Introduction to DNA and Genes

Each DNA molecule consists of two strands held together by base pairs. The human genome comprises 3.2 billion base pairs, which define individual genetic makeup. Identical twins have identical genes, whereas non-identical twins share only 50% of their genes, highlighting genes as key determinants of individuality.

Research on Gene Creation

In December 2024, two research groups investigated gene formation:

• The University of Nevada, Reno, published their study in Molecular Biology and Evolution.
• The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany, reported findings in Genome Biology and Evolution.

Genetic Structure and Inheritance

The human genetic setup includes 24 chromosomes, numbered 1 to 22 plus the sex chromosomes X and Y. Humans inherit one set of genome from each parent, resulting in two genome sets per individual. Identical twins originate from a single zygote, while non-identical twins come from two separate zygotes.

Gene Expression and Function

• A gene is a segment of DNA, typically a few thousand base pairs long.
• Gene expression involves transcribing DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA), which in turn synthesizes proteins.
• There are 20,000 protein-coding genes and an equal number for RNA that influences other gene expressions.

Gene Duplication and Mutation

Susumu Ohno's theory from 1970 suggested that new genes arise from gene duplication. The University of Nevada, Reno, addressed gene duplication by observing increased DNA methylation in duplicated genes, reducing protein over-expression's negative effects and promoting mutation for new functions.

Experiment on Random DNA Sequences

• Max Planck Institute researchers inserted random DNA sequences into human cells.
• Resulting proteins were random, and after 20 days, cell type abundance varied, indicating random sequences could influence evolution.

Significance of Blood Groups

Blood groups (A, B, AB, O) are determined by variants of the ABO gene. Despite their apparent non-essentiality, all variants have been retained through evolution in humans and primates, showcasing evolutionary complexity.

Kerala's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and demographic trends

Current MMR Situation

• Kerala's MMR is the lowest in India at 19 per lakh live births.
• Recent trends show a steady increase in MMR, primarily due to a decrease in the number of live births rather than an increase in maternal deaths.
• The State's live births have dropped significantly from an annual average of 5-5.5 lakh to 3,93,231 in recent records.

Impact of Declining Birth Rates

• Fertility levels and demographics shifts are impacting Kerala's social structure.
• The birth rate fell below the five-lakh mark in 2016 and has continued to decrease.
• The total fertility rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.46 in 2021, indicating that most couples have one or no children.

Challenges in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Kerala's MMR target of 20 by 2030 appears unreachable due to falling birth rates.
• Addressing medical causes of maternal mortality is not sufficient as demographic changes influence MMR.
• Factors like low fertility rates and societal attitudes towards marriage and childbirth are significant contributors.

Demographic Transition and Its Consequences

• Kerala led demographic transition in South India, achieving replacement level fertility in 1987-88.
• The elderly population is expected to surpass the child population in the next decade, posing challenges for care and welfare.
• Higher age at marriage and delayed childbearing lead to increased pregnancy-related morbidities among older mothers.

Concerns and Future Implications

• The reproductive age group's female population is dwindling, with many opting against marriage or childbirth.
• Projected decline in birth rate and its stark consequences are expected within two decades.
• Errors in birth registration and lack of data on abortions impact understanding of live birth numbers.

In summary, Kerala's rising MMR, despite being relatively low, is attributed to declining live births rather than increased maternal deaths. The state faces challenges from demographic shifts, falling fertility rates, and societal changes, which affect its ability to maintain a stable population and achieve its MMR targets. These trends underscore the need for comprehensive policy responses to address the evolving demographic landscape.

Ministry of External Affairs: Challenges and Recommendations

India's rise on the global stage, bolstered by economic growth and strategic autonomy, necessitates an efficient organizational structure within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This structure is critical for sustaining India’s expanded global role, as evidenced by successful initiatives like its G20 presidency and leadership in vaccine diplomacy.

Current Staffing and Structural Challenges

• The MEA employs approximately 850 Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers across 193 embassies and consulates, which is significantly less compared to the U.S. (14,500), the U.K. (4,600), and Russia (4,500).
• The annual intake has increased but remains insufficient. It would take decades to reach an optimal workforce of 1,500 officers.
• Fragmentation within MEA's divisions affects efficiency. For example, India's immediate neighborhood is split among four divisions, leading to oversight risks.

Proposed Solutions

• Lateral hiring from other government services, like defense personnel and academics, should be pursued with strict selection and probation criteria.
• Reorganize internal divisions to reduce fragmentation and improve coordination.
• Enhance incentives for officers in India by providing better housing, medical coverage, and financial allowances.

Language and Specialist Roles

• Ensure that language-trained officers are posted appropriately to leverage their skills and reduce dependency on interpreters.
• Encourage officers to specialize in areas such as cybersecurity, space policy, and artificial intelligence, hiring domain experts for these roles.

Efforts and Future Directions

• The MEA has created divisions like Policy, Planning and Research to adapt to global trends.
• The leadership of Dr. S. Jaishankar has been pivotal in aligning foreign policy with India's aspirations of becoming a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047.

Sea Turtle Mortality Concerns along Chennai Coast

Overview

Recent findings of sea turtle carcasses along the Chennai coast have raised substantial concerns among conservationists regarding the alarming mortality rates.

Locations and Observations

• Injambakkam: Eight older remains of turtle carcasses were found.
• Nemmeli Kuppam:
  • Twenty carcasses discovered along a one-kilometre stretch.
  • Most turtles appeared to have been dead for some time.

Potential Causes

• Fishing Gear Entanglement:
  • Turtles may have drowned after becoming entangled in fishing nets.
  • Fishermen removing turtles might inadvertently release them back in a comatose state, leading to delayed deaths.
• Groynes and Sea Structures:
  • Groynes at Nemmeli Kuppam are intended to prevent erosion but may impact turtles.

Conservation Efforts and Challenges

• Ongoing efforts to raise awareness among fishermen include planned sensitisation sessions.
• Lack of data from previous years makes it challenging to assess whether current mortality rates are unusual.

Recommendations to Authorities

• Increased patrols in turtle hotspots recommended to the Indian Coast Guard and Fisheries Department.
• Stricter enforcement of fisheries regulations suggested.

Draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025

On January 3, 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the Draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, marking a significant step in India’s efforts to regulate digital personal data. This follows the passing of the DPDP Act, 2023, and represents a shift from the previously criticized Personal Data Protection Bill.

Principles-Based Framework

• India's approach departs from the EU’s GDPR, favoring a less prescriptive, principles-based framework.
• Emphasis on simplicity and clarity is intended to reduce "consent fatigue" among users.
• The framework focuses on outcomes rather than prescribing processes, thereby empowering users without overwhelming businesses.

Protection for Children's Data

• Stricter protections are established for processing children's data.
• Exemptions are provided for educational institutions and health services for activities like behavioral monitoring, which benefit children’s educational outcomes.

Flaws and Challenges

• The rules introduce complexities concerning cross-border data flows.
• Potential data localisation mandates for Significant Data Fiduciaries (SDFs) could lead to regulatory arbitrage.
• Ambiguities remain regarding how businesses can authenticate data requesters or charge for excessive requests.
• Concerns exist about whether the government can access sensitive business data.

Need for Procedural Integrity

• Procedural integrity is crucial to ensure sensitive data remains secure.
• Businesses need safeguards to manage information requests effectively.
• The rules should address data protection as a critical aspect of business reputation and continuity, not just a regulatory obligation.

Future Considerations

• India needs to move beyond notice-and-consent mechanisms to protect privacy, especially as technologies like IoT, 5G, and AI evolve.
• Public consultations are essential to refine the draft rules, balancing innovation, economic growth, and individual rights.

The article emphasizes that while the DPDP rules offer a more flexible approach compared to the EU’s GDPR, certain areas require further clarity and refinement. This includes addressing procedural integrity and ensuring the rules accommodate industry-specific needs without stifling innovation.