12 April 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials ENVIRONMENT 1. A battle to save Ladakh, and all of humanity SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1. Crafted at home, NexCAR19 takes India to next level in cancer care F. Prelims Facts 1. ADB projects India’s GDP growth in 2024-25 at 7% 2. ‘India to face most impact if high U.S. interest rates persist’ 3. ISRO’s ‘zero orbital debris’ milestone G. Tidbits H. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
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C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: ENVIRONMENT
1. A battle to save Ladakh, and all of humanity
Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental Impact Assessment
Mains: Infrastructure Development vs. Environmental Concerns in Ladakh
Introduction: Climate Crisis in Ladakh
- Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist and Ramon Magsaysay award winner, announced a 21-day climate fast in Ladakh on March 6, 2024.
- Ladakh, nestled between India’s neighbours Pakistan and China at 11,500 feet, faces severe climate challenges including floods, droughts, landslides, and pollution.
- The region, inhabited by 97% indigenous tribes, relies on farming and pastoralism for livelihood.
Infrastructure Development vs. Environmental Concerns:
- Despite the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) aiming to protect the Himalayan region from climate change, rapid infrastructure development has occurred in Ladakh since it became a Union Territory.
- Mega projects like bridges, roads, tunnels, railways, and solar energy initiatives have been fast-tracked to boost tourism and industrialization, raising concerns about their environmental impact.
- Organizations like the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) are leading these projects without adequate consideration for climate change vulnerabilities.
History of Disasters and Lack of Action:
- The Himalayan region has witnessed numerous disasters since 2010, including the Kedarnath floods in 2013 and the Silkyara tunnel collapse in 2023, highlighting the dangers of haphazard development.
- Despite warnings from geologists and ecologists, infrastructure projects continue without proper risk assessment or safety measures.
- Recommendations from expert committees often go unheeded, leading to environmental degradation and loss of lives.
Urgent Call to Protect the Himalayas and Humanity:
- Climate change activists stress the need for sustainable development and protection of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
- The battle for Ladakh is not just about its people but about safeguarding the future of humanity and preserving biodiversity.
- It’s crucial for governments, developers, and individuals to prioritize the long-term health of the Himalayas and its inhabitants for the well-being of present and future generations.
Nut Graf: The urgent call to protect Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem amid rapid infrastructure development underscores the global significance of climate action. This battle for sustainability is not merely local but a crucial endeavour for the survival of humanity.
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Crafted at home, NexCAR19 takes India to next level in cancer care
Syllabus: Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life
Prelims: About NexCAR19, Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)
Introduction: The Journey of NexCAR19
- Origins and Vision: Dr. Rahul Purwar, along with his team, embarked on the mission to develop an affordable CAR-T cell therapy in India, recognizing the gap in cancer treatment accessibility.
- Collaborative Efforts: Dr. Purwar, joined by researchers like Alka Dwivedi and Atharva Karulkar, teamed up with haemato-oncologists from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, to spearhead the clinical trials of NexCAR19.
- Influence of NCI Collaboration: Seeking expertise, the team collaborated with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which played a pivotal role in troubleshooting and refining the therapy’s development.
The Process of CAR-T Cell Creation:
- Cell Collection and Modification: T-cells are extracted from the patient via leukapheresis and genetically engineered in the lab to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface.
- CAR Composition and Function: The CAR comprises exterior antibody fragments selected for binding to cancer cell antigens and internal components for signalling upon antigen interaction. NexCAR19 utilizes humanized antibody fragments to potentially reduce toxicity.
- Multiplication and Infusion: Modified T-cells are multiplied in the lab and infused back into the patient after undergoing chemotherapy.
Clinical Trials and Approval:
- Clinical Trial Phases: After successful development, NexCAR19 underwent clinical trials, with the first patient treated in June 2021 at Tata Memorial Hospital, showcasing positive results.
- Regulatory Approval: CDSCO approved NexCAR19 in October 2023 for treating relapsed or refractory B-lymphomas and B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL), marking a significant milestone in Indian cancer treatment.
Challenges and Future Prospects:
- Efficacy and Side Effects: While CAR-T therapy shows promise, its efficacy varies, and it carries risks such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. Management of side effects remains a concern.
- Accessibility and Affordability: Despite efforts to reduce costs, NexCAR19 remains relatively expensive. However, ongoing initiatives aim to increase accessibility through manufacturing scale-up and technological advancements, potentially lowering costs in the future.
Nut Graf: NexCAR19, a breakthrough CAR-T cell therapy developed in India, represents a collaborative effort aimed at providing accessible cancer treatment. Despite challenges, its approval marks a significant milestone, highlighting both the promise and hurdles in advancing affordable healthcare solutions.
F. Prelims Facts
1. ADB projects India’s GDP growth in 2024-25 at 7%
Context: India’s economic outlook remains robust, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasting a GDP growth rate of 7.6% in 2023-24, slowing to 7% in the current year before rebounding to 7.2% in 2025-26.
About: The ADB expects retail inflation to ease to 4.6% this year and 4.5% in 2025-26, with food inflation dropping to 5.7%. However, risks persist, including a potential spike in global oil prices and tighter financial conditions. While India’s growth will be driven by investment demand and improving rural consumption, muted exports and downside risks from weather shocks loom. The ADB highlights the importance of price and financial market stability for sustaining consumer and business confidence.
Significance: Upside risks include faster-than-expected foreign direct investment and global economic growth. Overall, India’s economic trajectory remains positive, contingent upon both domestic and global factors.
2. ‘India to face most impact if high U.S. interest rates persist’
Context:The Asian Development Bank (ADB) predicts that a ‘higher for longer’ interest rate scenario could impact emerging economies, particularly India, due to currency depreciation and inflationary pressures.
About: According to simulations, India may experience a 0.4 percentage point increase in inflation through 2024-2025 and a slight slowdown in GDP growth in 2025. The main channel for these effects is the interest rate differentials, leading to currency depreciation and higher imported inflation. While currency depreciation may initially boost export competitiveness, it could lead to negative growth effects once monetary easing in developed economies occurs. Additionally, ongoing conflicts in West Asia and disruptions in shipping routes may further exacerbate inflation pressures.
Significance:The ADB highlights the importance of monitoring these risks and their potential impact on economic stability and growth.
3. ISRO’s ‘zero orbital debris’ milestone
Context:The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone in space debris management with its PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission.
About: By effectively minimizing debris in Earth’s orbit, ISRO has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable space exploration. The mission’s innovative approach involved transforming the last stage of the PSLV into the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3), which was then de-orbited to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere. This proactive measure mitigated the risk of space debris, as the stage burned up upon re-entry, leaving virtually no remnants.
POEM, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, serves as a cost-effective space platform utilizing spent rocket stages. Through its successful deployment, ISRO has showcased the potential of reusing space assets for scientific experiments and technology demonstrations. POEM-3, equipped with nine payloads from various institutions, completed 400 orbits around the Earth, achieving its objectives before re-entering the atmosphere on March 21.
Significance: This achievement holds significance amidst the growing concern over space debris, which poses a threat to operational satellites and spacecraft. With an increasing number of objects in low Earth orbit (LEO), effective debris management is crucial to ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities. ISRO’s initiative sets a positive example for global space agencies in addressing this pressing issue and underscores the importance of responsible space exploration practices.
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the environmental and socio-economic implications of rapid infrastructure development in the Himalayan region, with specific reference to Ladakh. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-3, Economy]
- What are the key milestones and collaborative efforts that enabled the development and approval of NexCAR19, a Made-in-India CAR-T cell therapy, and how do they reflect the broader landscape of cancer treatment innovation in developing countries? (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-3, Science & Technology]
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