ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE & TECH

CURRENT AFFAIRS AND DOWN TO EARTH

(DECEMBER 2020)

Note: Please open the recorded link using Google Chrome.

S. No. TOPICS Page No.

01. The Threat Posed By Avian Influenza 2-5

02. The Sustained Fight Against Trans Fats 6-7

03. National Mission On Quantum

Technology And Applications (Nm-Qta)

8-9

04. Incois Launches ‘Digital Ocean’ 10-10

05. 40th Indian Scientific Expedition To

Antarctica (Isea) Launched

11-12

06. Objective Type Questions 13-14

07. Subjective Type Question 15-15

CONTENT

1. THE THREAT POSED BY AVIAN INFLUENZA Context ● The states of Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana,

Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh have in recent weeks reported the outbreak of Avian influenza.

Details ● Avian influenza is popularly referred to as bird flu. ● The reports of unusual deaths of a large number of birds, including wild ones,

started coming in from many States, indicating that the virus is being actively transmitted among various bird groups.

● The reports have suggested that two virus types are responsible for the outbreaks H5N1 and H5N8.

How serious is avian flu for bird health? ● Avian Influenza (AI) is a

highly contagious viral disease, affecting a large variety of birds, including those known for human consumption such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, quails, as well as pet birds and wild birds.

● The World Organization for Animal Health, which collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is of the view that HPAI virus strains H5N1, H5N2, H5N8, H7N8 have been identified in outbreaks, indicating active circulation. Infection histories point to H5N1 and H7N9 viruses posing a threat to human health as well.

● According to FAO, wild birds act as a natural reservoir of AI viruses. Their migratory movement could enable transmission of pathogens to poultry, waterfowl and other domestic birds through contact.

● HPAI produces severe clinical signs of disease in birds, causing a high degree of mortality and economic loss.

● The response to an outbreak is a containment strategy, which is primarily centred around removing the diseased birds through culling.

● Such mass destruction causes a severe impact on farmers.

Economic impact of bird flu? ● As per the rough estimates of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare,

India‘s poultry sector is worth ₹ 80,000 crores, with the organised sector representing 80%, and the rest is distributed among unorganised sectors, including backyard poultry-keeping which is crucial for income and nutritional security.

● Avian flu is seen as a threat to the further growth of the sector as a whole. ● India has a base of over 729 million poultry birds, of which 30% are layers and

40% are broilers, according to the National Action Plan for Egg and Poultry 2022. ● A serious outbreak of HPAI, as was witnessed during 2005-06 in some States, can

be catastrophic. During that year, official data put the number of culled birds at over one million.

● In later years, bird flu surfaced in several States, such as Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Bihar, and Kerala, leading to the destruction of millions of birds.

Does bird flu pose a threat to human beings? ● The WHO studies do not categorically rule out human infection of virus subtypes

H5N1, H7N9 and H9N2. ● There is recent evidence of a one-year-old being tested positive for H5N1 in Lao

PDR, believed to have been acquired from backyard birds kept by the family. ● Human cases of H5N1 avian influenza occur occasionally, but it is difficult to

transmit the infection from person to person. When people do become infected, the mortality rate is approximated to 60%.

● The WHO records since 2003 reveal that there have been 862 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with H5N1, and 455 deaths have been reported from 17 countries.

● On the H5N8 strain, the consensus is that human infection cannot be ruled out, although the percentage of infection is low.

● However, H5N6 infection, of a related clade (a descendant type) has occurred among humans, the WHO says.

● One case of the H9N2 strain, in a three-year old girl, was reported last October from Guangdong, China. It was mildly symptomatic and was detected during routine surveillance for Influenza-like illness.

● AI viruses in poultry have a public health dimension because they cause severe disease in humans and possess the ability to mutate to increase transmissibility among humans.

● This calls for pandemic preparedness. Human-to-human transmission is believed to have taken place in some instances as a result of close or prolonged contact, but ―there has been no sustained human-to-human transmission identified‖.

Why does bird flu recur? Did the major outbreaks not help form strategies? ● The eradication of the Avian Influenza is virtually impossible as the viruses seek

refuge in a number of aquatic birds. ● The local bird-keeping conditions have been cited as the reason behind repeated

outbreaks.

● The magnitude of the 2006 outbreak in Asia brought in much needed focus on the bird flu as a public health hazard.

● An international conference was organized with participation from health professionals, biotechnology experts, animal rights activists.

● The conference was held in New Delhi, under the auspices of WHO. It was felt that continuous growth in poultry farming under poor sanitary conditions was sustaining the virus, with multiple susceptible species living in the same area.

● The Delhi Declaration passed at the summit resolved on a common framework for countries to build local strategies, but it does miss the plot by not laying adequate emphasis on preserving the natural environment, which would be pivotal in helping wild birds move safely in an unspoilt habitat and stop transmission of viruses to domestic fowl, which threatens humans with infections and a potential pandemic due to mutating viruses.

What steps can be taken to minimise risk to domestic birds? ● Governments have issued biosecurity measures to keep domestic birds safe from

transmission by wild or migratory birds and prevent local spread. ● The protocol emphasizes on active surveillance of bird areas to identify emerging

outbreaks. ● However, the FAO advisory is not without issues and loopholes as it calls for the

elimination of wild birds near human settlements through hunting, poisoning, and habitat destruction.

● The above-mentioned advisory can be counterproductive, as it will only lead to pushing the wild birds and the viruses into new frontiers.

● Moreover, hunting of wild birds and the absence of biosecurity measures bring the viruses directly to domestic fowl.

● In the wake of an outbreak in 2020, the Government of U.K. issued advice, making it legally necessary for bird-keepers in that country to house them in such a manner that they do not come into contact with wild birds.

● The measures have application worldwide include o Housing or netting all captive birds, o Cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear and vehicles,

● Reduction of people‘s movement in the farm bird areas to reduce contamination, eliminating or reducing contact between captive and wild birds, particularly through feed and water storage, and cleansing and disinfecting production areas.

Conclusion ● The UK Government advisory gives a method that can be replicated in India, this

can be an effective tool in preventing bird flu. ● In India, the Central government requires veterinary staff to conduct inspections

periodically under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, to catch any signs of disease among birds and other animals early.

● This mechanism serves as a good early warning system, however, incidences like the recent outbreak highlights the inadequacies of the process.

● The aquatic wild birds are often found in close proximity to domestic ones in many locations in India, near lakes, dams and reservoirs, making it difficult to achieve segregation. The waterways of Kerala are a good example of this phenomenon.

● Prevention and mitigation of bird flu will help reduce the cost of the Indian economy and public health.

2. THE SUSTAINED FIGHT AGAINST TRANS FATS Context ● The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reduced the

permissible limit of trans fatty acids (TFA) in oils and fats to 3% for 2021 and 2% by 2022, against the earlier cap of 5%.

Details ● In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) had called for global elimination

of industrially produced TFAs by 2023. ● The action was applicable to the edible refined oils, vanaspati (partially

hydrogenated oils), margarine, bakery shortenings, and other cooking media like vegetable fat spreads and mixed fat spreads.

What are trans fats and why are they harmful? ● The human body requirements are met by the first two categories of ‗healthy‘ fats

as apart from being a major source of energy, they aid absorbing some vitamins and minerals and build cell membranes and the sheaths surrounding nerves.

● These fats are free-flowing, unlike saturated fatty acids or trans fats, which are considered harmful as they clog arteries and result in hypertension, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular issues.

● There are two broad types of trans fats found in foods: o Naturally-occurring and o Artificial trans fats.

● Artificial trans fats are considered harmful for human health and are cause for many cardiovascular related deaths

● Artificial trans fats are created through an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid, enhance their shelf life, and for use as an adulterant as they are cheap. o They are widely found in baked and fried foods as well as adulterated ghee,

which becomes solid at room temperature. ● Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, causing over 1.8

crore deaths every year. ● Excess of 5 lakh people with cardiovascular issues die globally every year due to

the consumption of industrially produced TFAs. ● As per FSSAI, about 77,000 deaths take place annually in India due to TFAs.

Actions taken by India and other countries ● In 2018, WHO called for the elimination of industrially produced TFAs by 2023

and issued a detailed step-by-step guide called ‗REPLACE‘ to help countries frame policies.

● Denmark became the first country to ban TFAs in 2003 and this novel step seemed to inspire other countries to tread on a similar path with Chile and Switzerland banned TFAs too in the following five years.

● The several U.S. States, such as New York, implemented local bans on the consumption of TFAs.

● As per the report, 58 countries had introduced laws that will protect 3.2 billion people from TFAs by the end of 2021.

● In 2020, 11 of the 15 countries that account for two-thirds of deaths linked to trans fats still needed to act, the countries were Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Iran, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Republic of Korea.

● In India, action against trans fats coincided with the setting up of the FSSAI. ● It was in 2011 that it imposed a cap of 10% on trans fats in oils and fats in India,

which was further revised to 5% in 2015.

What needs to be done? ● There have been numerous Civil society organisations in India who are pushing

for a cap of 3% for 2021 and 2% for 2022 to be imposed not just on trans fats in oils and fats, but in ―all‖ foods.

● The FSSAI will need to pursue local governments to improve surveillance, an inspection of food premises, sampling of food products, regular training of officers, upgradation of food labs, etc., which are also among concerns raised by a Parliamentary panel on the regulator‘s ineffectiveness.

3. NATIONAL MISSION ON QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS (NM-QTA)

Context The detailed project report for a National Mission on Quantum Technology and Applications (NM-QTA) has been drawn out and finalised. Details The National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA) was announced by the Finance Minister in the Union Budget 2020. National Quantum Mission The NM-QTA, also called the National Quantum Mission, was announced with an outlay of Rs.8000 crore for five years in the Budget 2020. ● The scheme is

implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

● The focus areas for the mission will be addressing national priorities through: o Fundamental

science o Translation o Technology development

● It is expected to address the ever-increasing technological demands of society and also take into account the international achievements and trends in this domain.

● It is also expected to benefit in preparing the next generation skilled manpower, encourage translational research, and promote entrepreneurship and develop an ecosystem for start-ups.

● Quantum principles will be used to engineer solutions to problems in the field of communications, computing, chemistry, sensing, cryptography, mechanics, imaging among others.

● Applications of quantum computing and technology include those in the domains of aerospace engineering, simulations, weather prediction, cybersecurity, securing communications and financial transactions, education, health, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, etc.

● It is believed that countries with an edge in quantum technology will be able to showcase better economic growth and play a dominant leadership role.

● Quantum technology is a fast-growing industry and it has the potential to usher in many disruptive innovations. It also has applications across a wide spectrum of industries and strategic areas.

NM-QTA Significance ● It will help India become a lead player in this field and experience multi-

dimensional growth. ● It is also expected to spur job creation. The government‘s organizational and

financial support will also ensure that both public and private sectors will benefit.

● It will establish standards to be applied to all research and help stimulate a pipeline to support research and applications well into the future.

What is Quantum Mechanics? Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that was developed in the early 20th century. ● It is a fundamental branch of science that describes the physical properties of

nature at the atomic and subatomic scale. ● It has offered the foundation for our understanding of the physical world, the

interaction between light and matter, etc. ● At the microscopic scale, the laws and equations of classical physics fail to

explain the movement of particles. In classical mechanics, objects (of everyday sizes and speeds) exist at a specific time and at a specific location. However, at the quantum level, objects exist in a haze of probability.

● Quantum physics has led to the invention of such useful technologies as semiconductor transistors and lasers.

Quantum Technology ● It is based on the principles of quantum physics/mechanics. ● It concerns the manipulation and control of quantum systems, which will help

achieve information processing that goes beyond the limits of the classical world. ● It exploits some of the properties of quantum mechanics – such as quantum

entanglement, superposition and tunnelling – in developing practical applications like computing and cryptography.

4. INCOIS LAUNCHES ‘DIGITAL OCEAN’ Context ● The ‗Digital Ocean‘ platform of Indian National Centre for Oceanic Information

Services (INCOIS) was launched by the Union Minister for Science and Technology, Health & Family Welfare, and Earth Sciences.

Details ● ‗Digital Ocean‘ platform is developed by the Indian National Centre for Oceanic

Information Services (INCOIS). ● The platform seeks to provide data for an expansive range of users like research

institutions, operational agencies, strategic users, academic community, maritime industry, and the public.

Significance of the Digital Ocean platform ● It will provide oceanographic data that will enhance the understanding of the

oceans. ● It is expected to improve and enhance ocean data acquisition and management as

it possesses a set of applications that present heterogeneous oceanographic data with geospatial technology.

● The platform will be key to the sustainable management of our oceans and expanding India‘s ‗Blue Economy‘ initiatives. o The Blue Economy is the ―sustainable use of ocean resources for economic

growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.‖

● The platform will also pave the way for an online interactive web-based environment for data integration, 3D and 4D data visualization, data analysis to assess the evolution of oceanographic features obtained from multiple sources like on-site monitoring devices, remote sensing and model data.

About INCOIS ● The mission of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services is to

provide ocean data, information and advisory services to society, industry, government and scientific community through sustained ocean observations, and constant improvements through systematic and focused research in information management and ocean modelling.

● The ocean information and advisory services include. o Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories, o Ocean State Forecast (OSF), o High wave alerts, o Tsunami early warnings, o Storm surge and oil-spill advisories, among others, o State-of-the-art technologies and tools to get real-time information on

oceanographic and marine meteorological data.

5. 40TH INDIAN SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION TO ANTARCTICA (ISEA) LAUNCHED

Context The 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) departed for the South Pole from Mormugao Port, Goa. Details India has two stations on the polar continent of Antarctica — Maitri and Bharati — which are being operated under the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Union Ministry of Earth Sciences. Indian Antarctic Program The Indian Antarctic Program is a scientific research and exploration program under the NCPOR. ● It started in 1981 when the first Indian expedition to Antarctica was made. ● This program gained worldwide acceptance after India signed the Antarctic

Treaty in 1983. ● In 1983, India constructed its first Antarctic research base named Dakshin

Gangotri (after the Dakshin Gangotri glacier). o It is located 2500 km from the South Pole. o It was abandoned after being submerged in ice in 1988 – 89 and

decommissioned in 1990. o Currently, it is being used as a supply base and transit camp.

● Dakshin Gangotri was superseded by India‘s second research base in Antarctica named Maitri, which was built in 1989. o Maitri is on the Schirmacher Oasis. o It engages in research in the fields of earth sciences, biology, glaciology,

meteorology, atmospheric sciences, communication, cold region engineering, medicine and human physiology.

o It sources fresh water from a freshwater lake named Lake Priyadarshini nearby. The lake has been named after former PM Indira Gandhi. The lake is situated in the Schirmacher Oasis, which has more than 100 freshwater lakes.

● Bharati is the third research station commissioned by India. It was established in 2012. o Its mandate is to conduct research in the areas of oceanography and

continental break-up. It also focuses on understanding the geological history of the Indian subcontinent.

o With Bharati, India is one of the nine countries to have more than one research base in the Antarctic Circle.

o It is located near Larsmann Hill. o The communication is through dedicated satellite channels providing

connectivity for voice, video and data with the Indian mainland. ● Bharati and Maitri are the two active Antarctic research stations India has.

Significance of the Mission ● Polar regions are crucially important in answering key questions about global

climate change. ● Its contribution towards global sea-level rise, the background aerosol properties,

variability in the sea ice cover and phenomena like Antarctic haze and ozone concentrations.

6. OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS 1. Consider the following statements regarding H5N1 virus,recently in the news:

1. It primarily infects pigs. 2. It is named after the protein, found on the surface of the virus. 3. Antiviral drug treatment is effective. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) All of the above

Answer: (b) Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: It causes avian influenza. Statement 2 is correct: H5N1 is called so Every time a new flu virus is identified, it is named for two proteins, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, that are on the surface of the virus. Hence the H and the N abbreviation. Statement 3 is correct: The antiviral medicine oseltamivir can reduce the severity of illness and prevent death, and should be used in all cases. The virus does not infect humans easily, and spread from person to person appears to be unusual. There is no evidence that the disease can be spread to people through properly prepared and thoroughly cooked food.

2. Consider the following statements with respect to trans fat:

1. Trans fats are a form of unsaturated fat created by converting liquid vegetable oils into semi-solid partially hydrogenated oil.

2. Trans fats are produced artificially and do not occur naturally. 3. Trans fats not only raise total cholesterol levels but also reduce good

cholesterol (HDL). Which of the given statement/s is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) None of the above

Answer: (b) Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Trans fats (TFAs) are a form of unsaturated fat associated with a number of negative health effects.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Artificial trans fat is created during hydrogenation, which converts liquid vegetable oils into semi-solid partially hydrogenated oil. Trans fat can also be found naturally in meat and dairy. Statement 3 is correct: While saturated fats raise total cholesterol levels; TFAs not only raise total cholesterol levels but also reduce the good cholesterol (HDL).

3. Consider the following regarding National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research

(NCPOR): 1. It conducts research in the Polar and Antarctic Ocean (Southern or Austral

Ocean) realms. 2. It was established as an autonomous R&D body in 1998. 3. It is the nodal agency for coordinating and implementing India‘s Antarctic

and Arctic programme. Which of the given above statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : (d) Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) conducts research in the Polar and Antarctic Ocean (Southern or Austral Ocean) realms. Statement 2 is correct. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is an important R&D institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and was established as an autonomous R&D body in 1998. Statement 3 is correct. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is the nodal agency for coordinating and implementing India‘s Antarctic programme and Arctic programme.

7. SUBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTION 1. What are trans-fats? How are they dangerous for human consumption? 2. What is Quantum Technology? Discuss the significance of ‗National Mission on

Quantum Technologies and Applications‘ in this direction.

NASSCOM Design4India DesignAward 2018 for the ‘Best Design’

Mobile Category – 2018Express IT Awards for IT newsmaker

of the year 2017

Google DesignAward 2018

Business StandardStart-up of the year 2017

Google Play’s ‘Best Self Improvement’App in India – 2016

Deloitte Technology Fast 50 India and Fast 500 Asia Award Year2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016,

2017

Education CompanyOf The Year 2016, 2018

VCCIRCLEAWARDS

Awards

byjus.com

To book a FREE COUNSELLING SESSION with our IAS Mentors call: 9241333666Visit https://byjus.com/ias/ for more details

Incredible results year after year!

20132014

20152016

2017

2018

2019

62 out of1228 vacancies

82 out of1364 vacancies

162 out of1164 vacancies

215 out of1209 vacancies

236 out of1058 vacancies

183 out of812 vacancies

165 out of829 vacancies

Selected candidates from BYJU'S

Ranks inTop 1004 Ranks in

Top 2009 Ranks inTop 501 3 Ranks in

Top 10022Congratulations to our toppers

RANK 03

Pratibha Verma

RANK 06

Vishakha Yadav

RANK 08

Abhishek Saraf

RANK 10

Sanjita Mohapatra