CONTENTS
- Global Concern as Monkeypox Spreads with a New Strain
- Advancements in Indian Agriculture: High-Efficiency Rice Varieties and Biofortified Seeds
- Potential Decline in India’s Coffee Production Due to Adverse Weather Conditions
- Enhancing Content Authenticity with AI Watermarking Techniques
- Gastrodia Indica
- Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project
Global Concern as Monkeypox Spreads with a New Strain
Context:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has heightened its response to the monkeypox outbreak by declaring it a public health emergency of international concern. The crisis is particularly acute in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African nations. Since 2022, the outbreak has escalated to 99,176 reported cases and 208 deaths across 116 countries. Adding to the concern is the emergence of a new sexually transmissible strain of the virus, complicating efforts to control its spread and posing additional challenges for global health responses.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Monkeypox virus
- Zoonotic disease
- Symptoms and treatment
- Current Concern
About Monkeypox virus
- The monkeypox virus is an orthopoxvirus, which is a genus of viruses that also includes the variola virus, which causes smallpox, and vaccinia virus, which was used in the smallpox vaccine.
- Monkeypox causes symptoms similar to smallpox, although they are less severe.
- While vaccination eradicated smallpox worldwide in 1980, monkeypox continues to occur in a swathe of countries in Central and West Africa, and has on occasion showed up elsewhere.
- According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), two distinct clade are identified: the West African clade and the Congo Basin clade, also known as the Central African clade.
Zoonotic disease
- Monkeypox is a zoonosis, that is, a disease that is transmitted from infected animals to humans.
- According to the WHO, cases occur close to tropical rainforests inhabited by animals that carry the virus.
- Monkeypox virus infection has been detected in squirrels, Gambian poached rats, dormice, and some species of monkeys.
- Human-to-human transmission is, however, limited — the longest documented chain of transmission is six generations, meaning the last person to be infected in this chain was six links away from the original sick person, the WHO says.
Transmission:
- Transmission, when it occurs, can be through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
Symptoms and treatment
- According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monkeypox begins with a fever, headache, muscle aches, back ache, and exhaustion.
- It also causes the lymph nodes to swell (lymphadenopathy), which smallpox does not.
- The WHO underlines that it is important to not confuse monkeypox with chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, syphilis and medication-associated allergies.
- The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for monkeypox is usually 7-14 days but can range from 5-21 days.
- Usually within a day to 3 days of the onset of fever, the patient develops a rash that begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body.
- The skin eruption stage can last between 2 and 4 weeks, during which the lesions harden and become painful, fill up first with a clear fluid and then pus, and then develop scabs or crusts.
- According to the WHO, the proportion of patients who die has varied between 0 and 11% in documented cases, and has been higher among young children.
Treatment:
- There is no safe, proven treatment for monkeypox yet.
- The WHO recommends supportive treatment depending on the symptoms.
- Awareness is important for prevention and control of the infection.
Current Concern
The current concern regarding the spread of clade Ib of the mpox virus (MPXV) stems from several critical factors:
- Mode of Transmission
- The primary mode of transmission for clade Ib has shifted to sexual contact, a departure from the historically noted zoonotic transmission routes of clade I, which are generally deadlier. This shift in transmission dynamics contributes significantly to the spread of the virus.
- Geographic Spread
- The virus has been reported in regions where it was not previously known, specifically in countries neighboring the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Over 100 cases have been identified in these areas, indicating a new pattern of regional spread.
- Increasing Case Numbers and Fatalities
- There has been a noticeable increase in mpox cases globally, with over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported this year. This rise in cases highlights the growing impact of the virus on public health.
- Human-to-Human Transmission
- Recent research indicates that the virus is not only spreading more readily from human to human but is also rapidly mutating into new lineages. This evolution of the virus could potentially lead to more infectious or resistant strains.
- International Concerns
- The first case of clade Ib outside Africa, specifically in Sweden, points to the potential for international spread via global travel. This is particularly concerning for India, which reported its first outbreak in 2022, initially linked to international travel but later showing local transmission.
- Need for a Coordinated Response
- WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros has emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to control the outbreaks effectively. The changing nature of the virus and its transmission underlines the urgency for global cooperation in monitoring, controlling, and potentially containing the spread of mpox.
-Source: The Hindu
Advancements in Indian Agriculture: High-Efficiency Rice Varieties and Biofortified Seeds
Context:
Recent developments in agricultural biotechnology have significantly impacted rice farming in India. Biotechnologists have discovered substantial variations in nitrogen-use efficiency among popular Indian rice varieties. This breakthrough has facilitated the creation of high-yielding, low-nitrogen varieties, which not only reduce fertilizer costs but also minimize environmental pollution. The most efficient of these varieties have shown a nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) five times greater than the least efficient ones.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE)
- Nitrogen Pollution Explained
- ICAR’s Biofortified Seed Varieties
- Understanding Biofortification
- The Necessity of Biofortification
Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE)
- Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) measures how effectively a plant utilizes nitrogen applied or naturally fixed for producing biomass.
- NUE is calculated as the ratio of crop yield to the nitrogen absorbed either from the soil or through atmospheric fixation by bacteria.
- Particularly vital in cereal crops like rice, NUE is essential for sustainable agricultural practices.
- Inefficient NUE leads to substantial financial losses—approximately Rs 1 lakh crore in India and $170 billion worldwide annually—due to wasted nitrogen fertilizers.
Environmental Concerns:
- Primary contributors to nitrous oxide and ammonia pollution, impacting air and water quality.
- Significant drivers of biodiversity loss and climatic shifts, with India being a major emitter of nitrous oxide globally, second only to China.
Nitrogen Pollution Explained
- Overabundance of nitrogen compounds like ammonia and nitrous oxide in the environment increases health risks.
- Over the last 150 years, unchecked human activities have multiplied the presence of reactive nitrogen tenfold, leading to significant environmental deposits.
Loss of Nitrogen:
- A significant portion (80%, amounting to 200 million tonnes annually) of nitrogen used in fertilizers is not absorbed by crops but instead leaches into soils and water bodies or is emitted into the atmosphere.
- This results in over-enriched ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and contributes to ozone layer depletion and global warming.
Effects on the Environment:
- Nitrous oxide, being 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide, poses a severe threat to the ozone layer and acts as a potent greenhouse gas.
- Soil health is compromised by excessive fertilizer use, reducing land productivity and altering plant ecosystems.
- Leads to the creation of “dead zones” in oceans due to algal blooms, driven by excessive nitrogen in water bodies.
- Nitrogen emissions from industrial and automotive sources contribute to smog and ground-level ozone, compounding air quality issues and exacerbating respiratory conditions through the creation of hazardous particulates.
ICAR’s Biofortified Seed Varieties
- Recently launched by the Prime Minister, these varieties encompass 61 different crops, split between 34 field crops and 27 horticultural types.
- Crops Covered:
- Field Crops: Includes cereals, millets, forage crops, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, and other fiber crops.
- Horticultural Varieties: Encompasses fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, tubers, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants.
- Highlighted Varieties:
- CR Dhan 416: A rice variety suited for coastal saline environments, showing moderate to full resistance against various diseases and pests like brown spot and brown plant hopper.
- Durum Wheat: Ideal for irrigated zones in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, this wheat is fortified with zinc and iron, and it’s resistant to heat and rusts.
Understanding Biofortification
- Biofortification enhances the nutritional value of food crops through traditional breeding, advanced agronomy, and biotechnology without compromising desirable traits.
- Nutritional Focus: Aims at combating micronutrient deficiencies by enriching crops with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Biofortification Techniques:
- Iron: Targeted in rice, beans, sweet potatoes, cassava, and legumes.
- Zinc: Enhanced in wheat, rice, beans, sweet potatoes, and maize.
- Provitamin A: Boosted in sweet potatoes, maize, and cassava.
- Proteins and Amino Acids: Fortified in sorghum and cassava.
The Necessity of Biofortification
- Malnutrition Statistics in India: Significant levels of malnutrition among women and children; notable deficiencies in iron, Vitamin A, and iodine.
- Benefits of Biofortified Crops:
- Enhance resilience against pests, diseases, and environmental stresses like drought.
- Maintain nutrient levels after harvesting and processing, ensuring sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
- Facilitate the intake of essential nutrients without altering dietary habits, suitable for diverse cultural settings.
- Economic Impact: As per the Copenhagen Consensus, every rupee spent on biofortification yields nine rupees in economic benefits.
-Source: The Hindu
Potential Decline in India’s Coffee Production Due to Adverse Weather Conditions
Context:
The Coffee Board of India has indicated that the coffee production in India for the 2024-25 period is expected to significantly decline. This forecasted drop is attributed to losses in coffee plants and berries, which have been adversely affected by a combination of high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and landslides. These challenging conditions have particularly impacted key coffee-growing regions, potentially disrupting the supply and affecting the overall quality of the coffee produced.
Relevance:
GS III: Agriculture
Dimensions of the Article:
- Overview of Coffee Production in India
- Coffee Production in India
- Governance and Regulation
Overview of Coffee Production in India
- Global Ranking: India ranks as the world’s sixth largest producer and fifth largest exporter of coffee, contributing 3.14% to the global coffee production.
- Domestic Consumption and Export: Approximately 70% of the coffee produced in India is exported, with the remaining 30% consumed within the country. India is celebrated for its array of high-quality coffee varieties.
- Annual Production Figures: During the 2023-24 crop year, India produced about 360,000 metric tonnes of green coffee.
- Primary Coffee Types:
- Arabica: Cultivated at higher elevations, Arabica is prized for its aromatic qualities and garners a higher market value.
- Robusta: This variety is valued for its robust strength and is commonly used in various coffee blends.
Challenges Affecting Coffee Production:
- Climate Extremes: The production faced significant setbacks due to prolonged droughts and high temperatures in April and May, which caused damage to blossom clusters and fruit at early growth stages.
- Monsoon Impact: Intense rainfall in July led to issues such as berry drop, stalk rot, and “wet feet” conditions from flooding.
- Environmental Disasters: Landslides in major coffee regions like Sakleshpur and Wayanad precipitated considerable losses to plantations, leading to an overall estimated yield reduction of 15% to 20%, with potential for greater losses depending on localized impacts.
Coffee Production in India
- Coffee was introduced to India in the late 17th century by the Dutch and saw significant expansion under British rule in the mid-19th century.
- Coffee is predominantly grown in the Western and Eastern Ghats, regions known for their rich biodiversity.
- These areas are among the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots. Coffee farming contributes to both the ecological and socio-economic enrichment of these regions.
- Health Benefits: Coffee consumption is linked to reduced risks of oxidative stress, type 2 diabetes, and age-related ailments.
Climatic and Agricultural Conditions
- The climate suitable for coffee growing is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C and annual rainfall between 150 to 250 cm.
- Coffee plants are adversely affected by frost, temperatures above 30°C, strong sunlight, and dry conditions during berry ripening.
- Ideal soils for coffee are well-drained loams rich in humus and minerals, particularly iron and calcium. Volcanic red earth and deep sandy loam are considered optimal.
Major Production Regions
- Primary Producers: Karnataka leads with about 70% of India’s coffee output, followed by Kerala which accounts for 23%.
- Expansion Areas: Coffee cultivation is expanding into non-traditional areas such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and the North East states.
Governance and Regulation
- Coffee Board of India: A statutory body established under the Coffee Act of 1942, governed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, headquartered in Bangalore. It oversees research, development, and promotion of coffee both domestically and internationally.
-Source: The Hindu
Enhancing Content Authenticity with AI Watermarking Techniques
Context:
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has recently developed a new tool designed to determine if its AI technologies have been utilized in the creation of essays, research papers, or digital images. In response to growing concerns about the authenticity and ownership of AI-generated content, leading tech companies including OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, Google, and Adobe are actively developing and implementing advanced watermarking techniques. These innovations aim to clearly mark content generated by AI, ensuring transparency and aiding in the proper attribution of digital work.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- AI Watermarking
- Measures to Ensure Authenticity of AI Content
AI Watermarking
- AI watermarking functions like a digital signature, uniquely identifying content generated by AI. This allows for tracing the origins of such content back to the AI model that created it.
Necessity of Watermarking
- Authentication: It verifies the authenticity of digital files, crucial for combating deepfakes, manipulated images, and other forms of deceptive media.
- Security Enhancement: By integrating watermarking with blockchain and public key infrastructure, alterations or manipulations in content become detectable, maintaining the integrity of digital records.
- Misinformation Countermeasure: Helps in combating misinformation and counterfeiting, thus enhancing trust in digital content’s origin and authenticity.
Measures to Ensure Authenticity of AI Content
- Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA): A collaborative effort among tech giants like Adobe, Intel, Microsoft, Sony, etc., to set standards for verifying the authenticity of audio-visual content.
- Blockchain Utilization: Employs blockchain technology to provide a transparent, immutable record of digital asset ownership and provenance.
- Ethereum Improvement Proposal: Suggests incorporating consent data for AI and machine learning processes into blockchain, improving security and transparency of data usage.
-Source: Times of India
Gastrodia Indica
Context:
A unique orchid species- Gastrodia indica was recently discovered in Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
About Gastrodia indica:
The Gastrodia indica is a significant botanical discovery in India, noted for its unique reproductive strategy and ecological adaptations. This orchid, which doesn’t open its flowers, thrives at high elevations and sustains itself through a symbiotic relationship with underground fungi, bypassing the need for photosynthesis.
Characteristics of Gastrodia indica:
- This species does not open its flowers, making it unique among orchids and a rare example of cleistogamy in this genus.
- Found at elevations between 1,950 and 2,100 meters, it exemplifies survival in dense, decay-rich environments.
- It is holomycotrophic, depending entirely on fungi for nutrients, which is uncommon for orchids that typically engage in mutualistic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi.
- The orchid coexists with tree species like Magnolia doltsopa, Acer campbelli, and Quercus lamellose, indicating its preference for forested areas with ample organic material.
- Due to its specific habitat requirements and limited population, it is at risk of habitat disturbance and environmental changes.
-Source: The Hindu
Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project
Context:
Madhya Pradesh has commissioned the largest floating solar project in central and north India, generating 90 MW at Omkareshwar.
Relevance:
GS III: Infrastructure
Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project Overview
- Situated at Omkareshwar in Khandwa District, Madhya Pradesh, India, utilizing the backwaters of the Omkareshwar dam on the Narmada River.
- As the largest floating solar project in central and northern India, it boasts a substantial output of 90 MW energy.
- Spearheaded under the Union Ministry of Renewable Energy, the project is managed by SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL). This entity is a wholly owned subsidiary of SJVN, established as a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
- The project was set up at a cost of Rs. 646 crores.
- Projected to produce 196.5 million units of electricity annually with a total of 4,629.3 million units over 25 years. It aims to cut down 2.3 lakh tons of carbon emissions, aligning with India’s goal for net zero emissions by 2070.
- One of the critical benefits includes reducing water evaporation, which aids in water conservation.
- The project operates on a Build Own and Operate model with a competitive tariff of Rs 3.26 per unit, secured through a bidding process for a duration of 25 years.
-Source: Indian Express
