Oct 09 2024

The Indian textile and apparel sector aims for $350 billion in annual business by 2030, projecting the creation of 3.5 crore jobs, but faces challenges in achieving a 10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

Textile Industry in India Overview

  • Market Size: As of 2021, the textile and apparel industry was valued at approximately $153 billion, with domestic business contributing nearly $110 billion.
  • Export Position: In FY22, India ranked as the third-largest textile exporter globally, capturing a 5.4% market share.
  • Manufacturing Capacity: India possesses the second-largest manufacturing capacity in textiles, demonstrating robust capabilities across the value chain.
  • Economic Contribution: The sector contributed about 2.3% to GDP in FY21 and accounted for 10.6% of total manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA) in FY23.
  • Employment: The textile and garment sector employs around 105 million people, both directly and indirectly.
  • Government Export Target: The government aims to achieve $600 billion of textile exports by 2047 from $44 billion in FY22.

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Key Segments of the Textile Industry in India

  • Cotton:  India is the largest producer of cotton (White Gold) and it cultivates all four species of cotton: Gossypium arboreum and G. herbaceum (Asian cotton), G. barbadense (Egyptian cotton), and G. hirsutum (American Upland cotton).
  • Wool: India is the ninth-largest wool producer in the world. 
    • India produces three main categories of wool: Carpet Grade, Apparel Grade and Coarser Grade.
  • Silk: India is the second-largest producer of silk in the world. 
    • India produces four types of natural silks: Mulberry, Eri, Tasar, and Muga. 
  • Man-Made Fibres (MMF): The Man-made Fibre (MMF) industry contributes 17% of India’s textile exports, and the country is the world’s sixth-largest exporter of MMF textiles.
  • Technical Textiles: These are textile goods whose primary focus is on technical performance and functionality.  They are used in a variety of industries, including construction, agriculture, aerospace, automotive, healthcare, protective gear, and home care.

Textile Industry

Recent Declines in the Textile Sector

  • Impact of Slowdown: A downturn in demand that began in 2022 worsened in FY24 with a slump in both exports and domestic demand.
  • Manufacturing Setbacks: This decline significantly affected manufacturing clusters. 
    • For instance, Tamil Nadu, which has the largest spinning capacity in the country, saw the closure of nearly 500 textile mills in the last two years
    • In Tiruppur, a hub for knitwear production, many units reported a 40% drop in business during FY23.

Reasons for Export Slump and Decline in the Textile Sector

  • Geopolitical Factors: The Russia-Ukraine war, the Red Sea crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict, have lately made the international trade scenario much tougher for the Indian exporters. 
    • Example: Higher freight costs from Houthi disruptions, with rates increasing by 40-50%, may hinder textile exporters reliant on trade through the Suez Canal.
  • Global Weak Demand: The May 2024 ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS) indicated ongoing stagnation in the textile business climate, with weak demand remaining the primary concern since September 2022.
  • High Raw Material Costs: The rising prices of raw materials, particularly cotton and Man-Made Fibres (MMF), further exacerbated the situation.
  • Import Duty on Cotton: The imposition of a 10% import duty on cotton increased the cost of Indian cotton, making it less competitive compared to international prices.
  • Quality Control Orders: The introduction of quality control orders for MMF disrupted the availability and price stability of raw materials, affecting production.
  • Import Competition: Growing imports of fabrics and garments increased market competition.

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Overall Challenges in the Indian Textile Industry

  • Raw Material Issues: Despite being the largest producer of cotton and having a robust raw material base, India faces significant challenges with high contamination levels and poor fibre quality, particularly in terms of fineness and length.
    • In India, 94% of cotton seeds are genetically-modified BT cotton, requiring farmers to purchase new seeds annually, unlike traditional varieties where they can reuse seeds.
  • Fragmentation of Sector: The textile sector is highly fragmented, dominated by numerous MSMEs, with challenges like limited product diversification, lack of technological advancements.
  • Skill Gaps in the Workforce: Despite being labour-intensive, the industry faces a shortage of skilled workers, limiting productivity and innovation.
  • Competition from Other Countries:
    • High Operational Costs: Higher costs for land, labour, and capital in India make it less competitive than countries like Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
    • The absence of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) hampers India’s competitive edge in the global market.
  • Logistical Challenges: Logistics is one of the major constraints with Indian exporters. 
    • For Example, the turnaround time (TAT) (from order to delivery) is 50 days for Bangladesh and 63 days for India, whereas the time taken to reach port is one day for Bangladesh and 7-10 days for India.  
  • Environmental Concerns: Water-intensive processes and high energy consumption in textile manufacturing raise environmental sustainability concerns, particularly with global shifts toward greener production methods.
  • Slow Technology Adoption: The sector has been slow in adopting advanced technologies and automation, affecting efficiency and global competitiveness.
  • Other Challenges: 
    • Direct retailing through e-commerce platforms is becoming increasingly popular among garment and home textile manufacturers, with many startups entering the market.
    • Focus on Sustainability: Foreign brands are accelerating the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sustainability practices throughout their supply chains, setting specific sustainability targets for their vendors.

Policy Support and Incentives for the Textile Sector

  • Investment Support: 100% FDI is permitted through the automatic route in the textiles sector.
      • Total FDI inflows in the textiles sector stood at US$ 4.47 billion between April 2000- March 2024. ​
    • Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS): This Scheme supports technology upgradation in textiles with financial incentives and aims to improve production capabilities and boost employment.
    • Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: A Rs. 10,683 crore (US$ 1.44 billion) PLI scheme has been introduced for manmade fibre and technical textiles over a five-year period to promote the production of man-made fibre apparel, fabrics and products of technical textiles.
  • Tax Policy Incentives: The Indian government has established a uniform Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate of 12% on man-made fabrics (MMF), MMF yarns, and apparel, effective from January 1, 2022.
    • Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Textile units located in SEZs enjoy various tax exemptions, including income tax holidays, customs duty exemptions, and GST exemptions on supplies.
  • Skill Development Initiatives:
    • The SAMARTH Scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector) focuses on skill development, targeting 10 lakh individuals for textile-related jobs
    • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY):  Offers short-term training programs to improve employability in the textile industry.
    • Textile Sector Skill Council (TSSC): under the aegis of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) aims to develop a skilled workforce for the textile industry through setting curriculum for training and accreditation of trade competency.
  • Infrastructure Support: 
    • PM-MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks) initiative aims to create world-class industrial infrastructure by establishing integrated textile parks, attracting investments, and boosting exports in the textile sector.
    • Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) aims to develop textile parks of international standards, with 54 parks sanctioned under the initiative.
    • Power-Tex India aims to enhance the power loom sector by offering subsidies for technology upgrades and market expansion.
  • Initiatives for Technical Textile: The Ministry of Textiles has launched National Technical Textiles Mission India (NTTM) to boost the adoption of technical textiles in India, capitalising on the sector’s rapid growth.

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Way Forward for Textile Industries

  • Reduce Import Duties: India should consider reducing import duties on essential raw materials and advanced machinery to enhance competitiveness in the textile sector. 
  • Upskilling of the Workforce: There should be priority given to upskilling of workforce for enhancing employee performance, minimising skill gaps, and improving overall competitiveness in the Industry.
  • Leverage Opportunities in Technical Textiles: The government should actively promote technical textiles by incentivizing investment and enhancing research and development capabilities
    • This focus will drive growth in a sector projected to reach $42 billion by 2026, positioning India as a global leader.
  • Increase MMF Market Share: Firms should invest in research and development, improve quality control, and strengthen capacity-building initiatives to train a skilled workforce in MMF production.
  • Diversification and Value Chain Enhancement: India should diversify its textile exports to include high-demand items like trousers and jackets, while targeting emerging markets in Japan, Australia, and Africa. 
    • Additionally, investing in innovative designs and advanced technologies will strengthen its position in the global value chain.
  • Leverage Start-Up Ecosystem: There is a need to harness India’s start-up ecosystem to drive innovation in traceability and sustainable textiles, enabling rapid adaptation to market changes through Government- Industry- Academia collaboration and Industry- Industry collaboration. 
  • Enhance Supply Chain Efficiency: Streamlining supply chain operations to reduce lead times and costs is critical.
    • Utilising data analytics for inventory management and demand forecasting can improve responsiveness to market changes .
  • Sustainability Initiatives: The textiles industry must adopt circular models to reduce carbon emissions and waste, focusing on eco-friendly practices. 
    • Aligning with international sustainability standards such as EU Strategy for Sustainable Textiles will enhance compliance and strengthen India’s position in the global market.

U.S. scientist John Hopfield and British-Canadian Geoffrey Hinton won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for discoveries and inventions that laid the foundation for machine learning.

John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton Work

  • Work: Developing computer algorithms that mimic the functioning of the human brain in performing common tasks. 
  • Hopfield’s revolutionary work in the 1980s: Built an artificial neural network (ANN) resembling the network of nerve cells in the human brain, that allowed computer systems to ‘remember’ and ‘learn
    • Hopfield’s network: Processed information using the entire network structure, and not its individual constituents. 
    • Traditional computing: Information is stored or processed in the smallest bits

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About Nobel Prize

  • The Nobel Prizes in Science recognize outstanding achievements in Physics, Chemistry, and Physiology or Medicine. 
    • Each year, laureates are honoured for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements that have significantly impacted their respective fields. 
    • Winners are celebrated globally for their contributions to understanding the universe, developing new technologies, and improving human health.
  • The Nobel Prizes in Science are awarded by various committees based on the specific field:
  • Physics: Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
  • Chemistry: Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
  • Physiology or Medicine: Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.
    • These institutions evaluate nominations, conduct rigorous reviews of candidates’ work, and select the laureates based on their contributions to their respective fields.

  • Hinton took forward the work of Hopfield and developed artificial networks that could perform much more complex tasks.
  • Hopfield networks could recognise simple patterns of shape or sound
  • Hinton’s advanced models could understand voices and pictures
  • Neural networks could be strengthened, and their accuracy at pattern recognition enhanced through repeated inputs of data, called training
    • Hinton developed a method called backpropagation that enabled the artificial neural networks to learn from previous mistakes and improve itself.

About Machine Learning

Nobel Prize 2024

  • Subset of artificial intelligence (AI), it  focuses on the development of algorithms that enable computers to learn from and make decisions based on data, without being explicitly programmed for specific tasks. 
  • Essence of machine learning is recognizing patterns within data and making predictions or decisions based on those patterns.
  • How it works
    • ML systems learn by processing data and optimising internal variables, or model parameters, to reflect the data. 
    • The learning algorithm then updates the parameter values as it learns, allowing the model to make predictions and decisions based on the data. 

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Nobel Prize 2024

Examples of machine learning

  • Spam filtering: Uses patterns in data to identify spam emails
  • Natural language processing: Enables computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language.
  • Neural networks: Inspired by the human brain’s neural connections, these models are used in machine learning.
  • Overfitting and Underfitting: Overfitting occurs when a model performs well on training data but poorly on new data. Underfitting happens when a model is too simplistic, failing to capture underlying patterns.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that the Government of India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem.

  • India became the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone.

About Trachoma

Trachoma

  • About: Disease of the eye caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis
    • If left untreated, it causes irreversible blindness
  • WHO has termed Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease.
  • Distribution: Trachoma is hyperendemic in many of the poorest and most rural areas of Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
  • Spread:
    • Through personal contact (via hands, clothes, bedding or hard surfaces) & 
    • By flies that have been in contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person.
  • WHO Recommends SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement) to eliminate trachoma.
  • As of October 2024, 20 countries have been validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem:
    • Benin, Cambodia, China, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Laos, Malawi, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Togo, and Vanuatu.
  • Global incidence:
    • In 2021, 69 266 people received surgical treatment for advanced stages of the disease, and 64.6 million people were treated with antibiotics. 
    • Global antibiotic coverage in 2021 was 44%

Centre’s Efforts

  • Government launched National Trachoma Control Program in 1963 and later on Trachoma control efforts were integrated into India’s National Program for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI)
  • As a result, in 2017, India was declared free from infectious Trachoma
    • However, surveillance continued for trachoma cases in all the districts of India from 2019 onwards till 2024.
  • Today, It has come down to less than 1%.

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Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

  • NTDs are diverse group of tropical infections which are common in low-income populations in developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas
    • Caused by a variety of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and parasitic worms (helminths)
    • They are called ‘neglected’ because they are almost absent from the global health agenda 
  • WHO has established a list of 17 official NTDs.
    • Buruli ulcer, Chagas disease, cysticercosis, dengue, dracunculiasis, etc.

Trachoma

The global energy transition was the dominant theme at this year’s London Metal Exchange (LME) Week, the annual gathering of the world’s metals producers, users and traders.

About Global Energy Transition

Global Energy Transition

  • The global energy transition is the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, to reduce energy-related carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate climate change. 
  • The energy transition involves:
    • Replacing fossil fuels: Moving away from fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal
    • Developing new technologies: Creating new technologies like energy storage, hydrogen, and lithium-ion batteries
    • Electrifying sectors: Electrifying certain sectors of the economy
    • Digitalizing: Digitising electricity grids and industrial procedures to improve energy efficiency

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Significance of Energy transition

  • Limit climate change: The energy transition is a key part of the strategy to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by mid-century. 
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Energy production and consumption are responsible for most human-caused greenhouse gas emissions
  • Create jobs and economic growth: The transition to a low-carbon economy can stimulate innovation and job creation in sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green technologies. 
  • Improve health: Reducing pollution can improve health. 
  • Reduce energy poverty: High fossil fuel prices can result in energy poverty
  • Improve energy security: The energy transition can make countries less dependent on energy imports. 

Energy Transition in India

  • India has been ranked 63rd on a global Energy Transition Index 2024 of World Economic Forum.
  • India’s Progress:
    • India excels in energy equity, security, and sustainability.
    • Renewable energy and biomass constitute 42% of its power generation capacity.
    • India ranks fourth globally in renewables.
  • Renewable energy: 
    • India has increased its renewable energy capacity by 250% since 2014, and is now the world’s fourth-largest in this capacity. 
    • India’s goal is to generate half of its power from renewable sources by 2030
  • Policy measures: India has introduced policy measures and incentives to encourage the use of green energy and technology. 
    • Green hydrogen: India is exploring the use of green hydrogen for energy storage. The government has launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission to promote the use of green hydrogen. 
    • Electric mobility: The government has launched schemes to promote electric mobility in the transport sector. 
    • Ethanol blending: India is blending ethanol into petrol, with a target of 20% blending by 2025-26. 
    • Production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme: Offers incentives to companies that set up manufacturing facilities for clean technology. 
    • PM KUSUM: Initiative to support the agricultural sector. 
    • UJJWALA: Scheme to support cooking in rural areas. 
  • Investments and Emissions:
    • India invests nearly $10 billion annually in electric vehicles (EVs) and green hydrogen.
    • Coal dependence in both India and China contributes to emission intensity.
  • Affordability and Viability: India focuses on affordable, economically viable renewable energy solutions for income generation and microenterprises.
  • Emissions: India’s per capita emissions (1.7 tonnes of CO2) are 60% lower than the global average (4.4 tonnes).
    • India is the world’s third-largest energy consumer.
  • Slowing Transition: 
    • While progress has been seen in 107 out of 120 countries, the overall pace of the energy transition has slowed. 
    • Balancing various facets remains a challenge.

Challenges in energy transition

  • Economic development: Economic development and economic activities require energy consumption, which comes along with emissions of greenhouse gases.
  • Speed of the transition: Lack of consensus on how fast the transition should and can take place, in part because of its potential economic disruptions
  • North-South divide: A sharpening divide between advanced and developing countries on priorities in the transition
  • Regulatory uncertainty: Regulatory uncertainty is viewed as a potential barrier to decarbonization.
  • Energy management: Energy management is one of the challenges of the microgrid operators.
  • Intermittent power: Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are intermittent, so utilities and electricity grids need to be reconfigured to deliver power efficiently. 

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Way Forward

  • Accelerate Renewable Energy: Increase investment in solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
  • Enhance Energy Storage and Grids: Develop better storage and grid infrastructure to manage intermittent renewable energy.
    • For Example: Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) for Urban Environments
  • Boost Green Investment: Encourage public and private funding for sustainable energy projects with stable policies and incentives.
  • Global Cooperation: Advanced economies should support developing nations with technology, finance, and capacity-building.
    • For Example: International Solar Alliance
  • Sustainable Supply Chains: Expand and improve sustainable mining for critical minerals needed for clean energy.

Recently, the State of Global Water Resources report 2023 has been published.

About State of Global Water Resources report 2023

State of Global Water Resources

  • Published by: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
  • Annual report: It  offers a comprehensive and consistent overview of water resources worldwide
    • It is based on input from dozens of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and other organisations and experts.

Key Findings from State of Global Water Resources Report 2023

  • Driest year: 2023 marked the driest year for global rivers in over three decades.
  • Below-normal river flows: Widespread below-average river flows for five consecutive years.
  • Reservoir inflows: Similar pattern to river flows, reducing water for communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.
  • Glacier mass loss: 2023 recorded the second consecutive year of global ice loss across all glacier regions.
  • Hydrological extremes: The hottest year on record in 2023 led to prolonged droughts and significant floods.

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Causes of Extreme Hydrological Events

  • Influenced by climate change and the transition from La Niña to El Niño in mid-2023.
  • Rising temperatures are accelerating the hydrological cycle, making it more erratic and unpredictable.
  • Warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, contributing to heavy rainfall, floods.

Challenges Highlighted by the State of Global Water Resources Report 2023

  • Water security: Melting glaciers threaten long-term water security for millions.
  • Insufficient data: Limited understanding of the world’s freshwater resources, highlighting the need for better data collection and sharing.
  • Impact on SDGs: The world is off track on achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 (clean water and sanitation).
  • Water access crisis: Currently, 3.6 billion people face inadequate access to water for at least a month per year, expected to increase to over 5 billion by 2050.

Future Outlook

  • UN Water Forecast: Predicts that water scarcity will worsen, and more than 5 billion people will face inadequate access by 2050.
  • Global Early Warnings Initiative: Aims to improve water-related hazard monitoring and provide early warning systems for all by 2027.

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About the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

  • The WMO is an intergovernmental organisation with 193 member states and territories. 
  • State of Global Water ResourcesIndia is one of the Member States of the WMO.
  • Origin: WMO originated from the International Meteorological Organization, the roots of which were planted at the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress.
  • Establishment: WMO was established by ratifying the WMO Convention on 23rd March 1950.
  • Specialized Agency: It became the specialised agency of the United Nations for Meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
  • Governance Structure:
    • Supreme body: World Meteorological Congress 
      • Consists of representatives of all members
      • Meets at least every four years to set general policy and adopt regulations.
    • 36-member Executive Council: Meets annually and implements policy.
    • Secretariat: Headed by a secretary-general
      • Appointed by the congress for a four-year term, serves as the administrative centre of the organisation.

India’s reliance on kerosene-based lamps as a secondary lighting source leads to release of 12.5 gigagrams (Gg) per year of a potent climate pollutant called black carbon. 

Black Carbon Emissions in India

  • India releases 12.5 gigagrams (Gg) of black carbon annually due to kerosene-based lighting.
  • This accounts for 10% of total residential black carbon emissions (from cooking, heating, and lighting).
  • Rural Dependency on Kerosene Lamps:
    • 30% of rural households use kerosene lighting during power cuts.
    • The figure reaches as high as 70% in eastern regions of India.
  • Regional Emission Contributions:
    • Eastern India contributes 60% (7.5 Gg) of black carbon emissions from secondary lighting sources.
    • Bihar alone emits over 3 Gg per year from kerosene lighting.
  • Impact of Festivals (Diwali):
    • Sesame oil lamps during Diwali contribute significant emissions (additional 3 Gg of black carbon in 2 days).
    • Emissions from Diwali lamps in top states (Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar).
    • Switching to wax-based lamps could reduce emissions by 90%.

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Key Government Initiatives to Reduce Black Carbon Emissions in India

  • Saubhagya Scheme: Helped reduce kerosene consumption by expanding access to electricity.
  • Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: LPG connections to women of Below Poverty Line families, helped to reduce Black carbon emission.
  • SATAT Scheme: Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT), has been launched to set up 5000 Compressed Biogas (CBG) production plants and make CBG available in the market for use.
  • FAME Scheme: Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) phase-2 scheme
  • National Clean Air Programme: Under the Programme, the government has revised its target to achieve a 40% reduction in particulate matter concentrations in the cities covered by the initiative by 2026, exceeding the previous goal of a 20-30% reduction by 2024.

Black Carbon

About Black Carbon

  • Black carbon is a short-lived climate pollutant, less than a week, but is highly potent.
  • It contributes to global warming and air pollution
  • Sources: Black carbon is emitted from a variety of sources, including: Vehicles, Non-road mobile machinery, Ships, Coal or wood burning stoves, Forest fires, Agricultural waste burning.
  • Though kerosene has a lower burn rate than biomass, the emissions factors of the former are higher than the latter.

Impacts of Black Carbon

  • Climate change
    • Black carbon is a major contributor to climate change, absorbing solar radiation and releasing heat into the atmosphere. 
    • It’s the second most important contributor to global warming, after carbon dioxide. 
    • Global warming potential: Black carbon’s 20-year potential is 700-4,000 times that of CO2
    • Black carbon emissions can also accelerate the melting of snow and ice, which can increase the impacts of global warming in the Arctic. 
  • Air pollution
    • Black carbon is a component of particulate matter (PM), which is the most harmful air pollutant to health. 
    • Black carbon particles are very fine and can enter the bloodstream and reach other organs. 
    • PM2.5, a type of fine particulate matter, can cause damage to the lungs, heart, and brain

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) informed that the upper stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C-37 (PSLV C-37 mission) re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere on October 6.

About PSLV-C37 Mission

  • Launched on February 15, 2017 with Cartosat-2D as the main payload along with another 103 satellites,
    • INS-1A, INS- 1B, Al-Farabi 1, BGUSAT, DIDO-2, Nayif 1, PEASS, 88 Flock-3p satellites, and 8 Lemur-2 satellites. 
  • 104 satellites: Highest number of satellites launched in a single flight so far

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Orbital Decay and Re-entry

PSLV-37 mission

  • After injecting satellites into orbit, the PS4 upper stage was left in a 470×494 km orbit.
  • Due to atmospheric drag, the orbit decayed, leading to re-entry.
  • Re-entry occurred in the North Atlantic Ocean, as predicted by both ISRO and US Space Command (USSPACECOM).

Compliance with International Guidelines

  • The re-entry was compliant with the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) guidelines, which recommend limiting post-mission orbital life of defunct objects in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) to 25 years.
  • ISRO reduced the residual orbital lifetime to 8 years through a passivation sequence.

Future Debris Mitigation Initiatives

  • ISRO is working to reduce the post-mission orbital lifetime of PSLV upper stages to less than 5 years using engine restarts.
  • Controlled re-entry is planned for future PSLV missions.
  • ISRO aims to achieve the “Debris Free Space Mission” (DFSM) by 2030 as part of its commitment to space sustainability.

About Debris-Free Space Missions (DFSM)

PSLV-37 mission

  • The Debris-Free Space Missions (DFSM) is an initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to make all Indian space missions debris-free by 2030. 
  • The initiative aims to ensure the sustainability of space by reducing the amount of space debris and preventing future collisions
  • The DFSM initiative includes: 
    • Avoiding debris generation: This includes avoiding debris during the operational life of satellites and launch vehicles, as well as during post-mission disposal. 
    • Avoiding on-orbit collisions: This includes using failure mode studies, redundant systems, and mission design with high reliability. 
    • Guidelines for space actors: 
      • This includes guidelines for all Indian space actors, both governmental and non-governmental,
      • It is on how to select clean orbits, budget fuel for post-mission disposals, and control trajectories during atmospheric re-entry. 

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Re-entry missions of ISRO

  • LVM3-M3
    • The LVM3-M3 rocket body was disposed of through natural orbital decay within two years of orbital injection. 
    • This complied with international guidelines and India’s Debris Free Space Missions (DFSM) initiative. 
  • Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE)
    • Launched on December 18, 2014, CARE was an experimental test vehicle for ISRO’s future orbital vehicle, Gaganyaan. 

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1 in 5 people will likely develop cancer in their lifetime.

Rising Global Cancer Burden: Inherited Risk and Future Projections

  • In 2022, there were 20 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million deaths due to cancer. By 2045, this is expected to increase to 32 million cases and 16 million deaths.
  • Asia is predicted to have almost half of the world’s cancer cases by 2045.
  • Inherited Cancer Risk:
    • About 10% of cancers are caused by genetic mutations passed down from parents.
    • These inherited mutations are more common in ovarian cancer (20%) and occur in about 10% of people with breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers.

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Genome Editing

Genome-editing

  • Genome editing refers to technologies that allow scientists to change an organism’s DNA. 
    • This involves adding, removing, or altering genetic material at specific points in the genome.
  • CRISPR-Cas9 Technology
    • CRISPR-Cas9 is a popular genome editing tool because it is faster, cheaper, more accurate, and more efficient than other methods.
    • It was adapted from a natural defence mechanism used by bacteria to fight viruses.
  • How does CRISPR-Cas9 Works?
    • Bacteria store viral DNA segments in their genome, forming CRISPR arrays. 
      • These arrays help them recognize and cut the DNA of attacking viruses using the Cas9 enzyme.
    • Scientists have adapted this process to target and edit specific DNA sequences in human cells using guide RNA and the Cas9 enzyme.
  • Applications in Disease Treatment
    • Genome editing is helpful to treat diseases like cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, and sickle cell disease.
    • It also holds promise for more complex conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and HIV.

Somatic vs. Germline Editing

  • Somatic Cells: Changes made to non-reproductive cells are not passed onto offspring.
  • Germline Cells: Editing of egg or sperm cells can result in inherited changes.

Ethical Concerns

  • Most genome editing affects somatic cells (non-reproductive cells), meaning changes aren’t passed to future generations.
  • Editing germline cells (egg or sperm) raises ethical concerns since these changes could be inherited.
    • Currently, germline editing is illegal in many countries due to safety and ethical issues, especially regarding enhancing human traits like intelligence or height.

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About Hereditary Cancer Syndromes

  • Hereditary cancer syndromes are genetic disorders where mutations in one or more inherited genes increase the risk of developing cancer. 
    • These mutations can also cause cancer to develop at an earlier age.
  • Key Features
    • Individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes have a higher lifetime risk of cancer. 
    • They may also develop multiple independent cancers in their lifetime.
  • Causes
    • Most of these syndromes are caused by mutations in tumor suppressor genes, which normally protect cells from becoming cancerous. 
      • Other affected genes include those responsible for DNA repair, oncogenes (genes that promote cancer growth), and angiogenesis (the formation of blood vessels).
  • Common Syndromes
    • Examples include Hereditary Breast-Ovarian Cancer Syndrome and Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colon Cancer).

BRCA Genes

  • The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, discovered in the mid-1990s.
  • These are important for understanding hereditary cancer, particularly breast and ovarian cancers.
  • BRCA and Cancer Risks
    • Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase the risk of breast, ovarian, and fallopian tube cancers in women, as well as prostate and breast cancer in men.
    • These mutations are also linked to a higher risk of cancers like pancreatic, colorectal, and uterine cancers.
  • Prevalence of BRCA Mutations
    • BRCA mutations occur in about 1 in 400 people. 
    • However, certain groups, like Ashkenazi Jews, have a much higher prevalence of 1 in 40 individuals.

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Importance of Genetic Testing and Treatment

  • Genetic Testing for BRCA Mutations
    • Testing for BRCA mutations is important as it helps identify people at higher risk for cancer. 
      • This allows for personalised prevention strategies, such as regular screening or preventive surgeries.
  • Targeted Therapies for BRCA Mutations
    • Treatments like PARP inhibitors have shown promise in treating cancers caused by BRCA mutations. 

According to a new study published in the ‘International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition’, Consumption of ultra-processed and fast foods is the leading cause of diabetes in India.

Key Findings From The Study 

  • India and Diabetes: India has the highest number of diabetes cases globally, with 101 million individuals affected.
    • The International Diabetics Federations ‘India Diabetes Report 2000-2045’ called India the “Diabetes capital of the world’. 
    • Diabetes prevalence has reached 9.3 per cent of the adult population, contributing to an economic burden of $8.7 billion annually. 

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Diabetes

  • About: Diabetes is a Non-Communicable chronic disease where the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
    • Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose levels.
  • Types of Diabetes:
    • Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmunity/antibodies attack the pancreas leading to destruction of insulin- producing beta cells.
      • This causes insufficient insulin production.
      • Requires daily insulin administration.
      • The exact cause is unknown, and there are no known preventive measures.
    • Type 2 Diabetes: Caused by a combination of resistance to insulin and insulin deficiency.
      • The body becomes unable to use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar if untreated.
      • It is often preventable.
      • Contributing factors include being overweight, lack of exercise, and genetics.

  • Diet Rich in AGEs Linked to Diabetes Risk: A diet high in Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), common in ultra-processed and fast foods, is identified as a leading cause of diabetes in India.
  • The Study recommends the following Diet: 
    • A low-AGE diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk) reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, and helps prevent cell damage, lowering the risk of diabetes compared to high-AGE diets (fried and roasted foods).
    • Consuming more boiled and steamed foods, as well as green leafy non-starchy vegetables, fruits.
    • Avoiding fried, bakery, and sugary foods to reduce the risk of diabetes.

  • Ultra-Processed Foods: Ultra-processed foods are industrially manufactured products that contain few whole ingredients and are typically high in added sugars, salts, fats, and artificial additives. 
  • They are designed for convenience and have a long shelf life. They are often nutritionally poor choices. Examples: Processed Meats, Packaged Snacks, Drinks etc.

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  • Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)
    • AGEs are harmful compounds formed during high-temperature cooking (frying, grilling, roasting). They trigger inflammation, a major factor behind the onset of diabetes.
      • For Example: Processed Plant based foods and animal proteins that undergo high temperature cooking are more prone to form AGE’s. 
    • Glycation, a non-enzymatic chemical process where sugar binds to fats or proteins, plays a role in this harmful reaction in the body.

Initiatives Taken In India To Reduce Diabetes Burden

  • National Diabetes Policy: Launched in 2017, the policy aims to decrease the prevalence of diabetes in India by 20% by 2025.

Learning from Other Countries: India can learn from countries like:

  • Mexico introduced a Sugar tax on sugary drinks.
  • Japan Metabo Law mandates annual waistline measurements for adults over 40, followed by counselling for those at risk, contributing to reduced obesity rates. and 
  • Denmark has implemented policies to reduce saturated fat consumption.

  • National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD): Under NP-NCD, glucometer and drugs for diabetes are provided as per the proposals received from the states.
  • Population based screening under National Health Mission: Aims to prevent, control, and screen for common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and cancers.
    • The initiative specifically targets individuals over 30 years of age for screening.
  • Eat Right India: The ‘Eat Right India’ movement was initiated by FSSAI under the aegis of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to curb consumption of sugar, salt and fat.
  • Others: Fit India and Khleo India movements are implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and various Yoga related activities are carried out by the Ministry of AYUSH.
    • Quality generic medicines including insulin are made available at affordable prices to all, under ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), in collaboration with the State Governments.

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Conclusion

With diabetes cases continuing to rise at alarming rates, understanding the role that AGEs play in the diet is essential for curbing this health crisis

  • Encouraging healthier cooking methods and reducing the consumption of processed foods could significantly reduce the nation’s diabetes burden.

World Health Organisation (WHO)

World Health Organisation (WHO)

Context: India, the sixth largest global contributor of core funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO), has now committed to give more than $300 million for the organisation’s core programme of work from 2025 to 2028.

About World Health Organisation (WHO):

  • Specialised agency of the United Nations, responsible for International public health
  • Founded in: 1948
  • Headquartered: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Membership: 194 member states.
  • World Health Assembly (WHA): Highest decision-making body of WHO
    • Comprises representatives from all member States. 
    • WHA Appoints:  Director-general every five years and votes on matters of policy and finance of WHO, including the proposed budget.
  • Secretariat: Responsible for carrying out the policies and programs approved by the WHA.
  • Regional Offices: Six regional offices
    • Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Pacific
  • Meetings: Meets annually to set policies, approve the budget and elect the Director-General.
  • Funding mechanism: Two Main Sources: 
    • Assessed contributions: Dues countries pay in order to be a member of the Organization.
    • Voluntary contributions: From Member States (in addition to their assessed contribution) or from other partners like United Nations organisations, intergovernmental organisations, philanthropic foundations, the private sector etc.
  • Between April 2022 and April 2023: Assessed contributions totalled $956.9 million (12.1 per cent of total revenue to date)
    • Voluntary contributions totalled $6.92 billion (87.5 percent of total revenue to date), and “Other revenue” totalled $28.1 million (0.4 percent)

Fattah 2

Fattah 2

Context: Iran used hypersonic missiles like the Fattah-2 in the ongoing conflict with Israel.

Key Features of Fattah 2:

  • It is equipped with a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) warhead, which allows the missile to manoeuvre and glide at speeds between Mach 5 and 20.
  • Fattah-2 boasts a range of 1,500 km, only slightly more than its predecessor, the Fattah-I.
  • The missile can accelerate outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
  • Its aerodynamic control surfaces allow for steering within the atmosphere.

ISRO Third Launch Pad 

ISRO Third Launch Pad

Context: The proposal for the third launch pad at Sriharikota has received approval from the National Space Commission.

Need for a new Launch Pad:

  • To ensure redundancy and accommodate the New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)
  • The Launch pad will feature horizontal integration and tilting, unlike the traditional vertical launches.
  • Currently, the second launch pad is the only one capable of handling larger vehicles like GSLV and LVM-3, but there is no backup if it becomes inoperable.
  • The first launch pad was initially designed for PSLV and cannot support cryogenic stages, limiting its use for newer vehicles.
  • NGLV is being developed to meet future demands, with a goal of launching 20-tonne payloads to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), compared to the current 9.2 tonnes with LVM-3.

Academic Freedom Index

Context: India’s Academic Freedom score dropped from 0.6 points in 2013 to 0.2 points in 2023, marking its lowest score since the mid-1940s.

About the Academic Freedom Index:

  • The Academic Freedom Index is part of the “Free to Think 2024” report by the Scholars at Risk (SAR) Academic Freedom Monitoring Project.
  • SAR is a network of 665 universities globally, including Columbia University, Duke University, and New York University.

Key Findings About India

  • India is now ranked as “completely restricted” in terms of academic freedom, according to the index.
  • Restrictions on student protests have been imposed by universities:
    • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) banned protests near academic buildings.
    • South Asian University (SAU) prohibited student protests on campus entirely.
  • The Union government is also involved in disputes with State governments over control of higher education.
    • Example: In Kerala, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan clashed with the State over a legislative amendment to remove him as Chancellor of universities.

 

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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