Every October, the world anticipates the Nobel Prize announcements, recognizing outstanding individuals from various fields, including scientists, writers, economists, and human rights leaders. These prestigious awards, established by Alfred Nobel in 1895 will, remain a symbol of excellence.

2. About Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prize is a series of six international awards bestowed annually by the Nobel Foundation for outstanding achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, peace, and economics. The prizes were established by the will of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist, engineer, industrialist, and inventor of dynamite, who died in 1896. The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901.

Nobel Prize Facts

• The Nobel Prize 2023 was announced in early October 2023 to new faces from around the globe, consisting of the world’s most elite roster of scientists, writers, economists, and human rights leaders.
• The Nobel Prize consists of a Nobel Medal and Diploma, and a document confirming the prize amount.
• The Nobel Peace Prize is presented in Norway while the other awards are handed out in Sweden.
• The awardees of the 2023 Nobel Prize will receive in prize money Swedish kronor (SEK) 11.0 million for a full Prize.

Importance of Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the world. It is a recognition of excellence in the fields of physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, peace, and economics. The Nobel Prize laureates are some of the most brilliant and influential minds in the world, and their work has had a profound impact on society.

How are candidates nominated for the Nobel Prize?

• Every year, the Nobel Committees of the four prize-awarding institutions invite thousands of people to submit nominations for the Nobel Prizes for the coming year.
• These nominators include members of academies, university professors, scientists, previous Nobel Prize laureates, and members of parliamentary assemblies.
• Nominators are selected in such a way that as many countries and universities as possible are represented over time. No one can nominate themselves for a Nobel Prize.
• The nomination process starts in September of the previous year and ends on January 31 (except for the Nobel Peace Prize, nominations for which close on February 1).
• The Nobel Prizes are announced in October, and the Nobel Laureates receive their awards on December 10 in Stockholm. The names of the nominees cannot be revealed until 50 years later.

About attosecond science

• Attosecond science is the study of processes that happen on the timescale of attoseconds, which are one trillionth of a second. This is incredibly fast, even compared to femtosecond processes, which happen on the timescale of one quadrillionth of a second.
• Attosecond science is important because it allows us to study the motion of electrons within atoms. This is important for understanding a wide range of phenomena, including chemical reactions, laser physics, and materials science.

How did Agostini, Krausz, and L’Huillier make attosecond science possible?

• Agostini, Krausz, and L’Huillier developed new methods for generating attosecond pulses of light. These methods are based on the interaction of light with atoms and molecules.
• One of the key challenges in attosecond science is that attosecond pulses of light are very weak. Agostini, Krausz, and L’Huillier developed new techniques for amplifying attosecond pulses of light, making them more useful for experiments.

Potential applications of attosecond science

• Attosecond pulses of light can be used to develop new types of electronic devices, such as faster transistors and more efficient solar cells.
• Attosecond pulses of light can be used to develop new medical treatments, such as cancer therapies.
• Attosecond pulses of light can be used to study the fundamental laws of physics, such as the behaviour of matter at the atomic and subatomic levels.
• Attosecond pulses of light can be used to study the chemical reactions that take place between atoms and molecules.
• Attosecond pulses of light can be used to study the biological processes that occur within cells.

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2022

Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov have been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. Quantum dots are nanoparticles so tiny that their size determines their properties. They have unique optical and electronic properties and are used in a variety of applications, including television screens, LED lamps, solar cells, and medical imaging.

 

About quantum dots

Quantum dots are semiconductor nanoparticles that are typically only a few nanometers in diameter. When a quantum dot is illuminated with light, it emits light of a specific colour, depending on its size. Quantum dots can also be used to catalyze chemical reactions and to image biological tissues.

Potential applications of quantum dots

Quantum dots have a wide range of potential applications, including:

• Quantum dots can be used to create brighter and more energy-efficient displays for televisions, computers, and other devices.
• Quantum dots can be used to create more efficient and durable LED lamps.
• Quantum dots can be used to increase the efficiency of solar cells.
• Quantum dots can be used to image biological tissues in high resolution.
• Quantum dots are also being explored for use in a variety of other applications, such as drug delivery, sensing, and catalysis.

3.4. Literature Nobel Prize 2023

About Jon Fosse

• Jon Fosse is a Norwegian author who writes in Nynorsk, the least common of the two official versions of Norwegian.
• He is known for his plays and prose, which are characterized by their simplicity, minimalism, and searing dialogue.
• His work explores themes such as the absurdity, futility, and yet the power of the human condition; everyday confusions and irresolutions; and the difficulty to form actual connections, despite and sometimes because of conversation.
• Fosse has been celebrated in Europe for a long time, but he is not as well-known in the United Kingdom or the United States.
• His popularity has increased in recent years, however, and he is now considered to be one of the leading contemporary European playwrights.
• Fosse was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2023 for his “innovative plays and prose which give voice to the unsayable.”
• The Nobel Committee praised Fosse’s ability to evoke “man’s loss of orientation, and how this paradoxically can provide access to a deeper experience close to divinity.”
• Fosse’s Nobel Prize is a significant recognition of his work and the Nynorsk language. It is also a reminder of the power of literature to explore the universal and the political through visceral self-introspection.

3.5. Nobel Peace Prize 2023

About Narges Mohammadi

• Narges Mohammadi is an Iranian activist who has been fighting for human rights and freedom for all, especially for women. She is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Mohammadi was arrested in November 2021 after she attended a memorial for a victim of violent 2019 protests. She is currently serving multiple sentences in Tehran's Evin Prison amounting to about 12 years imprisonment.
• Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her "courageous and tireless work for human rights in Iran." The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised her for her "fight against the oppression of women and her promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly."
• Mohammadi's award is a significant recognition of her work and the struggle for human rights in Iran. It is also a reminder of the importance of fighting for freedom and justice, even in the face of persecution.

3.6. Economics Nobel Prize 2023

About Claudia Goldin

Key findings

• Goldin's research has shown that female participation in the labour market has not had a steady upward trend over time but rather forms a U-shaped curve.
• This is because the participation of married women decreased with the transition from an agrarian to an industrial society in the early 19th century, but then started to increase with the growth of the service sector in the early 20th century.
• Goldin has also shown that the contraceptive pill played an important role in increasing female labour market participation by offering new opportunities for career planning.
• Goldin has shown that the bulk of the earnings gap between men and women is now between men and women in the same occupation and that it largely arises with the birth of the first child.

The significance of Goldin's work

• Goldin's work has had a major impact on our understanding of the role of women in the labour market. Her findings have implications for policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike.
• For example, policymakers can use Goldin's research to design policies that encourage women to participate in the labour market and to reduce the earnings gap. Businesses can use her research to develop more effective diversity and inclusion initiatives. And individuals can use her research to make more informed decisions about their careers and families.

India has seen several of its own individuals of Indian origin recognized with the Nobel Prize. This includes Rabindranath Tagore (Literature, 1913), C V Raman (Physics, 1930), Hargobind Khorana (Medicine, 1968), Mother Teresa (Peace, 1979), Subramanian Chandrashekhar (Physics, 1983), the Dalai Lama (Peace, 1989), Amartya Sen (Economics, 1998), Venkatraman Ramakrishnan (Chemistry, 2009), Kailash Satyarthi (Peace, 2014), and Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee (Economics, 2019).

It's notable that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), led by R K Pachauri, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.

Image Source: Reddit

The Nobel Prize's Regret

• The Nobel Prize website acknowledges a regrettable omission, especially concerning Mahatma Gandhi, in the section 'Mahatma Gandhi, the missing laureate.'
• It reflects on the Nobel Peace Prize's history up to 1960 when it was primarily awarded to Europeans and Americans.
• In hindsight, the Nobel Committee's scope may appear overly limited.
• Gandhi, a distinctly unique individual, did not fit the conventional mould of earlier Laureates.
• He was not a conventional politician, an advocate of international law, or chiefly a humanitarian relief worker.
• Nor did he organize international peace congresses. His contributions might have ushered in a new category of Laureates.

Notable Exclusions

Two eminent Indian physicists, Meghnad Saha and Satyendranath Bose, are conspicuous omissions from the list of Nobel Laureates. Although both were nominated multiple times, the Nobel Committee did not recognize their exceptional contributions.

NUCLEAR ENERGY

 

 

1. Context

India’s economy is growing rapidly. It is expected to surpass Germany and Japan and move up from number five to number three position before the end of this decade. Economic growth triggers demand for energy. One would thus expect significant growth in our primary energy consumption which is already the third-highest globally. Most of this is based on fossil energy.

 

2. What is Nuclear Energy?

Nuclear energy is a form of energy that is generated from the nucleus of an atom. It is released through two main processes: nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

1. Nuclear Fission: Nuclear fission is the process by which the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, is split into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of a significant amount of energy. This process can be controlled and sustained in a nuclear reactor. In a nuclear power plant, the heat produced by nuclear fission is used to generate steam, which, in turn, drives turbines connected to generators. These generators produce electricity, which is then distributed for various purposes.

2. Nuclear Fusion: Nuclear fusion is the process of combining the nuclei of light atoms, such as isotopes of hydrogen (e.g., deuterium and tritium), to form a heavier nucleus, along with the release of energy. Fusion is the process that powers the sun and other stars. It has the potential to provide a nearly limitless and cleaner source of energy compared to fission. However, achieving controlled nuclear fusion on Earth has proven to be technologically challenging and has not yet been realized for widespread energy production.

3. Why do we need nuclear energy?

Nuclear energy serves several important purposes and is considered valuable for various reasons, which include:

1. Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Nuclear power plants produce electricity with very low greenhouse gas emissions. This makes nuclear energy an attractive option for countries aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and combat climate change. It provides a source of electricity that is relatively clean and doesn't release significant amounts of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

2. Reliable Baseload Power: Nuclear energy provides a consistent and reliable source of electricity, known as baseload power. Unlike some renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, which are intermittent and weather-dependent, nuclear power can operate continuously and meet the minimum electricity demand, ensuring grid stability.

3. Energy Security: Nuclear energy can contribute to energy security by diversifying a nation's energy sources. This reduces the reliance on fossil fuels, which can be subject to price volatility and supply disruptions due to geopolitical conflicts.

4. High Energy Density: Nuclear fission, the process used in nuclear power plants, has a high energy density, meaning that a small amount of nuclear fuel can produce a large amount of energy. This is particularly important in scenarios where space and resource constraints are factors.

5. Long Fuel Supply: Uranium, the primary fuel used in nuclear reactors, is relatively abundant and can provide a stable and long-term source of energy. Additionally, there is ongoing research into advanced nuclear technologies, such as breeder reactors, which can extend the use of nuclear fuel resources.

6. Reduced Air Pollution: In addition to lower greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear power plants do not produce the air pollutants associated with fossil fuel combustion, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which can have adverse health effects and contribute to air pollution.
7. High Energy Independence: Nations with nuclear power capabilities can reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels. This enhances energy independence and can have economic and geopolitical benefits.

4.Types of Water reactor

Water reactors are a common type of nuclear reactor that use water as a coolant and/or moderator. There are several types of water reactors, including pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and boiling water reactors (BWRs). Here's an overview of these two main types:

1. Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs):

   • Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) are the most prevalent type of commercial nuclear reactors in the world.
   • PWRs use ordinary water (light water) as both a coolant and a moderator. The water is kept at high pressure to prevent it from boiling.
   • The reactor core contains fuel rods, typically enriched uranium, and control rods to regulate the nuclear reaction.
   • The heat generated in the reactor core is transferred to a secondary loop of water (usually at lower pressure) through a heat exchanger. This secondary loop is used to produce steam to drive turbines and generate electricity.
   • PWRs are known for their safety features, as the high pressure in the primary coolant loop helps prevent the release of radioactive materials.

2. Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs):

   • Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) also use water as a coolant and moderator, but they allow the water in the reactor core to boil.
   • The fuel rods are located in the reactor core, and as the nuclear fission reactions occur, they generate heat, causing the water in direct contact with the fuel rods to boil and produce steam.
   • The steam from the reactor core is directly used to drive turbines and generate electricity without the need for a separate heat exchanger.
   • BWRs are simpler in design but have different safety features compared to PWRs.

 

 5. Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor vs Light Water Reactor vs Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor

	Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)	Light Water Reactor (LWR)	Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)
Coolant and Moderator	Uses heavy water (deuterium oxide, D2O) as both the coolant and moderator. Heavy water moderates the neutrons and helps sustain the nuclear chain reaction	Uses ordinary light water (H2O) as both the coolant and moderator. The light water absorbs some neutrons, which affects the reactivity of the reactor	Uses a liquid metal coolant (sodium or lead) and typically does not use a separate moderator. The fast neutrons produced in the reactor core drive the breeding of fissile material.
Fuel	Typically uses natural uranium or slightly enriched uranium as fuel. It relies on heavy water to sustain the chain reaction	Uses enriched uranium (typically U-235) or mixed oxide (MOX) fuel, which contains both uranium and plutonium. Light water reactors require enriched fuel to compensate for neutron absorption by the coolant	Uses plutonium or enriched uranium as fuel. The reactor is designed to create more fissile material (usually plutonium-239) than it consumes
Neutron Spectrum	Has a thermal neutron spectrum, where neutrons have lower energy and are moderated by heavy water	Also has a thermal neutron spectrum, where neutrons are moderated by light water	Operates with a fast neutron spectrum, meaning that neutrons have higher energy and are not significantly moderated. This allows for efficient breeding of fissile material
Efficiency	Relatively low thermal efficiency due to the neutron-absorbing properties of heavy water	Moderate thermal efficiency. Most commercial nuclear power plants worldwide are LWRs	High potential for efficiency as it can produce more fissile material than it consumes, making it a potential source of sustainable nuclear fuel.
Development and Use	Used in some countries like Canada and India for power generation	The most common reactor type for commercial power generation worldwide	Developed as a prototype for future breeder reactor technology. Few operational FBRs exist

 

 

6. Nuclear power plants in India?

The following are nuclear power plants in India:

1. Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS):

   • Located in Tarapur, Maharashtra.
   • Features two boiling water reactors (BWRs) and two pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs).

2. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS):

   • Located in Kakrapar, Gujarat.
   • Consists of two pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs).

3. Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS):

   • Located in Rawatbhata, Rajasthan.
   • Comprises several units, including both pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) and pressurized heavy water reactors with enriched uranium (PHWRs-PU).

4. Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS):

   • Located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
   • Features two pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) and a Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR).

5. Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS):

   • Located in Narora, Uttar Pradesh.
   • Houses two pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs).

6. Kaiga Generating Station (KGS):

   • Located in Kaiga, Karnataka.
   • Operates with pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs).

7. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant:

   • Located in Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu.
   • Currently, it has two VVER-1000 pressurized water reactors (PWRs) in operation, and additional units were under construction.

8. Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP):

   • Located in Fatehabad, Haryana.
   • Houses two pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs).

 

7. Way forward

The role of nuclear energy in a country's energy mix is often a subject of debate, and it depends on a combination of factors, including national energy policy, safety measures, public opinion, and the availability of alternative energy sources

 

 

For Prelims:  Current events of national and international importance and General Science For Mains:  General Studies III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

Source: indianexpress

BENNU ASTEROID

1. Context

Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) disclosed findings from its OSIRIS-REx mission, demonstrating that asteroid Bennu contains significant amounts of carbon and water. This discovery suggests that the fundamental elements for life on Earth are also present on this 4.5-billion-year-old celestial body.

2. Key points

• NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, short for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer, conducted a preliminary assessment of the samples collected from asteroid Bennu.
• The OSIRIS-REx science team performed a "quick-look" analysis using various scientific instruments, including scanning electron microscopes, infrared measurements, X-ray diffraction, and chemical element analysis.
• The results of this analysis provided compelling evidence of abundant carbon and water in the samples.

3. About Asteroid Bennu

• Asteroid Bennu, a small near-Earth asteroid, comes into proximity to our planet approximately every six years.
• This asteroid was named by a nine-year-old from North Carolina who won NASA's "Name that Asteroid" competition in 2013.
• Discovered by the NASA-funded Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research team in 1999, Bennu stands as tall as the Empire State Building and orbits at a distance of about 200 million miles from Earth.

 

Image Source: ABC

4. About Asteroids and their Significance 

• Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun, considerably smaller than planets.
• NASA has identified a staggering 994,383 known asteroids, which are remnants from the solar system's formation over 4.6 billion years ago.
• Scientists conduct extensive studies on asteroids for several reasons. They offer valuable insights into the formation and history of planets and the sun, as asteroids share the same birthdate as other objects in the solar system.
• Additionally, monitoring asteroids is crucial for identifying potential threats from potentially hazardous asteroids.
• Bennu, in particular, has remained relatively unchanged since its formation, preserving ancient chemicals and rocks dating back to the inception of the solar system.
• The analysis of rocks and dust from asteroid Bennu will continue for decades, providing invaluable information about the formation of our solar system.
• It may also shed light on how precursor materials for life could have been delivered to Earth and the precautions necessary to avert asteroid collisions with our planet.

5. Classification of Asteroids

Asteroids are categorized into three classes:

1. Main Belt Asteroids are found in the main asteroid belt situated between Mars and Jupiter, estimated to contain between 1.1-1.9 million asteroids.
2. Trojans are asteroids that share their orbits with larger planets. Jupiter, Neptune, Mars, and even Earth have their respective trojans.
3. Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) have orbits that pass near Earth. Those that cross Earth's path are called Earth-crossers. Out of over 10,000 known NEAs, more than 1,400 are designated as potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs).

6. The OSIRIS-REx Mission

• The OSIRIS-REx mission is NASA's first attempt to retrieve a sample from an ancient asteroid.
• It marks the third mission in NASA's New Frontiers Program. The spacecraft returned to Earth on September 24, 2023, carrying material collected from asteroid Bennu.
• The OSIRIS-REx mission seeks to unravel the mysteries of planet formation and the origins of life while enhancing our understanding of asteroids that could pose threats to Earth.

6.1. Mission Timeline

• Launched in 2016, the mission reached its target, Bennu, in 2018.
• It spent several years surveying the asteroid's surface and identifying potential sample collection sites.
• The primary objective was to collect 60 grams of asteroid material from Bennu and return it to Earth for in-depth analysis.

6.2. Intriguing Findings

• While the spacecraft did not land on Bennu, it deposited its samples in the Utah desert.
• Scientists hope that this material will provide insights into whether asteroids colliding with Earth billions of years ago delivered water and other essential ingredients for life.
• This data could revolutionize our understanding of the early history of our planet and the potential for life beyond Earth.

7. Conclusion

The discovery of water and carbon on asteroid Bennu is a significant step forward in our understanding of the early solar system and the origins of life on Earth. Scientists are continuing to study the samples and learn more about Bennu and its potential role in the development of life on our planet.

 

For Prelims: Bennu Asteroid, OSIRIS-REx mission, NASA,  For Mains:  1. Analyze the potential threats posed by near-Earth asteroids and the mitigation measures that can be adopted. (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. What is the purpose of the US Space Agency’s Themis Mission, which was recently in the news? (UPSC 2008) A.  To study the possibility of life on Mars B.  To study the satellites of Saturn C.  To study the colorful display of high-latitude skies D. To build a space laboratory to study the stellar explosions   Answer: C   2. Which of the following is the name of the NASA programme to land first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024? (SSC MTS 2021) A. Orion     B.  Apollo       C.  Artemis           D. Nike   Answer: C

 

Source: The Indian Express

MERA YUVA BHARAT (MY BHARAT)

 

 

1. Context

After the passage of the Women’s reservation Bill last month, the government has launched an initiative to tap into a big constituencythe 40-crore youth population—ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet  approved the establishment of an autonomous body called Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) for “youth-led development and to provide equitable access to the youth”

 

2. What is Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)?

Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) is an autonomous body established by the Government of India in October 2023 to promote youth development and leadership.

It is a whole-of-government platform that aims to provide young people with access to resources, opportunities, and support to achieve their full potential.

MY Bharat is open to all young people in India aged 15-29 years. It offers a variety of programs and services, including:

• Leadership development programs
• Skill development training
• Entrepreneurship support
• Mentoring and coaching
• Volunteering and community service opportunities
• Access to information and resources on a variety of topics, such as education, employment, health, and social issues

The primary objective of MY Bharat is to make it a government platform for youth development.

It seeks to harness the immense youth energy for nation-building. Under MY Bharat, youth would become community change agents and nation builders by acting as the Yuva Setu between the Government and the citizens.

 

3. Benefits of Mera Yuva Bharat

In case of programme components specifically meant for the adolescents, the beneficiaries will be in the age-group of 10-19 years.
The establishment of Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) would lead to:
1. Leadership Development in the Youth:
-Improve the leadership skills through experiential learning by shifting from isolated physical interaction to programmatic skills.
-Investing more in youth to make them social innovators, leaders in the communities.
-Setting the focus of the Government on Youth Led development and to make the Youth “active drivers” of development and not merely “passive recipients”.
2. Better alignment between youth aspirations and community needs.
3. Enhanced efficiency through Convergence of existing programmes.
4. Act as a one stop shop for young people and Ministries.
5. Create a centralized youth data base.
6. Improved two-way communication to connect youth government initiatives and activities of other stakeholder that engage with youth.
7. Ensuring accessibility by creating a phygital ecosystem.

 

4. Drawbacks

• MY Bharat is a new initiative, and many young people may not be aware of it. This could limit its reach and impact.
• MY Bharat is a complex initiative that involves the coordination of multiple government agencies and other stakeholders. It is possible that there could be challenges in implementing the initiative effectively.
• MY Bharat is a long-term initiative, and it is important to ensure that it is sustainable. This means securing adequate funding and resources.
• It is important to ensure that MY Bharat is inclusive and accessible to all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances. This could be a challenge, given India's vast size and diversity

5. What is an autonomous body?

• An autonomous body, also known as an autonomous organization or institution, is an entity that operates independently with a degree of self-governance and authority, typically under the umbrella of a government or a larger parent organization.
• Autonomous bodies are established to carry out specific functions, tasks, or services with a level of independence from direct day-to-day government control, enabling them to operate more efficiently and effectively in their designated areas.
• Autonomous bodies often have their own governing bodies, boards, or councils that are responsible for making decisions related to their operations, policies, and objectives. These bodies may have a degree of independence from direct government interference.
• They often have control over their budgets and financial resources, allowing them to manage their finances independently and allocate funds as needed to fulfill their missions.
• Autonomous bodies are typically established to carry out specific functions or provide specialized services, such as education, healthcare, research, cultural activities, or regulatory oversight
• They are usually created by legislation or through a legal framework that defines their powers, responsibilities, and governance structure.

6.Way forward

MY Bharat is a promising initiative with the potential to make a significant contribution to youth development in India. However, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and challenges that the initiative could face. It is also important to monitor and evaluate the initiative over time to ensure that it is meeting the needs of young people and contributing to their development

 

 

Source: indianexpress

ARTHRITIS

1. Context 

World Arthritis Day is celebrated on October 12th each year to raise awareness of arthritis and the impact it has on people's lives.

2. About Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

2.1. Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the joints to break down. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints. Osteoarthritis is most common in the hands, knees, hips, and spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the joints. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and swelling in the affected joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also damage other organs in the body, such as the skin, eyes, and heart.

3. Risk factors

There are several risk factors for arthritis, including:

• Arthritis is more common in older adults.
• Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men.
• Some people are more genetically predisposed to arthritis than others.
• Obesity is a risk factor for osteoarthritis.
• Joint injuries can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

4. Symptoms

The symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type of arthritis and the severity of the disease. Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Joint swelling
• Redness and warmth around the joints
• Decreased range of motion in the affected joints

5. Treatment

There is no cure for arthritis, but there are several treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options for arthritis include:

• There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat arthritis, including over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription pain medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain.
• Occupational therapy can help people with arthritis learn how to manage their daily activities and adapt to their condition.
• In some cases, surgery may be recommended to repair or replace damaged joints.

6. Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent arthritis, but there are some things that you can do to reduce your risk, such as:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding smoking

 

For Prelims: Arthritis, Joint pain,  For Mains:  1. What is arthritis? Discuss the challenges faced by people with arthritis in India. (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. Arthritis is the disease of ________. (Soldier Tradesman 2020) A. Skin          B. Kidney        C.  Liver            D. Joints   Answer: D

 

 Source: The Hindu

ABORTION LAWS

 

1. Context

TWO DAYS after it allowed a married woman to medically terminate her 26-week pregnancy, a two-judge all-woman bench of the Supreme Court Wednesday disagreed on giving the go-ahead for the procedure and referred her plea to the Chief Justice of India to be considered by an appropriate bench of larger strength.

2. Illegal Abortions 

2.1 Abortion of under 4 to 5 months of pregnancy 

• The punishment for getting an illegal abortion is jail time of up to 3 years and/or a fine. 
• Both patients and doctors are considered to have committed a crime unless it fulfils the above condition. 

2.2 Abortion of over 5-month pregnancy 

• If abortion takes place when movements of the foetus can be sensed, the punishment is jail time of up to 7 years and a fine unless it was done in good faith to save the life of the patient. 

2.3 Abortion without consent 

• If anyone else forces the pregnant woman to have an abortion or performs one without her agreeing to it, the punishment is jail time of up to 10 years and a fine. 

3. Abortion resulting in death 

• If the patient dies because of a botched abortion or an abortion carried out by an unskilled person, the doctor who conducted the operation can be punished with jail time of up to 10 years and a fine. 
• If the abortion was conducted without the patient’s permission, the punishment is jail for life. 

4. Steps Taken by the Government in India for Safe Abortions 

• To reduce maternal mortality owing to unsafe abortions, the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act was brought into force in 1971. This law is an exception to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) provisions 312 and 313 and sets out the rules of how and when a medical abortion can be carried out. 
• Training of ASHAs to equip them with skills to create awareness on Comprehensive abortion care issues in women in the community and facilitate women in accessing services. 
• Provision of funds to States/ UTs for the operationalization of safe abortion services at health facilities. 
• Supply of Nischay Pregnancy detection kits to sub-centres for early detection of pregnancy. 

5. Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 in India 

• The Bill proposes the requirement of the opinion of one registered medical practitioner (instead of two or more) for termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks of gestation (foetal development period from the time of conception until birth). 
• It introduces the requirement of the opinion of two registered medical practitioners for termination of pregnancy at 20-24 weeks of gestation. 
• It has also enhanced the gestation limit for ‘special categories’ of women which includes survivors of rape, victims of incest and other vulnerable women like differently-abled women and minors. 
• It also states that the “name and other particulars of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated shall not be revealed”, except to a person authorised in any law that is currently in force.

6. Medical Termination Of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021

• Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021, abortion is permitted after medical opinion under stipulated circumstances. The 2021 Act increased the upper limit of the gestation period to which a woman can seek a medical abortion to 24 weeks from 20 weeks permitted in the 1971 Act. But this renewed upper limit can only be exercised in specific cases. 
• Under the 2021 Act, medical termination of pregnancy is permitted if it is backed by medical opinion and is being sought for at least one of the following reasons —
• If the continuation of the pregnancy would involve a risk to the life of the pregnant woman
• If its continuation would result in grave injury to the woman’s physical or mental health (if the pregnancy is a result of rape or failure of contraceptive used by the pregnant woman or her partner to limit the number of children or to prevent pregnancy, the anguish caused by its continuation would be considered to be a grave injury to the mental health of the pregnant woman)
• In the case of a substantial risk that if the child was born, it would suffer from a serious physical or mental abnormality
• Under the 2021 Act, Unmarried women can also access abortion under the above-mentioned conditions, because it does not mention the requirement of spousal consent. If the woman is a minor, however, the consent of a guardian is required.

• The pregnancy can be terminated up to 24 weeks of gestational age after the opinion of two registered medical practitioners under these conditions 

• If the woman is ​​either a survivor of sexual assault or rape or incest
• If she is a minor
• If her marital status has changed during the ongoing pregnancy (i.e. either widowhood or divorce)
• If she has major physical disabilities or is mentally ill
• On the grounds of foetal malformation incompatible with life or if the child is born, it would be seriously handicapped
• If the woman is in humanitarian setting or disaster, or emergency situation as declared by the government

7.Judicial Interventions

• In the landmark 2017 Right to Privacy judgement in the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India and others, the Supreme Court held that the decision by a pregnant person on whether to continue a pregnancy or not is part of such a person’s right to privacy as well and, therefore, the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• Several women annually approach the apex court and High Courts, when medical boards reject their application to access MTP beyond the gestational upper limit (now 24 weeks), seeking permission to abort a pregnancy, mostly in cases where it is a result of sexual assault or when there is a foetal abnormality.
• In February 2022, the Calcutta High Court allowed a 37-year-old woman, who was 34 weeks into her pregnancy, to get a medical abortion as the foetus was diagnosed with an incurable spinal condition

8. Abortion laws across World

 

9. Conclusion

• India’s abortion laws are indeed meant to help emancipate its women-folk, but its application and substantive elements suffer from some serious follies. There is a need to update MTP Act to bring it in consonance with modern-day technology and medical methods. India’s medical and legal infrastructure needs improvement. Therefore, the need of the hour is for the government and elements of civil society to come together and improve the substantive and implementational elements of India’s abortion laws and policy.

 

For Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. For Mains: General Studies II: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary-Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. General Studies IV: Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions

Source: indianexpress