CNA 21 July 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related GOVERNANCE 1. Centre-mandated health spending has positive impact: study C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials GOVERNANCE 1. India’s data protection law needs refinement SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. No quick fix F. Prelims Facts 1. Centre bans export of non-basmati white rice to control price rise in India G. Tidbits 1. SC urges Centre to transfer cheetahs to another location 2. Why is the Kerch Bridge attack significant? H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
1. Centre-mandated health spending has positive impact: study
Syllabus: Government policies and interventions aimed at development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Mains: Government initiatives in health sector
Prelims: About National Health Mission
Context:
The National Health Mission (NHM) in India has made significant strides in improving the health sector over 15 years, as revealed in a study.
Positive Impact of NHM Measures
- A study published in the “Public Health For All” journal highlights the positive impact of National Health Mission (NHM) measures over the past 15 years.
- NHM’s conditional funding to States, based on compliance with the Central government’s schemes, encourages investment in primary healthcare.
Increased Allocation to Health Budgets
- Researchers studied four States – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Haryana, and Bihar – and found that they have slowly increased allocation to their health budgets.
- The target of 8% of the total State budget for healthcare, envisaged in the National Health Policy of 2017, is yet to be achieved, with States spending an estimated 5.2% in 2018-2019.
Impact on Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
- NHM’s conditional allocation has contributed to a steady decline in India’s infant mortality rate, reflecting the effectiveness of the measures taken.
- Per capita public spending disparity among States has also reduced due to NHM’s efforts.
Also read Tackling Infant Mortality: RSTV – Big Picture.
Challenges in Health Departments
- Despite positive impacts, health departments still face underspending of allocated funds.
- NHM is unlikely to withdraw conditions for contributions to States in the near future, considering its role in implementing Centrally-sponsored schemes.
Towards Universal Health Coverage
- States must develop concrete plans to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, in line with the NHM’s objective of achieving universal health coverage.
- The Centre’s recommendation to create a National Database of Health System Cost will help States in developing clear roadmaps.
Realistic Cost Estimates for Healthcare
- The way forward involves making realistic estimates of the cost of delivering primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare.
- Arriving at a threshold level of cost per year of quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained through primary healthcare interventions is crucial for effective planning.
Nut Graf: A study published in the “Public Health For All” journal highlights NHM’s positive impact, including reduced infant mortality rate and decreased spending disparities. However, challenges in underspending remain, urging States to focus on strengthening primary healthcare for universal health coverage.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
1. India’s data protection law needs refinement
Syllabus: E-governance- applications, Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors
Mains: Critical analysis of data protection bill in protecting citizen’s rights in the digital era
Context: The government plans to table the data protection bill during this monsoon session of Parliament.
The Draft Bill:
- India’s Data Protection Law: India is in the process of formulating a data protection law for its vast population of over 1.4 billion individuals. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) served as a model for comprehensive data privacy laws worldwide, but it also faced implementation challenges, raising concerns about the effectiveness of India’s forthcoming law.
- The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill, 2022: The Indian government released the DPDP Bill for public consultation, marking its third attempt at drafting a data protection law. While this version is not as comprehensive as previous ones, it is expected to bear similarities to the draft presented earlier.
- Scope of the DPDP Bill: The DPDP Bill focuses solely on protecting personal data, which is information that can directly or indirectly identify an individual. However, it does not adequately address the risks associated with combining non-personal data with other datasets to re-identify individuals, impacting user privacy.
Issues with the Bill:
- Inadequate Protection of Non-Personal Data: The DPDP Bill fails to address the potential risks arising from the re-identification of non-personal data as personal data. Entities in the data economy often use both personal and non-personal data to target, profile, and monitor users. The combination of non-personal data with other information can inadvertently lead to the identification of individuals, posing significant privacy risks.
- Limited Reach of the Data Protection Board: The proposed data protection board, responsible for enforcing the law, lacks the power to initiate proceedings on its own. It can only take action when someone affected files a complaint, or if directed to do so by the government or a court. This limitation places users at a disadvantage, as they have limited control and knowledge over data transfers and exchanges, while entities possess greater resources and leverage.
Possible Solutions:
- Expanding Scope for Non-Personal Data Protection: To enhance the DPDP Bill’s effectiveness, it is essential to recognize the risks posed by the re-identification of non-personal data. By adding a penal provision that imposes financial penalties on data-processing entities for re-identifying non-personal data into personal data, the legislation can provide more meaningful privacy protection to Indian citizens.
- Empowering the Data Protection Board: To address the inherent imbalance in the data economy, the data protection board should have the authority to initiate proceedings on its own accord, rather than relying solely on complaints from affected individuals. This approach would allow the board to take action against data-processing entities that violate user rights on behalf of all affected users, similar to the Competition Commission of India’s enforcement approach.
Conclusion: Refining India’s data protection law by addressing the scope of protection and empowering the data protection board would play a crucial role in ensuring its successful implementation and creating more future-proof legislation.
Nut Graf: During the ongoing monsoon session, the Indian government is set to present a data protection bill. As the bill’s scope and the data protection board’s limited powers raise concerns, proposed solutions seek to bolster its impact in safeguarding user privacy and addressing implementation challenges.
1. No quick fix
Syllabus: Issues Relating to the Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources.
Mains: Reason for low spending on research and steps taken by the government in this regard, Features of NRF
Context: Government plans to table the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill in the monsoon session to fund research and attract private sector funding.
About NRF and its provisions:
- The National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023, is a significant piece of legislation set to be tabled in the current monsoon session of the Indian Parliament.
- The NRF aims to establish a new centralized body with a budget of ₹50,000 crore over the next five years to fund research in India.
- The proposed model draws inspiration from institutions like the United States National Science Foundation and the European Research Council.
- The NRF’s plan is to source the majority of its budget, ₹36,000 crore, from the private sector, which has historically contributed about 36% of India’s total research expenditure.
Comparison with other countries:
- India’s spending on research has been relatively low, around 0.6%-0.8% of GDP, in contrast to countries with strong science and technology foundations spending 1%-2% of their GDP on research.
- Notably, countries like China, the U.S., and Israel have seen a significant contribution (nearly 70%) from the private sector in research funding, while in India, it has been comparatively lower.
- The higher private sector contribution in other nations can be attributed to sustained government support to universities and research institutions, encouraging the development of companies and organizations that invest in research and development.
How to attract the private sector to NRF:
- The Indian government believes that attracting more private funding is vital to galvanize university research in the country.
- One proposal to achieve this is by directing funds from private companies’ annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations to the NRF.
- However, this approach faces challenges as most CSR funds are typically spent on education, healthcare, and sanitation projects within the companies’ own communities, with little government control over their allocation.
- The government may explore options like providing tax benefits or offering incentives to encourage private companies to contribute to the NRF.
- To enhance private sector research in India, the NRF should focus on creating conditions that incentivize the growth of companies that see value in investing in research and developing proprietary technology.
- Merely relying on philanthropy is unlikely to be sufficient to address the current gap in private-sector research in the country.
Nut Graf: The National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, forming an integral part of the National Education Policy (NEP), will create a central body with a ₹50,000 crore budget to fund research. It aims to boost private sector participation, to be presented in the ongoing monsoon session.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Centre bans export of non-basmati white rice to control price rise in India
Syllabus: GS 3- Economy
Prelims: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development, and employment.
Ban on Non-Basmati White Rice Export
- The Union government imposed a ban on the export of non-basmati white rice.
- The Directorate General of Foreign Trade, under the Union Commerce Ministry, issues a notification to enforce the ban immediately.
- Exemptions are considered only for shipments that commenced loading before the notification or where shipping bills were filed, and vessels had already berthed or arrived at Indian ports.
Reason for the Ban
- The ban is introduced to ensure sufficient availability of non-basmati white rice in the domestic market.
- The measure aims to curb the recent price rise of non-basmati white rice.
- Non-basmati rice was previously exported under the ‘Free with export duty of 20%’ category.
Previous Efforts to Control Exports
- To regulate prices and availability, a 20% export duty on non-basmati white rice was imposed last year.
- Despite the export duty, the export of this rice variety increased, raising concerns about adequate domestic supply.
Export Surge and Contributing Factors
- Exports of non-basmati white rice surged from 33.66 lakh tonnes (September-March 2021-22) to 42.12 lt (September-March 2022-23).
- In 2023-24, about 15.54 lt of this rice variety was exported, compared to 11.55 lt during 2022-23.
- The significant increase in exports can be attributed to high international prices influenced by geopolitical scenarios, El Nino effects, and extreme climatic conditions in other rice-producing countries.
Government’s Concern and Intended Impact
- The Union Food Ministry expressed concern over rising retail prices of non-basmati white rice.
- The ban is expected to stabilise prices in the domestic market and ensure a sufficient supply of this rice variety.
Future Implications
- The ban on non-basmati white rice exports may have an impact on the global rice market.
- The measure aims to prioritise domestic consumption and food security.
G. Tidbits
1. SC urges Centre to transfer cheetahs to another location
- Disturbing Cheetah Mortality Rates
- 40% of the 20 cheetahs brought from South Africa and Namibia to the Kuno National Park (KNP) have died within a year, raising serious concerns.
- In a short span, 8 cheetahs have died out of the total brought to the park, with 2 dying last week alone.
- Cheetah mortality rates have become alarming, indicating a precarious situation for the translocated big cats.
- Court Urges Relocation to a Suitable Environment
- The Supreme Court advised the Union government to consider moving the cheetahs to a more conducive environment, if necessary.
- The welfare and survival of the cheetahs take precedence over any prestige associated with the project.
- Centre’s Response and Measures
- Additional Solicitor General acknowledged the unfortunate deaths of the cheetahs and attributed them to several reasons.
- The cheetah conservation project is considered prestigious, and authorities are actively exploring various options to ensure the well-being and survival of the remaining cheetahs at Kuno National Park.
- The Centre assures that efforts are being made to address the situation and protect the cheetahs.
2. Why is the Kerch Bridge attack significant?
- Russian authorities reported a section of the bridge being blown up, resulting in two fatalities and a child’s injury.
Why is the Kerch Bridge Significant for Russia?
- The 19 km long bridge, opened in 2018, connects Crimea to Russia and has both rail and roadways.
- The bridge serves as a crucial “land bridge” securing logistical supply lines for Russian troops in the south.
- Ukrainian counter-offensives aim to destroy this land bridge and disrupt Russian supplies to the region.
Ukraine’s Counteroffensive and Western Support
- Ukraine launched a counteroffensive with advanced weaponry supplied by Western allies.
- Russia’s fortifications along the frontline have slowed down the anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Geopolitical Implications and International Aid
- The attack on the Kerch Bridge adds pressure on Ukraine’s counteroffensive and Western-backed efforts.
- At the NATO summit, Ukraine received guarantees for more weapons and training to bolster its efforts.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT):
- It is an attached office under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
- DGFT is responsible for formulating and implementing foreign trade policies and regulations.
- DGFT issues Importer Exporter Code (IEC) to individuals and businesses engaged in foreign trade.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- None
- All three
- Only one
- Only two
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
DGFT, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, formulates and implements trade policies. It issues IEC to individuals and businesses for foreign trade.
Q2. Match the following National Parks in India with their respective location states:
National Park Location
- Bandipur National Park A. Madhya Pradesh
- Ranthambore National Park B. Rajasthan
- Kuno National Park C. Karnataka
- Keibul Lamjao National Park D. Manipur
Select the correct match from the options below:
- 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D
- 1-B, 2-C, 3-A, 4-D
- 1-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-C
- 1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
Bandipur National Park- Karnataka. Ranthambore National Park- Rajasthan. Kuno National Park- Madhya Pradesh. Keibul Lamjao National Park- Manipur.
Q3. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Kerch Strait?
- The Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov and separates Russia’s Taman Peninsula from the Kerch Peninsula of Crimea.
- The Kerch Strait links the Caspian Sea to the Sea of Azov and forms the border between Russia and Ukraine.
- The Kerch Strait is located between Russia’s Sakhalin Island and Japan’s Hokkaido Island in the Pacific Ocean.
- The Kerch Strait is an artificial waterway that connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
The Kerch Strait is a narrow waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov and separates Russia’s Taman Peninsula from the Kerch Peninsula of Crimea.
Q4. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The relatively greater contribution of private sector research in many countries is because of sustained government support to universities and research institutions.
Statement-II: This support has encouraged individuals to build companies and institutions that saw value in investing in research and development.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
- Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
- Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
Both statements are correct. Statement II explains why sustained government support for universities and research institutions leads to greater private-sector research.
Q5. Which of the following statements about the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is correct?
- CCI has five members, including a chairperson and four members.
- CCI aims to regulate the banking and financial sector in India.
- It provides opinions on competition issues referred by statutory authorities and conducts public awareness programs.
- It is a constitutional body established by the Indian Constitution.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
CCI enforces competition laws to ensure fair competition, offers opinions on referred issues by statutory authorities, and conducts advocacy and awareness programs.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- “India’s Data Protection Law needs refinement”. Comment. (150 words, 10 marks) [GS-2; Governance]
- “The private sector needs to contribute more to India’s research journey”. Analyse. (150 words, 10 marks) [GS-2; Economy]
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 21 July 2023:- Download PDF Here
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