- RETINAL DISEASE : RNA THERAOEUTICS SHOW PROMISE BUT IS INDIA READY?
SUBJECT: SCIENCE
- Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs):Genetic conditions causing progressive vision loss, often leading to blindness.Caused by mutations in 300+ genes crucial for retinal function.
- Global Prevalence:5.5 million people affected, with a prevalence rate of 1 in 3,450.
- Higher Prevalence in India:Studies indicate higher rates in India (e.g., 1 in 372 in rural South India).Lack of large cohort studies (500+ patients) to determine the specific mutation spectrum in India
- Treatment Breakthroughs:
- Gene Therapy:FDA approved the first gene therapy for blindness (RPE65 gene mutation) in 2017. Limited awareness of this therapy among Indian clinicians.
- RNA-based Therapies:Emerging as a safer alternative to gene therapy. Offers temporary changes without affecting future generations.
- Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs):Successfully used for other genetic disorders. Being explored for Stargardt disease, Leber congenital amaurosis, and retinitis pigmentosa.
- RNA Editing with ADAR enzymes:Corrects specific mutations at the RNA level without altering DNA.
- Suppressor tRNAs:Bypass stop-codon mutations that halt protein synthesis.
- PTC124 (ataluren):Small molecule RNA therapy being investigated for aniridia (a rare eye disease).
2. LACK OF A PROTECTIVE LAW EXPOSES DOMESTIC WORKERS TO ABUSE, SAYS SC
SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES
- SC directed the Union government to consider bringing a Central law to protect domestic workers from exploitation.
- Observed that lack of legal protection has led to low wages, unsafe conditions, and extended working hours without recourse.
- Highlighted the vulnerability of domestic workers, most of whom belong to marginalized communities(SCs, STs, OBCs, and economically weaker sections)
- Formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee
- SC ordered the Centre to form a committee with experts from the Ministries of Labour, Women & Child Development, Law & Justice, and Social Justice.
- Mandate:Recommend a legal framework for the rights, regulation, and protection of domestic workers.
- The report must be submitted within six months, after which the Centre will decide on enacting a law.
- State-Level Initiatives
- SC acknowledged Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala for enacting state specific protections for domestic workers.
- These States have social security boards to regulate:
- Maternity benefits
- Wages
- Workplace safety
- Medical expense reimbursements
- The court urged other States to follow similar initiatives in the absence of a Central law.
3. THE COPYRIGHT CONUNDRUM IN CARNATIC MUSIC
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Copyright law in Western classical music views a composition as a melody, whereas Indian classical music relies on improvisation and oral traditions.
- Indian Copyright Act, 1914 & 1957failed to recognize improvisation and soulfulness in traditional Indian music.
- Legal Debate: Should Carnatic musicians have copyright over their performance and improvisations, or only the original composition should be protected?
- Rights of Performers vs. Composers
- Composers & lyricists get copyright protection for 60 years after death.
- Performers’ rights include the ability to forbid unauthorized recording and receive royalty from digital streaming(not from live concerts).
- However, recording performances without consent is a violation of the Copyright Act, even in sabhas.
- Challenges in Copyrighting Improvisations
- Carnatic improvisation is spontaneous, often responding to audience interest.
- Accompanists’ contributions(like variations in raga & tala) could significantly alter the composition.
- Lack of clarity on whether the performer can claim copyright over these improvisations
4. BRIDGE THE MILK DIVIDE FOR NUTRITIONALLY SECURE INDIA
SUBJECT: SCIENCE
- Top-income householdsconsume3-4 times more milkthan lower income households.
- Lowest 30% of income groups consume only18% of India’s total milk supply.
- Regional disparities: Higher milk consumption in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan(~ 333-421 gm/day).
- Lower consumption in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal(~ 75-171 gm/day).
- Rural vs Urban Divide: Urban households consume 30% more milk than rural households.
- Scheduled Tribes consume significantly less due to affordability & availability.
- Enhancing Milk Provision
- Expand POSHAN Scheme, ICDS meals, and take-home rations with milk integration.
- States like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana already provide subsidized milk, but quantities remain insufficient.
- Financial incentives can revive discontinued programs in Bihar & Chhattisgarh.
5. THE OLD AND THE NEW : SCHEMES TO LOOK OUT FOR ON BUDGET DAY
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Increased Focus on AI & Clean Energy
- IndiaAI Mission,Green Hydrogen Mission, and PLI for battery storage signal the government’s focus on future technologies.
- Reduction in Urban Development Allocations
- Significant budget cuts in Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT reflect shifting priorities.
- Greater Push for Electric Mobility New electric vehicle (EV) promotion schemesand₹1,300 Cr for e-Bus expansion under PM-eBus Sewa Scheme.
- PLI Remains a Core Industrial Strategy
- ₹2,143 Cr for multiple PLI schemes shows continued support for manufacturing.
