29 Mar 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

CNA 29 March 2023:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
POLITY
1. What does Muslim personal law say on inheritance?
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1. The need for sector-specific safeguards in ‘techade’
HEALTH/GOVERNANCE
1. Understanding the street dogs-human conflict
F. Prelims Facts
1. Type 1 diabetes
G. Tidbits
1. Prices of essential medicines set to see a hike from April 1
2. India to host meeting of security advisers from SCO countries
3. India under fire at WTO for avoiding questions on MSP
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

Category: HEALTH/GOVERNANCE

1. Understanding the street dogs-human conflict

Syllabus: GS-2, Issues related to health; Government policies and interventions and issues arising from it.

Mains: Dog-human conflict.

Context: Rising dog-bite cases in India and associated concerns.

Details:

  • Humans have coexisted with dogs for almost 25000 years. They were domesticated and considered loyal, friendly, and intelligent.
  • However, there is a growing intolerance towards various creatures like cats, cows, birds and dogs.

Dog-human conflict and associated concerns:

  • It is argued by the author that the Resident Welfare Associations instigate violence against dogs living near resident societies. For instance,
    • It was reported by a resident themselves that the child that was bitten to death in Hyderabad would constantly beat and tease animals. The child’s father was informed by the locals.

For more details on the case, read here: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis. Mar 8th, 2023

  • Residents who feed stray dogs are also targeted.
  • It should be noted that dogs become aggressive only when they perceive a threat. They want to protect themselves and their litters from attack if they are hungry, unwell, forcibly relocated, or have witnessed neglect and abuse.
  • Earlier, dogs were routinely killed to reduce their population. However, it did not work then and any such efforts in today’s scenario will meet a similar fate.
  • Moreover, if there is a vacuum, the space will be occupied by other species like rats, cockroaches, mongooses, etc. For example, 
    • The London Plague (in 1665) was a consequence of the killing of 250000 dogs and cats. The incident caused the mice population to increase and nearly 70% of the human population was wiped out by the ‘Black Death Pandemic’.
    • Similarly, Surat city of India had a plague after removing dogs.
  • Challenges in controlling the dog population:
    • Lack of budget
    • Inadequate infrastructure
    • Prevalence of corrupt and inefficient practices
    • Lack of transparency
    • Fascination with foreign breeds of pets
    • Existence of illegal pet shops and breeders

Measures adopted by the Government:

  • The Union government prohibited the import of pedigree dogs into India in 2016.
  • Further, it notified Rules for regulating dog breeders in 2018.
  • As per the recommendation of the Law Commission, the Pet Shop Rules were notified in 2018 to regulate the trade of pedigree dogs.
  • The Delhi High Court in Dr. Maya D. Chablani v. Radha Mittal recognized the importance of people who look after the native breed of dogs. 
  • The new ABC rules (2023) have protected community dog caregivers from harassment.

Way Ahead:

  • The multiplication of dogs should be checked.
  • The World Health Organization and the World Organisation for Animal Health recommended the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules (ABC Rules) in 2001. 
    • The rules can bring a sustained decline in the population of dogs, rabies infection, and aggression in dogs.
    • These rules should be efficiently implemented by the local authorities to scientifically manage the dog population.
  • The Union government has issued a new set of ABC rules that address the loopholes in the existing law. 
  • Instead of the removal of dogs, citizens should demand that municipal bodies formulate and implement the ABC programme in accordance with the new ABC Rules (2023).
  • The adoption of Indian dogs should be encouraged. Notably, native dogs have better immune systems than foreign breeds and thus they should be adopted as pets.
  • Reports of dog attacks should be verified on the basis of proof.

Also read: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis. Sep 24th, 2022

Nut Graf: The rising cases of dog bites in India have highlighted the issue of human-dog conflicts. Being the superior species, it is the responsibility of humans to act responsibly, scientifically, and humanely.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Type 1 diabetes

Syllabus: GS-3; Science and Technology; Awareness about various diseases

Prelims: Type 1 diabetes

Context

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has written to the Education Boards of all States and UTs, saying that it is the duty of schools to ensure that children with Type 1 diabetes are provided with proper care and required facilities.

Type 1 diabetes

  • Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the immune system destroys insulin-making cells in the pancreas called the “beta cells”. 
    • Thus the disease is caused by an autoimmune reaction.
  • Since the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin or produces very little insulin, the blood sugar can’t get into cells and builds up in the bloodstream. 
    • Insulin helps blood sugar enter the cells in the body for use as energy. 
  • Type 1 diabetes was earlier known as “insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes”.
  • Type 1 diabetes is less common than type 2 diabetes which is common among adults.
  • Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented but can be treated successfully by managing sugar levels via managing insulin levels.
  • Hypoglycemia and Diabetic Ketoacidosis are two common complications associated with diabetes.
    • Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels.
    • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes, which develops when the body lacks the required amount of insulin to let blood sugar into cells. 
      • Since the body does not get enough glucose for fuel, it breaks down fat cells instead. This creates chemicals called ketones.

G. Tidbits

1. Prices of essential medicines set to see a hike from April 1

  • The prices of about 384 essential medicines and over 1,000 formulations are likely to witness an increase of over 11%, due to a sharp rise in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
    • The yearly increase in the prices of medicines listed in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) is based on the WPI.
  • The price surge is expected for various routine and essential drugs such as painkillers, anti-infection drugs, cardiac drugs, and antibiotics.
  • The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) announced that the annual change in WPI was 12.12% for the calendar year 2022.
  • Experts have pointed out that the latest WPI figures are the highest seen since the DPCO 2013 came into force and this is the second consecutive year that the WPI is more than the annual permitted price hike for non-scheduled formulations (10%). 
    • Experts have also raised concerns as such a drastic increase in the prices would distort the accessibility and affordability of essential medicines.
  • However, Health Ministry officials believe that the price increase will ensure that there would be no shortage of medicines in the market, and that manufacturers and consumers mutually benefit.
    • It was previously seen that when a 10% increase was allowed, various manufacturers kept the rate under 5% because of market forces and a similar trend is expected.

2. India to host meeting of security advisers from SCO countries

  • India will be hosting a meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
    • The SCO consists of Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Iran.
  • The meeting will be chaired by NSA Ajit Kumar Doval and will be attended by high-level delegates from the Central Asian Republics. 
  • The meeting is a part of the preparatory meetings for the SCO summit that will be held in India in 2023.
  • The agenda of the meeting is expected to include developments in Afghanistan and advancing consultations on Russia’s plans for the Eurasian economic bloc.

3. India under fire at WTO for avoiding questions on MSP

  • India faced pressure at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for avoiding questions raised on India’s minimum support price (MSP) programmes for food grains, especially rice, as subsidies have crossed the prescribed limits.
  • Members like the U.S., Australia, Canada, the EU, and Thailand have asked India to reply to questions asked on its public stockholding (PSH) programmes at the WTO agriculture committee meeting.
  • India’s MSP policies are under scrutiny as India became the first country to invoke the Bali “peace clause” to justify the breach of the 10% ceiling (of the total value of rice production) for rice support in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020.
    • The Bali “peace clause” permits developing countries to exceed the 10% ceiling without invoking legal action by members. However, it is subjected to stringent terms and conditions which include not distorting global trade and not affecting the food security of other members.
  • India has, however, insisted that it has provided the best possible information and clarifications at the consultations held.

Read more about “peace clause” – India and the WTO

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements with regard to the ‘Institute of Eminence’ tag: 
(Level – Moderate)
  1. In 2018, the Empowered Expert Committee (EEC) chaired by former Chief Election Commissioner, N. Gopalasamy recommended a list of institutions for the consideration of the IoE status.
  2. To get the status, the institutions should be among the top 100 in the National Institution Ranking Framework (NIRF) or top 500 in internationally recognised rankings.
  3. Private institutions are not eligible for this tag.

Choose the correct code:

  1. Only one statement is wrong
  2. Two statements are wrong
  3. All statements are wrong
  4. None of the statements is wrong
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct, In 2018, the Empowered Expert Committee (EEC) chaired by former Chief Election Commissioner, N. Gopalasamy recommended a list of institutions for the consideration of the “Institution of Eminence (IoE)” status.
  • Statement 2 is not correct, To get the status, the institutions should be among:
    • Top 50 in the National Institution Ranking Framework (NIRF).
    • Top 500 in internationally recognised rankings.
  • Statement 3 is not correct, Private institutions are also eligible for the tag.
    • Private institutions are assessed on the basis of their ranking in the QS India or NIRF, the NIRF ranking being used as a tie-breaker.
Q2. Consider the following statements with regard to the National Mobile Monitoring 
System: (Level – Moderate)
  1. The National Mobile Monitoring Software (NMMS) App was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2021.
  2. The NMMS App permits taking real-time attendance of workers at Mahatma Gandhi NREGA worksites along with geo-tagged photographs.
  3. The Union government has made digitally capturing MGNREGA attendance universal from January 1, 2023, through NMMS.

Choose the correct code:

  1. 1 & 3 only
  2. 2 & 3 only
  3. 1 & 2 only
  4. All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct, The National Mobile Monitoring Software (NMMS) App was launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Rural Development.
  • Statement 2 is correct, NMMS App is used to capture real-time attendance of workers at Mahatma Gandhi NREGA worksites along with geo-tagged photographs.
  • Statement 3 is correct, The Union government has made digitally capturing MGNREGA attendance universal from January 1, 2023 through (NMMS).
Q3. Consider the following statements with regard to the delimitation exercise in 
India: (Level – Easy)
  1. The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the Prime Minister of India and works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India.
  2. Under Article 170, the Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act after every Census.
  3. The first delimitation exercise was carried out by the Delimitation Commission (with the help of the Election Commission) in 1950-51.

Choose the correct code:

  1. Only one statement is wrong
  2. Two statements are wrong
  3. All statements are wrong
  4. None of the statements is wrong
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is not correct, The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India. 
  • Statement 2 is not correct, After every census, the Parliament will enact a Delimitation Act, as per Article 82.
  • Statement 3 is not correct, The first such exercise in 1950-51 was carried out by the President, with the help of the Election Commission. 
    • Following the Delimitation Commission Act in 1952, all such exercises have been conducted by Delimitation Commissions — set up in 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002.
Q4. Consider the following statements with regard to the UPI (Unified Payment 
Interface): (Level–Easy)
  1. It is an advanced version of Immediate Payment Service (IMPS)- round–the–clock funds transfer service to make cashless payments faster, easier and smoother.
  2. NPCI launched UPI with 21 member banks in 2016.
  3. NPCI, an umbrella organisation for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India, is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).

Choose the correct code:

  1. 1 & 2 only
  2. 3 only
  3. 2 only
  4. 1, 2 & 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct, UPI is an advanced version of Immediate Payment Service (IMPS)- round–the–clock funds transfer service that makes cashless payments faster, easier and smoother.
  • Statement 2 is correct, NPCI launched UPI with 21 member banks in April 2016.
  • Statement 3 is correct, NPCI is an umbrella organisation for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India. 
    • It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
Q5. Consider the following pairs: (Level – Difficult) [PYQ (2017)]

    Traditions                             Communities

  1. Chaliha Sahib Festival        Sindhis
  2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra          Gonds
  3. Wari-Warkari                      Santhals

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

  • Pair 1 is correct, Chailo Sahib or Chaliha is a forty-day festival which falls in the months of July – August when Sindhis observe fast for forty days to please their God Jhulelal.
  • Pair 2 is not correct, Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra is a three-week-long pilgrimage and festival of Uttarakhand.
    • Gonds are not native to the Uttarakhand state.
  • Pair 3 is not correct, Wari is a pilgrimage for the Warkari sect related to Pandharpur god Vithoba in Maharashtra.
    • It’s part of the Bhakti movement rather than a festival of a particular tribal group.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

As the DM of Rampur, you are facing a contentious issue regarding the presence of stray dogs in the area. Following numerous reports of dog attacks, some residents have resorted to extreme measures to combat the issue, including the cruel treatment of stray dogs. Local vigilante groups have even begun distributing airguns at discounted rates to encourage the killing of these animals. In response to media coverage of this controversial situation, the National Human Rights Commission has stated that in cases where human lives are at risk due to animal attacks, human rights should take precedence over animal rights. Conversely, a number of global NGOs, such as PETA, have submitted a plea to the Supreme Court requesting safeguards for stray dogs. [GS-1, Social Issues]

  1. Who are the stakeholders in this case and what are the ethical issues surrounding this case?
  2. Elaborate on the decisions to be taken by you in order to solve this problem amicably.

Read the previous CNA here.

CNA 29 March 2023:- Download PDF Here

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