11 September 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. G-20 Outcomes of day 2 C. GS 3 Related SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1. Genetic engineering gives mosquito control an upgrade D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials DISASTER MANAGEMENT, ENVIRONMENT 1. Redouble efforts to reduce disaster risks, Stocktaking calamity F. Prelims Facts G. Tidbits 1. Haryana khaps seek ban on marriages within same villages, live-in relationships 2. Regulator issues alert over sale of falsified versions of 2 drugs H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting the Indian interests
Mains: Outcomes and impacts of recently held G20 Delhi Summit.
Prelims: About G20
Context:Â
The G-20 summit in New Delhi concluded with notable developments, including Prime Minister Modi’s proposal for a virtual G-20 meeting in November, Russia’s praise for the summit’s outcomes, and Japan’s pursuit of deeper defence cooperation with India.
PM Modi Proposes Virtual G-20 Meeting in November
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggests a virtual G-20 meeting towards the end of November.
- The proposal aims to review progress made on the suggestions and proposals presented during the September 9-10 summit.
- PM Modi formally passed the ceremonial gavel to Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, symbolising the transfer of G-20 Presidency to Brazil.
- The Delhi summit saw the admission of the African Union as a new G-20 member.
- PM Modi announced a “Joint Declaration” of the summit adopted through consensus, addressing differences among members concerning the Ukraine crisis.
- Following the summit’s conclusion, PM Modi held meetings with various world leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President Lula Da Silva, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Russia Praises New Delhi Declaration at G-20 Summit
- Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hails the New Delhi Declaration as a “milestone” for the G-20 process.
- Lavrov commends India for preventing the Ukraine conflict from dominating the summit’s agenda.
- He denies any disruption in military and technical supplies to India due to the Ukraine conflict, including the S-400 missile systems delivery.
- Lavrov highlights India’s promise to provide new avenues of investment to utilize trade surpluses.
- Russia considers the summit’s outcome a diplomatic win, with no direct mention of Russia in the summit statement.
- The declaration emphasizes the need to settle conflicts in accordance with the UN Charter.
- The New Delhi Declaration mentions Russia only in the context of reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
- Lavrov praises the compromise achieved by Western countries and credits India for uniting the Global South.
- The development of a payment mechanism to bypass sanctions on Russian trade is a bilateral issue between India and Russia.
- Lavrov confirms that India-Russia military and technical ties remain unaffected, including the S-400 Triumf missile systems deal.
Japan Seeks Deeper Defense Cooperation with India in Indo-Pacific
- Japan views India as an “indispensable” partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasises the importance of developing deeper defence cooperation with India to ensure maritime security.
- Both countries have conducted joint exercises involving land, sea, and air forces this year.
- Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy aims to uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific.
- Japan opposes unilateral changes to the status quo in the East and South China Seas and condemns North Korea’s missile activities.
- The G-20 New Delhi Declaration was defended by Mr. Kishida as a meaningful achievement despite the absence of a reference to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
- He acknowledges the challenges posed by Russia’s actions but highlights the importance of global cooperation and support for a just and durable peace in Ukraine.
India Delays Crypto Regulation Amid G-20 Coordination
- G-20 countries agree to explore a coordinated regulatory framework for crypto assets.
- India considers delaying domestic crypto regulations and seeks dialogue with stakeholders.
- An outright ban on cryptocurrencies, previously considered, is likely off the table.
- India aims for global consensus on crypto regulation instead of monitoring every internet device.
- G-20 leaders endorse Financial Stability Board (FSB) recommendations for crypto asset regulation.
- FSB and IMF provide a roadmap for coordinated global crypto regulation.
- G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors will discuss the roadmap in Marrakesh next month.
- Emphasis on consistent global regulation to prevent trade shifting to other jurisdictions.
- IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva acknowledges more work is needed in the digital money and crypto asset realm.
Nut Graf: Amidst discussions on global cryptocurrency regulation, India may delay its domestic regulations and focus on achieving consensus within the G-20. The summit also garnered praise and concerns over various international issues.
C. GS 3 Related
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Genetic engineering gives mosquito control an upgrade
Syllabus: General awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, bio-technology. Recent developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Mains: Genetic engineering, gene-drive technology, and their applications in controlling mosquito populations.
Prelims: About Genetic engineering and gene-drive technology.
Context
Mosquitoes, as persistent disease vectors, have posed significant health challenges throughout history. This note explores genetic manipulation as a modern tool in the ongoing battle against mosquito-borne diseases.
Introduction
- Mosquitoes have been a persistent nuisance throughout human history, causing irritation and transmitting deadly diseases.
- Early evidence of mosquito-borne diseases dates back to ancient Egypt.
- Apart from malaria, mosquitoes transmit diseases like dengue, Zika, lymphatic filariasis, and yellow fever.
Challenges in Mosquito Control
- Urbanization and climate change have led to a surge in mosquito-borne illnesses.
- Mosquito control methods include mosquito nets, insecticides, and the use of symbionts like Wolbachia.
- Insecticide resistance in mosquitoes is rising, necessitating new approaches.
Genome Sequencing and Manipulation
- Advancements in next-generation sequencing techniques provide access to mosquito genome sequences.
- High-quality reference genomes for Anopheles stephensi have been prepared.
- Genetic manipulation aims to control mosquito populations by interfering with their reproduction.
Gene Drive Technology
- Gene-drive technology forces mosquitoes to inherit specific genes, disrupting normal inheritance patterns.
- The technology was conceived by Austin Burt in 2003.
- Various gene-drive versions reduce mosquito reproductive capabilities or render them sterile, preventing malaria transmission.
Recent Advances
- Researchers enhanced a gene in mosquitoes to secrete antimicrobial substances, disrupting Plasmodium parasite development.
- Computational modeling suggests this approach could significantly disrupt malaria transmission.
Genetically Modified Mosquitoes in the Field:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency authorized the release of genetically modified mosquitoes in Florida and Texas.
- Genetically modified male mosquitoes mate with females, but a self-limiting gene prevents female offspring from surviving.
- Trials in India, Brazil, and Panama showed promising reductions in mosquito populations and dengue incidence.
Benefits and Risks
- Drastic mosquito population reduction may impact food chains and ecosystems.
- Unforeseen ecological disruptions and gene spread beyond target populations are concerns.
- Policymakers face dilemmas in making decisions that affect individuals, communities, and populations.
Challenges and Regulations
- Critics express concerns about unintended consequences and ecological disruptions.
- Data collection, monitoring, and stakeholder discussions are essential.
- The Department of Biotechnology in India released guidelines for genetically engineered insects.
Nut Graf: Amid rising mosquito-borne diseases and insecticide resistance, genetic manipulation of mosquitoes, including gene drive technology, offers hope and controversy in controlling these disease vectors, with potential benefits and ecological risks.
D. GS 4 Related
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E. Editorials
Category: DISASTER MANAGEMENT, ENVIRONMENT
1. Redouble efforts to reduce disaster risks, Stocktaking calamity
Syllabus- Environmental Conservation, Environmental Degradation, Disaster and Disaster Management.
Prelims- United Nations Global Stocktake report, Paris Agreement and Climate Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, Cyclone Biparjoy, Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group
Mains- India’s leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction, Global Efforts for Disaster Management
Context:Â
- The world is at a crucial juncture, with disaster related risks increasing faster than they are being reduced which was acknowledged in the recent G-20 summit.Â
Increasing risk of disastersÂ
- The COVID-19 pandemic, war, financial crisis, and food insecurity are testing the global ability to cope and mitigate.Â
- Climate Crisis
- The climate crisis is increasing extreme weather events that are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity. Increase in disasters is a trend and not an exception. Examples include the flooding in China, wildfires in Europe and Hawaii etc.Â
- The United Nations‘ Global Stocktake report has highlighted the significant challenges facing major economies in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- The report serves as a guide for discussions leading up to the 28th Conference of Parties in Dubai and assesses progress made by countries since 2015 in reducing GHG emissions.
- The world is currently on track to exceed the Paris Agreement‘s limit of a 2°C increase in global emissions, and much more effort is needed to achieve the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
- Despite this recognition, little progress has been made in terms of energy transition, as G-20 countries account for 93% of global operating coal power plants and 88% of proposed ones.
- Financial Distress
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- Vulnerable countries and communities are being affected the most despite contributing the least to the climate crisis.
- Most of the 50 countries vulnerable to climate change also suffer from severe debt issues.Â
- In 2022, India faced multiple extreme weather events and severe monsoon has resulted in widespread loss of livelihood and lives.
Efforts at Adaptation and Mitigation of Disasters
- Global Efforts:Â Â
- In the recent G-20 summit, leaders recognized the need for $5.8-$5.9 trillion in funding for developing countries between now and 2030 and $4 trillion annually for clean energy technologies by 2030 to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and commitments made in the Conference of Parties at Paris provide a global blueprint for peace and prosperity if implemented correctly.Â
- The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction sets a global framework for decreasing catastrophe risks, although progress has been slow. UN Member States have also agreed to accelerate resilience-building efforts along these lines.
- Important lessons are being taken from the COVID-19 epidemic about the value of systemic disaster risk reduction, resilience, and adaptation. Digital technologies like computer modeling and India’s CoWin digital vaccination platform have emerged due to the pandemic.
- India’s Efforts:Â
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- India’s leadership in disaster risk reduction has also been exemplary; all 28 states have created their disaster management strategies resulting in a significant decrease in extreme weather event fatalities.
- India’s early warning system for cyclones covers its whole coastline and has helped cut cyclone-related mortality by 90% over the previous 15 years.
- Local heatwave action plans have reduced heatwave deaths by more than 90%.
- Cyclone Biparjoy in Gujarat showed that effective preparation, reaction, and early warning and action systems may result in zero casualties during natural disasters.
- Significant changes to disaster risk financing have been implemented by the 15th Finance Commission in India. For disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and capacity building, the Indian government has allocated $28.6 billion.
- On the international front, India supports disaster resilience and sustainability via initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, a global alliance dedicated to making infrastructure more robust.
- Domestic calamities are met with responses from India’s National Disaster Response Force, which is also sent abroad frequently.
- The first-ever working group on disaster risk reduction was formed under India’s G-20 chairmanship, aligning with the SDGs.
Way Ahead:Â
- The Global Stocktake report emphasizes the importance of reversing deforestation and adopting electric vehicles as key components of a clean energy economy.
- To reduce global GHG emissions by 43% by 2030, 60% by 2035, and reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, countries must significantly scale up renewable energy resources and move away from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
- Disaster risk must be integrated into how we build, invest, and live.
- Early warning systems for all are one of the most cost-effective risk reduction methods, spearheaded by the UN with India’s support. For example, a 24-hour warning of a coming storm can reduce damage by 30%.
- A global multi-risk warning system for all types of hazards (biological, tectonic, or technological) will particularly help the least developed countries and Small Island Developing States.
- Improving global data capabilities will aid in predicting and responding to risks. India’s G20 presidency has made progress on knowledge sharing, joint data infrastructure, and risk analysis.
Conclusion:
- International cooperation in disaster prevention, response, and recovery must be enhanced, particularly for countries of the Global South.
- The G20 summit and the outcomes of the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group offer an opportunity to create a future where disaster risk mitigation is possible
- As stated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “Extreme weather events will happen. But they do not need to become deadly disasters.”
Nut Graf: The number and intensity of extreme weather events are increasing, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Vulnerable countries and communities are being disproportionately affected.The G-20 summit recognized the need for urgent action to reduce disaster risk, including increased funding for developing countries and a transition to clean energy. India has been a leader in disaster risk reduction, and its experiences can offer lessons for other countries.
F. Prelims Facts
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G. Tidbits
1. Haryana khaps seek ban on marriages within same villages, live-in relationships
- Representatives of 23 khaps in Haryana’s Jind held a meeting to seek changes in the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
- They want an amendment to prohibit marriages within the same village and gotra (sub-caste) in the state. Additionally, they aim to make live-in relationships illegal under the law.
- Majra khap chief Gurvinder Singh Sandhu, who is also a coordinator for the khaps, stated that such marriages go against social norms and often lead to disputes.
- He mentioned that the government’s provision of police protection to such couples encourages the practice, which is generally unacceptable in Haryana, especially in Jind.
- He also emphasised that the live-in relationships cause social disorder and should not be allowed, suggesting that parental consent be made mandatory for love marriages.
- He alleged that the government had not been responsive to the khaps’ long-standing demand to ban marriages within the same village and gotra (sub-caste).
- Majra khap spokesperson Samundra Singh pointed out that while courts have recognized certain rights of live-in partners, there is no provision for legal separation in such relationships, similar to divorce in a marriage.
- The meeting also highlighted the need for better coordination among khaps and established a 23-member president board to make collective decisions on important matters.
2. Regulator issues alert over sale of falsified versions of 2 drugs
- The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has instructed State and Union Territory drugs controllers to closely monitor the sale and distribution of counterfeit versions of two medications: Defitelio and Adcetris, in response to alerts from the World Health Organization (WHO).
- The DCGI issued an advisory on September 5, mentioning that the WHO had issued a safety alert regarding falsified versions of Adcetris injection 50 mg. These counterfeit products have been found in India and three other countries, mainly in unregulated online supply chains.Â
- The WHO identified at least eight different batch numbers of these falsified versions in circulation.
- Adcetris (Brentuximab Vedotin) is a drug used to treat patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma after a failed autologous stem cell transplant.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements, with reference to yellow fever:
- Yellow fever is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes that bite mostly during the day.
- It is caused by bacteria.
- There is no vaccine available for yellow fever.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: Yellow fever is caused by a virus transmitted through mosquitoes, and there is a vaccine available for it.Â
Q2. Consider the following statements related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- There are a total of 17 SDGs, each with specific targets to be achieved by 2030.
- SDGs are universally applicable to all countries, regardless of their level of development.
- SDG 17 emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collaboration to achieve the other SDGs.
How many of the statements given above are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: All three statements are correct. SDGs apply universally, and SDG 17 underscores the need for partnerships among various stakeholders to achieve the goals.
Q3. What significant development occurred during the Delhi summit of the G-20?
- The expansion of G-20 to include the European Union.
- The admission of the African Union as a new G-20 member.
- The Union of South American Nations (USAN) has gained observer status within the G-20.
- The announcement of the G-20 Secretariat’s relocation to Africa.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: The Delhi summit of the G-20 witnessed the admission of the African Union as a new G-20 member, marking a significant development in international relations.
Q4. Consider the following statements about the Group of Seven (G7):
- The G7 consists of a coalition of seven leading industrialized nationsÂ
- The G7 was founded to primarily focus on global environmental issues, military alliances and security matters.
- Canada, France, Germany, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States are members of the G7.
How many of the statements given above are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: The G7 is a group of seven major advanced economies, founded to focus on economic and financial matters. China is not one of its members.
Q5. The drug "Adcetris" (Brentuximab Vedotin), recently in the news, is primarily used in the treatment of which medical condition?
- Treatment of diabetes
- Treatment of breast cancer
- Treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: Adcetris (Brentuximab Vedotin) is indicated for the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma after the failure of an autologous stem cell transplant and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- India has been actively working toward reducing its vulnerability to disasters and sharing the message at a global scale. Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)​ [GS-3; Disaster Management]
- Genetic modification is an effective way to manage vector-borne diseases, but it has its own drawbacks. Comment. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-3; Science and Technology]
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