17 May 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

A. GS 1 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

B. GS 2 Related

Category: HEALTH

1. Why spurious liquor kills

Syllabus: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Prelims: About spurious liquor

Mains: Ill effects associated with the consumption of spurious liquor, the available treatment and efforts undertaken by the government.

Context

• Recently, about 22 people have died and more than 30 others were still being treated in hospitals after consuming spurious liquor in the Chengalpattu and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu.
• This event has come as a surprise as the liquor sales in Tamil Nadu are wholly controlled by the State.

What is the alcohol in liquor?

• Liquor is differentiated by its alcohol content. For example, beer contains 5% of alcohol content by volume, wine contains about 12% and other distilled spirits contain about 40%.
• Usually, the alcohol used in those beverages consumed for recreational purposes is ethanol (ethyl alcohol).
• Ethanol (C2H5OH) molecule is one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one more carbon atom. The second carbon atom is bonded to two hydrogen atoms and the hydroxyl group known as the ion “OH–”. 
• Ethanol is a psychoactive drug that causes intoxicating effects by reducing the level of neurotransmission in the body.
• Ethanol is metabolised inside the human body by the liver and the stomach by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes into acetaldehyde. 
  • Later the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymes convert the acetaldehyde into acetate. 
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “no level of its consumption is safe for human health”. 
  • Long-term addiction to alcohol might result in dependence, and increased risk of some cancers and heart diseases.
• The adverse health effects such as hangovers and a few types of cancers, are mainly due to acetaldehyde.

Spurious liquor

• Spurious liquors are those which contain methanol (methyl alcohol) which is also known as wood alcohol.
• The arrack (Spurious liquor) sellers usually purchase industrial-grade methanol from factories and utilise it to make low-grade, country-made liquor.
• In such cases, methanol is usually added to strengthen the intoxicating effects and/or to increase the volume of the liquor made.

Ill effects of the consumption of spurious liquor

• Methanol is the main reason for the deadliness of spurious liquor.
• The human body usually contains minute quantities of methanol because of the consumption of certain fruits. However, even more than 0.1 ml of pure methanol per kilogram of body weight can have serious health implications for humans.
• When consumed, methanol is metabolised in the liver by ADH enzymes into formaldehyde (H-CHO). 
  • Later, the ALDH enzymes transform formaldehyde into formic acid (HCOOH). 
  • The accumulation of formic acid causes metabolic acidosis which can further lead to acidemia, a condition wherein the blood’s pH drops below its normal value of 7.35, becoming increasingly acidic.
  • Formic acid can also affect the functioning of the enzyme called cytochrome oxidase, which affects the ability of the cells to use oxygen and results in the build-up of lactic acid, contributing to acidosis.
• According to various reports, methanol consumption also causes “methanol-induced optic neuropathy”.
  • This condition may further lead to long-term or irreversible visual impairment or even blindness.
  • Ophthalmic effects have been seen in more than 50% of those individuals who have consumed methanol.
• Methanol poisoning can also cause cerebral oedema, haemorrhage, and death.
• However, if a person has consumed ethanol along with the methanol, the health implication may not be evident until after a few days thereby delaying treatment and increasing the chance of mortality.

Available treatment

• As methanol is ingested, the human body requires some time to completely eliminate it. 
  • As per certain estimates about 33% of methanol still remains in the body even after 48 hours. 
  • Methanol is completely absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and the blood-methanol level can reach its maximum value within just 90 minutes. 
• There are two immediate treatment procedures to address methanol poisoning, which include:
  • Administering ethanol which competes with methanol for the ADH enzymes. Administering ethanol ensures that methanol is not metabolised into formaldehyde.
  • Administering an antidote named “fomepizole”. This antidote slows down the action of the ADH enzymes to produce formaldehyde at a slower rate such that the body can excrete it.
• Fomepizole is expensive compared to pharmaceutical-grade ethanol. However, administering ethanol requires the supervision of healthcare workers.
• Individuals might also have to undergo a dialysis procedure to remove methanol and formic acid salts from the blood in order to reduce kidney and retina damage. 
• Folinic acid might also be administered to break up the formic acid into carbon dioxide and water. 
  • Fomepizole as well as folinic acid are listed under the WHO’s list of essential medicines.
• The formic acid would have begun accumulating in dangerous amounts around 18-24 hours after ingestion, affecting the optic nerve, kidneys, heart, and brain. 

Efforts undertaken by the government

• The Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018, mentions the maximum permissible amount of methanol in various liquors.
  • For example, methanol must be “absent” in coconut fenny, 50 grams per 100 litres in country liquor, and 300 grams per 100 litres in pot-distilled spirits.
• Methanol is also included under Schedule I of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989. 
• The Indian Standard IS 517 mentions ways to determine the quality of methanol.
• The Indian Standards along with the Tamil Nadu Denatured Spirit, Methyl Alcohol, and Varnish (French Polish) Rules, 1959, mentions the signage that a methanol packaging should carry. 
• The manufacturing, export, import, storage, and sale of methanol in Tamil Nadu requires licences under the 1959 Rules.
• Taking suo motu cognisance of reports of people dying after consuming spurious liquor in Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and the Director-General of Police, seeking a detailed response from them within four weeks.

For more information on this issue, refer to the following article:

UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis dated 30 July 2022: Token prohibition takes a toll in Gujarat

Nut graf: According to experts, the poison has been methanol in every hooch tragedy in the history of India and of the world since 1945. In this context, there exists a need to formulate a National Alcohol Control Policy as prescribed by the WHO to limit the manufacturing and sale of spurious liquor made using methanol.

C. GS 3 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

D. GS 4 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

E. Editorials

Category: ECONOMY

1. Rajasthan’s move spells some hope for gig workers

Syllabus: GS-3, Indian Economy and issues related to it.

Mains: Code on Social Security and Gig Workers.

Prelims: Code on Social Security.

Context: The Rajasthan CM has announced the setting up of the Platform-Based Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Fund.

Details:

• The Rajasthan government announced the establishment of the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Fund.
• This is the first-of-its-kind regulatory move to unburden the vulnerabilities of gig and platform workers since the introduction of the Code on Social Security (2020).
• It should be noted that many states have not passed the rules to implement the Code on Social Security.

Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers Welfare Board:

• The Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers Welfare Board is an institution to look after the well-being of the technology-mediated workforce.
• It is a tripartite institution with representatives from worker unions/associations, employers/clients, and bureaucracy.
• This tripartite relationship is required to:
  • Collectivize workers to raise concerns and demands
  • Force employers to acknowledge that their organization has informal workers
  • For the state to liaise and mediate the relationship between employers and workers
• The aim of the board is to deliver social security benefits to 3 to 4 lakh workers in the state.

Also read: Gig and Platform Workers – Meaning, Significance, Legal Framework Explained

Associated Concerns:

• In formal employment, there is a contract that ensures quick communication in case of any urgency or failure. However, in the informal sector, there is no way to deliver benefits as on-paper employment relationships are missing.
• The Code on Social Security provides State labour ministries with a narrow choice of programmes (like provident fund, employment injury benefit, housing, etc) to choose from.
• The Central government decides which states will get key protection schemes (like old age protection, maternity benefits, life cover, etc), their duration, and beneficiaries.
• The restrictions are further exacerbated by the shortage of funds.
  • This is addressed by the Code through a mandate of sharing 1%-2% of their revenue for new schemes.
  • It is on the lines of the Construction Worker Board, where 1%-2% of the project cost from real estate companies is charged.
  • However, it will be difficult for the platform workers because many platform companies operate as revenue-negative companies.
• There are concerns about how the Rajasthan government will make financial allocations of ₹200 crore.
• Moreover, questions are also raised about charging platforms with financial responsibility.
• The Construction or Workers’ Boards are often criticized for their efficiency and role to garner benefits.
• There will also be a challenge of collectivization as gig and platform workers work on hourly or daily time commitments.
• The Code on Social Security is silent on the labour rights of gig and platform workers and focuses only on vulnerable aspects of their work.
• It is also argued that the Rajasthan government has taken a decision in haste as there are Assembly Elections in 2024.

Also read: Overview of the Gig Economy in India

Nut Graf: Rajasthan Government’s move is a big win for platform workers, who are fighting for their rights. However, there are some issues that need to be addressed on a timely basis.

2. Tripping trade

Syllabus: GS-3; Indian Economy and issues associated with it.

Mains: India’s declining export.

Context: The goods exports from India witnessed a steep fall in April 2023.

Details:

• The goods export in April 2023 declined to $34.6 billion (lowest since October 2022). This is the third successive decline in exports.
• Moreover, imports decreased by almost 14%, which is a 15-month low of under $50 billion.
  • Petroleum exports reduced by 17.5%.
  • Jewellery shipment slipped to a 30% low.
• The reason behind the fall in exports for the second half of the financial year 2022-23 is the slowdown in the global economy.

Associated Concerns:

• It should be noted that the Foreign Trade Policy targets a two trillion-dollar export in seven years.
• It is suggested by the experts that the healthy growth of 14.7% and total export of approximately $776 billion cannot be replicated in 2023-24.
• The decline in imports indicates that the domestic demand is dwindling.
• Furthermore, the decline in exports of petroleum, gems, and jewellery impacts the exports of value-added end products.
• An official suggests that the prospect of any immediate respite likely from faltering global demand is very low. 
  • The WTO forecasted an increase in global trade growth for the year 2023 due to China’s opening up of the economy. However, Chinese growth is underwhelming.
  • The service export is also expected to experience the recent trade turmoil.

Way Ahead:

• India should review its overall trade stance and reliance on a few large markets.
• It should look for greater integration with global value chains and multilateral trading arrangements.

Also read: Sansad TV Perspective: Global Economic Outlook

Nut Graf: India witnessed the steepest fall in exports in the month of April indicating a global slowdown and dwindling domestic demand. It is suggested that India should review its trade policy and reliance on a few large markets to correct its course.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Trimbakeshwar temple

Syllabus: GS-1; Art and Culture; Architecture

Prelims: About Trimbakeshwar Temple and Temple Architecture in India

Context

The Maharashtra government has set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe a recent incident in which a group of people from a minority community allegedly attempted to forcibly enter the Trimbakeshwar temple in Nashik.

Trimbakeshwar Temple

Image source: indianexpress.com

• Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Maharashtra is the abode of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. 
• Trimbakeshwar is located at the source of the Godavari River, which is the longest river in peninsular India. 
• The city of Trimbakeshwar is situated at the foot of the Brahamagiri hill. 
• Trimbakeshwar temple was constructed by the third Peshwa, Balaji Bajirao during the 18th century on the site of an old temple.
• Trimbakeshwar temple is an example of Nagara-style temple architecture and is constructed using black stone.

Know more – Temple Architecture in India

G. Tidbits

1. Collegium recommends A.P. Chief Justice, senior advocate as SC judges

• The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of senior advocate K.V. Viswanathan and the Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh Prashant Kumar Mishra as the judges of the Supreme Court to fill two vacancies after the retirement of existing judges.
• Mr. Viswanathan, if his name is cleared by the government, would be in line to become the 58th Chief Justice of India (CJI) in August 2030, succeeding Justice J.B. Pardiwala.
• He would also become the ninth lawyer to be elevated directly to the Supreme Court Bench and the fourth such lawyer to become the CJI.

Also read – The Working of Supreme Court Collegium in CNA dated Aug 8, 2022

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Which of the following statements is/are true? (Level – Difficult)

1. Sodium-ion batteries are a less efficient commonly available alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
2. India has higher deposits of sodium than lithium.
3. India imports more than 70% of its Lithium-ion batteries from China.

Options:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. India experiences pre-monsoon showers before the monsoon season arrives in the month 
of June. How many of the pre-monsoon showers are correctly matched with the state(s) 
they affect? (Level – Moderate)

1. Cherry Blossom Showers: Meghalaya
2. Bordoisila: Assam
3. Mango Showers: Kerala
4. Coffee Showers: Karnataka

Options:

1. Only 1 pair
2. Only 2 pairs
3. Only 3 pairs
4. All 4 pairs

Q3. Which of the following statements is/are true? (Level – Moderate)

1. India conducted its 1st nuclear test, codenamed “Operation Shakti” in 1974.
2. It was an underwater test, conducted off the shore of Maharashtra in the Arabian Sea.
3. India is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Options:

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 3 only
4. 1 and 3 only

Q4. Which of the following statements is/are true regarding Endosulfan? (Level – 
Moderate)

1. It is an insecticide that is associated with medical conditions like neurotoxicity.
2. It is covered under both the Stockholm and the Rotterdam Conventions.
3. It has been banned in India.

Options:

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 and 3
3. 1 and 3
4. 1, 2 and 3

Q5. The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is of significance in the history of 
the Freedom Movement because: (Level – Easy) [PYQ 2014]

1. Attainment of self-government was declared as the objective of the Congress
2. Attainment of Poorna Swaraj was adopted as the goal of the Congress
3. Non-Cooperation Movement was launched
4. Decision to participate in the Round Table Conference in London was taken

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

1. Despite several attempts, the banning of liquor hasn’t been successful in most Indian states. Do you think that regulating liquor would give us a better chance to avoid Hooch tragedies as compared to banning it completely? Critically analyze the reasons in support of your answer. (250 words; 15 marks) (GS-2; Health)
2. Lower imports may seem like a good way to cut down trade deficits, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Elaborate. (250 words; 15 marks) (GS-3; Economy)

Read the previous CNA here.