30 May 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1. New light-based tool could cut cost of spotting viral infections D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials SOCIAL ISSUES 1. An overview of the AMRUT scheme SCIENCE 1. Open access is crucial for self-reliance in science F. Prelims Facts 1. Citizenship granted under CAA to people in 3 states 2. Early onset: Monsoon set to arrive G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
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A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
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C. GS 3 Related
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. New light-based tool could cut cost of spotting viral infections
Syllabus: Developments in Science and Technology, Applications of scientific developments in everyday life
Mains: New light-based tool for viral infections
Context​:Â
- Overview of the new light-based tool for detecting viral infections
- Importance of rapid and cost-effective viral detection
- Relevance to livestock and potential impact on public health
- Mechanism and Methodology
Cellular Changes Due to Viral Infections:
- Stress on cells, changes in shapes, sizes, and features
- Detection through patterns of cellular changes
Study Details:
- Infected pig testicle cells with pseudorabies virus
- Light-based microscopy to track cell changes
- Comparison of light distortion between healthy and infected cells
- Formation of a ‘fingerprint’ based on diffraction patterns
- Technical Aspects
Diffraction Patterns:
- Concept of light diffraction and pattern formation
- Parameters: Contrast between light and dark stripes, Inverse Differential Moment
Comparison with Current Methods:
- Traditional method: Use of chemical reagents, formation of formazan crystals
- Advantages of the new method: Lower cost, faster detection, non-destructive
- Benefits and Applications
- Cost and Time Efficiency:
- Equipment cost reduction from $3,000 to a tenth of the price
- Time reduction from 40 hours to about 2 hours
Applications in Livestock Management:
- Early detection of viral infections
- Potential use in breeding and selection of livestock
- Application to common pets like dogs and cats
- Potential Impact on Public Health
- One Health Approach:
- Integration of plant, animal, environmental, and human health
- Importance in preventing pandemics
Advantages for Viral Outbreak Management:
- Example of bird flu and significant losses in poultry
- Use of the new tool in identifying general viral infections
- Potential to detect new and emerging viruses
- Economic and Social Implications
Economic Impact:
- Reduction in losses due to rapid viral detection
- Example of Kerala’s bird flu outbreak and associated costs
Social Benefits:
- Improved surveillance and monitoring
- Enhanced ability to select healthy animals for breeding
Issues
- Need for Real-World Testing: Validation of the method in practical scenarios
- Specificity and Range: Ability to detect various types of viruses
- Implementation Challenges: Training and adaptation for widespread use
Solutions
- Further Research and Development: Conducting real-world tests to validate findings and enhancing the specificity for different viruses
- Training and Capacity Building: Educating veterinary and public health professionals and facilitating adoption in low- and middle-income countries
Nut Graf: A new light-based tool is a cost-effective, rapid viral detection method with potential applications in livestock management and public health. There is a need for further research for practical implementation of this new technology.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: SOCIAL ISSUES
1. An overview of the AMRUT scheme
Syllabus: GS-1, Urbanization, their problems and their remedies
Mains: Critical analysis of the AMRUT scheme
Introduction:
- The NDA-1 government launched the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) in June 2015.
- AMRUT aimed to address water, mobility, and pollution challenges with financial assistance from the Centre, States, and cities.
- It covered 500 cities and towns with populations over one lakh with notified municipalities.
- Key objectives included:
- Ensuring every household has access to a tap with an assured water supply and a sewerage connection.
- Increasing the value of cities by developing greenery and well-maintained open spaces such as parks.
- Reducing pollution by promoting public transport and non-motorised transport.
Financial Outlay:
- The initial outlay for AMRUT was ₹50,000 crore for five years (FY 2015-16 to FY 2019-20).
- AMRUT 2.0, launched on October 1, 2021, aimed to make cities ‘water secure’ with a total outlay of ₹2,99,000 crore.
- The central outlay for AMRUT 2.0 was ₹76,760 crores over five years, with the remaining funds to be mobilised by States and cities.
Progress So Far:
- As of May 19, 2024, ₹83,357 crore has been dispersed.
- Achievements include:
- 58,66,237 tap connections provided.
- 37,49,467 sewerage connections established.
- Development of 2,411 parks.
- Replacement of 62,78,571 LED lights.
- These works reflect contributions from States and cities.
Challenges and Shortcomings:
- Significant issues remain in water, sanitation, and hygiene, with an estimated 2,00,000 annual deaths due to inadequacies.
- The disease burden from unsafe water and sanitation in India remains significantly high.
- Water scarcity is a major concern, with 21 major cities facing the risk of running out of groundwater.
- According to NITI Aayog, 40% of India’s population will lack access to drinking water by 2030.
- Urban households face deficiencies:
- 31% lack piped water.
- 67.3% are not connected to a piped sewerage system.
- The average water supply is 69.25 litres/day per person, against the required 135 litres.
Criticisms and Recommendations:
- The scheme adopted a project-oriented approach instead of a holistic one.
- Lack of participation from cities and local elected representatives, violating the 74th constitutional amendment.
- Governance dominated by bureaucrats, private interests, and large technology-based companies.
- Urban planning has been overshadowed by real estate development, leading to the disappearance of water bodies and lakes.
- Need for nature-based solutions, comprehensive methodologies, people-centric approaches, and empowerment of local bodies.
Nut Graf: The AMRUT scheme aimed to improve urban infrastructure, focusing on water supply, sewerage, and pollution reduction. Despite substantial financial investment and progress, significant challenges remain due to a project-oriented approach and a lack of local participation and holistic planning.
Category: SCIENCE
1. Open access is crucial for self-reliance in science
Syllabus: GS-3, Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology
Mains: Need for ‘Open Access’ to research
Introduction:
- India is emerging as a global leader in science, ranking third in research output and eleventh in quality according to the Nature Index.
- Despite the increase in universities from 760 in 2014 to 1,113 in 2021, many institutions lack essential resources such as advanced labs and access to scientific literature.
- The I-STEM initiative aims to bridge the resource gap by cataloguing and making publicly funded research facilities available to researchers.
One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS) Proposal:
- ONOS proposes a centralised model for subscribing to scientific journals, making them accessible to all publicly funded institutions in India.
- Currently, Indian institutions spend ₹1,500 crore annually on journal subscriptions, benefiting primarily top-tier institutes.
- Government negotiations are underway with major commercial publishers to implement ONOS.
The Shift to Open Access (OA):
- The global trend towards Open Access has increased the availability of scholarly articles, with OA publications rising from 38% in 2018 to 50% in 2022.
- The U.S. and European Union have policies mandating immediate OA for publicly funded research.
- Given the increase in OA, the necessity and cost-efficiency of ONOS are questioned.
Challenges and Recommendations for Sustainable Access:
- The academic publishing market is dominated by a few powerful publishers, complicating negotiations for ONOS.
- The sustainability of digital access is uncertain, with approximately 28% of articles with DOIs (digital object identifiers) being unpreserved, risking the loss of millions of papers.
- Green Open Access, where authors deposit a version of their work in OA repositories, is recommended but not enforced in India.
- India should focus on enhancing its own journal system and leveraging its digital technology capabilities to create a robust, low-cost, high-quality scientific publishing infrastructure for self-reliance.
Nut Graf: India’s scientific growth is hindered by inadequate infrastructure and limited access to scholarly literature. While the ONOS proposal aims to centralize journal subscriptions, the global shift towards Open Access and the need for sustainable, self-reliant publishing solutions are emphasized.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Citizenship granted under CAA to people in 3 states
Context: Overview of the recent grant of citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA).
- States involved: West Bengal, Uttarakhand, and Haryana.
- Context and background of the CAA and its implementation.
Details of Citizenship Grant
Recent Developments:
- Citizenship certificates granted in West Bengal, Uttarakhand, and Haryana.
- Specific mention of at least eight Hindu migrants from Bangladesh receiving citizenship in West Bengal.
Official Statement:
- The Union Home Ministry’s announcement.
- Empowered Committees in respective states initiating the process.
- Historical Context:
- The first set of CAA citizenship certificates was granted to Pakistani Hindus in Delhi on May 15, 2024.
Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA)
Objective:
- To provide a pathway to Indian citizenship for persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
- Focus on Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities.
Legislative Journey:
- Passed by Parliament in December 2019.
- Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 notified by MHA on March 11, 2024, for implementation.
Implementation in Specific States
West Bengal:
- Significant due to the presence of the Matua and Namasudra communities.
- The first set of applications granted citizenship by the Empowered Committee.
Uttarakhand and Haryana:
- Initiation of the process and granting of the first set of applications.
- Political and Social Context:
- Opposition by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee citing discrimination and communal bias.
Issues
Political Opposition:
- Criticism by political leaders, particularly in West Bengal.
Discrimination Concerns:
- Allegations that the Act is communal and targets specific religious groups.
Implementation Challenges:
- Logistical and administrative challenges in processing and verifying applications.
- Potential for social unrest and protests.
2. Early onset: Monsoon set to arrive
Introduction
- Overview of the early onset of the southwest monsoon in Kerala.
- IMD’s forecast for monsoon arrival and expected above-normal rainfall.
- Context of recent weather conditions in Kerala.
Monsoon Arrival
IMD Announcement:
- Southwest monsoon is set to arrive in Kerala within the next 24 hours, two days ahead of its usual onset.
- Normal onset date: June 1; progresses northward, covering the country by July 15.
- Criteria for Monsoon Declaration:
- Rainfall over 14 stations in Kerala and neighbouring areas above 2.5 mm for two consecutive days.
- Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) below 200 wm-2.
- Depth of westerly winds up to 600 hPa.
Recent Weather Events
Unusual Heatwave:
- First confirmed heatwave in Kerala’s history, particularly in Palakkad from April 25 to April 29.
- Criteria: Temperature above 40°C with a departure of 4.5°C or more from normal.
- Thiruvananthapuram met the criteria one day on May 8 but was not announced due to lack of consecutive days.
Cyclonic Circulations:
- Excess rainfall in late May due to cyclonic circulations over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
- Significant rainfall wiped out the summer season’s rain deficit.
Impact on Daily Life
Rain and Waterlogging:
- Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and coastal Alappuzha faced heavy rainfall, causing waterlogging and disrupting normal life.
- Shops and commercial establishments in Thiruvananthapuram’s Chalai market and S.S. Kovil Road area affected by rainwater.
- Alappuzha experienced widespread destruction, submerged low-lying areas, and waterlogged highways.
IMD Forecast
Seasonal Outlook:
- Above normal rainfall expected for June and the entire four-month monsoon season.
- Continuous monitoring and updates from the IMD.
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the I-STEM initiative:
- It aims to provide access to publicly funded research facilities through a web portal.
- It includes a centralized model of subscription to scientific journals known as One Nation One Subscription (ONOS).
- The initiative is part of India’s strategy to improve the ease of doing science.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 refers to a proposal (ONOS), not a part of I-STEM.
Q2. Consider the following statements about the AMRUT scheme:
- It was launched in 2015 to address urban infrastructure challenges in India.
- The scheme primarily focuses on providing water tap connections and managing sewage.
- AMRUT 2.0 aims to achieve 100% sewage management in 500 cities.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: All statements are correct and describe the AMRUT scheme accurately.
Q3. With reference to a new viral infection detection method, consider the following statements:
- It takes approximately 40 hours to detect virus-infected cells.
- The equipment cost for this new method is significantly higher than traditional methods.
How many of the above statements are incorrect?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: Both statements are incorrect. The new method takes about two hours (not 40) and is cheaper (not more expensive).
Q4. Which of the following criteria are used by the IMD to declare the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala?
- Rainfall over 14 stations in Kerala should record over 2.5 mm for two consecutive days.
- The Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) should be below 200 wm-2.
- The sea surface temperature should be above 28°C.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2, and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: The first two criteria are used by the IMD for monsoon declaration. The third one is not a criterion.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding India’s urban population:
- Around 36% of India’s population lives in cities.
- By 2047, more than 50% of India’s population is expected to be urban.
- The World Bank estimates that $840 billion is required to fund urban infrastructure over the next 15 years.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: All statements are correct as per the current urbanization trends and World Bank estimates.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss how the I-Stem initiative seeks to promote a more robust research and innovation ecosystem in India. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-3, Science and Technology]
- Discuss the objectives, achievements, challenges, and shortcomings of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme in India. What measures could be taken to address the identified challenges and ensure the sustainable and inclusive growth of Indian cities? (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-1, Social Issues]
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