Weekly Current Affairs (1st to 7th June 2024) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

World Health Assembly Approves Global Organ Transplant Strategy

• The 77th World Health Assembly recently endorsed a global initiative to enhance organ donation accessibility worldwide, encompassing tissues and human cells.
• The primary aim is to bridge the gap in transplant availability between affluent and underprivileged nations, facilitating easier access for individuals in need.

Resolution Details and Objectives

• Member states are urged to collaborate on a comprehensive strategy for enhancing organ transplants, slated for implementation in 2026.
• Adherence to WHO's Guiding Principles is underscored, particularly in augmenting deceased donations for expanded therapeutic utility.
• Proposals include designating World Donor Day officially to encourage organ donation.

Emphasis on Donation Methods

• The resolution advocates for donations following both neurological and circulatory death, maximizing organ utility while upholding medical and ethical standards.
• Countries are urged to integrate organ transplantation into their national healthcare frameworks, with deceased donations as a standard practice.
• Safeguards against live donor exploitation are emphasized, necessitating appropriate protection measures and follow-up procedures.

Formation of an Expert Committee

• The director-general is tasked with assembling an expert panel to aid in formulating and executing the global strategy, offering valuable insights and resolving intricate transplantation issues.

Statistical Insights and National Challenges

• Recent statistics reveal a substantial global increase in organ donations, yet the supply meets just over 10% of the demand.
• India faces a critical shortage, needing 200,000 kidney replacements annually but having limited availability, underscoring the urgency for a solution.

International Cooperation and Access

• Advocating mutual benefit and solidarity, the resolution supports establishing international frameworks for organ exchange to ensure universal access to transplant therapies, promoting ethical practices and public health.
• The 77th World Health Assembly's resolution outlines a comprehensive strategy for equitable organ transplant access, emphasizing ethical standards, healthcare integration, and cross-border collaboration in addressing challenges within this life-saving medical domain.

Study Reveals Rapid Evolution of Y Chromosome in Apes

Evolution of Y Chromosome in Primates

• A recent study published in Nature highlights the rapid evolution of the Y chromosome in primates, showcasing significant differences between humans and other ape species.

Only 14–27% of Y chromosome regions in various ape species resemble those found in humans, indicating divergent evolutionary paths.

Stability of X Chromosomes

• Contrary to the Y chromosome, X chromosomes exhibit over 90% similarity across species, suggesting a high degree of conservation over time.

Study Dynamics: Sequencing Ape Sex Chromosomes

• Scientists sequenced the genomes of six ape species, including bonobos, chimps, gorillas, orangutans, and siamang gibbons, to understand the changes in sex chromosomes over time.

  This comprehensive sequencing allowed for in-depth analysis of structural differences and evolutionary trajectories.

Evolutionary Insights: Comparisons and Contrasts

• Divergence in evolutionary timelines is evident among different ape species and human lineages, with splits occurring at varying points in history.

  For instance, while Bornean and Sumatran orangutans diverged around 1 million years ago, the split between humans and these apes dates back up to 20 million years.

• Distinct Evolutionary Pressures on Sex Chromosomes

  The Y chromosome undergoes rapid changes, potentially due to its role in sperm production, necessitating frequent DNA replication.

  In contrast, the X chromosome remains stable over time, indicating differing evolutionary stresses on sex chromosomes.

Genomic Features: Impact of Repetitive Elements

• A significant portion of the Y chromosome (71–85%) and X chromosome (62–66%) comprises repetitive sequences, including palindromes.

  Palindromic sequences, containing multiple copies of essential genes, may safeguard genetic material from damage, particularly crucial for the Y chromosome during cell division.

About Y Chromosome Evolution

Size and Composition:

• The Y chromosome, vital for male development, is notably smaller than the X chromosome, containing approximately 50 million base pairs compared to the X chromosome's 150 million base pairs.

Evolutionary Changes and Genetic Stability:

• Over evolutionary timescales, the Y chromosome has lost 90% of shared genes with the X chromosome due to genetic degradation.
• Despite this, recent research indicates mechanisms within the Y chromosome that facilitate gene repair through internal palindromic sequences, allowing for self-recombination.
• Studies suggest that the Y chromosome has stabilized over the past 25 million years, challenging previous assumptions regarding its potential disappearance.

Evolutionary Variations Across Species:

• In certain species like the Japanese spiny rat and mole voles, the Y chromosome has been entirely lost, leading to alternative mechanisms for sex determination.
• This underscores the diverse evolutionary outcomes in sex chromosome development observed across different species.

Fern’s Genome 50 Times Larger Than Human’s

• Scientists have identified the largest genome in the fork fern Tmesipteris oblanceolata, surpassing even the Paris japonica.
• The genome of Tmesipteris oblanceolata is more than 50 times larger than the human genome.

Understanding Genome Size

• Genome size is measured in base pairs, the fundamental units of an organism's DNA.
• The DNA from a single cell of Tmesipteris oblanceolata would stretch over 350 feet, longer than the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben combined.

The Physical Attributes of Tmesipteris oblanceolate

• Tmesipteris oblanceolata, despite its intricate genetic composition, is inconspicuous in its habitat.
• It is a diminutive plant typically found on the forest floor or on decaying tree stumps, standing at a height of 10 to 15 centimeters.
• Its appearance resembles leaf-like structures with flattened roots.

Evolutionary Perspective

• Approximately 350 million years ago, Tmesipteris oblanceolata diverged from other plants in its evolutionary lineage.
• The expanded genome of the fern does not appear to confer any developmental advantages.
• Scientists speculate that the plant's enlarged genome may be a result of accumulated non-essential or repetitive DNA sequences over time.

Implications of Large Genome Sizes

• Plants with larger genomes necessitate more resources for DNA replication, repair, and transcription, leading to increased energy consumption.
• This heightened demand could impede growth, reproduction, and the ability to cope with environmental stresses.
• Larger genomes also result in larger cells and slower DNA synthesis, potentially hindering growth and competitiveness within the ecosystem.

Telangana Marks Decade Since Formation from Andhra Pradesh

• The state of Telangana was formed on June 2, marking its tenth anniversary since separating from Andhra Pradesh.
• The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, passed by the Congress-led UPA government, facilitated the creation of Telangana.
• In 2023, celebrations were led by Telangana's Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who introduced a new state song by Oscar-winning artist M M Keeravani.

Princely State of Hyderabad and Independence Challenges

• Before India gained independence, Telangana was part of the princely state of Hyderabad, ruled by the Nizam.
• After 1947, the Nizam resisted joining the Indian Union, leading to conflicts and governance issues exacerbated by the Razakars' army.
• "Operation Polo" was initiated in 1948 by the Indian government to integrate Hyderabad into India, initially maintaining its status as a separate state.

Linguistic Reorganisation and Andhra Pradesh Creation

• The demand for linguistic states resulted in the establishment of Andhra State in 1953, emerging from Madras State.
• Subsequent discussions and the 1956 proposal of the States Reorganization Committee led to the amalgamation of Telangana and Andhra State, forming Andhra Pradesh with Hyderabad as its capital.
• Critics of this merger argued that it disregarded Telangana's distinct identity.

The Struggle for a Separate Telangana State

• In the late 1960s, ongoing disputes and perceived injustices fueled the movement for Telangana's statehood restoration.
• The formation of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi by K. Chandrasekhar Rao in 2001 catalyzed the movement.
• In 2009, the central government agreed to create Telangana due to shifting political landscapes and public demands, particularly following the demise of Andhra Pradesh CM Y S Rajasekhara Reddy in 2009.
• Formal establishment occurred in 2014, with plans for Hyderabad to serve as a shared capital for a decade.

Preston Curve: Understanding the Relationship Between Income and Life Expectancy

Overview of the Preston Curve

• The Preston Curve, observed by sociologist Samuel H. Preston in 1975, illustrates the correlation between a country's per capita income and the life expectancy of its citizens. It demonstrates that individuals in wealthier nations generally enjoy longer lifespans compared to those in poorer nations.

Key Insight: Economic Growth and Life Expectancy

• As a nation experiences economic advancement and becomes wealthier, its population's life expectancy tends to increase. This phenomenon is attributed to improved access to healthcare, better educational opportunities, enhanced nutrition, and cleaner living environments in more affluent societies.

Case Study: India's Progress

• An illustrative example is India, where the average life expectancy surged from 32 years in 1947 to over 66 years in 2011. During the same period, the country's per capita income rose from ₹9,000 to approximately ₹55,000.

Limitations in Life Expectancy Growth

• Despite initial significant improvements in life expectancy during early economic growth stages, a saturation point is reached where further income increases do not linearly translate into enhanced life expectancy. This highlights the complex interplay between economic progress and public health.

Broader Implications and Criticisms

• The Preston Curve extends beyond life expectancy, offering insights into other developmental indicators like infant and maternal mortality rates, healthcare quality, and educational standards. While some advocate for economic growth as the primary driver of human development, critics argue that advancements in technology and strategic public investments play a crucial role in improving societal well-being.

Mission Karmayogi Aims to Transform India's Civil Services by 2047

India is actively working towards achieving its Viksit Bharat objectives by 2047, with a strong focus on enhancing the manufacturing sector, expanding value-added services, and establishing itself as a significant global talent pool.

Mission Karmayogi: Reinventing Civil Services

• Initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Program for Civil Services Capacity Building aims to enhance the effectiveness of India's civil servants. Mission Karmayogi is designed to create a citizen-centric, future-ready, and results-driven system by enhancing the efficiency of all government levels.

What is the Capacity Building Commission (CBC)?

• The Capacity Building Commission (CBC), established in 2021, is a pivotal component of Mission Karmayogi. It offers crucial policy guidance and resources to enhance the competencies of civil servants. Working in collaboration with various ministries and training institutions, the commission develops specialized courses tailored for government employees.

PM Gati Shakti and Infrastructure Boost

• The PM Gati Shakti initiative is a strategic framework that amalgamates project planning across different sectors to expedite infrastructure development, employing a comprehensive 'whole of government' approach. This initiative has significantly accelerated the construction of roads and railways while prioritizing environmental considerations.

Training and Development Under CBC

• Collaborating with educational institutions and government bodies, the CBC has curated a diverse array of online courses. These programs focus on imparting digital skills such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data analytics, and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications essential for modernizing government operations. Extensive training has also been provided to police and railway personnel to enhance their service delivery and public interaction.

Reverse Transcriptase: Key Player in COVID Testing and Research

Reverse transcriptase gained significant attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for its crucial role in developing diagnostic tests to detect the SARS-2 virus. These tests have been instrumental in virus tracking, surveillance, and vaccine development.

Discovery of Reverse Transcriptase

• In 1970, Howard Temin and David Baltimore independently discovered reverse transcriptase, a groundbreaking enzyme. Their findings, published in Nature, revealed its unique capability of facilitating genetic material transfer between RNA and DNA, challenging the established "Central Dogma" in molecular biology.

Impact on Molecular Biology and Medicine

• The transformative ability of reverse transcriptase to convert RNA into DNA revolutionized research practices, enabling gene cloning and in-depth genetic studies. This advancement significantly enhanced diagnostic methods for various viral infections and played a pivotal role in developing targeted antiviral treatments, notably for HIV/AIDS.

Role in Human Genome and Neurology

• By introducing retroelements into the human genome, reverse transcriptase reshaped our understanding of genetic material once dismissed as "junk DNA." Recent studies suggest these elements influence human biology and may be linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, underscoring their importance in evolutionary biology and healthcare.

Evolutionary Perspectives and Bacterial Connections

• Researchers believe that bacterial reverse transcriptases, discovered in 1989, served as the precursors to the enzyme. This evolutionary link highlights the enzyme's adaptability and diverse functionality across species, emphasizing its fundamental role in genetic processes.

Priyanka Jarkiholi: Youngest Tribal Woman to Win from an Unreserved Seat

• Priyanka Jarkiholi, representing the Congress party, achieved victory over Annasaheb Jolle, the incumbent MP from the BJP, in the Chikkodi district.
• This win holds significance as the BJP dominated all but one seat in the Mumbai-Karnataka area.

Historical Achievement

• By securing her recent electoral triumph, Priyanka set multiple records, becoming one of the youngest individuals to enter Parliament at the age of 27 years and one month.
• She also made history as the first woman from a tribal background to secure a parliamentary seat in an open district in Karnataka.
• This accomplishment draws parallels to Kotturu Hariharappa Ranganath's tenure as a Lok Sabha member from Chitradurga between 1984 and 1989.

Chikkodi's Political Landscape

• The electoral history of Chikkodi has seen unexpected outcomes. In 1996, Ratnamala Pol Savanur, a law professor representing the Janata Party, defeated B Shankaranand, an MP and state minister at the time.
• Subsequent elections witnessed Ramesh Jigajinagi securing victory on three occasions, each time under a different party banner.

Priyanka Jarkiholi's Background

• Coming from a politically influential family, Priyanka Jarkiholi holds substantial stakes in companies across various sectors such as tourism, sugar, mining, and infrastructure.
• She holds an MBA degree and advocates for increased female participation in politics and governance.
• In an interview, Priyanka emphasized the importance of women showcasing their capabilities through their actions.

Russian Cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko's Historic Achievement

• Oleg Kononenko, a 59-year-old Russian cosmonaut, has set a remarkable milestone by becoming the first person to spend 1,000 days in space.
• This achievement was announced by Roscosmos during Kononenko's fifth mission to the International Space Station (ISS) that began on September 15, 2023.

Oleg Kononenko's Space Exploration Journey

• Since his inaugural space voyage in 2008, Kononenko has been actively engaged in space research, surpassing the previous record of 878 days held by Gennady Padalka until February 2024.
• If Kononenko's mission concludes as scheduled on September 23, 2024, his total time spent in space will reach 1,110 days.

Significance of Kononenko's Milestone

• Kononenko's accomplishment represents a significant personal and professional triumph, symbolizing an expedition into uncharted territories.
• In an interview with TASS, Kononenko expressed his pride and fulfillment, underscoring the camaraderie and support among his American colleagues on the ISS.

Roscosmos: The Russian Federal Space Agency

• Establishment and Responsibilities: Roscosmos, formerly known as the Russian Federal Space Agency, was founded in 1992 post the disintegration of the Soviet Union. It is tasked with overseeing Russia's space exploration initiatives, including the management of the Baikonur Cosmodrome lease in Kazakhstan.
• Key Developments and Achievements: Roscosmos is credited with the creation of the Soyuz and Progress spacecraft series crucial for ferrying crew and supplies to the ISS. In 2011, it successfully launched Spektr-R, Russia's foremost significant space telescope since the Soviet era.
• Future Plans and International Collaboration: The agency is actively pursuing lunar missions with the goal of establishing a lunar base by 2040. Following a period of geopolitical tensions, Roscosmos resumed space cooperation with NASA in 2023.

Haryana Removes Age Cap on Farmer Aid Scheme

The government of Haryana has made a significant change to the "Mukhyamantri Kisan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jeevan Suraksha Yojana", a scheme aimed at assisting farmers and farm workers financially.

Recent modifications to the scheme include the removal of age restrictions that previously limited who could benefit from it.

Overview of the Scheme

• The scheme provides financial assistance to farmers, agricultural workers, and market yard workers in the event of death or disability while operating agricultural machinery.
• The amount of financial aid provided ranges from Rs 37,500 to Rs 5 lakh, depending on the severity of the incident.

Modification to Age Limit Requirements

• Previously, only individuals aged between 10 and 65 were eligible for compensation under the scheme.
• Following a recent government meeting led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Agriculture Minister Kanwar Pal, these age restrictions have been eliminated.
• Now, individuals outside the previous age brackets—including children under 10 and adults over 65—can also benefit from the scheme.

Implications of the Change

• The removal of age limits is expected to broaden the safety net provided by the Haryana government, ensuring that individuals of all ages working in agriculture can receive financial assistance in case of accidents involving farm machinery.
• This adjustment is part of a comprehensive review of agricultural and horticultural initiatives, overseen by the Chief Minister to ensure their swift and efficient implementation.

More About Mukhyamantri Kisan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jeevan Suraksha Yojana

• The "Mukhyamantri Kisan Evam Khetihar Mazdoor Jeevan Suraksha Yojana" is an insurance program established by the government of Madhya Pradesh, India, specifically for farmers and farm workers.
• This program offers insurance coverage of up to 2 lakhs INR in the event of accidental death or permanent incapacitation of the insured.
• Beneficiaries are not required to pay any premiums, making it easily accessible to all.
• Launched in 2019, the scheme aims to provide coverage to millions within the state's farming community.