In News:

Indian scientists have developed a successful gene therapy treatment for severe haemophilia A, a rare inherited blood disorder causing spontaneous, potentially fatal bleeding episodes.

Key Highlights:

Trial Success:

• The trial, conducted at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, involved five patients from Tamil Nadu.
• Results: None of the five patients reported bleeding episodes for over a year after receiving the treatment. The follow-up period averaged 14 months.
• This marks a significant improvement, as haemophilia patients typically experience frequent bleeding episodes requiring regular treatment.

Gene Therapy as a One-Time Solution:

• Traditional treatments involve frequent injections of clotting factors to prevent bleeding.
• The new gene therapy offers a one-time solution, teaching the body to produce enough clotting factor to prevent hemorrhages.

Haemophilia A - Overview:

• Caused by the absence of Factor VIII, a critical blood-clotting protein.
• Hemophilia A primarily affects males (since it's an X-linked disorder), though some females with two defective X chromosomes can also develop the condition.
• Symptoms include prolonged bleeding from minor injuries or internal bleeding in joints and muscles.

Current Treatment Challenges:

• Haemophilia treatments can be expensive and require lifelong care, costing up to ?2.54 crore over a 10-year period.
• The therapy requires repeated infusions of clotting factors or synthetic alternatives, which can be burdensome.

Gene Therapy Details:

• The gene therapy used in this trial involves fusing stem cells with the gene for Factor VIII using a lentivirus vector (safer than other vectors like adenovirus).
• This therapy eliminates the need for repeated Factor VIII infusions, providing a more cost-effective and sustainable solution.

Global Context:

• India has one of the world’s largest haemophilia populations, with an estimated 40,000 to 100,000 patients.
• The success of this gene therapy in India could lead to localized production, reducing treatment costs and increasing accessibility to gene therapy in resource-constrained settings.

Comparison with Roctavian:

• Roctavian, the only FDA-approved gene therapy for haemophilia A, also uses gene delivery to produce Factor VIII, but requires immunosuppressive therapy and is not approved for children.
• In contrast, the Vellore trial's lentivirus-based approach is considered safer, especially for children, with the potential for broader application.

In News:

The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 20, 2024, aiming to enhance the functioning and autonomy of Indian Railways.

Key Provisions:

• Repeal of the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905: The Bill repeals the 1905 Act and incorporates its provisions into the Railways Act, 1989, simplifying the legal framework by reducing the need to refer to two separate laws.
• Statutory Backing for Railway Board: The Bill provides statutory backing to the Railway Board, which previously lacked such a legal mandate. It grants the Union government the authority to determine the number of members, their qualifications, terms, and conditions of service.
• Decentralization of Power: The Bill aims to decentralize decision-making, granting greater autonomy to regional railway zones. This shift will allow more independence in budgeting, infrastructure projects, and recruitment, addressing long-standing calls for improved regional empowerment.
• Independent Regulator: The Bill proposes the creation of an independent regulator for overseeing tariffs, safety, and private sector participation. This idea has been supported by previous expert committees to encourage greater competition and transparency in the sector.
• Fast-Tracking Infrastructure and Services: The Bill will streamline approvals for new train services and infrastructure projects, helping meet demands from underserved regions, particularly in states like Bihar.

Objectives:

• Modernization of the Legal Framework: By incorporating the provisions of the 1905 Act into the 1989 Act, the Bill aims to simplify and modernize the legal architecture governing the railways.
• Empowerment of Railway Zones: Autonomy for railway zones is seen as a key step towards improving efficiency and accountability in operations.
• Private Sector Participation: The establishment of an independent regulator is expected to promote private participation in the railway sector, aligning with international standards.

Historical Context:

• The Indian Railways Act, 1890 established the foundations for Indian Railways as a government entity, which was further refined with the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905.
• This Bill aligns with recommendations from previous committees, including the Sreedharan Committee (2014) and the Committee on Restructuring Railways (2015), which have called for greater decentralization and autonomy for railway zones, as well as an independent regulatory body.

Challenges and Proposed Reforms:

• Financial Sustainability: The railways face challenges such as high operating costs, particularly from salaries and pensions, and losses in the passenger segment. Suggestions to improve finances include rationalizing passenger fares, enhancing freight revenue, and attracting private investment in infrastructure.
• Efficient Freight Operations: The Bill also addresses concerns about network congestion, especially for freight operations, and aims to increase the competitiveness of freight transport by improving infrastructure and reducing cross-subsidies from passenger fares.

Recommendations of various Committees on reforming the Railways

Regulatory Structure for Railway Sector

• Set up independent regulator to fix tariffs, promote competition, and protect consumer interests

Organisational structure of Indian Railways

• Corporatisation of Indian Railways
• Reorganise Railway Board to reflect a corporate business structure
• Envision the Railway Board as a policymaker alone
• Provide zones with full financial autonomy

Operations

• Separate core and non-core business (hospitals, schools, catering and security) of the Railways
• Permit private participation in some railway operations

Finances 

• Clearly define social obligations and commercial business roles
• Restructure accounting procedure to reflect zone and route-wise profit and loss statements6,7,9
• Develop PPP models to attract private participation in: (i) developing and maintaining stations/ terminals, (ii) leasing of wagons, (iii) freight train operations, (iv) manufacturing of rolling stock, and (v) running non-core business operations
• Monetise railway assets
• Rationalise passenger tariffs

Regulatory Structure for Railway Sector

• Set up independent regulator to fix tariffs, promote competition, and protect consumer interests

Organisational structure of Indian Railways

• Corporatisation of Indian Railways
• Reorganise Railway Board to reflect a corporate business structure
• Envision the Railway Board as a policymaker alone
• Provide zones with full financial autonomy

Operations

• Separate core and non-core business (hospitals, schools, catering and security) of the Railways
• Permit private participation in some railway operations

Finances 

• Clearly define social obligations and commercial business roles
• Restructure accounting procedure to reflect zone and route-wise profit and loss statements6,7,9
• Develop PPP models to attract private participation in: (i) developing and maintaining stations/ terminals, (ii) leasing of wagons, (iii) freight train operations, (iv) manufacturing of rolling stock, and (v) running non-core business operations
• Monetise railway assets
• Rationalise passenger tariffs

In News:

The World Malaria Report 2024 released by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights significant progress in malaria control, particularly in India, but underscores the continued burden of malaria in Southeast Asia, where India accounts for half of all malaria cases.

About Malaria:

• Cause: Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, primarily P. falciparum and P. vivax, transmitted through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• Transmission: Non-contagious; transmitted via mosquito bites.
• Symptoms: Fever, chills, and headaches appear 10–15 days after the mosquito bite. In some individuals, the symptoms may be mild.
• Prevention: Includes vector control strategies like insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying. Malaria is treatable with early diagnosis and prompt medication.

India’s Malaria Status:

• Progress:
  • India has made significant strides in reducing malaria, with cases decreasing from 22.8 million in 2000 to 4 million in 2023, a reduction of 82.4%.
  • Similarly, malaria-related deaths dropped by 82.9%, from 35,000 in 2000 to 6,000 in 2023.
• Exit from High-Burden-High-Impact (HBHI) Group:
  • India exited this group in 2024, signaling its success in reducing malaria burden.
  • Cases dropped by 69% (from 6.4 million in 2017 to 2 million in 2023), and deaths fell by 68% (from 11,100 to 3,500 in the same period).

Key Strategies Behind India's Success:

• Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy (ACT): Used to treat malaria effectively.
• Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN): Widely deployed to control mosquito populations.
• Targeted Interventions: Focused on forested and tribal areas where malaria transmission is higher, particularly in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and the North-East.
• Effective Monitoring: Ensures proper implementation of strategies and interventions.

WHO's Global Malaria Report 2024 Highlights:

• Global Burden: In 2023, there were 263 million malaria cases globally and 597,000 deaths. The African region remains the hardest hit, accounting for 95% of malaria deaths.
• Progress Since 2000: Malaria incidence and deaths have significantly decreased. The global number of malaria cases and deaths dropped substantially, with over 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths averted.
• Malaria-Free Countries: As of November 2024, 44 countries and one territory, including Egypt, have been certified malaria-free.
• Emerging Threats: Drug resistance (especially to Artemisinin) and insecticide resistance are growing concerns, affecting control efforts.

India and Southeast Asia:

• India contributes nearly half of the malaria cases in Southeast Asia, while Indonesia accounts for about one-third. Despite progress, India and Indonesia together accounted for 88% of malaria deaths in the region.
• South-East Asia Progress: The region reduced malaria cases by 82.4% from 22.8 million in 2000 to 4 million in 2023. Timor-Leste and Bhutan reported zero indigenous malaria cases in 2023.

Global Recommendations:

• WHO stresses the need for continued investment, innovative strategies, and targeted actions, especially in high-burden areas like Africa, to sustain progress and tackle remaining challenges, such as drug resistance, insecticide resistance, and new vector species like Anopheles stephensi, which thrives in urban areas.

In News:

The annual ‘Smuggling in India - Report 2023-24’ report, which highlights DRI’s performance and experience over the last financial year as well as trends in the field of anti-smuggling and commercial fraud, will be released during the celebration.

Major Narcotics Hubs and Routes:

• Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan (The Death Crescent):
  • Primary source of heroin trafficked into India.
  • Routes via Africa, the Gulf, and India-Pakistan border.
• Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand (The Death Triangle):
  • Significant source of synthetic drugs and heroin.
  • Drugs often enter India through porous northeastern borders (e.g., Assam, Mizoram).
  • Vulnerable regions: Moreh, Churachandpur, Zokhawthar.
• Maritime Routes:
  • India’s vast coastline provides opportunities for drug trafficking, often through concealed shipping containers and fishing vessels.
• Air Routes:
  • Increased trafficking due to international air traffic.
  • Smuggled drugs often concealed in luggage, courier packages, or ingested by mules.

Major Narcotics Trends and Seizures (FY24):

• Cocaine:
  • Significant increase in trafficking, particularly from South America and Africa.
  • 47 seizures, up from 21 in the previous year.
  • Seized quantity: 107 kg.
• Methamphetamine:
  • Spiked in northeastern states like Assam and Mizoram.
  • Seized quantity in FY24: 136 kg; increased in the first half of FY25 with 123 kg.
• Hydroponic Marijuana:
  • Increasing smuggling from the US, Thailand, and other countries.
• Black Cocaine:
  • New form of cocaine coated with substances like charcoal or iron oxide to evade detection.
• Contraband Cigarettes:
  • Smuggling through sea routes, especially from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
  • Seizures increased by 19% in FY25, reaching 3.95 crore sticks.
• Illicit Gold:
  • Significant destination for gold smuggling from West Asia (UAE, Saudi Arabia).
  • Seized quantity fell slightly (1,319 kg in FY24), with land and air routes being primary methods.
• Wildlife Smuggling:
  • Seizures included 53.5 kg of elephant tusks, leopard skins, live pangolins, and more.

Challenges and Issues:

• Porous Borders:
  • Smuggling across eastern borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal remains a significant challenge.
  • Difficult terrain in these regions aids traffickers.
• Air and Sea Routes:
  • Growing use of air and maritime routes due to faster movement of goods.
• Technology and Detection:
  • Emergence of “black cocaine” challenges traditional detection methods.

Anti-Smuggling and Drug Control Efforts:

• International Cooperation:
  • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) lead global efforts.
  • Paris Pact Initiative targets Afghan opiate trafficking.
• Indian Initiatives:
  • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (1985) provides legal framework.
  • Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) work together for enforcement.
  • National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan focus on awareness and rehabilitation.

ABOUT DRI

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is the premier intelligence and enforcement agency on anti-smuggling matters under the aegis of Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), Government of India.
• It came into existence on 4th December 1957.
• With its Headquarters at New Delhi, 12 Zonal Units, 35 Regional Units and 15 Sub-Regional Units, DRI has been carrying out its mandate of preventing and detecting cases of smuggling of narcotic drugs & psychotropic substances, gold, diamonds, precious metals, wildlife products, cigarettes, arms, ammunitions & explosives, counterfeit currency notes, foreign currency, SCOMET Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) items, hazardous & environmentally sensitive materials, antiques etc. and taking punitive action against the organised crime groups engaged therein.
• DRI is also engaged in unearthing commercial frauds and instances of customs duty evasion.

In News:

India’s first hyperloop test track (410 meters) completed by Indian Railways, IIT-Madras’Avishkar Hyperloop team and TuTr (incubated startup) at IIT-M discovery campus, Thaiyur in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

India’s First Hyperloop Test Track:

• Location: IIT Madras’ Discovery Campus, Chennai.
• Collaboration: Indian Railways, IIT-Madras' Avishkar Hyperloop team, and TuTr Hyperloop (startup).
• Track Length: 410 meters.
• Test Speed: Initial successful test at 100 km/h; plans for 600 km/h in the next phase.
• Passenger Capacity: 40–100 passengers per pod, depending on design.

What is Hyperloop Technology?

• Concept: A high-speed transport system using pods in low-pressure vacuum tubes, designed to achieve speeds similar to aircraft (up to 1,100 km/h).
• Working:
  • Magnetic Levitation (Maglev): Pods float on magnets, eliminating friction.
  • Vacuum Tubes: Reduces air resistance for high-speed travel.
  • Propulsion: Linear induction motors propel pods.
• Energy: Solar-powered, designed for zero emissions.

India’s Hyperloop Projects:

• Current Status:
  • Successful testing of a 410-meter test track at IIT Madras.
  • Ongoing feasibility studies for routes like Chennai Airport–Parandur, Mumbai–Pune, and Amritsar–Chandigarh.
• Phase 1 & 2: First phase involves a 11.5-kilometer track; future expansion to 100 km.
• Mumbai–Pune Corridor: Planned as India’s first full-scale Hyperloop system, aiming to reduce travel time from 3–4 hours to 25 minutes.

Benefits of Hyperloop:

• Speed: Capable of reaching speeds up to 1,100 km/h (operational speed around 360 km/h).
• Efficiency: Reduces travel time, energy-efficient with reduced air resistance and friction.
• Sustainability: Powered by renewable energy (e.g., solar power), offering zero emissions.
• Point-to-Point Travel: No intermediate stops, making it more time-efficient.

Challenges:

• Infrastructure Costs: Expensive to build the vacuum tubes, stations, and supporting systems.
• Land Acquisition: Difficulty in acquiring land, especially in densely populated areas.
• Regulatory Issues: Lack of a specific regulatory framework for such advanced transport systems.
• Technological Barriers: Complex engineering challenges, including development of maglev systems and vacuum seals.

Global Context:

• Origin: Concept proposed by Elon Musk in 2013.
• Worldwide Adoption: Hyperloop is being explored globally, with projects in the U.S., UAE, and Europe.