theIASHub | 25 Apr, 2025 | 5
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Gene Therapy for Haemophilia: India has achieved a significant milestone in gene therapy with the successful first-in-human trial for Haemophilia conducted by Bengaluru's BRIC-inStem.
o It has developed life-saving innovations like the germicidal anti-viral mask during COVID-19 and the Kisan Kavach, a device protecting farmers from toxic pesticides.
o Types: Hemophilia A (Classic Hemophilia) and Hemophilia B (Christmas Disease)
o World Haemophilia Day: April 17th.
o Clotting Factors: Blood contains clotting factors (Factor VIII or IX); a deficiency causes haemophilia.
o Causes: Mutations in genes responsible for clotting factor production.
o Symptoms: Bleeding in joints, muscles, skin, oral bleeding, and bleeding after tooth extraction or vaccination.
Last-Line antibiotics: Recently, Indian infectious disease experts warned that the overuse of powerful antibiotics is accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making vital last-line treatments ineffective.
o It makes infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
o These micro-organisms are often known as “superbugs”.
o These drugs should only be used as last-resort treatments.
o Calls for the implementation of antibiotic stewardship protocols and strict regulatory measures to prevent misuse.
Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) : Recently, Bharti Airtel formally requested the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to convert its deferred Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues, estimated at approximately ₹40,000 crore, into equity.
o Telecom operators must share a percentage of their AGR with the Department of Telecommunications.
o The Department of Telecom includes all revenues, including non-telecom earnings like interest and asset sales, in AGR.
o Telecom companies argue AGR should only cover telecom service revenues.
o In October 2019, the Supreme Court upheld the government's view, expanding AGR to include all revenues, except termination fees and roaming charges.
Kinshasa : According to World Weather Attribution (WWA), the extreme flooding in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), intensified by climate change, underscores the increasing frequency of heavy rainfall in Central Africa, with similar events anticipated every two years.
o Founded: 2015 by Dr. Geert Jan van Oldenborgh and Dr. Friederike Otto
o Objective: To provide timely, scientifically rigorous data on the link between extreme weather and climate change
o Partners: Environmental Change Institute (Oxford), Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environment (LSCE)
India-US Trade Agreement: According to the US Treasury Secretary, India could soon become the first country to sign a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the United States.
o India and the U.S. have agreed to negotiate a multi-sector BTA by fall 2025.
o The BTA was mentioned in the February 13, 2025, Joint Leaders Statement.
o Both countries are WTO members, so the agreement must comply with WTO trade laws.
o The Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle limits preferential treatment unless specified by WTO rules.
o The agreement could affect tariff rates, market access, and trade volumes between India and the U.S.
State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA):In a recent National Green Tribunal (NGT) hearing, the Assam government presented its case regarding the environmental clearance (EC) for the commando battalion camp on forest land in Hailakandi district.
o The government claimed the camp qualifies as an 'educational institution' and is exempt from environmental clearance under the 2025 notification.
o Established by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under EIA Notification 2006.
o Role: Acts as a regulatory authority for environmental clearances at the state level.
o Function: Reviews and clears project proposals with significant environmental impact, based on SEAC recommendations.
Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report : TRAI has recently published the “Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report,” offering a detailed overview of the telecom services landscape in India.
o Outage Reporting: 100% within 24 hours, Point of Interconnection (POI) Congestion: ≤ 0.5%, Latency (4G/5G): ≤ 75 ms, Packet Drop (4G/5G): ≤ 3%.
o Total Telecom Subscribers: Slight decrease of 0.06% to 1,190 million. Rural subscribers dropped to 44%.
o Wireless Subscribers: Declined 0.27% to 1,151 million. Wireless tele-density fell from 82% to 81%. Urban stable at 626 million, rural dropped to 524 million.
o Wireline Growth: Increased by 6% to 39 million. Wireline tele-density grew from 2.5% to 2.80%.
o Broadband & Internet: Total internet subscribers decreased by 0.14%. Rural internet grew to 407 million, while urban remained higher at 563 million.
o Revenue Growth: Gross revenue up by 5% to ₹96000 crore. AGR grew by 3.48% to ₹78000 crore. License fees increased by 3.50%.
Bamiyan Buddhas: Recently, the Taliban has changed its stance on heritage sites in Afghanistan. Despite calling for the protection of ancient artifacts months before their 2021 takeover, sparking skepticism, the group now pledges to preserve the nation's cultural heritage.
o This act of cultural destruction is considered one of the most infamous in modern history.
o In 2021, a 3D holographic projection temporarily recreated the Salsal statue, offering a modern way to engage with the lost heritage.
o Carved in the 6th century CE, the Bamiyan Buddhas were located in Bamiyan Valley, Afghanistan.
o The two monumental statues, Salsal (115 feet) and Shamama (174 feet), were iconic representations of Buddhist art.
o Exemplifying the Gandhara School of Buddhist Art, they showcased a unique blend of Indian, Persian, and Greco-Roman influences.
Chlorpyrifos: Recently, the COPs (Conferences of the Parties) for the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions are being held in Geneva, focusing on addressing hazardous chemicals, including chlorpyrifos.
o Banned in over 40 countries, yet remains approved for use in India on 18 crops.
o Associated with severe health risks, including: Neurotoxicity, Reproductive toxicity and Irreversible brain damage in unborn children
o Contributes to widespread environmental contamination due to its high mobility.
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