INSIGHTS

DAILY
CURRENT
AFFAIRS + PIB
SUMMARY

25 JULY 2023

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Table of Contents
GS Paper 3
• Managing microplastic pollution in India
• Manual for Disaster Management Plan (DMP)
GS Paper 4
• BBC Presenter Scandal: A case study
Content for Mains Enrichment
• Barbie: Impact on Society
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Initiatives launched under PMFBY
• Sixth Person (Geneva patient) cured of HIV
• WHO new guidelines for HIV
• Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS)
• Unifying Quantum theory and General Relativity
• Ludwigia peruviana
Mapping
• Godda (Jharkhand)
• Vietnam
GS Paper 3
MANAGING MICROPLASTIC POL-
2 LUTION IN INDIA
4
Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Deg-
radation
5 Context: Microplastic pollution - a significant environmental
problem, has not attracted much attention in India.
5 Microplastics:
● These are tiny plastic particles (less than 5 mm long)
that result from both commercial product develop-
ment (microbeads in personal care products, syn-
6 thetic fibres from clothing, etc) and the breakdown
7 of larger plastics.
7 ● They are found everywhere, from terrestrial ecosys-
7 tems to freshwater rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries,
seas and oceans, even in Antarctica.
8
8 Threats posed by microplastics:
● Microplastics are not only toxic for the ecosystems
but also act as vectors to transport other toxic chem-
9 icals in the aquatic ecosystems.
9 ● As a pollutant, microplastics are a significant envi-
ronmental problem and pose risks to marine life,
terrestrial organisms and human health.
● As a result, many scientists are using a new histori-
cal epoch - Plasticene, due to the global distribution
and abundance of microplastics.

Factors contributing to microplastic pollution in India:

● Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and popula-
tion growth have led to increased plastic consump-
tion and waste generation.
● Inadequate waste management systems, including
limited recycling infrastructure and improper dis-
posal practices. For example,
○ Municipal areas in India generate 133,760
metric tonnes per day (TPD) of municipal
solid waste (MSW).
○ Of which only 91,152 TPD waste is collected
and 25,884 TPD treated.
○ Of which only 9,250 TPD plastic waste is re-
cycled.
● The vast coastline and numerous rivers make it sus-
ceptible to the transport of microplastics from in-
land areas to the marine environment.

Challenges India is facing:

● Most populous country in the world with a popu-
lation of 1.42 billion → Demand for water is rising.
● Access to water plays a critical role in all 17 SDGs
either directly or indirectly.
● Misuse, poor management and contamination of
freshwater systems have amplified the water stress.

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 ● Thus, achieving SDGs by 2030 is a mammoth task amid microplastic pollution.

Some SDGs that have direct and intricate relations with water:
● SDG 2: Zero hunger
● SDG 3: Good health and well-being
● SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
● SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
● SDG 14: Life below water
● SDG 15: Life on land

Steps taken in India:

● The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules 2021 prohibited single-use plastic items by the end of 2022.
● The permissible thickness of plastic carry bags was increased from 50 to 75 microns and then 120 microns from
December 31, 2022.
● Several nonprofits and civil society organisations (Bengaluru-based Saahas) are actively working to tackle the issue
through research, advocacy and community engagement.

Way ahead:
● Focus on the key targets of SDG 6:
○ Achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
○ Improve water quality by reducing pollution and increasing water treatment.
○ Increase water-use efficiency in all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
○ Implement integrated water resources management to support the sustainable use of water resources.
○ Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and
lakes.
● India should focus on improving waste management infrastructure, promoting recycling and responsible consump-
tion and raising awareness among the public and industries.
● It is essential to implement stricter regulations, enhance monitoring and research on microplastics and promote
sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.

Conclusion: It is important to note that managing microplastics is a complex task that requires a comprehensive approach
involving government agencies, industries, communities and individuals working together to reduce plastic waste and pro-
tect the environment.
Insta Links: Microplastic Pollution

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GS Paper 3
MANUAL FOR DISASTER MAN-
AGEMENT PLAN (DMP)
Syllabus: Disaster Management
Context: The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has released the
Manual for Disaster Management Plan (DMP).
About the Manual for DMP:
● Developed by: The Department of Drinking Water
and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, based on the
Advisory issued by the National Disaster Manage-
ment Authority (NDMA), under the Disaster Man-
agement Act 2005.
● Objective:
○ To ensure safety, uninterrupted supply and
minimum loss of Water, Sanitation and Hy-
giene (WASH) assets and services involving
stakeholders at the national, state, district,
and village levels.
○ Enhance WASH resilience to reduce disaster
vulnerability.
○ Establish a robust environment, fund and
coordination mechanism to achieve the de-
sired goals.
○ Develop a plan which caters to disaster pre-
paredness, response, recovery, reconstruc-
tion, and mitigation.
● The plan includes Gender-based vulnerabilities, and
issues concerning SC/ST, elderly, children and people
with disabilities.
● The Plan aligns with The two-flagship programmes
on WASH implemented by the Department namely
the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat
Mission-Gramin (SBM-G).
In case of disaster, 3 kinds of assessment need to be con-
ducted:
● Before the disaster: A Hazard-Vulnerability-Capacity
mapping to guide the preparedness activities most
needed,
● During Response: A Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA)
which can be completed in a day and point out the
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immediate needs of the affected population,
● During Recovery and Reconstruction: A detailed
Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) which -
○ Highlights the long-term needs of the com-
munity and
○ Helps the administration “build back bet-
ter” and “update” to mitigate against future
disasters.
Other Indian efforts towards reducing the risk of disasters:
● G20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group:
India has established the first G20 Working Group on
DRR to elevate DRR as a priority for G20 through its
presidency.
● Expanding disaster early warning: During Cyclone
Biparjoy, effective systems for end-to-end early
warning and action helped achieve zero deaths from
the event in India.
● UN Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All Ini-
tiative: India is working to realise the goal of the ini-
tiative, which seeks to create universal coverage for
everyone by the end of 2027.
● Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
(CRDI): India launched CRDI with the UN in 2019, to
spur policy development and capacity support for
disaster resilient infrastructure, especially in devel-
oping countries.
Best practices - Disaster response in Odisha:
● Sneha Abhiyaan: Under this, self-help groups (SHGs)
in the village are entrusted with managing cyclone
shelters, including the distribution of cooked food.
● Mamta Gruhas: These safe spaces provide compre-
hensive care for women, children and other vulnera-
ble sections of society.
● Training and capacity building of frontline workers
(ASHAs, SHGs): SDRF provides training in first aid,
shelter management, rescue operations, govern-
ment regulations concerning trafficking and com-
pensation norms.
Way ahead:
● To build resilience within affected communities, it is
essential to focus on long-term rehabilitation.
● The leadership of women collectives plays a vital
role in this process.
Conclusion: As the world is at the midpoint of the Sendai
Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, a re-
newed sense of urgency and a people-centred approach can
significantly reduce disaster losses by 2030.
Insta Links: India can guide G20’s disaster management ini-
tiatives
Mains Links:
Q. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) involves proactively iden-
tifying and addressing the underlying risks and vulnerabili-
ties that can lead to disasters. Analyse in the context of In-
dia’s adoption of the National Disaster Management Plan.
GS4
BBC PRESENTER SCANDAL: A
CASE STUDY
Syllabus: Ethics in public and private life, Media ethics
The BBC is currently embroiled in a scandal involving its star
news presenter, Huw Edwards, who is accused of paying a
teenager for sexually explicit photos since 2020.
The BBC suspended Edwards after the allegations emerged
and has been investigating the matter. The London Metro-
politan Police concluded their assessment and found no in-
dication of a criminal offence
The scandal has sparked scrutiny of the BBC’s handling of
complaints and has led to calls for accountability from the
top management.
Ethical issues involved in the case are:
• Consent and Exploitation: The alleged exchange of
sexually explicit photos with a teenager raises seri-
ous ethical concerns regarding consent.
• Privacy and Confidentiality: The scandal involves
the breach of privacy of individuals, including the
•
accused presenter and the teenager.
Handling of Complaints: The BBC’s handling of the
initial complaint against the presenter in May raises
ethical concerns.
• Abuse of Influence: As a high-profile news present-
er, the accused presenter holds a position of influ-
ence and power. Any abuse of that power, especially
for personal gain, raises ethical questions about the
responsibility that comes with such a position.
• Transparency and Accountability: Ethical concerns
arise regarding the transparency of the BBC’s inves-
tigation process and its accountability in addressing
the allegations promptly and effectively.
• Impact on Reputation: The scandal could have sig-
nificant repercussions on the reputation of the ac-
cused presenter, the BBC, and other individuals
mentioned in the media coverage.
• Protection of Minors: The involvement of a teenag-
er in the alleged exchange of explicit photos raises
concerns about the protection of minors and the
potential harm they may face from such incidents.
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Addressing these ethical issues requires several steps:
• Thorough Investigation: The BBC must continue its
investigation into the allegations, considering all
available evidence, and cooperating with relevant
authorities.
• Support for Victims: The teenager involved should
be provided with necessary support and counsel-
ling to cope with the potential harm caused by the
incident.
• Accountability and Transparency: The BBC should
demonstrate transparency in its investigative pro-
cess and be accountable for any mistakes in handling
complaints.
• Ethical Training: Regular ethics training for all em-
ployees, especially those in positions of influence,
can help prevent similar incidents and promote re-
sponsible behaviour.
• Restorative Justice: If the allegations are proven,
restorative justice measures may be considered to
address the harm caused to the victim and foster a
sense of accountability.
• Rebuilding Trust: The BBC must take steps to rebuild
trust with its audience by demonstrating a commit-
ment to ethical standards and values.
• Strengthening Policies: Reviewing and improving
internal policies related to handling complaints,
privacy protection, and the responsible use of influ-
ence can help prevent similar scandals in the future.
Content for Mains Enrichment
BARBIE: IMPACT ON SOCIETY
Barbie, the iconic doll introduced in 1959, has faced various
controversies since its inception.
Issue Examples Implications
Sexualiza- Early Barbie’s Perceived reinforcement of
tion a p p e a r a n c e unrealistic beauty standards
and clothing and objectification of wom-
en.
“Barbie Ba- Potentially promoting un-
by-Sits” with healthy body image and
weight loss ad- harmful dieting habits in
vice young children.
F e m i n i s t Criticisms of Impacting young girls’ per-
Backlash super-thin fig- ception of body image and
ure self-esteem, perpetuating
unrealistic standards.
“Teen Talk Reinforcement of gender
Barbie” phras- stereotypes and negative
es like attitudes towards math and
“Math class is academic achievement.
tough!”
 C u l t u r a l “Oreo Fun Offending and perpetuat-
Concerns Barbie” recall ing stereotypes about racial
and ethnic communities esp.
Black African race
Barbie banned Clash of cultural values and
in Iran and resistance to Western influ-
Saudi Arabia ence.
Material- E x t e n s i v e Fostering consumerism and
ism range of fash- materialistic values among
ion accesso- young children.
ries
Inclusivity Lack of diversi- Limited representation and
ty in early Bar- exclusion of diverse racial
bie models and ethnic backgrounds.
“Share a Smile Insensitivity and lack of ac-
Becky” wheel- cessibility for people with
chair issues disabilities.
Despite controversies, Barbie has remained a popular and
influential figure in popular culture, inspiring fashion shows,
songs, and art dedicated to her persona. Also, the parent
company has tried to rectify and diversify the product range
to address the above issues.
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
INITIATIVES LAUNCHED UNDER
PMFBY
Context: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare
launched Weather Information Network Data Systems
(WINDS) portal, AIDE mobile app, and Yield Estimation
System (YES-TECH) Manual with the aim to provide crucial
weather-related information to farmers.
• This has been launched under Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Initiatives launched:
Initiative Description
W I N D S • WINDS will hosts, manages, and
(Weather In- process hyper-local weather data
formation collected by Automatic Weather Sta-
Network Data tions and Rain Gauges/Rain watch
Systems) por- towers at Taluk/Block and Gram Pan-
tal chayat levels.
• It will provide crucial weather-relat-
ed information and data to farmers.
• It will enhance risk assessment and
decision-making in crop insurance,
agriculture advisories, and disaster
mitigation.
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AIDE (App for • A mobile application was introduced
Intermediary to facilitate farmers’ access to vari-
Enrolment) ous government schemes and ben-
mobile app efits. Through the app, farmers can
easily enrol and avail themselves of
the different agricultural schemes.
• It will ensure a seamless and trans-
parent process, making crop insur-
ance more accessible and convenient
for farmers
YES-TECH A manual aimed at implementing a tech-
( Te c h n o l o - nology-based system for yield estimation
gy-based Yield in agriculture. The initiative leverages
Estimation technology to accurately estimate crop
System) Man- yields, helping farmers make informed
ual decisions and plan effectively.
Other such initiatives available:
Project/Initiative Description
Forecasting Agricul- • FASAL project utilizes space
tural output using technology, agro-meteorolo-
Space, Agro-mete- gy, and land-based observa-
orology and Land tions for accurate agricultural
based observations output forecasting.
(FASAL) project • It helps farmers make in-
formed decisions based on re-
liable crop yield predictions.
National e-Gover- It enables farmers to access vi-
nance Plan in Agricul- tal agricultural data and services
ture (NeGPA) through digital platforms.
National Agricultural It helps in identifying regions fac-
Drought Assessment ing drought conditions and facil-
and Monitoring Sys- itates appropriate drought man-
tem (NADAMS) agement strategies to support
farmers.
ISRO’s Geo-platform, It offers data on plantation, pest
Bhuvan surveillance, and weather condi-
tions. It also promotes the use of
Kisan Drones for crop assessment
and facilitates the digitization of
land records to improve agricul-
tural practices.
Significance:
These initiatives aim to bridge the gap in weather informa-
tion availability and empower farmers with accurate and
timely data for effective planning and decision-making in the
agriculture sector.
About PMFBY:
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a crop insur-
ance scheme launched in 2016 to provide financial support
and risk coverage to farmers against crop losses due to nat-
ural calamities, pests, and diseases.
SIXTH PERSON (GENEVA PATIENT)
CURED OF HIV
Context: A sixth person, known as the Geneva patient, has
likely been cured of HIV after receiving a stem cell trans-
plant for leukaemia. His virus level remained undetectable
20 months after discontinuing antiretroviral therapy.
• However, his cells are still susceptible to HIV, leav-
ing the possibility of the virus returning.
What is a stem cell transplant?
A stem cell transplant (SCT) is a medical procedure in which
healthy stem cells are infused into a patient to replace dam-
aged or diseased stem cells. Stem cells are special human
cells that can replicate and differentiate into various types of
cells in the body. The transplant aims to restore the body’s
ability to produce healthy blood cells, boost the immune
system, and treat certain diseases like leukaemia and lym-
phoma.
Can SCT be used for treating all HIV patients?
Stem cell transplant is unlikely to become a routine treat-
ment for HIV due to challenges in finding matching donors
and the mutation being mainly found in Caucasians. Stem
cell transplantation also comes with risks, such as the risk of
patient rejection and the virus finding other ways to infect
cells.
Why Caucasians are able to recover while other races are
not?
The recovery of HIV through stem cell transplantation has
been more commonly observed in Caucasians because
a specific gene mutation known as CCR5 delta 32 is more
prevalent in this racial group. People who inherit two copies
of this mutation (one from each parent) are naturally resis-
tant to certain strains of HIV due to the lack of receptors on
their immune cells that the virus uses to enter and infect the
cells.
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Effective antiretroviral therapy remains the primary treat-
ment for HIV, suppressing the virus and allowing CD4 im-
mune cell count to bounce back. Although it doesn’t remove
the virus completely, it reduces viral particles to undetect-
able levels and prevents transmission to others.
Other patients who have achieved HIV remission through
stem cell transplantation include the Berlin patient, the Lon-
don patient, and the New York patient. Stem cell therapy
using umbilical cord and adult stem cells may make trans-
plants possible in people from other races as well.
WHO NEW GUIDELINES FOR HIV
Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) released
new guidance for HIV at the International AIDS Society Con-
ference on HIV Science.
Key points of the guideline:
• It emphasizes the critical role of HIV viral suppres-
sion and undetectable virus levels in enhancing in-
dividual health and preventing transmission of the
virus.
• Countries integrate Mpox (monkeypox) detection,
prevention and care with existing and innovative HIV
and sexually transmitted infection prevention and
control programmes.
• People living with HIV who achieve an undetectable
level of the virus through consistent use of antiret-
roviral therapy (ART) do not transmit HIV to their
sexual partner(s) and are at low risk of vertically
transmitting HIV to their children.
CONTROLLED HUMAN INFECTION
STUDIES (CHIS)
Context: India is taking its first step towards introducing
Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS), a research mod-
el used in other countries for vaccine and treatment devel-
opment.
What is CHIS?
It is a research model used to intentionally expose healthy
volunteers to pathogens in a controlled environment to
study diseases and develop vaccines and treatments for dis-
eases like malaria, typhoid, and dengue. The goal is to gain
insights into disease pathogenesis and find efficient and
cost-effective ways to prevent and treat infectious diseases.
The issues with CHIS (Controlled Human Infection Studies)
include:
• Ethical Sensitivity: CHIS involves intentionally ex-
 posing healthy volunteers to pathogens, raising con-
cerns about deliberate harm and protecting partici-
pants’ rights.
• Disproportionate Payment: Concerns about induce-
ments and potential financial incentives for volun-
teers to participate in risky studies.
• Third-Party Risk: The risk of transmission of the
pathogen to individuals outside the study, leading to
potential community spread.
• Research with Vulnerable Participants: Ensuring
that vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant wom-
en or children, are not exposed to undue risks during
CHIS.
• Technical and Clinical Challenges: Ensuring proper
scientific procedures and safety protocols are fol-
lowed in the controlled environment.
• Legal Contentions: Addressing potential legal issues
related to participant consent and liability.
• Socio-Cultural Context: Considering unique so-
cio-cultural factors that may impact the acceptabil-
ity and feasibility of CHIS in different communities.
The Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) Bioethics
Unit has introduced a consensus policy statement, open for
public comment, to address the ethical concerns associated
with CHIS. The aim is to conduct research in India while pro-
tecting human participants and ensuring ethical principles
are upheld.
UNIFYING QUANTUM THEORY
AND GENERAL RELATIVITY
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How are scientists trying to unify the two theories?
Scientists are researching how atoms falling into a black
hole emit radiation and its quantum behaviour, resem-
bling Hawking radiation. Their calculations on this radiation,
known as “horizon brightened acceleration radiation en-
tropy,” reveal insights into the Einstein principle of equiv-
alence.
This work aims to unify quantum theory and general relativ-
ity into a single theory called “quantum gravity,” enhancing
our understanding of the universe from tiny particles to im-
mense galaxies.
LUDWIGIA PERUVIANA
Context: The invasive weed Ludwigia peruviana is threaten-
ing elephant habitats and foraging areas in Valparai, Tamil
Nadu.
About Ludwigia Peruviana:
The Ludwigia peruviana, an aquatic plant with pale yel-
lowish flowers, is causing significant challenges in various
swampy areas worldwide. Originally introduced as an orna-
mental plant for its tiny yellow flowers in Tamil Nadu, it now
grows rapidly, particularly in wetlands, due to the pre-mon-
soon temperature and monsoon rains. This fast growth is
disrupting the balance of perennial foraging grounds, hin-
dering the growth of grass and native plants that elephants
and other animals such as Gaur, rely on for food.
• Origin: It is popularly called primrose willow, it is
a native of Central and South America.
• It is among the 22 priority invasive plants in Tamil
Nadu.
• It has infested the majority of the hill station’s
swamps, locally known as vayals .
Mapping Vietnam is involved in a maritime dispute with China. There
has been rising Chinese influence in the South China Sea
and territorial disputes with Vietnam, making Vietnam an
GODDA (JHARKHAND) important ally for India in the region.

Bangladesh will get power supply from the 1600 MW Ultra
Super-Critical Thermal Power Plant (USCTPP) at Godda,
Jharkhand. This project is India’s first commissioned trans-
national power project, where 100% of the generated pow-
er is supplied to another nation.
Vietnam is located on the eastern margin of the Indochi-
nese peninsula. It borders the Gulf of Tonkin, the Gulf of
Thailand, and the Pacific Ocean, along with China, Laos, and
Cambodia.

The plant’s operations include 100% flue gas desulphur-

ization, selective catalytic reconverter, and zero water
discharge for minimizing emissions and ensuring environ-
ment-friendly operations.

Godda is mostly famous for the Rajmahal coalfield in Lalma-

tia. It is known for its hills and small forests. The mine pres-
ent here is an integral part of ECL coalfields and is among
the biggest in the whole of Asia.

VIETNAM
India has handed over its indigenously-built missile corvette,
INS Kirpan, to Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) in a gesture of
growing defence ties and strategic partnership between In-
dia and Vietnam. This move symbolizes India’s position as
the “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region.

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