31 May 2024

• GS 3 : Science and Tech

Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian space startup, successfully launched its sub-orbital test vehicle, Agnibaan SOrTeD.

Significance:

• First in India: Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator) is powered by the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine (Agnilet).
• Second private launch: This is the 2nd launch by a private Indian space startup after Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-S launch in November 2022. This demonstrates the growing capability of the private space sector in India.
• Private launchpad: The launch took place from Agnikul's own private launchpad at Sriharikota, a first for a private company.
• Semi-cryogenic engine: The rocket uses a semi-cryogenic engine, a technology that uses sub-cooled oxygen as fuel.

Impact:

• Lower costs: 3D printing technology could significantly reduce launch costs and assembly time.
• Affordable access to space: Agnikul aims to offer affordable launch services for small satellites, opening up new possibilities for research, communication, and other applications.
• Technological advancement: The successful launch demonstrates India's growing expertise in space technology and innovation.

Organisations Involved:

• Agnikul Cosmos (IIT Madras-incubated startup)
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre)

GS 2 – Social Justice : Health

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• IBD is a chronic autoimmune condition where the white blood cells or the body’s soldiers mistakenly identify cells in the human gut as their enemy and decide to attack it, causing ulcers in the mucosa.
• As a result children may develop fever, abdominal pain, loose stools and at times bloody diarrhoea.

• These children may not absorb macro and micronutrients and hence lose weight, muscle mass, become anaemic and may have vitamin deficiencies.
• There are two types of IBD — Ulcerative colitis which affects only the large bowel and Crohn’s disease which can affect any part of the gut from mouth to anus.
• Sometimes when we find it difficult to distinguish between these two conditions, we label it Indeterminate Colitis for a while until it evolves into one of the above conditions.

The treatment and cure

• IBD - Crohn’s disease can be treated with very effective medications that control the inflammation and suppress the dysregulated and overactive immune system.
• These medications include steroids and a new class of drugs called biologics.
• But it is also possible to control the inflammation in the gut and heal ulcers in some children with the milder variety of Crohn’ disease; without drugs using ‘exclusive enteral nutrition’.
• Once the inflammation or acute flare up of the disease is under control, doctors aim to keep the disease under control (remission) for several years using milder immunosuppressant drugs and a special Crohn’s disease exclusion diet (CDED).
• IBD – Ulcerative colitis is also treated similarly, though another group of drugs called ‘aminosalicylates’ are used to treat milder forms of Ulcerative colitis.
• Exclusive Enteral Nutrition has not been found to be useful in treating Ulcerative Colitis.
• Both forms of IBD are often chronic and need several years of medical therapy.
• A small minority of children who have remained in very good control (remission) for several years continue to do well even after stopping medications.
• The larger majority of children seem to need medications to keep the disease in remission.
• Further a small proportion of children who have uncontrolled inflammation develop complications needing surgery.

Conclusion

• IBD has protean clinical manifestations ranging from a simple anaemia and failure to gain weight to fever, abdominal pain and loose stools that is why it is often mistaken with tuberculosis.
• There is hence a need for increased awareness of this condition, both among the general public and medical community.

GS 2: Indian Polity : Representation Of People's Act

Introduction:

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) faces scrutiny over its enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the Lok Sabha elections.
• Critics question the effectiveness of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and advocate for legal provisions to strengthen its implementation, sparking debates on electoral regulations and the role of the ECI.

Opinions on the Need for Legal Teeth in MCC

• One perspective suggests that legal enforceability is unnecessary as the ECI possesses significant powers under Article 324 of the Constitution to ensure fair elections.
• Legal teeth could lead to prolonged legal battles, delaying the electoral process, and disrupting the political landscape.
• The ECI’s powers are not unlimited; they must operate within the framework of the Constitution and existing laws.

Challenges and Limitations of MCC Enforcement

• While the MCC aims to maintain a level playing field, it is merely a code without legal authority for swift action against violators.
• Violations are often met with limited consequences, such as temporary bans on campaigning, but lack broader punitive measures.

Suggestions for Strengthening MCC Enforcement

• Critics argue that fear of legal repercussions could deter parties and candidates from violating the MCC.
• The Election Symbols Order provides some authority to the ECI to derecognize or suspend parties for serious violations, but its application is limited.

Debate on ECI’s Effectiveness and Level Playing Field

• There is ongoing debate on whether the ECI effectively ensures a level playing field, especially regarding senior political leaders’ violations.
• Uniform application of MCC regulations regardless of political stature remains a subject of scrutiny and discussion.
• The influence of social media in campaigning raises concerns about regulation to address hate speech and misinformation.

Need for Regulation of Social Media

• While social media serves as a significant communication tool, it lacks regulation, allowing the spread of misinformation.
• There is a call for healthy regulation of social platforms to curb hate speech and fake news while acknowledging their importance in disseminating information.

Conclusion

• Reviewing the MCC’s content and enhancing social media regulation are crucial steps to address electoral challenges.
• Despite criticism, the ECI operates within legal constraints and relies on existing powers to enforce election regulations effectively.
• Collaborative efforts involving stakeholders are necessary to navigate the complexities of modern campaigning and ensure free and fair elections. 

GS2 : Social Justice – Health

• The news discusses the multifaceted impact of tobacco in India, covering health risks, environmental degradation, legislative measures, and industry lobbying.
• It explores challenges in tobacco control efforts and proposes solutions to address the health, economic, and environmental consequences of tobacco use in the country.

Everything You Need To Know AboutTobacco’s Impact on Health and Environment

• Tobacco is a leading cause of disease and death globally, affecting both consumers and cultivators.
• India, with nearly 26 crore tobacco consumers, faces significant health and economic burdens due to tobacco use.
• The environmental impact of tobacco includes soil erosion, deforestation, and substantial waste generation.

Tobacco Use in India: Trends and Challenges

• Surveys like Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), and National Family Health Survey (NFHS) track tobacco use trends in India, showing a decrease overall except among women.
• Despite existing laws like Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and initiatives like National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), tobacco control measures face challenges in implementation.
• Smokeless tobacco products and surrogate advertisements evade regulations, undermining control efforts.

Proposed Solutions and Legislative Hurdles

• Proposed amendments to Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) aim to strengthen regulations on advertisements and licensing but have not been passed.
• The effectiveness of National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) is questioned due to staffing and resource issues.
• Tax measures on tobacco products remain low, contributing to affordability and tax evasion concerns.

Role of E-cigarettes and Industry Lobbying

• Despite the ban on e-cigarettes, they pose a significant public health challenge, with high usage rates reported.
• Lobbying by the tobacco industry influences policy decisions, including tax exemptions and government affiliations.
• India’s tobacco interference index score indicates increased industry influence on governance since 2021.

Path Forward: Strengthening Regulations and Alternatives

• Strengthening implementation of existing laws like COTPA and PECA is essential to control tobacco use.
• Taxation on tobacco products needs to align with FCTC recommendations to deter consumption and curb tax evasion.
• Supporting tobacco farmers in transitioning to alternative crops can mitigate economic losses while reducing tobacco cultivation’s environmental impact.