1.   CAR T-cell Therapy. 

2.   Eminent Jurist Fali S Nariman Passes Away. 

3.   India’s Coal and Lignite Production Hits All-Time High. 

4.   BIMSTEC Charter Endorsed by Nepal's Lower House. 

5.   India-Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) FTA Negotiations Initiated. 

6.   Havana Syndrome: Unraveling the Mystery. 

7.   Exercise ‘Gagan Shakti’: Unveiling Air Power. 

8.   Resourcefulness of Konda Reddi’s Tribe's Knowledge. 

9.   Accelerating Crop Diversification in India. 

1. CAR T-cell Therapy

About:

• CAR T-cell therapies represent a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment.
• Unlike traditional chemotherapy or immunotherapy, CAR T-cell therapies utilize the patient's own cells, modified in the laboratory to activate T-cells and target tumor cells.
• These therapies have received approval for treating leukaemias and lymphomas.

Procedure: 

• T cells are extracted from the patient's blood, and a gene for a specialized receptor (chimeric antigen receptor or CAR) is added to these cells in the lab.
• The modified CAR T cells are then cultured in large quantities and administered to the patient via infusion.

Significance:

• CAR T-cell therapies are highly specific and directly stimulate the patient's immune system to combat cancer, resulting in enhanced clinical efficacy.
• Referred to as "living drugs" due to their unique mechanism of action.

Challenges: Preparation:

• The complex preparation process has been a significant barrier to widespread adoption.
• While the first successful clinical trial dates back a decade, India saw its first indigenous therapy in 2021. Side Effects:
• While effective in certain leukaemias and lymphomas, efficacy varies in other cancers.
• Potential side effects include cytokine release syndrome and neurological symptoms. Affordability:
• Introducing CAR T-cell therapy in India may face cost and value challenges, with concerns about affordability for the general population.

General Studies Paper 3 (GS3) - Science and Technology:

• Importance of biotechnology in health.
• Applications of biotechnology in cancer treatment.
• Challenges and prospects of biotechnology in India.
• Ethical issues related to gene therapy and genetic engineering.

1. Eminent Jurist Fali S Nariman Passes Away

Why in News?

• Eminent jurist and Senior Advocate Fali S Nariman passed away at the age of 95.
• His career spanned over 75 years, with significant contributions to the legal field, particularly as a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India.

Who was Fali S Nariman?

• Nariman, born in 1929 in Rangoon [British India], began his legal career in 1950 at the Bombay High Court.
• Recognized for his expertise, he was designated as a senior advocate in 1961 and later practiced in the Supreme Court of India from 1972.
• Nariman served as the additional solicitor-general of India in 1972 but resigned during the Emergency in 1975.
• His notable works include "Before the Memory Fades" and "The State of the Nation."
• Nariman's son, Justice Rohinton F Nariman, also served as a judge on the Supreme Court.

What were Some of Nariman's Landmark Cases?

• I.C. Golak Nath v. State of Punjab (1967): Nariman represented the petitioners challenging the Constitution (17th) Amendment Act 1964, emphasizing Parliament's inability to curtail fundamental rights.
• Second and Third Judges Cases: Nariman played a significant role in clarifying the procedures for judicial appointments, emphasizing judicial independence.
• National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) case: Nariman represented the case challenging the NJAC Act 2014, advocating for the preservation of judicial independence.
• Other Renowned Cases: Nariman's legal prowess was evident in cases like the Bhopal gas tragedy case and the Cauvery Water Dispute, where he represented clients and advocated for their interests effectively.

General Studies Paper 2 (GS2) - Indian Polity:

• Role and functions of various constitutional bodies and their significant judgments.
• Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms, and institutions.

1. India’s Coal and Lignite Production Hits All-Time High

• Significance of the Achievement:
  • Ensures energy security for India.
  • Helps in saving India’s Forex reserves.
  • Contributes to achieving the target of replacing coal imports for power generation by 2025-26.
• Current Status of Coal Sector in India:
  • India ranks 5th in terms of geological reserves of coal and is the 2nd largest consumer globally.
  • Coal India Limited (CIL) is the dominant producer, accounting for over 70% of coal production in India.
  • Import: India imported 217.75 million tonnes of coal in FY 2023-24, with non-coking coal dominating (~77% of total imports).
• Challenges of Coal Sector in India:
  • Un-seasonal and extended rainfall in coal-bearing areas.
  • Non-payment of outstanding dues by power sector consumers.
  • Frequent labor and industrial relations issues in coal fields.
  • Challenges related to land acquisition and environmental concerns.
  • Lower coal quality with high ash and sulfur content.
  • Technological obsolescence leading to lower productivity, increased costs, and safety hazards.
• Key Reforms Undertaken in the Coal Sector:
  • Coal Mines Special Provisions Act, 2015: Ensures a transparent auction process for coal mines.
  • Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021: Allows composite Prospecting Licence-cum-Mining Lease (PL-cum-ML).
  • Ending captive mining regime: Facilitates commercial mining and sale of excess production.
  • Single Window Clearances: Streamlines and speeds up the operationalization of coal mines.

General Studies Paper III:

• Indian Economy: The growth and challenges of the coal sector in India are relevant to understanding the economic landscape.
• Environment: Environmental challenges in coal mining and production are part of environmental studies.
• Infrastructure: Coal mining and production contribute to infrastructure development and are therefore significant for this topic.

1. BIMSTEC Charter Endorsed by Nepal's Lower House

• The Lower House of Nepal's Federal Parliament has endorsed the Charter of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Overview of BIMSTEC Charter:

• It serves as a foundational document delineating the goals, principles, and organizational framework of the BIMSTEC group.
• The Charter was signed and adopted in March 2022 during the 5th BIMSTEC Summit.
• Notably, the Charter stipulates that it will only come into effect upon endorsement by all member countries' respective parliaments. (With Nepal's endorsement, other member countries' parliaments have already endorsed the Charter).

Background of BIMSTEC:

• BIMSTEC, established in 1997, aims to bolster regional cooperation across various sectors including economic prosperity and social progress.
• Member countries of BIMSTEC include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations). It covers regional groupings and organizations, their objectives, structure, and significance in fostering cooperation among member countries, which is crucial for understanding India's foreign policy priorities and engagements in the Bay of Bengal region.

1. India-Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) FTA Negotiations Initiated

• India and officials from the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) bloc have commenced talks to formally initiate negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Overview of Eurasian Economic Union (EEU):

• The EEU is an ambitious project aimed at achieving economic integration within the former Soviet region.
• Its primary objective is to establish a common market akin to the European Union (EU).
• The EEU was established by the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, signed in 2014 in Astana (now Nur-Sultan).

Member Countries of EEU:

• The EEU comprises five member countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.

India's Trade Relations within EEU:

• Within the EEU, Russia stands as India’s foremost trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to USD 49.4 billion in FY2023.

General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations). It covers bilateral and regional economic agreements and their implications for India's trade and economic relations with countries and regional blocs, which is vital for understanding India's diplomatic and economic engagements with the Eurasian region.

1. Havana Syndrome: Unraveling the Mystery

Understanding Havana Syndrome:

• Havana Syndrome refers to a constellation of mental health symptoms reportedly experienced by US intelligence and embassy officials in various countries.
• Symptoms typically include hearing sounds without external noise, nausea, vertigo, headaches, memory loss, and balance issues.
• Originating from Cuba, reports first emerged in 2016 when US diplomats and government employees fell ill in Havana.

Manifestation of Symptoms:

• Affected individuals reported hearing strange sounds and experiencing unusual physical sensations in their hotel rooms or homes.
• Symptoms included nausea, severe headaches, fatigue, dizziness, sleep problems, and hearing loss.

US Response to Havana Syndrome:

• The US has entertained the possibility that the syndrome is intentionally caused.
• Various agencies like the FBI, CIA, US military, National Institutes of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have investigated the incidents without conclusive findings.
• Some theories suggested psychological illness due to the stressful environment of foreign missions.
• However, a December 2020 report by the National Academies of Sciences (NAS) identified "directed energy beams" as a plausible cause of the syndrome.

General Studies Paper 2, covering issues related to health. Understanding Havana Syndrome is crucial for comprehending contemporary health challenges faced by diplomats and its potential implications on international relations and public health policies.

Top of Form

1. Exercise ‘Gagan Shakti’: Unveiling Air Power

Overview:

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently engaged in its largest exercise, ‘Gagan Shakti’, conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district.

Objective:

• ‘Gagan Shakti’ aims to showcase the formidable striking capabilities of the IAF's major fighter aircraft and modern helicopters.

Key Features:

• This exercise provides an opportunity for the IAF to demonstrate its readiness and prowess in aerial operations.
• It involves comprehensive drills and simulations to test the preparedness and coordination of air assets across various scenarios.
• The exercise underscores the importance of air power in maintaining national security and defense preparedness.

Significance:

• By showcasing its capabilities, the IAF aims to deter potential adversaries and reassure the nation of its ability to safeguard airspace and national interests.
• ‘Gagan Shakti’ highlights the IAF's commitment to maintaining operational readiness and staying abreast of evolving security challenges.

General Studies Paper 3, providing insights into the role of air power in defense strategies and preparedness.

1. Resourcefulness of Konda Reddi’s Tribe's Knowledge

Overview:

• The Konda Reddi tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the Papikonda hill range of Andhra Pradesh, possesses valuable traditional knowledge about the Indian laurel tree (Ficus microcarpa).

Indian Laurel Tree (Ficus microcarpa):

• Native to Southeast Asia and parts of India, the Indian laurel tree is well-adapted to tropical and subtropical climates.
• It is characterized by glossy, dark green leaves and is an evergreen species. The latex sap of the tree is utilized in the production of rubber products.

Traditional Knowledge:

• Forest officials recently discovered that the bark of the Indian laurel tree stores water, particularly during the summer months, as claimed by the Konda Reddi tribe.
• This indigenous knowledge highlights the resourcefulness and deep understanding of the local environment possessed by the tribe.

Papikonda National Park (PNP):

• Located in the Godavari region, Papikonda National Park was declared a reserved forest in 1882, a wildlife sanctuary in 1978, and a national park in 2008.
• The park features moist deciduous forests and supports diverse wildlife, including tigers, mouse deer, and gaur (Indian bison).

General Studies Paper 3, particularly under Biotechnology and Environmental Conservation.

1. Accelerating Crop Diversification in India

• Overview:
• Recent agricultural shifts in West Bengal towards crop diversification highlight the need for India to focus on alternative crops due to factors like the wheat blast disease and economic viability.

Reasons Behind the Shift:

• Wheat Blast Disease: Emergence of wheat blast disease in Bangladesh prompted a ban on wheat cultivation in border areas of West Bengal, leading farmers to explore alternatives.
• Economic Viability: Farmers recognize the economic advantages of crops like bananas, driven by profitability during peak seasons and stagnant wheat prices.
• Shift to Higher Output Crops: Maize cultivation has surged due to higher per-hectare output and demand from industries, despite lower prices compared to wheat.
• Need for Crop Diversification in India:
• The Green Revolution, while boosting food output, led to a decline in crop variety, necessitating a shift towards diversified agriculture for sustainability.

Benefits of Crop Diversification:

• Risk Reduction: Diversified crops can mitigate risks associated with climate variability and water scarcity.
• Soil Health Improvement: Planting leguminous crops enhances soil fertility and promotes sustainable farming practices.
• Market Opportunities: Diversification opens doors to niche markets and emerging trends, offering better income prospects for farmers.
• Pest and Disease Management: Intercropping helps manage pests and diseases naturally, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
• Source of Biofuels: Certain crops can serve as biofuel sources, contributing to energy security and additional income for farmers.

Concerns:

• Market risks, financial constraints, lack of infrastructure, and dietary habits pose challenges to widespread crop diversification.

Government Initiatives:

• Crop Diversification Programme: Implemented under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, aimed at shifting from water-intensive crops to alternatives.
• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): Focuses on holistic growth of the horticulture sector.
• Increase in MSP: Government increases Minimum Support Prices for Kharif crops to encourage diversification.
• State-Level Schemes: States like Haryana offer financial aid to farmers transitioning from paddy to alternative crops.
• Innovative Strategies:
• Agri-Tourism and 'U-Pick' Farms: Promote experiential tourism and direct consumer engagement in agriculture.
• Biofortification through Gene Editing: Develop crops with enhanced nutritional value to address malnutrition concerns.
• Regenerative Agriculture: Integrate regenerative practices with diversified crop rotations for sustainable and resilient farming.
• Conclusion:
• Accelerating crop diversification in India is essential for sustainable agriculture, farmer livelihoods, and food security. Innovative strategies coupled with supportive government policies are imperative to expedite this transition effectively.

GS Paper 3 (Cropping Patterns) and GS Paper 1 (Food Security), covering issues related to agricultural diversification and its impact on food security and sustainable development.