01 April 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials Health 1. The ART of India’s HIV/AIDS response F. Prelims Facts 1. A record 60 traditional products from across India granted GI tag 2. How neuroscience reshapes marketing strategies in India G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
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C. GS 3 Related
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D. GS 4 Related
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Syllabus: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Mains: India’s success factor against HIV response
Introduction:
- April 1, 2004, marked a pivotal moment in India’s response to HIV/AIDS with the launch of Free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV).
- This initiative has been instrumental in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in India, addressing challenges of fear, stigma, and limited access to treatment.
Evolution to Free ART:
- Despite the emergence of antiretroviral drugs in the late 1980s and early 1990s, access remained restricted primarily to high-income countries.
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, established in 2002, advocated for universal access to HIV prevention and treatment.
- By 2004, India had an estimated 5.1 million PLHIV, with only a fraction receiving ART due to high costs and limited availability.
Implementation and Impact of Free ART:
- The decision to offer free ART in India was groundbreaking, expanding access to treatment for adults and later for children.
- Over two decades, the number of ART centres increased from fewer than 10 to around 700, serving approximately 1.8 million PLHIV.
- The initiative not only initiated treatment but also focused on maintaining low viral loads, resulting in a decline in HIV prevalence and new infections by significant margins.
Patient-Centric Approach and Ongoing Challenges:
- Alongside free ART, India implemented complementary initiatives such as free diagnostic services and prevention of parent-to-child transmission.
- The program exhibited flexibility by evolving ART eligibility criteria and adopting a ‘Treat All’ approach from 2017 onwards.
- Despite notable achievements, challenges remain, including delayed enrollment, adherence issues leading to treatment interruptions, ensuring sustained supply and availability of ART, private sector engagement, and integration with other health programs.
Future Directions and Ambitious Targets:
- India’s National AIDS Control Program Phase 5 aims to further reduce new HIV infections and AIDS-related mortalities by 2025.
- Ambitious targets include ensuring 95% of PLHIV know their status, receive sustained ART, and achieve viral suppression by 2025.
- Challenges such as addressing delayed enrollment, improving adherence, sustaining ART supply, private sector engagement, staff training, and integration with other health programs need to be tackled to achieve these goals.
Success Factors and Lessons Learned:
- Political will, sustained funding, community engagement, and modifications in service delivery were crucial to the success of the free ART initiative.
- The initiative serves as a model for delivering quality healthcare services to all, guiding other public health programs in India.
- Lessons from the ART initiative can inform the launch of nationwide initiatives, such as free hepatitis C treatment, and accelerate progress towards disease elimination.
Nut Graf: India’s response to HIV/AIDS marked by the launch of Free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in 2004, proved pivotal. Over two decades, the initiative expanded access, reduced prevalence, and set ambitious targets, offering lessons for future public health endeavours.
F. Prelims Facts
1. A record 60 traditional products from across India granted GI tag
Context: More than 60 products from various regions of India, including Banaras Thandai, have received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.Â
About:
- This marks the first instance of such a large number of products being granted the GI tag simultaneously, reflecting a growing recognition of India’s rich cultural heritage.Â
- Among the recipients are six traditional crafts from Assam, such as Asharikandi terracotta craft and Bihu dhol.Â
- Assam boasts thirteen other products, including the iconic Bodo Dokhona and Bodo Eri silk known for its association with peace.Â
- Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, hailed the achievement as a significant win for the state’s heritage, noting the livelihood support these products offer to thousands.Â
- Banaras Thandai, a cherished beverage with deep cultural roots, has also been granted the GI tag, further enhancing its cultural significance.Â
Significance: Other regions like Tripura and Meghalaya have also secured GI tags for their unique products, underscoring India’s diverse cultural landscape.
2. How neuroscience reshapes marketing strategies in India
Context: Elon Musk’s Neuralink implant, designed for intuitive device control via brain signals, has brought attention to the practical applications of neuroscience.Â
About:Â
- While such implants remain outliers, India is embracing neuroscience for market research and problem-solving.Â
- By mapping brain responses, businesses gain insights into consumer behavior, aiding decisions from product design to advertising strategies.Â
- Techniques like the Implicit Association Test delve into subconscious beliefs, offering valuable data unattainable through traditional surveys.Â
- Despite ethical concerns about privacy and consent, neuroscience-based research is increasingly shaping business strategies.Â
- In India, companies leverage affordable bio instruments and digital tools for insights into consumer behavior.Â
- From understanding cultural nuances in advertising to solving complex business challenges, neuroscience offers valuable insights into human decision-making processes.
Significance: While concerns exist about potential misuse and ethical implications, the growing adoption of neuroscience heralds a future where data-driven insights inform business decisions with unprecedented precision and depth.
F. Tidbits
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H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1.) Consider the following statements regarding the Finance Commission in India:
- The Finance Commission is a permanent constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution.
- Its primary role is to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the central government and the state governments.
- The Commission’s recommendations are binding on the Central Government.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Â Only two
- Â All the three
- Â None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Q2. Consider the following statements about the Central Water Commission (CWC) in India:
Statement I: The CWC is an independent regulatory body responsible for water resource management in India.
Statement II: The CWC monitors the hydrological data of rivers across the country.
Statement III: The CWC has the authority to grant approvals for interstate water sharing agreements
How many statements is/are correct?
- Only one
- Â Only two
- Â All the three
- Â None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Q3.Consider the following statements regarding Geographical Indications (GI) tags in India:
Statement I: GI tags are awarded to products with a specific geographical origin and possess a distinct quality, reputation, or characteristic attributable to that origin.
Statement II: Only agricultural products are eligible for GI tag registration.
Statement III: The registration of a GI is permanent and does not require renewal.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
- I only
- II only
- Â I and II only
- Â II and III only
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Q4. Which of the following statements regarding the Bharat Ratna award is/are correct?
Statement 1:Â It is the highest civilian award in India, awarded for exceptional service/performance in Government.
Statement 2:Â The nomination for Bharat Ratna can be made by any citizen of India.
Statement 3:Â The Bharat Ratna can be awarded only to citizen of India.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Â Only two
- Â All the three
- Â None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Q5.In India which one of the following is responsible for maintaining for price stability by controlling inflation?
a. Department of Consumer Affairs
b. Expenditure Management Commission
c. Financial Stability and Development Council
d. Reserve Bank of India
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the role of public health policy and international collaboration in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in India. Evaluate the impact of introducing Free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) on the socio-economic aspects of affected communities. (10 marks 150 words) (General Studies – II, Health)​
- Examine the factors contributing to the acute water crisis in India. Suggest comprehensive strategies for sustainable water management to mitigate future crises. (10 Marks150 words) (General Studies – III, Environment)
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