Auto-immune Disease
Auto-immune Disease
Overview
The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs, leading to various autoimmune diseases. There are over 80 identified autoimmune diseases, including:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
These conditions affect about 10% of the population, with a higher incidence in women (13%) than in men (7%).
Women are More Affected
Women have two X chromosomes, whereas men have one X and one Y chromosome. A molecular coating on the X chromosome, associated with a process known as X-Chromosome inactivation, is implicated in the higher rates of autoimmune diseases among women.
The Process of X-Chromosome Inactivation
In women, one of the two X chromosomes is inactivated by a long strand of RNA called XIST. XIST attracts proteins that silence gene expression on the inactivated X chromosome. This process is exclusive to cells with two X chromosomes, making women more susceptible to autoimmune diseases. However, not all genes on the X chromosome are silenced, and those that remain active may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.
Significance
Better understanding this mechanism could lead to improved early detection and treatment for women with autoimmune diseases.
Prelims Question
Which of the following statements regarding autoimmune diseases is/are correct?
- The XIST RNA, involved in silencing gene expression on the inactivated X chromosome, is expressed in both male and female cells.
- Women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men.
- A molecular coating found on the X chromosome is thought to play a significant role in the higher incidence of autoimmune diseases in women.
How many of the above are NOT correct?
(a) Only One
(b) Only Two
(c) All the above
(d) None
India's Manufacturing
India's Path to Becoming a Global Manufacturing Hub
Introduction
The National Manufacturing Policy aims to increase the share of manufacturing in GDP to 25 percent by 2025. Currently, manufacturing generates 16-17% of India’s GDP and employs over 27.3 million workers. The country also has export potential of US$ 1 trillion by 2030.
Challenges
- Need for adequate infrastructure
- Difficulties in land acquisition
- Higher compliance burden
- Bureaucratic hurdles
- Lack of skilled workforce
Steps Taken
- Make in India initiative
- Industrial Corridor Development Programme
- National Single Window System
- National Logistics Policy
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI)
Conclusion
Collaborations with international partners, strategic trade policies, and proactive government interventions are key to fostering a conducive business environment that will contribute to India's endeavour to position itself as a prominent player in the global manufacturing landscape.
Practice Question – Mains GS - III
Discuss the challenges faced by India to evolve as a global manufacturing hub like China. What are the steps taken to address this issue?
Minimum Support Price (MSP)
Minimum Support Price (MSP)
Overview
The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is set by the government for certain agricultural products. These products are directly bought from farmers if the open market prices fall below the cost incurred by the farmers.
Determinants of MSP for CACP Recommendations
- Cost of production
- Changes in input prices
- Input-output price parity
- Trends in market prices
- Demand and supply
- Inter-crop price parity
- Effect on industrial cost structure
- Effect on cost of living
- Effect on general price level
- International price situation
- Parity between prices paid and prices received by the farmers
- Effect on issue prices and implications for subsidy
Decision-making Process
The MSP is determined based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The decision-making process involves:
- Recommendations by CACP
- Government review
- Approval by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
- Announcement of MSP
- Procurement by the Food Corporation of India (FCI)
Procedure for Deciding MSP
The Government of India sets MSP twice a year prior to the sowing seasons.
Practice Question – Prelims
Consider the following statements:
1. MSP for a crop is the price at which the government is supposed to procure that crop from farmers if the market price falls below it.
2. The government announces MSP only for cereals and pulses.
3. The MSPs are announced by the Union government on the recommendations of the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
How many statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
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