01 Mar 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

01 March 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. Lancet study shows obesity rates going up across world
C. GS 3 Related
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Despite policy backing and funding, care for rare diseases not optimal
ECONOMY
1. Cabinet okays ₹75,000-crore ‘free electricity’ solar scheme
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Is NATO membership in the cards for Ukraine?
F. Prelims Facts
1. India’s leopard population rises to 13,874; M.P. on top
2. ZSI names a newly discovered sea slug after President Murmu
3. Rhythmic Rituals
4. Additional taxation
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

C. GS 3 Related

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Despite policy backing and funding, care for rare diseases not optimal

Syllabus: Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Mains:  Diseases

Introduction:

In recent years, India has witnessed significant strides in addressing rare diseases, marked by the introduction of the inaugural National Policy on Rare Diseases in March 2021. This policy represents a pivotal moment for patients and families grappling with the challenges posed by rare diseases.

Policy Overview:

  • The National Policy on Rare Diseases outlines a comprehensive framework aimed at reducing the exorbitant costs associated with treatment while fostering indigenous research initiatives.
  • Central to the policy’s objectives is the establishment of a national hospital-based registry dedicated to tracking rare diseases.
  • This registry is envisioned to provide crucial epidemiological data, informing research funding priorities and enhancing treatment strategies.

Implications and Challenges:

  • Despite the optimism surrounding the policy, the reality on the ground reveals persistent challenges.
  • Rare diseases, estimated to affect nearly 1/5th of India’s population, continue to lack adequate treatment options, with less than 5% having accessible therapies.
  • Moreover, the absence of a standardized definition for rare diseases in India complicates policy formulation and resource allocation efforts.

Gaps in Fund Utilization:

  • One glaring issue is the underutilization of funds allocated for rare disease treatment.
  • Despite substantial financial allocations, a significant portion of funds remains unutilized, leaving many patients without access to life-saving treatments.
  • The gap between fund allocation and utilization underscores the urgent need for enhanced accountability and transparency in healthcare resource management.

Way forward: Patient advocacy groups have emerged as powerful agents for change, advocating for expedited treatment and sustainable funding solutions. Efforts to bolster awareness, early detection mechanisms, and robust registry systems are crucial steps towards strengthening India’s response to rare diseases.

Nut graf: As India commemorates World Rare Diseases Day, it is imperative to acknowledge the progress made while acknowledging the challenges that persist. Moving forward, sustained efforts are needed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation, ensuring that all individuals affected by rare diseases have access to timely and affordable treatments.

Category: ECONOMY

1. Cabinet okays ₹75,000-crore ‘free electricity’ solar scheme

Syllabus: Energy, Infrastructure

Mains: Energy security, Renewable energy

Introduction:

The Union Cabinet recently approved a groundbreaking ₹75,021-crore package for the ‘PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ (PM Free Electricity scheme), aimed at promoting rooftop solar (RTS) installations across India. This scheme heralds a significant step towards harnessing renewable energy sources and reducing dependency on conventional power grids.

Key Components of the Scheme:

  • The scheme promises to provide 300 units of “free electricity” every month to one crore households across the nation. While the logistics of delivering this free electricity are yet to be fully disclosed, the initiative signifies a crucial stride towards sustainable energy solutions.
  • Under the PM-Surya Ghar scheme, the Central government will fund 60% of the installation cost for 2 kW systems and 40% for systems ranging from 2-3 kW capacity. Eligible households can apply for subsidies through a centralized portal and select appropriate vendors for installation.
  • To cover the remaining costs, households can access collateral-free loans at approximately 7% interest rates for RTS systems up to 3 kW capacity. Public sector units (PSUs) affiliated with the Ministry will oversee installation for eligible households, with loans repaid through surplus power sold back to the grid.

Nut graf: The PM-Surya Ghar scheme represents a pivotal initiative in India’s journey towards sustainable energy development. By incentivizing rooftop solar installations and providing financial support, the government is empowering citizens to embrace clean energy solutions, thereby fostering a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.

F. Prelims Facts

1. India’s leopard population rises to 13,874; M.P. on top

Context: India’s leopard population has shown an 8% increase from 2018 to 2022, reaching 13,874 according to the Environment Ministry’s report.

Issues: 

  • Madhya Pradesh reported the highest numbers (3,907), Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu also recorded significant figures. 
  • However, Uttarakhand witnessed a concerning 22% decline attributed to poaching and human-animal conflicts, while northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal observed a collective 150% rise. 
  • The survey covered 20 states, emphasizing tiger reserves and protected areas. 
  • Leopards, more adaptable than tigers, often inhabit villages and cities, leading to conflicts due to cattle predation. 

Significance: The stable population trend over four years suggests minimal growth compared to tigers, highlighting human impact in multiple-use areas. Conservation efforts must focus on protecting leopard habitats and mitigating conflicts to ensure the species’ survival.

2. ZSI names a newly discovered sea slug after President Murmu

Context: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has unveiled a remarkable discovery along the West Bengal and Odisha coasts: a new marine species of head-shield sea slug. 

Issues: 

  • Named Melanochlamys droupadi in honour of India’s President Droupadi Murmu, this species stands out with its brownish-black body adorned by a vivid ruby-red spot at the hind end. Measuring up to 7 mm, these sea slugs exhibit distinctive features like a short, blunt, cylindrical body and smooth dorsal surface. 
  • Their hermaphroditic nature and habitat in intertidal zones, where they leave distinct crawl marks, characterize them. 
  • They secrete transparent mucus to protect against sand grains. 

Significance: This finding sheds light on the rich marine biodiversity along India’s coastline and emphasizes the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts in these regions.

3. Rhythmic Rituals

Context: Recently, Theyyam performers showcased their artistry at the Chala Kadankottu Makkam Bhagavathi temple in the Kannur district.

About: 

  • Theyyam, a traditional ritual art form of Kerala, combines dance, music, and drama, embodying spiritual and cultural elements. 
  • Performances often take place in temples, with elaborate costumes and makeup. Theyyam portrays deities, ancestors, and legendary characters, serving as a significant cultural expression and religious offering in Kerala’s vibrant heritage.
Know more about Theyyam in the linked article.

4. Additional taxation

Context: 

The then-Union Finance Minister Mr. Y.B. Chavan introduced additional taxation measures to generate a net amount of Rs. 186 crores for the 1974-75 fiscal year, reducing the budgetary gap to Rs. 125 crores from Rs. 311 crores.

About:  

  • The proposed changes in indirect taxes included levying auxiliary duties on various goods such as unmanufactured tobacco, cigarettes, plywood, cement, dyestuffs, rubber products, and cosmetics. 
  • These duties ranged from 10% to 50% of the effective basic duty depending on the product category. 
  • Moreover, basic excise duties were substantially increased for items like “special boiling point” spirits, raw naphtha for methanol, and petrochemicals. 

Significance: The proposed taxation adjustments aimed to bolster revenue streams while aligning with the government’s fiscal objectives. These measures underscored efforts to address budgetary shortfalls and support financial stability amidst economic challenges.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Which of the following best defines a ‘Zero FIR’?
  1. It is an FIR that can be registered by any police station, irrespective of jurisdiction, when it receives a complaint regarding a cognisable offence.
  2. It is an FIR registered against a minor.
  3. It is an informal version of FIR
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Q2. Consider the following statements:
  1. Under the Drugs & Other Magical Remedies Act, 1954 (DOMA), there is a prohibition against publishing misleading advertisements relating to a drug.
  2. Publishing a misleading advertisement under the DOMA is punishable with up to six months imprisonment, and/or a fine for the first offence.
  3. AYUSH is responsible for developing and setting medical standards for traditional medicine.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. Any 1
  2. Any 2
  3. All three
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Q3. ‘Harit Nauka’ is an initiative of which of the following ministries?
  1. Ministry of Renewable Energy
  2. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  3. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Q4. Consider the following statements with regard to PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana:
  1. Under this scheme, one crore households in the country will get a subsidy for the installation of such units.
  2. Through this scheme, households will be able to save electricity bills as well as earn additional income through the sale of surplus power to DISCOMs.
  3. A 3-kW system will be able to generate more than 300 units a month on average for a household.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

  1. Any 1
  2. Any 2
  3. All three
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Q5. Which principle among the following was added to the Directive Principles 
of State Policy by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution? PYQ (2017)
  1. Equal pay for equal work for both men and women
  2. Participation of workers in the management of industries
  3. Right to work, education and public assistance
  4. Securing living wage and human conditions of work to workers
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Click on the link for the video explanation of the above questions and answers.

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