Daily Handouts - Prelims, Mains, Interviews

8th October, 2020

Daily Handouts

|1|

www.elearn.laex.in DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS_8th October 2020 www.laexias.com

Handout No.374

INDEX

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS_8th October 2020

1. TNA NOTES (1) Title: Makers Of Gene ‘Scissors’ Win Chemistry Nobel (The Hindu) & Nobel For Scissors To Edit

Gene (Indian Express) .............................................................................................................. 1 (i) About gene Editing:.......................................................................................................... 1 (ii) Process ............................................................................................................................ 1 (iii) CRISPR Cas9 ............................................................................................................................... 1 (iv) Applications ............................................................................................................................... 1 (2) Title: India, Japan Finalise Text of Pact for Ai, 5g (The Hindu) & India, Japan Close To Cyber Security

Deal, Call For Robust Digital Ecosystem (Indian Express) ................................................................... 2 (i) Highlights of the Agreement ...................................................................................................... 2 (ii) How this agreement will benefit India? ..................................................................................... 2 (3) Title: Cabinet Nod For Reforms In Natural Gas Marketing (The Hindu) &

Cabinet Approves E-Bidding Platform Fornaturalgas Pricing ............................................................. 2 (i) What is the objective behind this reform? ................................................................................ 2 (ii) Expected outcomes: .................................................................................................................. 2 (4) Title: Pvt Banks Sanction More Than Psbs For 1st Time Since Launch Of Scheme (Indian Express) (i) Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) ................................................................... 3 (ii) Eligibility .................................................................................................................................... 3 (iii) Guarantee ................................................................................................................................. 3 (5) Title: Sc: Public Places Cannot Be Occupied Indefinitely (The Hindu)

Shaheen Bagh Case: Public Spaces Cannot Be Occupied Indefinitely, Says Sc (Indian Express).......... 3 (i) Constitutional Provisions in news .............................................................................................. 4

2. DEEP NOTES (EDITORIAL)

(1) Using facts to hide underlying truths ................................................................................................. 4 (2) Playing catch up in the flood fore casting technology UPSC Syllabus: (GS3: Disaster Management) ........ 4 (3) Four for one ....................................................................................................................................... 4 (4) Gig workers and its skewed terms ..................................................................................................... 4

3. PIB NOTES (1) Title: Cabinet approves Ratification of seven Persistent Organic Pollutants listed under Stockholm

Convention and delegate its powers for future ratifications for streamlining the procedure. ........... 4 (i) Impact on health ....................................................................................................................... 5 (2) Title: Cabinet approves ‘Natural Gas Marketing Reforms’ ................................................................. 5 (i) Benefits ..................................................................................................................................... 6 (3) Title: Skilling, re-skilling, up-skilling and industry-connect skilling necessary for achieving the vision of

USD 5 trillion economy and a self-reliant India, says Dr.Mahendra Nath Pandey. ............................. 6

4. DAILY MAINS QUESTION (Current Affairs and Subject) .................................................... 6

http://www.elearn.laex.in

http://www.laexias.com

|1|


Handout No.374 TNA NOTES

1. Title: Makers Of Gene ‘Scissors’ Win Chemistry Nobel (The Hindu) & Nobel For Scissors To Edit Gene (Indian Express)

Issue: Nobel for Chemistry Dimension: Recognition for work on gene editing Syllabus: GS3 – Subject: Science & Technology,

Topic: Biochemistry, Subtopic: Discoveries & innovations

Article relevance for UPSC: Prelims: Learn about gene editing and CRISPR technology

Mains:---------------------------------------------------- Context : Two female scientists were awarded

with Nobel for discovering CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors, which can be used for changing DNA of living things.

About gene Editing: It is the alteration of a selected DNA sequence in a living cell by the way of making specific changes to the DNA of a cell or organism.

Gene editing can help avoid heritable diseases by deleting or changing troublesome coding in embryos.

It works by using "molecular scissors" to alter a very specific strand of DNA - cutting it out, replacing it or tweaking it.

Process: It involves making cuts at specific DNA sequences

with enzymes called ‘engineered nucleases’ and when this is repaired by the cell a change or ‘edit’ is made to the sequence.

After the DNA has been cut, a modified piece of DNA similar in sequence to the site of the cut is introduced by the enzyme named DNA ligase enzyme.

The cell uses the modified piece of DNA as the template to repair the break with a copy of the new DNA.

CRISPR Cas9: CRISPR = ‘Clustered Regularly Inter-Spaced

Palindromic Repeats’ It is a tool used for gene editing. How it works? 1. An RNA molecule is programmed to locate the

specific area in the genetic sequence (DNA strand) which has been diagnosed to be the cause of the problem.

2. A special protein called Cas9 (genetic scissors), Cuts out the problematic sequence

3. Replaces the original sequence with a new and correct sequence so that it no longer causes a problem

4. To edit a gene, researchers specially design a small DNA template. When the cell repairs the cut, it will use this DNA template. This will change the codes in the genome.

Cas9 = CRISPR-associated protein 9 Cas9 is the nuclease part that cuts the targeted

DNA. As the entire process is programmable, it has

remarkable efficiency Applications: Genetic sequences of disease-causing organisms

can be altered to make them ineffective. Genetic mutations causing cancers can be fixed. Genes of plants can be edited to make them

withstand pests or improve their tolerance to drought or temperature.

It can multiply agricultural production It can produce “designer babies” which can ensure

the born baby will not be infected with HIV from the mother and this special trait will then be inherited by subsequent generations as well.



|2|


Handout No.374 As of now, there are no international rules and

guidelines for the usage of CRISPR technology. Let’s check the previous year question on this topic What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news? [UPSC 2019] a) Molecular scissors used in targeted gene

editing b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of

pathogens in patients c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in

genetically modified crops Answer: A

2. Title: India, Japan Finalise Text of Pact for Ai, 5g (The Hindu) & India, Japan Close To Cyber Security Deal, Call For Robust Digital Ecosystem (Indian Express)

Issue: Cyber-Security Agreement Dimension: Syllabus: GS2 – Subject: International Relations,

Topic: Bilateral Relations, Subtopic: India-Japan GS3 – Subject: Science & Technology, Topic:

Information Technology Article relevance for UPSC: Prelims: Learn about

Artificial Intelligence, 5G technology, IOT Mains: Increasing dependence on digital technology Context: India and Japan have finalised a landmark

cyber-security agreement. o Highlights of the Agreement: The agreement

promotes cooperation in capacity building, research and development, security, and resilience in the areas of Critical Information Infrastructure, 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) etc…

o How this agreement will benefit India? Recently India banned over 100 mobile apps with

Chinese links in the backdrop of the border dispute in eastern Ladakh citing concerns over cyberattacks from China.

It will draw the attention of the stakeholders in the Indian 5G sector as it gets ready to open for international operators.

o *Note: To learn about the topic already covered,

Artificial Intelligence, refer to 6th October La Ex Daily handout

Internet of things, refer to 13th July, La Ex Daily handout

5G technology, refer to 15th July, La Ex Daily handout

3. Title: Cabinet Nod For Reforms In Natural Gas Marketing (The Hindu) & Cabinet Approves E-Bidding Platform Fornaturalgas Pricing

Issue: Natural Gas Marketing Reforms Dimension: Reforms to push its usage Syllabus: GS3 – Subject: Economy, Topic:

Infrastructure, Subtopic: Energy Article relevance for UPSC: Prelims: Learn natural

gas availability, its components, and pollutants out of it

Mains: Potential of Natural Gas in making India a gas-based economy

o Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister of India, approved a standard e-bidding procedure to discover the price of natural gas.

Highlights: What is the objective behind this reform?

o To conduct transparent and open bidding for price discovery of natural gas.

o To attract investors which is very much needed to become Self-Reliant (Atma Nirbhar)

It gave complete marketing freedom for natural gas produced from non-regulated fields, including sale to affiliate companies.

Affiliate companies will be allowed to participate in the bidding process.

Expected outcomes: o It will facilitate and promote more competition in

marketing of gas. o This standardised e-bidding will bring in

transparency in the price of Natural Gas in the country.

o It will add strength to the efforts of making India a gas-based economy



|3|


Handout No.374 o It will increase domestic gas production by an

additional 40 mmscmd from the current 80 mmscmd (Million Metric Standard Cubic Meter Per Day) and reduce the dependency on imports.

o It will bring uniformity, avoid ambiguity, and promote ease of doing business.

o It will create jobs in gas consuming sectors 4. Title: Pvt Banks Sanction More Than Psbs For 1st

Time Since Launch Of Scheme (Indian Express) Issue: ECLG Scheme Dimension: Performance of private banks in

implementation Syllabus: GS3 – Subject: Economy, Topic: Banking Article relevance for UPSC: Prelims: Learn about

ECLG Scheme Mains:------------------------------------------------ Highlights: Since the launch of the scheme, of the

total allocation, private banks sanctioned more loans compared to public sector banks.

Schemes in news: Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS)

This scheme has been formulated as a specific response to the unprecedented situation caused by COVID-19 and the consequent lockdown which has severely impacted manufacturing and other activities in the MSME sector.

Aim: mitigating the economic distress being faced by MSMEs

Features: Providing them additional funding of up to Rs. 3 lakh crores in the form of a fully guaranteed emergency credit line.

Eligibility: MSMEs must have an annual turnover up to �100

crore, with outstanding loans of up to �25 crore as on February 29, 2020.

They can get up to 20% fresh loans of their entire outstanding credit.

Guarantee: National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) will provide 100% guarantee against losses on loans advanced to eligible MSMEs and MUDRA borrowers.

Duration: The loan will be provided for four years with a moratorium of one year on the principal amount.

Interest Rates: The Interest rates under the Scheme are capped at 9.25% for banks and financial institutions and at 14% for non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

5. Title: Sc: Public Places Cannot Be Occupied Indefinitely (The Hindu) & Shaheen Bagh Case: Public Spaces Cannot Be Occupied Indefinitely, Says Sc (Indian Express)

Issue: Right to Protest Dimension: Restrictions over its usage Syllabus: GS2 – Subject: Polity, Topic: Fundamental

Rights Article relevance for UPSC: Prelims: Learn about

the Rights under Article 19 Mains: Tolerance of dissent in democracy Context: The Supreme Court said the indefinite

occupation of a public road by the Shaheen Bagh protesters unacceptable.

Highlights: The judgment upheld the right to peaceful protestagainst a law

It also made clear that public ways and public spaces cannot be occupied, especially indefinitely.

The court said, o the rights to free speech and peaceful protest were

“treasures” but also subject to reasonable restrictions imposed in the interests of sovereignty, integrity, and public order.

o the right of the protester must be balanced with the right of the commuter. They must co-exist in mutual respect.

o It was entirely the responsibility of the

administration to prevent encroachments in public spaces.



|4|


Handout No.374 Constitutional Provisions in news: The Right to

protest peacefully is enshrined in Article 19 o Article 19 (1) (a) guarantees the freedom of speech

and expression o Article 19(1) (b) assures citizens the right to

assemble peaceably and without arms.

DEEP NOTES 1. Using facts to hide underlying truths UPSC Syllabus: (GS1: Indian Society) Highlights: Lies alone will not decide people. Well structured,

articulated truths can also convey a different meaning to the people. It can happen in the following ways

Lesser truth can be highlighted to obfuscate the major truth

Generalised statements that sound universal truths can undermine specifics and decimate the necessary reaction.

In recent rape incident in UP, A woman was dead and it is painful is an obfuscation of major truth. She is been killed and her gender, social identity played role are the specifics that are hidden in the above truth.

Crimes happened on individuals due to their identity shall form a different class of crimes. They can slip the order very quickly and can evolve in to mass killings.

2. Playing catch up in the flood fore casting technology UPSC Syllabus: (GS3: Disaster Management)

Highlights: In India, flood forecasting and weather forecasting

are carried by central water commission and IMD respectively. Immediate, Accurate communication between them can increase the lead time for ground workers to act and save lives.

So, India shall shift from deterministic way of assessing forecasts to ensemble weather and flood forecast models.

In deterministic forecasts, levels of water rising and falling are informed to ground staff. In ensemble model, how much is expected to rise, what areas ca

be inundated by what time - every information comes to ground staff. Ensemble weather and flood forecast models are used in USA, EU and Japan.

3. Four for one UPSC Syllabus (GS2: International Relations) Highlights: Quad foreign affairs meeting completed in Tokyo,

Japan USA stressed on Anti china Narrative of Quad. It

projects Quad is essential a democratic, free market force to fight authoritarian China. It has military overtones.

Other three members want to calibrate Quad for mutual cooperation rather than being showcased as an instrument to contain china.

Australia and Japan are part of alliance of USA. India believes in strategic autonomy.

The success of Quad lies in making sure that it is not dominated by the interests of USA.

4. Gig workers and its skewed terms UPSC Syllabus: (GS3: Economy) Highlights: Gig workers are acknowledged as a new

occupational category. This can bring them special social security benefits but not labour rights.

Traditionally labour rights revolve around factory, wage relations. But, gig workers are semi autonomous who do not have a fixed employment, security of job.

As their rights are not recognised, they do not have access to labour courts and Justice.

PIB NOTES 1. Title: Cabinet approves Ratification of seven

Persistent Organic Pollutants listed under Stockholm Convention and delegate its powers for future ratifications for streamlining the procedure.

Issue: Persistent Organic pollutants Dimension: Stockholm Convention Syllabus: GS3- Conservation, Environmental

Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Context: Cabinet approved ratification of 7 chemicals listed under Stockholm convention



|5|


Handout No.374 Highlights:

Union Cabinet approved the Ratification of seven (7) chemicals listed under Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

The Cabinet further delegated its powers to ratify chemicals under the Stockholm Convention to Union Ministers of External Affairs (MEA) and Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MEFCC) in respect of POPs already regulated under the domestic regulations thereby streamlining the procedure.

The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and environment from POPs, which are identified chemical substances that persist in the environment, bio-accumulate in living organisms, adversely affect human health/ environment and have the property of long-range environmental transport (LRET).

Impact on health: Exposure to POPs can lead to cancer, damage

to central & peripheral nervous systems, diseases of immune system, reproductive disorders and interference with normal infant and child development.

POPs are listed in various Annexes to the Stockholm Convention after thorough scientific research, deliberations and negotiations among member countries.

India had ratified the Stockholm Convention Considering its commitment towards providing

safe environment and addressing human health risks, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had notified the 'Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, on March 5, 2018 under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

The regulation inter alia prohibited the manufacture, trade, use, import and export

seven chemicals namely (i) Chlordecone, (ii) Hexa bromobiphenyl, (iii) Hexa bromodiphenyl ether and Hepta bromodi phenylether (Commercial octa-BDE), (iv) Tetra bromodi phenyl ether and Penta bromodi phenyl ether (Commercial penta-BDE), (v) Penta chloro benzene, (vi) Hexa bromo cyclododecane, and (vii) Hexa chlorobutadiene, which were already listed as POPs under Stockholm Convention.

Essence These pollutants damage the environment and health of living organisms.

2. Title: Cabinet approves ‘Natural Gas Marketing

Reforms’

Issue: Energy resources

Dimension: Gas reforms

Syllabus: GS2: Government Policies and

Interventions for Development in various sectors

and Issues arising out of their Design and

Implementation.

Context: CCEA approved natural Gas marketing

reforms

Highlights:

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs

approved ‘Natural Gas Marketing Reforms’,

taking another significant step to move

towards gas based economy.

The policy aims to provide standard procedure

for sale of natural gas in a transparent and

competitive manner to discover market price

by issuing guidelines for sale by contractor

through e-bidding.

This will bring uniformity in the bidding process

across the various contractual regimes and

policies to avoid ambiguity and contribute

towards ease of doing business.

These reforms will build on a series of

transformative reforms rolled out by the

Government in last several years.



|6|


Handout No.374 Benefits: o The whole eco-system of policies relating to

production, infrastructure and marketing of natural gas has been made more transparent

with a focus on ease of doing business.

o Increase investments in the domestic production of natural gas

o Reducing import dependence.

o Moving towards a gas based economy

o Employment opportunities in the gas consuming sectors including MSMEs.

o Increasing investment in the downstream

industries such as City Gas Distribution and

related industries. o The Government has taken transformative

reforms in the upstream sector with a view to

make investment easier focusing on ease of

doing business. o The Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP)

which is investor driven acreage auction

process, has increased substantial acreages in the country. No blocks were allocated between

2010 and 2017 which has impacted the long

term viability of the domestic production.

Since 2017 more than 1.6 lakh sq.km area under 105 exploration blocks have been

allocated.

o This will ensure sustainability of the domestic

production in long run. 3. Title: Skilling, re-skilling, up-skilling and industry-

connect skilling necessary for achieving the vision

of USD 5 trillion economy and a self-reliant India,

says Dr.Mahendra Nath Pandey. Issue: Atmanirbharbharat

Dimension: Skill development

Syllabus: GS2: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors

and Issues arising out of their Design and

Implementation.

Context: Minister of Skill development conversation at PHD Chamber on its 115th Annual Session Highlights: Minister of Skill Development &

Entrepreneurship, opined for skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling, skill training centres, industry connect skilling and industry demand skilling are important for achieving the vision of a USD 5 trillion economy and making India self-reliant.

He also mentioned about the importance of Atmanirbhar Skilled Employee Employer Mapping (ASEEM), a database to bridge the gap of demand and supply of skilled workforce across the sectors.

With a vision to make India Skill capital of the world, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has worked towards making more than 5 crore people skilled in the country since 2014-15.

Essence: Skill development is key for achieving 5 trillion GDP target and becoming Self-reliant.

DAILY MAINS QUESTION 1. Success of Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative hinges

upon Skill India. Examine Approach: 1. Briefly write about Atmanirbhar Bharat. 2. Write the challenges associatedwith respect to

lack of skills. 3. Write about the prospect of integrating Make in

India with Skill India. 4. Give an optimistic conclusion. Static Question: 1. Border management is a complex task due to

difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. (150 Words, 10 Marks)

Syllabus : GS3 Subject : Internal Security Topic : Border Management.



Daily Handouts - Prelims, Mains, Interviews

Documents

Transcript of Daily Handouts - Prelims, Mains, Interviews