30 Apr 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

CNA 30 April 2023:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
HEALTH
1. Behind the ‘dearth’ of rabies vaccine
2. H5N1 kills 50 million birds, spreads to mammals
3. Safety concerns over e-pharma put Centre in a spot
SOCIAL ISSUES
1. Nicobar project violates tribal rights: ST panel
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
F. Prelims Facts
1. Over 64% of elephant habitat lost across Asia since 1700
G. Tidbits
1. T.N. team to recover 16 antique idols from Singapore museum
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

2. H5N1 kills 50 million birds, spreads to mammals

Syllabus: Issues related to Health.

Mains: H5N1 virus.

Prelims:  H5N1 virus.

Context: Outbreak of Avian Influenza H5N1.

Details

• The year 2023 is witnessing one of the worst documented outbreaks of avian influenza H5N1 killing millions of birds.
  • H5N1 causes severe disease and death in birds.
• It has also been detected in mammals and human species thereby putting health authorities on high alert.
• The impact of H5N1 depends on multiple factors like the level of exposure, geographical locations, and migratory patterns of the species.
• It has raised concerns about the spread of the virus in critically endangered avian species. For instance:
  • It is found that at least 20 California condors, a species that was on the edge of extinction since the 1980s, have succumbed to H5N1 avian influenza.
  • It has also killed a large number of bald eagles and Caspian terns in the U.S. since January 2022.
• There are also reports of spillover on species like sea lions, minks, foxes, wild bears, and skunks other than domestic dogs and cats.
• Though the transmission of the H5N1 virus in mammals is rare, it can have a mutation and can potentially initiate human outbreaks.
  • It is transmitted to humans through close contact with infected birds or animals.
  • It has a high mortality rate of over 60% in humans.

Also read: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) | Facts for UPSC Science and Technology

Source: The Hindu

Way Ahead:

• It is time to take efforts to prepare towards building better and more efficient vaccines for avians and humans.
• Genomics surveillance should be done to map the continued evolution of the virus.
• Moreover, enhanced biosecurity measures are required to protect both animal and public health.

Nut Graf: An uncontrolled spread of the H5N1 virus can cause a threat to public health. It can be catastrophic to the already endangered bird species globally. Thus efforts should be taken by all the stakeholders before it becomes dangerous for mammals and the human species.

3. Safety concerns over e-pharma put Centre in a spot

Syllabus: Issues related to Health.

Mains: Associated issues with e-pharma.

Details

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has said that e-pharma platforms will not be given free-run as they can be dangerous.
• The Health Ministry has asked the parliamentary panel to finalize the draft e-pharmacy rules and implement them without much delay.
• The parliamentary panel has raised concerns about the possible misuse of online pharmacies in the absence of regulation.
• According to the ‘E-pharmacy Market in India 2022-2027’  report, e-pharmacy is emerging as a better option in comparison to physical markets.
  • In 2021, the market for online pharmacies was worth ₹25.50 billion.
  • It is expected that it will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.20% from 2022 to 2027 and reach nearly ₹89.47 billion.
• The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) sent show-cause notices to twenty e-pharmacies against the sale of drugs that were not allowed without proper prescription.
• It should be noted that the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 regulates the import, manufacturing, and distribution of drugs in India.

Associated Concerns:

• e-Pharmacy is a dynamic industry and should be handled with care as there is a possibility of:
  • Sale of substandard products and habit-forming medicines like sedatives.
  • The patient and buyer’s data can be profiled.
  • There can be illegal data collection.
  • There can be distribution of illegal or unethical medicine.
  • Moreover, outdated, substituted, or counterfeit medications can be supplied.
• Issues highlighted by Indian Medical Associations are:
  • Drug abuse and misuse.
  • Self-medication
  • Access to children
  • Lack of evaluation of adverse effects of drugs
  • Lack of clarity on the storage condition of drugs, etc.

Also read: Online Sale of Drugs & E-Pharmacies in India [UPSC Notes]

Nut Graf: There are several issues associated with e-pharmacies that need to be addressed on an urgent basis by formulating proper regulations. This will address consumer problems and deliver excellent solutions.

Category: SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Nicobar project violates tribal rights: ST panelfor airports

Syllabus: Government policies and interventions for development and issues arising out of it.

Mains: Development in Andaman and Nicobar and associated concerns.

Prelims:  Forest Rights Act 2006.

Context: NCST has filed alleged discrepancies in environmental clearances in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Details

• Alleged discrepancies have been flagged by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in the context of forest clearance granted for the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project.
• The panel issued the notice to the district authorities of Andaman and Nicobar Island on the grounds that the project will impact the rights of local tribes.
  • The panel cited the violation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
  • Moreover, NCST was not consulted for the project.
• It has sought a response for alleged lapses within a period of 15 days.
• Notably, National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered a stay on the project in early April. It also constituted a committee to review the environmental clearance of the project.

Other Details about the Project:

• The project is being implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation. It covers the development of transshipment ports, airports, power plants, and greenfield townships.
• It intends to use nearly 7.114 sq. km of tribal reserve forest land which is inhabited by the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes.
• The implementation report of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs shows that the island administration neither recognized nor granted ownership of any forest land to tribespeople.
  • It should be noted that recognizing or granting ownership is a pre-requisite before Stage I clearance under the Forest Conservation Rules, 2017.
• It is alleged that the panel was not consulted for the GNI project. Moreover, there were alleged violations of the FRA.
• As per Rule 6(3)(e) of Forest Conservation Rules-2017 (FCR), any diversion of forest land mandates the District Collector to recognize and vest rights to local people under the FRA. 
• Then the rules require authorities to seek the consent of the gram panchayats for the diversion of this land. This gives primacy to the rights of indigenous forest-dwelling communities.
• However, the district administration did not receive any claims over forest land from October 2020 to November 2022.
• At a special Gram Sabha meeting on August 2022, a resolution was passed, consenting to the diversion of the forest land for the project. 
• A No-Objection Certificate was also taken from the Shompen tribespeople at the Sub-Divisional Level Committee.

Associated Concerns:

• It is argued that Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) represented the Shompen in meetings in a society set up and run by the administration. It does not truly represents the Shompen.
• NCST has also opposed the Forest Conservation Rules-2022 which has done away with the consent clause in forest diversion.

Also read: Latest News on Great Nicobar Island Project [UPSC Current Affairs]

Nut Graf: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has raised concerns about the diversion of forest land for development and the alleged violation of the Forest Rights Act. The administration should address these concerns in a timely manner giving due justice to the rights of indigenous tribal people.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. With respect to Painted storks, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(Level- Moderate)

1. They are snowy white color birds and migrate during winter to India.
2. Its IUCN status is near threatened.
3. Painted storks feed in groups in shallow wetlands, crop fields, and irrigation canals.

Options:

1. 1 only
2. 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is not correct: The Painted Stork’s distinctive pink tertial feathers of the adults give them their name.
• Statement 2 is correct: The IUCN status is near threatened.
• Statement 3 is correct: They feed in groups in shallow wetlands, crop fields, and irrigation canals. They forage in flocks in shallow waters along rivers or lakes.

Q2. Which of the following functional items are placed within the purview of 
Municipalities under the twelfth Schedule? (Level- Moderate)

1. Water supply for domestic, industrial, and commercial purposes.
2. Public health, sanitation conservancy, and solid waste management.
3. Slum improvement and upgradation.
4. Minor irrigation, water management, and watershed development
5. Animal husbandry, dairying, and Poultry

Options:

1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 3, 4 and 5 only
3. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

• The functional items within the purview of Municipalities under the twelfth schedule include:
  • Urban planning including town planning.
  • Planning for economic and social development.
  • Roads and bridges.
  • Slum improvement and upgradation.
  • Minor irrigation, water management, and watershed development
  • Animal husbandry, dairying, and Poultry
  • Water supply for domestic, industrial, and commercial purposes.
  • Public health, sanitation conservancy and solid waste management.
  • Urban forestry, protection of the environment and promotion of ecological aspects, etc

Q3. Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to Narcotic Drugs 
and Psychotropic Substances Act? (Level- Difficult)

1. Addicts charged with consumption of drugs or with offences involving small quantities will be immune from prosecution if they volunteer for de-addiction.
2. State Governments have the power to add or omit from the list of psychotropic substances.

Options:

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both
4. None

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

• Statement 1 is correct: Addicts charged with the consumption of drugs or with offences involving small quantities will be immune from prosecution if they volunteer for de-addiction.
• Statement 2 is not correct: Central Governments have the power to add or omit from the list of psychotropic substances.

Q4. Which of the following measures can be taken to control inflation?(Level-Moderate)

1. Contractionary monetary policy
2. Direct taxes should be increased
3. Export restrictions

Options:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: 

In order to ease the pain of inflation, following measures can be taken:

• Adopting contractionary monetary policy
• Increasing direct taxes
• Restricting exports

Q5. Consider the following: (Level- Easy)

1. Carbon dioxide
2. Oxides of Nitrogen
3. Oxides of Sulphur

Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at thermal power Plants?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: 

Coal combustion at thermal power plants emits Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, and particulate matter.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

1. “The H5N1 virus has the potentiality to be the next pandemic for the world”. Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks) [GS-2; Health]
2. Discuss the need for regulating the E-pharmacy Market in India. (150 words, 10 marks) [GS-2; Health]

Read the previous CNA here.

CNA 30 April 2023:- Download PDF Here