Today's Brief 10/1/2024

IE Analysis:https://youtu.be/zFMTkQ3IxWc?si=Gtm4m2BKuUipb8sR

JN Analysis: https://youtu.be/gF_KEvMeUEI?si=Yy7FxGbZ-ioCxBK0

1 .The Genome India Project

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

is a large-scale research initiative aimed at decoding the genetic diversity of India's population. By sequencing the genomes of 10,000 healthy individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, the project seeks to create a comprehensive catalogue of genetic variations. 

This invaluable resource will not only advance our understanding of diseases prevalent in India, such as diabetes and heart disease, but also pave the way for personalized medicine approaches tailored to an individual's unique genetic makeup.

The primary aim of GenomeIndia is to construct a comprehensive catalogue of genetic variations for India’s population that will better capture our unique diversity.

The instruction manual for our life, the human genome, is made up of DNA, represented by four letters A, C, G, and T. This genetic script, making up the human genome, extends across a staggering three billion such letters.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid):

• Imagine it as a long, twisted ladder.

• The sides of the ladder are made of sugar and phosphate molecules.

• The rungs of the ladder are made of pairs of four different chemical bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C).

• The order of these bases in the DNA sequence determines the unique genetic information.

  
  

Housed within the cells of our body, our genomes manifest as 23 pairs of chromosomes. In the intricate phenomenon of heredity, we inherit our genomes from our parents. Half our DNA is from our mothers, and half is from our fathers.

Genome:

• This is the complete set of genetic instructions for an organism.

• In humans, the genome is organized into 23 pairs of chromosomes located within the nucleus of each cell.

• Each chromosome contains a single, very long molecule of DNA.

• The human genome consists of approximately 3 billion base pairs (A-T, C-G) of DNA

2 .Organic farming:

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that organic farming has become a powerful medium for generating better income and employment.

Launching the 8th edition of the National Program for Organic Production in New Delhi today, Mr Goyal stated that the income of farmers has increased through organic farming.

The Minister added that currently, the export of organic products is worth six thousand crore rupees, which is expected to rise to 20 thousand crore rupees in the next three years.

Organic farming is an agricultural system that emphasizes the use of natural processes and resources, excluding the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Environmental benefits:

• Reduced pollution: Lessens the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

• Improved soil health: Enhances soil fertility and reduces erosion.

• Biodiversity conservation: Supports a healthy ecosystem

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). Key Features of PKVY:

• Focus on Cluster-Based Organic Farming: This scheme encourages the formation of clusters of organic farmers to facilitate knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and collective marketing.

• Financial Assistance: Farmers receive financial support for organic inputs like seeds, bio-fertilizers, and organic manure.

• Emphasis on Participatory Guarantee System (PGS): PGS is a farmer-to-farmer certification system that builds trust and ensures the authenticity of organic produce.

• Support for Value Addition and Marketing: The scheme provides assistance for activities like processing, packaging, and marketing of organic products to enhance farmers' incomes.

The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is a significant initiative by the Indian government to regulate and promote organic agriculture in the country.

Key Features of NPOP:

• Sets Standards: NPOP establishes comprehensive standards for organic production, processing, handling, storage, and transportation of organic products in India. These standards align with international organic standards.

  
  

• Certification and Accreditation:

  • Certification Bodies: NPOP accredits independent certification bodies to audit and certify organic farms and processing units based on the defined standards.

  • National Accreditation Body (NAB): The NAB, chaired by the Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, oversees the accreditation process of certification bodies.

    
    

• Third-Party Certification: NPOP emphasizes third-party certification, ensuring the authenticity and quality of organic products.

• National Organic Logo: Certified organic products are allowed to use the "India Organic" logo, which signifies compliance with NPOP standards.

• Focus on Export: NPOP aims to facilitate the export of organic products from India to international markets by ensuring compliance with international organic standards.

Significance of NPOP:

• Quality Assurance: NPOP provides a robust quality assurance system for organic products in India, enhancing consumer trust and confidence.

• Market Access: By aligning with international standards, NPOP facilitates access to global markets for Indian organic products.

• Sustainable Agriculture: NPOP promotes sustainable agricultural practices, which are beneficial for the environment and human health.

• Economic Growth: NPOP contributes to the growth of the organic sector in India, creating economic opportunities for farmers and other stakeholders.

Other relevant schemes:

• Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER): This scheme focuses on promoting organic farming in the North-Eastern region of India, known for its diverse agro-climatic conditions.

• National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP): While not exclusively focused on organic farming, this mission encourages sustainable oilseed production, which can include organic cultivation practices.

• Soil Health Management Scheme: This scheme promotes the use of organic inputs and sustainable soil management practices, which are crucial for organic farming.

  
  

These schemes play a vital role in promoting organic farming in India by providing financial support, technical guidance, and market linkages to farmers.