12 May 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related Polity 1. What are the rules on contesting seats? Social Justice 1. How is India streamlining the pharma sector? C. GS 3 Related Environment 1. Encroachments, land diversions threaten Delhi Ridge, the national capital’s lungs 2. Study shows impact of climate hazards on women, children D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials F. Prelims Facts 1. Author Ruskin Bond awarded Sahitya Akademi Fellowship 2. The magpies of the Himalayas 3. Can heavy snowfall and rain contribute to some earthquakes? G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
Category:Polity
1. What are the rules on contesting seats?
Syllabus: Elections in India
Mains: The rules on contesting seats
Context: Contesting seats in elections involves various rules and regulations governed by the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951. Over the years, amendments and guidelines have shaped the process, influencing candidates’ eligibility, the number of seats they can contest, and disqualification criteria.
Issues
- Cap on Contesting Seats: The RPA allows candidates to contest from two constituencies, but they can hold only one seat if elected from both, leading to concerns over the necessity for by-elections and the potential for representation gaps.
- Minimum Age and Qualifications: While the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly polls is 25 years, there is no minimum educational qualification required. However, certain disqualification criteria exist, such as holding an office of profit or being convicted of specific offenses.
- Disqualification Criteria: The RPA disqualifies individuals holding offices of profit, those declared of unsound mind, undischarged insolvents, non-citizens of India, or citizens holding citizenship of a foreign state. Conviction of certain offenses also leads to disqualification.
Significance
- Fair Representation: The regulations aim to ensure fair representation in elections by defining eligibility criteria and disqualification factors.
- Democratic Processes: By limiting the number of seats a candidate can hold simultaneously and setting minimum age requirements, the rules uphold democratic principles and prevent potential conflicts of interest.
Solutions
- Amendments to RPA: Proposals have been made by the Election Commission of India and the Law Commission to amend the RPA to restrict candidates to contesting from only one seat, thereby reducing the need for by-elections.
- Enhanced Monitoring: The Election Commission has introduced measures such as banning cash transportation after sunset and monitoring non-scheduled chartered flights to curb malpractices during elections.
- Legislative Reforms: Addressing issues related to criminality and muscle power of candidates may require legislative reforms, although no specific laws have been enacted in this regard.
Nut Graf: The rules on contesting seats in elections, governed by the Representation of the People Act, aim to uphold democratic principles, ensure fair representation, and prevent malpractices. While amendments and reforms have been proposed to address existing challenges, effective implementation and continuous monitoring remain crucial for maintaining the integrity of electoral processes.
Category:Social Justice
1. How is India streamlining the pharma sector?
Syllabus: Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Mains: Status of Indian pharma sector
Context: India’s pharmaceutical sector plays a crucial role in the global market, with the country being a significant producer and exporter of drugs. Recent changes in regulations by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) regarding the issuance of manufacturing licenses for export purposes have garnered attention, especially amidst concerns over the quality of pharmaceutical products.
Issues
- Regulatory Changes: The CDSCO’s decision to centralize the authority for issuing manufacturing licenses for export drugs raises questions about its implications on manufacturers and the pharmaceutical industry as a whole.
- Quality Concerns: Allegations of substandard drugs exported from India have prompted scrutiny, leading to increased focus on regulatory oversight and quality assurance measures.
- Challenges in the Sector: India faces various challenges in its pharmaceutical sector, including intellectual property rights issues, the need for research and development, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Significance
- Global Impact: As a major player in the international generic medicine market, any policy changes in India’s pharmaceutical sector directly affect manufacturers and importers globally.
- Market Opportunities: With several drugs set to go off-patent, India stands to benefit from opportunities in generic drug manufacturing, necessitating strategic planning and regulatory alignment.
Solutions
- Centralization of Licensing Authority: The centralization of licensing authority by the CDSCO aims to streamline the process, enhance efficiency, and formalize the pharmaceutical industry.
- Quality Assurance Measures: Stringent regulatory measures and enforcement actions are essential to maintain the quality standards of pharmaceutical products, ensuring compliance with good manufacturing practices.
- Strategic Planning: Industry stakeholders must adapt to evolving regulatory requirements, leverage technological advancements, and align strategies with market demands to capitalize on growth opportunities.
Nut Graf: India’s pharmaceutical sector is undergoing significant changes, driven by regulatory reforms and market dynamics. While centralizing the licensing authority may streamline processes and bolster exports, ensuring quality manufacturing remains paramount. With strategic planning and adherence to regulatory standards, India can continue to assert its position as a key player in the global pharmaceutical market.
C. GS 3 Related
Category:Environment
1. Encroachments, land diversions threaten Delhi Ridge, the national capital’s lungs
Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation
Mains: Threats of Encroachments and land diversions to Delhi Ridge
Context: The Delhi Ridge, an ecologically sensitive area forming the tail end of the ancient Aravalli Hills, is under threat due to encroachments and diversions for non-forestry purposes. A recent report by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) highlights the extent of encroachment and diversion, raising concerns about the degradation of this vital green lung of the national capital.
Issues
- Encroachments: Over 308 hectares of forest land in the Delhi Ridge area have been encroached, with the actual extent potentially higher. The slow pace of encroachment removal exacerbates the problem.
- Land Diversions: Approximately 183 hectares of ridge land have been diverted for non-forestry purposes in recent years, signaling a gradual increase in diversion rates.
- Management Challenges: The management of the Delhi Ridge faces significant challenges, including rapid urbanization, population growth, and resource exploitation, leading to the erosion of its ecological integrity.
Significance
- Ecological Importance: The Delhi Ridge serves as a crucial ecological and geographical feature, playing a vital role in maintaining the environmental balance of the national capital.
- Environmental Impact: Encroachments and diversions threaten the ecological stability of the ridge, potentially leading to irreversible damage to biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Legal and Governance Concerns: The proliferation of ownership disputes and the lack of coordinated action from various committees and authorities impede efforts to address the issue effectively.
Solutions
- Enhanced Enforcement: Implementing strict measures to prevent encroachments and effectively removing existing encroachments are imperative to safeguard the Delhi Ridge.
- Policy Measures: Formulating comprehensive policies and regulations to govern land use and prevent unauthorized diversions for non-forestry purposes can help protect the ridge’s integrity.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging relevant stakeholders, including local communities, environmental groups, and government agencies, in conservation efforts and decision-making processes is essential for sustainable management of the ridge.
Nut Graf: The challenges facing the Delhi Ridge underscore the urgent need for concerted action to preserve this vital ecological asset. Addressing issues such as encroachments, land diversions, and management deficiencies requires a collaborative approach involving legal, regulatory, and community-driven initiatives.
2. Study shows impact of climate hazards on women, children
Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation
Mains: Impact of climate hazards on women and children
Context:
- A study commissioned by the Ministry of Women and Child Development sheds light on the vulnerability of women and children to climate change-related disasters in several Indian states. The study, conducted by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), underscores the urgent need to address the impact of climate hazards on the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.
Issues
- Under-Researched Impact: The study highlights the under-researched and often overlooked impact of climate change on women and children in policy formulation and public discourse.
- Vulnerability to Climate Hazards: Women and children in Bihar, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Telangana are particularly vulnerable to floods, cyclones, and droughts, leading to adverse health outcomes.
- Spatial Hotspots: The study identifies spatial hotspots where exposure to hydro-meteorological disasters coincides with poor health indicators, such as underweight children and teenage pregnancies, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Significance
- Health Implications: Children exposed to climate hazards are more likely to suffer from stunted growth, undernutrition, and early pregnancies, exacerbating existing health disparities.
- Policy Relevance: Understanding the differential impact of climate change on women and children is crucial for informing evidence-based policies and interventions to mitigate vulnerabilities and enhance resilience.
- Research Gap: The study underscores the need for empirical research and systematic methodologies to measure children’s exposure to climate hazards and address the knowledge gap in understanding the health aspects of affected populations.
Solutions
- Evidence-Based Policy: Policy formulation should be informed by robust research and empirical insights into the health impacts of climate change on women and children, ensuring targeted interventions in vulnerable regions.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing research capacity and developing systematic methods to measure children’s exposure to climate hazards are essential to address knowledge gaps and inform evidence-based interventions.
- Community Engagement: Engaging local communities, especially women and children, in climate resilience-building efforts and adaptation strategies can empower them to cope with the adverse effects of climate change.
Nut Graf: The study’s findings underscore the urgent need to prioritize the health and well-being of women and children in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Addressing the vulnerabilities identified in the study requires a multi-sectoral approach, involving collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities.
D. GS 4 Related
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E. Editorials
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F. Prelims Facts
1. Author Ruskin Bond awarded Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
Context: Renowned author Ruskin Bond has been honored with the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest recognition bestowed by the literary organization. The award acknowledges Bond’s significant contributions to the world of literature spanning over five decades, encompassing a diverse range of genres.
Significance
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- Celebration of Literary Legacy: Ruskin Bond’s extensive body of work, including acclaimed titles such as “Vagrants in the Valley” and “Angry River,” has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, making him a revered figure in Indian literature.
- Inspiration for Aspiring Writers: Bond’s journey as an author serves as an inspiration for aspiring writers, demonstrating the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and captivate audiences across generations.
2. The magpies of the Himalayas
Context: Magpies, belonging to the Corvidae family, are renowned for their striking appearance and folklore associations with omens. In the Himalayas, these birds are not only visually captivating but also play a significant ecological role in the region’s diverse ecosystems.
Himalayan Magpie Species
- Yellow-Billed Magpie: Found in the high-altitude zones of the Himalayas, particularly between 2000 and 3000 meters above sea level, the yellow-billed magpie, also known as the gold-billed magpie, captivates with its mischievous demeanor and vibrant plumage.
- Red-Billed Magpie: Slightly lower in altitude, the red-billed magpie is commonly sighted in the Himalayan trekking corridors, offering opportunities for birdwatchers to observe its distinctive features.
- Blue Magpie: Occupying lower altitudes where human settlements are more prevalent, the blue magpie complements the Himalayan landscape with its presence, often spotted in villages and forested areas.
Ecological Significance
- Biodiversity Hotspot: The Himalayan region serves as a biodiversity hotspot, hosting a rich array of avian species, including magpies, indicative of the area’s ecological significance.
- Indicator Species: Magpies serve as indicator species, reflecting the health of Himalayan ecosystems. Their presence or absence can signal changes in habitat quality and human impacts on the environment.
- Tourism and Conservation: As tourism in the Himalayas grows, sustainable practices are essential to mitigate the impact on magpie habitats, ensuring their long-term survival amidst increasing human presence.
Conservation Challenges
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- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Increasing human presence in forested areas poses challenges for magpies and other wildlife, as habitat fragmentation and resource exploitation threaten their survival.
- Sustainable Tourism: Balancing tourism development with conservation efforts is crucial to minimize disturbances to magpie habitats and maintain ecological integrity.
- Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation initiatives and promoting sustainable livelihoods can foster coexistence between humans and magpies in shared landscapes
3. Can heavy snowfall and rain contribute to some earthquakes?
Context: Recent research suggests a novel connection between heavy snowfall, rainfall, and seismic activity, particularly in northern Japan. This phenomenon marks a significant departure from conventional understanding, indicating that climate conditions may play a role in triggering earthquakes.
Unprecedented Findings
- Climate-Quake Link: The study reveals a correlation between episodes of heavy snowfall and rain and a swarm of earthquakes in northern Japan, challenging traditional seismic theories.
- Underground Pressure Dynamics: Changes in underground pressure, influenced by seasonal patterns of snowfall and precipitation, appear to synchronize with seismic activity in the region, suggesting a direct impact of climate on earthquake occurrences.
Scientific Observations
- Seismic Velocity Patterns: Observations indicate that seismic velocity changes coincide with seasonal variations in snowfall and precipitation, suggesting a causal relationship between climate conditions and seismic events.
- Pore Pressure Effects: Increased weight from snow and rainfall elevates pore pressure underground, facilitating the propagation of seismic waves at slower velocities, thereby contributing to earthquake occurrence.
Potential Implications
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- Global Relevance: While the study focuses on Japan, scientists speculate that the climate-earthquake connection may not be unique to the region, potentially reshaping seismic research globally.
- Enhanced Understanding: Insights into the role of climate in triggering earthquakes provide a deeper understanding of Earth’s complex dynamics, paving the way for improved earthquake prediction and mitigation strategies.
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements:
- Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 allows a candidate to contest an election from up to two constituencies.
- A sub-section of the RPA, allowing a candidate to contest from two seats, was introduced through an amendment in 1996, prior to which he/she could contest from one constituency only.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:Statement 2 is incorrect. Prior to 1996, there was no bar on the number of constituencies from which a candidate could contest.
Q2. How many of the following belong to the Corvidae family of birds?
- Crows
- Jays
- Ravens
- Magpies
Choose the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 3 only
- All Four
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:All four given birds belong to the Corvidae family of birds.
Q3. Consider the following statements with respect to core sector industries:
- The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is the sole authority in India for issuing manufacturing licences for drugs meant for export.
- India ranks second worldwide as a producer of drugs and pharmaceuticals by volume
Which of these statements is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect. India is ranked third worldwide as a producer of drugs and pharmaceuticals by volume.
Q4.Consider the following statements with respect to the Delhi Ridge:
-
- It is a southern extension of the ancient Aravalli Range.
- It acts as the “green lungs” for Delhi, and protects the city from the hot winds of the deserts of Rajasthan to the west
Which of these statements is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: It is a northern extension of the ancient Aravalli Range
Q5. How many of the following awards have been awarded to Ruskin Bond?
- Padma Shri
- Padma Bhushan
- Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
Choose the correct answer from the code given below:
(a) One only
(b) Two only
(c) All three
(d) None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: Ruskin Bond has been awarded all of the mentioned awards.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Climate crisis is not gender neutral. Comment (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-3, Environment]
- Discuss the opportunities and challenges for India’s pharma sector (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-2, Health]
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