14 May 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

14 May 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
INDIAN SOCIETY
1. India’s population data and a tale of projections and predictions
B. GS 2 Related
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. India, Iran sign Chabahar port operation pact
2. UN-linked body defers accreditation of NHRC-India
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Stabilising India-Nepal ties in changing times
HEALTH
1. The impact of 50 years of vaccination on children worldwide
F. Prelims Facts
1. Swedish PM expresses willingness to host nuclear weapons during wartime
2. Semal trees are being wiped out in Rajasthan due to Udaipur’s Holi
3. Indonesia’s Mount Ibu erupts again, spews huge ash tower
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

A. GS 1 Related

Category: INDIAN SOCIETY

1. India’s population data and a tale of projections and predictions

Syllabus: Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and Associated Issues

Mains: Challenges in projections and predictions of India’s population data

Context​: India’s population dynamics have long been a subject of interest and concern, with various projections and predictions shaping discussions on demographic trends. Recent studies, including those by the United Nations and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), offer contrasting perspectives on India’s population trajectory, sparking debates on fertility decline and its implications.

1. Divergent Projections:

• The UN projects India’s population to reach 1.64 billion by 2050, while IHME forecasts 1.61 billion by 2048.
• IHME’s projections suggest a sharp decline in India’s population by mid-century, challenging conventional expectations.

2. Underlying Assumptions and Critiques:

• IHME’s model predicts a drastic reduction in fertility rates, with Indian women averaging 1.29 children by 2100.
• Criticism arises regarding the accuracy of data on contraceptive use and unmet needs, potentially skewing fertility projections.
• Contrast with fertility rates in countries like the United States and France raises questions about the feasibility of such low fertility levels in India.

3. Historical Context and Fertility Decline:

• India has witnessed a significant decline in fertility rates since the 1950s, from nearly six children per woman to a replacement level of 2.2.
• Socioeconomic factors, including urbanization, education, and employment opportunities, contribute to the decline in family size.
• Shift from agrarian to service-based economies and aspirations for better education and opportunities reshape family-building strategies.

4. Policy Interventions and Public Discourse:

• Past policies, including family planning programs and punitive measures, have had limited success in influencing fertility rates.
• Socioeconomic transformation since the 1990s has played a crucial role in altering family norms and aspirations.
• Public discourse often lags behind demographic realities, focusing on outdated narratives of high fertility rates and proposing coercive measures.

5. Moving Forward:

• Acknowledging the aspirational shift in family norms, policies need to align with evolving societal expectations.
• Strengthening healthcare and family welfare systems to provide accessible contraception and reproductive health services is crucial.
• Addressing disparities in access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities can further facilitate fertility decline.

Nut Graf: India’s demographic future is characterized by complex trends influenced by socioeconomic changes, policy interventions, and evolving aspirations. While divergent projections offer insights into potential population trajectories, addressing underlying data challenges and aligning policies with demographic realities are essential.

2. UN-linked body defers accreditation of NHRC-India

Syllabus: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, Structure and Mandate

Prelims: United Nations-linked Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions 

Mains: Significance of United Nations-linked Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions 

Context​: The United Nations-linked Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) deferred the accreditation of the National Human Rights Commission-India (NHRC) for the second consecutive year. This decision holds implications for India’s representation and voting rights at the Human Rights Council and certain UN General Assembly bodies.

1. Reasons for Deferral:

• Lack of transparency in appointing NHRC members.
• Appointment of police officers to oversee human rights investigations.
• Insufficient gender and minority representation on the NHRC member panel.

2. Impact and Significance:

• Potential loss of voting rights and representation at international human rights forums.
• Undermines India’s credibility in upholding human rights standards on the global stage.
• Raises concerns about the independence and effectiveness of the NHRC in addressing human rights violations within the country.

3. Challenges Faced:

• Structural changes and suggestions from GANHRI are difficult to implement during India’s election process.
• Civil society organizations and human rights activists expressing concerns to the global body regarding India’s human rights record.

4. Solutions and Future Prospects:

• NHRC needs to address the issues raised by GANHRI regarding transparency, independence, and inclusivity.
• Undertake necessary structural changes to ensure the NHRC operates free from government interference.
• Enhance gender and minority representation within the NHRC to reflect the diversity of India’s population.

5. Historical Context:

• NHRC was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act in 1993.
• Previously accredited as an ‘A’ Status NHRI since 1999, with periodic reviews and deferments.
• This marks the first time India’s ‘A’ status has been suspended for two consecutive years, following deferments in 2023 and 2024.

Nut Graf: The deferral of NHRC’s accreditation by GANHRI underscores the need for India to address concerns regarding transparency, independence, and inclusivity within its human rights framework. It calls for concerted efforts to strengthen the NHRC’s functioning and credibility, ensuring it effectively safeguards human rights within the country and upholds international standards.

Category: HEALTH

1. The impact of 50 years of vaccination on children worldwide

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

Mains: Impact of Vaccination Worldwide

Introduction: Impact of Vaccination on Children’s Lives

• Over 50 years, vaccinations have saved the lives of approximately 150 million children worldwide.
• Measles vaccination alone has accounted for saving 94 million lives, constituting 60% of the total impact.
• The reduction in deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases is attributed to global immunization program expansions.

Progress in Vaccination Coverage:

• Measles vaccination rates surged from below 20% in 2000 to 70% by 2021 globally.
• Similar progress was observed for DTP3 vaccination, increasing from less than 5% to over 80% by 2021.
• Noteworthy advancements include the Western Pacific region, with measles vaccination coverage rising from 2% in 2000 to 91% in 2021.

Initiatives and Partnerships:

• The Essential Programme on Immunization was established by the World Health Assembly in 1974 to combat vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, formed in 2000, facilitated partnerships between organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, Unicef, and the World Bank to address vaccination gaps.
• Despite progress, disparities persist, especially in Africa and Asia, necessitating continued investment and coordinated efforts to ensure universal vaccine coverage.

Remaining Challenges and the Way Forward:

• Despite progress, millions still die annually from diseases like tuberculosis, measles, tetanus, whooping cough, meningitis, and hepatitis B.
• Achieving universal vaccine coverage requires addressing scepticism and fear towards vaccination, along with increased government investment and coordination in immunization programs.
• Continued advocacy and action are crucial to saving more lives and eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases globally.

Nut Graf: Over 50 years, vaccinations saved 150 million children globally, with measles vaccination alone saving 94 million lives. Despite progress, disparities persist, calling for increased investment and efforts to achieve universal vaccine coverage.

2. Semal trees are being wiped out in Rajasthan due to Udaipur’s Holi

Context: The traditional Holi celebrations in Udaipur, Rajasthan, centred around the Holika Dahan, are causing severe ecological damage to the region’s semal trees. Despite legal protections, these trees are being cut in large numbers for use in the festivities, leading to significant environmental concerns.

1. Significance of Semal Trees:

• The semal tree, or silk cotton tree, plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing habitat and resources for various species.
• It holds cultural and medicinal significance, with its parts being used for medicinal purposes and by tribal communities for crafting and sustenance.

2. Ecological Impact of Holi Celebrations:

• The Holika Dahan festivities during Holi involve the burning of semal trees, leading to their widespread cutting and depletion.
• Despite legal protections under the Rajasthan Forest Act and Forest (Conservation) Act, the practice continues unabated, threatening the survival of semal trees.

3. Legal and Environmental Concerns:

• The cutting of semal trees for Holi celebrations violates multiple forest conservation laws, endangering the species and disrupting the local ecosystem.
• Lack of enforcement and documentation exacerbates the problem, with little official recognition of the decline in semal populations.

4. Community Engagement and Awareness:

• Efforts by individuals and groups like the Semal Conservation Mission aim to raise awareness about the importance of semal trees and promote sustainable alternatives to traditional Holi practices.
• Planting initiatives and advocacy campaigns seek to mitigate the impact of Holi celebrations on semal trees and encourage community-led conservation efforts.

5. Role of Urban Demand and Administration:

• Urban demand for semal trees during Holi celebrations drives their unsustainable harvesting, highlighting the need for awareness and behaviour change among city dwellers.
• Despite local and tribal communities’ reliance on semal trees, efforts to protect them must focus on curbing urban demand and engaging with local administrations to enforce conservation measures.

6. Urgency of Conservation Measures:

• Without concerted action to protect semal trees, their continued depletion poses a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability in Rajasthan.
• Comprehensive studies and documentation are needed to assess the extent of semal tree decline and inform targeted conservation strategies.

3. Indonesia’s Mount Ibu erupts again, spews huge ash tower

Context: Mount Ibu, located in eastern Indonesia, has erupted once again, releasing a massive ash tower that soared over 5 kilometres into the sky. This eruption follows the recent elevation of the volcano’s alert level to the second-highest by authorities. 

1. Volcanic Eruption Event:

• Mount Ibu, situated in eastern Indonesia, erupted on 13th May, emitting a significant ash tower exceeding 5 kilometres in height.
• Authorities had recently raised the volcano’s alert level to the second-highest, indicating heightened volcanic activity and the potential for further eruptions.

2. Frequency of Eruptions:

• Mount Ibu is renowned for its high level of volcanic activity, having erupted over 21,000 times in the previous year.
• The volcano’s frequent eruptions pose ongoing challenges for local communities and authorities in mitigating potential risks and ensuring public safety.

3. Impact and Response:

• Despite the intensity of the eruption, there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
• Local authorities and disaster management agencies are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to residents in affected areas.

Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to Chabahar Port:

Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to the Global Alliance 
of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI):

Q3. Consider the following statements with respect to the North Atlantic 
Treaty Organization (NATO):

Q4. Which of these tribes of Rajasthan believe that they are descended 
from semal trees?

Q5. Mount Ibu recently seen in the news is located in: