U.S. FDA approves pair of gene therapies for sickle cell disease (GS Paper 2, Health)
Why in news?
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a pair of gene therapies for sickle cell disease, including the first treatment based on the breakthrough CRISPR gene editing technology.
Details:
- It approved Lyfgenia from bluebird bio, and a separate treatment called Casgevy by partners Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics for the illness.
- Both the therapies were approved for people aged 12 years and older.
- The Vertex/CRISPR gene therapy uses the breakthrough gene editing technology that won its inventors the Nobel Prize in 2020.
Sickle cell disease:
- Sickle cell disease is a painful, inherited blood disorder that can be debilitating and lead to premature death. It affects an estimated 1, 00,000 people in the U.S., most of whom are Black.
- In sickle cell disease, the body makes flawed, sickle-shaped hemoglobin, impairing the ability of red blood cells to properly carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
- The sickle cells tend to stick together and can block small blood vessels, causing intense pain. It also can lead to strokes and organ failure.
Treatment:
- Makers of both the therapies have pitched them as one-time treatments, but data on how long their effect lasts is limited.
- The only longer-term treatment for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow transplant.
Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme 2023
(GS Paper 1, Culture)
Why in news?
- Recently, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) in collaboration with Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched an Alternative Livelihood Programme under the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme-2023 in Sultanpur National Park, a Ramsar Site in Haryana.
Details:
- Under this initiative, IITTM, an autonomous body under MoT, in collaboration with MoEFCC will build the capacity of local community members around different Ramsar sites in order to strengthen nature tourism at these sites and provide alternative livelihood to the local community.
- With the help of State Forest Deptt., a total of 30 participants have been identified from the local communities located around Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary to impart this training and subsequently certify them as nature-guides.
Amrit Dharohar:
- Amrit Dharohar initiative, part of the 2023-24 budget announcement, was launched by MoEF&CC during June 2023 to promote unique conservation values of the Ramsar Sites in the country while generating employment opportunities and supporting local livelihoods.
- This initiative is to be implemented in convergence with various Central Government ministries and agencies, State Wetland Authorities, and a network of formal and informal institutions and individuals, working together for a common cause.
Nature-tourism and Wet component:
- The Nature-tourism and Wet component of this initiative is being implemented jointly by MoT and MoEFCC with an aim to enhance livelihood opportunities for local communities through harnessing the nature-tourism potential of the Ramsar Sites across the country.
- Sultanpur is one of the five priority Ramsar Sites besides Bhitarkanika and Chilika in Odisha and Yashwant Sagar and Sirpur in Madhya Pradesh identified in first phase by MoT and MoEFCC for taking up training programmes for local communities under the Alternative Livelihood Programme (ALP).
Jammu Student-Led National Movement for Energy Conservation named 4E Wave Launched
(GS Paper 3, Environment)
Why in news?
- The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy has launched 4E Wave, a student-led National Movement for Energy Conservation.
- The movement strives to promote sustainable practices and instil a sense of responsibility in individuals and communities to save energy.
4E Wave encapsulates four key elements:
- Eco-friendliness: Promoting energy-saving practices that are environmentally friendly
- Economy: Emphasizing energy-saving solutions that lead to economic benefits for individuals and communities
- Education: Focusing on educating the public about energy- saving methods and their importance
- Empowerment: Empowering individuals and communities to take active roles in conserving energy
Details:
- Originating from the students of Government College of Engineering & Technology (GCET), Jammu, this youth-led movement, launched with the support of J&K Power Development Department, Government of J&K and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India, invites individuals across the nation to contribute to the cause of energy conservation.
- The web portal of the movement will provide an interactive platform to the citizens nationwide for information and resource-sharing related to energy conservation.
- Participants will also get personalized energy-saving tips tailored to their consumption patterns, regular updates on latest developments in energy conservation, and a dynamic platform for sharing articles on energy conservation for publication in the e-magazine named ‘e-kshitij’ to be published quarterly. Additionally, the portal will host contests focusing on energy conservation, providing an interactive experience for users.
Way Forward:
- The 4E Wave movement marks a resolute commitment to mitigate the impact of harmful carbon emissions and pave the way for a sustainable energy future.
