• The Peruvian government has recently declared a state of national emergency due to a surge in cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder.
• This condition affects the body's nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
• While the exact cause of GBS is not fully understood, it is often associated with preceding infections or, rarely, vaccinations. 

2. About Guillain Barre Syndrome

• Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own peripheral nerve cells.
• Specifically, the myelin sheath, a protective layer surrounding nerve cells, becomes inflamed.
• This inflammation disrupts the normal transmission of signals along nerve tracts, resulting in difficulties in various bodily functions such as speaking, walking, swallowing, and excreting.
• Symptoms typically begin with a tingling sensation in the extremities, weakness in the legs spreading to the upper body, and can progress to facial movement difficulties, unsteady walking, pain, and even paralysis.

3. Causes of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

• The exact causes of Guillain-Barre Syndrome remain unclear.
• However, it often develops shortly after an individual experiences an infectious disease.
• In rare cases, vaccinations have been associated with GBS.
• The syndrome has been linked to infections such as Campylobacter, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Zika virus, and even the COVID-19 pandemic.
• In autoimmune diseases like GBS, the immune system mistakes the body's own cells and structures as foreign and launches an attack, potentially damaging peripheral nerves.

4. Treatment and Prognosis

• Currently, there is no definitive cure for Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
• The condition tends to worsen in the first two weeks after onset and then stabilizes.
• Recovery can begin around week four and may extend from six to 12 months, occasionally even up to three years.
• During this time, medical professionals focus on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
• Vital signs are continuously monitored, and in emergencies, patients may require ventilator support.
• Two treatments commonly used are plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) and immunoglobulin therapy.
• Plasma exchange involves removing and replacing the plasma, aiming to remove the antibodies attacking the nerves.
• Immunoglobulin therapy, on the other hand, injects healthy antibodies from donors to block the damaged antibodies contributing to GBS.
• Physical therapy can also assist in pain management and rehabilitation.

5. The Situation in Peru

• The recent declaration of a state of national emergency in Peru is in response to the increased number of GBS cases.
• However, no reports are suggesting that another infection is triggering this outbreak.
• Peru previously faced a similar issue in 2019 following an outbreak of Campylobacter infection.
• It is essential to closely monitor the situation and implement necessary measures to control the spread of GBS.

6. Conclusion

• Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking peripheral nerve cells.
• While the exact causes remain unknown, it often follows infections or, rarely, vaccinations.
• Although there is no definitive cure, treatments such as plasma exchange and immunoglobulin therapy can aid in recovery.
• The recent state of national emergency in Peru emphasizes the importance of addressing and managing the surge in GBS cases effectively.
• Ongoing research and vigilant monitoring are crucial in understanding and combating this complex disorder.

GSI SURVEY

1. Context

2. Geological Survey of India

• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducts a variety of surveys, including ground surveys, air-borne and marine surveys, mineral prospecting and investigations, multi-disciplinary geoscientific, geo-technical, geo-environmental and natural hazards studies, glaciology, seismotectonic study, and carrying out fundamental research.
• The GSI survey is a critical part of the agency's mission to create and updation of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment.
• The data collected through these surveys is used to map the geological resources of India, identify potential mineral deposits, and assess the risks of natural hazards.

3. The GSI survey is carried out using a variety of methods, including:

• Ground surveys: These surveys involve the collection of data on the ground, such as rock samples, soil samples, and water samples.
• Air-borne surveys: These surveys use aircraft to collect data, such as magnetic data, gravity data, and altimetry data.
• Marine surveys: These surveys use ships to collect data, such as bathymetric data, seismic data, and oceanographic data.

4. The data collected through the GSI survey is used to create a variety of products, including:

• Maps: The GSI produces a variety of maps, including geological maps, mineral maps, and hazard maps.
• Reports: The GSI publishes a variety of reports, which provide detailed information on the geology of India, the mineral resources of India, and the risks of natural hazards.
• Databases: The GSI maintains a variety of databases, which store information on the geology of India, the mineral resources of India, and the risks of natural hazards.

The GSI survey is an essential part of the agency's mission to create and updation of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment. The data collected through these surveys is used to map the geological resources of India, identify potential mineral deposits, and assess the risks of natural hazards. This information is essential for planning and development, and for ensuring the safety of the Indian people.

5. First Siachen Survey

• June 1958: V.K. Raina, an Indian geologist, leads the first GSI Survey of the Siachen glacier.
• Mr. Raina had previously studied the Nubra Valley and worked on the proposed Leh-Manali Highway.
• The International Geophysical Year was celebrated in 1958, and the GSI planned a study of Himalayan glaciers.
• Mr. Raina and his team were responsible for surveying five glaciers, including Siachen, Mamostong, Chong Kumdan, Kichik Kumdan, and Aktash.
• They reached Siachen after a journey from Calcutta to Pathankot, Srinagar, and Leh.
• They spent three months camping at the base of the glacier, conducting various studies.
• The snout of the Siachen glacier was difficult to access, but a few kilometers upstream, it showed a clear white stream flowing into the mountains.
• In August/October 1958, two ice caves were observed on the Siachen glacier, with the Nubra River flowing out from the northern ice cave.
• A large-scale map of the snout region was prepared using a plane table and telescopic alidade.
• Cairn marks were erected and painted to fix the position of the glacier front, ice caves, and reference stations.
• Five photographic stations were established for future comparison and correlation.
• Red paint and stone cairns marked these stations.

 

Image Source: The Hindu

6. Lack of Pakistani Interest in Indian Presence on Siachen Glacier during GSI Survey (1958)

• No mountaineering expeditions or visitors crossed Mr. Raina's team during the three-month survey.
• The survey was the first official Indian survey of the Siachen glacier by the GSI and was well-publicized within academic and international scientific communities.
• There were no protests or contemporaneous documents from Pakistan regarding the Indian presence on the Siachen glacier during that time.
• Possible reasons for Pakistan's lack of interest:
  1. Adherence to the terms of the Karachi ceasefire agreement of 1949, which clearly delimited the ceasefire line up to the glaciers.
  2. The region beyond NJ 9842 was pending mutual demarcation, but it was evident that it would fall on the Indian side based on the agreed line proceeding north.
  3. Explorations and scientific visits were not seen as posing a threat or suggesting a physical occupation, so they were not given much importance.

7. Significance of the GSI Expedition and Pakistan's Silence on Siachen Glacier (1958)

• Pakistan's reliance on incorrect maps and permissions sought by explorers to support its claim to Siachen is well-known.
• Pakistan's complete silence on the first GSI expedition to the glacier in 1958 is surprising but not unexpected.
• Acknowledging the presence of Indian scientists on the glacier for over three months would have established Pakistan's absence from the region.
• The GSI expedition holds historical and geostrategic significance, debunking myths of Pakistan's presence or control of the glacier since the beginning.
• Pakistan formally staked its claim to the region 25 years later, extending the Line of Control in violation of the Karachi ceasefire agreement.
• India, alarmed by Pakistan's actions, pre-empted and occupied the strategic Saltoro Heights on April 13, 1984.

For Prelims: Geological Survey of India (GSI), Siachen Glacier, International Geophysical Year, Karachi ceasefire agreement of 1949, and Nubra River. For Mains: 1. Explain the significance and contributions of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in shaping India's geology and natural resource exploration. (250 words).

 

Previous year Question 1. Siachen Glacier is situated to the (UPSC 2020) A. East of Aksai Chin B. East of Leh C. North of Gilgit D. North of Nubra Valley Answer: D

 Source: The Hindu

 

 

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

1. Context 

Recently, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) faced criticism for prohibiting a discussion on the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, leading to a show cause notice being issued to two faculty members at the Indian Institute of Science, Education, and Research (IISER) in Mohali, Punjab. As a signatory of the letter criticizing the administration. 

2. About Scientific Research

Certainly, Scientific research refers to the systematic investigation conducted by scientists to expand knowledge, understand phenomena, and develop theories or explanations based on evidence. It involves a rigorous and structured approach to gathering and analysing data, formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions.

3. Methodology and Process

Scientific research typically follows a specific methodology, which may vary depending on the discipline or field of study. The general steps in the scientific research process include:

Formulating a research question or objective: This involves identifying a topic of interest and defining the specific question or objective that the research aims to address.

Literature review: Before conducting new research, scientists review existing literature to understand what is already known about the topic and to identify gaps or areas that require further investigation.

Developing a hypothesis: Based on the research question and existing knowledge, researchers formulate a hypothesis, which is a proposed explanation or prediction that can be tested through experimentation or observation.

Designing the study: Researchers plan and design the study, including selecting appropriate methods, variables, and data collection techniques. They also consider ethical considerations, sample size, and statistical analysis methods.

Data collection: This step involves gathering data using various methods, such as experiments, surveys, observations, interviews, or analyzing existing datasets.

Data analysis: Researchers analyze the collected data using statistical or qualitative analysis techniques to uncover patterns, trends, or relationships and to test the hypothesis.

Interpretation and conclusion: Based on the results of the analysis, researchers interpret the findings and conclude the research question or objective. They evaluate whether the data supports or refutes the hypothesis.

Communicating the results: Researchers share their findings through scientific publications, conferences, presentations, or other means to contribute to the existing body of knowledge. This allows other scientists to review, replicate, and build upon the research.

4.  About the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act

• The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, of 1967 (UAPA) is an anti-terrorism law in India.
• It was enacted to "provide for the more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of individuals and associations".
• The Act defines "unlawful activities" as those that "involve the use of violence or force or threat of violence or force or any other unlawful means" and that "are intended or likely to cause, inter alia, the following consequences, namely:

(a) to threaten the unity, integrity, security or sovereignty of India; or

(b) to strike terror in the people or any section of the people; or

(c) to adversely affect the harmony, the security or economic interests of India".

 

 

The UAPA gives the government-wide powers to investigate and prosecute suspected terrorists. These powers include the power to:

• Prohibit an association or organization;
• Arrest and detain a person without charge for up to 180 days;
• Search and seize property;
• Impose financial restrictions;
• Prohibit the publication of material;
• Control the movement of people.

5. Conclusion

Scientific research plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and addressing societal challenges across various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, social sciences, and many others. It is a continuous and iterative process, with new research often building upon and refining previous studies.

 

For Prelims: Indian Institute of Science, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Indian Institute of Science, Education, and Research,  For Mains:  1. Discuss the importance of communicating research findings through scientific publications, conferences, or presentations, and their role in contributing to the existing body of knowledge. (250 Words)

Source: The Indian Express

 

NATURE RESTORING LAW

 

1. Context

After the European Parliament accepted a key nature restoration law with a razor-thin majority on July 12, 2023, a backlash is expected against plans to protect vast swaths of threatened nature. The law, which has passed through the EU Parliament but is subject to final approval, comes after the European Commission concluded that the member states have not yet succeeded in stopping the extinction of species. A further failure to achieve the common goal of restoring destroyed ecosystems caused the Commission to call for “more decisive action.”

2. Nature Restoration Law

• The Nature Restoration Law refers to legislation introduced by the European Commission in June 2022.
• The law aims to bolster the European Union's green transition and prevent the loss of vital ecosystems and species due to climate change. It focuses on the restoration of nature, particularly in relation to drained peatlands.
• Under the Nature Restoration Law, a specific target is set for the restoration of former peatlands currently used for agriculture.
• The law allows for the restoration and partial shifting of land use for 30% of these drained peatlands by the end of the decade, with the target increasing to 70% by 2050.
• The law has faced opposition from farmers' associations and conservative lawmakers who express concerns about the potential loss of valuable agricultural land.
• However, supporters of the law emphasize its importance in meeting the EU's climate goals. Peatlands are recognized as significant in slowing planetary heating and their restoration is seen as a crucial step towards achieving environmental sustainability.

3. Opposition to EU's Nature Restoration Law Regarding Peatlands

• Farmers and conservative lawmakers in the European Union strongly oppose the Nature Restoration Law.
• The law aims to protect ecosystems and species threatened by climate change. Opposition mainly revolves around the restoration of drained peatlands.
• Farmers' associations express concerns about the potential loss of valuable agricultural land.
• Supporters of the law emphasize the crucial role of peatlands in mitigating climate change.
• Peatlands help slow planetary heating and contribute to the EU's climate goals.
• Farmers' associations fear significant loss of productive agricultural land.
• Opposition highlights the potential economic impact and implications for food security.
• Supporters argue that the restoration of drained peatlands is necessary to protect ecosystems and combat climate change. Restoring peatlands would contribute to long-term environmental benefits.

4. Peatlands

• Peatlands, a type of wetland, develop over thousands of years from decaying plant matter and store more carbon than any other ecosystem.
• Despite covering only 3% of the Earth's land area, peatlands absorb nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as all forests combined.
• However, when damp peatlands are drained and repurposed for activities like agriculture or fertilizer use, they transition from being a carbon sink to a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
• In Europe, drained peatlands and wetlands contribute to approximately 7% of the continent's greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions produced by the entire industrial output of the European Union.

5. Importance of Rewetting Peatlands for Sustainable Agriculture

• European peatlands, equivalent to the size of Germany, are crucial for biodiversity and nutrient-rich ecosystems.
• Over half of these peatlands have suffered permanent damage, with Germany estimating up to 90% degradation.
• Former peatlands in Scandinavia and the Baltic states are primarily used for forestry, while in the Netherlands, Poland, and Germany, drained areas have been converted to farmland.
• Former peatlands account for approximately 7% of Germany's agricultural land but generate 37% of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
• Experts advocate for a paradigm shift in agriculture to meet climate goals, emphasizing the need to move away from farming on drained peatlands.
• Proposed solutions include rewetting and investing in paludiculture, and agriculture on rewetted peat soil, to halt carbon emissions and improve soil and water quality.
• The EU's proposed legislation aims to rewet half of the former peatlands in Europe, while less effective measures would be used for the remaining areas.
• Rewetting and conversion of agricultural land to paludiculture are seen as comparable in scope to phasing out coal, with the potential for significant environmental benefits.

6. Synergy Between Profitable Agriculture and Wetland Restoration

• Backers of the legislation emphasize that profitable agriculture and wetland restoration can coexist.
• The European Commission calculates that investing in restoring natural resources would yield an economic return of at least eight times the initial investment in the long term.
• While rewetted land may not support monocultures like grains or corn, it can accommodate the growth of alternative crops, as highlighted in a position paper by scientific institutions and environmental organizations.
• Rehabilitated land could be utilized for timber production or the cultivation of grasses and reeds, which can serve as insulation material or raw material for organic plastic substitutes.
• Revitalized areas have the potential to transition from livestock grazing to becoming grazing grounds for water buffalo, offering alternative opportunities for animal husbandry.
• The potential economic and environmental benefits demonstrate the compatibility of profitable agriculture and the restoration of wetlands.

For Prelims: European Commission, Nature Restoration Law, Peatlands, carbon dioxide, European Union, Biodiversity, and Paludiculture. For Mains: 1. Assess the ecological significance and environmental challenges associated with peatlands. Discuss their role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. (250 words).

Source: The Indian Express