Weekly Current Affairs (15th to 21st October 2023) Part - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Context: In the ever-evolving landscape of global trade and infrastructure, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has emerged as a colossal force. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, the BRI stands as a testament to China's ambitious vision for enhancing global connectivity and cooperation.

Understanding the Belt and Road Initiative

• Origins and Evolution: Launched in 2013, the BRI seeks to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa, and Europe through a network of land and sea routes. Initially named 'One Belt, One Road,' the initiative was rebranded as the BRI, symbolizing its open and inclusive nature.

Key Components:

• Silk Road Economic Belt: Focuses on overland transportation routes, enhancing connectivity and trade links across Eurasia.
• Maritime Silk Road: Emphasizes maritime connections, including ports, shipping routes, and infrastructure projects, facilitating trade from the South China Sea to Africa and Europe.

Objectives and Impact of BRI:

• Primary Goals: BRI aims to boost international connectivity by improving infrastructure, trade, and economic cooperation. It encompasses diverse projects such as railways, ports, highways, and energy infrastructure.
• Economic Impact: Participating countries have experienced significant growth in trade and investments, with BRI partners registering an annual growth rate of 6.4%, amounting to USD 19.1 trillion between 2013 and 2022.

India's Stance and Global Concerns:

• India's Opposition: India's main objection lies in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a territory India claims. India advocates for projects adhering to international norms and financial sustainability.

Global Concerns:

• Debt Burden: BRI projects have faced criticism for their debt sustainability, potentially leading to "debt-trap diplomacy."
• Multilateral Governance: Lack of a centralized governing structure poses coordination challenges.
• Political Tensions: Geopolitical disputes, like the India-China border issue, hinder BRI progress.
• Environmental and Social Concerns: BRI projects need to address environmental impact and community welfare.
• Geostrategic Concerns: Worries about China's influence and control over critical infrastructure in partner countries have led to reconsideration of participation.

Conclusion

A decade since its inception, China's Belt and Road Initiative stands as a transformative force in global trade and connectivity. While it has brought economic growth and cooperation, challenges persist, necessitating continuous dialogue and international cooperation to ensure sustainable development for all participating nations.

Cancer Cells' Resistance to Chemotherapy

Context: Cancer, a formidable adversary, has long been the subject of rigorous research and exploration in the quest to improve treatment outcomes.

• Recently, a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute unveiled a significant breakthrough in the understanding of why some cancer cells exhibit resistance to Taxol, a potent chemotherapeutic agent.
• This discovery offers newfound hope for patients battling cancer, aiming to enhance the efficacy of treatment while minimizing debilitating side effects.

Key Highlights of the Study

Challenges of Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy, a cornerstone in the fight against cancer, comes with its set of formidable challenges. This treatment modality primarily targets rapidly dividing cancer cells, leading to programmed cell death or apoptosis. However, it also affects non-cancerous cells in tissues with a substantial number of dividing normal cells, such as those in the digestive tract, bone marrow, and hair follicles. This collateral damage results in distressing side effects, including oral cavity and gut inflammation, nausea, diarrhea, anemia, and hair loss. Striking a balance between destroying cancer cells effectively and managing these side effects is an enduring challenge faced by oncologists.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)

• To address this challenge, researchers have pioneered a more targeted approach for specific cancer types called Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs). ADCs involve linking drugs to antibodies designed to recognize proteins predominantly found in cancer cells. This precise delivery system ensures that chemotherapy selectively targets cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, thus reducing collateral damage.

Chemotherapy Resistance

• Despite these advances, some cancer cells possess an uncanny ability to evade the effects of chemotherapy, increasing the risk of cancer recurrence. The study underlines its focus on understanding resistance to Taxol, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent.

The Role of the ABCB1 Gene

• Resistance to Taxol is intricately linked to the location of the ABCB1 gene within the cell's nucleus. Sensitive cells differ significantly in their ABCB1 gene location when compared to resistant cells. In resistant cells, the gene has detached from the nuclear envelope (membrane) and has shifted deeper into the nucleus. This relocation leads to an astonishing 100-fold increase in RNA corresponding to the ABCB1 gene.

P-gp Efflux Pump

• The surge in RNA levels triggers the production of the P-gp efflux pump, a crucial player in chemotherapy resistance. This pump efficiently removes Taxol and other toxic compounds from the cell, preventing their accumulation at levels necessary to halt cell division and trigger apoptosis. Consequently, cancer cells continue to thrive, impervious to treatment.

Identifying Lamin B Receptor (LBR)

• Researchers embarked on a quest to understand what anchors the ABCB1 gene to the nuclear envelope in sensitive cells. The study's revelation identified the Lamin B Receptor (LBR) as a pivotal protein that influences the ABCB1 gene's location and activation. In the absence of LBR, cells can activate the ABCB1 gene when exposed to Taxol. However, it's essential to note that deleting the gene responsible for producing LBR doesn't immediately result in increased ABCB1 expression; it requires exposure to Taxol. This suggests the involvement of additional factors in silencing ABCB1.

Variability in Cancer Cell Responses

• The study underlines the significant variations in how different types of cancer cells respond to the absence of LBR. For instance, lung cancer cells displayed high levels of ABCB1 RNA, yet depleting LBR in these cells didn't significantly heighten Taxol resistance. In contrast, breast cancer cells exhibited an increased Taxol-resistant fraction following LBR depletion, whereas head and neck cancer cells displayed a different response. This divergence in responses to the absence of LBR underscores the intricate web of factors that influence chemotherapy resistance.

The Promise of Enhanced Cancer Treatment

• This breakthrough research not only unravels the mysteries of chemotherapy resistance but also holds the potential to transform cancer treatment. By shedding light on the genetic and molecular underpinnings of resistance, oncologists are now better equipped to devise strategies that overcome these hurdles while sparing healthy tissues. This newfound knowledge may pave the way for more precise and effective cancer treatments, bringing renewed hope to those confronting this formidable adversary.

Conclusion

Cancer, a complex and relentless disease, has been a longstanding challenge for medical science. With the discovery of the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind chemotherapy resistance, we inch closer to a future where cancer treatment can be both effective and humane. As we commemorate National Cancer Awareness Day and explore government initiatives related to cancer treatment, this research serves as a beacon of hope, offering a glimpse of what lies ahead in the fight against cancer.

Contempt of Court

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has started Contempt of Court Proceedings against two members of the NCLAT (National Company Law Appellate Tribunal).

• The court has issued show cause notices to the members for pronouncing a judgment in the Finolex Cables case despite directions from the SC to maintain the status quo in it.

Note:

• A Show Cause Notice is a formal communication issued by a court, government agency, or another authoritative body to an individual or entity, asking them to explain or justify their actions, decisions, or behavior.
• The purpose of a show cause notice is to give the recipient an opportunity to provide a response or clarification regarding specific concerns or alleged violations.

What is Contempt of Court?

Contempt of Court is a legal concept aimed at protecting judicial institutions from malicious attacks and unwarranted criticism. It serves as a mechanism to penalize individuals who undermine the authority of the court. This concept finds its statutory basis in the Constitution of India and the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

Statutory Basis

• Contempt of Court was enshrined in the Constitution of India under Article 19(2) as a restriction on freedom of speech and expression. Additionally, Article 129 of the Constitution grants the Supreme Court the power to punish contempt of itself, while Article 215 does the same for High Courts. The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, provides a legal framework for these provisions.

Kinds of Contempt of Court

Contempt of Court can be broadly categorized into two types: Civil Contempt and Criminal Contempt.

• Civil Contempt: This involves willful disobedience to court orders, judgments, or the breach of an undertaking given to a court.
• Criminal Contempt: This includes the publication of matter or acts that scandalize or lower the authority of the court, interfere with judicial proceedings, or obstruct the administration of justice.

It is important to note that fair and accurate reporting of judicial proceedings and fair criticism of judicial orders after a case is heard and disposed of do not constitute contempt of court.

Punishment

• The Contempt of Court Act of 1971 prescribes penalties for contemptuous acts, including imprisonment up to six months, a fine of Rs 2,000, or both. An amendment in 2006 introduced "truth and good faith" as a defense, emphasizing that punishments may be imposed if the act substantially interferes with the due course of justice.

Criticism of Contempt of Court Proceedings

The application of Contempt of Court has garnered criticism on several fronts:

Colonial Legacy

• Critics argue that India's contempt laws reflect a colonial-era mindset and have been abolished in the United Kingdom. Calls have been made to limit contempt to "wilful disobedience" of court orders and remove the clause of "scandalizing the court."

Judicial Overreach

• There are concerns that contempt cases, which are piling up in various High Courts and the Supreme Court, contribute to delays in the administration of justice. This places additional burden on an already overburdened judiciary, raising questions of potential judicial overreach.

Way Forward

The fundamental right to freedom of speech must be upheld, and any restrictions imposed on it should be minimal. Therefore, it is imperative to establish clear rules and guidelines for the process followed by superior courts when taking criminal contempt action. These guidelines should align with principles of natural justice and fairness. In conclusion, Contempt of Court is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. It serves as a vital tool for protecting judicial institutions, but its application must be balanced with the preservation of fundamental rights and the efficient administration of justice.

Mysterious Cells in Human Brain

Context: In a groundbreaking revelation, a collaborative effort by international scientists has led to the creation of a comprehensive Brain Atlas, delving deeper into the complexities of the human brain than ever before.

• This ambitious project has unraveled more than 3,300 types of brain cells, shedding light on the enigmatic realm of the human mind.

Understanding Brain Cells: Beyond Neurons

Neurons: The Tip of the Iceberg

• Neurons, the well-known brain cells, account for merely half of the brain's cellular composition.
• The Brain Atlas introduces us to astrocytes, nurturing neurons, and microglia, the immune warriors safeguarding the brain.
• New types of these cells have been discovered, enhancing our understanding of brain functionality.

The Deeper Mysteries

• Contrary to previous beliefs, the brain's diversity extends far beyond the cerebral cortex.
• Exploring the depths of the brain, including the brain stem and spinal cord, has unearthed a vast array of previously unknown cell types.

Genetic Variations and Evolutionary Insights

A Comparative Perspective

• Comparative analysis with our primate relatives, chimpanzees, and gorillas, has revealed intriguing similarities in cell types.
• However, distinctive genes related to neuronal connections (synapses) have emerged, marking the unique evolutionary trajectory of the human brain.

Implications of the Study: Unraveling the Future of Neuroscience

A Treasure Trove for Future Studies

• This comprehensive dataset serves as a foundational cornerstone for future neuroscience research.
• The Brain Atlas offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore brain intricacies, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries.

The Brain as a Self-Regulating Marvel

• Understanding the human brain extends beyond categorizing its components.
• The brain is not merely an organ but a self-regulating system, orchestrating a symphony of interactions between diverse cell types.
• Applications in Everyday Life: Revolutionizing Science and Technology

Innovative Developments

• Insights from the Brain Atlas fuel revolutionary advancements in fields like artificial intelligence, neurology, and psychology.
• Harnessing this knowledge holds the key to developing cutting-edge technologies for the benefit of humanity.

Celebrating Indian Pioneers

• Indian scientists have made remarkable contributions to this global endeavor.
• Acknowledging these achievements showcases India's prowess in the realm of science and technology.

Conclusion: Unveiling the Veiled Wonders of the Human Mind
The unveiling of the Mysterious Cells in the Human Brain marks a significant leap in our quest to understand the intricate tapestry of the mind. With this newfound knowledge, scientists are poised to explore uncharted territories, delving deeper into the marvels of our consciousness. As we stand on the threshold of a new era in neuroscience, the mysteries of the human brain beckon, inspiring scientists and enthusiasts alike to embark on a fascinating journey of discovery.

Fostering Sustainable Agrifood System

Context: In a world grappling with a growing population, environmental degradation, and climate change, the need for sustainable agricultural practices has never been more critical.

• Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare inaugurated the 16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC) in Kochi, Kerala, a significant step towards promoting Sustainability in the Agri-Food System.
• Organized by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), this congress serves as a beacon of knowledge, bringing together experts, researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable agricultural methods.

Understanding Sustainable Agri-Food Systems

Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: A Holistic Approach

• Sustainable agri-food systems epitomize a comprehensive approach to agriculture, incorporating environmentally sound practices, social equity, and economic viability. These systems aim not only to meet current food needs but also to ensure long-term sustainability, minimize environmental impacts, enhance livelihoods, and promote social well-being.

Challenges and Imperatives

• Rising Demand for Food: With a burgeoning global population, sustainable agri-food systems are imperative to ensure sufficient and consistent food production.
• Environmental Degradation: Widespread environmental harm caused by unsustainable agricultural practices underscores the urgency to transition to sustainable methods.
• Climate Change Challenges: Climate change poses significant threats to agriculture. Sustainable practices are crucial for adaptation and reducing the sector's contribution to climate change.

Pathways to Sustainability

• Technological Interventions: Scientific innovations and advanced technological interventions play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture, enabling efficient resource use and reducing negative environmental impacts.
• Genome Editing and Modern Technologies: Genome editing and other modern technologies are essential tools for breakthroughs in agriculture, addressing limitations of traditional methods.
• Carbon-Neutral Agricultural Practices: Transitioning to carbon-neutral agricultural practices can mitigate climate impacts, promote environmental sustainability, and contribute to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Addressing Challenges: A Call to Action

• Food Waste and Loss: Addressing food waste and loss at various stages of the supply chain is critical to improving the sustainability of the food system.
• Climate Change and Environmental Impact: Implementing sustainable practices to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation is essential.
• Resource Scarcity: Efficient use of resources and adoption of sustainable farming practices are crucial to counter the depletion of natural resources.
• Biodiversity Loss: Promoting biodiversity-friendly farming approaches is vital for sustainable food systems, preserving ecosystem services and natural balances.

Government Initiatives Driving Change

• Indian Initiatives: India has implemented various initiatives such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, promoting micro-irrigation technologies, developing stress-tolerant crop varieties, and the 'International Year of Millets' proposal, all aimed at fostering sustainable agrifood systems.

Conclusion

The integration of sustainability into agri-food systems is not just a choice; it is a necessity. It is imperative to address the increasing demand for food, combat environmental challenges, and mitigate the impacts of climate change while ensuring the well-being of farmers and society as a whole. As we move forward, it is our collective responsibility to nurture our agricultural practices, making them not only productive but also sustainable, ensuring a bountiful harvest for generations to come.