AMIGOS IAS Daily Current Affairs (22^nd August 2024)

Vaccine-derived polio and vaccines against poliovirus

GS 3: Science and Technology: Poliovirus

Why is it in the news?

• A two-year-old child from Tikrikilla, Meghalaya, has been diagnosed with vaccine-derived polio, according to the Union Health Ministry. This case is not caused by wild poliovirus but rather by a mutation of the weakened virus used in the oral polio vaccine, which can affect individuals with low immunity.

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Understanding Vaccine-Derived Polio:

• Vaccine-derived polio is a rare condition that arises when the weakened (or attenuated) strain of poliovirus used in the oral polio vaccine (OPV) mutates and regains the ability to cause paralysis.
• The OPV contains a live, attenuated virus that is designed to trigger an immune response, providing protection against polio. This weakened virus replicates in the intestines and is excreted in the stool.
• In rare cases, the virus can mutate sufficiently to cause polio again, particularly in areas with low immunization rates, poor sanitation, or among immunocompromised individuals.
• When such a mutated virus spreads in the community, it is classified as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) if it is detected in at least two different sources and shows evidence of transmission.
• Since 2000, over 10 billion doses of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) have been given worldwide, leading to 24 cVDPV outbreaks in 21 countries, with fewer than 760 reported cases.
• To halt cVDPV transmission, the WHO advises conducting multiple rounds of high-quality immunization campaigns.

Types of Polioviruses:

• Polioviruses, which are enteroviruses, are primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route.
• There are three types of wild poliovirus: type 1 (WPV1), type 2 (WPV2), and type 3 (WPV3). Although these types present with similar symptoms, they are genetically distinct.

Polio Vaccines:

• Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV):
• The first successful polio vaccine was developed by Jonas Salk in the early 1950s. Salk’s vaccine, known as the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), used formaldehyde to inactivate the virus and was administered via injection.
• IPV provides systemic immunity and does not carry the risk of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP).
• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV):
• Albert Sabin later developed the oral polio vaccine (OPV), which contains live but weakened polioviruses. OPV is administered orally and is easier to distribute and administer than IPV, making it a preferred option in many countries.
• However, because OPV contains live virus, there is a small risk that the virus could revert to a form capable of causing disease, leading to VAPP. IPV, while less potent and more difficult to manufacture, does not carry this risk.

Current Status and Changes in Vaccination:

• As of October 24, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that WPV3 has been eradicated globally, and WPV2 was declared eradicated in 2015. Despite this progress, outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus, particularly type 2, have been increasing.
• In response, the WHO authorized a genetically modified type 2 novel oral polio vaccine under Emergency Use Listing in November 2020.
• This new vaccine, which began field use in March 2021 and received WHO prequalification in December 2023, is designed to minimize the risk of reverting to neurovirulence and thus reduce the incidence of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks.

Additional Information:

Measures Taken to Eradicate Polio:

• Global Efforts:
• Global Polio Eradication Initiative: Launched in 1988, this initiative is a collaborative effort involving national governments, WHO, Rotary International, the CDC, and UNICEF to eradicate polio worldwide.
• World Polio Day: Observed annually on October 24th, this day aims to encourage continued global vigilance and efforts in the fight against polio.
• India’s Initiatives:
• Pulse Polio Programme: A comprehensive national campaign focused on immunizing children against polio to achieve high coverage and prevent outbreaks.
• Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0: An enhanced version of the vaccination drive to improve immunization rates and ensure more children are protected.
• Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): Launched in 1985 as an extension of the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI), UIP aims to:
• Rapidly increase immunization coverage.
• Enhance the quality of vaccination services.
• Establish a reliable cold chain system at the health facility level.
• Implement a district-wise monitoring system to track performance.
• Achieve self-sufficiency in vaccine production.

New research projects in the field of ‘smart’ insulin

GS 3: Science and Technology: Insulin therapies

Why is it in the news?

• The Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge, a partnership between the Steve Morgan Foundation, Diabetes UK, and JDRF, announced on August 12, 2024, that it will grant over £2.7 million for new research in next-generation insulin therapies.
• This funding aims to advance the development of innovative insulins that better emulate the function of a healthy pancreas, addressing major shortcomings in current insulin therapies.

About Type 1 diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition marked by insufficient insulin production, necessitating frequent insulin administration, often daily or multiple times a day.
• Without insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Insulin regulates blood sugar by facilitating the entry of glucose into cells, where it is used for energy production.

Research Projects and Innovations

The funding will support six international research projects focused on novel insulin types.

1. Four of these projects are dedicated to glucose-responsive insulins (GRIs):
2. GRIs are designed to activate in response to high glucose levels and become inactive when glucose levels drop, thus helping to prevent both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
3. These projects are being conducted at Monash University in Australia, Wayne State University and the University of Notre Dame in the U.S., and the Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University in China.
4. At Monash University, researchers are developing a second-generation nano sugar-insulin system that uses glucose-sensing molecules to release insulin only when needed.
5. Wayne State University is working on a highly sensitive smart insulin that responds precisely to glucose changes.
6. The Jinhua Institute is improving an insulin/polymer complex that forms an insulin reservoir under the skin.
7. The University of Notre Dame is advancing a smart insulin delivery system using nanocomplexes to create an insulin reservoir that automatically releases insulin in response to high glucose levels.
8. Another major area of research is ultrafast insulin:
9. Scientists at Stanford University are developing an insulin that acts quickly and is active only when needed, reducing the risk of glucose spikes and dips.
10. This research involves designing insulin molecules inspired by those found in the venom of cone snails, which have naturally fast-acting properties.
11. Lastly, researchers at Indiana University are focusing on combining insulin with glucagon, a hormone that increases blood glucose levels to counteract hypoglycemia:
12. This combined formulation has shown promise in preliminary rat tests, potentially offering a new approach to stabilizing blood sugar levels and minimizing the risks of both high and low glucose levels.
13. The experiment will also explore different manufacturing methods and the stability of this combined insulin-glucagon molecule.
14. Hence, these projects collectively aim to significantly advance insulin therapy by offering more precise and effective treatments for individuals with type 1 diabetes.

The Potential of blood tests for cancer detection

GS 3: Science and Technology: Detecting cancer

Why is it in the news?

• On August 21, 2024, the advancements in cancer detection were underscored by the promise of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests.
• These tests can identify circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) or circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood, which can lead to earlier and more effective treatment. With 1 in 9 Indians at risk of cancer, improving early detection is vital for better outcomes.

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Cancer’s Burden in India:

• Prevalence and Mortality: Cancer is responsible for 18% of deaths from noncommunicable diseases in India, making it the second leading cause of mortality. In 2022, there were about 1.46 million new cancer cases, with a projected 12% increase by 2025.
• Common Cancers: According to GLOBOCAN, the most common cancers among women are breast, cervical, ovarian, and colorectal. For men, the prevalent cancers are lung, esophageal, colorectal, and stomach.
• Survival Rates and Early Detection: Late detection of cancer reduces survival rates and raises treatment costs, whereas early detection through screening enhances treatment outcomes and quality of life. Aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 3, efforts are focused on improving early cancer detection.
• Screening Limitations: The National Family Health Survey (NHFS) indicates that cancer screening in India is limited, primarily targeting cervical, breast, and oral cancers, with only 0.2-2% of the population having undergone any form of screening.

What is a Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Test?

• MCED tests, a type of liquid biopsy, offer a promising approach by detecting circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumour cells (CTCs), released by cancerous cells into the bloodstream at early stages.
• These tests can identify up to 50 cancer types, including those without established early screening methods.
• For instance, a recent study showed that a new blood test can detect 93% of stage 1 cancers in men and 84% in women by analysing protein biomarkers.
• Unlike genetic tests, MCED tests focus on detecting existing cancer rather than assessing inherited risk.
• Though not yet FDA-approved or listed by India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), MCED tests are available as laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) costing up to Rs 15,000.

Challenges and Considerations for MCED Tests:

• False-Positive Rates: MCED tests face challenges such as high false-positive rates, but combining them with traditional screening methods can mitigate this issue.
• Increased Detection: Studies indicate that MCED tests could detect up to 400,000 additional cancer cases compared to conventional methods. However, variability in sensitivity and risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment exist.
• FDA Guidelines: The U.S. FDA advises comprehensive follow-up care after positive results to address these issues.
• Need for Robust Support: As MCED tests are new, particularly in India, robust post-test support is essential. Patients need clear instructions on interpreting results, next steps, and follow-up diagnostics.
• Educational and Training Needs: Educational tools, decision support systems, and counselling services are crucial for managing the impact of positive results. Healthcare providers should also receive training to effectively use and communicate results from MCED tests.

Way Forward:

• Expanding Screening Infrastructure: India should invest in broadening its cancer screening capabilities to include a wider range of cancers beyond just cervical, breast, and oral cancers.
• Boosting Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about the importance of early cancer detection is essential.
• Regulatory Standards: Regulatory bodies like the CDSCO should develop clear guidelines and frameworks for the evaluation, approval, and monitoring of Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests.
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Tensions in South China Sea pose a threat to international trade

GS 2: International Relations: South China Sea

Why is it in the news?

• The post-COVID era has severely impacted global trade, with disruptions such as the Suez Canal blockage in 2021, ongoing attacks on shipping by the Houthis and Iran, and potential new risks from China’s military activities in the South China Sea.
• These disruptions have exacerbated supply chain delays and contributed to high inflation rates.

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• The South China Sea, a critical maritime route between southern China, Taiwan, the Philippines, and several other countries, is crucial for global trade.
• It handles about a third of the world’s maritime trade annually and is a key conduit for 40% of global petroleum products.
• The sea sees tens of thousands of cargo vessels each year, and its stability is vital for the economies of major trading nations like China, India, and Japan.
• The South China Sea is highly contested due to Beijing’s extensive claims, which overlap with the exclusive economic zones of neighbouring countries.
• Despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling against China’s claims, Beijing has continued to assert its territorial ambitions, leading to heightened tensions, including military skirmishes and territorial disputes with countries like the Philippines and Vietnam.
• The region is also strategically significant due to its vast natural resources. Estimates suggest that it holds significant reserves of oil, natural gas, and rare-earth minerals critical to global technology and clean energy sectors. These resources contribute to the intense competition and conflict in the area.
• Recent conflicts in the Middle East have already disrupted global trade, particularly with attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. If tensions escalate, especially with Iran potentially targeting the Strait of Hormuz, another key trade chokepoint, it could further strain global maritime trade.
• Additionally, if conflicts in the South China Sea worsen, it could lead to further disruptions in one of the world’s busiest and most crucial trade routes.
• Among the critical chokepoints in the region, the Malacca Strait stands out due to its narrow width and high traffic volume. It is a vital route for oil and petroleum products, handling more than the Strait of Hormuz.
• Any disruptions here could significantly impact global trade, highlighting the interconnectedness and vulnerability of international shipping routes.
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Additional Information:

South China Sea:

• About:
• The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Western Pacific Ocean that extends from the Strait of Malacca in the southwest, to the Strait of Taiwan in the northeast.
• The littoral countries of the South China Sea (clockwise from north) are: the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam.
• It contains rich source of hydrocarbons and natural resources. The Paracel Islands, the Spratly Islands and the Scarborough Shoal are the most important.

Significance:

• Strategic Location: The South China Sea borders China, Taiwan, the Indo-Chinese peninsula, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines, linking to the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea.
• Trade Importance: In 2016, $3.37 trillion in trade passed through the South China Sea, a vital route with 80% of global trade volume and 70% by value passing through sea routes, with China and India heavily reliant on it.
• Fishing Ground: The South China Sea is a vital fishing ground, essential for the livelihood and food security of millions in the region.

UPSC Civil Services Mains PYQ:

Q. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (2016)

Creating time standard for the Moon

GS 3: Science and Technology: Lunar time standard

Why is it in the news?

• The International Astronomical Union has recently advocated for the creation of a Co-ordinated lunar time standard (LTC), following a directive from the US White House for NASA to develop such a system.
• This initiative arises from the need to address the differences in time flow between the Moon and Earth, due to variations in gravity as explained by Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity.

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Timekeeping on the Moon:

• On the Moon, time ticks slightly faster than on Earth, with an Earth-based clock losing about 58.7 microseconds per day. This discrepancy, though small, can lead to complications in spacecraft docking, data transfers, and navigation.
• Currently, lunar missions use their own timekeeping systems linked to Universal Time Coordination (UTC), which may become problematic as more missions are planned.
• For instance, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and ISRO’s Chandrayaan 2 Orbiter have to synchronize their operations to prevent collisions.
• With several countries, including the US, China, and India, planning future lunar missions and potential long-term outposts, a unified lunar time standard is becoming essential.
• Establishing a lunar time standard will likely involve deploying atomic clocks on the Moon. At least three such clocks will need to be placed at different locations to account for variations caused by the Moon’s rotation and mass concentrations, known as mascons.
• These clocks will provide data to create a more accurate lunar time standard, which can be linked to UTC for seamless coordination with Earth. This approach mirrors the use of atomic clocks on Earth to account for variations in rotational speed at different latitudes.

Need for the Moon Time Zone:

• Enhanced Communication: Space operations around the moon will necessitate independent timekeeping for spacecraft and controllers to effectively communicate and determine their positions without relying on Earth-based time standards.
• Lack of a Fixed Standard Time Zone: Lunar missions have followed the time zone of their launching country, but with an increasing number of lunar missions planned, the European Space Agency has deemed this approach unsustainable.
• Global Lunar Timekeeping: The main objective of creating a universal time zone for the moon is to enhance communication and coordination among various governmental and private organizations involved in lunar travel and operations.

Challenges in Implementing Lunar UTC:

• Time Synchronization Issues with Earth: While atomic clocks accurately measure time on Earth, synchronizing lunar time presents challenges as clocks on the moon run faster, gaining about 58.7 microseconds per day.
• Challenges of Rugged Lunar Terrain: Establishing a uniform time zone on the Moon is complicated by its diverse terrain and varying lighting conditions across its surface.
• Lunar Movement Variability: A lunar timekeeping system must accommodate the Moon’s irregular rotation and uneven movement.
• Global Collaboration for Lunar Time Standard: Establishing a unified time standard for the Moon demands broad international cooperation and agreement on the scientific complexities of timekeeping.

Additional Information:

What is Universal Time Coordinated/ Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)?

• Introduced on January 1, 1960, is a global time standard designed to maintain consistent time worldwide.
• It is based on International Atomic Time (TAI), which is maintained by atomic clocks around the world.
• It is set by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in Paris, France.
• It is the primary time standard used by many countries, international organizations, and scientific research institutions.
• UTC is expressed as a 24-hour clock and is used to indicate the time offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+0).
• Time zones are defined as an offset from UTC, with some time zones being ahead of UTC (UTC+1, UTC+2, etc.) and others being behind UTC (UTC-1, UTC-2, etc.).
• UTC is adjusted periodically to account for changes in the Earth’s rotation, which can cause variations in the length of a day.
• These adjustments are made by adding leap seconds to UTC, which helps keep the time standard synchronised with the Earth’s rotation.

What is an Atomic Clock?

• Function: An atomic clock is renowned for its exceptional accuracy, operating by measuring the resonance frequencies of atoms, usually cesium or rubidium.
• In atomic timekeeping, a second is defined by the vibration of a cesium atom 9,192,631,770 times.
• Historical Development: Invented by Louise Essen in 1955, since then atomic clocks revolutionized timekeeping with their precision.
• Precision and Longevity: Atomic clocks are so precise that they lose only one second approximately every 100 million years.
• Current Usage in India: Atomic clocks are operational in India, specifically located in Ahmedabad and Faridabad.

PM Modi’s Poland visit

GS 2: International Relations: India-Poland

About the news

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Warsaw on 21^st August for a visit that marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years. Modi expressed optimism that the visit would enhance bilateral relations and build a stronger partnership between the two nations.
• He highlighted the significance of Poland as a key economic partner in Central Europe and looked forward to advancing ties with Polish leaders, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda.
• Modi’s visit also coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Poland.
• Modi began his engagements by laying a wreath at the memorial for Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja of Nawanagar, Gujarat, who had sheltered over 1,000 Polish students during World War II. The square where the memorial stands is named “Dobrego Maharadzy” or “Good Maharaja Square” in his honour.
• Modi also paid respects at the monument for the Battle of Monte Cassino, which commemorates the Indian and Polish soldiers who fought in one of the significant battles of World War II.
• He laid a wreath at the Kolhapur memorial and interacted with those who had found refuge in India during the 1940s.
• The significance of Modi’s visit is seen as twofold: balancing India’s relations between the West and Russia, and exploring opportunities for deeper trade and investment, particularly with Poland being part of the EU.
• The EU is currently negotiating with India on a potential investment deal and a free trade agreement.

Additional Information:

India-Poland Diplomatic Relations

• Establishment: Diplomatic relations between India and Poland began in 1954, with India opening its embassy in Warsaw in 1957.
• Shared Ideologies: Both countries opposed colonialism, imperialism, and racism, which initially shaped their bilateral relations.
• Communist Era: During Poland’s Communist period (1944-1989), the relationship was close and cordial, featuring regular high-level visits, planned trade, and economic interactions facilitated by state trading organizations and rupee clearing arrangements.
• Post-Communist Period: The relationship remained strong after Poland transitioned to democracy in 1989.
• 21st Century: In the current century, the relationship has continued to thrive, especially after Poland joined the European Union in 2004, establishing itself as a significant economic partner for India in Central Europe.
• Economic & Commercial Relations
• Trade: Poland is India’s largest trade partner in Central Europe, with bilateral trade growing nearly seven-fold to USD 2.36 billion in 2019.
• Investment: Indian investments in Poland exceed USD 3 billion, while Polish investments in India total around USD 672 million.
• Sectoral Collaboration: Significant partnerships exist in agriculture, IT, textiles, mining, and pharmaceuticals, highlighting strong economic ties and mutual opportunities.
• Cultural and Educational Relations:
• Indology and Celebrations: Poland has a long tradition of Indology, including early Sanskrit translations and commemorations of Indian figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
• Yoga Promotion: The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated in 21 Polish cities in 2015, with around 11,000 participants.

Were 8 crore new jobs created in three years?

GS 3: Economy: Employment

Why is it in the news?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently claimed that India created “eight crore new jobs in the last three to four years,” citing data from the India-KLEMS database hosted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• According to this database, the number of workers increased from 56.6 crore in 2020-21 to 64.3 crore in 2023-24, reflecting a net rise of 7.8 crore workers.
• The State Bank of India (SBI) subsequently published a report supporting the validity of this increase by comparing it with data from the NSSO’s Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) for 2022-2023.
• However, analysts are questioning this claim due to concerns about the methodology used in estimating these figures.

More about the news

• The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports stagnant or declining employment ratios in East Asia, South-East Asia, and the Pacific between 2019 and 2023, casting doubt on India’s outlier status.
• The India-KLEMS database, initiated as an academic project in 2009 and now hosted by the RBI, was not originally designed to track employment but to measure industry-level “total factor productivity” (TFP). Employment figures are included as inputs in the database’s models, not as direct data collected by the RBI.
• India-KLEMS relies on employment data from the Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS), which provide only the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) rather than absolute worker numbers. To estimate the number of workers, the WPR is multiplied by population projections.
• For the years 2017-18 to 2019-20, India-KLEMS used population estimates from the Economic Survey (ES) 2021-22, which projected growth rates based on trends from 2001-2011. For 2020-21 to 2023-24, it used projections from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), which were based on different demographic models.
• Critics argue that both sources overlook recent changes in fertility rates and fail to provide separate projections for rural and urban areas, leading to possible overestimation of rural populations. Additionally, the use of outdated or incorrect population estimates likely inflates employment figures.
• Data from the PLFS show a decline in the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) from 38.6% in 2011-12 to 34.7% in 2017-18, with a rise to 41.1% in 2022-23, largely driven by an increase in unpaid, self-employed work among rural women.
• This rise in WPR is misleading, as it reflects an increase in unpaid work rather than meaningful paid employment. The SBI’s comparison of India-KLEMS with ASUSE data, which excludes various sectors such as agriculture and government, has been criticized for lacking scientific rigor.
• In summary, while the India-KLEMS data suggests significant job creation, its methodology, including the use of questionable population projections and the focus on outdated models, has been criticized for potentially overstating employment growth.
• The Government of India’s delay in conducting a new decadal Census has compounded these issues, leading to the politicization of employment data and undermining reasoned analysis of economic trends.

Long before today’s lateral entry, Nehru government recruited from open market

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Lateral Entry

About the news

• Six decades before the Narendra Modi government introduced “lateral entries” into the bureaucracy, the government of Jawaharlal Nehru made numerous appointments from the “open market” based on candidates’ competence and expertise.
• The Modi government first advertised vacancies for lateral entrants in 2018 and, on August 20, 2024, requested the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to withdraw its advertisement for the fifth round of such appointments, which aimed to fill 45 central government posts.
• This move faced strong criticism from several Opposition leaders and key allies for bypassing the reservation policy. The need for such appointments arose post-Independence when India required officers to frame and implement policies.
• The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) were established in 1946 to replace the Indian Civil Service (ICS) and Indian Police (IP).
• With a shortage of qualified officers, as the last ICS batch was recruited in 1943 and the first IAS batch only in 1948, special recruitment drives were undertaken in 1948-49 and 1956 to address the shortage. These special recruitments aimed to select top talent from India and abroad for the newly independent nation’s services.
• During the first special recruitment round in 1948-49, 82 officers were hired based on recommendations from the Emergency Recruitment Board. The second round in 1956 involved both a written examination and interviews.
• G B Pant, then Home Minister, stated that these recruitments were necessary due to a depleted cadre. Recruitment policies included an upper age limit of 40 years for general candidates and 45 years for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates, similar to the now-cancelled lateral entry initiative.
• The 1956 recruitment round saw 22,161 applications, including 1,138 from SCs and 185 from STs. The government set an income floor of Rs 300 for open-market candidates, which led to criticism from Communist leader A K Gopalan, who argued it restricted recruitment to the wealthy.
• Despite the controversy, the process included quotas for SCs (12.5%) and STs (5%), with adjustments made to accommodate more candidates. The final recruitment included 7 SC and 3 ST candidates in 1956, and 12 SC and 1 ST among the 82 IAS officers hired in 1949.

Orangutan diplomacy

GS 2: International Relations: Malaysian Diplomacy

Why is it in the news?

• On August 18, Malaysia’s Plantation and Commodities Minister Johari Ghani revised his earlier proposal of sending critically endangered orangutans as gifts to palm oil-purchasing countries.
• Instead, the latest proposal offers importers of Malaysian palm oil the opportunity to “sponsor” one or more orangutans, with the funds being used for their conservation within Malaysia rather than sending the adopted primates abroad.
• This policy shift came after Ghani’s initial plan faced widespread criticism, particularly from wildlife conservationists who deemed it “obscene” and “repugnant.”

More about the news

• Ghani had first announced his intention to use orangutans as diplomatic gifts in May, drawing inspiration from China’s “panda diplomacy,” a practice involving sending pandas to other countries as a diplomatic and conservation tool.
• Malaysia, as the world’s second-largest palm oil producer, has faced significant pressure to enhance the sustainability of its palm oil industry, which has been linked to deforestation and the resultant loss of orangutan habitat.
• These apes inhabit the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, regions shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
• With the orangutan population around 1,20,000, their numbers are threatened by rapid deforestation, primarily due to palm oil plantations, according to a World Wildlife Fund report.
• Ghani’s proposed “orangutan diplomacy” was aimed at addressing concerns about the impact of palm oil production on orangutans.
• He emphasized that Malaysia should adopt a proactive stance on palm oil rather than a defensive one, showing commitment to producing sustainable palm oil and protecting forests. His announcement followed a European Union ban on imports linked to deforestation.
• The initial proposal faced severe backlash from animal welfare groups, who criticized it as hypocritical. They argued that it was unethical to destroy the forests where orangutans live for palm oil production while offering them as gifts in exchange for trade favours.
• Justice for Wildlife Malaysia emphasized that protecting the forests, the natural habitat of orangutans, was the most crucial step.
• In contrast, Stuart Pimm, chair of conservation ecology at Duke University, noted the significant differences between Malaysia’s proposed “orangutan diplomacy” and China’s “panda diplomacy.” He pointed out that China has advanced facilities for pandas and protected areas to safeguard wild panda populations, whereas Malaysia’s plan lacked comparable conservation infrastructure.
• Under the revised scheme, Ghani now proposes that orangutans remain in their natural habitats. The funds raised through sponsorships will be directed towards conservation programs, which will include collaborating with a team of rangers and experts to monitor the presence, safety, and condition of these wild animals.

Additional Information:

Animal Diplomacy:

• Animal diplomacy entails giving or lending animals as symbols of friendship or goodwill between nations. These animals, often culturally significant or indigenous to the donor country, serve as powerful diplomatic tools.
• Examples of animal diplomacy include:
• Panda Diplomacy of China: China began offering pandas as diplomatic gifts during the Tang Dynasty (618–907). By the 1980s, pandas were loaned for about $1 million per year for 10-year periods, extending China’s diplomatic reach and fostering trust.
• Elephant Diplomacy in Asia: Elephants, revered for their wisdom and strength, are used in soft-power diplomacy. India, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka have gifted elephants to various countries to enhance diplomatic relations.
• Koala Diplomacy of Australia: To celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties, Australia loaned four koalas—Paddle, Pellita, Chan, and Idalia—to the Singapore Zoo.

Significance of Animal Diplomacy:

• Cultural Exchange and Symbolism: Sharing or gifting animals fosters cross-cultural understanding and showcases cultural heritage.
• Soft Power Projection: Animal diplomacy projects soft power and enhances global influence through charismatic wildlife, like Australia’s “Koala Diplomacy” initiative.
• Environmental Diplomacy: Joint efforts to protect endangered species and preserve habitats build international trust and cooperation, such as the Russia-China agreement on the Siberian tiger.
• Public Diplomacy and Engagement: Animal adoptions, wildlife exhibitions, and conservation partnerships engage the public and promote national values, exemplified by the USA’s “Bald Eagle Diplomacy.”

About Orangutan:

• Orangutans are great apes from the family Hominidae and genus Pongo, classified into three species: Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli.
• With their distinctive red fur, orangutans are the largest arboreal mammals, spending over 90 percent of their waking hours in the trees.
• Conservation status: All three species are classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.
• Habitant: They are native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia, where they live in lowland and swamp forests as well as mountainous areas.
• They inhabit only in the Indonesian island of Sumatra and both the Malaysian and Indonesian regions of Borneo.
• Physical Characteristics:
• Size and Weight: Adult male orangutans are typically twice as large as females, reaching up to 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) in height and 130 kg (285 pounds) in weight.
• Appearance: They are characterized by long, sparse reddish or orange hair, giving them a shaggy appearance.
• Distinct Features: Males develop prominent cheek pads, or flanges, which are fully formed in dominant individuals.
• Lifespan: Up to 50 years in the wild.
• Diet: Daytime eaters, their diet consists mostly of fruit and leaves, but they also eat nuts, bark, insects, and, once in a while, bird eggs, too.
• Threats: Habitat loss from deforestation, illegal logging, and palm oil plantations, along with hunting and poaching, significantly threaten their survival.

Justice Hema Committee

GS 1: Indian Society-Women

Why is it in the news?

• On August 18, the Kerala government released the Justice Hema Committee report, four-and-a-half years after it was submitted.
• The 233-page document provides a damning critique of the discrimination and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, highlighting delays that have drawn criticism.
• The report reveals a pervasive culture of sexual harassment, including casting couch practices, and highlights the influence of a male-dominated “mafia” that stifles dissent.

More about the news

Background:

• The committee was established in response to the February 2017 abduction and sexual assault of a leading actress, which implicated a prominent actor and led to the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC).
• The WCC petitioned for an inquiry into broader gender issues in the industry, resulting in the formation of the committee led by Justice K Hema.
• The report was submitted in December 2019 but faced delays due to privacy concerns and legal challenges.
• Critics, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, have condemned the delay as an attempt to shield powerful figures in the industry.

Key takeaways from the report:

The report identifies a range of issues confronting women in the Malayalam film industry, delineating the specific barriers they face within their professional environment.

• Sexual Exploitation: The committee has validated the longstanding rumors regarding the prevalence of the “casting couch” phenomenon within the industry, confirming that women face sexual demands as they begin their careers.
• Inadequate Facilities and Safety: Women in the industry endure a lack of essential facilities, such as toilets and changing rooms, leading to health issues and face significant safety concerns at both their workplaces and accommodations.
• Systemic Abuse and Coercion in the Industry: This encompasses sexual harassment, abuse, and assault across various settings, including workplaces, transportation, and accommodations; online harassment; and the illegal banning and silencing of women who resist or voice concerns.
• Gender Bias and Exploitation: Male dominance and gender discrimination lead to pay disparities between men and women, with junior artists sometimes enduring excessively long work hours and harsh treatment.
• Contractual Irregularities: The absence of formal written contracts allows some employers to exploit and withhold remuneration promised orally to actors and technicians.
• Workplace Indiscipline and Misconduct: Drug and alcohol abuse, disorderly conduct, and vulgar comments at work lead to severe indiscipline and unprofessional behaviour.

Recommendations by the Committee:

• The committee recommends that the government enact a specific statute and establish a Tribunal to address the various issues faced by women in the film industry.
• Additional recommendations include mandating job contracts, enforcing wage equality for the same roles regardless of gender, banning drugs and alcohol on set, and ensuring safe working conditions for women.

Additional Information:

Frameworks addressing Women’s Safety in India:

• Legal Framework:
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013:
• Based on the Vishakha Guidelines, this act establishes a framework to create a safe work environment for women by requiring Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in organizations with over 10 employees, defining sexual harassment, and setting procedures for filing and investigating complaints, ensuring protection and redressal.
• Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013:
• The Act broadened the definition of rape and introduced new offenses such as stalking, voyeurism, and acid attacks with specific penalties, following the Delhi gang rape case.
• The subsequent Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, imposed stricter penalties, including the death penalty for rapes involving girls under 12, and mandated that investigations and trials be completed within two months each.
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012:
• It addresses sexual offenses against children and safeguards them from sexual crimes such as assault, harassment, and pornography, and imposes stringent penalties, including extended prison terms and fines, for offenders.
• Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act of 1986:
• It prohibits the indecent representation of women in various forms, including advertisements, publications, writings, paintings, figures or in any other manner and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

UPSC Civil Services PYQ’s:

Prelims:

Q. Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements: (2010)

1. Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc., whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.

2. Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Mains:

Q. Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (2017)

Q. Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. (2015)

Q. We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace. (2014)