12 Dec | Daily Current Affairs : Indian scientists develop novel gene therapy for haemophilia And More

Table of Contents

Edition: International Table of Contents

Page 01 Syllabus : Prelims Fact	Indian scientists develop novel gene therapy for haemophilia
Page 04 Syllabus : GS 2 : Indian Polity – Judiciary	Opposition plans motion to impeach Uttar Pradesh judge
Page 06 Syllabus : Prelims Fact	India accounts for half of malaria cases in Southeast Asia in 2023
Page 07 Syllabus : GS 3 : Science and Technology	Climate impact of exploring space passing below the radar
In News	National Quantum Mission
Page 08 : Editorial Analysis: Syllabus : GS 2: Indian Polity – Judiciary	The long and complex road to assisted dying

Page 01 : Prelims Fact

Scientists in India have achieved a breakthrough in treating severe hemophilia A with gene therapy.

This success offers hope for a one-time, potentially more affordable solution to this rare genetic bleeding disorder.
The new approach could significantly improve the lives of thousands of patients in India and globally.

Analysis of the news:

Gene therapy trial in India successfully treats severe hemophilia A, a bleeding disorder.
Five patients treated in Tamil Nadu have remained free of bleeding episodes for over a year. Typically, these patients experienced frequent, potentially fatal bleeds.
This gene therapy could be a one-time solution for hemophilia A, unlike current treatments requiring frequent injections.
The new approach is safer than traditional methods and may be suitable for children.
It could lead to more affordable treatment in India, where conventional hemophilia care is very expensive.

What is the new therapy?

Target: Addresses the root cause of severe hemophilia A by providing a functional copy of the faulty gene that prevents the body from producing a crucial blood clotting factor (Factor VIII).
Delivery: Uses a harmless carrier, or vector, to deliver the therapeutic gene into the patient’s body. This vector is likely a modified virus that cannot cause disease.
Production: Once inside the body, the gene instructs the patient’s cells to produce Factor VIII, enabling normal blood clotting.
One-time treatment: This approach aims to be a one-time solution, unlike current treatments that require regular injections of clotting factors.
Safer alternative: The specific vector used in this trial is believed to be safer than traditional adenovirus-based vectors, potentially making it suitable for children as well.

Hemophilia A

Genetic disorder: Hemophilia A is typically inherited, caused by a faulty gene on the X chromosome.
Blood clotting deficiency: Leads to a deficiency in Factor VIII, a protein essential for blood clotting.
Bleeding episodes: People with hemophilia A experience prolonged or excessive bleeding, even from minor injuries.
Severity: Ranges from mild to severe, depending on the level of Factor VIII in the blood.
Treatment: Traditionally managed with frequent injections of Factor VIII to prevent or stop bleeding.
Prevalence: A rare disorder, but India has a significant number of patients.
Complications: Can include joint damage, internal bleeding, and life-threatening hemorrhages.

Page 04: GS 2 : Indian Polity – Judiciary

The Opposition has started efforts to move an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav for his controversial statements at a recent Vishwa Hindu Parishad event.

The notice needs the endorsement of 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha to be considered by the Chairman or 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha to be taken up as an impeachment motion in the Lok Sabha.

Removal of High Court Judges in India

Grounds for Removal:

Proved misbehavior or incapacity.
Misuse of office, grave offenses undermining a judge’s integrity.
Contravention of the Constitution’s provisions.

Procedure:

Motion: 100 members of Lok Sabha or 50 members of Rajya Sabha can raise a motion for removal.
Admission: The Speaker/Chairman decides whether to admit the motion.
Inquiry Committee: If admitted, an Inquiry Committee is formed, comprising:
- A Supreme Court Judge
- A High Court Chief Justice
- A distinguished jurist
Investigation: The committee investigates the charges against the judge.
Report: The committee submits its report to the Speaker/Chairman.
Parliamentary Consideration: If the committee finds the judge guilty, the motion is considered by each House of Parliament.
Special Majority: Removal requires a special majority:
- Majority of the total membership of that House.
- Majority of not less than two-thirds of members present and voting.
Presidential Order: After the address is passed by both Houses, the President issues an order for the judge’s removal.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques : The process for removal of High Court judges in India, though enshrined in the Constitution, is often perceived as complex and challenging. Critically analyze this statement, highlighting the key procedural hurdles and their implications for judicial accountability. (250 Words /15 marks)

Page 06 : Prelims Fact

The WHO released its World Malaria Report for 2024, highlighting global trends and regional progress in combating malaria.

While global progress has stalled, the South-East Asia region, particularly India, has shown significant improvement in reducing malaria cases and deaths.

World Malaria Report for 2024:

Global malaria cases and deaths plateaued in 2023 after years of decline.
The WHO South-East Asia Region has significantly reduced its malaria burden since 2000.
India and Indonesia account for most malaria cases and deaths in the region.
Four countries in the region successfully reduced malaria cases in 2022-2023.
Three countries saw increases in malaria cases during the same period: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Thailand, Myanmar.
Timor-Leste and Bhutan reported zero indigenous malaria cases in 2023.
India’s progress has significantly contributed to the region’s achievements.
Despite global progress, malaria remains a major health concern, especially in Africa.
44 countries and one territory are now certified malaria-free.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques : Analyse the key findings of the World Malaria Report and their impact on global health. (250 Words /15 marks)

Page 07 : GS 3 : Science and Technology

The increasing use of space technology necessitates a critical examination of its environmental impact.

Without proper regulation and sustainable practices, these factors threaten the future of space exploration and Earth’s climate.
International cooperation and innovative solutions are crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities.

The Environmental Cost of Space Exploration

The increasing reliance on space technology for vital functions like climate monitoring necessitates urgent action to address the environmental impact of space activities.
The growing number of satellites in orbit and the frequency of rocket launches contribute to atmospheric pollution and the accumulation of orbital debris, posing risks to the sustainability of space activities and our ability to monitor Earth’s climate.

How Rockets Affect the Environment

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Rockets release CO2, black carbon, and other greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Black carbon is particularly harmful due to its high sunlight absorption.
Ozone Layer Depletion: Some rocket propellants contain chlorine-based chemicals that damage the ozone layer, increasing our exposure to harmful UV radiation.
Atmospheric Pollution: Solid rocket boosters release chlorine and aluminum oxide, which can linger in the atmosphere and potentially contribute to ozone depletion.
Space Debris: Inactive satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions pose a risk of collision with active satellites and spacecraft.
Resource Depletion: Manufacturing rockets and satellites requires significant resources and energy, contributing to environmental strain on Earth.
Light and Noise Pollution: Rocket launches generate significant light and noise pollution, affecting local communities and wildlife.
Impact on Upper Atmosphere: Rocket exhaust plumes can create artificial clouds and alter the chemical composition of the upper atmosphere.

Dangers of Orbital Debris

Collision Risks: Space junk, including defunct satellites and fragments from collisions, poses a significant collision risk to operational satellites.
Magnitude: Over 36,860 objects are in orbit, including debris from over 650 fragmentation events. The total mass exceeds 13,000 tonnes.
Impact on Data Collection: Debris can interfere with instruments used to collect data about Earth, hindering weather monitoring and scientific research.
Increased Mission Costs: Avoiding collisions requires costly maneuvers and shielding, increasing the expense of space missions.
Risk to Human-crewed Missions: Debris poses a risk to the International Space Station, which frequently adjusts its orbit to avoid collisions.

Barriers to Space Sustainability

Lack of International Regulations: The absence of specific international regulations addressing the environmental impact of space activities hinders efforts to mitigate emissions, manage debris, and ensure responsible use of space. This regulatory gap needs to be addressed to promote sustainable practices.
Technological Challenges: Solutions like reusable rockets, cleaner fuels, biodegradable materials, and debris removal technologies hold promise but face challenges related to cost, efficiency, and technological maturity. Overcoming these challenges requires further research and development.

Achieving Sustainability

Global Cooperation: International cooperation is crucial to establish enforceable standards for emissions, debris mitigation, and data sharing. Organizations like the Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS) can play a vital role in developing and implementing these standards.
Investment in Green Technologies: Governments and private companies must prioritize funding for research and development of sustainable technologies, including green propellants, debris removal systems, and biodegradable materials for satellites.
Policy Incentives: Financial incentives, such as subsidies and tax breaks, can encourage private companies to adopt sustainable practices. Conversely, penalties can discourage unsustainable behavior.

Conclusion

The future of space exploration depends on our ability to balance technological advancement with environmental responsibility.
By promoting international cooperation, investing in green technologies, and implementing effective regulations, we can ensure that space activities remain sustainable.

UPSC Mains ractice Question

Ques : What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (150 words/10m)

In News : National Quantum Mission

India is investing heavily in quantum technology with its National Quantum Mission.

This initiative aims to advance research and development in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials, positioning India as a leader in this emerging field.

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

Overview

Aims to advance India’s capabilities in quantum technology across various domains.
Approved with a budget of Rs. 6003.65 crores.

Objectives

Quantum Computing:
- Develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with increasing qubit capacity (20-50, 50-100, 50-1000) using superconducting and photonic technologies.
Quantum Communication:
- Establish satellite-based secure quantum communication within India (2000 km range) and with other countries.
- Develop inter-city quantum key distribution (2000 km) with trusted nodes.
- Create a multi-node quantum network with quantum memories and repeaters.
Quantum Sensing & Metrology:
- Develop highly sensitive magnetometers and gravity measurement devices.
- Develop atomic clocks with exceptional stability for precision timing and navigation.
Quantum Materials & Devices:
- Design and synthesize quantum materials (superconductors, semiconductors, topological materials) for quantum devices.
- Develop single-photon sources/detectors and entangled photon sources for various applications.

Implementation

Pan-India initiative with four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) and 14 Technical Groups across 17 states and 2 Union Territories.
Focuses on technology development, human resource development, entrepreneurship, and international collaborations.
Encourages participation of female scientists from all over India.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques : Analyse the objective of National Quantum Mission and its relevance. (250 words/15m)

Page : 08 Editorial Analysis

Context :

The UK Parliament recently debated an assisted dying bill, sparking global discussion on end-of-life choices.
This debate highlights the tension between respecting individual autonomy and safeguarding the sanctity of life, raising complex ethical and legal questions.
In India, passive euthanasia and advanced medical directives are legally permissible, while assisted dying remains prohibited.

Introduction of the Assisted Dying Law

On November 29, 2024, MP Kim Leadbeater presented the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25, also known as the Assisted Dying Law, to the British House of Commons.
This legislation aims to provide terminally ill adults in England and Wales with less than six months to live the option of assisted death, given they have obtained the necessary approvals.
The required approvals include signed requests from two doctors and a High Court judge.

Arguments in Favor of Assisted Dying:

Autonomy and Dignity: Individuals have the right to make choices about their own lives and deaths, including the right to avoid unbearable suffering.
Compassion and Relief: Assisted dying provides a compassionate option for those facing intolerable pain and suffering at the end of life.
Choice and Control: It allows individuals to maintain control over the timing and manner of their death, giving them a sense of agency in their final moments.
Safeguards and Regulation: Laws can be carefully crafted with safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure that assisted dying is only available to those who meet strict criteria.
Respect for Individual Beliefs: It respects the diverse beliefs and values individuals hold about life and death, allowing them to make choices aligned with their own convictions.

Arguments Against Assisted Dying:

Sanctity of Life: Life is sacred and should be protected, even in the face of suffering. Assisted dying undermines the inherent value of life.
Slippery Slope: Legalizing assisted dying could lead to its expansion to include vulnerable individuals who may feel pressured to end their lives.
Potential for Abuse: There is a risk that assisted dying could be misused or abused, particularly in cases of coercion or undue influence.
Impact on Healthcare: It may undermine the trust between patients and healthcare providers and shift the focus away from palliative care and improving end-of-life care.
Religious and Moral Objections: Many religious and philosophical traditions view assisted dying as morally wrong and a violation of the natural order.

Global Relevance and Implications

The debates surrounding assisted dying in Britain have global implications, prompting discussions about end-of-life choices and individual autonomy in various countries.
In India, for instance, the Supreme Court has recognized a limited right to die, encompassing passive euthanasia and the right to create advance medical directives outlining preferences for medical treatment or withdrawal of treatment in case of incapacitation.
The British deliberations highlight the complexities of legislating assisted dying while underscoring the fundamental principles of human dignity, autonomy, and the right to make choices about one’s life and death.

Conclusion

While concerns about potential abuse and unintended consequences are valid, the central principle underlying such legislation is the preservation of human dignity and the freedom to make informed choices.