26 Nov 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
International Relations
1. Where does India stand on Israel-Hamas war?
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
F. Prelims Facts
1. Govt. invites civil society leaders from Leh and Kargil for dialogue
2. With Turmeric Board set to be a reality, no yellow twist this time
3. Antarctica’s ozone hole expands midspring since 2001
4. Eight months on, States wait for 3HP TB preventive drug
5. Is India lagging in measles vaccination?
6. India announces phased introduction of biogas blending
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

1. Govt. invites civil society leaders from Leh and Kargil for dialogue

Context:  The government’s recent invitation to civil society leaders from Leh and Kargil for dialogue signals a significant move amid ongoing protests in Ladakh. 

Issues at Stake:

• Demands of LAB and KDA:

• • • Statehood for Ladakh
    • Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution
    • Reservation in jobs for local residents
    • One Lok Sabha seat each for Leh and Kargil

• Previous Committee Rejection:

• • • The rejection of the committee chaired by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has created skepticism.
    • Leaders emphasize that members selected by the government in previous committees were unacceptable.

• Possible Deadlock:

• • LAB and KDA representatives assert that they will not compromise on their four demands.
  • Anticipation of a deadlock if the government does not agree to their demands.

Benefits of 6th schedule for Ladakh

• Meeting tribal aspiration: The Parliamentary standing committee recommended including of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule because its tribal communities account for 79.61% of its total population. 
• Autonomy and self-governance: The extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh could provide greater autonomy and self-governance to the local tribal communities.

Cultural preservation: It could also help to protect the unique cultural identity of the local communities and preserve their traditional practices and customs.

2. With Turmeric Board set to be a reality, no yellow twist this time

Context: The Prime Minister’s announcement of the establishment of a National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad has shifted the dynamics of the elections in the region, known for its vibrant turmeric cultivation. 

Issues at Hand:

• Changing Dynamics:

• • • The announcement of the National Turmeric Board fulfills a long-standing demand of farmers in Nizamabad.
    • Turmeric, once a significant election issue, has lost its campaign currency due to the government’s commitment.

• Impact on Election Landscape:

• • • Turmeric farmers, traditionally influential in elections, may no longer be a decisive factor with the resolution of their demand.
    • Previous instances of farmers entering electoral contests have demonstrated their ability to influence election outcomes.

• Skepticism Among Farmers:

• • Conversations with progressive farmers indicate skepticism regarding the seriousness of the government’s announcement.
  • Past experiences, including unfulfilled promises and the establishment of a regional office instead of the promised Turmeric Board, have left farmers doubtful.

3. Antarctica’s ozone hole expands midspring since 2001

Context: Recent findings published in the journal Nature Communications reveal an unexpected expansion of the Antarctic ozone hole during mid-spring (October) since 2001. 

Issues:

• Contradictory Recovery Trends:

• • • While the Montreal Protocol has successfully controlled ozone-depleting substances since 1987, recent years (2020-2022) have witnessed the re-emergence of large and persistent ozone holes over Antarctica in mid-spring.
    • Early spring (September) still shows a slight increase in ozone, creating a paradoxical scenario.

• Ozone Reduction in Core Regions:

• • • Analysis of data between 2001-2022 reveals a significant and continuous ozone reduction of 26% in the core (middle stratospheric layer) of the Antarctic ozone during mid-spring since 2004.
    • The reduction in the middle stratosphere contradicts the reported recovery trends in total column ozone.

• Potential Dynamical Changes:

• • The ozone reduction in the middle stratosphere is potentially linked to dynamical changes in the mesosphere, the atmospheric layer above the stratosphere and the ozone layer.
  • Understanding the driving forces behind these dynamical changes is crucial for comprehending the persistent Antarctic ozone hole.

4. Eight months on, States wait for 3HP TB preventive drug

Context: Despite the pan-India launch of the 3HP (once-weekly isoniazid-rifapentine for 12 weeks) TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) in March 2023, States are yet to receive the 3HP combination drug from the Central TB Division. 

Issues:

• Supply Delay:

• • • Eight months after its launch, the Central TB Division has not supplied the 3HP drugs to States, causing a delay in its implementation nationwide.
    • Tamil Nadu and Kerala have independently initiated the use of 3HP despite not receiving the drug supply.

• Compliance and Drug Efficacy:

• • • The 3HP regimen, requiring only 12 doses, offers better compliance compared to the daily dose of isoniazid for six months (current treatment protocol).
    • Challenges in drug supply may impact the overall effectiveness of TB preventive treatment.

• Financial Considerations:

• • TPT using the 3HP drug is economically more viable than isoniazid monotherapy for six months.
  • The delay in supply affects the cost-effective implementation of TB preventive therapy.

Benefits of 3HP TB prevention treatment

• The 3HP regimen involves just 12 doses one dose a week for three months. In contrast, isoniazid monotherapy for six months translates to 180 dose.
• Since treatment with 3HP involves only 12 doses, compliance is better and adverse effects are less. 
• The use of the shorter regimen has been associated with at least 20% greater treatment completion rate. 
• TB disease should be ruled out before starting a person on preventive therapy
• Other health conditions that may be contraindicated must be ruled out before giving 3HP
• Less than 20% of TB infections are due to household contacts being exposed to the index case. 
• TB preventive therapy can halt the progression to TB disease very effectively for many years. 
• In India, there are greater chances of getting reinfected after completing the TB preventive therapy. and reinfection may reverse the protection.

5. Is India lagging in measles vaccination?

Context: The recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights a global surge in measles cases and deaths in 2022. Contrary to this, the Union Health Ministry of India refutes claims made by the report, asserting the adequacy of India’s Universal Immunisation Programme.

Issues:

• Data Discrepancy:

• • • The WHO report suggests a substantial number of unvaccinated children in India, while the Union Health Ministry disputes the figures, stating only around 21,000 children missed the measles shot.

• Vaccination Challenges:

• • • The discrepancies highlight challenges in accurate data collection, vaccine distribution, and monitoring, leading to a potential gap in immunization coverage.

• COVID-19 Impact:

• • The ongoing pandemic has disrupted routine immunization efforts globally, leaving millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseases like measles.
  • Setbacks in surveillance and vaccination programs may contribute to the resurgence of measles in certain regions.

Significance:

• Measles Impact:

• • • Measles is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects children, causing morbidity and mortality.
    • The WHO emphasizes the significance of measles vaccination, noting its role in averting millions of deaths between 2000 and 2021.

• Vaccination Coverage:

• • Achieving high vaccination coverage is crucial to prevent measles outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.
  • The effectiveness of routine immunization is a key determinant in controlling the spread of the disease.

What is measles?

• Measles is a contagious disease caused by a virus, which spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles starts with a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and fever. According to the WHO, measles vaccination averted 56 million deaths between 2000 and 2021.
• Measles can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. The vaccine protects against three diseases — measles, mumps and rubella. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

6. India announces phased introduction of biogas blending

Context: India has announced a strategic move towards sustainable energy by initiating the phased introduction of blending compressed biogas with natural gas.

Issues:

• Natural Gas Dependency:

• • • India heavily relies on natural gas imports, constituting about half of its overall gas consumption. The current dependence poses economic challenges, and the nation seeks alternatives to reduce its import bill.

• Environmental Concerns:

• • • The imperative to address environmental concerns, including carbon emissions and the need for sustainable energy solutions, has become critical in the context of global climate change.

• Infrastructure Development:

• • The successful implementation of biogas blending requires significant infrastructure development, including the establishment of biogas production units, distribution networks, and compatible blending facilities.

Significance:

• Domestic Energy Boost
• Reduction in Carbon Footprint
• Energy Security

Q1.Consider the following statements with respect to the sixth schedule of the 
Indian constitution:

Q2. Consider the following statements:

Q3. Which of the following agreements is not related to the protection of the 
Stratospheric Ozone Layer?

Q4. Consider the following statements:

Q5. Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to measles disease?