19 Apr 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Activity-based curriculum drawn up for anganwadis
2. ‘Nestlé baby food sold in India has higher sugar content’
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. India’s nuanced approach in the South China Sea
HEALTH
1. Randomised control trials: the technique that transformed TB care
F. Prelims Facts
1. Indigenously built cruise missile successfully tested
2. WHO defines pathogens that transmit through air
3. Indonesia evacuates thousands after volcano erupts, raises tsunami threat
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

2. ‘Nestlé baby food sold in India has higher sugar content’

Syllabus: Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Mains: Issues with commercial baby foods in India

Context​: A recent report by a Swiss NGO, the Public Eye, and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) has raised concerns regarding the higher sugar content in Nestlé baby food products sold in India, Africa, and Latin America compared to those sold in European markets. The discrepancy in sugar content has sparked discussions on regulatory standards, nutritional quality, and public health implications.

Issues

• Discrepancy in Sugar Content: Nestlé baby food products sold in India contain higher levels of added sugars compared to those sold in European markets, despite recommendations against added sugars by the World Health Organization (WHO) for children under three.
• Regulatory Standards: Indian regulators allow a limited amount of sucrose and fructose in baby food, raising questions about the alignment of regulatory standards with global health guidelines.
• Public Health Concerns: The introduction of added sugars in baby foods can contribute to the development of addictive eating habits and increase the risk of non-communicable diseases, as highlighted by experts.

Significance

• Nutritional Quality: The debate underscores the importance of ensuring the nutritional adequacy and safety of infant and young child feeding practices.
• Public Awareness: Awareness about the impact of added sugars on early childhood health and the need for stringent regulatory oversight is highlighted.
• Global Health Standards: Discrepancies in product formulation across different markets raise concerns about adherence to global health standards and corporate responsibility.

Solutions

• Regulatory Review: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is urged to review the IBFAN report and consider aligning regulatory standards with WHO recommendations on added sugars in baby foods.
• Corporate Accountability: Nestlé’s commitment to reducing added sugars in its products should be monitored closely, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Public Education: Awareness campaigns on appropriate infant feeding practices, including the avoidance of added sugars, should be intensified to empower parents and caregivers.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, and the food industry is essential to address challenges and promote optimal infant nutrition.

Nut Graf: The findings of the IBFAN report raise important questions about the nutritional quality and regulatory oversight of baby food products in India and other regions. Addressing the issue requires a multifaceted approach involving regulatory reforms, corporate accountability, public education, and stakeholder collaboration.

2. WHO defines pathogens that transmit through air

Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced the term “infectious respiratory particles” (IRPs) to describe pathogens that transmit through the air. 

• This decision aims to address the lack of a common terminology for such pathogens, which posed challenges during the global COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Following extensive consultations from 2021 to 2023, the WHO announced this initiative to streamline communication efforts and enhance measures to curb the transmission of airborne pathogens.

Issues

• Lack of Common Terminology: Before the introduction of IRPs, there was a lack of standardized terminology to describe pathogens transmitted through the air, leading to confusion and inconsistency in public communication.
• Challenges in Pandemic Response: The absence of a unified term hindered global efforts to combat infectious diseases like COVID-19, as varied terminologies complicated communication strategies and response measures.
• Public Health Communication: Different terminology used by various stakeholders created confusion among the public, affecting their understanding of transmission dynamics and preventive measures.

Significance

• Clarity in Communication: The introduction of IRPs provides clarity and consistency in describing pathogens transmitted through the air, facilitating effective communication between health authorities, policymakers, and the public.
• Enhanced Response Measures: Standardized terminology enables more coherent and coordinated response efforts, including the development of targeted interventions and public health campaigns.
• Global Collaboration: A common terminology fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among countries and international organizations, strengthening collective efforts to address airborne pathogen transmission.

3. Indonesia evacuates thousands after volcano erupts, raises tsunami threat

Context: Indonesia faced a crisis on April 18 as Mount Ruang erupted multiple times, triggering evacuations and raising concerns about a potential tsunami threat. The eruption, characterized by lava flows and ash columns, prompted authorities to close a nearby airport and initiate emergency measures to ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.

Issues

• Volcanic Eruption: Mount Ruang erupted five times, emitting lava and ash, posing immediate risks to nearby communities and infrastructure.
• Tsunami Threat: Authorities issued warnings about the possibility of a tsunami triggered by falling volcanic debris, adding urgency to evacuation efforts.
• Evacuation Challenges: Evacuating thousands of residents from the affected areas, including remote islands, posed logistical challenges amidst hazardous conditions and limited resources.
• Seismic Vulnerability: Indonesia’s location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes it susceptible to frequent seismic and volcanic activity, necessitating preparedness for such emergencies.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The eruption of Mount Ruang and the associated tsunami threat created a humanitarian crisis, requiring swift and coordinated response measures to safeguard lives and property.
• Disaster Preparedness: The incident underscores the importance of robust disaster preparedness and early warning systems to mitigate the impact of natural disasters in high-risk regions like Indonesia.
• Community Resilience: Effective evacuation procedures and community resilience efforts are vital for minimizing casualties and facilitating recovery in the aftermath of volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.

Q1. South China Sea Dispute involves which of the following countries? 

Q2. With reference to Tuberculosis (TB), consider the following statements:

Q3. With reference to Ballistic and Cruise missiles, consider the following 
statements:

Q4. The term 'infectious respiratory particles' or IRPs recently in the 
news is best described as: 

Q5. With respect to volcanoes, consider the following statements: