06 Apr 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

06 April 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. India abstains from HRC vote calling Gaza ceasefire
C. GS 3 Related
ECONOMY
1. RBI keeps repo rate on hold as food prices remain high
2. RBI to enable UPI for cash deposit
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Venky’s pushing antibiotics as poultry growth promoter
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. There will be no independent, sovereign Palestine
F. Prelims Facts
1. Tylosin
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

2. RBI to enable UPI for cash deposit

Syllabus: Mobilization of Resources and Growth

Prelims: UPI for cash deposit

Mains: Significance of UPI for cash deposit

Context​: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced several measures aimed at enhancing banking services and improving customer convenience. Among these initiatives is the proposal to enable the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) for cash deposits, a move that reflects the growing popularity and acceptance of digital payment systems in India.

Issues:

  • Limited Options for Cash Deposits: Currently, the facility for cash deposits is primarily available through the use of debit cards, limiting customer choice and convenience.
  • Enhancing Customer Convenience: The introduction of UPI for cash deposits aims to provide customers with an additional avenue for depositing cash, leveraging the widespread adoption of UPI and its benefits.

Significance:

  • Expanded Banking Access: Enabling UPI for cash deposits will broaden the range of options available to customers, making banking services more accessible and convenient, particularly for those without debit cards.
  • Promotion of Digital Payments: The move aligns with the government’s push towards a digital economy by encouraging the use of digital payment platforms like UPI for a wider range of financial transactions.
  • Encouraging Non-Resident Investments: Permitting eligible foreign investors in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) to invest in Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) promotes greater participation in sustainable investment instruments, contributing to environmental goals.

Solutions:

  • Operational Guidelines: The RBI will issue operational instructions to facilitate the implementation of UPI for cash deposit facilities, ensuring seamless integration into existing banking systems.
  • Regulatory Framework: Establishing a regulatory framework for foreign investments in SGrBs in IFSC, in consultation with the government and relevant authorities, to promote sustainable investment practices.
  • Technology Integration: Developing a user-friendly mobile app for the Retail Direct scheme to enhance investor accessibility and streamline investment processes in government securities.

Nut Graf: The RBI’s initiatives to enable UPI for cash deposits, permit foreign investments in green bonds, and introduce a mobile app for the Retail Direct scheme demonstrate its commitment to enhancing banking services and promoting financial inclusion. These measures not only offer customers greater flexibility and convenience in banking transactions but also contribute to the promotion of sustainable investment practices and the advancement of digital payments in India.

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Venky’s pushing antibiotics as poultry growth promoter

Syllabus: Developments in Science and Technology, Applications of scientific developments in everyday life

Prelims: Antibiotics

Mains: Issue of using antibiotics as growth promoter

Context​: Poultry producer Venky’s has come under scrutiny for its marketing and sale of antibiotics to farmers, contributing to the spread of drug-resistant infections, according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ). This analysis delves into the issues surrounding Venky’s practices, their significance, and potential solutions to address antibiotic misuse in the poultry industry.

Issues:

  • Antibiotic Misuse: Venky’s is marketing antibiotics to farmers for non-therapeutic purposes, including growth promotion and preventative use, contrary to WHO guidelines. This practice can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in both animals and humans.
  • Critical Drug Usage: Venky’s products contain antibiotics classified by the WHO as critically important to human medicine, such as tylosin, amoxicillin, and neomycin, raising concerns about the impact on human health.
  • Lack of Regulation: The availability of these antibiotics without proper veterinary prescriptions and oversight indicates a regulatory gap in monitoring and controlling antibiotic use in the poultry industry.

Significance:

  • Public Health Risk: Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to public health, leading to the ineffectiveness of vital medicines in treating infections and increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality.
  • Global Impact: Misuse of antibiotics in poultry farming contributes to the global spread of drug-resistant pathogens, impacting food safety and public health worldwide.
  • Corporate Responsibility: Venky’s, as a major player in the poultry industry, has a responsibility to adhere to ethical practices and prioritize public health concerns over profit motives.

Solutions:

  • Regulatory Enforcement: Strengthening regulatory frameworks to monitor and enforce restrictions on the use of antibiotics in livestock farming, including stringent controls on sales and prescriptions.
  • Education and Awareness: Educating farmers, veterinarians, and consumers about the risks of antibiotic misuse, promoting alternative farming practices, and encouraging responsible antibiotic stewardship.
  • Industry Accountability: Holding poultry producers accountable for their antibiotic marketing and sales practices, promoting transparency, and encouraging sustainable and ethical production methods.
  • Research and Innovation: Investing in research and development of alternative strategies for disease prevention and growth promotion in poultry farming, such as probiotics, vaccines, and improved hygiene practices.

Nut Graf: The misuse of antibiotics in poultry farming, as exemplified by Venky’s practices, poses a significant public health risk and underscores the urgent need for regulatory intervention and industry accountability. Addressing antibiotic resistance requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including governments, industry players, healthcare professionals, and consumers, to safeguard the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations and ensure food safety and public health.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Tylosin

  • Tylosin – An antimicrobial used for veterinary care. 
  • The issue is some of its type is used in humans too hence a chance of creating AMR if consumed in large amounts.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Repo Rate in India:
  1. It is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends money to commercial banks.
  2. A decrease in the Repo Rate leads to cheaper credit for businesses and individuals.
  3. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) determines the Repo Rate.

How many statements is/are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. Only three
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Q2. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding food inflation 
in India?
  1. Statement-I: Food inflation reflects the changes in food prices and is a component of the headline.
  2. Statement-II: Core inflation excludes volatile items like food and fuel from the inflation calculation.
  3. Statement-III: Factors such as supply disruptions and seasonal variations can contribute to food inflation.

Which statements are correct?

  1. Only I and II
  2. Only II and III
  3. Only I and III
  4. I, II, and II
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Q3. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the proceedings 
of the Indian Parliament?
  1. Question Hour – Members of Parliament can ask questions to ministers about government policies and actions.
  2. Zero Hour – MPs can raise important matters with prior notice during this hour.
  3. Adjournment Motion – Used to adjourn the House for discussing urgent matters that need immediate attention.

Options:

  1. Only 1 and 2
  2. Only 2 and 3
  3. Only 1 and 3
  4. 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Q4. In the context of the Rakhigarhi Harappan Civilization, which of the following 
statements are correct?
  1. Statement 1: It is one of the largest Harappan settlements excavated in India.
  2. Statement 2: Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of a well-developed drainage system at Rakhigarhi.
  3. Statement 3: The Indus script has been deciphered entirely based on findings at Rakhigarhi.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Q5. Consider the following statements:
  1. Statement – I: Marsupials are not naturally found in India.
  2. Statement – II: Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
  2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
  3. Statement-1 is correct Statement-II is incorrect
  4. Statement-1 is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Click on the link for the video explanation of the above questions and answers.

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