22nd April 2024
- Published
22 April 2024 -
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Unique ID must be generated for organ donation: Centre
Context
The Union Health Ministry has issued a directive to ensure a unique National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)-ID for all cases of organ transplants, whether from a living or deceased donor.
1: Dimension-Directive to Prevent Commercial Dealing in Organs
- NOTTO-ID Implementation: The directive mandates the generation of a NOTTO-ID for both the donor and recipient, to be issued by the hospital through the NOTTO website (www.notto.mohfw.gov.in).
- Eliminating Commercial Dealing: The aim is to eliminate commercial dealing in organs, especially those involving foreign citizens, to ensure ethical practices in organ transplantation.
- Stricter Monitoring: The Ministry calls for stricter monitoring of organ transplants involving foreign nationals by local authorities to prevent malpractices.
2: Dimension-Ensuring Compliance and Accountability
- Investigation and Action: Appropriate authorities appointed under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 are directed to investigate transplants involving foreign nationals, taking appropriate action against violations.
- Mandatory NOTTO-ID: NOTTO-ID is mandatory for organ allocation in deceased donor transplants, and for living donor transplants, it should be generated within 48 hours after the surgery.
3: Dimension-Enforcing Quality and Oversight
- Regular Inspection: The Ministry emphasizes the need for regular inspection of registered hospitals for transplant/retrieval by appropriate state authorities.
- On-site Monitoring: Monitoring the quality of transplantation, post-operative follow-up of donors and recipients, and outcomes is crucial to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Action against Violations: Hospitals found violating THOTA, 1994 and its rules risk suspension of registration for performing organ transplants, if involved in illegal activities.
Mains Practice Question
Q: “Effective regulation is crucial in ensuring ethical practices in organ transplantation.” Discuss.
Permanent Commission for appointing judges
Context
Former Supreme Court Judge Rohinton Fali Nariman has proposed the establishment of a Permanent Commission to appoint judges, ensuring the independence of the judiciary.
1: Dimension-Importance of Independence of the Judiciary
- Evolution in India: judiciary has evolved by emphasizing its independence as a basic structure of the Constitution.
- Judicial Appointments:There is a shift in the appointment process, where judicial appointments are now predominantly in the hands of judges themselves, ensuring greater independence.
2: Dimension-Proposed System for Judicial Appointments
- Composition of the Commission: Experts suggested a Permanent Commission comprising the Chief Justice of India and four retired judges, to serve for five years.
- Selection Process for Retired Judges: The selection of retired judges for the Commission could be done by 33 Supreme Court judges, excluding the Chief Justice. The selection could be based on suggestions from select practising lawyers of the Supreme Court and High Court Bars.
3: Dimension-Ensuring Judicial Independence
- Role of the Commission: The Commission would be responsible for appointing judges, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary.
- Long-term Stability: A five-year term for the Commission would provide stability and continuity in the appointment process, reducing undue influence from external factors.
Mains Practice Question
Q: “The independence of the judiciary is fundamental to the functioning of a democratic society.” Discuss
On the fall in household savings
Context
The fall in household savings has become a focal point of discussion in India, particularly with a sharp decline in net financial savings leading to a four-decade low in the household net financial savings to GDP ratio.
1: Dimension- Interpreting lower financial savings
- Definition: Household net financial savings are the difference between gross financial savings and borrowing. Gross financial savings include assets like bank deposits, currency, and financial investments.
- Factors leading to reduction:
- Consumption Expenditure: While consumption remained largely unchanged, the reduction in net financial savings suggests increased borrowing or decreased financial savings, stimulating aggregate demand.
- Tangible Investment: The role of increased borrowing for physical investment was limited, indicating a slight increase in physical savings but a significant rise in borrowing.
- Interest Payments: Higher interest rates led to increased interest payments, which households financed by borrowing or depleting financial savings.
2: Dimension- Implication of higher debt burden
- Financial Fragility: Increased debt raises concerns about households' ability to repay, impacting financial sector income and possibly leading to credit rationing, affecting the macroeconomy.
- Consumption Demand: Higher debt can reduce consumption as households may seek to preserve wealth by saving more or may face credit rationing due to perceived default risk.
3: Dimension- Macroeconomic implication
- Vulnerability: Increasing trends in liabilities to disposable income and debt to net worth indicate household vulnerability.
- Policy Implications: Tight monetary policy, aiming to control inflation, can exacerbate household debt, potentially pushing them into a debt trap.
- Impact on Consumption: High debt burden can decrease consumption, affecting aggregate demand and economic stability.
Mains Practice Question
Q: “The fall in household savings has significant implications for economic stability.” Discuss.
India to expand scope of Digital Stack exports to global south nations
Context
The Indian government is planning to broaden the export scope of its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Digital Public Goods (DPG) to aid emerging market economies in financial inclusion, innovation, and economic growth.
1: Dimension-Development-oriented partnerships
- Purpose: The initiative aims to develop development-oriented and demand-driven partnerships, particularly with global south countries, to address various social aspects such as financial inclusion and economic growth.
- Scope Expansion: India seeks to export not only popular platforms like Aadhaar and UPI but also newer DPI and DPG, which can significantly impact emerging economies.
2: Dimension-Examples of successful initiatives
- Aadhaar and UPI: These platforms are already popular among global south countries due to their replicable nature.
- Other Digital Initiatives: India has successfully developed and implemented various other DPI and DPG, including Ayushman Bharat, DigiLocker, Bharat Bill Payment System, and FASTag, which have shown potential for export.
3: Dimension-International engagement and adoption
- Global Adoption: Several countries including Singapore, UAE, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and France have either adopted or are exploring the adoption of UPI technology.
- Collaboration with International Bodies: India has actively engaged with international bodies like the UN and the G20 to facilitate the export of its successful digital initiatives.
Mains Practice Question
Q: “Digital infrastructure is crucial for fostering economic growth and inclusion.” Discuss
Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan
Context
Interglobe foundation in partnership with Aga khan trust has restored the tomb of the famed poet.
About
- Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan (1556 - 1627), also known as Rahim, was a poet and composer who lived during the rule of Mughal emperor Akbar.
- He was the son of Bairam Khan Akbar's trusted guardian and mentor, who was of Turkic extraction.
- He was one of the navratnas (nine jewels) of Akbar’s court.
- Rahim is known for his Hindi dohe (couplets) and his books on astrology.
- Apart from writing various dohas, Rahim translated Babar's memoirs, Baburnama from Chagatai language to Persian language.
- He had an excellent command over the Sanskrit language. In Sanskrit, he wrote two books on astrology, Khetakautukam and Dwatrimshadyogavali.
Avian Flu
Context
Amid fears of avian flu spreading, mass bird deaths have been reported from Muttar and Ambalappuzha North in Alappuzha district.
About
What is bird flu?
- Avian influenza or Bird Flu refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses.
- These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.
- It is a zoonotic disease that affects wild and domestic bird populations.
- Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans.
Spread:
- The disease makes its presence felt particularly during winter in most of India and other parts of the globe.
- This is because, as wintering, migratory birds arrive and bring pathogens with them.
- Temperature is also a factor: the virus thrives better in cooler climes, thus enabling its spread during winter.
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Types of Influenza Virus: There are four types of influenza viruses: influenza A, B, C, and D
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Avian influenza Type A viruses:
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Basmati rice(Oryza Sativa)
Context
India is gearing up to challenge Pakistan's attempts to broaden the geographical indication (GI) tag for its Basmati rice.
About
- Basmati rice is cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of the Indian subcontinent.
- The specific agro-climatic conditions, processing techniques such as harvesting and ageing are said to make this rice unique.
- Basmati rice is grown in 81 districts in India, spanning Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and western Uttar Pradesh.
- 34 varieties of Basmati are officially recognized under Seeds Act of 1966.
Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
Context
The proposed development of transshipment terminal at Galathia bay has threatened the nesting ground of leatherback turtle.
About
- It is the largest of all living turtles and the heaviest non-crocodilian reptile, reaching lengths of up to 2.7 metres (8 ft 10 in) and weights of 500 kilograms.
- They are one of the most migratory turtles, crossing both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- They swim over 10,000 miles a year to reach their nesting grounds.
- They routinely dive to depths of several hundred meters, and are occasionally known to plunge as deep as 1250 meters.
- They feed mainly on pelagic (open ocean) soft-bodied invertebrates such as jellyfish and tunicates.
- Their diet may also include squid, fish, crustaceans, algae, and floating seaweed.
- IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Fourth Coral mass bleaching
Context
Record ocean heat has triggered the fourth global mass coral bleaching event, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
About
- When corals are stressed by changes in conditions such as temperature, light, or nutrients, they expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn completely white.
- Warmer water temperatures can result in coral bleaching. When water is too warm, corals will expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white.
- When a coral bleaches, it is not dead.
TERM OF THE DAY
|
S. No. |
Term |
About |
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1. |
Antihistamines |
Antihistamines are drugs that treat histamine-mediated conditions. They are often used to relieve allergy symptoms, such as hives, hay fever, conjunctivitis, and reactions to insect bites or stings. |
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2. |
Credit Score |
A credit score is a three-digit number that predicts how likely you are to pay back a loan on time, based on information from your credit report. It's also known as a credit rating |
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3. |
Climate litigation |
Climate litigation is a growing area of environmental law that uses legal practice to set precedents for climate change mitigation efforts. It involves lawsuits filed by litigants around the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the effects of climate change |
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4. |
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) |
Digital public infrastructure (DPI) refers to blocks or platforms such as digital identification, payment infrastructure and data exchange solutions that help countries deliver essential services to their people, empowering citizens and improving lives by enabling digital inclusion. |
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5. |
Genomic accordion |
The genomic accordion is a concept in genetics describing regions of DNA that can expand and contract, leading to variations in the number of repeated sequences. This phenomenon can cause genetic disorders and contributes to genetic diversity within populations. |
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6. |
Intersectionality |
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7. |
Inductive Bias |
The inductive bias (also known as learning bias) of a learning algorithm is the set of assumptions that the learner uses to predict outputs of given inputs that it has not encountered. |
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8. |
NOTTO-Id |
NOTTO-ID, or National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation-ID, is a unique ID issued by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) for organ transplants. The ID is mandatory for considering the allocation of organs in case of deceased donor transplant. The NOTTO-ID is also required for both the donor and the recipient. |
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9. |
Persistent virtual world |
: Persistent virtual world (PSW) or simply persistent world in the context of metaverse is a virtual environment that operates independent of direct user Interaction. This means that these environments remain even after the user has logged off. This allows a sense of continuity within this world |
Editorial
Water Stress and Climate Resilience in India
Context:
As India faces predictions of a hotter summer and longer heat waves, the country must address the impending water stress exacerbated by climate change. While past responses often focused on acute crises, a shift towards understanding and responding to chronic risks is imperative.
Challenges of Water Stress and Climate Change:
- Nature of Climatic Shocks: India must move from reactive responses to climate disasters like water crises in Bengaluru towards understanding the evolving nature of climatic shocks. These include sudden shocks such as heavy rainfall and rapid declines in water availability, as well as slow-onset stresses like changes in rainfall patterns.
- Impact on Economic Sectors: Climate change affects multiple sectors, including agriculture and energy, and has significant economic implications. For instance, agriculture, employing 45% of India's workforce, faces challenges like erratic rainfall patterns affecting crop cycles and irrigation.
- Water and Clean Energy Transition: Water plays a crucial role in the transition to clean energy. Technologies like green hydrogen production and pumped storage hydropower require significant water resources. Balancing clean energy needs with water availability is crucial for sustainable development.
Water Flows through the Economy:
- Interconnectedness of Water Systems: Water connects various systems such as agriculture, energy, and food production. Precipitation influences soil moisture, irrigation, and hydroelectric power, impacting food production and energy generation.
- Vulnerability of Agriculture: Despite advancements, agriculture remains highly vulnerable to climate change. Changes in rainfall patterns affect crop cycles and yields, influencing food security and economic stability.
- Role in Clean Energy: Water is essential for clean energy technologies like green hydrogen production and pumped storage hydropower. However, these technologies also impact water resources and must be managed sustainably.
The Ingredients of Water Security:
- Integrated Water Governance: Policies need to recognize the interconnections between water, food, and energy systems. However, current policies often overlook this nexus, leading to inefficiencies in resource management.
- Efficient Water Use: India must focus on water accounting and efficient water use. Policies like the National Water Mission aim to increase water use efficiency, but a lack of baseline data hampers effective planning and implementation.
- Financial Instruments for Adaptation: Adequate funding for climate adaptation in the water sector is essential. India needs to increase investments in climate-resilient practices such as wastewater management and desalination plants. Financial tools like the Green Credit Programme can help bridge the funding gap.
Editorial
The challenges of renewable energy
Context:
The urgent need for climate action and sustainable development requires a comprehensive understanding of the challenges associated with large-scale renewable energy projects. While India aims for Net Zero GHG emissions by 2070, primarily through a massive transition to renewable energy, the implications of such a transition on local and national development remain uncertain.
Examining Large-scale Solar Parks:
- Local-level Impacts: The expansion of large-scale solar parks, a key component of India's mitigation strategy, presents varied experiences for local communities. In areas like Bhadla, Rajasthan, and Pavagada, Karnataka, farmers face different outcomes, ranging from loss of common lands and livelihoods to steady income from leasing land for solar parks. These experiences underscore the importance of addressing economic disparities and water security issues at the local level.
- Resource Competition: Solar park development may compete for essential resources such as water and land, impacting agriculture, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Current estimates for solar park land do not consider water availability, leading to potential conflicts with agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Moreover, the impacts of large-scale solar projects on biodiversity and ecosystem services are under-researched and location-specific.
- Social and Environmental Considerations: Legal and regulatory frameworks need revision to mitigate adverse social and environmental consequences. Community ownership models and involvement in planning processes can promote equitable development and address concerns regarding land acquisition and fair compensation. Strengthening environmental impact assessments and recognizing commons under the Forest Rights Act can enhance environmental and equity outcomes.
Different Approaches to Mitigate Challenges:
- Ownership Models: Encouraging community ownership of renewable energy projects can generate revenue, stimulate local economies, and improve energy access. This approach fosters inclusivity and aligns with local developmental objectives.
- Innovation in Solar Development: Experimenting with 'agrivoltaics', combining solar energy with agriculture, offers a sustainable approach to renewable energy development. Agrivoltaics not only produce energy but also support agriculture, grazing, and native habitats, promoting environmental and economic sustainability.
- Skill Development and Employment: While large-scale renewable energy projects offer employment opportunities, they also lead to significant employment shifts. Skilling and training programs targeting unskilled and marginalized populations are crucial to ensure inclusive development and protect vulnerable communities.
Editorial
Healing land, water and ourselves
Context:
The importance of nature-based learning in school education is increasingly recognized worldwide for its positive impact on children's well-being and environmental stewardship. However, implementing such pedagogies faces challenges and requires concerted efforts from educators and policymakers.
Quantifying Earth System Boundaries:
- Planetary Boundaries: The Earth Commission quantified boundaries for nine processes regulating Earth's stability, including climate change, land-system change, and freshwater use. Research indicates that six of these boundaries are being crossed, highlighting the urgency of rethinking education policies to include nature-based learning.
- Integrating Local Ecosystems: Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) emphasizes learning beyond climate literacy to include local ecosystems, biodiversity, and community struggles. Understanding the interconnectedness of natural systems fosters a deeper connection with the environment and promotes environmental stewardship.
- Challenges and Solutions: Implementing nature-based learning faces hurdles such as access to nature, structural barriers, and the need for trained educators. However, initiatives like 'Nature Classrooms' and youth conservation networks train teachers and establish nature programs, demonstrating the potential for meaningful engagement with nature in education.
Creating Nature-Based Learning Spaces:
- Practitioner Initiatives: Various organizations and practitioners across India are championing nature-based education. Initiatives like 'Nature Classrooms' in Karnataka and training programs by the Youth Conservation Action Network empower teachers to integrate nature-based learning into the curriculum.
- Pedagogy of Engagement: Nature-based education emphasizes direct engagement with nature, which enhances literacy and conservation attitudes. Professor Ming Kuo highlights the effectiveness of place-based pedagogy, tailored to local landscapes and ecosystems.
- Urgency and Political Will: Nature-based learning must become an integral part of school education to address the collapsing Earth systems. Communities and practitioners are ready to implement such policies, but political will is crucial for mainstream adoption.
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