08 April 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related Indian Economy 1. Unnecessarily complex’ GST needs urgent reform: Kelkar D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials Health 1. Gone too soon — the subject of youth suicide in India Health 1. Shaping India’s path to inclusive health care Health 1. Implementing universal health coverage F. Prelims Facts 1. What is the technology behind manufacturing a semiconductor chip? 2. U.S., Britain, Australia mulling expansion of AUKUS security pact to counter China G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 3 Related
Category:Indian Economy
1. Unnecessarily complex’ GST needs urgent reform: Kelkar
Syllabus: Issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Mains: GST
Introduction: Vijay Kelkar, a key figure in India’s tax reforms and Chairman of the 13th Finance Commission, has urged the next government to undertake immediate reforms in the “unnecessarily complex” Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.
About: Kelkar proposed establishing an independent secretariat for the GST Council to address concerns about the current arrangement led by the Union government, which states may find problematic. He emphasized the importance of simplifying the GST structure, suggesting a single GST rate of 12% to replace the current varied rates. Kelkar highlighted the success of countries with single-rate GST or VAT systems in optimizing tax revenue and minimizing disputes. equitable sharing of GST revenues with local governments to strengthen their fiscal base and enhance governance quality and need for constitutional amendments to facilitate this revenue sharing were emphasized.
Conclusion: Simplifying the structure and implementing a single GST rate of 12% could streamline the system, mitigate classification issues, and stimulate manufacturing and exports.
D. GS 4 Related
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E. Editorials
Category:Health
1. Shaping India’s path to inclusive health care
Syllabus: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Mains: Inclusive healthcare
Context:
- World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, emphasises health equity, a fundamental aspect of global health and justice.
- The theme for this year, “My Health, My Right,” underscores the importance of ensuring health as a basic human right.
Understanding Health Equity:
- Health equity aims to provide equal opportunities for individuals to achieve their highest health potential, regardless of their circumstances.
- It addresses social, economic, and environmental factors influencing health outcomes, going beyond genetic predispositions.
- True health equity tackles root causes of health inequities such as poverty, discrimination, and limited access to education, healthy food, clean water, and housing.
Challenges and Disparities in India:
- India faces significant obstacles in achieving health equity due to diverse socioeconomic factors and disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
- Rural areas experience lower healthcare access compared to urban areas, with factors like poor sanitation and limited clean water exacerbating health risks.
- Disparities based on caste and gender are pronounced, with marginalized groups facing higher mortality rates and lower immunization rates.
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a major health challenge, with a critical shortage of doctors further straining healthcare provision, especially in rural areas.
Approaches Towards Health Equity in India:
- Comprehensive approaches are required to address socioeconomic determinants of health and move towards universal health coverage.
- Government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission (NHM) aim to reduce health disparities by expanding access and providing essential services.
- Raising health literacy through education and community-driven efforts is crucial in enabling equitable care-seeking behaviour and informed health decisions.
- Collaboration among government, public and private healthcare sectors, NGOs, international institutions, and research organizations is essential for advancing health equity through innovative solutions, community outreach, and evidence-based practices.
Conclusion: Effective collaboration and comprehensive strategies are key to achieving health equity and ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for all, transcending privileges and making it a shared reality.
Nut Graf: The pursuit of health equity in India, amidst socioeconomic disparities, requires collaborative efforts across sectors. By addressing root causes and leveraging government initiatives, education, and innovative solutions, equitable healthcare access can become a shared reality.
Category:Health
1. Gone too soon — the subject of youth suicide in India
Syllabus: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Mains: Mental Health issues and suicide
Introduction: Understanding the Youth Suicide Epidemic in India
- India holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of suicides globally, with 1.71 lakh cases reported in 2022.
- The suicide rate stands at 12.4 per 1,00,000, marking a distressing peak in the nation’s history.
- Youth under 30 years old constitute 41% of all suicide cases, with young women facing the highest risk.
- Suicide, being a complex phenomenon, stems from various factors including mental health issues, family conflicts, academic pressure, societal expectations, and economic distress.
Contributing Factors to Youth Suicides:
- Mental health problems are the most frequently cited risk factor, followed by negative family dynamics, academic stress, and social pressures.
- Gender-specific factors such as early marriage, domestic violence, and gender discrimination significantly contribute to young women’s vulnerability.
- The education system’s emphasis on academic achievement, coupled with parental pressure and competitive examinations, adds to the stressors faced by young individuals.
- Substance abuse, cyberbullying, and excessive social media usage further exacerbate the risk of suicidal behaviour among youth.
Mitigating the Crisis: Strategies and Solutions
- Suicide prevention efforts should focus on imparting problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and enhancing help-seeking behaviour among young people.
- Early identification of mental distress and providing youth-friendly mental health services are crucial steps in prevention.
- Addressing societal issues such as domestic violence, substance abuse, and stigma surrounding mental health can significantly reduce suicidal behaviour.
- Educational reforms, including alternative assessment methods and promoting holistic development, are imperative to alleviate academic stress among youth.
Government Initiatives and Future Directions:
- The Ministry of Health’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy, launched in 2022, aims to reduce suicide rates by 10% by 2030.
- Collaboration between various ministries, including Health, Education, Information, and Social Welfare, is essential for effective implementation.
- Disseminating the strategy to all states and stakeholders, along with adequate budget allocations, is imperative for its success.
- Strategies should be implemented at the state, district, and community levels to address the multifaceted nature of youth suicide in India.
Nut Graf: India grapples with soaring youth suicide rates, with 41% of cases under 30. Factors like mental health issues, family conflicts, and academic pressure contribute. Government initiatives, including a national strategy, aim to curb this alarming trend.
Category:Health
1. Implementing universal health coverage
Syllabus: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Mains: Universal health coverage: Challenges and solution
Introduction: Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
- UHC aims to provide comprehensive, high-quality health services to all individuals without financial hardship.
- It encompasses the entire spectrum of essential health services, from prevention to palliative care, delivered through strong, equitable health systems.
- Primary healthcare plays a pivotal role in UHC, addressing health needs holistically and supported by a well-equipped workforce.
Legal Framework and Government Initiatives:
- While India lacks a constitutional provision for the fundamental right to basic health, the Directive Principles of State Policy provide a basis for the right to health.
- Various Articles in the Constitution mandate the state to enhance public health and empower local bodies for public health interventions.
- Government initiatives such as increasing public financing for health and the National Health Policy, 2017, align with the goal of achieving UHC.
Implementation Challenges and Focus Areas:
- Access to health services should be envisaged considering the diverse population, including migrants and residents of urban slums.
- Strengthening primary healthcare and reducing out-of-pocket expenditures are critical components of UHC policy that require focused attention.
- Suggestions for addressing implementation challenges include addressing migrants’ health needs, simplifying reimbursement processes, creating inclusive health systems, and implementing community-based primary healthcare with seamless referral systems.
Political Will and Policy Pathways for Success:
- UHC implementation requires political will, substantial investment, and a clear, long-term vision.
- Political parties can make UHC a transformative offering by committing to investing in health systems and effectively executing UHC policies.
- Establishing a coherent policy pathway to consistently execute UHC policies across states is imperative for its success and for ensuring a healthier, empowered population.
Nut Graf: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to provide comprehensive health services without financial hardship. Despite legal and governmental initiatives, challenges like migrant health and out-of-pocket expenses persist. Political will and coherent policy pathways are crucial for UHC success.
F. Prelims Facts
1. What is the technology behind manufacturing a semiconductor chip?
Context: As global demand for semiconductor chips surges, countries are ramping up efforts to bolster their manufacturing capabilities.
About:
- India, recognizing the strategic importance of this sector, is making significant strides.
- The TATA group’s partnership with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation to establish a wafer fabrication plant in Gujarat signifies a major step forward.
- Scheduled to roll out its first 28nm chip in 2026, this initiative aims to reduce dependency on imports and enhance self-sufficiency in chip production.
- Indian government’s approval of assembly and test plants in Gujarat and Assam further underscores the nation’s commitment to this endeavor.
- With semiconductor chips powering a wide array of industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, and telecommunications, India’s foray into chip manufacturing holds promise for economic growth and technological advancement.
Significance: This move aligns with the country’s broader vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub and fostering innovation-driven growth.
2. U.S., Britain, Australia mulling expansion of AUKUS security pact to counter China
Context: Discussions are underway among the United States, Britain, and Australia to expand their AUKUS security pact, aiming to involve Japan in deterring China, reports the Financial Times.
About:
- This new phase, known as “Pillar Two,” focuses on joint advancements in quantum computing, hypersonic systems, and artificial intelligence.
- Established in 2021 as a response to China’s escalating influence in the Indo-Pacific, AUKUS aims to address regional security concerns.
- While Japan’s inclusion in Pillar Two is anticipated, challenges remain, including the need for Japan to enhance its cyber defenses and adhere to stricter security protocols.
- Progress continues on supplying Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, but concerns about adding new partners persist.
Significance: The importance of engaging close allies in AUKUS discussions, with decisions regarding new members expected to be announced collectively.
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements
- The natural colour of human skin and the changes therein help clinicians diagnose a number of medical conditions.
- Skin pigmentation also protects nutrients like folate from being broken down by ultraviolet radiation.
Which Of these statements is/are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- Both One and two
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Q2. Consider the following statements:
- In its purest form, a semiconductor is a very weak conductor of electricity.
- A semiconductor has properties between a conductor and an insulator.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- Both One and two
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Q3.Consider the following statements related to the AUKUS security pact
- AURAS project focuses on autonomous underwater vehicles.
- Pillar 2 of the agreement is helping Australia acquire their first conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- Both One and two
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Q4.Which of the following pigments determines the colour of the skin in the human body?
- Anthocyanins
- Porphyrins
- Betalains
- Melanin
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Q5.Which of the following is used as a dopant in the semiconductors?
- Mica
- Monazite
- Wood
- Germanium
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Examine the significance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in the context of low and middle-income countries. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-2,Health]
- Discuss the potential impact of implementing a uniform GST rate of Discuss the potential impact of implementing a uniform GST rate of 12% across all tiers of government in India, as suggested by Vijay Kelkar. Additionally, evaluate the proposition of creating an independent secretariat for the GST Council and its role in ensuring a more equitable and efficient GST regime. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-3, Economy]
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