspicuously free of ice due to warmer winter weather and above-average surface water temperatures. The decline in ice cover has implications for the Arctic ecosystem, including freshwater availability for local Indigenous communities, industries, and threatened and endangered species that rely on lake habitats for survival.

About Great Lakes

• The Great Lakes are a series of large interconnected freshwater lakes located in the east-central interior of North America.
• These magnificent lakes connect to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River.
• The five Great Lakes are: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario
• They are generally situated on or near the Canada–United States border.

Impact of on the Environment:

• The Great Lakes have experienced historic lows in ice cover, and these changes can have significant impacts on the environment:

Coastal Erosion and Infrastructure:

• Lower ice levels on the Great Lakes leave coastal areas less protected from strong winter storms and waves.
• The absence of ice can lead to increased coastal erosion, which affects shorelines, beaches, and lakefront properties.
• Eroded coastlines can result in excessive sedimentation problems and even severe flooding.

Hazardous Weather and Lake Effects:

• The decline in ice cover affects weather patterns and lake effects.
• Iceless winters can lead to more hazardous weather conditions, including storms, high winds, and lake-effect snow.
• These changes impact both safety and infrastructure in the region.

Algae Blooms and Water Quality:

• Ice cover plays a role in regulating water temperature and nutrient cycling.
• With less ice, lakes can absorb sunlight faster and warm up sooner in spring.
• Some biologists speculate that this could lead to earlier and larger blue-green algae blooms.
• Algae blooms can be toxic to humans, harm aquatic ecosystems, and affect water quality.

Shipping and Navigation:

• Reduced ice cover affects shipping channels and navigation.
• Ice-free conditions allow for more extended shipping seasons but may also lead to challenges like clogged channels due to ice melt and debris.

Source: NASA

Syllabus

• Prelims- Science

Context: SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Environmental Defence Fund’s MethaneSAT satellite.

Background:

• Falcon 9 is a reliable and reusable rocket used for various missions. SpaceX, founded in 2002, is an American aerospace company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. It was established with the ambitious goal of revolutionizing space technology and enabling human habitation on other planets

About MethaneSAT:

• MethaneSAT is an Earth observation satellite that monitors and studies global methane emissions to combat climate change.
• MethaneSAT was developed by MethaneSAT, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Environmental Defence Fund (EDF).
• The EDF, a US-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group, partnered with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency to create this crucial climate initiative.
• The goal of MethaneSAT is to provide global high-resolution data regarding methane emissions from oil and gas facilities.
• MethaneSAT will be able to estimate emissions from entire basins.
• By detecting and monitoring methane emissions with unparalleled accuracy and precision, MethaneSAT aims to combat climate change.
• Notably, it will make its data freely accessible online, ushering in a new era of climate transparency and accountability.
• It is designed to locate and measure methane from human sources worldwide, giving both companies and governments new ability to track, quantify, and reduce those emissions.

Methane

• Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, plays a significant role in the climate crisis.
• Methane warms the planet more than 80 times as quickly as an equivalent volume of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) over a comparable time period. While it receives less attention than CO2, its effects are immediate and impactful.

Sources of Methane:

• Biological Sources: Methane is produced by methanogens, microbes found in environments with little or no oxygen. These include wetlands, poorly vented landfills, and submerged paddy fields.
• Agriculture: Livestock emissions (from manure and gastroenteric releases) contribute to approximately 32% of human-caused methane emissions. Additionally, methane is released during rice cultivation in flooded fields, accounting for another 8% of human-linked emissions.

Health Impacts:

• Methane pollution, often accompanied by toxic chemicals like benzene, has been linked to adverse health effects such as heart disease, birth defects, and asthma.

Global Methane Pledge:

• Over 105 countries have signed the Global Methane Pledge, committing to reduce methane emissions by up to 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
• This initiative sheds light on methane’s role in global warming and aims to address its long-standing neglect by the global community.

Source: Indian Express

Previous Year Question

Q1. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’?

1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.
2. Large deposits of ‘methane hydrate’ are found in Arctic Tundra and under the sea floor.
3. Methane in atmosphere oxidises to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Prelims and Mains – GS2

Context: The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 is on limelight as country celebrates women’s day

Background:

• The 73rd and 74th Amendments passed in 1993, which introduced panchayats and municipalities in the Constitution, reserve one-third of seats for women in these bodies. The Constitution also provides for reservation of seats in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their number in the population.The Constitution did not provide for reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.This was changed throughThe Constitution (106th Amendment) Act.

About Women’s Reservation Act, 2023

• The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, reserves one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, State legislative assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, including those reserved for SCs and STs.
• The reservation will be effective after the publication of the census conducted following the Act’s commencement and endures for 15 years, with potential extension determined by parliamentary action.
• The rotation of seats allocated for women will be governed by parliamentary legislation after each delimitation process.
• Currently, around 15% of the total members of the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) are women while in state legislative assemblies, women on average constitute 9% of the total members.

Arguments in favour of the Act:

• Women’s representation in politics is a vital step towards gender equality. However, according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2022, India ranks 48th out of 146 in Political Empowerment.
• The number of women MPs has increased from 5% in the first Lok Sabha to 15% in the 17th Lok Sabha, but the number continues to be quite low. A 2003 study about the effect of reservation on women in panchayats showed that women elected under the reservation policy invest more in the public goods closely linked to women’s concerns.
• If a group is not represented proportionally in the political system, its ability to influence policy-making is limited. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women provides that discrimination against women must be eliminated in political and public life.
• A more diverse legislature that includes a significant number of women can bring a broader range of perspectives to the decision-making process. This diversity can lead to better policy formulation and governance.
• Women’s reservation in politics empowers women at various levels. It not only encourages more women to participate in politics but also inspires women to take on leadership roles in other sectors.
• Women in politics often prioritize and advocate for issues that directly affect women, such as gender-based violence, women’s health, education, and economic empowerment. Their presence can lead to the prioritization of these issues in policy discussions.
• Women leaders in politics can serve as role models for young girls, encouraging them to aspire to leadership positions in various fields. Representation in politics can break stereotypes and inspire future generations.

Arguments against the Act:

• Women are not a homogeneous community like, say like, a caste group. Therefore, the same arguments made for caste-based reservations cannot be made for women.
• Reserving seats for women is opposed by some who claim that doing so violates the Constitution’s guarantee of equality. If there is a reserve, they claim, women won’t be competing on merit, which could decrease their status in society.

Way Forward:

• Creating awareness among women about their rights and the importance of their participation in politics is essential. Educational programs and awareness campaigns can help to increase women’s political participation.
• Gender-based violence and harassment are major obstacles to women’s participation in politics. Addressing these issues through policy and legal measures can create a safer and more supportive environment for women in politics.

Source: PRS

Q1.) With reference to MethaneSAT, consider the following statements:

1. MethaneSAT is developed by ISRO.
2. It is an Earth observation satellite designed to detect and monitor methane emissions globally.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q2.) Consider the following:

1. Severe flooding
2. Increased coastal erosion
3. Extreme weather conditions

How many of the above can be the possible impact of reduced ice cover in arctic region?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q3.) Consider the following statements about Digital Intelligence Platform:

1. The Digital Intelligence Platform is developed by the Department of Science and Technology.
2. It aims to curb the misuse of telecom resources in cyber-crime and financial frauds.
3. It empowers citizens to proactively report suspected fraudulent communication through the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal.

How many of the above given statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  8th March  2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – a

Q.3) – c