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Type: Explained

These Newscards correspond to the explained section of various newspapers. They become immensely important for both prelims and mains and special attention needs to be paid to them

  • Controversy over Mumbai’s salt pans

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has recently approved transferring 256 acres of Mumbai’s salt pan land to DRPPL, a joint venture with Adani Realty, for constructing rental housing for slum residents.

    What are Salt Pan Lands?

    • Salt pan lands are low-lying areas where seawater is allowed to flow in and evaporate, leaving behind salt and other minerals.
    • These lands are part of an important ecological system that, along with mangroves, helps in flood control by absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall and high tides.

    Why are Mumbai’s Salt Pan Lands at Risk?

    • Development Pressures: Salt pans are valuable as undeveloped land in Mumbai, leading to proposals for various development projects, including affordable housing and infrastructure.
    • Government Plans: Recent approvals, such as the transfer of 256 acres of salt pan land for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, have faced criticism due to concerns that such development will encroach on these ecologically sensitive areas.
    • Legal and Administrative Challenges: Past plans for using saltpan lands for development have been put on hold or altered due to legal and environmental challenges, including those concerning the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.

    Why do Salt Pans Matter?

    • Flood Prevention: Salt pans play a crucial role in preventing flooding in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs by acting as natural reservoirs for excess water during heavy rains and high tides.
      • During significant rainfall events, such as the July 2005 deluge, salt pans helped mitigate the impact of flooding, emphasizing their importance in urban flood management.
    • Environmental Protection: They support local biodiversity, including various species of birds and insects. Destroying or altering these lands could disrupt these ecosystems.
    • Climate Resilience: Salt pans contribute to the city’s climate resilience strategy, making their preservation crucial for managing future climate-related challenges.

    National Context:

    • Across India, approximately 60,000 acres are designated as salt pan lands, distributed among states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
    • These lands are crucial for local ecosystems and flood management, highlighting the broader importance of preserving such areas from development pressures.

    Way Forward: 

    • Strengthen Environmental Regulations: Enhance the enforcement of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and other environmental regulations to safeguard salt pan lands.
    • Promote Sustainable Land Use Planning: Integrate salt pan lands into urban planning strategies as critical components of flood management and biodiversity conservation.

  • What does the dissolution of SCoS entail?

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry dissolved the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) headed by eminent economist and former chief statistician of the country Pronab Sen citing overlapping roles with the Steering Committee.

    Why was the SCoS dissolved?

    • Overlapping Responsibilities: The primary reason cited for the dissolution of the SCoS was that its functions overlapped with those of the newly formed Steering Committee for National Sample Surveys.
    • Concerns Raised by Members: Members of the SCoS had consistently questioned the delay in conducting the census, which has been a critical source of data for policymakers.
    • Lack of Communication: Dr. Pronab Sen, the chair of the SCoS, noted that members were not provided with a specific reason for the committee’s dissolution, which raised concerns about transparency in the decision-making process.

    What are the main roles of the new Steering Committee?

    • Advisory Role: The Steering Committee will advise the Ministry on survey methodologies, including aspects like sampling frames, design, and survey instruments, similar to the SCoS.
    • Finalizing Tabulation Plans: This will play a crucial role in finalizing the tabulation plans for various national sample surveys, ensuring that the data collected is organized and presented effectively.
    • Reviewing Methodologies: The committee will review subject results, methodologies, and questionnaires related to national sample surveys, maintaining the continuity of statistical rigor established by the SCoS.
    • Tenure and Composition: The Steering Committee consists of 17 members, including at least four members retained from the SCoS, and will serve a tenure of two years.

    How do the SCoS and the Steering Committee differ?

    • Composition: The Steering Committee has a higher number of official members compared to the SCoS, which includes several non-official members. This shift may influence the dynamics and perspectives within the committee.
    • Mandate Overlap: While both committees have similar mandates regarding survey methodologies and data collection, the Steering Committee is positioned to focus more on the operational aspects of national sample surveys, potentially leading to a more streamlined approach.
    • Response to Criticism: The formation of the Steering Committee appears to be a response to criticisms of the statistical system in India, aiming to address survey-related issues more effectively than the SCoS could.

    How does the SCoS’s dissolution impact statistical data quality?

    • Delay in Census Data: The dissolution of the SCoS amid ongoing delays in conducting the census raises concerns about the availability of reliable and updated data. The last census was conducted in 2011, and reliance on outdated data can negatively affect policy-making and the distribution of welfare benefits.
    • Quality of Administrative Data: Critics argue that administrative data, which the government has been relying on, may not accurately reflect the employment scenario, as it is often threshold-based and susceptible to manipulation. This could lead to a distorted view of the economic situation.
    • Need for Comprehensive Data: The census is crucial for providing comprehensive demographic, economic, and social data, which is essential for effective policy formulation. The absence of updated census data can hinder the government’s ability to address issues like employment, poverty, and social welfare effectively.

    Way forward: 

    • Reinstate Independent Oversight: Establish an independent statistical body with clear roles to ensure transparency, timely data collection, and oversight of key surveys like the census, addressing concerns of data reliability.
    • Modernize Data Collection: Leverage technology to streamline and accelerate the census and national surveys, ensuring that updated and accurate data is available for policy-making and welfare distribution.

  • Is it time for India to introduce a Universal Basic Income?

    Why in the News?

    The rise in jobless growth, driven by automation and AI, has led to growing inequality, prompting discussions on implementing Universal Basic Income (UBI) in many countries.

    What does the ILO say on Inflation and unemployment in India? 

    • The ILO reports that 83% of the unemployed population in India are youth, due to the rapidly changing economy influenced by automation and AI.
      • This trend has exacerbated income inequality, with a 1.6% drop in global labour income share between 2004 and 2024, significantly affecting developing nations like India.
    • The report indicates that persistent inflation and geopolitical tensions have led to aggressive monetary policies, which could further strain the labor market.
      • The ILO anticipates a slight increase in global unemployment in 2024, reflecting ongoing structural issues in labor markets.

    What will be its implications on Indian growth and development? 

    • Social Implications: Falling living standards and weak productivity due to automation could lead to greater inequality, undermining social justice efforts in India.
      • The ILO suggests that increasing unemployment and inflation could result in social unrest and political instability without effective social safety nets.
    • Political Implications: It makes it difficult for the decision making and governance due to the drop in global labour income, prompting India to increase budget allocations for welfare programs.
    • Economic Implications: The emphasis on generating employment in labor-intensive sectors is crucial. The government policies should prioritize job creation to counteract the effects of automation and ensure that growth benefits a broader segment of the population.

    What are the safety nets for India? 

    • Cash Transfer Schemes: Programs targeting farmers and women, as well as cash transfers for unemployed youth, represent existing safety nets that provide some level of income support.
    • Employment Guarantee Schemes: Initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) aim to provide employment and income security to rural households, although funding and implementation have faced challenges.
    • Universal Basic Social Safety Nets: Experts suggest that rather than a full UBI, India should focus on enhancing existing social safety nets to ensure they are more universal and effective in addressing the needs of the unemployed and underemployed populations.

  • With an eye on Indo-Pacific, Germany seeks greater defence ties with India

    Why in the News?

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently in Germany as part of a three-nation tour, met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin. They discussed various defence topics, including Ukraine, Gaza, and the Indo-Pacific region.

    Defence Partnership between India and Germany:

    • Late Engagement: Germany has been late in engaging India’s defence interests compared to France and the U.S., who have stronger partnerships with India.
    • Opportunity Post-Russia-Ukraine War: With Russia’s industrial capacity focused on the war, Germany sees an opportunity to enhance its defence exports to India. 
      • German defence manufacturers like ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems are already involved in projects like submarine construction for the Indian Navy.
    • Technology Transfer: Technology transfer is a key condition for India’s defence partnerships, and Germany’s ability to meet this requirement could shape future cooperation.
    • Complementary Systems: Germany’s Eurofighter and its future replacement by U.S.-made F-35s highlight Germany’s readiness to integrate its defence systems with Western platforms, easing potential interoperability issues for India.

    Exercise Tarang Shakti:

    • Tarang Shakti is one of the most extensive multilateral air exercises hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), showcasing India’s commitment to international defence cooperation.
    • This exercise marked the first time the German Luftwaffe (Air Force) participated in air sorties over Indian skies, symbolizing Germany’s growing defence ties with India.
    • It would become a biennial exercise, highlighting India’s intent to make such multinational military cooperation a regular feature.
    • Tarang Shakti was seen as a tryout for the larger Pacific Skies 24 air exercise involving France, Germany, and Spain, further emphasizing the Indo-Pacific’s growing military relevance.

    Present Dilemma of China:

    • Germany’s Strategic Interest in the Indo-Pacific: China’s aggressive actions, such as building artificial islands in the South China Sea, pose a significant threat to regional stability, international shipping, and trade routes, which Germany heavily depends on.
    • Germany’s Balancing Act: While Germany has clear political positions against China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific, its economic dependence on China complicates the situation. Germany’s increasing defence presence in the region is partly aimed at ensuring free and secure shipping routes.
    • Europe’s Shift in Focus: Post Russia-Ukraine war, Europe, including Germany, is recalibrating its foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific, recognizing the region as the future centre of global economic and geopolitical influence, which is driving greater German defence engagement in the region.

    Way Forward: 

    • Enhance Defence Collaboration: India and Germany should focus on deepening defense cooperation, particularly in areas like technology transfer, joint military exercises, and advanced systems integration to build long-term strategic partnerships.
    • Strengthen Indo-Pacific Engagement: Germany and India should align their Indo-Pacific strategies to ensure regional stability, emphasizing free trade routes and countering China’s assertiveness while balancing economic dependencies.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • India’s Sickle Cell Challenge  

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that alters the shape of red blood cells.

    About the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission:

    • The Union Budget 2023-24 announced a mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047. The mission focuses on awareness and screening programs for people ages 0 to 40.
    • The mission aims to reduce the burden of sickle cell disease, which primarily affects India’s tribal belt (Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra).
    • These include nationwide screening programs and the inclusion of vital medicines like hydroxyurea in the essential medicines list, improving access to treatment.

    Challenges faced by the Indian Government:

    • High Disease Burden: India has the world’s second-largest burden of sickle cell disease, with over a million affected individuals, primarily in tribal areas.
    • Low Treatment Coverage: Only 18% of those affected receive consistent treatment, with significant drop-offs in screening, diagnosis, and treatment adherence.
    • Stigma and Misinformation: Social stigma around the disease, myths such as “God’s curse” or “black magic,” and mistrust of public health systems, particularly in tribal areas, result in delayed diagnosis and treatment.
    • Treatment Adherence Issues: Challenges include inconsistent availability of medicines like hydroxyurea, long travel distances for treatment, and stock shortages at health centers.
    • Poor Vaccination Coverage: Vaccination, which reduces infection rates and improves quality of life, remains inadequate in many affected regions.
    • Research and Development: The lack of ongoing research into treatments and understanding of the disease in India, and the unaffordability of emerging therapies like gene therapy, hinder long-term progress.
    • Financial and Operational Gaps: Health systems in tribal areas require additional funding and operational strengthening to address region-specific health challenges effectively.

    What are the WHO recommendations?

    • Early Identification: Implement newborn screening programs to identify sickle cell disease at birth.
    • Integration into Health Systems: Sickle cell management should be integrated into national health services. This includes establishing specialized centers for comprehensive care and ensuring that primary healthcare providers are trained in managing sickle cell disease.
    • Public Education and Awareness: Conduct public education campaigns to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, reduce stigma, and inform communities about genetic risks and prevention strategies.
    • Genetic Counseling: Provide genetic counselling to families, especially in communities with high prevalence, to inform them about the risks of having children with sickle cell disease and the importance of carrier screening.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments. (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • UAE-India ties are rooted in affnity, trust, and respect

    Why in the News?

    During Sheikh Khaled’s recent visit, new cooperation agreements were signed, including those related to civil nuclear technology and renewable energy, showcasing the commitment to collaborative advancements in critical sectors.

    Evolving Bilateral Relations:

    • In 1972:  India and the UAE bilateral relationship has been formalized since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, gaining momentum with high-level visits and agreements over the years.
    • In 2015: The greater push was achieved when the visit of India’s PM to the UAE in August 2015 marked the beginning of a new Strategic partnership.
    • In 2017: The relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017, during the visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to India in January 2017 as the chief guest at India’s Republic Day.
      • The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner and a significant source of investment.
    • Today, the UAE hosts over 3.5 million Indian expatriates, which strengthens cultural ties and economic collaboration.

    Present Scenario of Strategic Development

    • Trade and Investment Growth: Bilateral trade reached approximately USD 85 billion in 2022-23, with goals to increase it to USD 100 billion by 2030.
      • The UAE has become a significant investor in India, with FDI from the UAE surging to USD 3.35 billion in FY23.
    • Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): India and the UAE signed a CEPA in February 2022, with India being the first country to secure such a deal with the UAE. This agreement led to a 15% rise in bilateral trade within its first year of operation.
    • Regional Ties: India and the UAE are actively engaged in various regional groupings and initiatives such as the I2U2 and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), reflecting shared interests and strategic alignment.
    • Energy Ties: The UAE plays a crucial role in India’s energy security, with strategic oil reserves stored in India.
    • Fintech Ties: Since August 2019, the RuPay card, India’s domestic card payment network, has been accepted at 21 businesses and 5,000 ATMs across the UAE. This makes the UAE the first Gulf nation to adopt the Indian payment system.
    • Cultural Ties: India participated as the Guest of Honour Country in Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2019. Indian cinema/TV/radio channels are easily available and have good viewership.
      • The inauguration of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus marks a significant milestone, representing India’s growing educational influence in the UAE.

    Challenges in India-UAE Relations

    • Labor Rights and Kafala System: Concerns regarding the treatment of Indian expatriates under the Kafala labor system necessitate diplomatic engagement to improve labor rights and welfare.
    • Geopolitical Balancing: As India strengthens its ties with the UAE, it must navigate its relationships with other Gulf nations and maintain a balanced approach to regional conflicts, such as the Chinese market dominance and the Israel-Palestine issue.
    • Economic Diversification: While trade is growing, there is a need to diversify economic cooperation beyond traditional sectors like energy and real estate to include technology and innovation.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Labor Rights Cooperation: India and the UAE should engage in continuous diplomatic dialogues to reform labor practices, improving the welfare and rights of Indian expatriates under the Kafala system, and ensuring a more humane and fair working environment.
    • Diversify Economic and Strategic Cooperation: Both countries should focus on expanding collaboration into emerging sectors such as technology, innovation, and renewable energy while maintaining geopolitical neutrality and balancing relations with other Gulf nations.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?  (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • The grave threat from AMR

    Why in the News?

    Ahead of the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance, WHO published its first-ever guidance on Antibiotic pollution from manufacturing.

    Common Pathogens Found in India

    The three most common pathogens associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India, as reported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), are:

    • Escherichia coli (E. coli): Known for causing gut infections, E. coli has shown a significant decrease in susceptibility to antibiotics, particularly carbapenems, from 81.4% in 2017 to 62.7% in 2023.
    • Klebsiella pneumoniae: This pathogen can lead to pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Its susceptibility to carbapenem-class antibiotics has also declined, with rates dropping from 58.5% to 35.6% and from 48% to 37.6% between 2017 and 2023.
    • Acinetobacter baumannii: Primarily associated with hospital-acquired infections, this pathogen has a high resistance rate to carbapenems, standing at 88% in 2023.

    What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Why is it a Cause for Concern?

    • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when pathogens evolve to survive despite the presence of antimicrobial drugs, rendering standard treatments ineffective. This situation arises mainly due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, leading to the development of resistant strains or “superbugs.” 
    • According to the WHO, emergence and spread of AMR could significantly undermine the effectiveness of antibiotics globally, impacting healthcare outcomes, especially for patients with multiple diseases.

    Why is AMR Increasing?

    Several factors contribute to the increasing rates of AMR in India:

    • Self-medication: Many individuals self-prescribe antibiotics for conditions like fever without proper medical consultation, often for viral infections where antibiotics are ineffective.
    • Prescribing habits: A significant percentage of antibiotics are prescribed not for treating infections but for prevention. Doctors often resort to broad-spectrum antibiotics without conducting necessary diagnostic tests, leading to inappropriate usage.
    • Lack of regulation: The management of pharmaceutical waste from antibiotic manufacturing is largely unregulated, contributing to environmental pollution and the spread of resistant bacteria.

    What needs to be done?

    • Prevention of Infections: Implementing better hygiene practices, improving sanitation, and promoting vaccinations can help reduce the incidence of infections, thereby decreasing the reliance on antibiotics.
    • Education for Healthcare Providers: Train doctors to prescribe antibiotics judiciously, reserve stronger antibiotics for hospital patients, and emphasise the importance of diagnostic testing, which can help ensure appropriate antibiotic use.
    • Regulatory Improvements: Strengthening regulations around antibiotic manufacturing and waste management is crucial for controlling antibiotic pollution and preventing the emergence of resistant strains.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.  (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • On ANI’s defamation suit against Wikipedia

    Why in the News?

    The news agency ANI filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wikimedia Foundation, over a description on the site that portrayed the agency as a promoter of government propaganda.

    Why has the news agency ANI filed a lawsuit against the Wikimedia Foundation?

    • ANI has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wikimedia Foundation over the description of the agency on Wikipedia. The page accused ANI of being a “propaganda tool” for the Indian government, citing sources like The Diplomat, EU DisinfoLab, and The Caravan magazine.
    • ANI claims that these descriptions are defamatory and is seeking ₹2 crore in damages from the Wikimedia Foundation.
    • Wikipedia’s policies emphasize neutrality and reliable sourcing, though it’s often accused of liberal bias. OpIndia claims the site propagates liberal “propaganda” and has criticised the site’s description of the riots for allegedly downplaying attacks by Muslim rioters.
    • Wikipedia has faced government criticism for vandalism, such as on Arshdeep Singh’s page. It lacks a blocking procedure under Indian law, unlike social media platforms.

    What has the Delhi High Court asked the Foundation to reveal?

    • The Delhi High Court ordered the Wikimedia Foundation to provide details about the users who edited ANI’s Wikipedia page. Specifically, the court asks for information about three users involved in the contentious edits.
    • The suit invokes provisions of the Information Technology Act, particularly Section 79, which outlines the responsibilities of intermediaries like Wikipedia.
      • Section 79 provides a framework for the exemption from liability for intermediaries in India regarding third-party content.
    • Justice Navin Chawla has issued a notice to Wikipedia and scheduled the next hearing for August 20, 2024. The court has acknowledged the right of Wikipedia to express opinions but will examine whether the claims made about ANI are backed by facts.

    Will Wikipedia be blocked in India?

    • During the case hearing, the Delhi High Court judge verbally threatened to order the Indian government to block Wikipedia if the Wikimedia Foundation did not comply with its request for user information.
    • Although Wikipedia has faced censorship in countries like China and partial censorship in Russia, it has not yet been blocked in India. However, the current legal proceedings could lead to a similar action if compliance is not met.

    Conclusion: The Indian government should ensure that any legal actions respect user privacy rights while compelling platforms like Wikimedia to cooperate with legitimate legal requests for information, balancing transparency with data protection laws.

  • The role of district agro-met offces in supporting 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.

  • On the challenges to road safety in India  

    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.