Current Affairs 06 August 2024

CONTENTS

1. Innovative Breakthroughs in Rice and Wheat Cultivation
2. Ongoing Challenges for Tribal Communities in Andhra Pradesh
3. AMRUT 2.0: Launching Urban Revitalization Projects Worth Rs 5,000 Crore
4. WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre
5. Ceramics
6. Genetic Screening
7. Lyme disease

 Innovative Breakthroughs in Rice and Wheat Cultivation

Context:

Agricultural scientists and policymakers have been focused on developing sustainable farming techniques for rice and wheat that minimize water usage and eliminate the need for burning straw or extensive land preparation. Recent advancements have led to the creation of new rice and wheat varieties that are tolerant to the herbicide Imazethapyr, effectively managing weed competition. This development represents a significant step forward in agricultural practices, offering a more environmentally friendly approach to enhancing crop production.

Relevance:

GS III: Agriculture

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Recent Developments in Rice and Weed Control Practices
2. Recent Developments in Wheat and Weed Control Practices
3. Herbicide-Tolerant Solutions in Rice and Wheat Cultivation
4. Conclusion

Recent Developments in Rice and Weed Control Practices

Rice Fields

• New Varieties Introduced: The current kharif season saw the commercial planting of two Basmati rice varieties, Pusa Basmati 1979 and Pusa Basmati 1985, and two non-basmati hybrids, Sava 134 and Sava 127. These varieties were developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and Savannah Seeds Pvt. Ltd.
• Genetic Enhancements: These rice varieties include a mutated acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene, which allows the use of Imazethapyr herbicide to control weeds effectively.
• Common Weeds: The prevalent weeds in rice fields are Echinochloa colona (jangli chawal), Cyperus rotundus (motha), and Trianthema portulacastrum (patthar-chatta).

Traditional Weed Control Practice

• Nursery and Transplanting: Farmers traditionally use nurseries to grow young plants which are then transplanted after 30 days into puddled fields.
• Water Management: Initial weeks involve keeping fields flooded to inhibit weed growth, followed by weekly irrigation throughout the 155-160 day growing period.
• Resource Intensity: This cultivation method is water-intensive, requiring up to 30 irrigations per acre, using over 200,000 liters of water and involving significant labor for transplanting.

Recent Developments in Wheat and Weed Control Practices

Wheat Fields

• Upcoming Varieties: For the upcoming rabi season, Mahyco Pvt. Ltd is set to introduce Imazethapyr-tolerant wheat varieties named Goal and Mukut.
• Weed Control: Imazethapyr is employed to control major weeds like Phalaris minor (gulli danda) and Chenopodium album (bathua).
• Innovative Farming Technologies: Partnerships between Mahyco and Savannah Seeds are promoting ‘FullPage’ direct seeded rice (DSR) and ‘FreeHit’ zero-tillage (ZT) wheat technologies, focusing on making farming more climate-smart and sustainable.

Traditional Weed Control Practice

• Field Preparation: The process includes burning leftover paddy straw and multiple ploughings to manage weeds.
• Ploughing Techniques: Initial ploughing is done with a harrow or cultivator, followed by irrigation and further ploughing using either a rotavator or additional harrow/cultivator before sowing the wheat seeds.

Herbicide-Tolerant Solutions in Rice and Wheat Cultivation

Solutions Overview

• Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and Zero-Tillage (ZT) Wheat Technologies: These methods replace traditional water-intensive and plowing techniques with the herbicide Imazethapyr to control weeds.
• Direct Seeded Rice (DSR):
  • Eliminates the need for paddy nurseries, puddling, transplanting, and flooding, thus allowing seeds to be sown directly like wheat.
  • Requires only land leveling before sowing, significantly reducing water usage by about 30% and cutting down labor and fuel costs.
• Zero-Tillage (ZT) Wheat:
  • Developed by Mahyco, the ‘FreeHit’ ZT technology enables direct sowing without the need to burn paddy stubble or undergo extensive land preparation.
  • Utilizes tools like a tractor-mounted Super Seeder with rotavator to mix stubble into the soil or a Happy Seeder to leave crop residue on the field, saving costs and time.
  • Imazethapyr, combined with Metribuzin, is applied when the wheat is about 25 days old to effectively manage weeds.

Genetically Modified (GM) Status

• Herbicide Tolerance: The crops utilize a mutated acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene, which is naturally present in rice and wheat but has been altered to resist the effects of Imazethapyr.
• Non-GM Nature:
  • These crops are not genetically modified in the conventional sense (like Monsanto’s ‘Bollgard’ Bt cotton) because they do not incorporate genes from unrelated species.
  • The mutation in the ALS gene was induced through chemical or radiation methods, allowing the plants to tolerate the herbicide that specifically targets weeds without harming the crop.
• Regulatory Aspect: Unlike genetically modified crops that incorporate foreign genes, these herbicide-tolerant crops have only undergone selective mutation of existing genes, which may facilitate their acceptance and regulatory approval.

Conclusion

• The adoption of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and Zero-Tillage (ZT) technologies offers significant environmental and economic benefits, such as reduced water and fuel consumption and minimized environmental pollution from crop residue burning.
• The fact that these innovations are not based on traditional GM techniques could lead to broader acceptance among farmers and regulators, paving the way for more sustainable agricultural practices.

-Source: Indian Express

Ongoing Challenges for Tribal Communities in Andhra Pradesh

Context:

The tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh, notably the Porja, Bagata, and Konda Dora tribes, have recently come into focus due to their enduring hardships despite their significant contributions in the 1970s to the Lower Sileru Hydro-Electric Project (LSP). Located near Visakhapatnam, these communities continue to struggle with acute shortages of electricity and clean water, highlighting a stark contrast between their contributions to regional development and the benefits they have received.

Relevance:

GS II: Issues related to SC’s and ST’s

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Porja Tribe
2. Bagata Tribe
3. Konda Dora Tribe

Porja Tribe

• Location and Population: Resides in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh; about 16,479 individuals as per the 1991 census.
• Origin and History: Migrated from Odisha approximately 300 years ago, initially serving as palanquin bearers under Jeypore rulers.
• Culture: Engage in shifting cultivation called “Podu” on hilly terrains.
• Social System: Follow a patriarchal and patrilineal descent, where the eldest son inherits an additional share.
• Marriage and Customs: Practices include cross-cousin marriages and a formal bride price system. Tattoos play a significant cultural role.
• Sub-groups: Includes Bondo Porja, Khond Porja, and Parangi Porja, each with distinct customs and languages, predominantly Parangi Porja in Visakhapatnam.

Bagata Tribe

• Geographical Spread: Indigenous to Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, also known by names such as Bagatha, Bagat, Bagodi, Bogad, or Bhakta.
• Marital Customs: Adheres to lineage exogamy with marriage through negotiation and possible elopement. Allows divorce and remarriage.
• Dietary Shifts: Transitioned from millet-based diet to predominantly rice.
• Beliefs: Embrace supernatural elements and worship nature through totems and clans.
• Conflict Resolution: Addressed by a traditional tribal headman within and between tribes.

Konda Dora Tribe

• Location: Inhabit the Konda Kamberu ranges of the Eastern Ghats across southern Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
• Cultural Identity: Known as ‘Lords of the Hill’ or ‘Kondadora’, claims descent from mythological Pandavas.
• Language and Settlements: Originally spoke Kubi/Konda, now predominantly Telugu mixed with Odia. Live in separate wards within multi-ethnic villages.
• Social Practices: Polygyny and child marriages are not prohibited; monogamy and adult marriage are common. Prefers cross-cousin marriages, prohibits parallel cousin marriages.
• Governance: Governed by Kulam Panchayat and inter-village community councils, managing customary affairs.
• Tribal Division: Divided into two main groups, Pedda Kondulu and China Kondulu, with several clans each. Experiencing changes due to modernization and cultural interactions.

-Source: Indian Express

AMRUT 2.0: Launching Urban Revitalization Projects Worth Rs 5,000 Crore

Context:

Under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, Indian cities are poised to initiate projects totaling Rs 5,000 crore, aimed at enhancing water supply, sewage treatment, and the restoration of water bodies and parks. This initiative marks a significant component of the government’s 100-day action plan during its third term, focusing on substantial urban environmental improvements.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. AMRUT – Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
2. AMRUT 2.0 – Second Phase Objectives
3. AMRUT 2.0 and the Government’s 100-Day Plan

AMRUT – Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation

Mission Objectives:

• Provide basic civic amenities and improve the quality of life, especially for the poor and disadvantaged.
• Ensure access to tap water supply and sewerage connection for every household.
• Develop green spaces and well-maintained parks to increase the amenity value of cities.
• Reduce pollution by promoting public transport and non-motorized transportation options like walking and cycling.

Coverage:

• The mission covers 500 cities, including all cities and towns with a population of over one lakh and notified Municipalities.

Achievements of AMRUT:

• Added 1.34 crore household water tap connections and 102 lakh sewer connections, benefiting over 4 crore people, ensuring water security.

AMRUT 2.0 – Second Phase Objectives:

• Improve sewage and septic management.
• Make cities water safe by ensuring no sewage drains into rivers.
• Focus on enhancing sewerage and septic management to make all Indian cities water secure.

Targets of AMRUT 2.0:

• Provide 100% coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 urban local bodies, providing 2.68 crore tap connections.
• Achieve 100% coverage of sewerage and septage in 500 AMRUT cities, providing around 2.64 crore sewer or septage connections.

Principles and Initiatives of AMRUT 2.0:

• Adoption of circular economy principles.
• Promotion of conservation and rejuvenation of surface and groundwater bodies.
• Data-led governance in water management.
• Technology Sub-Mission to leverage global technologies and skills.
• Conducting “Pey Jal Survekshan” to promote competition among cities.

Expansion and Impact:

• AMRUT 2.0 extends coverage from 500 cities in the first phase to 4,700 cities and towns.
• It is expected to benefit more than 10.5 crore people in urban areas.

AMRUT 2.0 and the Government’s 100-Day Plan

AMRUT 2.0 Initiatives

• Scope of Projects: AMRUT 2.0 involves launching projects worth Rs 5,000 crore focused on enhancing water supply, sewage treatment, and the rejuvenation of water bodies and parks across various cities.
• Progress Report:
  • As of July 25, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) reported that out of 8,205 projects worth Rs 1.82 lakh crore, 4,065 projects valued at Rs 77,317.40 crore have been awarded.
  • Another 4,410 projects worth Rs 1.05 lakh crore are in the process of floating tenders or are in the stage of preparing detailed project reports (DPR).
  • Approximately 50% of these approved projects are related to the management of water supply, sewerage, and septage.
  • Additional projects include the rejuvenation of water bodies, development of parks, groundwater recharge, and urban flood mitigation under AMRUT 2.0.

100-Day Agenda

• Goals:
  • The agenda aims to commission 500 MLD of sewage treatment plants and 150 MLD of water treatment plants to benefit 8 lakh households.
  • Includes significant initiatives like the Delhi Master Plan 2041 and the establishment of eight greenfield cities, each receiving Rs 1,000 crore funding as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission.

-Source: Indian Express

WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre

Context:

The WHO-India donor agreement is part of a $250 million investment from India in support of the establishment of the WHO GCTM in 2022, which includes financial support for the work plan of the Centre, interim premises, and a new building.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (WHO GCTM)
2. About Traditional Medicine

WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (WHO GCTM)

• The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre is situated in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India.
• The foundation stone was laid in April 2022 by the Indian Prime Minister in the presence of the WHO Director General.
• This center is the first global outpost dedicated to traditional medicine, established under the Ministry of AYUSH.

Objectives and Goals

• The main goal of the WHO GCTM is to harness and amplify the potential of traditional medicine globally using modern science and technology, thereby enhancing community health worldwide.
• The center aims to develop a robust evidence base for policies and standards concerning traditional medicine practices and products. This will aid in integrating these practices into national health systems appropriately and ensuring their quality and safety for optimal and sustainable impact.

Strategic Focus Areas

• Evidence and Learning: Focusing on generating and disseminating knowledge about traditional medicine.
• Data and Analytics: Utilizing data to inform practices and policy decisions.
• Sustainability and Equity: Ensuring that traditional medicine practices contribute to sustainable health outcomes and equitable health access.
• Innovation and Technology: Leveraging technology to enhance the role of traditional medicine in global health and sustainable development.
• Respect for Heritage: A guiding principle of the center is to respect and preserve local heritages, resources, and rights while promoting traditional medicine.

About Traditional Medicine:

The traditional Indian system of medicine comprises of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH), is a perennially neglected alternative medicine sector.

Ayurveda:

• The word Ayurveda means ‘Science of Life’ and employs treatment modalities, such as purification, palliation, prescription of various diets, exercises and the avoidance of disease causing factors and it evolved nearly 5000 years ago.
• The Ayurvedic medicine, though practiced for a wide range of health needs, is more commonly used for preventive and health and immunity boosting activities.

Yoga & Naturopathy:

• Practices of Yoga are reported to have originated in India and is now being adapted to correct lifestyle by cultivating a rational, positive and spiritual attitude towards all life situations.
•  21st June is designated as ‘International Yoga Day’.
• Naturopathy or the naturopathic medicine is a drugless’ non- invasive system of medicine imparting treatments with natural elements based on the theories of vitality, toxemia and the self-healing capacity of the body, as well as the principles of healthy living.
• The common naturopathy modalities include counselling, diet and fasting therapy, mud therapy, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, magnet therapy and yoga therapy.

Unani Medicine:

• It was originated in the Arab world, though over a period of time it imbibed some concepts from other contemporary systems of medicines in Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Persia, India, China and other Middle East Countries.
• Unani medicine treats a patient with diet, pharmacotherapy, exercise, massages and surgery.

Siddha:

• Originated in India and is amongst the oldest systems of medicine in the country.
• It takes into account the patient, his/her surroundings, age, sex, race, habitat, diet, appetite, physical condition etc. to arrive at the diagnosis.
• Siddha System uses minerals, metals and alloys and drugs and inorganic compounds to treat the patients.
• Unlike most T&CM, this system is largely therapeutic in nature.
• Siddha literature is in Tamil and it is practiced largely in Tamil speaking part of India.

Homeopathy:

• The word ‘Homeopathy’ is derived from the Greek words, ‘Homois’ meaning ‘similar’ and ‘pathos’ means ‘suffering’.
• It originated in Germany and was introduced in India around 1810-1839.
• It uses highly individualized remedies selected to address specific symptoms or symptom profiles.
• It is practiced in many countries and in India, where it is the second most popular system of medicine.

Sowa-Rigpa:

• The word combination means the ‘science of healing’ and is considered one of the oldest living and well-documented medical traditions of the world.
• It originated from Tibet and is widely practiced in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia and Russia.

-Source: The Hindu

Ceramics

Context:

Ceramics, originating from the Greek word ‘keramos’ which means ‘potter’s clay,’ have played a pivotal role in human civilization for over 25,000 years. These materials are renowned for their diverse applications and significant historical value. Archaeological finds in regions like the Indus Valley and Keezhadi in Tamil Nadu underscore the ancient and continuous use of ceramics, highlighting their importance in both everyday life and cultural practices throughout history.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Overview of Ceramics

• Ceramics are hard, chemically non-reactive materials, either crystalline, glassy, or a combination of both, formable and densifiable through heat.
• They are noted for their ability to withstand high temperatures, resist chemical erosion, and maintain hardness, though they are brittle and can shatter under shear stress.

Scientific and Industrial Relevance

• Ceramography: The microscopic study of ceramics is referred to as ceramography, focusing on their detailed structural properties.
• Nobel Prize Recognition: The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in ceramics was awarded the Physics Nobel Prize in 1987, highlighting significant advancements in material sciences.

Economic Impact

• Gujarat’s Morbi district ranks as the world’s second-largest ceramic production cluster, featuring over 1,000 units with an annual turnover of Rs 50,000 crore and exports surpassing Rs 12,000 crore in 2022-23, significantly bolstering the state’s economy.
• From exporting 55 million square meters of tiles in 2013, India’s exports expanded dramatically to 589.5 million square meters by 2023, with over half of the exports destined beyond Asia, establishing India as the second-largest exporter globally.

Modern Applications

• Versatility: Ceramics are utilized in a variety of high-tech applications, including:
  • Space Exploration: As heat shields on space shuttles during atmospheric reentry.
  • Industrial and Domestic Appliances: In microwave furnaces for heat generation and as abrasives.
  • Electronics: In the manufacture of varistors and semiconductors.
  • Energy and Defense: Used as nuclear fuel and in the windows of fighter aircraft.
  • Medical Technology: Essential components in tomographic scanners.

-Source: The Hindu

Genetic Screening

Context:

Genetic screening, an emerging science, is becoming popular among sportspersons.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

What is Genetic Screening?

• Genetic screening is a diagnostic tool used to identify individuals at a higher risk of developing specific disorders due to their genetic makeup.
• This form of testing examines an individual’s genetic material—including chromosomes, genes, and proteins—to detect any alterations that might predispose them to certain diseases or conditions.

Key Points of Genetic Screening

• Trait Determination: Genetic material is crucial for defining traits such as hair color, eye color, and more, all of which are inherited from one’s parents.
• Risk Assessment: By identifying specific gene alterations, genetic screening helps assess an individual’s risk of developing certain health conditions, enabling preemptive health measures and early treatment options.

Genetic Testing in Sports

• Introduction to Sports: Since the late 1990s, genetic testing has been utilized in sports to identify how genetic factors influence athletic performance attributes like endurance, flexibility, and mental resilience.
• Research Findings:
  • Genetic Variants: Scientists investigate genetic variants—differences resulting from mutations in DNA sequences—that may influence unique athletic abilities and characteristics.
  • Influence of Genetics: Research suggests that approximately 66% of the variations in athlete status can be attributed to genetic factors, with the rest influenced by environmental aspects such as training, diet, place of origin, and access to healthcare and social support.

Implications of Genetic Screening

• Preventive Healthcare: Genetic screening allows for tailored preventive healthcare strategies based on individual genetic risks.
• Personalized Sports Training: In sports, this type of testing enables the development of personalized training programs that cater to an athlete’s genetic strengths and weaknesses, optimizing their potential for success.

-Source: Down To Earth

Lyme Disease

Context:

Lyme disease is a significant public health concern, affecting approximately 476,000 individuals in the US each year.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Overview of Lyme Disease

• Lyme disease is a vector-borne infectious condition caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
• The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks.

Transmission Characteristics

• Non-Transmissible Among Humans: Lyme disease cannot be transmitted from person to person or from pets to humans.
• Vectors: The disease is not transmitted through air, food, water, or by other insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, and flies.

Prevalence

• This disease is prevalent in wooded and grassy regions across the globe, particularly during the warmer months. It is most frequently reported in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia.

Symptoms

• Symptoms typically begin 3 to 30 days after an infected tick bite.
• Common Symptoms: These include fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinct “bull’s-eye” red rash known as erythema migrans (EM).
•  Erythema migrans is a key diagnostic feature, crucial for early detection and management.
• If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to severe complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.

Treatment

• Antibiotics: The standard treatment involves antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, particularly effective in the early stages of the disease.

-Source: The Hindu