GS Paper 3

What is a Marsquake?

Context: A global team of scientists led by the University of Oxford have announced the source of the largest-ever seismic event recorded on Mars. 

Major Highlights about Marsquake

  • The quake of magnitude of 4.7 on Mars was recorded by NASA’s InSight lander in May 2022.
  • Since its seismic signal was similar to previous quakes known to be caused by meteoroid impacts, the team believed that the event was caused by a meteorite impact.
  • However, the recent study suggests that the quake was the result of enormous tectonic forces (release of stress) within Mars’ crust.
    • These stresses are the result of billions of years of evolution; including the cooling and shrinking of different parts of the planet Mars at different rates.
    • This indicates that the planet is much more seismically active than previously thought. 
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Mars vs Earth:

  • Earth's crust is divided into immense plates that continually shift which triggers quakes. However, the Martian crust is a single solid plate. 
  • Though it is believed that Mars does not have any active plate tectonics, there are faults still active on Mars. These faults can trigger quakes. 

Quantum algorithms solve problems that Classical computers cannot

Context: We often hear that quantum computers efficiently solve problems that are very difficult to solve with a classical computer. But even if the hardware is available to build a quantum computer, exploiting its quantum features requires us to write smart algorithms.

What is Quantum computing?

  • Quantum computing is a field of study focused on the development of computer-based technologies centred around the principles of quantum theory.
  • Quantum theory, a subfield of physics, describes the nature of energy and matter on the quantum (atomic and subatomic) scale.

Principles of Quantum Computing:

  • Superposition: A qubit can represent both 0 and 1 state simultaneously.
  • Entanglement: States of qubits become interlinked allowing coordinated processing.
  • Interference: Quantum states combine to amplify correct solutions and cancel out wrong ones.
  • Tunnelling: Particles can pass through barriers aiding in optimisation tasks.
  • Measurement: Extracts a result from a qubit collapsing its state to either 0 or 1.
  • Quantum Gates: Operations that manipulate qubits, analogous to classical logic gates.
  • No-Cloning: Qubits cannot be precisely copied.
  • Decoherence: External influences can cause errors requiring error correction.

Application of Quantum computing

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What is Classical Computing?

Classical computing refers to the traditional model of computing based on classical physics principles and the binary system.

  • Bits: The fundamental unit of classical computing. A bit can be in one of two states: 0 or 1.
  • Logic Gates: Operations that manipulate bits. Common gates include AND, OR, NOT, XOR, and others. These gates form the building blocks of digital circuits and processors.
  • Binary System: Classical computers operate using the binary numeral system, where data and instructions are represented using combinations of 0s and 1s.
  • Deterministic: Classical computers operate in a deterministic manner, meaning given the same input, they will always produce the same output.
  • Stored-Program Concept: Modern classical computers follow this concept, where instructions (software) and data are stored in memory and processed by a central processing unit (CPU).
  • Architecture: Classical computers typically have a CPU, memory (RAM), storage (hard drive or SSD), input/output devices, and other components interconnected by a system bus.
  • Applications: Classical computing encompasses a wide range of devices, from simple calculators to supercomputers, and is used in virtually every industry and aspect of modern life.
  • Limitations: There are problems that classical computers find challenging or time-consuming, such as factoring very large numbers or simulating quantum systems. This is where quantum computing may offer advantages.

Quantum computing vs Classical computing

Feature/AspectQuantum ComputingClassical Computing
Basic UnitQuantum bits (qubits)Binary bits (0 or 1)
State Representation0, 1, or a superposition of bothEither 0 or 1
ParallelismCan process multiple possibilities simultaneouslyProcesses tasks sequentially or with limited parallelism
EntanglementQubits can be entangledNo equivalent phenomenon
OperationsUses quantum gates         Uses logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, etc.)
DeterminismProbabilistic outcomes         Deterministic outcomes
Data StorageQuantum states (fragile)Electronic storage (RAM, SSDs, hard drives)
Error CorrectionRequires quantum error correctionUses classical error correction methods
Maturity & ApplicationsEarly stages with specific potential applications  Mature, used in countless applications
HardwareSpecialised conditions (E.g., very low temperatures) Operates at room temperature with semiconductor technology

Benefits of Quantum Computing:

  • Speed: Solve specific problems exponentially faster.
  • Parallelism: Process vast information simultaneously.
  • Optimisation: Efficiently tackle complex optimization tasks.
  • Simulation: Directly simulate quantum systems for research.
  • Cryptography: Enable ultra-secure quantum encryption.
  • Machine Learning: Accelerate training and improve accuracy.
  • Material Discovery: Efficiently find new materials with desired properties.
  • Climate Modelling: Achieve more accurate environmental simulations.
  • Enhanced Search: Quickly search through unsorted databases.
  • Error Correction: Advanced techniques applicable beyond just quantum computing.

Limitations of Quantum Computing:

  • Decoherence: Qubits are unstable and lose information over time.
  • Error Rates: High error rates compromise computation reliability.
  • Scalability: Difficult to build large-scale quantum systems.
  • Quantum-to-Classical Transition: Information loss when translating quantum results into classical data.
  • Selective Speedup: Not universally faster; speed benefits apply to specific problems.
  • Algorithm Complexity: Quantum algorithms are intricate and hard to design.
  • Hardware Demands: Requires extreme conditions (E.g., very low temperatures) to function.
  • Error Correction: Needs many extra qubits, complicating the design.
  • Immature Software: Lacks a robust software ecosystem.
  • Cryptography Risks: Threatens current encryption methods.
  • Practicality: Many quantum solutions have limited immediate real-world use.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Context: The Chief of Defence Staff recently ordered two studies to be conducted on major military platforms (unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and armoured helicopters) used by the three Services. The study on UAVs has been completed with a recommendation to acquire 31 MQ-9B high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAVs and 155 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs.

What is Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)?

A UAV, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, is an aircraft that operates without a human pilot onboard. Instead, it is either piloted remotely by a human operator or autonomously through pre-programmed systems or artificial intelligence. UAVs are commonly known as "drones."

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Type of UAVs:

  • Fixed-Wing: Resemble airplanes; long flight times; used for surveillance and mapping.
  • Multi-Rotor: Have multiple rotors (E.g., quadcopters); great for photography and short-range tasks.
  • Single-Rotor: Like helicopters; carry heavier payloads; used for specialized tasks.
  • VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing): Combine fixed-wing and rotor features; long endurance with vertical takeoffs/landings.
  • Tethered: Connected to a ground station; offer continuous power for persistent tasks.
  • Nano/Micro: Small drones for indoor use or tight spaces.
  • High Altitude: Operate at great heights; used for weather and surveillance.
  • Swarm: Groups of drones working together; used for coordinated displays and research.

UAVs in India:

  • During the 1990s, the Indian Army procured unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Israel, subsequently prompting the Indian Air Force and Navy to adopt similar measures.
  • During the 1999 Kargil conflict with Pakistan, India employed military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to conduct visual reconnaissance activities along the Line of Control (LOC).
  • The regulation of all aerial vehicles, whether human or automated, in India is overseen by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), initially designed for military and aerospace applications, have gained widespread adoption in several sectors due to their notable advancements in safety and efficiency.

Application of UAVs:

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Policy Framework:

  • The 'Drone Rules 2021' and Drone Amendment Rules 2022 have been introduced to support the UAV industry with restrictions on foreign drone imports​.

New Drone Rules 2021:

  • In 2021, India introduced a new set of guidelines called "The Drone Rules, 2021" to regulate the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones in the country. 
  • These rules replaced the previous guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in 2018 and aimed to simplify and liberalize the regulatory framework for drones.

Key highlights and provisions of the Drone Rules, 2021:

Reduced Compliance Burden:

  • The number of forms required for operating drones has been reduced from 25 to 5.
  • Permissions such as the Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP), Remote Pilot License, and many others have been abolished.
  • The "No Permission, No Takeoff" (NPNT) mandate has been liberalised.

Categories:

  • The Drone Rules classified drones into five categories based on weight: Nano (up to 250 grams), Micro (250 grams to 2 kg), Small (2 kg to 25 kg), Medium (25 kg to 150 kg), and Large (more than 150 kg).
  • The maximum altitude for drone operations has been set at 400 feet.

Safety and No-Fly Zones:

  • Drones cannot be flown in specified no-fly zones such as over the perimeter of strategic locations, military installations, and from the international border unless permitted.
  • Yellow zones (controlled airspace) have been reduced from 45 km to 12 km from the airport perimeter.

Easier Import Process:

  • The process for importing drones has been simplified, with the requirement for security clearance before any approval or license has been done away.

Digital Sky Platform:

  • An interactive airspace map with green, yellow, and red zones will be displayed on the Digital Sky Platform.
  • Real-time tracking of drones is mandated for all Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) except for those in the Nano category.

Promotion of Indigenous Manufacturing:

  • The rules encourage the use of drones "Made in India" and promote indigenous research and development.

Penalties:

  • Penalties for minor violations have been reduced, focusing on a constructive approach rather than a punitive one.

Insurance:

  • Drones must have insurance for potential damages to third parties.

Challenges:

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When tigers and jackals get the same protection

Context: Many ecologists are incensed that an inordinate number of species have been included in the new schedules of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022, without an objective or replicable process. In brief, Schedule 1, which confers the highest protection, contains about 600 species of vertebrates and hundreds of invertebrates, while Schedule 2 contains about 2,000 species (with 1,134 species of birds alone).

Wildlife protection amendment Act 2022 – The amendment is primarily aimed at revising four aspects of the law: allowing delegation of functions of the State Boards for Wildlife (SBWLs) to a select set of people (“standing committee”) as is currently the case with the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL); a rework of the schedules that list species according to the levels of protection they need in view of the threats they face; providing for the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); and an exception to the requirement to obtain permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden for the transfer and transport of captive elephants for religious or other purposes.

Positive Key features:

  • Holistic approach and widened scope - In the long title of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, for the words "protection of wild animals, birds and plants", the words "conservation, protection and management of wild life" is substituted which points towards the change of focus towards the holistic approach.
  • Addition of new schedule: a new schedule has been added for specimens listed in the Appendices under CITES (scheduled specimens).
  • Invasive alien species - It empowers the central government to regulate or prohibit the import, trade, possession or proliferation of invasive alien species.  The central government may authorise an officer to seize and dispose the invasive species.
  • Management Authority : it will be appointed by the central government for the issuance of permits and certificates for trade in scheduled specimens in accordance with the CITES. Until now, CITES provisions were enforced through the Customs Act and not the Wildlife (Protection) Act, which was a major lacunae.
  • Decentralized management: For sanctuaries falling under special areas, the management plan must be prepared after due consultation with the concerned Gram Sabha.
  • Declaring conservation reserves by Centre: It empowers both Central and State governments to declare areas adjacent to national parks and sanctuaries as conservation reserve, Earlier only the state government had this power. 
  • Surrender of captive animals: Any person having a certificate of ownership can voluntarily surrender any captive animals or animal products to the Chief Wildlife Warden.   

Issues remaining

  • Reduction of schedules has led to huge number of species falling in the same list which creates confusion as it is unclear where resources should be allocated on the basis of this list. The same level of protection is offered to tigers and jackals, to the great Indian bustard and common barn owls, to the king cobra and rat snakes. 
  • Unscientific classification for e.g. the presence of the spotted deer (chital) in Schedule 1. Common throughout India, these are invasive in the Andaman Islands and have caused untold harm to the vegetation and herpetofauna. But they cannot be legally culled or removed because of the WLPA.
  • Commercial trade: It leaves the door open for commercial trade in elephants. There is concern that the amendments have not defined what purposes elephants can be used for and have perhaps made it easier for the animals to be transported across the country.
  • Dilution of federal framework: It has also been criticized for diluting the federal framework by seeking to displace the State Boards of Wildlife, which are chaired by the Chief Minister, with a Standing Committee headed by the union Forest minister. 
  • Using animals for religious purpose: In Section 43, elephants, Schedule I animal, are permitted to be used for ‘religious or any other purpose’. Experts have also criticized the term ‘other purpose’
  • Lack of ownership: There are 2,675 captive elephants in India and only 1,251 have ownership certificates. Experts believe that this unclear ownership was an issue and the provisions that are “weak and indeterminate which can cause problems.
  • Hampering research: Experts believe that listing so many species in schedule 1 will impact research as paperwork involved in getting permits for research is tedious and time consuming.

Ecomark Certification Rule, 2023

Context: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MOEFCC) has notified an updation of Scheme on labelling of environment friendly products - 'Ecomark' aiming nudge individual choices and behaviors towards sustainability, in line with the philosophy of LiFE (Lifestyle of Environment). This will make consumers able to make choices among products and opt for products that are eco-friendly in their design, process etc.

About Ecomark Certification

ecomark Logo
  • Ecomark Certification Rules is for labelling of products which will have lesser adverse impacts on environment to encourage consumers to adopt such products and manufacturers for transitioning to production of Ecomark certified products for promoting sustainability. 
  • Ecomark certification rules have been notified under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Benefits of Ecomark Certification

  • Provide accreditation and labelling for household and other consumer products which meet certain environmental criteria.
  • Promote environmentally friendly products.
  • Promote resource efficiency & circular economy.
  • Preventing misleading information on environmental aspects of products
  • Enables industry to implement environment-friendly processes or production methods.

Application of Ecomark certification

  • Apply to any product which is produced or supplied for distribution or use in the market.

Criteria for Ecomark labelling:

  • Environmental criteria for each product/product category under Ecomark Rules shall be notified by Central Government.
  • Certification of Standards Body (national or international) for quality and safety or mandate of Quality Control Orders is a pre-requisite for Ecomark. 
  • Products will be examined in terms of environmental impacts will include:
    • Have substantially less potential for pollution, environmental impact, minimise or eliminate generation of waste and environmental emissions, than other comparable products.
    • Recyclable and/or made from recycled products where comparable products are not.
    • Make significant contribution to saving.
    • Build consumer awareness on environmental issues and implication of their choices.
    • Encourage manufacturers for transitioning to production of Ecomark certified products.
    • Prevent misleading and deceptive information with respect to fraudulent use of Ecomark label.
  • Product primary criteria will include:
    • Production or process including source of raw material.
    • Use of natural resources
    • Likely impact on environment
    • Effect & extent of emissions/waste arising from production process.
    • Disposal of product and its packaging
    • Compliance to Extended Producer Responsibility regulations
    • Utilisation of waste and recycled materials
    • Suitability of recycling.
    • Substitution of hazardous substances with safer ones.

Implementation mechanism of Ecomark rules: 

Governance of Ecomark Rules is vested with a Steering Committee which comprises representatives from concerned ministries/departments, domain experts, representatives from industry associations, consumer groups and other relevant stakeholders. Functions of Steering Committee are:

  1. Grant approvals for:
    • Framework for institutionalising Ecomark Rules.
    • Initiatives to incentivise Ecomark certified business operators.
    • Notify product/product categories to be included in Ecomark Rules on recommendations of Ecomark Administrator.
    • Recognition of domestic and international voluntary ecolabelling programs.
    • Activities related creation of mass awareness for promotion of Ecomark Rules.
    • Strategies for promotion and future development of Ecomark Rules.
  1. Make recommendations to Central Government
    • Determine product/product category to be included in Ecomark Rules.
    • Inclusion of Ecomark products in public procurement under GeM portal.
    • Allocation of resources for implementation of Ecomark Rules.
    • Measures for adoption of Ecomark
  1. Review and monitoring of implementation of Eco

Ecomark Administrator: 

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is responsible for implementation of the Ecomark Rules. Responsibilities of Ecomark Administrator are:

  1. Develop guidelines for:
    • Framework for institutionalising Ecomark Rules.
    • Development of Ecomark Web portal and Knowledge/Database platform
    • Designation of Ecomark Verifiers
    • Appointing third parties for carrying out market surveillance activities.
    • For appointing third parties for carrying out market surveillance activities.
    • For fixing fees to be charged by Designated Ecomark Verifiers.
  1. Identify products to be covered under Ecomark Rules
  2. Constitute technical committees for different products under Ecomark Rules, develop specific criteria that a product shall comply to certified under Ecomark Rules.
  3. Review existing state of knowledge and environmental criteria being followed domestically/in other countries.
  4. Develop initiatives to incentivize Ecomark certified entities for adoption of Ecomark.
  5. Register and empanel Designated Ecomark Verifiers, third party for market surveillance, audit and third party on Ecomark web portal.
  6. Issue Ecomark certificate based on verification authorizing a person or a body of persons to mark its product with Ecomark or recognised eco label.
  7. Review, suspend, or cancel a Ecomark certificate.
  8. Review Ecomark criteria as per technology development and market evolution.
  9. Compile annual reports submitted by all the Ecomark or other recognised eco label entities.
  10. Assess domestic or international voluntary ecolabelling program, for recognition under Ecomark rules.
  11. Assess international ecolabelling programs, for mutual recognition.
  12. Direct Ecomark Certificate holders to pay compensation in case of non-compliance.

Designated Ecomark Verifiers

  • Administrator (CPCB) or Designated Ecomark verifiers will verify compliance with ecolabelling criteria for the award/renewal of certificate to products under Ecomark Rules. 
  • Designated Ecomark Verifiers shall be accredited entities. 
  • Undertake conformity assessment including visiting factory, drawing samples, audit of factory, recommending for award/renewal of certification.

Global Terrorism Index

Context: The recent Global Terrorism Index states that ideologically motivated terrorism continues to be the most common type of terrorism in the West.

About Global Terrorism Index

  • The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) is a comprehensive study analysing the impact of terrorism for 163 countries.
  • It is released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP).
  • GTI is a composite measure made up of four indicators: incidents, fatalities, injuries and hostages; weighted over a five-year period.
  • It does not include acts of state repression and violence by state actors.
  • The Sahel is home to the world’s fastest growing and most-deadly terrorist groups.
  • Afghanistan remained the country most impacted by terrorism for the fourth consecutive year.
  • India’s rank: 13

E-commerce site by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)

Context: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is planning to set up a new e-commerce site to showcase ‘energy efficient’ appliances.

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)

  • Founded in 2009, EESL is promoted by the Ministry of Power, Government of India as a Joint Venture of four reputed public-sector undertakings NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation Limited, REC Limited and POWERGRID Corporation of India Limited.
image 47
  • Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is a Super Energy Service Company (ESCO), which enables consumers, industries and governments to effectively manage their energy needs through energy-efficient technologies.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

  • The Government of India set up the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
image 46
  • BEE co-ordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies and other organizations; recognizes, identifies and utilizes the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act.

Standards & Labelling

  • Standards and Labelling (S&L) scheme is a flagship initiative of Ministry of Power that was launched with the key objective of providing consumers an informed choice regarding the energy savings and thereby the cost-saving potential of various energy consuming appliances.
  • This scheme prescribes minimum energy performance levels for appliances/ equipment, rated on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the most energy efficient.
  • Presently, S&L scheme covers the star labelling program for 35 appliances, out of which 15 appliances are under mandatory regime and remaining 20 appliances are under voluntary regime. 

GI tag for the Cashew industry in Goa

Context: Recently, GOAN Cashew (Kernel) got the GI tag.

diagram of cashew kernel 652e1c6182fd3
Diagram of Cashew Kernel

About Cashew in India

  • Cashew tree is a tropical evergreen variety which was native to northeast Brazil and was introduced to Goa and Mozambique by the Portuguese as a crop.
  • Initially, they were introduced for combating soil erosion in coastal areas, since they are fast-growing, tolerate salinity and thrive on sandy soils. 
  • The story was that the edible value of cashew was discovered by Goan prisoners exiled to Portuguese territory of Africa (Mozambique) during Goa’s freedom movement in the mid-18th century.
  • The true fruit of the cashew tree is the cashew nut, which is attached to the bottom of a swollen stalk, known as the cashew apple. The part commonly known as a cashew nut is the kernel, which is protected by a thin skin (testa) and a thicker outer shell. The latter contains an acidic oil, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), which is a key by-product of cashew nut production, with a variety of uses
  • India is one of largest cashew exporter, with more than 15% of the world's export share.
  • Top three cashew consuming countries: India, USA and Germany.
  • Cashews account for 17% of world tree nut production in 2019/20, making it the third most popular tree nut after almonds and walnuts.
  • Cashew nuts are consumed in a variety of forms, including as salty or sweet snacks and as ingredients in desserts and savoury dishes, or are further processed into cashew butter or as ingredients in a variety of spreads, sauces, bars and drinks.

Global Production, exports of Cashew Nut

image 43
image 44
image 45

Key climatic factors that affect cashew cultivation

  • Temperature: High temperatures (20-35oC, most suitable temperature is between 30-38oC) can promote rapid growth and flowering, but they can also lead to heat stress and decreased yields. Low temperatures can delay flowering and fruit set and can even damage the trees.
  • Rainfall: Cashew trees require adequate rainfall for optimal growth and production. However, too much rain can lead to waterlogging and diseases. (100-200 cm annually)
  • Relative humidity: High relative humidity (60-90%) can promote the growth of fungal diseases. However, cashew trees also require some humidity to prevent the flowers and fruits from drying out.
  • Soil: Cashew trees can be grown in a variety of soil types, but they prefer well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Heavy clay soils are not suitable for cashew cultivation.
  • Cashew trees are sensitive to cold and frost, so they should not be grown in areas where the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F) for prolonged periods of time. Cashew trees also require a dry season of at least 4-5 months for flowering and fruit set.

About GI tag

  • A geographical indication (GI) tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and qualities or reputation that are due to that origin.
  • In India, the GI tag is regulated by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
  • GI tags are important for protecting the reputation and quality of Indian products.
  • They also help to promote the economic development of the regions where the products are produced.

Estivation or Aestivation

Context: Animals often tend to show some physiological adaptation to survive in challenging environments. This adaptation varies depending on factors like when and why they are occurring and what kind of animals are adopting it.

Physiological adaptations are mainly of three types:

  1. Hibernation
  2. Brumation
  3. Estivation or Aestivation

Further Migration can also be considered as an adaptation technique where species relocate themselves to avoid harsh weather.

Hibernation 

  • Hibernation is a physiological adaptation practised by some animals. It is a state of inactivity and dormancy that enables some animals to survive in cold environments with reduced food availability during the winter months.
image 42
  • Hibernation is mostly done by the endotherms or warm-blooded animals
  • A variety of animals can hibernate, including bats, bears, rodents, and some species of birds and reptiles.

Brumation

  • Brumation is known as the hibernation for cold-blooded animals. In a nutshell, brumation is to reptiles what hibernation is to mammals.
image 41

Hibernating animals need to eat in order to have enough food storage to last them through their hibernation period as their metabolism while decreased is still active.

Brumating animals stop eating before entering inactivity as their metabolic rate drops so low that they are unable to fully digest their meal until outside temperatures increase.

Estivation or Aestivation

  • It is a physiological adaptation whereby the animal enters a long period of dormancy or inactivity in response to high temperatures or maybe even drought-like conditions. 
image 40

Similarities Between Hibernation, Brumation and Aestivation:

  1. Metabolic Slowdown: In all strategies, animals experience a significant reduction in their metabolic rate while in a dormant state.
  2. Reduced Activity: Processes involve a decrease in activity levels, which serves to conserve energy.
  3. Water Conservation Adaptations: Animals have developed specific adaptations to minimize water loss, such as creating protective mucus layers or sealing themselves within cocoons.
  4. Prolonged Dormancy: Processes can endure for extended periods, enabling animals to survive challenging environmental conditions until more favourable circumstances return.

Does the bio decomposer help? It’s all in the timing, say farmer in Capital

Context: The exercise of spraying the bio-decomposer began in the capital to curb the issue of stubble burning.

What is stubble burning?

  • Intentionally setting fire to the straw stubble that remains after grains, such as rice and wheat, have been harvested.

Why stubble burning is a big challenge?

  • It releases huge amount of pollutants and gases like no2, n20, co2, so2, ch4 and thus amounts to environmental pollution.
  • It impacts soil fertility because excessive heat kills the soil microbes, reduces soil moisture as well as destroys the nutrients.
  • It reduces visibility and thus affects free vehicular movement.
  • During the winter season its effects are more severe, The stable atmospheric conditions and northwesterly winds carry the pollutants towards Delhi.
  • It severely affects the health also, Various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases owe their origin to environmental pollution.

Why does stubble burning continue?

  • It is easy and cheap practice. It makes the field free from remains withing few days. Moreover, employing labor to clear the fields creates an unnecessary financial burden on the farmers.
  • Vote bank politics make the laws that ban stubble burning un-enforceable.
  • Farmers do not have many alternatives on ground level. Though many projects are going on but still they are far from accessible to farmers.
  • Lack of policy initiatives further aggravates the challenges.

About Bio decomposer

  • A bio decomposer is a living organism that breaks down organic matter into simpler substances, such as carbon dioxide, water, and minerals.
  • Bio decomposers can be bacteria, fungi, insects, or other animals. They play an essential role in the ecosystem by helping to recycle nutrients and keeping the environment clean.
  • There are many different types of bio decomposers, each with its own specialized role. For example, some bacteria break down dead plants and animals, while others break down waste products.
  • Fungi plays an important role in decomposing wood and other plant matter.
  • Insects and other animals help to break down organic matter by eating it and then excreting it as waste.

How to apply Bio decomposer in the field to curb Stubble Burning?

It is sprayed on the field post harvest, ploughed to mix the straw into the soil and lightly irrigated.

It can take 20-25 days for stubble to decompose.

Bio decomposers are used in a variety of ways, including:

Composting: They are essential for the composting process, which breaks down organic waste into nutrient-rich soil enrichment.

Bioremediation They can be used to clean up contaminated soil and water by breaking down harmful pollutants.

Here are some examples of bio decomposers:

Bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Fungi: Aspergillus Niger, Trichoderma Reese, Penicillium chrysogenum

Insects: Earthworms, termites, maggots

Other animals: Crabs, lobsters, snails

Current development and need of Bio-decomposer

As stubble burning in Punjab causing air pollution in Delhi and parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plains, an innovative intervention developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) holds promise.

About Pusa Bio-decomposer

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Benefits of Pusa Decomposer​

  • Easy to use.
  • Environmentally friendly.
  • Helps in maintaining soil health.
  • Replenishes organic content in the soil.
  • Can be sprayed easily.
  • Effective and proven results.
  • Helps in reducing pollution by solving stubble burning problem.

Bio decomposers are important for maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem. They help to recycle nutrients, break down organic matter, and clean up the environment.

CDSCO approves CAR-T cell therapy to treat blood cancer 

Context: The Indian firm ImmunoACT has received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization for its CAR-T cell therapy NexCAR19. The therapy is the first of its kind to be developed in India and will be used to treat certain types of cancers like B-cell lymphomas and leukaemia (blood cancer). 

CAR-T cell therapy:

  • Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a type of cell-based gene therapy which involves altering the genes inside T cells (a type of white blood cell) to help them attack cancer cells.
    • In the therapy, T-cells are harvested from the patient’s blood. 
    • Researchers modify these cells in the laboratory so that they express specific proteins on their surface known as chimeric antigen receptors (CAR).
    • These cells are then grown and multiplied in the laboratory and then inserted back into the patient. 
    • This genetic modification allows CAR T-cells to effectively bind to the cancer cells and destroy them.
image 36

CAR T therapy vs other cancer treatments:

Three major forms of treatment for any cancer are:

  1. Surgery (removing cancer)
  2. Radiotherapy (delivering ionising radiation to the tumour)
  3. Systemic therapy (administering medicines that act on the tumour, E.g., Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy) 
  • Conventional chemotherapy or immunotherapy comprises molecules that bind to the tumour or block chemical pathways that allow the tumour to grow or multiply – but do not directly affect the immune system. However, when there are abnormalities in the immune system or when the tumour finds a way to evade it, cancer resists these drugs.
  • But, In CAR T-cell therapy, the immune system is activated when the modified T-cells are reintroduced into the body, which allows a gradual and sustained tumour kill as these cells multiply. As these cells are even more specific than targeted agents and directly activate the patient’s immune system against cancer, it makes the treatment more clinically effective. 

Uses:

  • CAR T-cell therapy has been approved for leukaemia (cancers arising from the cells that produce white blood cells) and lymphomas (arising from the lymphatic system).
    • In certain kinds of leukaemia and lymphomas, the efficacy is as high as 90%, whereas, in other types of cancers, it is significantly lower.
  • It is also used among patients with cancers that have returned after initially successful treatment or who have not responded to previous combinations of chemotherapy or immunotherapy. 

Concerns:

  • Potential side effects are also significant, associated with:
    • Cytokine release syndrome (a widespread activation of the immune system and collateral damage to the body’s normal cells), and 
    • Neurological symptoms (severe confusion, seizures, and speech impairment).
  • The complexity of preparing CAR T-cells has been a major barrier to their use. Also, the therapy involves considerable cost and skilled technical and human resources for its administration.

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2022-2023

Context: NSSO has released Periodic Labour Force Survey for the year 2022-23. As per the report, India’s unemployment rate in urban areas decreased to 6.6% in April-June (Q1FY24), down from 6.8% in Q4FY23. 

Considering the importance of availability of labour force data at more frequent time intervals, National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) launched Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in April 2017. 

The objective of PLFS is to estimate key employment and unemployment indicators like Labour force participation rate, unemployment rate and Worker-population ratio etc.

This is the sixth Annual Report being brought out by NSSO on the basis of data collected in Periodic Labour Force Survey for the period July 2022 - June 2023.

Screenshot 2023 10 13 at 1.35.37 PM

Unemployment rate =  Unemployed people / Total labour force Labour participation rate =  Labour force / Total population

Key findings of the PLFS report:

The LFPR in urban areas increased from 47.5% in April-June 2022 to 48.8% in April-June 2023.

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  • Worker-Population Ratio:
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  • Unemployment rate:
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UR in urban areas decreased from 7.6% in April-June 2022 to 6.6% in April-June 2023 for persons of age 15 years and above

Unemployment measurement Methodology:

Unemployment is measured through labour force surveys using the following indicators: 

  • Usual Principal Status (PS): It measures the status of activity on which a person has spent relatively longer time of the preceding 365 days prior to the date of survey. E.g., An individual who is reported to have been employed for more than a total of six months will be treated as employed. 
  • Usual Principal and Subsidiary Status (PS+SS): According to this approach all individuals who are either unemployed or outside the labour force, but have worked for a minor period of not less than 30 days during the reference year are classified as subsidiary status workers.
  • Current Weekly Status (CWS): In this approach current activity status relating to the week preceding the date of survey and those persons are classified as unemployed who did not have gainful work even for an hour on any day in the preceding week.

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) measures the unemployment status using Usual status (PS+SS)and Current weekly status (CWS) annually. 

Issues with unemployment methodology:

  • Definition of Unemployment: 
    • A definition of unemployment that focuses on actively searching for a job may underestimate the true picture in a developing economy. Because:
      • Decisions to search for work are constrained by social norms like patriarchy. 
      • Unemployment cannot be restricted to merely those “searching for work” in a country where seasonal unemployment is prevalent. During non-agricultural seasons, some workers might not venture out into labour markets and actively seek work, but would be available for employment if suitable opportunities arise.
    • The definition of unemployment, which equates ‘work’ with economic activity in monetised economy, doesn’t include unpaid care work done by women. 
  • UPS limitations: 
    • Not suitable to measure seasonal or Cyclical unemployment:
      • UPS approach, which emphasises on majority time criterion, may not reflect the true picture of unemployment in India where there is prevalence of seasonal employment and most of the workers are informal.  
      • It can measure chronic unemployment where individuals remained unemployed for a relatively longer period of the year, but fails to measure cyclical unemployment due to temporary fluctuations in business cycle. 
    • Recall Errors: Usual status requires a recall over a whole year of what the person did. But for those engaged in irregular and multiple forms of work, it becomes a challenge and may result in recall errors. 
  • CWS limitations: 
    • In Indian labour markets, where the demand for labour is non-uniform throughout the year with regional variations, CWS either under-estimates or over-estimates the unemployment status. 
  • Disguised unemployment: The existing approaches fail to estimate the extent of under employment and disguised unemployment which are prevalent in Indian economy, especially in agrarian sector.
  • Regional variations: The periodic labour surveys conducted by NSO do not take into account of the regional variations in nature and extent of unemployment. For instance, unemployment is a rural phenomenon in several states, while in others it is concentrated in urban areas. 

Measures to improve:

  • Revise the definition of “labour force” and “worker” to include persons not engaged in care economy and also individuals not actively seeking work due to barriers like social norms or lack of short-term gainful employment in rural areas. 
  • The labour survey should be conducted multiple times throughout the year to overcome the challenge of non-uniformity of demand for labour throughout the year. 
  • Since CWS overestimates labour force and workforce, it should be replaced with Modified CWS(MCWS), which include only those who were in the labour force for the major part of the week, for a better picture.