The Hindu Editorial Summary
Editorial Topic : Red Spitting Cobra Venom and Potential Antidote
GS-3 Mains Exam : Science and Technology
Revision Notes
Question : Analyze the potential of tinzaparin, a drug used for blood clot prevention, as an antidote for red-spitting cobra venom. How does tinzaparin’s mechanism of action differ from traditional antivenoms?
Snake:
- Red-spitting cobra (Naja pallida) – Orange-red, 1.2 meters long, from Tanzania.
- Venom attacks cells and nervous system.
- Fatal for most prey (toads, frogs, birds, other snakes).
Current Antivenom Issues:
- Snakebites kill 140,000 people annually (mostly in Africa and Asia).
- Antivenom is expensive, requires cold storage, and can have severe side effects.
- Made using antibodies from animals injected with snake venom (archaic method).
New Research (July 2024, Science Translational Medicine):
- Tinzaparin (blood clot prevention drug) reduces cell damage from red-spitting cobra venom.
- Gene absence in some mice led to venom resistance, suggesting genes involved in venom’s effect.
- These genes are linked to heparan sulphate sugar compound (regulates blood vessel/clot formation).
Hypothesis:
- Venom’s toxicity depends on heparan sulphate synthesis pathway.
- Blocking this pathway with molecules similar to heparan sulphate could reduce venom’s effect.
Tinzaparin as Potential Antidote:
- Tinzaparin mimics heparan sulphate, tricking the body to stop its synthesis.
- Protected cells even when introduced an hour after venom exposure.
- Blocks venom’s interaction with cell receptors by binding to venom molecules.
Conclusion:
- This research using CRISPR gene editing could renew interest in snake venom antidotes.
The Hindu Editorial Summary
Editorial Topic : FY25 Union Budget with Focus on Fiscal Stability and Growth Continuity
GS-3 Mains Exam : Economy
Revision Notes
Question : Examine the implications of the FY25 Union Budget’s emphasis on fiscal stability and sustained economic growth. How does the focus on these aspects contribute to the overall economic resilience of India?
Context:
- The FY25 Union Budget prioritizes fiscal stability and sustained economic growth while promoting inclusivity.
Uneven Growth Pattern:
- FY24 GDP growth of 8.2% was driven by a K-shaped recovery, benefiting luxury goods but not basic necessities.
- Stagnant wages and high food inflation impacted lower-income groups.
Focus on Weaker Segments:
- The budget aims to improve employment quality, strengthen agriculture, and empower MSMEs.
- This strategy is intended to create a more inclusive “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047.
Boosting Agriculture:
- Promotion of self-sufficiency (Atmanirbharta) in pulses and oilseeds.
- Increased focus on agricultural research and large-scale vegetable production clusters.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to support farmers.
Enhancing Food Security:
- Increased allocation for Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) scheme to ensure foodgrain availability for five years.
Employment Generation:
- New scheme offering incentives to employers and first-time employees (₹10,000 crore).
- Initiatives to promote internships (₹2,000 crore) and skill development in collaboration with states and industries.
Housing for All:
- Significant increase in allocation for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) – rural scheme received a 70% jump, while urban received 37%.
Promoting Manufacturing:
- Increased allocation for PLI scheme, with a focus on the auto sector.
- Adjustments to custom duties to support domestic manufacturing and local value addition.
Supporting MSMEs:
- Measures to facilitate collateral-free loans for purchasing machinery and equipment.
- Banks empowered to develop in-house credit assessment to improve loan access for MSMEs.
Fiscal Discipline:
- FY25 fiscal deficit target reduced to 4.9% of GDP from the interim budget’s estimate of 5.1%.
- Commitment to further consolidate fiscal deficit to 4.6% by FY26.
- This maintains investor confidence despite pressures for increased spending.
Other Key Points:
- Capital expenditure target remains unchanged at ₹11.1 trillion.
- RBI’s record high dividend used for both welfare spending and deficit reduction.
Conclusion:
- These measures aim to strengthen India’s economy while attracting foreign investment through inclusion in global bond indices.
- Fiscal discipline paves the way for a potential sovereign rating upgrade in the future.
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