13 May 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

F. Prelims Facts

1. Panel flags poor progress in reversing coal mining damage in Meghalaya

Context:

• In response to the ban on rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal in April 2014, a one-member panel led by Justice Brojendra Prasad Katakey (retired) was appointed by the High Court of Meghalaya in April 2022.
• The panel was tasked with recommending measures to the Meghalaya government for restoring the environment damaged by coal mining.

Issue:

• Lack of progress in environmental restoration: The panel has highlighted the slow progress in reversing the damage caused by rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya.
• Non-utilization of funds: The Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF) remains largely unutilized, despite having ₹400 crore allocated for restoration efforts.
• Ongoing environmental impact: Communities living near abandoned mines continue to suffer from acid mine drainage due to the lack of closure of mine pits.

Significance:

• • The urgency for action: The panel emphasizes the need for immediate steps to be taken by relevant departments to restore the ecology of mining-affected areas in Meghalaya.
  • Financial accountability: The panel’s report sheds light on the need for proper utilization of funds allocated for environmental restoration.
  • Legal compliance: The ongoing audit of coal usage in various industries and the recommendations for royalty and cess payment demonstrate efforts toward compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Operational recommendations: Suggestions for conducting drone surveys and monitoring coal transportation aim to address the issue of illegal mining and ensure accountability in coal extraction and transportation processes.

2. Cloud of discontent hangs over coal project in Birbhum

Context:

• The Birbhum Lok Sabha constituency in West Bengal is nearing elections.
• Trinamool Congress distributed handbills promising houses to villagers around the proposed Deocha Pachami coal mine project.
• Villagers are skeptical, seeing it as a tactic to acquire land for the coal project.
• The coal project, valued at ₹35,000 crores, faces resistance due to land acquisition issues.

Issue:

• Land acquisition for the Deocha Pachami coal project is met with resistance from villagers.
• The project area spans over 12 villages with a population of over 21,000, primarily comprising Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• Opposition to the project is led by the Gram Sava Sammonnya Hool Committee (GSSHC), advocating for consent from gram sabhas as per the Panchayat Act.
• Despite government assurances, locals are apprehensive about losing their homes and livelihoods.

Significance:

• • The coal project has become a contentious issue, impacting the political landscape in the region.
  • Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, faces challenges in gaining consent for land acquisition.
  • The revised relief and rehabilitation package offered by the government, including monetary compensation and job opportunities, fails to alleviate concerns.
  • Environmental and health concerns arise due to rampant stone quarrying, with reported cases of silicosis in the area.
  • The upcoming elections witness a competitive race between Trinamool Congress, BJP, and Left-supported Congress candidate, reflecting the local sentiment against the coal project.

3. This worm develops food habits and its offspring ‘inherit’ them

Context:

• C. elegans Research: C. elegans, a commonly studied roundworm, serves as a vital model organism in various scientific inquiries, particularly in understanding neuronal and molecular biology.
• Transmission of Learned Behavior: Researchers at Princeton University revealed an intriguing phenomenon where C. elegans worms, after consuming a disease-causing bacterium, passed on their avoidance behavior to their offspring for up to four generations.
• RNA Interference Mechanism: The study elucidates the mechanism behind this transgenerational transmission, highlighting the role of small RNA molecules (sRNA) produced by the ingested bacteria in altering the worms’ feeding behaviour.

About:

• Bacterial Influence: The consumption of Pseudomonas vranovensis, a pathogenic bacterium, by C. elegans leads to the ingestion of sRNA molecules produced by the bacteria.
• Behavioural Modification: The sRNA molecules affect the expression of a gene called maco-1 in the worms, resulting in a learned avoidance behaviour towards the pathogenic bacterium.
• Transgenerational Transmission: Remarkably, this behavioural adaptation is inherited by the progeny, lasting up to four generations, through a mechanism known as RNA interference.
• Potential Adaptive Advantage: The avoidance behaviour extends not only to the original pathogenic bacterium but also to related non-pathogenic bacteria, suggesting an adaptive advantage for the worms.

Significance:

• Insights into RNA Function: The study sheds light on the role of sRNA in regulating gene expression and behaviour, expanding our understanding of RNA’s functional diversity beyond protein synthesis.
• Implications for Evolutionary Biology: The transgenerational transmission of learned behaviour suggests a potential mechanism for rapid adaptation to environmental challenges across generations.
• Relevance to Human Health: Given the evolutionary conservation of biological processes, the findings prompt speculation about similar mechanisms in humans, potentially influencing behaviour and health across generations.

Contribution to Scientific Advancement: C. elegans research continues to yield valuable insights, with past discoveries recognized by Nobel Prizes, underscoring the significance of model organisms in scientific and medical progress

Q1. Which of the given statements best describes the ‘Total Fertility Rate’ (TFR)?

Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to Vibrant Villages Programme:

Q3.Consider the following statements with respect to Rat-hole mining:

Q4.Deocha Pachami coal mine project often seen in news is located in:

Q5. Consider the following statements with respect to Caenorhabditis elegans: