Archives: News

Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

Ovarian Cancer: Understanding the Silent Killer

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

In India, Ovarian Cancer ranks among top three cancers affecting women, accounting for 6.6% of all female cancer cases.

- In 2022, India alone reported 47,333 new ovarian cancer cases and 32,978 deaths, emphasizing the critical need for awareness, early detection, and effective treatment.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

	Details
About	Referred to as the “silent killer” due to its subtle symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, loss of appetite, and frequent urination. Late diagnosis is common.
Common Symptoms	• Bloating • Pelvic/abdominal pain • Loss of appetite • Frequent urination • Indigestion, back pain, fatigue, and weight loss
Cancer Subtypes	• Type I tumours: Less common, early diagnosis, better prognosis • Type II tumours: More common, aggressive, diagnosed at advanced stages
Screening	• No effective screening tests available • CA125 blood test used post-diagnosis but not recommended for routine screening due to limited specificity
Genetic Risk Factors	• Linked to mutations in BRCA1/BRCA2 genes, increasing risk by up to 50% • Genetic testing aids in personalized risk management
Endometriosis	• Associated with a higher risk of certain ovarian cancers, though overall risk remains low
Lifestyle Factors	• Mixed evidence regarding talcum powder usage and its potential link to ovarian cancer • Hair products (dyes, straighteners) may increase risk, though further research is required
HRT & Genetic Counselling	• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer • Genetic counselling helps at-risk individuals with preventive measures

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Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

The role of district agro-met offces in supporting farmers

Explained | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: E-Technology In The Aid Of Farmers
Why in the News?

Last week, PTI reported that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) plans to reintroduce District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) as part of the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme.

Background: In 2018, the IMD set up 199 District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to provide sub-district level agricultural advisories based on weather data. However, these DAMUs were shut down in March following an order from the IMD.

What are Agro-Meteorological Advisories?
- Agro-meteorological advisories provide farmers with critical information about weather conditions that affect agricultural practices. This includes forecasts related to rainfall, temperature, and wind speeds, which are crucial for planning sowing, harvesting, irrigation, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
- These advisories are particularly important for small and marginal farmers, who make up about 80% of India’s farming community and primarily rely on rain-fed agriculture.
- The advisories are disseminated in local languages, ensuring accessibility. They are shared through various channels, including text messages, WhatsApp groups, newspapers, and direct communication from DAMU staff.
- By providing timely weather information, these advisories help farmers plan their agricultural activities effectively and ultimately contribute to enhancing crop yields and farmers’ incomes.
Why Did the Government shut down the District Agro-Met Units (DAMUs)?
- Agro-meteorological data was automated: The closure of DAMUs was influenced by claims from the NITI Aayog that agro-meteorological data was automated, which undermined the role of DAMU staff in preparing and disseminating agricultural advisories. This misrepresentation led to recommendations for privatization and monetization of the services previously offered for free.
- Financial and Administrative Issues: The decision to shut down DAMUs was attributed to ongoing financial challenges, including delayed salary disbursements for DAMU staff, and administrative issues that hampered the program’s effectiveness.
- Shift Towards Centralization: The government suggested transitioning to a centralized model for weather data collection and advisory services, which could potentially reduce the localized support that DAMUs provided to farmers.
Way forward:
- Re-establish Local Support: Reinstate District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) to provide localized, targeted weather advisories and support, ensuring that small and marginal farmers receive timely, relevant information.
- Improve Data Integration and Communication: Enhance the integration of automated weather data with localized advisory services, and streamline communication channels to reach farmers through various platforms effectively.
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Road and Highway Safety – National Road Safety Policy, Good Samaritans, etc.

On the challenges to road safety in India

Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters
Why in the News?

The India Status Report on Road Safety 2024 highlights India’s slow progress in reducing road fatalities and stresses the need for tailored approaches to improve road safety.

What does the ‘India Status Report on Road Safety 2024’ state?
- The report highlights India’s limited success in reducing road accident fatalities, despite the country’s efforts in other sectors. The report stresses that most Indian States are not on track to meet the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety goal to halve traffic deaths by 2030.
  - It emphasizes the connection between road construction, mobility, and safety,
- Road traffic injuries remain a significant public health challenge. In 2021, these injuries were the 13th leading cause of death and the 12th leading cause of health loss (measured in Disability-Adjusted Life Years or DALYs).
- The report reveals significant disparities in road traffic death rates across Indian States, with vulnerable groups such as motorcyclists and truck-involved crashes being particularly high.
Note: The report used FIR data from six States and audits of State compliance with Supreme Court directives on road safety.

Which States have the lowest rates of road accident deaths?
- West Bengal and Bihar have the lowest rates of road accident deaths, with 5.9 per 1,00,000 people in 2021
What is a crash surveillance system?
- A crash surveillance system is a national-level database that records detailed data on road accidents, including specific variables like the mode of transport of victims.
- India lacks such a system, with current data being aggregated from police station records, limiting the depth of analysis and effectiveness of interventions.
- Implementing this system would enhance road safety management and allow for better evaluation of policy interventions.
Way forward:
- Establish a National Crash Surveillance System: Implement a comprehensive database for road accidents to enable detailed analysis and improve targeted interventions for road safety. This would enhance data accuracy and guide more effective policies.
- Prioritize State-Specific Road Safety Strategies: Tailor interventions to the unique challenges of each State, focusing on vulnerable road users like motorcyclists and improving safety infrastructure, such as helmet usage, traffic calming, and trauma care facilities.
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Waste Management – SWM Rules, EWM Rules, etc

India generates highest plastic pollution in world

Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia
Why in the News?

A study published last week in the journal Nature revealed that India is responsible for contributing one-fifth of the world’s plastic pollution.

What did the Paris Agreement (2015) and the UN Environmental Assembly (2022) say on plastic pollution?
- Paris Agreement (2015): Primarily on climate change, the Paris Agreement doesn’t directly address plastic pollution. However, the agreement encourages countries to reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices.
- UN Environmental Assembly (2022): The UNEA agreed in 2022 to develop the first legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution by the end of 2024. Objectives: The treaty aims to curb plastic pollution through measures like phasing out single-use plastics.
Challenges in Implementation
- Lack of Cohesive Policies: There is often a disconnect between global agreements and national policies, leading to fragmented approaches that fail to address the scale of plastic pollution effectively.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many countries, particularly in the Global South, lack the necessary infrastructure for waste management, leading to high levels of unmanaged plastic waste. Inadequate public services and resources exacerbate this situation.
- Economic Dependencies: Countries reliant on plastic production for economic growth may resist regulations aimed at reducing plastic use, complicating the implementation of international agreements.
Why do we need more research on this issue?
- Understanding Environmental Impact: Comprehensive studies are needed to elucidate the sources and impacts of plastic pollution, including its relationship with climate change and public health.
- Informing Policy Development: Research can guide policymakers in creating effective strategies for reducing plastic waste and improving waste management systems, ensuring that solutions are tailored to specific regional challenges.
- Health Implications: As microplastics increasingly infiltrate ecosystems and human bodies, understanding their health impacts is critical for public health initiatives and regulatory frameworks.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Global Plastic Reduction Targets: Implement binding international commitments to reduce plastic production, particularly single-use plastics, and promote sustainable alternatives, aligning with climate goals.
- Improve Waste Management Infrastructure: Prioritize investment in waste management systems, especially in the Global South, to ensure proper collection, recycling, and disposal, reducing unmanaged plastic pollution.
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Indian Army Updates

Exercise Yudh Abhyas, 2024

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

Why in the News?

The 2024 edition of the India-U.S. Army bilateral exercise Yudh Abhyas has begun at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan.
- Concurrently, Phase-II of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) largest multilateral exercise, Tarang Shakti, is underway in Jodhpur, with eight countries participating, including India.

About Exercise Yudh Abhyas

	Details
Type	Bilateral joint military exercise between India and the United States
Inception Year	2004
Frequency	Annual
Primary Objective	Enhance military cooperation and joint operational capabilities, particularly focusing on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
Location	Held alternately in India and the USA
Earlier Edition (2023)	Held at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, focusing on cold-weather operations and high-altitude warfare
Focus	Counter-terrorism operations in semi-desert and desert terrains Urban warfare (FIBUA – Fighting in Built-Up Areas)
Participating Forces in 2024	Indian Army: 600 troops from the RAJPUT Regiment US Army: 1-24 Battalion of the 11th Airborne Division, Alaska
Tactical Drills in 2024	Joint planning sessions Joint responses to terrorist actions Combined field training exercises
Significance	Reflects the growing military partnership between India and the US Enhances interoperability and strengthens strategic defence ties

PYQ:

[2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?

This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 4

(d) 2, 3 and 4

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Air Pollution

India’s first ‘Teal Carbon’ study

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

India’s first study on teal carbon was conducted at Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district.

Highlights of the Study

The study at KNP aimed to develop holistic solutions for climate change by understanding the potential of teal carbon in mitigating its effects.
It highlighted that degraded wetlands could release harmful methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, further exacerbating climate challenges.
It suggested the use of biochar, a lightweight black residue comprising carbon and ashes.
- This biochar can help reduce methane discharges and improve wetland conservation.
Specialized instruments like the LI-COR device would be required for real-time measurements of greenhouse gases to further the research.

What is Teal Carbon?

	Details
Definition	Carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, including in vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter.
Key Sources	Peatlands, freshwater swamps, natural freshwater marshes.
Global Storage	Approximately 500.21 petagrams of carbon (PgC).
Threats	Pollution, land-use changes, water extraction, and degradation of wetlands.
Comparison	Distinct from black and brown carbon, which are produced by incomplete combustion of organic matter.
Benefits of Teal Carbon Ecosystems	Greenhouse gas reduction Increase in groundwater levels Flood mitigation Heat island reduction Urban adaptation
Conservation Importance	Effective conservation of wetlands can enhance teal carbon pools, contributing to climate regulation and environmental sustainability.

PYQ:

[2021] What is blue carbon?

(a) Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems.

(b) Carbon sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils.

(d) Carbon present in atmosphere.

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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

PresVu: India’s First Eye Drop for Presbyopia

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

Mumbai-based Entod Pharmaceuticals has announced that the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved its new eye drop, PresVu, aimed at reducing the dependency on reading glasses for individuals with presbyopia.

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the eyes gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby objects, typically developing after the age of 40.
Spectacles are one of the most commonly recommended solutions for managing presbyopia.

How does PresVu work?

The active ingredient in PresVu is pilocarpine, a compound that contracts the iris muscles, controlling the size of the pupil and helping individuals focus better on nearby objects.
PresVu also uses an advanced dynamic buffer technology to adapt to the pH levels of tears, ensuring consistent efficacy and safety for extended use over the years.
However, PresVu’s effects are temporary, typically lasting between four to six hours, and it is prescription-only.

PresVu should not be used by individuals with iris inflammation.
Regular use may lead to side effects such as:
- Itching and redness
- Eyebrow pain
- Muscle spasms in the eyes

Is this a Novel Therapy?

Although Entod claims PresVu is novel, the main compound, pilocarpine, has been available in India for decades and is commonly used as a first-line therapy for cataracts.
Pilocarpine’s ability to temporarily improve the depth of focus has been explored in other countries, including the United States, where the FDA approved a pilocarpine eye drop for presbyopia in 2021.
In India, the government regulates the ceiling price of pilocarpine in 4% and 2% concentrations, whereas PresVu contains 1.25%.

PYQ:

[2018] Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain.

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Goods and Services Tax (GST)

[pib] Recommendations during 54th meeting of GST Council

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

Why in the News?

The 54th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister was held recently.

Recommendations from the 54th GST Council Meeting:

GST Rate Changes for Goods
Namkeens and Savory Products	GST on extruded/expanded savoury products reduced from 18% to 12%; 5% GST on un-fried or uncooked snack pellets continues.
Cancer Drugs	GST on cancer drugs like Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab reduced from 12% to 5%.
Metal Scrap	Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) introduced for metal scrap supplies by unregistered persons; 2% TDS applied on B2B metal scrap supplies by registered persons.
RMPU Air Conditioning Machines	RMPU air conditioning machines for railways classified under HSN 8415, attracting a 28% GST rate.
Car and Motorcycle Seats	GST on car seats (HSN 9401) increased from 18% to 28%, aligning with the rate for motorcycle seats.
GST Rate Changes for Services
Life and Health Insurance	Group of Ministers (GoM) to be constituted to study GST issues related to life and health insurance. Report expected by October 2024.
Transport by Helicopters	GST on passenger transport by helicopters (seat share basis) set at 5%; 18% GST continues for charter helicopter services.
Flying Training Courses	DGCA-approved flying training courses conducted by Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) will be exempt from GST.
Preferential Location Charges	Preferential Location Charges (PLC) in construction services to be taxed as composite supply.
Affiliation Services	Affiliation services provided by boards like CBSE taxable; services provided to government schools by state/central boards will be exempt.
Import of Services by Branches	Import of services by foreign airlines’ branch offices from related persons will be exempt from GST if made without consideration.
Compliance Measures
B2C E-invoicing	Pilot project for B2C e-invoicing introduced to improve business efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Invoice Management System (IMS)	Invoice Management System to allow taxpayers to accept, reject, or keep invoices pending for claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC).
Waiver of Interest/Penalty	Special procedure to waive interest/penalty for tax demands from FY 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20 under section 73 of CGST Act.
Clarifications via Circulars	Clarifications on place of supply for advertising services, ITC on demo vehicles, and place of supply for data hosting services to be issued.

PYQ:

[2018] Consider the following items:

1. Cereal grains hulled

2. Chicken eggs cooked

3. Fish processed and canned

4. Newspapers containing advertising material

Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

Policy paralysis, a weakened public health sector

Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Health & Education,Social Empowerment
Why in the News?

Primary care remains underdeveloped, while the private sector has seen significant growth in secondary and tertiary care.

What are the major necessities in Public Health?
- Diseases of Poverty: This includes health issues predominantly affecting the poor and vulnerable populations, such as tuberculosis, malaria, undernutrition, maternal mortality, and illnesses caused by food and water-borne infections like typhoid and diarrheal diseases.
  - Addressing these needs is critical not only from a health perspective but also as a matter of human rights.
- Middle-Class Health Concerns: The second category focuses on health issues related to environmental pollution, including air and water quality, waste management, and food safety.
  - These issues are often exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and poor market regulations, leading to chronic illnesses and road traffic accidents.
- Curative Care Needs: The most visible public health needs are those related to curative care, which is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
  - The poor often rely on public primary health care for affordable services, while secondary care remains historically neglected.
  - Tertiary care is primarily addressed through government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) under Ayushman Bharat, aimed at providing coverage for serious health issues.
How do the private hospitals become a real beneficiary in present times?
- Limited Coverage: India’s health insurance primarily covers only hospitalisation expenses, leaving out outpatient and primary care services. This benefits private hospitals as they can monopolise high-cost medical treatments, while the larger uninsured population faces commercialised care at market rates.
- Weakening of Public Health Sector: The government’s shift in focus from strengthening public sector health care to outsourcing via insurance schemes like PMJAY indicates a failure to build adequate secondary and tertiary public health services.
Threats to Public Healthcare:
- Neglect of Secondary and Tertiary Care: The inadequate investment in strengthening secondary- and tertiary-level health care in the public sector, leads to a reliance on private hospitals.
- Transformation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Sub-centres: The conversion of sub-centres and PHCs into Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) has undermined their original role in preventive and promotive health care.
- Loss of Trust in Public Healthcare: Due to overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and inadequate funding, public health institutions are losing credibility. Coupled with the commercial interests of private providers, this creates a dual crisis of access and quality in the healthcare system.
- Rebranding of Health Centres: The recent renaming of HWCs as “Ayushman Arogya Mandirs” raises concerns about cultural relevance and secularism in public health institutions, especially for non-Hindi-speaking populations, further undermining trust in the system.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Public Healthcare Infrastructure: Invest in enhancing secondary and tertiary care facilities in the public sector to reduce dependence on private hospitals.
- Integrate Health Insurance and Primary Care: Expand health insurance coverage to include outpatient and primary care services, and ensure that public health centers retain their focus on preventive and promotive care.
Mains PYQ:

Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)
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Cyclones

On uncommon cyclones in the Arabian Sea

Explained | Geography | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

Why in the News?

A rare August cyclone, named ‘Asna’, currently positioned off the Kutch coast is even more remarkable for having originated over land.

Why was there a lot of excitement over Asna?

“Asna” is notable because it’s the first cyclone in August in the North Indian Ocean since 1981. August is typically not part of the cyclone season in this region.
The cyclone began as a land-born depression that intensified as it moved over the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. It formed from a rare strong low-pressure system that grew unusually powerful over land.
Asna’s formation is linked to the broader context of rapid warming over the Arabian Sea, influenced by climate change. The northward shift of the low-level jet stream due to warming over West Asia contributed to its development.

Why does the North Indian Ocean have two cyclone seasons?

The North Indian Ocean has two distinct cyclone seasons due to the unique monsoonal circulation patterns in the region:

Pre-monsoon season (March-May): The Arabian Sea warms rapidly during this time as the sun crosses over to the Northern Hemisphere. The Bay of Bengal is relatively warmer and begins producing atmospheric convection and rainfall. This leads to cyclogenesis in both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
Post-monsoon season (October-December): This is the northeast monsoon season for India. The Arabian Sea cools due to the strong southwesterly winds and mixing of cold subsurface waters. However, the Bay of Bengal remains favourable for cyclogenesis. The post-monsoon season is the major cyclone season in the North Indian Ocean

How is climate change affecting the region?

Warming of the Indian Ocean: Climate change is amplifying the warming of the Indian Ocean, with more heat being transferred from the Pacific Ocean and Southern Ocean. This increases the overall sea surface temperature (SST), crucial for cyclone formation.
Monsoon and cyclones: The warming affects the monsoon patterns and has the potential to change cyclone intensity. More heat and moisture from the warming seas lead to more energy available for cyclones.
Impact on global ocean circulation: The warming of the Indian Ocean is also affecting global ocean currents, impacting heat uptake by the Pacific Ocean and water sinking in the North Atlantic. The Indian Ocean is playing a central role in global climate change processes.

Way forward:

Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Enhance real-time monitoring and forecasting of cyclones, particularly in the pre- and post-monsoon seasons, using satellite data and advanced models.
Building Climate Resilience: Implement climate adaptation strategies, especially for coastal communities, by improving infrastructure and disaster preparedness to cope with increasing cyclone intensity due to climate change.

Mains PYQ:

Q Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (UPSC IAS/2022)

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Archives: News

Why in the News?

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Why in the News?

What are Agro-Meteorological Advisories?

Why Did the Government shut down the District Agro-Met Units (DAMUs)?

Way forward:

Why in the News?

What does the ‘India Status Report on Road Safety 2024’ state?

Which States have the lowest rates of road accident deaths?

What is a crash surveillance system?

Way forward:

Why in the News?

What did the Paris Agreement (2015) and the UN Environmental Assembly (2022) say on plastic pollution?

Challenges in Implementation

Why do we need more research on this issue?

Way forward:

Why in the News?

About Exercise Yudh Abhyas

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Highlights of the Study

What is Teal Carbon?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Presbyopia?

How does PresVu work?

Is this a Novel Therapy?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Recommendations from the 54th GST Council Meeting:

GST Rate Changes for Goods

GST Rate Changes for Services

Compliance Measures

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What are the major necessities in Public Health?

How do the private hospitals become a real beneficiary in present times?

Threats to Public Healthcare:

Way forward:

Mains PYQ:

Why in the News?

Why was there a lot of excitement over Asna?

Why does the North Indian Ocean have two cyclone seasons?

How is climate change affecting the region?

Way forward:

Join the Community