Daily Current Affairs
To The Point Notes
History and Culture
1.Nalanda University
Revival of a Historic Institution:
- Nalanda University, a center of Buddhist scholarship in ancient India, has been revived near its original site in Rajgir, Bihar.
- Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the new campus, marking a significant step in preserving this intellectual heritage.
Established by Law:
- Nalanda University was officially established by the Indian Parliament in 2010 through the Nalanda University Act.
- Functioning began in 2014 with a small student body, and construction of the permanent campus commenced in 2017.
A Glorious Past:
- The ancient Nalanda University, founded in the 5th century by Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I, flourished for over 800 years.
- The university complex encompassed stupas, shrines, viharas (residence and learning centers), and impressive artwork. It received patronage from prominent rulers like Harshavardhana of Kannauj and the Pala dynasty.
- Sadly, the university was destroyed by Bakhtiar Khilji in the 12th century.
- The site was later rediscovered by Sir Francis Buchanan and meticulously excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India.
A Hub of Diverse Knowledge:
- Nalanda offered a comprehensive curriculum encompassing major Buddhist philosophies like Madhyamaka, Yogachara, and Sarvastivada.
- Additionally, it delved into subjects like the Vedas, grammar, medicine, logic, mathematics, astronomy, and even alchemy.
- Renowned Chinese scholar Xuanzang studied at Nalanda under the guidance of Shilabhadra during the 7th century.
A Global Beacon of Learning:
- Nalanda University’s reputation as a world-class center of learning attracted students from across the globe.
- It stands as the most ancient university in the Indian subcontinent and continues to inspire academic pursuits even today.
- The university’s significance was recognized by UNESCO in 2016 with its inscription as a World Heritage Site.
Society
2.The Kafala System
The Kafala system, recently thrust into the spotlight by a deadly fire in Kuwait, casts a long shadow over the lives of migrant workers in the Middle East.
What is Kafala?
- Kafala, meaning “sponsorship” in Arabic, dictates the relationship between migrant workers and their local sponsors, typically their employers (kafeels).
- It’s prevalent across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – as well as Jordan and Lebanon.
Mechanics of the System:
- Employers utilize private recruitment agencies in workers’ home countries to find and facilitate their entry into the host nation.
- Migrant workers are bound to their sponsor’s permission for crucial aspects of their employment:
- Changing jobs
- Leaving their current employment
- Entering or exiting the host country
Concerns and Criticisms:
- This dependence on sponsor approval creates a power imbalance, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation. Many experts argue Kafala fosters conditions akin to modern slavery.
- With limited options to challenge exploitative situations, workers are often trapped, unable to freely change jobs or leave the country.
The Kafala system raises serious questions about the treatment of migrant labor and necessitates reforms to ensure the protection of their basic rights and freedoms.
International relationship
3.Russia and North Korea: Military Alliance?
North Korea and Russia recently signed a comprehensive agreement that has raised eyebrows around the world, particularly concerning its potential military implications.
Key Points of the Agreement:
- Mutual Military Assistance: The agreement includes a critical provision for mutual assistance in case of an attack. Article 4 stipulates that if either country faces an invasion and war, the other must provide “all means at its disposal without delay” in the form of “military and other assistance.”
- Economic and Trade Cooperation: The deal goes beyond military matters, also promoting collaboration in trade and investment ventures between the two nations.
- Historical Context: This agreement signifies a potentially significant shift in the relationship between Russia and North Korea. It marks the closest ties between the two countries since the Cold War ended.
Potential Repercussions:
- Arms Deal Concerns: The pact has sparked concern among the US and its allies about a possible arms arrangement. North Korea may supply Russia with much-needed ammunition for its war in Ukraine in exchange for economic aid and technology advancements that could bolster its nuclear and missile programs.
- Heightened Threat: Such an exchange could further escalate regional tensions and potentially strengthen North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.
Historical Precedent:
- Soviet-Era Pact: It’s worth noting that North Korea and the former Soviet Union had a similar agreement in 1961, requiring Moscow’s military intervention in case of a North Korean attack.
- Post-Soviet Shift: However, that agreement was dissolved after the USSR’s collapse and replaced by a 2000 deal offering weaker security guarantees.
This recent development warrants close monitoring as it has the potential to significantly impact the global security landscape.
Economy
4.Angel Tax
The Angel Tax has become a contentious issue in India, especially in the wake of a funding slowdown for startups and resulting job losses. Indian businesses are calling for its complete removal.
Understanding Angel Tax:
- Introduced in 2012, the Angel Tax aimed to prevent money laundering through inflated share premiums in unlisted companies, including startups.
- The government’s concern was that startups were being misused to convert black money into white money by artificially increasing share valuations.
- This tax, levied at a hefty rate of 30.6%, applies when an unlisted company issues shares at a price exceeding the fair market value.
- Initially, it only targeted investments made by resident Indian investors.
- However, the recent Finance Act 2023 proposed expanding the Angel Tax to encompass non-resident investors starting from April 1, 2024.
Concerns and Criticisms:
- Startups and angel investors strongly oppose the Angel Tax, arguing that it stifles the growth of young companies.
- They highlight the fact that startup valuations often reflect future potential rather than immediate financial performance, a nuance not always appreciated by tax authorities.
- This mismatch between valuation methods creates a situation where startups are unfairly penalized for their growth potential.
Health
5.Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (SCD), a debilitating genetic blood disorder, disproportionately affects tribal communities in India. However, recent developments offer a beacon of hope – gene therapy.
Understanding Sickle Cell Disease:
- SCD is a hereditary condition characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
- This abnormality causes red blood cells to adopt a sickle-like shape, obstructing blood flow and leading to:
- Severe pain
- Organ damage
- Life-threatening complications
Traditional Treatments and Limitations:
- Existing treatments like hydroxyurea and blood transfusions manage symptoms but don’t offer a cure.
Gene Therapy: A Promising Approach
- Gene therapy holds immense promise for curing SCD by modifying the underlying genetic defect.
- Two FDA-approved therapies, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, are making waves:
- Casgevy: This cell-based therapy utilizes CRISPR/Cas9 technology to enhance the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in modified hematopoietic stem cells. HbF prevents red blood cells from sickling, alleviating symptoms.
- Lyfgenia: Another cell-based therapy, Lyfgenia, works alongside Casgevy to provide comprehensive treatment for SCD.
- Additionally, Exa-cel, a CRISPR-based therapy, has shown promising results, functionally curing SCD in some patients for at least a year.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
- Cost-effectiveness remains a hurdle for gene therapies, requiring innovative solutions.
- Identifying vulnerable populations within tribal communities and involving local healthcare workers are crucial for successful implementation.
India’s Commitment to Eradicating SCD:
- The government’s National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Program, launched in the 2023 budget, demonstrates a long-term commitment to eliminating SCD.
- This mission-mode program, part of the National Health Mission (NHM), aims to eradicate the genetic transmission of sickle cell disease by 2047.
Health
6.Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in India
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) pose a significant public health challenge in India, affecting millions and hindering development.
Understanding NTDs:
- NTDs are a diverse group of infectious diseases that primarily strike impoverished populations in tropical and subtropical regions.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies 20 NTDs, including hookworm infection, lymphatic filariasis, and kala-azar.
- India bears the world’s heaviest burden of at least 10 major NTDs, including hookworm, dengue, lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, kala-azar, rabies, ascariasis, trichuriasis, trachoma, and cysticercosis.
Devastating Impact:
- These diseases inflict a devastating toll on over a billion people globally, causing immense human suffering, social disruption, and economic hardship.
Global Fight Against NTDs:
- The WHO has been actively addressing NTDs since the late 1980s.
- Their “Ending the Neglect” roadmap sets ambitious 2030 targets aiming for a 90% global reduction in NTDs.
Challenges and the Road Ahead:
- Despite global efforts, progress has been slow. In 2022, an estimated 1.62 billion people still required interventions against NTDs.
- India needs to step up its efforts to achieve the 2030 targets, including:
- Strengthening disease surveillance and control programs.
- Improving access to affordable diagnostics and treatment.
- Promoting public awareness and education about NTDs.
https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/87519/OPS/GFICUUQJ2.1+GM7CUVJ4H.1.html
Science and Technology
7.Biodiesel: A Sustainable Fuel Alternative
Biodiesel is a promising alternative fuel derived from renewable sources like vegetable oils and animal fats. It offers several advantages over traditional petroleum diesel, making it an attractive option for a more sustainable future.
Production Process:
- Feedstock Selection: Biodiesel can be produced from various sources, including vegetable oils (soybean, canola, palm), animal fats (tallow, lard), and even recycled cooking oil.
- Transesterification: This is the most common method for biodiesel production. It involves several steps:
- Preparation: The chosen feedstock is cleaned and processed to remove impurities.
- Reaction: The feedstock is mixed with an alcohol (typically methanol or ethanol) in the presence of a catalyst (like sodium or potassium hydroxide). This chemical reaction converts the feedstock into biodiesel and glycerin.
- Separation: The mixture separates into two layers after the reaction. Biodiesel floats on top, while glycerin sinks below.
- Washing: The extracted biodiesel is washed to remove impurities and residual catalyst, ensuring its quality.
Advantages of Biodiesel:
- Renewable Resource: Biodiesel is derived from biomass, a naturally replenishable source, unlike fossil fuels.
- Reduced Emissions: Biodiesel generally produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum diesel, contributing to climate change mitigation.
- Biodegradable: In case of accidental spills, biodiesel degrades much faster than petroleum diesel, minimizing environmental damage.
- Engine Compatibility: Biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines with minimal modifications, making it a practical alternative.
Disadvantages of Biodiesel:
- Feedstock Availability: Depending on the chosen feedstock, there might be competition with food production or land use.
- Cold Weather Performance: Biodiesel has a tendency to gel at low temperatures, potentially impacting engine performance in cold climates.
- Storage Stability: Biodiesel is less stable than petroleum diesel in terms of oxidation. Careful storage and handling practices are necessary to maintain its quality.
Applications of Biodiesel:
- Transportation: Biodiesel can be used as a fuel for various vehicles, including trucks, buses, and other diesel-powered machinery.
- Power Generation: It can be used in diesel generators to produce electricity, offering a renewable alternative for power needs.
- Heating: In some applications, biodiesel can be a substitute for heating oil, contributing to a more sustainable heating system.
Biodiesel Classification in India
Biodiesel in India is categorized based on its source (feedstock), blending ratio with conventional diesel, and adherence to quality standards.
Feedstock (Source):
- 1G (First Generation): Derived from edible vegetable oils like palm, soybean, or jatropha. While readily available, these raise concerns about competition with food production and land use changes.
- 2G (Second Generation): Considered more sustainable, these sources don’t compete with food. This category includes used cooking oil (UCO), waste animal fats, and non-edible oilseeds like Jatropha curcas (non-fruiting variety). UCO biodiesel is a particular focus area due to its abundance and waste management benefits. The government actively promotes UCO collection and conversion programs.
- 3G (Third Generation): Under development, this category explores potential feedstocks like algae oil, which offer high yields and don’t require dedicated land. However, commercially viable production technologies are still being researched.
Blending Ratio:
- B100: Pure biodiesel, rarely used directly due to its higher viscosity compared to diesel.
- BXX: Biodiesel blended with fossil diesel, where “XX” represents the percentage of biodiesel (e.g., B20 is 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel). India’s current target is to achieve 5% blending (B5) by 2030.
Production Standards:
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Biodiesel conforming to BIS specifications ensures quality and compatibility with existing engines.
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