Indian Scientists Achieve Progress in Gene Therapy for Haemophilia

GS 3: Science and Technology: Treatment for Haemophilia

Why is it in the news?

• Indian scientists have made significant strides in using gene therapy to treat severe haemophilia A, a rare hereditary condition caused by a faulty gene that leads to severe and potentially fatal bleeding episodes.

More About the News

• Traditional treatment for haemophilia involves frequent injections of a “clotting factor” to prevent bleeding. In contrast, gene therapy treatments offer a one-time solution by introducing a gene into the body that teaches it to produce enough of the clotting factor to prevent haemorrhages.
• Haemophilia can be classified as minor or severe, depending on the percentage of clotting factor present. Haemophilia A, the more common form, is caused by the absence of a blood-clotting factor called Factor VIII.
• Despite being a rare disorder, India has the world’s second-largest patient pool, with an estimated 40,000 to 100,000 patients.

Current Treatment Challenges

• Individuals with severe haemophilia A have less than 1% of the clotting factor and manage the condition with repeated Factor VIII replacement, monoclonal antibodies, or injecting substances that mimic Factor VIII to stop or prevent bleeding.
• Treatment can be expensive due to the nature of the condition and the relatively low number of patients. A March 2024 study estimates the per-patient cost of treating haemophilia in India to be $300,000 (₹2.54 crore) over a 10-year period.

Existing Gene Therapy

• Currently, the only gene therapy approved by the S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for commercial use is Roctavian, which received approval in 2023. Its effectiveness was demonstrated in a cohort of 112 patients who were followed for at least three years post-treatment.
• Following the infusion, the average number of bleeding incidents decreased from 5.4 per year to 2.6 per year. Most patients who received Roctavian also took corticosteroids to suppress their immune systems, ensuring the gene therapy was effective and safe.

Conclusion

• The Study suggest that this approach is safer than using an adenovirus and potentially opens up gene therapy treatment to children. An independent expert described the study as “ground-breaking,” highlighting its potential to transform the treatment landscape for haemophilia.

Government Clarifies Stance on ONOS

GS 2: Polity and Governance: ONOS Scheme

Why is it in the news?

• The Indian government recently clarified its stance on the One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS) plan during a press conference on December 11.

ONOS Purpose

• When scientists conclude an experiment, they write up their methods and findings and publish them in a journal. The journal provides services like collecting, reviewing, editing, publishing, and archiving these papers, and levies a fee for these services.
• Subscription-based journals charge readers to access papers, while some Open-Access (OA) journals, like ‘gold’ OA, charge researchers to publish their papers. Previously, institutes in India subscribed to these journals through around 10 consortia.
• The ONOS initiative will now replace these consortia, offering a single access point for over 13,000 journals from 30 major international publishers to all government-funded institutes in the country.

Criticism of the ONOS Plan

• The One Nation, One Subscription plan, announced on November 25, faced widespread criticism from the research community.
• Critics pointed out several issues:

1) Lack of Details: The initial announcement did not specify which journals would be included, how the plan would be implemented, or how the ₹6,000 crore budget would be allocated.

2) Support for Open Access: There were concerns about the plan’s lack of support for open-access publishing and whether it would help scientists pay article processing charges (APCs) for gold Open-Access (OA) journals.

3) Focus on Foreign Journals: Critics questioned whether the funds could have been better used to support domestic publishing efforts instead of foreign journals.

Government’s Response

• Phased Implementation: The ONOS plan will be implemented in three phases: merging consortia, expanding to private institutions, and creating universal access through public libraries.
• Open Access Support: A pilot program will allocate ₹150 crore annually to pay APCs, and discounts for APCs in certain OA journals have been negotiated.
• Support for Domestic Publishing: The government acknowledged the need to support domestic publishers and enhance the use of existing repositories.
• The government emphasized its commitment to fostering a robust research culture and ensuring equitable access to scholarly journals for all public institutions

 

Centre Seeks to Make Snakebites a Notifiable Disease

GS 2: Society: Public health challenge

Why is it in the news?

• The Union Health Ministry has urged states to make snakebites a notifiable disease, meaning it would be legally required to be reported to the government by both private and public hospitals.
• Snakebites pose a significant public health challenge in India, with three to four million cases reported annually and an estimated 58,000 deaths each year, according to the 2020 Indian Million Death Study.
• Earlier this year, the government launched the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) aiming to halve snakebite deaths by 2030. NAPSE recommended making snakebites a notifiable disease.

More about the news

• Notifiable diseases are typically those that are likely to cause outbreaks, lead to deaths, and require quick investigation for public health measures. While the list of notifiable diseases varies by state, most include infections like tuberculosis, HIV, cholera, malaria, dengue, and hepatitis.
• Snakebites can cause acute medical emergencies needing immediate care. They can result in severe paralysis, fatal haemorrhages, and tissue damage. Treatment with antivenoms is crucial to prevent death and severe symptoms.
• India has over 310 species of snakes, with 66 venomous and 42 mildly venomous. Twenty-three species are medically important as their venom can kill. The ‘Big Four’—Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper—account for nearly 90% of snakebites. Polyvalent antivenom, containing venom from these four species, is effective against 80% of snakebites.
• Making snakebites notifiable is expected to enhance surveillance, providing precise data on snakebite cases and deaths. This data will help in effective management, prevention, and control, ensuring adequate antivenom supply and proper training in high-risk areas.

Challenges in Treatment

1) Treatment Accessibility:

Victims often do not reach healthcare centres in time, or at all, opting for faith-based healers instead. Healthcare staff may lack adequate training, and diagnostic tests for snakebites are often unavailable.

2) Antivenoms:

• The venom used to develop antivenom in India primarily comes from snakes caught by the Irula tribe. The biochemical composition and effects of venom can vary by geography, affecting antivenom efficacy.
• Venom potency also changes with age; for example, Russell’s viper neonates’ venom is more toxic than adults’. Antivenoms can cause reactions, and current antivenoms are ineffective against some local species like the banded krait, monocled cobra, and green pit viper in the Northeast.

3) Venom Collection:

• Experts suggest setting up zonal venom collection banks to develop geographically relevant antivenoms. However, The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, restricts access to snakes, complicating this effort.
• Researchers are working on artificially produced antibodies and designed peptides to neutralize toxins across various snake species, potentially overcoming current antivenom limitations.

 

Impeachment of Judges

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Regulating Judges Conduct

Why is it in the news?

• The Opposition INDIA bloc parties in Rajya Sabha are preparing to move a motion to impeach an Allahabad High Court judge for his remarks at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event. The judge, appointed in 2019, made controversial statements against minorities, advocating for a uniform civil code.

The Impeachment Process

• The process for impeaching a judge is laid down in Article 124(4) of the Constitution and applies to both Supreme Court and High Court judges as per Article 218.
• A judge can be removed by Parliament on grounds of “proved misbehaviour” or “incapacity” through a procedure requiring a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in both Houses of Parliament, and a majority of the total membership.
• The President then issues an order for removal. The grounds and process ensure judicial independence and require broad political support.

Procedure Under the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968

• Section 3 of the Act requires a motion of impeachment to be moved by at least 100 members in the Lower House and 50 in the Upper House.
• Once the motion is brought in, a three-member committee of inquiry is constituted by the Speaker/Chairman, including the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge, a Chief Justice of any High Court, and a “distinguished jurist.”

Committee’s Role and Findings

• The committee frames charges, can seek medical tests for the judge if necessary, and has the power to regulate its procedure, call for evidence, and cross-examine witnesses. Upon concluding the investigation, the committee submits a report to the Speaker/Chairman.
• If the judge is found not guilty, the matter ends. If guilty, the report is adopted by the House, and an address is made to the President seeking removal in the same session.

Past Instances of Impeachment

• Since Independence, six attempts to impeach a judge have been made, with none successful. Only Justices Ramaswami and Sen were found guilty by inquiry committees. Charges in five cases involved financial impropriety, and one involved sexual misconduct.
• Justice V Ramaswami (1993): Impeachment on financial impropriety failed; he retired a year later.
• Justice Soumitra Sen (2011): Impeached by Rajya Sabha for corruption but resigned before Lok Sabha’s discussion.
• Justice S K Gangele (2015): Cleared of sexual harassment charges by the committee.
• Justice J B Pardiwala (2015): Impeachment process dropped after expunging controversial remarks.
• Justice C V Nagarjuna (2017): Motions failed due to withdrawal of Rajya Sabha MPs’ signatures.
• Former Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra (2018): Motion rejected at the preliminary stage by Rajya Sabha Chairman.

This extensive process and high bar for impeachment aim to maintain judicial independence and integrity.

 

First Ice-Free Day in the Arctic: A Grim Forecast by 2030

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Impact of GHGs

Why is it in the news?

• The Arctic Ocean may experience its first ice-free day—when sea ice extent drops below one million square kilometres—by 2030 or sooner, according to a recent study. This projection underscores the accelerating impact of human-induced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• The study warns of an increasing plausibility of this scenario despite its current improbability.

Decline of Arctic Sea Ice

• Arctic sea ice has been shrinking at an unprecedented rate. Over the last four decades, its extent has decreased by 12.6% per decade—a pace unmatched in at least 1,500 years, as reported by the MIT Climate Portal in 2023.
• This drastic reduction reflects the intensifying impact of global warming and necessitates urgent action to mitigate further loss.

Findings of the Study

• Using 11 climate models and 366 simulations of climate change and Arctic sea ice from 2023 to 2100, the study revealed a high likelihood of the first ice-free day occurring within seven to 20 years, even with drastic GHG emission cuts.
• Notably, nine simulations predicted this event could occur as early as 2027 if specific conditions align, such as unusually warm seasons and stormy weather that accelerate ice melting.
• The simulations also suggested that once the Arctic experiences its first ice-free day, subsequent occurrences could follow, potentially lasting between 11 and 53 days, signalling the possibility of an ice-free Arctic month.

Challenges in Emission Reduction

• Despite the pressing need to curb emissions, global efforts remain insufficient. In 2023, concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide reached record levels, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
• This trend diminishes the likelihood of preventing the first ice-free day, making the Arctic’s transformation an inevitable reality.

Consequences of an Ice-Free Arctic

• The disappearance of Arctic Sea ice would have far-reaching repercussions. The loss of ice would exacerbate climate change due to the Albedo effect, where the reflective surface of ice is replaced by darker ocean water, absorbing more solar energy and accelerating warming. This warming would, in turn, trigger extreme weather events across mid-latitudes.
• Sea levels would also rise significantly. The global sea level is already rising 1.5 times faster than in the 1990s, currently at 3.6 mm annually. If the Greenland ice sheet completely melts, global sea levels could rise by six meters, endangering coastal communities worldwide.
• The loss of sea ice threatens Arctic ecosystems, impacting species such as polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, snowy owls, and reindeer. Melting permafrost and habitat loss could disrupt entire food chains, affecting both wildlife and human populations.
• Some impacts, such as marine animals moving northward in search of colder waters and species relocating to land for hunting, are already evident.

Conclusion

• The Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average, as highlighted by climate scientist Ella Gilbert of the British Antarctic Survey.
• This rapid warming endangers ecosystems, infrastructure, and livelihoods, emphasizing the urgent need for global action to address climate change and its cascading effects.

 

ILO Report Urges Countries to Uphold Freedom of Association and Workers’ Rights

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Upholding Worker’s Rights

Why is it in the news?

• The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called on governments to uphold fundamental principles and rights at work, emphasizing the importance of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. The recommendations were part of the Social Dialogue Report, released in Geneva.

Some of the key takeaways

• The Report highlights the significance of ‘peak-level social dialogue’ (PLSD), which involves interactions between governments, employers, and workers at the national and sectoral levels. These processes aim to facilitate negotiation, consultation, and information exchange on issues related to labour, economic, and social policy.
• PLSD includes bipartite dialogues, where social partners negotiate collective agreements, and tripartite dialogues that include government representatives.
• The report revealed a 7% decline in compliance with freedom of association and collective bargaining rights between 2015 and 2022. This deterioration was attributed to increasing violations of fundamental civil liberties and bargaining rights, impacting employers, workers, and their representative organisations.
• The ILO recommends equipping labour administrations and social partners with adequate resources and technical capacities to engage effectively in PLSD. Strengthening these processes is seen as essential for addressing economic and geopolitical challenges.
• The report argues that social dialogue offers a pathway to achieve economic development alongside social progress. It also supports fair and inclusive transitions to low-carbon and digital economies.
• According to ILO Assistant Director-General, social dialogue is a credible governance model for navigating technological advances, climate change, and demographic shifts that are transforming labour markets.

Conclusion

• In light of growing instability in economic and geopolitical contexts, the ILO underscores the critical role of social dialogue in fostering fair solutions and sustaining progress in labour governance.

 

The Environmental Impact of Space Exploration

GS 3: Science and Technology: Space

Why is it in the news?

• As space technology becomes increasingly essential for climate monitoring and other vital functions, the environmental consequences of space activities are gaining attention. The growing reliance on satellites and the increasing number of rocket launches raise concerns about their impact on both the atmosphere and space.
• The lack of international regulations addressing these issues calls for urgent global action to prevent unsustainable space exploration.

Rocket Launches and Environmental Effects

• Rocket launches contribute significantly to environmental degradation by releasing carbon dioxide, black carbon, and water vapour into the atmosphere.
• Black carbon absorbs sunlight 500 times more effectively than carbon dioxide, amplifying global warming. Rocket propellants, especially chlorine-based chemicals, deplete the ozone layer, exposing Earth to higher ultraviolet radiation.
• Furthermore, when satellites burn up in the atmosphere, they release metallic ash, which can alter the climate.

Energy-Intensive Satellite Manufacturing

• Satellite production is energy-intensive, involving the extraction of metals and composites with large carbon footprints. Additionally, propulsion systems used for adjusting satellites in orbit further contribute to emissions.
• The rise of space mining, while not yet operational, could increase industrial activity in space and on Earth, adding to environmental costs.

Orbital Debris and Pollution

• Orbital debris, or space junk, poses a significant threat. As of September 2024, there have been around 6,740 rocket launches that placed 19,590 satellites in orbit. About 13,230 of these remain in space, with 10,200 still functional.
• This debris, traveling at speeds up to 29 km/h, risks colliding with operational satellites, causing catastrophic damage. Moreover, space junk interferes with scientific data collection, such as weather monitoring and disaster tracking.

Barriers to Space Sustainability

• The lack of international regulations is a major barrier to space sustainability. Space activities are not covered by global sustainability frameworks like the Paris Agreement, and without clear guidelines, rocket and satellite emissions could worsen global warming.
• The growing number of satellites and debris will overcrowd Low Earth Orbit (LEO), making future missions more expensive and limiting access to space.
• International cooperation, especially through bodies like Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), is necessary to create enforceable regulations for responsible space use.

Innovative Solutions for Sustainability

• Sustainability in space exploration requires innovative solutions, though these come with challenges.
• Reusable rockets, such as those from SpaceX and Blue Origin, can reduce waste and lower costs, but they are heavier, leading to higher fuel consumption.
• Transitioning to cleaner fuels, like liquid hydrogen or biofuels, could reduce emissions, but hydrogen is currently produced using non-renewable energy. Cryogenic fuels offer more thrust but are expensive and complex. Electric propulsion, though promising, has low thrust, limiting its use.
• Designing biodegradable satellites could prevent long-term debris, but these materials lack durability. Autonomous debris removal (ADR) technologies, like robotic arms and lasers, offer hope for cleaning space junk, but they are expensive and lack legal clarity.
• A global system to monitor satellites and debris in real-time could reduce collisions and optimize orbital use. However, resistance to data sharing and the lack of a unified international authority hinder its development.

Conclusion

• While individual solutions face challenges, a combined approach may be more effective. COPUOS can standardize emission limits and debris mitigation practices, and governments and private entities should prioritize funding for green technologies and ADR systems.
• Financial incentives can encourage sustainable practices. The future of space exploration depends on making environmentally responsible choices today to ensure its sustainability for future generations.