CONTENTS

1. IL-35 Protein
2. PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme

IL-35 Protein

Context:

Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, have discovered a specific protein IL-35 that can aid in new treatments for type I and autoimmune diabetes mellitus.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

IL-35 Protein

IL-35 is an immunoregulatory protein composed of the IL-12α and IL-27β chains. It plays a critical role in the immune system by regulating various immune cells and mechanisms:

• Immune Regulation: IL-35 is involved in regulating macrophage activation, T-cell responses, and regulatory B cells, which are all pivotal in maintaining immune homeostasis.
• Protection Against Diabetes: The protein is particularly significant in the context of autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes. It inhibits the activity of immune cells that attack pancreatic beta cells, which are crucial for insulin production. By reducing the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the pancreas, IL-35 helps mitigate the progression of autoimmune diabetes mellitus.

Autoimmune Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, T1DM)

Autoimmune diabetes mellitus, commonly known as Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas:

•  In T1DM, the body’s immune system mistakenly targets and destroys beta cells in the pancreas, which produce insulin. This autoimmune attack leads to a reduction in insulin production, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
• The development of T1DM is influenced by both genetic predispositions and environmental factors. Potential environmental triggers include viral infections, dietary influences like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies, and changes in gut microbiota.
• Individuals with T1DM require lifelong insulin therapy since their bodies can no longer produce sufficient insulin. This dependency is due to the irreversible damage to pancreatic beta cells caused by the autoimmune response.

Challenges and Research Directions

• Currently, there are no preventive treatments or immunosuppressive therapies that effectively prevent the onset or progression of T1DM. This highlights the need for ongoing research into innovative treatment strategies, such as those involving immunoregulatory proteins like IL-35, which might offer new pathways for managing or even preventing autoimmune diabetes in the future.
• The exploration of IL-35’s role in autoimmune responses and its potential therapeutic applications represents a promising area of study that could lead to significant advancements in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including T1DM.

PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme

Context:

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has unveiled the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, a pivotal initiative under the National Education Policy 2020.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

About PM Vidyalaxmi:

• This scheme is designed to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder meritorious students from pursuing higher education.
• It offers financial assistance in the form of collateral-free, guarantor-free loans covering tuition fees and other related expenses.
• Eligibility and Coverage PM Vidyalaxmi targets students admitted to top-tier Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as ranked by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). This includes:
  • HEIs ranked within the top 100 overall, category-specific, or domain-specific rankings.
  • State government HEIs ranked within 101-200.
  • All central government governed institutions. Initially, 860 HEIs qualify under the scheme, potentially benefiting over 22 lakh students.
• Loan and Credit Guarantees The scheme facilitates educational loans up to ₹7.5 lakhs, with a 75% credit guarantee on the outstanding default to mitigate the risk for banks and encourage the provision of loans.
• Interest Subvention Benefits For families with an annual income of up to ₹8 lakhs not eligible for other government subsidies, the scheme offers a 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹10 lakhs during the moratorium period. This benefit is aimed at supporting one lakh students annually, prioritizing those from government institutions and enrolled in technical/professional courses.
• Financial Outlay and Impact An allocation of ₹3,600 Crore has been set aside for the period from 2024-25 to 2030-31, with an expectation to assist 7 lakh new students through the interest subvention.
• Digital and Simplified Processes The Department of Higher Education will manage the PM Vidyalaxmi scheme through a unified digital portal, which simplifies the application process for both loans and interest subventions. Payments for interest subvention will be executed using E-vouchers and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets, streamlining transactions and ensuring transparency.
• Supplementary Initiatives PM Vidyalaxmi complements existing programs like the Central Sector Interest Subsidy (CSIS) and the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Education Loans (CGFSEL), part of the PM-USP. These schemes collectively aim to enhance access to quality higher education and support students pursuing technical and professional courses.

Conclusion

The PM Vidyalaxmi scheme is a significant step forward in making quality higher education accessible to all aspiring students across India. By removing financial barriers and integrating digital solutions, the scheme promises to broaden educational opportunities and foster an environment where merit trumps economic status, reinforcing the government’s commitment to educational and financial inclusion.