05 Jul 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

CNA 05 July 2023:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. SCO calls for multipolar world order as Iran joins grouping
C. GS 3 Related
ECONOMY
1. Lessons from the fracas over foodgrains
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
ECONOMY
1. A macro view of the fiscal health of States
GOVERNANCE
1. Antibiotics with promise — A lifeline India awaits
F. Prelims Facts
1. Irrevocable connection between anaemia and maternal health
2. Understanding Leptospirosis
G. Tidbits
1. States' average debt cost continues to rise, nears 7.5%
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

Category: GOVERNANCE

1. Antibiotics with promise — A lifeline India awaits

Syllabus: GS-2, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Mains: Need for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) 

Context

The recent extraordinary case of using promising antibiotics, cefepime/zidebactam, underscores the urgent importance of granting Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for antibiotics.

What is Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA)?

  • The Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) authority assists in strengthening the nation’s public health defenses against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
  • It also deals with infectious diseases, by facilitating the availability and use of medical countermeasures (MCMs) required during public health emergencies.
Cefepime/zidebactam: Cefepime/zidebactam is a promising antibiotic option that has activity against diverse antibiotic-resistant mechanisms.

Cefiderocol: Cefiderocol is a licensed antibiotic in multiple countries that was created by a Japanese business. It has proven to be extremely effective against infections with medication resistance. 

Need for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) 

  • Antibiotics that have been properly tested or confirmed to be effective in the fight against superbugs are critical.
  • Millions of lives are lost each year as a result of the inadequacy of current antibiotics in the face of these tough infections. 
  • The lack of effective antibiotics to tackle drug-resistant diseases endangers countless lives. 
  • It is heartbreaking to see patients suffer from diseases simply because available antibiotics have lost their efficacy due to developing resistance. 
  • Drug resistance has rendered previously successful therapies ineffective.

Read more on anti-microbial resistance in the linked article.

Way Forward

  • India must show the same urgency and dedication to saving the lives of people who might otherwise die from infections resistant to all currently available antibiotics.
  • We want the authorities to understand the critical need for action and the enormous potential of these life-saving medications. 
  • We may improve our armoury against drug-resistant illnesses by getting EUA for cefepime/zidebactam, an Indian discovery, and cefiderocol, a widely acknowledged antibiotic.
  • Their placement on the EUA list would not only empower doctors but would also instill hope and confidence in patients and their families. 
  • As a country famed for its scientific achievements, we have the potential to have a significant effect on the global arena.

Nut Graf: Recognising the importance of promising antibiotics like cefepime/zidebactam and expediting its EUA, India will not only save lives within its borders but will also benefit countless others around the world who are in dire need of viable treatment alternatives.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Irrevocable connection between anaemia and maternal health

Syllabus: GS 2- Health and Welfare

Prelims: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Details

  • Anaemia in India has gained attention with the proposal to remove an anaemia-related question from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and replace it with a more extensive Diet and Biomarker (DAB) survey.
  • A study recommending lower haemoglobin norms for India has faced criticism from nutritionists and obstetricians and gynaecologists, highlighting the importance of well-informed policies.
  • A multi-country study in The Lancet emphasised the need for informed anaemia measurement, handling, and interventions in India.

Anaemia and Pregnancy

  • Anaemia is closely linked to postpartum haemorrhage, a significant risk factor for maternal mortality.
  • Over 500 million women worldwide of reproductive age suffer from anaemia, leading to approximately 70,000 postpartum haemorrhage deaths annually, mostly in low and middle-income countries.
  • The WOMAN-2 trial collaborators conducted a study focusing on the relationship between anaemia and the risk of postpartum haemorrhage in women from Pakistan, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Association between Anaemia and Postpartum Haemorrhage

  • The study examined pre-birth haemoglobin as a continuous variable to assess the risk of postpartum haemorrhage.
  • Lower haemoglobin levels were found to have a direct relationship with volume blood loss and clinical postpartum haemorrhage.
  • Anaemia reduces blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, making women with anaemia more susceptible to shock and complications after minor blood loss.

Recommendations and Insights

  • Attention should be given to preventing and treating anaemia in women of reproductive age to reduce the risk of postpartum haemorrhage and its associated mortality.
  • The Indian government’s project to provide iron and folic acid supplements to adolescent girls is a step towards combating anaemia, but challenges remain in rural areas with suboptimal nutrition.
  • Public health programmes must consider cultural and social realities when devising outreach strategies, as elaborate blood draws may not be feasible for a large population.

2. Understanding Leptospirosis

Syllabus: GS 2 – Health and Welfare

Prelims: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Leptospirosis overview:

  • It is an emerging infectious disease with the potential for large outbreaks after heavy rain or flooding.
  • Prevalent in warm, humid countries, affecting an estimated 1.03 million people annually, causing 60,000 deaths.
  • Urban poor population growth in tropical countries may increase the burden of the disease.
  • Disease Transmission and Risk Factors:
    • Caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans, transmitted from infected animals to humans.
    • Wild and domestic animals, including rodents, cattle, pigs, and dogs, act as carriers.
    • Humans are at risk through direct or indirect contact with infected animal urine, especially in occupations involving animals or contaminated water.
  • Symptoms and Misdiagnosis:
    • Leptospirosis symptoms range from a mild flu-like illness to a life-threatening systemic infection.
    • Misdiagnosed due to resemblance to dengue, malaria, and hepatitis symptoms.
    • Awareness, reliable diagnostics, and environmental surveillance challenges contribute to underestimating global and regional cases.
  • Misconceptions and ‘One Health’ Approach:
    • The misconception of leptospirosis as “rat fever” overlooks multiple animal reservoirs.
    • The ‘One Health’ approach emphasizes interconnectedness between human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
    • Preventive measures include personal protective equipment, maintaining sanitary animal-keeping conditions, and health education.
  • Prevention Strategies:
    • Encourage health literacy and public health interventions targeting both human and animal populations.
    • Collaboration between public health professionals and animal husbandry departments.
    • Precautions during monsoons, such as washing arms and legs after handling animal waste or working in water.

G. Tidbits

1. States’ average debt cost continues to rise, nears 7.5%

  • States are paying higher interest rates on their debt to attract investors.
  • The latest weighted average cost of debt rose to 7.46% in the auctions of 4 July.
  • Nine states raised ₹16,200 crore during the auctions.
  • The yield on state government securities experienced a 5 basis point increase, reaching 7.46%.
  • This increase occurred despite a stable weighted average tenor of 16 years.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Which of the following statements about anaemia is correct?
  1. It is a condition characterised by an excess number of red blood cells.
  2. It is caused by the overproduction of haemoglobin in the red blood cells.
  3. It is caused by inadequate absorption of nutrients.
  4. It primarily affects elderly individuals and men.
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: 

Anaemia is a condition with low red blood cells or decreased haemoglobin. It can be caused by nutrient deficiencies, infections, inflammation, and chronic diseases.

Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to Shanghai Cooperation 
Organisation (SCO):
  1. The SCO was founded in 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
  2. India and Pakistan became full members of the SCO in 2017.
  3. The SCO’s main focus is on security cooperation, including combating terrorism and extremism.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: c

Explanation: 

All three statements are correct. The SCO was established by six founding members in 2001, and India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017. The organisation’s primary focus is on security cooperation, particularly in countering terrorism and extremism.

Q3. Consider the following statements:
  1. Declining tax revenue
  2. Low revenue expenditure
  3. High interest payments 

How many of these factors contribute to the fiscal deterioration of states:

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

Answer: b

Explanation: 

The key factors contributing to the fiscal deterioration of states are declining tax revenue, high revenue expenditure, and high committed expenditure (such as interest payments and administrative expenses).

Q4. Which of the following statements about Pseudomonas aeruginosa is correct?
  1. It is a Gram-positive bacterium causing human infections.
  2. It is only found in soil and water.
  3. It is a harmless bacterium with no impact on human health.
  4. It can cause serious health problems in people with cystic fibrosis and weakened immune systems.
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis patients and immunocompromised individuals.

Q5. Consider the following statements about Leptospirosis: 
  1. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals.
  2. It can cause serious health problems like kidney damage, liver failure, and even death.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2 
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: 

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by Leptospira bacteria. It affects humans and animals, and without treatment, can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and death.

CNA 05 July 2023:- Download PDF Here

Comments

Leave a Comment

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published.

*

*