04 June 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. Missing in manifestos: children’s issues HEALTH 1. The delicate balancing of healthcare costs F. Prelims Facts 1. Remove 100% fruit juice claim from label and ads, says FSSAI 2. Forest fire rages in Himachal; rain expected to bring relief 3. ICMR seeks to provide oral formulation of hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell disease 4. Global airlines to see revenue soar to a record $1-trillion in 2024: IATA 5. Claudia Sheinbaum makes history as Mexico’s first woman President G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Missing in manifestos: children’s issues
Syllabus: GS-2, Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes
Mains: Lack of political parties’ attention on children’s rights and priorities
Introduction
- Children form about 30% of India’s population but are often overlooked during elections.
- India has the largest child population in the world, yet most political parties neglect children’s interests.
Education:
- BJP Manifesto:
- Promises to strengthen PM SHRI Schools, Ekalavya Schools, and other schools as per the National Education Policy, 2020.
- Focuses on high-quality education in cost-intensive model schools rather than systemic public education reforms.
- Aim for a 100% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) from pre-school to secondary level without concrete steps.
- GER is already around 100% for Classes 1-8 but drops to 80% and 57% for secondary and higher secondary classes, respectively.
- Emphasizes the need to include pre-primary, secondary, and higher secondary classes in free and compulsory education under the Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009.
- Congress Manifesto:
- Promises to amend the RTE Act to make education from Class 1-8 compulsory and free.
- Fails to address the importance of extending it to pre-primary education.
- CPI(M) Manifesto:
- Promises to expand the RTE Act to cover ages 3 to 18 years.
- Both Congress and DMK manifestos promise financial support to curb dropout rates.
Nutrition and Healthcare
- BJP Manifesto:
- Promises to eliminate malnutrition among tribal children without specific measures.
- Congress Manifesto:
- Promises to address nutritional deficiencies among children without specific measures. POSHAN tracker data shows 43 lakh children (0-6 years) are malnourished.
- Assures expansion of the mid-day meal programme up to Class 12.
- CPI(M) Manifesto:
- Commits to universalising the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to cover all children aged 0-6 years.
- Ensures nutritious meals for children in all Anganwadis.
- DMK Manifesto:
- Promises expansion of the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme to aided schools (Class 1-5).
- Promises budgetary allocations for healthcare during the first 1,000 days of a child’s development.
- Aims to provide mental health programmes in schools.
Additional Concerns:
- Manifestos could have addressed children’s participation in democratic decision-making processes, online safety, and prevention of exploitation.
- Political parties do not adopt a “child-rights-based approach” and often club children with ‘women’ or ‘youth’, downplaying their specific needs.
Conclusion
- Political parties should prioritize education, child nutrition, and health in their manifestos.
- Voters should assess the vision and commitment of parties to safeguard children’s future.
Nut Graf: Children, comprising 30% of India’s population, are often overlooked in political manifestos. Key issues like education, nutrition, and healthcare are inadequately addressed. Parties must prioritize children’s welfare, ensuring their rights and needs are effectively met in their agendas.
Category: HEALTH
1. The delicate balancing of healthcare costs
Syllabus: GS-2, Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Mains: Should there be a Ceiling on Medical service?
Introduction:
- Cost considerations are increasingly influential in Indian health care, impacting service delivery and patient care.
- Equitable and sustainable healthcare policies are urgently needed due to rising health disparities and uneven access to medical services.
- Discussions about setting medical service rates are fundamental in shaping how health care is perceived, accessed, and delivered across India.
- International examples offer insights into managing healthcare costs effectively in a globalized era.
Role of Private Hospitals in Innovation:
- Private hospitals, particularly those accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) and NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals), serve as both specialized care centres and innovation hubs.
- These hospitals invest significantly in infrastructure and advanced technologies, enhancing patient outcomes and broadening access through telemedicine and remote care integration.
Challenges and Considerations in Pricing Policies:
- Imposing uniform price caps may jeopardize healthcare quality and impede innovation, as seen in studies indicating increased patient dissatisfaction.
- Value-based pricing, reflecting health outcomes over service volume, presents a potential solution.
- Economists recommend dynamic pricing models, like Thailand’s tiered pricing system, which consider medical complexity and patient financial status to balance cost and care effectively.
Legal and Regulatory Reforms:
- Effective management of healthcare costs requires legislative reform tailored to local demographic and economic conditions.
- States such as Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu advocate for robust legal frameworks to address gaps in rate fixation provisions and support high-quality care.
Technological Innovations in Health Care:
- Technology, including artificial intelligence and electronic health records, revolutionizes health care by improving diagnostics and care coordination.
- Telemedicine initiatives, such as those in Karnataka, demonstrate cost-effectiveness and accessibility enhancements, especially in remote areas.
- Mobile health apps and wearable devices play a crucial role in managing chronic conditions outside hospitals, reducing costs, and improving outcomes.
Stakeholder Engagement and Flexible Pricing Strategies:
- Healthcare professionals across India advocate for flexible pricing strategies that reflect the complexities of medical procedures and patient-care requirements.
- Engaging all stakeholders, including private healthcare providers, is essential for crafting effective and sustainable policies.
Utilization of Data in Policy-making:
- Data-driven insights inform nuanced rate-setting frameworks, shedding light on patient outcomes, treatment efficacy, and cost efficiency.
- Predictive analytics can anticipate the long-term impacts of rate fixation on healthcare innovations, aiding policymakers in adjusting regulations to encourage innovation and accessibility.
Recommendations for Balancing Access, Innovation, and Affordability:
- Implementing pilot projects in select districts can gauge the impact of rate caps on healthcare quality and innovation.
- Government subsidies can support research and development in private hospitals, fostering innovation.
- Public-private partnerships can integrate cutting-edge technologies into public hospitals, ensuring widespread access to advanced healthcare solutions.
Nut Graf: In the landscape of Indian health care, balancing cost considerations with equitable access and quality care is paramount. Addressing challenges in pricing policies and embracing technological innovations while engaging stakeholders are crucial steps towards achieving this delicate balance.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Remove 100% fruit juice claim from label and ads, says FSSAI
Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently issued a directive to all food business operators, mandating the removal of any claim of “100% fruit juice” from the labels and advertisements of reconstituted fruit juices. This decision is aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing misleading claims in food labelling and marketing.
Directive Details
- Mandate Issued: All food business operators must immediately cease using the “100% fruit juice” claim on reconstituted fruit juice labels and advertisements.
- Timeline for Compliance: Existing pre-printed packaging materials must be exhausted by September 1.
- Reasoning: The FSSAI’s decision is based on the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, which do not support making a “100%” claim.
Examination by FSSAI
- Thorough Review: FSSAI conducted a thorough examination of the current labeling practices.
- Regulation Compliance: The review concluded that the claim of “100% fruit juice” does not align with the regulatory provisions.
- Misleading Claims: The primary concern is that such claims are misleading, especially when water is the major ingredient and the fruit content is limited.
Issues
- Consumer Deception: Claims of “100% fruit juice” can mislead consumers about the actual content and quality of the product.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that food businesses adhere to the regulations set forth by the FSSAI.
- Market Practices: The prevalence of misleading advertising practices in the food and beverage industry.
Significance
- Consumer Trust: Enhances consumer trust by promoting accurate and transparent labeling.
- Market Integrity: Ensures a level playing field for all food business operators by enforcing uniform standards.
- Health Awareness: Encourages consumers to make informed choices based on accurate product information.
2. Forest fire rages in Himachal; rain expected to bring relief
Context: Himachal Pradesh is currently facing severe forest fires, exacerbated by a prolonged dry spell and unusually high temperatures. Government data reports 1,318 forest fire outbreaks this year, affecting thousands of hectares of land and causing significant financial losses. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts rain, which is expected to bring much-needed relief.
Current Situation
- Forest Fire Outbreaks: 1,318 forest fire incidents reported across Himachal Pradesh.
- Affected Areas: Fires have impacted 12,718 hectares of land, including 2,789 hectares of plantation.
- Financial Loss: Preliminary losses estimated at ₹4.61 crore.
Climatic Conditions
- Temperature Trends: Average maximum and minimum temperatures have been significantly above normal since May.
- Dry Spell: Prolonged dry weather and lack of humidity have contributed to the increased risk of forest fires.
Geographic Impact
- Affected Regions: Fires reported in Shimla, Chamba, Bilaspur, Dharamshala, Hamirpur, Kullu Mandi, Rampur, Nahan, Solan, and the Great Himalayan National Park at Shamshi.
Government Response
- Immediate Measures: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Forest Department to take both immediate and long-term measures to address the issue.
- Dedicated NDRF Battalion: Plans to form a specialized battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for firefighting.
- Strengthening Fire Services: Enhancing fire services in 374 forest beats identified as highly vulnerable to fires.
- Diversification of Plant Species: Initiatives to diversify conifer regions with specific plant species to retain moisture and reduce fire outbreaks.
- Study on Fire Causes: Conducting studies to understand the causes of fires and recommend necessary actions.
Expected Relief
- Western Disturbance: A fresh western disturbance is forecasted to approach Himachal Pradesh by June 4, bringing relief from the heatwave and high temperatures.
- Weather Forecast: IMD predicts a decrease in temperatures and increased humidity, which will help reduce the likelihood of forest fires.
3. ICMR seeks to provide oral formulation of hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell disease
Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated efforts to develop and commercialize a low-dose or pediatric oral formulation of hydroxyurea to effectively treat sickle cell disease (SCD) in India. This move is aimed at addressing the treatment challenges faced by pediatric patients with SCD.
Current Scenario
- Prevalence of SCD in India: India has the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease in South Asia, with over 20 million affected individuals.
- Existing Treatment Forms: Currently, most pharmaceutical companies in India market hydroxyurea in 500-mg capsules or 200-mg tablets.
- Treatment Challenge: The lack of suspension forms of hydroxyurea for paediatric use poses a significant challenge for effective treatment.
Importance of Hydroxyurea
- Monogenic Disorder: Sickle cell disease is a common monogenic disorder of haemoglobin.
- Effective Drug: Hydroxyurea, a myelosuppressive agent, is effective for treating SCD and thalassemia.
Issues with Current Dosage Forms
- High-Dosage Tablets: Only high-dosage tablets are available, making it difficult to administer accurate low-dose treatments.
- Risk of Inaccuracy: Breaking down capsules or tablets to achieve the required dose for pediatric patients risks efficacy and accurate dosing.
- Symptomatic Treatment: Due to the lack of paediatric formulations and fear of toxicity, hydroxyurea therapy is initiated only for symptomatic children.
Need for Pediatric Formulation
- Precise Dosing: Paediatric patients require doses of 10 mg to 15 mg per kilogram of body weight, which is difficult to achieve with current dosage forms.
- Dose-Related Side Effects: Improper dosing can lead to five dose-related side effects, highlighting the need for accurate administration.
- National Mission: The development of a paediatric formulation aligns with the National Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell anaemia/SCD by 2047.
Significance
- Improved Treatment: The availability of paediatric formulations will improve treatment efficacy and safety for children with SCD.
- Public Health Impact: Enhanced treatment options will contribute to better health outcomes and quality of life for millions of affected individuals.
- Alignment with National Goals: Supports the National Mission to eliminate SCD by 2047, demonstrating the government’s commitment to tackling this public health issue.
4. Global airlines to see revenue soar to a record $1-trillion in 2024: IATA
Context: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that the global airline industry will achieve a record revenue of nearly $1 trillion in 2024, alongside a net profit of $30.5 billion. This optimistic forecast reflects the industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and its return to profitable growth.
Current Financial Forecast
- Revenue Projections: IATA estimates that global airline revenues will reach $1 trillion in 2024, a record high.
- Net Profit: The net profit for the industry is expected to be $30.5 billion, representing a net margin of just over 3%.
- Expense Estimates: Record-high expenses are projected at $936 billion for 2024.
Historical Context and Comparison
- 2023 Performance: The projected net profit for 2024 shows an improvement from the estimated $27.4 billion net profit for 2023.
- Previous Forecasts: The 2024 profit forecast has been revised upwards from IATA’s December 2023 estimate of $25.7 billion.
Profit Per Passenger
- Low Profit Retention: Airlines will retain approximately $6.14 of profit per passenger, a meagre amount that underscores the tight margins in the industry.
Competitive Environment
- Market Dynamics: The airline industry remains fiercely competitive.
- Supply Chain Issues: The oligopolistic nature of the upstream supply chain, with limited competition, continues to exert pressure on the industry.
- Return on Invested Capital: Airlines are expected to earn a 5.7% return on invested capital, which is significantly below the average cost of capital of 9%.
Issues
- High Operating Costs: Despite high revenues, the industry faces record-high operating expenses.
- Thin Margins: Net margins remain low, highlighting the ongoing financial challenges within the industry.
- Supply Chain Constraints: The lack of competition in the upstream supply chain restricts profitability and efficiency.
- Return on Investment: The industry’s return on invested capital is below the cost of capital, indicating potential financial sustainability issues.
Significance
- Economic Recovery: The projected revenues and profits signify the airline industry’s robust recovery post-pandemic.
- Profitability Challenges: The slim profit margins emphasize the need for efficiency and cost management within airlines.
- Industry Growth: The forecasted figures reflect the overall growth and increased demand for air travel.
Solutions
- Cost Management: Airlines need to focus on reducing operational costs to improve net margins.
- Supply Chain Negotiations: Enhancing competition and negotiating better terms within the upstream supply chain can help alleviate financial pressures.
- Innovative Revenue Streams: Exploring additional revenue streams, such as ancillary services, can help boost profitability.
- Investment in Efficiency: Investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and sustainable practices can reduce long-term operational costs.
5. Claudia Sheinbaum makes history as Mexico’s first woman President
Context: Claudia Sheinbaum’s election as Mexico’s first woman president marks a historic milestone in the country’s 200-year history. The leftist leader, who was the favoured successor of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, won a decisive victory, promising to continue the progressive policies of her predecessor.
Election Results
- Victory Margin: Claudia Sheinbaum secured between 58.3% and 60.7% of the vote.
- Main Opponents: Xóchitl Gálvez received between 26.6% and 28.6%, while Jorge Álvarez Máynez garnered between 9.9% and 10.8%.
- Congress Majority: Sheinbaum’s Morena party is projected to maintain its majorities in both chambers of Congress.
Background
- Career: Claudia Sheinbaum is a climate scientist and former Mayor of Mexico City.
- Political Alignment: A protege of outgoing President López Obrador, she is expected to follow his populist leftist policies.
- Historical Significance: She is the first woman and the first person from a Jewish background to become president in predominantly Catholic Mexico.
Political Context
- Election Authorities: The National Electoral Institute confirmed her significant lead over opponents.
- Public Response: Sheinbaum promised to uphold the trust of her supporters, emphasizing the collective journey with women who shaped Mexico’s history.
- Term and Re-election: Her six-year term begins on October 1, with the Mexican Constitution prohibiting re-election.
Issues
- Gender Equality: Breaking Mexico’s male-dominated political culture and setting a precedent for female leadership.
- Economic Inequality: Addressing economic disparities and enhancing the social safety net, continuing the policies of López Obrador.
- Political Continuity: Balancing continuity with potential changes in style and governance as compared to her predecessor.
Significance
- Historic Achievement: Claudia Sheinbaum’s election is a landmark in gender equality and representation in Mexican politics.
- Social Justice: Her victory emphasizes the role of government in tackling economic inequality and social justice issues.
- Political Influence: Sheinbaum’s leadership could influence future political dynamics in Mexico and Latin America.
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements: (Level-Medium)
- The Great Stupa at Sanchi has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was built during Emperor Ashoka’s reign.
- Ashoka spoke of Buddhism only to his coreligionists and not to others.
- The Second Buddhist Council was convened under the patronage of Ashoka.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 01 is correct, The Great Stupa and Sanchi’s other Buddhist monuments were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989. The Great Stupa (also called Stupa no. 1) was originally built in the 3rd century BCE by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and is believed to house the ashes of the Buddha.
- Statement 02 is correct, King Ashoka spoke of Buddhism only to his coreligionists and not to others. Toward all religious sects, he adopted a policy of respect and guaranteed them full freedom to live according to their own principles, but he also urged them to exert themselves for the “increase of their inner worthiness.”
- Statement 03 is incorrect, The Second Buddhist Council was conducted under the patronage of King Kalasoka of the Sisunaga dynasty. It was held in 383 BC, i.e., a hundred years after the Buddha’s death.
Read more on World Heritage Sites in India.
Q2. With reference to the insurance sector, consider the following pairs: (Level-Difficult)
- Bima Sugam – an online portal which is a one-stop shop for all insurance-related queries.
- Bima Vahak – he is tasked to sell and service simple parametric bundled insurance products.
- Bima Vistaar – A social safety net product targeting untapped geographies.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Bima Sugam – It is an online portal which is a one-stop shop for all insurance-related queries, policy purchases, claim settlements and insurance advice. It is envisioned as a trusted platform by the IRDAI.
- Bima Vahaks – Bima Vahaks, also known as “insurance volunteers”, aim to extend insurance coverage nationwide, regardless of geographical location.
- Bima Vistaar – It is a social safety net product targeting untapped geographies. It is developed as an affordable, accessible and comprehensive cover for rural populations in the event of natural disasters, such as floods, and earthquakes.
Q3. How many of the following statements is/are true regarding “Mission Karmayogi”? (Level – Easy)
- It is a scheme to commemorate the Yogic heritage of India.
- It is designed for the government servants of the country.
- iGOT Karmashala is one of the initiatives under this scheme.
Options:
- Only 1 statement
- Only 2 statements
- All 3 statements
- None of the statements
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, The Government of India launched Mission Karmayogi in September 2020, which is a National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building.
- Mission Karmayogi is a scheme that exhorts civil servants to maintain a very high standard of conduct and behaviour.
- Statement 2 is correct, The mission aims to establish a new national architecture for civil services capacity building at individual, institutional and process levels.
- Statement 3 is correct, iGOT Karmashala is a consultative workshop conducted as a part of the mission.
Q4. The substitution of steel for wooden ploughs in agricultural production is an example of: (Level – Moderate) [PYQ 2015]
- Labour-augmenting technological progress
- Capital-augmenting technological progress
- Capital-reducing technological progress
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- The substitution of steel for wooden plough in agricultural production is an example of Capital-augmenting technological progress.
- Capital-augmenting technological progress ensures more productive use of existing capital goods.
- Replacement of wooden ploughs by steel ploughs increases productivity.
Q5. Which of the following statements is/are correct? (Level – Moderate)
- As per Section 33(7) of the Representation of People’s Act (RPA), 1951, one candidate can contest from a maximum of two constituencies.
- Section 70 of RPA bars candidates from representing two constituencies in the Lok Sabha/state Assembly.
- The Law Commission was not in favour of the Election Commission’s recommendation to amend Section 33 (7).
Options:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, Section 33(7) of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act) permits an individual to contest a general election or a group of by-elections or biennial elections from two constituencies.
- Statement 2 is correct, Section 70 of RPA bars candidates from representing two constituencies in the Lok Sabha/State Assembly.
- Statement 3 is not correct, The Law Commission had recommended an amendment of section 33(7) of the RPA to permit candidates to contest from only one constituency.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-3, Economy]
- What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-3, Security & Defence]
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