The Hindu Editorial Summary

Topic-1 : National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

GS-2 or GS-3 Mains

Revision Notes

Question : Discuss the challenges faced by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in achieving its goals. How can these challenges be addressed?

NCAP Goals

• Reduce air pollution by cutting Particulate Matter (PM) concentration by 20-30% by 2024 (later revised to 40% by 2026).

NCAP Challenges

• Inconsistent implementation of Clean Air Action Plans (CAAPs) by cities.
• Underutilization of allocated funds (only 60% used on average).
• Delays due to:
  • Approval processes.
  • Lack of standard operating procedures.
  • Time-consuming control measures.
  • Bureaucracy.
  • Doubts about mitigation measures’ effectiveness.

Role of Scientific Tools

• Emissions Inventory (EI) studies: Identify pollution sources and forecast future emissions.
• Source Apportionment (SA) studies: Analyze contributions from various pollution sources.
• Air Quality (AQ) modelling: Understand pollution dispersion patterns.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Cities to utilize EI and SA data for targeted mitigation strategies.
• Set realistic yearly targets with proper funding based on needs.
• NCAP to consider secondary pollutants besides primary PM emissions.
• Reduce bureaucratic red tape for faster implementation.
• Prioritize budgeting and time management for project completion.

Conclusion

NCAP’s success requires a multifaceted approach with robust science, strategic funding, and efficient implementation.

 

The Hindu Editorial Summary

Topic-2 Snakebite Envenoming: A Neglected Threat

GS-1 or GS-3 Mains

Revision Notes

Question : Question : What is the mortality burden of snakebite envenoming globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries? Discuss the impact of limited healthcare access on outcomes in regions with high snakebite incidence.

Mortality Burden

• Snakebite venom causes over 100,000 deaths annually, with 400,000 permanent disabilities.
• Burden concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, especially Africa and Asia.
• India: staggering 58,000 deaths per year (2020 report).
• Classified as a “poor man’s disease” with inadequate global attention.
• Limited access to healthcare worsens outcomes in high-incidence regions.
• WHO designated snakebite envenoming a neglected tropical disease in 2017.

Current Antivenom Limitations

• Outdated production method: injecting large animals (horses) with snake venom.
• Horse antibodies:
  • May target irrelevant components besides the venom’s toxins.
  • Require larger doses due to limited effectiveness.
  • Increase risk of allergic reactions in humans.

A New Approach: Human Antibodies

• Scientists developed a human antibody (95Mat5) against a common snake toxin.
• Targets three-finger toxins (3FTxs), a lethal component in elapid snake venoms (cobras, kraits, mambas).
• Focuses on neurotoxins within 3FTxs that paralyze by blocking nerve signals.
• 95Mat5’s success: binds toxins like their natural receptor, preventing them from attacking human cells.

Universal Antivenom: A Work in Progress

• 95Mat5 effective against a specific toxin type, a promising first step.
• Scientists aim to discover similar antibodies against toxins in other snake venoms (vipers).
• This research paves the way for a more universal antivenom solution.