Variant Education Centre

21/05/2018

Kerala was on high alert as rare and deadly Nipah Virus (NiV) infection which was detected for the first time in the state.
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16/05/2018

WHO launched plan REPLACE to eliminate trans fat in foods by 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a comprehensive plan to eliminate industrially-produced artificial trans fats from the global food supply by 2023.

• The UN body has released a step by step guide for the industry to eliminate trans fats from the food.

• The guide, called REPLACE, has six actions, which include-
(a) REview of dietary sources of trans fats
(b) Promoting replacement with healthier fats
(c) Setting up a regulatory framework
(d) Assessing and monitoring trans fats content in food
(e) Creating awareness and enforcing the regulation
(f) Enforce compliance with policies and regulations.

==> Issues with trans fat

• For long, industrially-produced trans fats in food have been linked to health problems.

• Consumption of trans fats increases the level of bad LDL-cholesterol which is an accepted biomarker of cardiovascular diseases.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that trans fats lead to more than 500,000 deaths due to cardiovascular disease.

• It has been seen that diets high in trans fat can increase the risk of heart disease by 21 percent and deaths by 28 percent.

==> Reason for production

• Though natural trans fats from dairy products are also part of the diet, maximum consumption is in the form of industrially-produced trans fats.

• Industrially-produced trans fats are contained in hardened vegetable fats such as margarine and ghee and are often present in snack, baked, and fried foods.

• Manufacturers often use them as they have a longer shelf life than other fats.

==> About Trans Fats

• There are two broad types of trans fats found in foods: naturally-occurring and artificial trans fats.

• Naturally-occurring trans fats are produced in the gut of some animals and foods made from these animals (e.g., milk and meat products) may contain small quantities of these fats.

• Artificial trans fats (or trans fatty acids) are created in an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid.

16/05/2018

Gender bias caused ‘excess’ deaths of girls under 5: Lancet studies

• There have been 2,39,000 “excess deaths” per year of girls under the age of five in India, and 29 out of 35 States contributed to this mortality, according to Lancet Global Health study.

• That works out to about 2.4 million deaths in a decade, and the additional deaths were found in 90% of districts in the country.

• Around 22% of the overall mortality burden of under-five females is therefore due to gender bias.

• Excess mortality is the difference between observed and expected mortality rates in both genders.

==> About the study

• To arrive at this number for India, the researchers calculated the difference between these two numbers in 46 countries that consistently did not have a problem with gender discrimination. They then used that to define an equation and arrive at numbers for India.

==> Significance

• Most studies of India’s skewed s*x ratios have focussed on before birth.

• The National Family Health Survey in 2017 said that India’s s*x ratio at birth has increased to 919 in 2015-16 from 914 in 2004-05.

• This study, however, focuses on mortality after birth and says that the problem is most pronounced in northern India, where the four largest States in the region, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, accounted for two thirds of the total excess deaths of females under five.

• In Uttar Pradesh, excess female mortality was calculated at 30.5. In Bihar, the rate was 28.5, in Rajasthan it was 25.4, and in Madhya Pradesh, it was 22.1.

• The average level of excess mortality in girls aged 0-4 in the study period of 2000-2005 was 18.5 per 1,000 live births, compared to the expected mortality of girl children aged under five in areas of the world without known gender discrimination.

==> More findings

• The worst affected areas were all rural, agricultural areas with lower levels of education, high population densities, low socio-economic development and high levels of fertility.

• Many deaths of females under five are partly due to unwanted child bearing and subsequent neglect.

==> Way Ahead

• The sustained fertility decline currently observed in north India is likely to lead to a reduction in postnatal discrimination.

• Unless son preference diminishes, lower fertility, however, might bring about a rise in gender-biased s*x selection as was observed 20 years ago in western India

14/05/2018

13/05/2018

किस आंदोलन के दौरान सबसे बड़ा कृषक छापामार युद्ध देखने को मिला

-A.तेलंगाना आंदोलन
B.पुन्नप्रा - वालयर आंदोलन
C.तेभागा आंदोलन
D.इनमें से कोई नहीं

द्वितीय पंचवर्षीय योजनावधि में स्थापित तीन लौह - इस्पात संयंत्रों में कौन शामिल नहीं था -

A.दुर्गापुरB.बोकारोC.भिलाईD.राउरकेला

कलिंग विजय के उपरांत अशोक महान् ने निम्नलिखित किस धर्म को अंगीकार कर लिया था -

A.जुडि़ज्मB.बौद्धC.हिन्दूD.जैन

राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग विकास परियोजना के तहत प्रस्तावित स्वर्णिम चतुर्भुज के मार्ग से कौन - सा शहर नहीं है -

A.लखनउ

B.जयपुर

C.विजयवाड़ा

D.बेलगांव

दिल्ली सल्तनत का वह प्रथम सुल्तान कौन था , जिसने स्थायी सेना रखी ?

A.इल्तुतमिश

B.बलबन

C.अलाउद्दीन खिल्जी

D.मुहम्मद - बिन - तुगलक

भारत क आयात का अधिकतम भाग कहां से आता है -

A.उ . अमेरिका

B.यूरोपियन समुदाय

C.ओपेक

D.अफ्रीकी एंव एशियाई विकासशील देश

जो सदस्य भारत के उपराष्ट्रपति का चुनाव करते हैं , वे होते है -

A.संसद केB.लोकसभा केC.राज्यसभा केD.मंत्रिमंडल के

मदुरा का मीनाक्षी मंदिर का निर्माण कराया था -

A.मदुरा के पाण्ड्य शासकों ने

B.मदुरा के मुस्लिम शासकों ने

C.मदुरा के नायकों ने

D.इनमें से कोई नहीं

संविधान के किस अनुच्छेद के प्रावधानों के अन्तर्गत भारत सरकार द्वारा " भारत रत्न " पद्म विभूषण " आदि अलंकरण प्रदान किये जाते है -

A.अनुच्छेद 15

B.अनुच्छेद 18

C.अनुच्छेद 23

D.अनुच्छेद 21

भारतीय कालीन प्रौद्योगिकी संस्थान कहां स्थित है

-A.नागपुरB.पटनाC.भद्रोहीD.जोधपुर

ब्रिटिश इस्ट इंडिया कंपनी का गठन किया -

A.मर्चेंट एडवेन्चरर्स ( साहसिक व्यापारियों ) के नाम से जाने जानेवाले लंदन के कुछ व्यापारियों ने

B.ऑक्सफोर्ड शहर के कुछ व्यापारियों ने

C.लीसेस्टर शहर के कुछ व्यापारियों ने

D.इनमे से कोई नहीं

दो मोती जल में घुल गए " सोने की 27 मोहरें खोई गई , चांदी और तांबे की जो हानि हुई उसका कोई अनुमान नहीं लगाया जा सकता - यह किससे संबंधित है -

👆👆👆👆👆👆👆👆

A.पानीपत के तृतीय युद्ध में मराठा सेना के विनाश से

B.प्रथम आंग्ल - मराठा युद्ध से

C.द्वितीय आंग्ल - मराठा युद्ध से

D.बेसीन की संधि से

1897 में किसकी गिरफ्तारी के बाद राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस में एक नया मोड़ आया -

A.बाल गंगाधर तिलक

B.गोपाल कृष्ण गोखले

C.मदन मोहन मालवीय

D.सुरेन्द्रनाथ बनर्जी

निम्न इतिहासकारो में किसने अकबर को इस्लाम का शत्रु कहा?

A.अब्बास खां सरवानी

B.बदायूंनी

C.अहमद यादगार

D.मीर अलाउदीन कजवीनी

कवि बाणभट्ट निवासी था

-A.पाटलिपुत्र का

B.थानेश्वर का

C.भोजपुर

D.इनमें से कोई नहीं

13/05/2018

problems with a DNA registry



Introduction:

A DNA database or DNA databank is a database of DNA profiles which can be used in the analysis of genetic diseases, genetic fingerprinting for criminology, or genetic genealogy. DNA databases may be public or private, but the largest ones are national DNA databases.

A centralised DNA database for storing DNA profiles of individuals that enables searching and comparing of DNA samples collected from a crime scene against stored profiles.

The most important function of the forensic database is to produce matches between the suspected individual and crime scene bio-markers, and then provides evidence to support criminal investigations, and also leads to identify potential suspects in the criminal investigation. Majority of the National DNA databases are used for forensic purposes.



Context for which DNA database require:

Despite the spate of violent attacks against women, including r**es, in India, very few of the men implicated have been convicted. While identifying the ra**st is the first step to serving justice, his identity does not guarantee due punishment or a stiff sentence for the crime.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, only about a quarter of r**e cases ended in conviction in 2016. These rates are low in other countries too. The outrage over these attacks has reinforced the belief that India needs a s*x offenders’ database or a DNA database of those accused and charged with r**e.



DNA profiling is used wisely, it can bring major benefits to society:

DNA profiling is a forensic technique which is used to identify a person using his DNA characteristics. The process involves analysing the gathered DNA material collected in order to create a profile of the person.
Government is currently finalising DNA based technology (Use and Regulation) bill 2017 to establish regulatory institutions and standards for DNA testing, and supervise the activities involved.

DNA profiling can help the society as:

It is an accurate and extremely useful in ascertaining the indentity of a person from his DNA sample.
It is being used around the world for crime investigation especially crimes associated with terrorism. In India use of DNA based technology helped solve the Pune blast case by establishing the identity of criminals.
Improve conviction rate in case of crimes where other evidence are not easily available and connect seemingly unrelated crimes.
Apart from criminal investigation, the technology is useful in natural disasters to identify bodies
Establishing identity of missing persons would become easier with the technology.
The use of technology is being opposed as

Privacy concerns have been raised as data may be misused as Aadhar data has already been misused.
Fear that any failure on part of technology or sample contamination may have severe consequences if DNA result taken as ultimate evidence.
Information like ancestry or susceptibility to a disease, or other genetic traits, is liable to be misused.
DNA tests in countries where is being used have not led to improvement in conviction rate.


Concern of DNA database:

Protecting innocent people’s privacy and their civil liberties and rights are the main concerns.

Some people have said that having everyone’s DNA in the database would be a good thing, since anyone can be apprehended if matched to a crime scene. But experience with the U.K. and U.S. databanks has shown that having more innocent people’s DNA stored increases the chances of a false positive and has not increased the chances of finding a guilty match.

For Instance, In 2010, the National DNA Database of the U.K. contained DNA profiles and samples from about six million individuals. Later, based on the requirements of the Protection of Freedoms Act of 2012, the U.K. government said that it deleted the profiles of close to 1.8 million innocent adults and children.



Regarding a DNA database for India, the following should be ensured:

It is absolutely essential that the people from whom DNA is taken give their informed consent; taking DNA surreptitiously should be prohibited.
A court order should be required for obtaining DNA without informed consent and the DNA should only be compared with the crime scene DNA for the suspect.
Those who are cleared for a crime should not have their DNA information stored, and DNA gathered from offenders should be destroyed after identification so that such information is not used for profiling in future.
A court order should be necessary to access medical records for genetic data.
Highlights of the DNA Based Technology (Use and Regulation) Bill, 2017:

DNA profiling Board: Constitution of a DNA Profiling Board, a statutory body to undertake functions such as laying down procedures and standards to establish DNA laboratories and grant accreditation to such laboratories; and advising the concerned ministries/departments of the Central and state governments on issues relating to DNA laboratories.

13/05/2018

Mars 2020:

Mars 2020 will launch on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, and is expected to reach Mars in February 2021.

The rover will conduct geological assessments of its landing site on Mars, determine the habitability of the environment, search for signs of ancient Martian life, and assess natural resources and hazards for future human explorers. Scientists will use the instruments aboard the rover to identify and collect samples of rock and soil, encase them in sealed tubes, and leave them on the planet’s surface for potential return to Earth on a future Mars mission.

13/05/2018

NASA Mars Helicopter



Context: NASA is planning to send a small helicopter to Mars as part of the space agency’s 2020 mission to place a next-generation rover on the Martian surface, marking the first time such an aircraft will be used on another world.



The mission:

The Mars Helicopter, a small, autonomous rotorcraft, will travel with the agency’s Mars 2020 rover mission, currently scheduled to launch in July 2020, to demonstrate the viability and potential of heavier-than-air vehicles on the Red Planet.
The helicopter also contains built-in capabilities needed for operation at Mars, including solar cells to charge its lithium-ion batteries, and a heating mechanism to keep it warm through the cold Martian nights. But before the helicopter can fly at Mars it has to get there. It will do so attached to the belly pan of the Mars 2020 rover.
As a technology demonstration, the Mars Helicopter is considered a high-risk, high-reward project. If it does not work, the Mars 2020 mission will not be impacted. If it does work, helicopters may have a real future as low-flying scouts and aerial vehicles to access locations not reachable by ground travel.

13/05/2018

Prompt corrective action



Context: Reserve Bank has initiated prompt corrective action against public sector lender Dena in view of high non-performing loans, restricting the bank from giving fresh credit and new hiring.



What is PCA?

PCA norms allow the regulator to place certain restrictions such as halting branch expansion and stopping dividend payment. It can even cap a bank’s lending limit to one entity or sector. Other corrective action that can be imposed on banks include special audit, restructuring operations and activation of recovery plan. Banks’ promoters can be asked to bring in new management, too. The RBI can also supersede the bank’s board, under PCA.



When is PCA invoked?

The PCA is invoked when certain risk thresholds are breached. There are three risk thresholds which are based on certain levels of asset quality, profitability, capital and the like. The third such threshold, which is maximum tolerance limit, sets net NPA at over 12% and negative return on assets for four consecutive years.



What are the types of sanctions?

There are two type of restrictions, mandatory and discretionary. Restrictions on dividend, branch expansion, directors compensation, are mandatory while discretionary restrictions could include curbs on lending and deposit. In the cases of two banks where PCA was invoked after the revised guidelines were issued — IDBI Bank and UCO Bank — only mandatory restrictions were imposed. Both the banks breached risk threshold 2.



What will a bank do if PCA is triggered?

Banks are not allowed to re new or access costly deposits or take steps to increase their fee-based income. Banks will also have to launch a special drive to reduce the stock of NPAs and contain generation of fresh NPAs. They will also not be allowed to enter into new lines of business. RBI will also impose restrictions on the bank on borrowings from interbank market.



Impact:

Small and medium enterprises will have to bear the brunt due to this move by RBI. Since the PCA framework restricts the amount of loans banks can extend, this will definitely put pressure on credit being made available to companies especially the MSMEs. Large companies have access to the corporate bond market so they may not be impacted immediately. It has been predicted that if more state-owned banks are brought under PCA, it will impact the credit availability for the MSME segment.

13/05/2018

Islamic Cooperation countries (OIC)



Context: Russia has come in support of Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries (OIC) in their effort to enter the Russian market.



Background:

Russia’s trade turnover with OIC countries stands at about $75 billion, with exports accounting for about $58 billion. Imports from OIC countries total about $17 billion.



About the OIC:

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is an international organization founded in 1969, consisting of 57 member states. It is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations.
The organisation states that it is “the collective voice of the Muslim world” and works to “safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony“.
The OIC has permanent delegations to the United Nations and the European Union.

13/05/2018

World Migratory Bird Day 2018



Context: World Migratory Bird Day 2018 is being celebrated on May 12th this year.

World Migratory Bird Day 2018 theme: “Unifying Our Voices for Bird Conservation”.



About World Migratory Bird Day:

World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated each year to highlight the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. More than 300 events in more than 60 countries to mark World Migratory Bird Day 2018 will include bird festivals, education programmes, media events, bird watching trips, presentations, film screenings and a benefit concert to raise funds for international nature conservation.



Concerns:

Forty percent of all migratory birds are seeing their number in decline, with one in eight being threatened with global extinction. Major threats include habitat loss and degradation, collision with badly placed wind turbines and power lines, unsustainable harvesting and the illegal killing and taking of birds.



Conservation of migratory species:

Efforts to conserve migratory birds both globally and regionally are internationally coordinated by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS, also known as the Bonn Convention) and the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). The two UN Environment-administered treaties have been spearheading World Migratory Bird Day since 2006.



About the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS):

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals aims to conserve terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their range. CMS and its related Agreements on migratory birds bring together governments and other stakeholders to coordinate and further develop conservation policies, to ensure that all flyways in the world benefit from coordination mechanisms that promote cooperation at ground level among the countries involved. It is under aegis of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).



About the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA):

The Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) is an intergovernmental treaty dedicated to the conservation of migratory waterbirds that migrate along the African-Eurasian Flyway. The Agreement covers 254 species of birds ecologically dependent on wetlands for at least part of their annual cycle.

13/05/2018

A global environment compact



Context: The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution to set up a working group for negotiations aimed at creating a Global Pact for the Environment, a legally binding international instrument.



About the resolution:

The resolution requests UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to submit to the General Assembly a report that identifies and assesses possible gaps in international environmental law and environment-related instruments with a view to strengthening their implementation.
It decides to establish an ad hoc open-ended working group to consider the report, and if deemed necessary, to consider the scope, parameters and feasibility of a Global Pact for the Environment.
The resolution requests the current president of the General Assembly to appoint two co-chairs of the working group — one from a developing country and one from a developed country — to oversee its consultations.


Key facts for Prelims:

The resolution was sponsored by France and won the support of 143 countries.
Iran, the Philippines, Russia, Syria, Turkey and the United States voted against it.
Six other countries abstained while several states did not vote.