1. NOTTO (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health & Related Issues)

Context: Recently, the Union Health Ministry issued a directive mandating a unique National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)-ID for all organ transplant cases, aiming to eliminate commercial dealings, particularly those involving foreign citizens.

National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)

• Establishment: NOTTO is a National level organization established under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• Function: NOTTO functions as the apex centre for All India activities of coordination and networking for procurement and distribution of Organs and Tissues and registry of Organs and Tissues Donation and Transplantation in the country.
• Policy Guidelines and Protocols:

oNetworking: NOTTO networks with similar regional and state-level organizations to streamline organ and tissue transplantation processes.

oDissemination of Information: NOTTO handles the dissemination of information to all concerned organizations, hospitals, and individuals involved in organ and tissue transplantation.

• About ID: It is mandatory for considering allocation of organs in case of deceased donor transplant, this ID in case of a living donor transplant, shall also be generated at the earliest, maximum within 48 hours after the transplant surgery is done

Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994

• Source of Transplants: A transplant can originate from a pool of organs donated by deceased persons' relatives or from a living person known to the recipient.
• Living Donations Under the Act: The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 permits living donations, primarily from close relatives like parents, siblings, children, spouse, grandparents, and grandchildren.
• Documentation for Living Donations: In cases of living donations from close relatives, whether Indian or foreign, various documents including identity proofs, family tree, pictures, and documents proving the donor-recipient relationship must be submitted.

o An external committee thoroughly examines such cases to prevent illegal dealings.

• Penalties: Imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines up to Rs 1 crore.

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2. JAINISM (Syllabus GS Paper 1 – History/Art & Culture)

Context: Recently, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav in New Delhi on the auspicious occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti.

Vardhamana Mahavira

• About: The 24th Tirthankara, was born in 540 B.C. in Kundagrama near Vaishali.
• Belonged to: Jnatrika clan and had connections to the royal family of Magadha.
• Family: His father, Siddharta, led the Jnatrika Kshatriya clan, and his mother, Trishala, was the sister of Chetaka, the king of Vaishali.
• Symbol: Lion.
• Renunciation: At the age of 30, he renounced his home and became an ascetic.
• Austerity and Enlightenment: He practiced austerity for 12 years and attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kaivalya (i.e., conquered misery and happiness) at the age of 42.
• First Sermon: He delivered his first sermon at Pava.
• First Jain Council: Pataliputra (Sthulbhadra)
• Second Council: Vallabhi (Gujarat) (Devardhigani Kshemasarmana).
• Death: Mahavira passed away at the age of 72 in 468 B.C. at Pavapuri in Bihar.

Jainism 

• About: It  is one of the world's oldest religions, originating in India at least 2,500 years ago. 

o The spiritual goal of Jainism is to become liberated from the endless cycle of rebirth and to achieve an all-knowing state called moksha.

• Origin: Jainism became prevalent in the 6th century B.C. when Lord Mahavira propagated the religion. 

o There were 24 teachers, referred to as Jinas or the Tirthankaras, the last of whom was Lord Mahavira

• First Tirthankara: Adinath/Rishabhdev
• 23rd Tirthankara: Parsvanatha
• Three jewels of Jainism:

o Samyagdarshana (“right faith”).

o Samyagjnana (“right knowledge”).

o Samyakcharitra (“right conduct”).

• Doctrine of Jainism: 

o Ahiṃsā (non-violence).

o Satya (truth)

o Asteya (not stealing)

o Brahmacharya (chastity)

o Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)

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3. EARTH DAY 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Recently Google Doodle celebrated World Earth Day 2024 by featuring aerial photographs from various locations worldwide, highlighting the planet's “natural beauty”.

Earth Day 2024

• About: It  was first celebrated in 1970, initiated by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, as an environmental activism initiative.
• Inspired by: Vietnam War protesters Gaylord Nelson, who noticed that everyone was protesting against the war and not talking about the environmental impact of the war, so he decided to start speaking about environmental issues.
• Purpose: The event aimed to educate people about environmental issues and ways to conserve, strengthening the call for environmental activism.
• Legal Impact: The first Earth Day led to the introduction of significant environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act.
• Global Expansion: In 1990, Denis Hayes organized the first global Earth Day, with over 200 million people from more than 140 countries participating.

oAt the present time, Earth Day is celebrated across 190 countries.

• Theme 2024: Planet vs. Plastics.

Significance

• Earth Day symbolizes the need to protect our mother nature.
• The day encourages every individual to think about environmental conservation and act accordingly.
• Earth Day speaks about the need to reduce carbon footprints.
• It advocates for the conservation of natural resources.
• Protection of Wildlife and Natural Habitats
• The day serves as a platform to advocate for policy changes that can have a positive impact on the environment.

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4. GI TAG ON BASMATI RICE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: India is gearing up to challenge Pakistan's attempts to broaden the geographical indication (GI) tag for its Basmati rice.

Basmati Rice Cultivation in India

• Geographical Spread: Basmati rice is grown in 81 districts in India, including regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and western Uttar Pradesh.
• Varietal Diversity: 45 varieties of Basmati rice have been notified under the seeds Act, 1966
• India's Basmati Rice Exports:

o In FY23, India exported 152,857 metric tonnes (MT) of Basmati valued at $167 million, up significantly from 88,452 MT worth about $93.4 million.

• India's position: World's top exporter of Basmati rice.
• Major Export Markets: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
• GI tag in India: Basmati rice has received GI tag from various states combined. They are - Punjab / Haryana / Himachal Pradesh / Delhi / Uttarakhand / Uttar Pradesh / Jammu & Kashmir.

GI Tag 

• About: It is a symbol used on items that come from a particular geographical area and have qualities or a reputation linked to that place of origin.
• Nodal Ministry: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Tenure: 10 Years.
• Regulated By: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999.
• Paris Convention: GI is encompassed within the realm of intellectual property rights (IPRs) according to the provisions of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.

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5. PMSBY (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Schemes)

Context: The Centre is working to extend the deadline for unorganised sector workers to claim life and accident insurance cover under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

• About: It is a one-year accidental insurance scheme renewable from year to year offering coverage for death or disability due to an accident.
• Eligibility: Individual bank/ Post office account holders of participating banks/ Post office aged between 18 years (completed) and 70 years (age nearer birthday) who give their consent to join / enable auto-debit, as per the above modality, will be enrolled into the scheme.
• Payment Mode: It will be directly auto-debited by the bank from the subscriber's account on or before 1st June of each annual coverage period under the scheme.
• Risk Coverage

o Death: Rs. 2 Lakh

o Total and Irrecoverable Loss: Both eyes or loss of use of both hands or feet or loss of sight of one eye and loss of use of hand or foot – Rs. 2 Lakh

o Total and irrecoverable loss of sight of one eye or loss of use of one hand or foot – Rs. 1 Lakh.

• Implementation by: Public Sector General Insurance Companies and all other insurers who are willing to join the scheme and tie-up with banks for this purpose.

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6. EUVICHOL-S (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified a new oral vaccine for Cholera called Euvichol-S.

Euvichol-S

• About: It  is a simplified formulation of the oral cholera vaccine (OCV) Euvichol-Plus.
• Manufacturer: South Korea-based EuBiologics Co., Ltd.
• Potential Solution: The IVI claims that it can pave the way for a potential solution to the critical shortage of OCV worldwide.
• Third Product in the Family: It is the third product of the same family of vaccines for cholera listed in the WHO prequalification list.

 Cholera Disease

• About: It  is a water-borne disease.
• Caused by: An acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
• Symptoms: Profuse watery diarrhoea, Vomiting, and Leg cramps
• Transmission: A person may get cholera by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the cholera bacterium.

o The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.

• Vaccine: Currently there are three WHO pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines (OCV), Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus.

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7. EXERCISE POORVI LEHAR (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Security)

Context: Indian Navy conducted Exercise Poorvi Lehar on the East Coast.

Exercise Poorvi Lehar

• About: The Indian Navy conducted this exercise under the Operational Control of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
• Aim: The exercise was aimed at the validation of procedures towards assessing the Indian Navy's preparedness to meet maritime security challenges in the region.
• Phases of the Exercise: The exercise was conducted in multiple phases, including combat training in a realistic scenario during the tactical phase and successful conduct of various firings during the weapon phase, towards reaffirming the Indian Navy's capability to deliver ordnance on target.
• Continuous Maritime Domain Awareness: With operation of aircraft from diverse locations, a near continuous maritime domain awareness was maintained throughout the Area of operationst.
• High Degree of Interoperability: In addition to the participation of assets from Eastern Naval Command, the exercise also witnessed participation of assets from IAF, Andaman and Nicobar Command, and Coast Guard indicating a very high degree of interoperability amongst the Services.
• Lessons Learned: The exercise offered valuable lessons to participating forces operating under realistic conditions, thereby enhancing their readiness to respond effectively to maritime challenges in the region.

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8. INDELIBLE INK USED DURING ELECTION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: With the first phase of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections beginning on April 19, the classic symbol of Indian polls is visible everywhere – a left hand with only its index finger extended, marked by a purple-black indelible ink.

Indelible Ink

• About: It  contains silver nitrate, a colorless compound.
• Visibility: The ink's colorless compound becomes visible when exposed to ultraviolet light, including sunlight.
• Ink Quality: The higher the silver nitrate concentration, around 20 percent, the higher the ink’s quality.

o According to a report from the United Nations Development Programme, for up to 72 hours after application, it can remain resistant to soap, liquids, home-cleansing, detergents, etc.

• Composition: This water-based ink also contains a solvent like alcohol to allow its faster drying.
• Manufacturer: The indelible ink was first manufactured at the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) request by the government’s Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).
• Representation of the People Act (RoPA) of 1951: It  includes provisions regarding the use of indelible ink during elections.

o Section 61 of RoPA: It specifically addresses the use of indelible ink during the electoral process.

o Purpose: To mark the fingers of electors who apply for a ballot paper before voting at a polling station.

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9. LONGEVITY INDIA INITIATIVE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social Issues)

Context: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) announces the launch of the Longevity India Initiative, a project focused on efforts to extend human 'healthspan' and tackle ageing-related challenges.

Longevity India Initiative

• About: It  is a project of IISc, focused on to systematically study the causes of deteriorating health conditions among the elderly and devise interventions to aid an improved health span.
• Large-Scale Clinical Study: It has initiated a large-scale clinical study that will involve researchers from multiple IISc departments, clinicians, industry, philanthropists, and civil society.
• Need: Increasing old age population (silver economy).

oWHO has projected that by 2050, the country would be home to over 31 crore people above the age of 60. So, it is imperative that we leverage technology to provide accessible geriatric healthcare, nurture the silver economy and invest in digital systems that support ageing populations.

• Research Objectives: The initiative seeks to enhance the understanding of ageing through both fundamental and applied research and to develop solutions that can improve the quality of life.
• Development of Interventions: It will leverage advanced research to develop interventions that can help manage age-related diseases more effectively, with an emphasis on promoting healthy ageing across India.
• Funding: The initiative has received initial grant funding support from Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel India.

Significance

• Growing Elderly Population: With India's elderly population projected to surge to 347 million by 2050, it is imperative that there is a need to leverage technology to provide accessible geriatric healthcare.
• Nurturing the Silver Economy: The initiative aims to nurture the silver economy and invest in digital systems that support ageing populations.

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10. MPOX VIRUS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: In a recent study, scientists recently reported that a section of the mpox genome, believed to be ‘less important,’ is responsible for giving the virus a peculiar evolutionary ability.

Mpox Virus

• About: It is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. 
• Origin: Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, originated from a spillover event in a research facility involving monkeys in 1958.
• Sporadic Outbreaks: Mpox has been identified in sporadic outbreaks among humans since the initial event in 1958.
• Genetic Adaptations: Mpox lineages have been circulating in humans, evolving through mutations modulated by APOBEC proteins.
• Global Outbreak: The global outbreak of mpox in 2022-2023 affected over 118 countries, prompting the WHO to declare it a public health emergency.
• Causes: It is  a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.
• Transmission: Person-to-person transmission of mpox can occur through direct contact with infectious skin or other lesions such as in the mouth or on genitals.
• Symptoms: It usually begin within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically last 2–4 weeks but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system.
• Treatment: Getting an mpox vaccine can help prevent infection.

Mpox Genome

• About: It comprises approximately 197 kilobases, with core genes conserved across poxviruses and additional sections of unknown function.
• Functional Mysteries: Two sections of the mpox genome, approximately 6.4 kb each, have unclear functions but are suspected to influence host infectivity.
• Evolutionary Patterns: Mpox genomes contain repetitive base sequences believed to contribute to the virus's evolutionary dynamics.
• Evolutionary Pressures: Mpox viruses can evade selective pressures by gene duplication, mutation accumulation, genome expansion, or contraction, known as genomic accordions.

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