UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 September 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 September 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents 

GS Paper 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 September 2024)

1. WHO Global Framework for Pathogen Origins

2. Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM): Responsible Use of AI in War

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

3. Taliban’s new 114-page “morality law”

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

1. Supreme Court Ruling on Judges’ Elevation

2. NIDHI i-TBIs

3. Helium Gas and its use in Rocket

4. Night-Time Light Pollution and Alzheimer’s Risk

5. Planetary Protection

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 September 2024

GS Paper 2:

WHO Global Framework for Pathogen Origins

Syllabus: Science and Technology: Health

Source: WHO

Context: WHO Launches First Global Framework For Understanding the Origins Of New Or Re-Emerging Pathogens

Framework Overview

• Developed by: SAGO (Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens)
• Established: By WHO in 2021; consists of global independent experts
• Key Principles: Aligns with International Health Regulations (IHR) and One Health approach
  • IHR: A legally binding framework for global health responses
  • One Health: Integrates human, animal, and ecosystem health

WHO Global Framework for Pathogen Origins:

What are Pathogens?

 Pathogens are microorganisms that cause disease in their hosts. They include:

1. Bacteria: Single-celled organisms that can cause infections such as tuberculosis and strep throat.

1. • Example: Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis.

2. Viruses: Smaller than bacteria, these agents invade host cells to replicate and cause diseases such as influenza and COVID-19.

1. • Example: SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19.

3. Fungi: These can be single-celled or multicellular organisms that cause conditions like athlete’s foot and ringworm.

1. • Example: Candida albicans can cause yeast infections.

4. Parasites: Organisms that live on or in a host and derive nutrients at the host’s expense, such as malaria and giardiasis.

1. • Example: Plasmodium falciparum causes malaria.

5. Prions: Misfolded proteins that cause degenerative brain diseases, like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

1. • Example: The prion responsible for Mad Cow Disease.

How different pathogens impact humans, with examples:

Significance

• Purpose: Address risks from known and novel pathogens (e.g., Ebola, SARS-CoV-1)
• Importance: Essential for preventing and managing health crises
• Historical Context: Could have made COVID-19 origin investigation more effective and less controversial

What is the Pandemic Treaty?

The Draft Pandemic Treaty, proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and member states, is an international agreement aimed at preventing, preparing for, and responding to pandemics and global health emergencies. It focuses on strengthening global cooperation and solidarity, covering aspects such as surveillance, detection, notification, access to health technologies, collaboration, and accountability. The deadline for this agreement is set for the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024.

The treaty, based on principles of human rights and equity, responds to lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Its principal components include calls for:

1. Increased global cooperation
2. Strengthening of health systems
3. Investment in research and development
4. Transparency in information sharing
5. Establishment of a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS) under the WHO
6. Address gender disparities in the healthcare workforce, with emphasis on equal pay and promoting the representation and empowerment of health and care workers.

What is Disease X?

Disease X is a hypothetical pathogen or threat that could trigger a major future pandemic. Coined by scientists and the World Health Organization (WHO), it refers to a new agent, virus, bacterium, or fungus with no known treatment, belonging to any of the 25 families of viruses capable of causing illness in people. Added to the WHO’s Blueprint list of diseases in 2018, scientists believe Disease X could be 20 times more deadly than the recent SARS-Covid virus, emphasizing its potential as a serious microbial threat to humans in the future.

The WHO is undertaking initiatives, including the Financial Intermediary Fund for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, the mRNA technology transfer hub, and the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, to enhance global preparedness and collaboration in the face of potential future outbreaks.

Mains Link: 

Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without a Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (USPC 2014)

Prelims Link:

Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM): Responsible Use of AI in War

Syllabus: Internal Security

Source: IE

Context: The second summit (1^st was conducted in 2023) on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) begins in Seoul, focusing on setting global norms for military AI use.

• India has been observing but not actively participating, while the US and China are more engaged.

Aim: The summit aims to address the implications of AI in warfare, with discussions evolving from autonomous weapons to broader military applications. The US has promoted responsible AI use through national guidelines and a UN resolution, while China has been proactive in shaping regulations.

India faces pressure to move beyond a passive stance and actively shape global AI norms.

What is REAIM? 

REAIM (Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain) is a global summit focused on establishing norms and guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of AI in military settings. It involves discussions among governments, international organizations, technology firms, and civil society to address the implications of AI in warfare and to promote standards that ensure its safe and ethical application. The summit aims to shape international regulations and practices to manage the military use of AI effectively.

Principles of Responsible Use of AI in War:

1. Human Oversight: Ensure human control over critical decisions, particularly those involving life and death.
2. Accountability: Hold entities accountable for the outcomes of AI-driven actions and decisions.
3. Transparency: Maintain transparency in AI systems to understand their decision-making processes.
4. Safety and Security: Prioritize safety to prevent unintended consequences and safeguard against misuse.
5. Ethical Standards: Adhere to ethical norms and humanitarian laws in AI applications.
6. Accuracy and Reliability: Ensure AI systems are accurate and reliable in their functioning.
7. Data Privacy: Protect data privacy and ensure responsible handling of information used by AI systems.

How different countries are using AI in warfare, with examples:

Responsible AI aligns with ethical principles:

Insta Links:

• MINDMAP – Hybrid Warfare

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 September 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Taliban’s new 114-page “morality law”

Source: IE

Context: The Taliban’s new 114-page “morality law,” enforced by the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, formalizes restrictions on Afghan women.

The law mandates full-body veiling, with face coverings deemed essential to prevent “temptation.” A woman’s voice is considered “intimate” and is banned from public singing or reciting.

Men and women unrelated by blood or marriage are prohibited from interacting, and LGBTQ people and religious minorities face further persecution. The law has been described as “gender apartheid,” similar to the Taliban’s previous regime (1996-2001), intensifying the repression of women and minorities.

Ethical Issues with the Law: 

1. Gender Apartheid: Systematic discrimination against women, limiting their freedom and rights.
2. Suppression of Women’s Voices: Women are banned from speaking, singing, or reading in public.
3. Forced Veiling: Mandatory full-body veiling, including face coverings.
4. Restriction of Social Interaction: Bans on men and women interacting unless related by blood or marriage.
5. Persecution of LGBTQ and Minorities: Targeting vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ individuals and religious minorities.
6. Use of Fear and Surveillance: Encouragement of citizens to report “violations” creating a pervasive atmosphere of fear.
7. Arbitrary Detention and Punishment: Morality inspectors are given extensive powers to enforce the law.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Supreme Court Ruling on Judges’ Elevation

Source: IE

Context: The Supreme Court has ruled that the elevation of judges must be decided collectively by the High Court Collegium, not by an individual Chief Justice.

• SC also clarified that although the ‘content of consultation’ is beyond Judicial review ‘effective consultation’ falls within its ambit.

Background of the case:

The Court directed the Himachal Pradesh High Court Collegium to reconsider District Judges Chirag Bhanu Singh and Arvind Malhotra for promotion. It emphasized that the process must involve collective deliberation and cannot be decided solely by the High Court Chief Justice.

About Collegium:

The Collegium system recommends appointments for Supreme Court (SC) and High Court (HC) judges.

• Supreme Court: The Collegium includes the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and four senior-most SC judges.
• High Court: The HC Collegium consists of the HC Chief Justice and two senior HC judges.

Appointments are made by the President under Articles 124 and 217 of the Constitution.

NIDHI i-TBIs

Source: PIB

Context: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized that women-led startups will place India on the global stage in the future. He inaugurated 8 new NIDHI i-TBIs across India and launched the DST-GDC IIT Madras INCUBATE Program for deep tech startups.

About NIDHI:

• Established: in 2016 by the Department of Science & Technology (DST).
• Objective: Transform ideas and innovations into successful startups.
• Funding: Managed by the National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) under DST.
• Implementation: Funds are distributed through NSTEDB-associated incubators across India.
• Key Component: NIDHI-iTBI (Inclusive-TBI) focuses on converting innovations into startups.

Helium Gas and its use in Rocket

Source: Th

Helium is a colourless, odourless, non-toxic gas with atomic number 2. It is the second most abundant element in the universe and is created through nuclear fusion in stars. First detected in sunlight in 1868, it was later discovered in uranium ore. Helium is used in cryogenics, MRI scanners, and as a lifting gas. It’s rare on Earth, mainly produced through the radioactive decay of elements like uranium, and extracted from natural gas. Once released into the atmosphere, it escapes into space, making it a non-renewable resource.

Why is it used in rockets?

Helium is used in rockets because it is inert, non-reactive, and has a very boiling point (-268.9°C), allowing it to remain a gas in extremely cold conditions. It pressurizes fuel tanks, ensuring smooth fuel flow to the engines, and is safe to use with residual fuel. Its small size helps detect leaks, making it valuable for maintaining rocket systems.

Alternatives like argon and nitrogen have been tested, but helium remains common due to its efficiency in the space industry.

Night-Time Light Pollution and Alzheimer’s Risk

Source: IE

Context: A new study links night-time light pollution to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers from Rush University Medical Center found that artificial light at night may disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to cognitive decline. This environmental factor, though less influential than conditions like diabetes or hypertension, shows a notable correlation, especially for early-onset Alzheimer’s. The study highlights the need to address light pollution as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s.

About Light Pollution:

Light pollution is excessive outdoor artificial light that affects stargazing, human health, and wildlife. It disrupts circadian rhythms and sleep, potentially increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

 About Alzheimer’s Disease (AD):

AD is a common type of dementia causing a progressive decline in memory, thinking, learning, and organization. Contributing factors include genetics, medical conditions, and environmental stresses.

Planetary Protection

Source: TH

Planetary protection aims to prevent contamination of Earth’s biosphere and other planetary bodies by alien microbial life during space missions. It ensures that missions to the Moon, Mars, or other celestial bodies do not compromise their environments or introduce harmful elements.

This principle, established under Article IX of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, requires spacecraft to be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized to maintain pristine conditions. For instance, China’s Tianwen-3 Mars mission, set for 2028, will adhere to these guidelines.

India’s involvement in planetary protection includes:

1. Mars Missions: India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2014 was designed with planetary protection measures to avoid contaminating Mars.
2. Policy Adherence: India follows planetary protection guidelines in accordance with the Outer Space Treaty, ensuring missions adhere to contamination prevention protocols.
3. Spacecraft Cleaning: ISRO implements stringent sterilization processes for spacecraft to comply with planetary protection standards.
4. International Collaboration: India collaborates with global space agencies to share best practices and enhance planetary protection efforts.

India is a signatory to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST). India ratified the treaty in March 1967, 15 years after the United States, the Soviet Union, and 63 other UN participants signed it on January 27, 1967.

The OST is a treaty that commits countries to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.  India is also a signatory to several other international treaties related to space, including the Rescue Agreement (1968), the Liability Convention (1972), the Registration Convention (1976), and the Moon Agreement (1979)

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