Daily Current Affairs | March 26 2025

Important Topics from Current Affairs : 1) Dare2eraD Tb Initiative 2) DNA Polymorphism 3) Blue Flag Certification 4) Issue of Senkaku Island

Jumbo IAS

3/26/20254 min read

In a significant breakthrough in the fight against tuberculosis, India announced the completion of genome sequencing of 10,000 isolates of “Mycobacterium tuberculosis” at a summit organised on occasion of "World TB Day" (24th March) at Vigyan Bhawan.
The achievement marks a major stride in India's commitment to eradicating TB ahead of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 2030 targets.

Dare2eraD TB program (Data Driven Research to Eradicate TB), launched on March 24, 2022, focuses on data-driven research to eradicate TB.
A key component of this initiative is the Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance (InTGS) Consortium, spearheaded by the DBT, CSIR and ICMR.
The program aims to sequence over 32,000 TB isolates to identify drug resistance mutations and improve treatment outcome.

Multi-laboratory network collaboration with sequencing and analysis at top institutes.
Data storage at the Indian Biological Data Centre (RCB, Faridabad).
Genome data integrated with epidemiological findings for actionable interventions.
Benefits :
- Improve diagnostic accuracy and enable faster resistance profiling for quick drug resistance prediction.
- It will reduce the time needed to determine effective treatments from weeks to mere hours or days.
- Take us closer to the goal of eliminating Tb.

Just like the government uses an Aadhaar number to uniquely identify an individual for social security purposes, a person’s DNA fingerprint can be used for biological purposes.
DNA polymorphisms and their role in DNA Fingerprinting can be used to identify criminals, exonerating the wrongly accused, and solving cold cases.
DNA polymorphisms are variations in DNA sequences among individuals. These genetic differences occur at specific locations in DNA and help differentiate one person from another.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the genetic material present in almost all cells of the human body (skin, blood, bone, teeth, etc.).
Humans have 46 DNA molecules (chromosomes) or 23 pairs of Chromosomes(each pair inherited from each parent).
Chromosomes contain genes, which carry instructions for traits like eye colour, height, and susceptibility to diseases.

DNA polymorphisms, through STR analysis and PCR, enable forensic breakthroughs in justice (exonerations, crime-solving) and historical revelations via ancient DNA extraction.
- Short Tandem Repeats (STR) Analysis - STRs are short sequences of DNA bases (A, T, C, G) that repeat multiple times. Each person has a unique STR pattern, making STRs highly useful for DNA based identification
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) - It is a technique used to amplify DNA segments, making millions of copies. PCR is essential for DNA fingerprinting, criminal investigations, and medical research.
DNA Fingerprinting - DNA fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling, is a forensic technique that identifies individuals based on unique patterns in their DNA.

Rushikonda Beach in Visakhapatnam has regained its prestigious Blue Flag certification after temporary withdrawal due to compliance issues.
Blue Flag Certification - A globally recognised eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators that meet stringent environmental and safety standards.

To achieve Blue Flag certification, beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators must meet 33 criteria covering 4 focus areas.
Focus Areas - Environmental Quality, Safety(for tourists & beachgoers), Environmental Education, and Sustainable Tourism.
Awarded by Denmark based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

In each country, a National Operator designated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is responsible for conducting scheduled and surprise control visits to Blue Flag beaches.
In India, Blue Flag India under the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) acts as the National Operator.
India boasts 12 Blue Flag certified beaches, including Golden Beach (Odisha), Shivrajpur Beach (Gujarat), Kappad Beach (Kerala), Ghoghla Beach (Diu), Radhanagar Beach (Andaman & Nicobar), and others.

Japan has voiced serious concerns over a prolonged incursion by Chinese Coast Guard ships near the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, marking one of the longest intrusions into Japan’s territorial waters.
The Chinese ships, which claim the islands for Beijing, left after remaining in the area for 92 hours and 8 minutes.

Located in East China Sea, it is a group of eight uninhabited islands with a total area of approximately 7 sq km.
Known as Diaoyu Islands in China and Diaoyutai Islands in Taiwan, these islands have been administered by Japan since 1972.
After World War II, these islands came under US Trusteeship under Treaty of San Francisco 1951.
These were later returned to Japan in 1971.
With the discovery of oil and gas reserves, China started asserting control in this region since 1970s.

Shipping Lanes of Communication - These islands have close proximity to shipping lanes of trade between East Asia and the rest of the World.
Resources - These islands have rich fishing grounds and potential oil and gas reserves.
Geopolitical Significance - The islands are also seen as a focal point in the broader geopolitical rivalry between China and the US, with Japan being a key US ally.