05 July 2024 CNA
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A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Education ‘remains the most effective contraceptive’
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
ENVIRONMENT
1. The shape of a five-year climate agenda for India
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Grave concern
F. Prelims Facts
1. Brahmaputra’s lone female gharial’s long wait for a mate could end soon
2. After Mizoram and Nagaland, Meghalaya declines ‘mandir’ tag for Ayushman 
health centres
G. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
H. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

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

Mains: Significance of education in India’s growth

Context​: India, now the world’s most populous country, faces complex challenges related to its demographic trends. Despite a decreasing total fertility rate, the country sees a concerning rise in teenage pregnancies. This issue underscores the importance of education, particularly in the context of sexual and reproductive health, as a powerful tool for family planning and population control.

Current Demographic Scenario

• India’s population: 1.4 billion, projected to peak at 1.7 billion by 2064.
• Declining total fertility rate: Below the replacement level of 2.1, projected to dip further.

Teenage Pregnancies

• Significant rise in teenage pregnancies among both married and unmarried women.
• Cultural resistance to acknowledging the sexual activity of unmarried teenagers.
• Lack of sex education contributing to misconceptions and risky behaviours.

Education and Family Planning

• Strong correlation between years of schooling and unmet needs for family planning.
• Higher unmet needs for family planning among less educated, younger women.
• Education empowers women to negotiate and access contraception.

Issues

Social Norms and Cultural Barriers

• Early marriage prevalent in backward regions, limiting women’s agency in family planning.
• Cultural expectations to prove fertility post-marriage, hindering contraceptive use.
• Resistance to sex education and stigma around teenage sexual activity.

Legal and Access Challenges

• Abortion laws under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act restrict access.
• Criminalization of abortions outside the MTP Act conditions, limiting safe options.

Significance

Education as a Contraceptive

• Education delays marriage and first childbirth, reducing teenage pregnancies.
• Enhances understanding and acceptance of contraceptive methods.
• Empowers women with knowledge and agency to make informed reproductive choices.

Health and Socio-Economic Benefits

• Improved sexual and reproductive health reduces maternal and infant mortality rates.
• Educated women contribute to economic growth and social development.
• Reduction in teenage pregnancies leads to better educational and career opportunities for young women.

Solutions

Enhancing Education

• Comprehensive sex education in schools, particularly for classes 11 and 12.
• Culturally sensitive behaviour change communication to address misconceptions.

Improving Access to Contraceptives

• Provide a wide range of contraceptive options tailored to young people’s needs.
• Increase availability and acceptance of contraceptives through public health initiatives.

Legal Reforms

• Amend the MTP Act to broaden access to safe and legal abortions.
• Decriminalize abortion to ensure safe reproductive health services for all.

Nut Graf: Addressing the rise in teenage pregnancies in India necessitates a multifaceted approach focused on education, cultural change, and legal reform. By prioritizing women’s education and providing comprehensive sex education, India can empower its youth with the knowledge and tools to make informed reproductive choices, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and societal progress. Education remains the most effective contraceptive, playing a crucial role in shaping a healthier and more prosperous future for the country.

C. GS 3 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

Syllabus: GS-3, Environmental Pollution and Degradation

Mains: Global and National Efforts to Control Climate Change

Introduction: Global Leadership and International Goals

• The new government’s actions on climate will impact every ministry and sector.
• Choices made will influence India’s economic sustainability and global standing.
• India must aim to host significant international climate summits, potentially the UN Conference of Parties in 2028.
• Push for no new oil and gas investments after 2030, and secure adaptation finance commitments.

Domestic Progress and Targets:

• India has demonstrated climate leadership by founding global institutions like the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
• The country has set ambitious emission targets, including a 2070 net-zero goal and substantial Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Sustainability is integrated into economic policies, exemplified by the Indian emissions carbon trading scheme.

Sectoral and State-Level Actions:

• Broaden emission reduction targets to sectors beyond power, such as private mobility.
• Promote zero-carbon two- and four-wheelers to boost clean energy jobs and economic growth.
• Encourage state-level climate action plans, using scientific modelling and coordinated efforts between the Centre and States.

Future Steps and Coordination:

• Create a Centre-State coordination group for incentivising climate actions through the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
• Implement unified data measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems at the state level.
• The government must look ahead to the next four to five years, ensuring India’s climate leadership and economic growth align seamlessly.

Nut Graf: India’s new government must enhance climate action through global leadership, ambitious emission targets across sectors, and coordinated state-level plans, ensuring sustainable economic development and solidifying India’s role in global climate negotiations and finance over the next five years.

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Grave concern

F. Prelims Facts

1. Brahmaputra’s lone female gharial’s long wait for a mate could end soon

Context: The Brahmaputra River, known for its biodiversity, is witnessing a significant wildlife event as a lone female gharial, a species once thought extinct in this river system, has been spotted. This discovery in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam opens up the possibility of repopulating the river with these critically endangered reptiles.

Historical Context

• Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) were believed to have been wiped out from the Brahmaputra during the 1950s.
• Occasional unconfirmed sightings in the 1990s.
• The lone female gharial was first spotted in 2021 in the Biswanath Wildlife Division of Kaziranga National Park.

Current Situation

• The gharial is an adult, measuring 2.55 meters, and has been observed moving between specific habitats.
• Surveys conducted by the Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India (TSAFI) and the Assam Forest Department covered a 160-km stretch of the Brahmaputra.
• The female gharial has been lonely for over three years and is potentially ready to breed.

Issues

• Population Decline: Historical decline due to habitat loss, hunting, and depletion of fish resources. Challenges in ensuring a sustainable habitat for breeding and repopulation.
• Genetic Diversity: The need for a diverse gene pool to prevent inbreeding and ensure a healthy population.
• Habitat Suitability: Ensuring the Brahmaputra and surrounding areas can support a viable gharial population. Maintaining adequate water depth and quality, and minimizing human disturbances.

Significance

• Biodiversity Conservation: Reintroducing gharials will enhance the ecological balance and biodiversity of the Brahmaputra river system. Gharials are an indicator species for healthy river ecosystems.
• Ecological Role: Gharials play a crucial role in maintaining fish populations and aquatic health. Their presence can boost ecotourism and raise awareness about river conservation.
• Scientific and Conservation Efforts: Provides an opportunity to study the reintroduction and adaptation of a critically endangered species. Enhances collaborative efforts between wildlife organizations and governmental bodies.

2. After Mizoram and Nagaland, Meghalaya declines ‘mandir’ tag for Ayushman health centres

Context: Meghalaya, following the examples of Mizoram and Nagaland, has declined the central government’s proposal to rename health and wellness centres as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. This decision underscores the state’s commitment to maintaining its cultural and religious identity while asserting its constitutional right over state matters.

Background

• The Union Health Ministry’s initiative aimed to rename Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
• The initiative included the tagline “Arogyam parmam dhanam” (Health is the greatest wealth).
• There are approximately 1.6 lakh such centres nationwide.

Meghalaya’s Decision

• Meghalaya refused to issue a notification to change the names of the health centres.
• Health and Family Welfare Minister Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh emphasized the state’s right over health matters as a state subject.

Political Context

• The decision was taken by the National People’s Party-led coalition government in Meghalaya.
• Similar refusals were made by Mizoram and Nagaland, where the majority population follows Christianity.

Issues

Cultural Sensitivity

• The renaming proposal raised concerns about religious and cultural sensitivity in states with significant Christian populations.
• The term “Mandir” (temple) is closely associated with Hinduism, which may not resonate with the cultural identity of the Christian-majority states.

Political Reactions

• Regional political parties in Meghalaya and other northeastern states viewed the renaming as a possible ‘Hindutva’ agenda by the BJP-led central government.
• Concerns about a hidden agenda have led to resistance from various political leaders and parties in these states.

Constitutional Rights

• Health is a state subject under the Indian Constitution, giving states the authority to make decisions in this domain.
• Meghalaya’s refusal to rename the centres asserts its constitutional rights and autonomy.

Solutions

Inclusive Naming Strategies

• Propose neutral and inclusive names for health and wellness centres that do not align with any specific religious or cultural connotations.
• Engage in consultations with state governments and local communities to identify suitable names.

Sensitivity in Policy Implementation

• Ensure that central government policies consider the cultural and religious sensitivities of different regions.
• Develop guidelines for implementing nationwide schemes that allow for regional adaptations.

Strengthening Federal Dialogue

• Foster continuous dialogue between the central and state governments to address concerns and build consensus on policy changes.
• Establish platforms for states to voice their perspectives and participate in decision-making processes.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding wild-type poliovirus type-1 (WPV1):

1. WPV1 is the only strain of wild poliovirus that remains endemic globally.
2. The resurgence of WPV1 has been primarily observed in regions with low vaccination coverage.
3. Environmental factors do not play a significant role in the transmission of WPV1.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. WPV1 is the only strain of wild poliovirus that remains endemic globally, primarily in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• Statement 2 is correct. The resurgence of WPV1 has been primarily observed in regions with low vaccination coverage.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. Environmental factors, such as poor sanitation and water quality, play a significant role in the transmission of WPV1.

Q2. Consider the following statements about the Centre-State coordination group 
for climate action in India:

1. It is recommended to incentivize state-level climate actions through the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
2. The group aims to promote deeper integration of scientific modelling capabilities in policymaking.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

Both statements about the Centre-State coordination group for climate action in India are correct.

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. From 1951 to 1975, an estimated 4 million hectares of forest land were diverted in India.
2. The annual diversion rate of forest land significantly increased from 1981 to 2022.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. The annual diversion rate of forest land decreased from 1981 to 2022.

Q4. Consider the following statements:

1. The lone female gharial in Kaziranga National Park was believed to have been wiped out from the Brahmaputra river system in the 1950s.
2. The Kukrail Gharial Breeding Centre is located in Assam.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

The Kukrail Gharial Breeding Centre is located near Lucknow.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Green Development Pact:

1. The Green Development Pact was an initiative launched under India’s G-20 presidency.
2. The pact aims to integrate climate actions across multiple sectors including energy, agriculture, and transportation.
3. Only countries from the Global South are signatories to the Green Development Pact.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. The Green Development Pact was an initiative shaped under India’s G-20 presidency.
• Statement 2 is correct. The pact aims to integrate climate actions across multiple sectors, including energy, agriculture, and transportation.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The Green Development Pact is not limited to countries from the Global South; it includes signatories from various regions worldwide.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

1. What are the major impacts of climate change on India? Discuss the mitigation and adaptation strategy employed by the country to tackle it. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-3, Environment]
2. It seems that the last mile to realising the dream of a polio-free world is going to be challenging. Why is the oral polio vaccine still crucial to eradicate polio? Elaborate upon the differences between the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) and the Oral Polio Vaccine. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-2, Health]

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