Weekly Current Affairs (8th to 14th October 2024) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

Sanjeev Kumar Singla Appointed India’s Ambassador to France

• Sanjeev Kumar Singla has been appointed as India’s new Ambassador to France, succeeding his previous role as Ambassador to Israel. This transition occurs during a sensitive period due to the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis, highlighting India’s careful diplomatic strategies in the Middle East.

Appointment as Ambassador to France:

• Sanjeev Kumar Singla, an experienced diplomat from the 1997 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), is set to begin his new role in France. His extensive diplomatic experience has prepared him well for this important position.

Diplomatic Tenure in Israel:

• Singla served as India’s Ambassador to Israel starting in October 2019, focusing on maintaining strong relations between India and Israel. He also supported the Indian community in Israel and navigated the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, earning a reputation as an “expert on Israel.”

Managing India-Israel Relations:

• During his time in Israel, Singla worked to keep India’s foreign policy balanced amid crises. He addressed the needs of around 18,000 Indian professionals and students in Israel and engaged with the 85,000 Jews of Indian origin living in Israel, strengthening ties between the communities.

Role as Aide to Prime Minister Modi:

• Before his ambassadorial roles, Singla served as the private secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for five years after Modi became Prime Minister in 2014. In this capacity, he contributed to important decision-making and helped shape India’s foreign policies concerning West Asia.

Diverse Diplomatic Experience:

• In addition to his ambassadorial roles, Singla has diverse experience in various positions within Indian Missions, having worked in places like Paris, Dhaka, and Geneva. His prior experience in Paris makes him well-suited for his new role as Ambassador to France.

Contributions to the Ministry of External Affairs:

• Sanjeev Singla has held key positions in the Ministry of External Affairs, including work on the US desk and serving as a director in the Foreign Secretary’s office. His broad understanding of global diplomatic relations equips him to effectively represent India in France.

What is Marburg Virus?

Rwanda's First Marburg Virus Outbreak:

• Rwanda is currently facing its first outbreak of the Marburg virus, with 46 confirmed cases and 12 deaths.
• Most of the affected individuals are healthcare workers, which is particularly concerning given the limited number of doctors in the country (around 1,500 for a population of over 13 million).
• This outbreak puts significant pressure on Rwanda's healthcare system.

What Is the Marburg Virus?

• The Marburg virus is a highly dangerous virus that causes Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), with a fatality rate ranging from 24% to 88% depending on outbreak management.
• First identified in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, most cases have been reported in Africa.
• The Marburg virus is related to Ebola and belongs to the filovirus family.

How Does MVD Spread?

• The Marburg virus originally spreads to humans from Rousettus bats found in caves and mines.
• After initial infection, the virus spreads between humans through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, or urine.
• It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces or objects, putting healthcare workers at high risk due to close contact with infected patients.

Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD):
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 21 days after infection and include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Muscle pain
• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

In severe cases, individuals may experience bleeding (hemorrhaging), with many succumbing within 8 to 9 days due to blood loss and shock.

Prevention and Treatment:

• There are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Marburg virus.
• Supportive care, such as fluid replacement to prevent dehydration and symptom management, is the main approach.
• Rwanda is investigating experimental vaccines and treatments, including the provision of 700 doses of an experimental vaccine by the Sabin Vaccine Institute to protect frontline healthcare workers.

About the Marburg Virus:

• First identified during outbreaks in Germany and Serbia in 1967, the Marburg virus causes hemorrhagic fever, leading to severe internal bleeding and organ failure.
• It spreads through bodily fluids, with its natural host believed to be fruit bats.
• Although rare, outbreaks of Marburg can be devastating when they occur.

India, Maldives Aim for Comprehensive Economic Partnership

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu met to strengthen the close relationship between India and the Maldives. They discussed plans for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership to improve lives in the Indian Ocean Region.

Overview of the Relationship:

• The meeting highlighted political relations, development projects, healthcare, investments, and education as key areas of cooperation.
• Both leaders emphasized that their collaboration would lead to mutual growth and stability, enhancing the quality of life for citizens in both countries.

Key Areas of Cooperation:

• Political and Parliamentary Engagement
• Both nations agreed to strengthen political cooperation through increased exchanges of leadership, ministers, and parliament members.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to enhance cooperation between their parliaments.

Developmental Partnership:

• The countries committed to important projects addressing Maldivian needs, including:
• Housing support and social housing projects.
• Timely completion of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project.
• Construction of a new commercial port to alleviate congestion at Malé port.
• Development of transshipment and bunkering facilities to support shipping and logistics.

Trade and Economic Cooperation:

• India and the Maldives agreed to initiate discussions on a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement.
• They will settle trade transactions in local currencies and promote bilateral investments.

Digital and Financial Cooperation:

• Collaboration on digital services will include implementing India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the Maldives and recognizing digital identities for easier transactions.

Health Cooperation:

• Plans include improving access to quality healthcare services, establishing Jan Aushadhi Kendras for affordable medicines, and collaborating on mental health services and research.

Capacity Building and Training:

• India will train civil servants and local officials in the Maldives, provide skill training for women, and launch a Start-up Incubator to encourage youth entrepreneurship.

People-to-People Linkages:

• Both countries aim to enhance educational and cultural exchanges by establishing educational institutions and skill development centers.

The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu signifies a positive step in India-Maldives relations.

Cabinet Approves National Maritime Heritage Complex Development

Project Overview:

• Phase 1B and Phase 2 of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) have been approved, with funding from voluntary contributions.
• Phase 1B will feature a special Light House Museum funded by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.

Project Management:

• A new society will be established to manage future phases of the project, following the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• The society will be led by a Governing Council headed by the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

Current Progress:

• Phase 1A is over 60% complete and is expected to finish by 2025.
• Phases 1A and 1B are using the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, while Phase 2 will adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach.

Economic Impact:

• The NMHC is projected to create around 22,000 jobs, including 15,000 direct and 7,000 indirect jobs, benefiting local communities and attracting tourists, researchers, and organizations.

Vision and Background:

• The NMHC reflects the Prime Minister's vision to showcase India's 4,500-year-old maritime heritage.
• The architectural masterplan is designed by Hafeez Contractor, with Tata Projects Ltd responsible for building Phase 1A.

Future Phases and Features:

• Phase 1A: Includes a museum with six galleries displaying naval artefacts and a replica of the ancient Lothal township.
• Phase 1B: Will add eight more galleries, a world-class Light House Museum, and a Bagicha complex (a garden area).
• Phase 2: Will include Coastal States Pavilions, a hospitality zone (hotels and restaurants), an ecological resort, and recreational parks to make the NMHC a top tourist and heritage site.

Overall Aim:

• The NMHC aims to celebrate India’s maritime history, create jobs, and boost tourism in the region.

IIT Indore Launches Affordable Device for Early Breast Cancer Detection

IIT Indore has developed a new device for the early detection of breast cancer, aimed at helping women in rural and remote areas. This device, created by Prof. Srivathsan Vasudevan, is a significant step towards making cancer screening more affordable and accessible.

A New Approach to Cancer Detection: 

The device utilizes Photoacoustic Spectral Response (PASR) technology, which combines light and sound to detect abnormal tissue changes, aiding in the early identification of cancer. Its low cost is a standout feature, as it is expected to be about one-tenth the price of traditional methods like MRI and CT scans once commercially produced. This affordability is crucial for people in underserved areas.

Solving Healthcare Access Problems: 

• IIT Indore has highlighted the high cost of existing cancer detection tools as a major barrier, particularly since many are imported and expensive. This new device, made in India, offers a cheaper and reliable option for early cancer detection, helping to bridge the healthcare gap for rural communities.

How the Device Works: 

• Prof. Vasudevan explained that the device differentiates between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues by using a small laser to shine light on breast tissue. By analyzing the tissue's response, it can determine whether the tissue is normal, benign, or malignant. This technology is effective in identifying various types of breast tissue changes, such as malignant tumors or fibrocystic changes.

The Impact of the Device: 

• This device has the potential to significantly enhance early cancer detection in India's rural areas, where access to advanced medical facilities is limited. By enabling early detection, it could save lives and improve health outcomes for women who might otherwise lack timely screenings.

About IIT Indore: 

• Established in 2009, IIT Indore is one of the newer Indian Institutes of Technology. It was the first IIT to offer a B.Tech program in Humanities and Social Sciences and is recognized for its interdisciplinary research and collaborations with international universities. The institute's motto is "Knowledge is Power."

MHA Declares Hizb-ut-Tahrir Terrorist Organization in India

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently designated Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) as a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This decision is a significant step in India's efforts to combat radicalism and terrorism.

Why was Hizb-ut-Tahrir Declared a Terrorist Group?

• Involvement in Terrorist Activities: Hizb-ut-Tahrir is accused of radicalizing young individuals to join extremist groups and raising funds for terrorist activities.
• Threat to National Security: The group is considered a serious threat to India's national security and sovereignty.

What are Hizb-ut-Tahrir's Goals?

• Establishment of a Global Islamic State: Hizb-ut-Tahrir aims to establish a global Islamic Caliphate by overthrowing democratically elected governments through jihad.
• Conflict with Democratic System: The organization's objectives are in direct conflict with India's democratic system and pose a threat to the country's internal stability and security.

How does Hizb-ut-Tahrir Operate?

• Radicalization of Youth: The organization is known for radicalizing young people and encouraging them to support terrorism.
• Use of Social Media: Hizb-ut-Tahrir utilizes social media and encrypted messaging apps to spread its ideology.
• Dawah Meetings: The group organizes Dawah meetings (religious gatherings) to recruit and indoctrinate followers.

Recent Arrests:

• On October 9, 2024, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Faizul Rahman, the state 'amir' (leader) of Hizb-ut-Tahrir in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
• Rahman was involved in a conspiracy related to promoting disaffection and separatism, showcasing India's ongoing efforts to combat extremist threats.

By banning HuT, India has now outlawed 45 organizations under its anti-terrorism laws. This underscores the government's commitment to tackling terrorism and ensuring national safety.

About Hizb-ut-Tahrir:

• Foundation: Hizb-ut-Tahrir was founded in 1953 in Jerusalem with the aim of establishing a Caliphate through peaceful means.
• Global Presence: The group operates in over 40 countries but is banned in several places, including Germany and Russia.
• Ideology: Hizb-ut-Tahrir promotes a strict interpretation of Islam and has been criticized for alleged ties to extremist groups, which it denies.
• Leadership Structure: The group's leadership is decentralized, relying on grassroots efforts to spread its ideology.

New Target for Cancer Treatment Discovered by Scientists

Scientists at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) in Kolkata have made a promising discovery in cancer treatment. They found that by targeting an enzyme involved in DNA repair, called TDP1, they might help improve outcomes for patients whose cancer has become resistant to current therapies. This discovery could lead to new combination treatments for cancer.

Why Do Cancer Cells Resist Current Treatments?

• Many cancer treatments use drugs like Camptothecin and Irinotecan to block an important enzyme called Topoisomerase 1 (Top1), which helps cancer cells make copies of their DNA. However, over time, some cancer cells become resistant to these drugs, meaning the treatments no longer work as well. That’s why scientists are looking for new ways to fight cancer.

Key Proteins: TDP1 and CDK1

• TDP1: This enzyme repairs damage caused by Top1 inhibitors, helping cancer cells recover from drug treatments.
• CDK1: This protein is crucial for controlling the cell cycle, especially when cells are getting ready to divide.

When CDK1 adds a phosphate group to TDP1(a process called phosphorylation), it makes TDP1 better at fixing DNA damage, allowing cancer cells to survive treatments that aim to damage their DNA.

How the New Therapy Works

• The scientists found that blocking CDK1 could stop TDP1 from repairing the cancer cells’ DNA, making it easier to kill those cells with Top1 inhibitors.
• This combination therapy using both CDK1 inhibitors and Top1 inhibitors could make cancer treatments much more effective, especially in cases where the cancer has become resistant.

What Does This Mean for Cancer Treatment?

• This discovery is exciting because it offers a potential new way to treat cancers that no longer respond to existing drugs.
• By stopping cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA, this combination therapy could increase the chances of killing the cancer cells.

More studies are underway to test this treatment in animals. If successful, it could lead to new precision medicine treatments, where therapies are tailored to attack specific weaknesses in cancer cells, like their DNA repair mechanisms.

What is TDP1?

• TDP1 is an enzyme that helps repair DNA breaks, specifically when there is damage caused by Top1 inhibitors.
• It’s found in humans, yeast, and bacteria, and plays a big role in fixing the damage caused during DNA replication.
• Understanding how TDP1 works is important, as it could lead to better cancer treatments by targeting DNA repair systems in cancer cells.

India’s Vaccine Regulatory System Declared ‘Functional’ by WHO

India's vaccine regulatory system has been evaluated and recognized by international experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) as meeting global standards for effectiveness and safety. This acknowledgment underscores India's significant role in the global pharmaceutical sector, particularly in vaccine production.

Overview of the WHO Assessment:

• The WHO team conducted an assessment of India's vaccine regulatory system from September 16 to 20, 2024, focusing on key aspects such as safety, effectiveness, and quality of vaccines.
• India's regulatory system was rated at Maturity Level 3, indicating strong performance in critical areas and capability to ensure vaccine quality.

Key Areas Evaluated by WHO:

• General Overview of the National Regulatory Authority (NRA): Evaluation of the overall functioning of the regulatory authority.
• Registration and Marketing Authorisation (MA): Assessment of the processes for registering and approving vaccines for sale.
• Vigilance (VL): Monitoring of vaccine safety post-approval.
• Market Surveillance and Control (MSC): Ensuring the quality of vaccines available in the market.
• Licensing Establishments (LI): Evaluation of the approval process for vaccine manufacturers.
• Regulatory Inspections (RI): Conducting regular checks on vaccine production sites.
• Laboratory Testing (LT): Testing vaccines in laboratories for efficacy and safety.
• Clinical Trials Oversight (CT): Monitoring the safety and conduct of clinical trials.
• NRA Lot Release (LR): Releasing vaccine batches for use after quality assurance.

Global Standards and WHO Prequalification:

• India's achievement of Maturity Level 3 signifies a robust National Regulatory Authority (NRA) capable of upholding global standards for vaccine quality, safety, and effectiveness.
• The WHO Prequalification Programme (PQP) relies on strong NRAs to ensure vaccines meet international standards, and India's regulatory authority is trusted to maintain these standards.

Future Improvements:

• The WHO evaluation team recommended an Institutional Development Plan for continuous improvement of India's regulatory system, aiming to enhance vaccine production and safety standards.
• India's CDSCO and NRA are positioned to play a crucial role in global health by ensuring the safe and effective supply of vaccines worldwide with ongoing improvements.

What is the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)?

• The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is India’s primary regulatory authority for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
• Established in 1966 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, CDSCO oversees drug approvals, clinical trials, and licensing of drug manufacturers.
• CDSCO monitors the safety of medicines, including Ayurvedic and homeopathic treatments, and collaborates with international bodies like the WHO to align India’s pharmaceutical standards with global practices.

Successful IAF C-295 Landing at Navi Mumbai Airport

• Successful Landing Marks Progress for Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIAL): An Indian Air Force C-295 aircraft successfully landed on the runway of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIAL), indicating significant progress in its construction. The airport is on track to begin operations by early 2025.
• Development and Construction: The Adani Group is developing NMIAL, with construction having started in August 2021. This project is the first greenfield airport initiative by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), involving meticulous planning and substantial financial investment to ensure success.
• Key Features of NMIAL: Upon completion, NMIAL will feature a 3,700-meter runway, modern passenger terminals, and advanced air traffic control systems. Terminal 1 is designed to initially handle 20 million passengers annually, with future capacity for 90 million passengers and 800,000 tons of cargo per year.
• Regional Impact: Once operational, NMIAL will serve as a major hub for domestic and international flights, significantly enhancing connectivity in the Navi Mumbai region. The airport is expected to boost the local economy by providing more travel options and fostering new commercial opportunities.
• Official Presence at Milestone Event: The successful landing was attended by prominent figures including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. Their presence underscores the airport's importance to Maharashtra's development strategy and infrastructure advancement.
• About the C-295 Aircraft: The C-295, designed by Airbus Military, is a versatile transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 9,000 kg of cargo. It features advanced navigation and communication technologies and is used for various tasks including cargo transport, medical evacuation, and surveillance. With a range of over 2,000 km, the C-295 can operate from short runways and is employed by over 30 countries in different versions, such as the C-295W for maritime patrol.

Indian Naval Ships Enhance Maritime Cooperation in Bahrain

• As part of a Long Range Training Deployment in the Persian Gulf, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tir and the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Veera have arrived in Manama, Bahrain. This visit underscores India's commitment to enhancing maritime security and cooperation in the region.

Objectives of the Deployment:

• The primary objectives of this visit include:
• Strengthening naval cooperation with Bahrain.
• Enhancing interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces (RBNF).
• Engaging in joint maritime operations and sharing best practices.

Planned Activities:

• During the visit, several activities are planned, including:
• Professional discussions and training sessions.
• Ship visits by crew members from both countries.
• Friendly sports matches.
• Community service initiatives and yoga sessions.
• A meeting to plan a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPE) for joint maritime tasks.

Seafarer Training and Cooperation:

• Indian Navy trainees will visit the training centers of the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces. This initiative aims to foster mutual learning and is part of India's engagement with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a partnership focused on regional security.

Strategic Maritime Visits:

• This visit is part of a series of significant stops. The First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy also visited Port Rashid in Dubai and will proceed to Muscat, Oman. These engagements reflect India's expanding defense partnerships and commitment to regional security.

Importance of Regional Engagements:

• Engaging with countries in the Persian Gulf region not only enhances military cooperation but also strengthens social, political, and maritime ties in an area facing various challenges. The Persian Gulf's significance in global shipping underscores the importance of these engagements.

Increased Maritime Surveillance:

• In response to growing security threats in major shipping routes, the Indian Navy has intensified its maritime surveillance efforts. Since 2008, the Indian Navy has been involved in Mission-Based Deployments, maintaining a strong presence in the region and ensuring readiness to address potential risks swiftly.

New X-Band Radar Approved for Wayanad Flood Monitoring

Background: 

• In July 2024, Wayanad district in Kerala experienced severe floods and landslides, resulting in the loss of over 200 lives. In response to this disaster, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences approved the installation of an X-band radar in the region to enhance weather tracking and provide early warnings for landslides, aiming to prevent future catastrophes.

What is Radar? 

• Radar, short for "radio detection and ranging," is a technology that sends out radio waves to detect objects and measure their distance. It consists of a transmitter that sends signals and a receiver that captures the signals when they bounce back from an object. By analyzing these returned signals, radar can determine crucial information such as the object's distance and speed.

Doppler Radar: 

• Doppler radar is a specialized type of weather radar that utilizes the Doppler effect, which involves changes in frequency of sound or light waves based on the movement of an object towards or away from the observer. This technology is employed in weather radar to track the speed and direction of moving clouds and to measure rainfall intensity by analyzing the alterations in signals reflected off moving rain or storm clouds.

X-Band Radar: 

• X-band radar operates within the 8-12 GHz range of the electromagnetic spectrum, using shorter radio waves to produce clearer, high-resolution images. However, these waves do not travel as far because the signal weakens more rapidly. In Wayanad, the X-band radar will concentrate on monitoring soil movement to predict landslides and provide rapid, accurate environmental data.

India’s Radar Network: 

• India has been utilizing meteorological radars since the 1950s, with the first X-band radar installed in 1970. Currently, India employs both X-band and S-band radars, the latter having longer ranges. As part of the "Mission Mausam" initiative, India plans to install 60 new weather radars by 2026 to enhance weather forecasting capabilities across the country.

NISAR Project: 

• The NISAR project is a collaborative satellite initiative between NASA and India’s space agency, ISRO. It aims to utilize synthetic aperture radar to create detailed maps of the Earth's surface, employing both L-band and S-band frequencies to monitor changes such as deforestation and soil movement. The NISAR satellite is expected to be launched in 2025