- GLACIERS LOSING ICE AT RECORD LEVELS AROUND THE GLOBE : UN
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- Permafrost refers to soil or rock that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years.
- In regions like Kashmir and Ladakh, permafrost has been stable for millennia but is now starting to thaw due to global warming.
- This thawing process releases carbon stored in the frozen soil, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and further climate change.
- Key Findings and Examples: A study shows that permafrost covers 64.8%of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh, with the majority of the permafrost being continuous.
- As permafrost thaws, it not only releases methane(a potent greenhouse gas) but also destabilizes the ground, which could lead to infrastructure damage.
- Example of Infrastructure Risk: In the mountainous areas of Kashmir, several hydropower projects and roads are at risk due to the thawing of permafrost.
- The Siachen Glacier region, for example, is an area where thawing permafrost can impact military infrastructure and logistics.
- Environmental Impact:The loss of permafrost is affecting the region’s delicate ecosystems.It also poses a significant risk to water sources in the region, as thawing could disrupt water flow patterns.
2. CENTRE CONCERNED OVER HOSPITALS NOT SHARING ORGAN TRANSPLANT DATA
SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES
- The National Organ Transplant Registry (NOTTO)mandates that all hospitals and transplant centers provide data about organ donations and transplants to ensure transparency and equitable distribution.
- Government Concern:TheUnion Health Ministry expressed concern over hospitals failing to report organ transplant data, hindering the transparency and effectiveness of the organ donation process.
- Example:TheHuman Organ Transplant Act (THOTA)mandates that transplant centers share data on organ allocationto prevent illegal trade and ensure ethical practices.
3. SEQUENCING OF 10,000 TB GENOME SAMPLES COMPLETED
SUBJECT: SCIENCE
- Genome Sequencing involves decoding the genetic material of organisms, in this case, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB)bacteria. This is used to understand drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
- ‘Dare2eraD TB Initiative’: India’s Ministry of Science and Technology launched this initiative to sequence 10,000 TB genome samples to detect drug-resistant TB and better understand the bacterial strains involved in TB.
- Example: TB Resistance Patterns: By sequencing TB genomes, scientists can identify how the bacteria are evolving resistance to current drugs. ○ For instance, in Mumbai, genome sequencing revealed several mutations in TB strains that were resistant to standard treatment
4. FINANCE BILL IS A CLASSIC CASE OF PATCHWORK SOLUTIONS: THAROOR
SUBJECT: POLITY
- Finance Bill: The Finance Bill is a key legislative tool introduced by the government after the Budget. It details the allocation of funds for government expenditures and establishes new taxation provisions.
- It includes provisions for new taxes, levies, changes in the tax structure, and government spending.
- Money Bill: A Money Bill is a type of bill which exclusively deals with the imposition, collection, or expenditure of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India (the government’s main treasury).
- Money Bills must be passed by the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and cannot be amended by the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).
- GST Structure: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a significant reform in India’s indirect tax system, aiming to streamline the taxation system.
- Shashi Tharoor’s Critique:Congress leader Shashi Tharoor critiqued the Finance Bill for not adequately addressing the revenue needs of South Indian states, particularly over GST rates, which disproportionately affect states likeTamil Nadu and Karnataka.
5. WHAT ARE DNA POLYMORPHISMS AND HOW DO THEY DIFFERNTIATE BETWEEN PEOPLE
SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- DNA Polymorphism refers to the variation in the DNA sequence among individuals. It is typically used to differentiate individuals from one another, even from their biological remains.
- DNA Fingerprint:A technique used for identifying individuals based on unique patterns in their DNA. DNA fingerprinting is used in criminal investigations, paternity tests, and identifying remains.
- STRs (Short Tandem Repeats):These are repetitive sequences in DNA that vary in length among individuals. This variability is used to identify people.
- Example of Applications:
- Parent-child relationship:For example, DNA fingerprinting is often used to establish parent-child relationships by comparing specific polymorphic loci in their DNA.
