13 Jun 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

B. GS 2 Related

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Shock as Indians die in distant battlefields

Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests

Mains: Impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict on India

Context​: The recent deaths of Indian nationals in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have sparked widespread shock and concern. These incidents have highlighted the complex issue of Indian citizens being recruited by the Russian Army, prompting strong responses from the Indian government and raising questions about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking better livelihoods.

Incident Overview

• Victims: Two Indians, including Tejpal Singh (29), have been confirmed dead.
• Current Status: Bodies yet to be handed over by Russian authorities.
• Government Response: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has demanded the cessation of Indian recruitment by the Russian Army and the return of all Indian nationals involved.

Recruitment and Circumstances

• Path to Recruitment: Indians travelling abroad for better opportunities are often lured by promises of high salaries and potential Russian citizenship.
• Middlemen Involvement: Illegal recruitment facilitated by middlemen in India.
• Promises: Recruits were promised salaries of ₹1.5 lakh-₹2 lakh per month and citizenship options.

Personal Stories

• Tejpal Singh: From Amritsar, failed to join the Indian Army, travelled to Thailand, then to Russia on a tourist visa, joined the Russian Army, and was killed in March.
• Other Victims: Ashvinbhai Mangukiya and Mohammad Asfan were also recruited under false pretences and killed earlier this year.

Issues

Diplomatic Strain

• India-Russia Relations: Recruitment of Indian nationals not aligning with the India-Russia partnership.
• MEA Stance: Calls for a verified stop to further recruitment and immediate return of Indian nationals.

Human Rights Concerns

• Exploitation: Vulnerable individuals being exploited for foreign military conflicts.
• Communication Gaps: Families of deceased and recruited individuals facing delays and lack of information from both Indian and Russian authorities.

Legal and Ethical Issues

• Illegal Recruitment: The role of middlemen and illegal recruitment practices.
• Accountability: Ensuring responsible parties are held accountable for exploiting individuals.

Significance

Social and Economic Impact

• Economic Desperation: Highlighting the lengths individuals will go to for better economic opportunities.
• Family Strain: Emotional and financial toll on the families of those recruited.

Diplomatic and Strategic Implications

• Bilateral Relations: Potential strain on India-Russia diplomatic ties.
• International Image: India’s stance on protecting its nationals abroad and ensuring their safety.

Solutions

Government Actions

• Diplomatic Measures: Strengthening diplomatic efforts to ensure the return of Indian nationals.
• Legal Framework: Implementing stricter laws to prevent illegal recruitment by middlemen.
• Support Systems: Providing support and rehabilitation for families affected by such incidents.

Public Awareness

• Information Campaigns: Raising awareness about the risks of illegal recruitment and foreign military involvement.
• Community Outreach: Engaging with vulnerable communities to provide alternative employment opportunities and support.

International Cooperation

• Collaboration with Host Countries: Working with countries like Russia to ensure the safety and legal employment of Indian nationals.
• Global Forums: Utilizing international platforms to address the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in conflict zones.

Nut Graf: The deaths of Indian nationals in the Russia-Ukraine conflict underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect Indian citizens from illegal recruitment and exploitation. This situation calls for a robust response from the Indian government, enhanced diplomatic efforts, and increased public awareness to prevent future occurrences. Strengthening bilateral ties while ensuring the safety and dignity of Indian nationals abroad remains paramount.

E. Editorials

Category: HEALTH

1. Tackling the fatty liver disease epidemic

Syllabus: GS-2, Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Mains: The rising case of  fatty liver

Introduction:

• International Fatty Liver Day, observed annually in June, emphasises the theme “Act Now, Screen Today.”
• Historically linked to alcohol use, liver diseases now also include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), reclassified as Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
• MASLD is associated with metabolic health, cardiac health and cancer risk.
• The paradigm shift in liver health involves screening, testing and treatment.

Alarming Trends and Risk Factors:

• MASLD’s global prevalence is estimated at 25-30%.
• A 2022 meta-analysis found a 38.6% prevalence among Indian adults and 36% among obese children.
• MASLD is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
• High MASLD prevalence rates are found in individuals with diabetes (55.5%-59.7%), obesity (64.6%-95%), and severe metabolic syndrome (73%).
• Excessive carbohydrate consumption and insulin resistance contribute to fatty liver development.

The Challenge of Early Detection:

• Fatty liver disease often goes undetected in its early stages due to the lack of symptoms.
• Diagnosis typically occurs at advanced stages with significant liver damage.
• Early diagnosis requires comprehensive health screening, including history, physical examination, blood tests, and abdominal ultrasound.
• In a cohort of 50,000 people screened at Apollo Hospitals, 33% had fatty liver detected by ultrasound, but only one-third had elevated liver enzymes.

Effective Detection and Management:

• Advanced liver tests include liver fibrosis assessment via vibration-controlled transient elastography.
• This non-invasive tool measures liver stiffness to assess fibrosis and monitor treatment responses.
• Integrated approach: Ultrasound, comprehensive metabolic screening, and elastography.
• Screening tests and frequency should be personalised based on individual risk factors.
• Integrated strategies combining dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and weight management are essential.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Liver Health

• The liver is a ‘silent organ’ with damage often unnoticed until advanced stages.
• Awareness of lifestyle impacts and frequent screenings are crucial for good health.
• Active control over health and informed choices lay the groundwork for a healthy life.

Nut Graf: International Fatty Liver Day highlights the urgent need for early screening and awareness of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), linked to metabolic health. Early detection and integrated management strategies are essential to combat this growing global health threat.