From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cultural meat mechanism
Mains level: Cultural meat, potential advantages and challnges
Central Idea
Cell-based meat, also known as cultured meat, is a promising alternative to traditional meat production that could offer ethical and environmental benefits. However, there are still many unknowns about its safety, nutritional value, and potential health risks that must be addressed.
What is Cell-based meat in short?
Cell-based meat, also known as cultured meat, lab-grown meat, or clean meat, refers to meat produced from animal cells grown in a laboratory, rather than from animals raised and slaughtered for meat.
Steps in the process of producing cell-based meat
Cell isolation: A small sample of cells is taken from an animal through a biopsy, which could be done using a needle or a small incision. The cells are typically muscle cells, which are capable of replicating and forming muscle tissue.
Cell culture: The cells are then placed in a culture medium, which provides the necessary nutrients and growth factors for the cells to multiply and form muscle tissue. The medium typically contains fetal bovine serum (FBS), which is derived from the blood of a cow fetus, but scientists are working to develop plant-based and other alternatives to FBS.
Tissue engineering: The muscle cells are then placed on a scaffold, which can be made of various materials such as collagen or cellulose. The scaffold provides structure and support for the cells to form muscle tissue.
Bioreactor cultivation: The scaffold with the muscle cells is then placed in a bioreactor, which provides a controlled environment for the muscle tissue to grow. The bioreactor can be adjusted to provide the right levels of oxygen, nutrients, and other factors for optimal growth.
Harvesting: Once the muscle tissue has grown to the desired size, it is harvested and processed into the final product, which can take various forms such as ground meat or whole cuts.
Report on cell-based meat market
A 2021 report by United States-based analytics firm Markets and Markets estimated that the global cell-based meat market will reach $214 million by 2027 at a compound annual growth rate of 61.4 per cent.
The report cites increasing concerns over animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and the growing demand for protein-rich foods as key drivers of market growth.
The firm recently received approval from Singapore Food Agency for its ‘chicken bites’ made from cultured meat. It is a significant step toward the future of food.
Advantages of cell-based meat
Environmental sustainability: The production of cell-based meat requires fewer resources such as land, water, and energy compared to traditional meat production. It also produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
For instance:
A recent study published by Switzerland-based research publisher Frontiers mentions cell-based meat could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 78 per cent and land use by up to 99 per cent.
Another study by ACS Publications said that cell-based meat production could reduce GHG emissions by up to 96 per cent and land use by up to 99 per cent compared to traditional beef production.
Ethical: Cell-based meat production does not involve animal slaughter and hence is considered more humane.
Healthier: Cell-based meat can be produced with lower levels of saturated fat and no antibiotics or hormones. It can also be tailored to provide specific nutritional benefits.
Food security: As the global population continues to increase, traditional meat production may not be able to keep up with the demand for protein. Cell-based meat can provide an alternative source of protein that can be produced in a controlled and sustainable manner.
Pathogen-free: Cell-based meat is produced in a sterile and controlled environment, reducing the risk of pathogen contamination.
For instance: A team of researchers published a report in ScienceDirect in 2018, which says that cell-based meat production could reduce the risk of contamination by bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. This would largely be due to the elimination of animal slaughter and reliance on antibiotics in animal husbandry.
No harmful growth hormones: Lab-grown meats are free of growth hormones as well. Commercial livestock factories use these hormones to expedite the growth of farm animals. Their excess use has harmful health outcomes.
For instance: A European Union-appointed research committee examined six growth hormones used in raising cattle. It concluded that the growth hormones had developmental, neurobiological, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects.
Potential challenges of cell-based meat
Culture medium: Researchers have yet to develop a culture medium that is completely free of animal-derived components. The use of fetal bovine serum, for example, contradicts the ethical standards of lab-grown meat production.
Health effects: The health effects of consuming cell-based meat are still unknown, and there are concerns about dysregulation and the development of cancerous properties in cultured meat.
Consumer acceptance: Most consumers still prefer natural products and may be hesitant to adopt cell-based meat due to its “unnatural” origins. Educating consumers about the safety, quality, and sustainability of cell-based meat will be important for its commercial success.
Variety: Researchers have not yet developed true muscle with an organized network of blood vessels, which makes it difficult to reproduce the original flavor and taste of meat derived from different species.
Cost: Currently, the production of cell-based meat is more expensive than traditional meat production. As the technology advances and economies of scale are achieved, it is expected that the cost will decrease, but it may take some time before cell-based meat becomes cost-competitive with traditional meat.
Way ahead
Addressing the cost: Currently, cell-based meat is expensive to produce. Research and development should focus on finding ways to reduce production costs and making the final product more affordable.
Improving the taste and texture: While cell-based meat is similar to traditional meat, there are still some differences in taste and texture. Researchers need to work on improving the taste and texture to make it more appealing to consumers.
Increasing variety: Currently, only a limited range of cell-based meats are available. Researchers need to work on producing different types of meat to offer consumers a wider range of options.
Addressing regulatory concerns: As cell-based meat is a new technology, there are still some regulatory concerns that need to be addressed. Governments and regulatory bodies should work with the industry to establish guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety and quality of cell-based meat products.
Educating consumers: Consumer awareness and education are key to the success of cell-based meat. People need to be made aware of the benefits of cell-based meat and be educated about how it is produced and the safety and quality standards that are in place.
Conclusion
Cell-based meat can be the food of the future as it is free of antibiotics, germs, and doesn’t emit GHGs. However, their success depends on developing new cell lines and optimising growth conditions to produce meat that is more similar in texture, flavour, and nutritional composition to traditional meat. The health risks and consumer acceptance of cell-based meats are still largely unknown, so rigorous testing and regulatory oversight are needed to meet high safety standards.
Mains question
Q. Cultured meat is becoming a promising alternative to traditional meat production, however there are also potential risks associated with it. Discuss.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Health Security Index, PM ABHIM and related schemes and facts
Mains level: India's One health approach
Central Idea
The Covid-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in the world’s health systems, including countries ranked high in the Global Health Security Index. It has also provided an opportunity to build stronger health systems to prevent and respond to future pandemics. India’s One Health approach aims to address the health of people, animals, and ecosystems together in order to prevent, prepare, and respond to pandemics.
What is PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM ABHIM)?
PM ABHIM is being rolled out as India’s largest scheme to scale up health infrastructure.
It is aimed at ensuring a robust public health infrastructure in both urban and rural areas, capable of responding to public health emergencies or disease outbreaks.
Key features:
Health and Wellness Centres: In a bid to increase accessibility it will provide support to 17,788 rural HWC in 10 ‘high focus’ states and establish 11,024 urban HWC across the country.
Exclusive Critical Care Hospital Blocks: It will ensure access to critical care services in all districts of the country with over five lakh population through ‘Exclusive Critical Care Hospital Blocks’.
Integrated public health labs: It will also be set up in all districts, giving people access to “a full range of diagnostic services” through a network of laboratories across the country.
Disease surveillance system: The mission also aims to establish an IT-enabled disease surveillance system through a network of surveillance laboratories at block, district, regional and national levels.
Integrated Health Information Portal: All the public health labs will be connected through this Portal, which will be expanded to all states and UTs, the PMO said.
Facts for prelims
What is Global Health Security Index?
The Global Health Security Index is a tool developed to assess a country’s preparedness and ability to respond to outbreaks, pandemics, and other public health emergencies.
It was developed by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, in collaboration with The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
The Index ranks 195 countries based on their level of preparedness across six categories: 1. Prevention, 2. Detection and reporting, 3. Rapid response, 4. Health system, 5. Compliance with international norms, and 6. Risk environment.
The Index aims to identify gaps in preparedness and encourage countries to take action to strengthen their health security systems, particularly in the face of global health threats such as pandemics.
The first edition of the Index was published in 2019, and it has since been updated to reflect the evolving global health landscape.
Global Health Security Index 2021: India ranked 66th.
What is mean by One health?
One Health is an interdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
It emphasizes the need for collaboration between various sectors, including public health, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and others, to achieve optimal health outcomes for all.
key components of India’s One Health approach
Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM): The flagship program launched in October 2021 aims to prevent, prepare, and respond to pandemics. It seeks to fill the gaps in health systems at the national and state levels.
National Institute for One Health: The foundation for the institute was laid recently in Nagpur. It will identify hotspots for endemic and emerging zoonotic diseases to contain their spread early on.
Creation of a network of institutions for genomic surveillance: During the COVID-19 pandemic, India created a formidable network of institutions that can identify new pathogens. This can now be complemented with wider testing of wastewater and samples from incoming ships and aircraft.
Coordination between ministries: Several ministries, including health, animal husbandry, forests, and biotechnology, have been brought under the Principal Scientific Advisor to address overlapping mandates and improve coordination.
Expansion of research laboratories: India is expanding its network of research laboratories, which primarily focused on influenza, to cover all respiratory viruses of unknown origin.
Partnerships between research bodies and manufacturers: Indian manufacturers produced vaccines, test kits, therapeutics, masks and other items at very competitive prices, both for India and other countries. The partnerships between research bodies and manufacturers will need to be sustained and enhanced to make India a global hub in the biopharma sector.
Clinical trial network: The clinical trial network set up under the National Biopharma Mission is a positive step toward improving access to affordable new vaccines and drugs in India and around the world.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission: The mission can facilitate the bringing of private hospitals and clinics under a common platform and placing data in the public domain to augment surveillance in vulnerable areas.
Municipal corporations mandated to provide early alerts: Municipal corporations have been mandated to identify the most vulnerable areas and provide early alerts. For this to be successful, strong partnerships with communities, dairy cooperatives, and the poultry industry will be needed to identify new infections.
What are the potential advantages of the One Health approach?
Holistic approach: The One Health approach looks at the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By taking a holistic approach, it enables a better understanding of the complex interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health, and can lead to more effective interventions and solutions
Early disease detection: The One Health approach emphasizes the importance of early disease detection in animals, which can serve as an early warning system for potential human outbreaks. This approach can help prevent the spread of diseases and reduce the risk of pandemics.
Better disease surveillance: The One Health approach facilitates better disease surveillance by enabling the sharing of information and resources between different sectors, including human health, animal health, and environmental health.
More effective responses: The One Health approach can lead to more effective responses to outbreaks by facilitating collaboration between different sectors and stakeholders, and ensuring a coordinated response.
Improved animal health: The One Health approach recognizes the importance of animal health and welfare, and can lead to improved animal health through better disease control and prevention measures.
Better environmental management: The One Health approach also recognizes the importance of environmental management and conservation, and can lead to more sustainable environmental practices that benefit both human and animal health.
Conclusion
India’s One Health approach is a positive step towards addressing the health of people, animals, and ecosystems together. The country’s efforts to tackle future pandemics are commendable, and the success of these efforts will be critical. The rise of new pathogens, zoonotic diseases, and antibiotic resistance highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to prevent future pandemics. India’s efforts to build stronger health systems, prevent pandemics, and respond to outbreaks will help protect its citizens and set an example for the world.
Mains Question
Q. What do you understand by mean One Health? Discuss the advantages of One health approach the efforts of India in this direction.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Women's Reservation
Mains level: Reservation and Women’s political participation
“The progress of a community can be measured by the degree of progress which women have achieve” ——Babasaheb Ambedkar
Central Idea
Women have broken the glass ceiling of patriarchy in various sectors; however, they still face significant barriers to political participation in India. Despite achieving suffrage early, women hold only 14% of seats in the Parliament even 75 years after independence. It is time to acknowledge the systematic exclusion of women from politics and demand action for creating a more equitable political landscape.
Women’s political participation
Role in India’s fight for independence: Women played a crucial role in India’s fight for independence, by organising demonstrations, leading rallies, and raising awareness.
Representation in Constituent Assembly: There were numerous female representatives in the Constituent Assembly as well.
Women Chief Ministers: Just a decade ago, three of India’s largest States, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, were in the spotlight for being led by women Chief Ministers.
For instance: While Sushma Swaraj led the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sonia Gandhi served as both President of the Congress Party and Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance. Also, India had its first woman President, Pratibha Patil around the same time.
The discourse on women’s reservation
Dates back to pre-Independence era: The discourse on women’s reservation in India originates from the pre-Independence era when several women’s organisations demanded political representation for women.
10% of seats in the Legislature: It can be traced back to 1955 when a government appointed committee recommended that 10% of seats in the Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies should be reserved for women.
National Perspective Plan for Women (1988): The National Perspective Plan for Women (1988) recommended that 30% of seats in all elected bodies should be reserved for women.
National Policy for the Empowerment of Women: This recommendation was reiterated in the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, which was adopted in 2001.
33% reservation under Panchayati raj Act: In 1993, the Panchayati Raj Act was amended to reserve 33% of all seats in local government bodies for women, which was a significant step towards women’s political empowerment.
Women’s Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha: The success of this reservation led to demands for similar reservations in other elected bodies; in 1996, the Women’s Reservation Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Bill proposed to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State legislative Assemblies for women. However, facing strong opposition from some political parties it lapsed but gained more momentum again in the early 2000s. On March 9, 2010, the Bill was approved in the Rajya Sabha.
Why female representation in Parliament and state legislatures remained low?
Inaccessibility of Institutions: Election records show that most political parties, though pledging in their constitutions to provide adequate representation to women, in practice give far too few party tickets to women candidates. A study found that a large section of women who do get party tickets have family political connections, or are ‘dynastic’ politicians. With normal routes of accessibility limited, such connections are often an entry point for women
Notion of women less likely to win: It is still widely held in political circles that women candidates are less likely to win elections than men, which leads to political parties giving them fewer tickets.
Challenging Structural Conditions: Election campaigns in India are extremely demanding and time-consuming. Women politicians, with family commitments and the responsibilities of child care, often find it difficult to fully participate
Highly vulnerable: Women politicians have been constantly subjected to humiliation, inappropriate comments, abuse and threats of abuse, making participation and contesting elections extremely challenging.
Expensive electoral system: Financing is also an obstacle as many women are financially dependent on their families. Fighting parliamentary elections can be extremely expensive, and massive financial resources are required to be able to put up a formidable contest. Absent adequate support from their parties, women candidates are compelled to arrange for their own campaign financing this is a huge challenge that deters their participation
Internalized patriarchy: A phenomenon known as ‘internalized patriarchy’ where many women consider it their duty to priorities family and household over political ambitions.
Why women participation in law making process is so important?
Political empowerment: Legislative representation is fundamental to political empowerment, enabling participation in the law-making process. Legislatures play a vital role in raising debates and discussions on various aspects of governance and in exacting accountability from the government.
Shows the status of gender parity: Women’s representation in the national parliament is a key indicator of the extent of gender equality in parliamentary politics.
Women bring different skills to politics: According to Political scientist, Anne “women bring different skills to politics and provide role models for future generations; they appeal to justice between sexes.
Facilitates specific interests of women in policy: Their inclusion in politics facilitates representation of the specific interests of women in state policy and creates conditions for a revitalized democracy that bridges the gap between representation and participation.
Highly effective and less likely to be criminal and corrupt: Study found that, women legislators perform better in their constituencies on economic indicators than their male counterparts also women legislators are less likely to be criminal and corrupt, more efficacious, and less vulnerable to political opportunism.
How reservation for women in India can help increase political participation?
Ensuring representation: Reservation of seats for women in legislatures can ensure that women are represented in decision-making bodies. This can help address the issue of underrepresentation of women in politics.
Encouraging women to enter politics: Reservation can provide women with an opportunity to enter politics and participate in the political process. This can help increase the number of women who contest elections and engage in politics.
Building capacity: Reservation can help build the capacity of women politicians by providing them with an opportunity to participate in legislative processes and gain experience in politics. This can help them to become effective leaders and represent the interests of women.
Changing attitudes: Reservation can help change societal attitudes towards women in politics. It can help create a perception that women are capable of holding political office and making important decisions. This can help break down stereotypes and encourage more women to participate in politics.
Promoting gender-sensitive policies: Women politicians can help promote gender-sensitive policies that address issues such as violence against women, gender-based discrimination, and women’s health. Reservation can help ensure that these issues are given due consideration in the legislative process.
Conclusion
Women have been waiting for too long for their right to govern not just for themselves but for the greater common good. Women’s leadership qualities are not hidden from anyone, so the denial of opportunity for political representation represents grave injustice. As India strives to become a Vishwa Guru, we must not overlook the pivotal role women can play in nation building and development. The women’s reservation Bill cannot wait any longer. The Bill must be passed.
Mains Question
Q. Women’s leadership qualities are not hidden from anyone, so the denial of opportunity for political representation represents grave injustice. Comment.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nuclear energy, applications and elements such as Uranium, Thorium,
Mains level: Nuclear power phasing down discussion
Central idea
Germany has recently shut down its last nuclear power plant, and France, the nuclear powerhouse of the world, is struggling to replenish its stock of aging reactors. With solar and wind power becoming more popular globally, the question arises whether nuclear power, with its attendant concerns on cost and safety, remains a relevant option for a fossil-free future, particularly in India. The question here arises is that whether the nuclear power in India should be phased out?
Global outlook for nuclear power
Nuclear power renaissance in Europe and US: A lot has happened in the last two years. Particularly after the Ukraine war, nuclear power is seeing a renaissance, even in Europe and the U.S.
China: China has anyway been surging ahead on nuclear power.
South Korea: South Korea’s new president has changed the energy policy and committed to increasing the share of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix to 30% by 2030.
Japan: Japan, which should have completely shut down reactors after the Fukushima (accident), is restarting them, 10 have been restarted following years of inspection and upgrading safety systems, and I believe that the plan is to start 10 more. Japan had to do that because it was otherwise dependent either on expensive, imported coal or on natural gas (LNG).
UK: Beyond Germany, the U.K. has said that without scaling up nuclear power, it won’t be possible to decarbonise the electricity sector.
Facts for prelims
Element
Deposits in India
Applications
Advantages
Disadvantages
Uranium
Jaduguda, Bhatin, Narwapahar, Banduhurang, Mohuldih and Turamdih in Jharkhand; Lambapur-Peddagattu in Telangana; Gogi in Karnataka; and Tummalapalle in Andhra Pradesh
Electricity generation, nuclear weapons, nuclear medicine
Low carbon emissions, efficient energy production, cost-effective
Radioactive waste management, risk of nuclear accidents, non-renewable
Thorium
Kerala coast, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Rajasthan
Electricity generation, nuclear weapons, nuclear medicine
More abundant than uranium, low levels of radioactivity, more efficient energy production than uranium
Requires a breeder reactor, expensive, currently not widely used
Why nuclear power is considered low-carbon or green energy?
Low greenhouse gas emissions: Nuclear power plants do not produce carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases during their operation, unlike fossil fuel plants that emit large amounts of carbon dioxide and contribute to climate change.
High energy density: Nuclear fuel contains a very high energy density, which means that a small amount of fuel can produce a large amount of energy. This makes nuclear power a very efficient and reliable source of energy.
Energy security: Nuclear power plants provide a stable and reliable source of energy, which can help to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve energy security.
Reduced air pollution: Nuclear power plants do not emit pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter, which can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.
Land use: Nuclear power plants require much less land than renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power, which can help to conserve land and natural habitats.
How Nuclear energy is also responsible for greenhouse gas emissions?
Nuclear energy itself does not emit greenhouse gases during its operation, but it does produce greenhouse gas emissions during the lifecycle of the plant, including mining, processing, and transportation of nuclear fuel.
The construction and decommissioning of nuclear power plants also produce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, nuclear power plants rely on fossil fuels for the transportation of nuclear fuel and the operation of auxiliary systems.
The greenhouse gas emissions associated with nuclear energy are significantly lower than those associated with fossil fuels, but they are not zero.
Why is there resistance to nuclear energy?
Safety concerns: The risk of nuclear accidents, such as those that occurred at Chernobyl and Fukushima, have led to safety concerns about nuclear power plants. The potential for radioactive contamination and long-term health effects on the surrounding population have made many people wary of nuclear power.
Nuclear proliferation: The possibility that nuclear power could be used to develop nuclear weapons is a concern for many countries, particularly those with nuclear weapons programs themselves.
Waste disposal: The radioactive waste produced by nuclear power plants is dangerous and must be stored safely for hundreds of thousands of years. Finding a safe and secure method of storing this waste is a major challenge.
Cost: Nuclear power plants are expensive to build and maintain. Cost overruns and delays are common, and the cost of decommissioning nuclear power plants at the end of their life can be significant.
Public perception: Nuclear power has a negative public image in many countries, with many people associating it with danger and disaster.
Facts for Prelims
Uranium
Thorium
Atomic number
92
90
Natural isotopes
U-238, U-235, U-234
Th-232
Radioactivity
Highly radioactive
Weakly radioactive
Fissile
U-235 is fissile
Not fissile
Nuclear weapons
Can be used to create nuclear weapons
Cannot be used to create nuclear weapons
Nuclear power
Widely used for nuclear power
Not commonly used for nuclear power
Decay products
Produces many long-lived and dangerous decay products
Produces fewer and less dangerous decay products
Availability
Limited reserves
Abundant reserves
Waste disposal
Radioactive waste remains dangerous for thousands of years
Radioactive waste decays faster and becomes less dangerous
Environmental impact
Can have significant environmental impact
Considered less environmentally damaging than uranium mining
Health effects
Exposure can cause serious health effects, including cancer
Less harmful to human health than uranium
What are the concerns over radioactivity from spent fuel?
Long-term storage: Spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for thousands of years and requires careful handling and storage to prevent any potential exposure to humans and the environment.
Accidents: Accidents during transportation or storage of spent nuclear fuel can result in the release of radioactive material, which can cause severe environmental damage and health risks to humans and other living organisms.
Nuclear proliferation: Spent nuclear fuel can also be used to create nuclear weapons, and there are concerns about the risk of nuclear proliferation and the potential use of these weapons.
Disposal: The long-term disposal of spent nuclear fuel is also a major challenge, as it requires finding safe and secure locations to store the material for thousands of years.
Why India should never consider phasing out nuclear power?
Limited growth potential for hydropower: India has limited growth potential for hydropower due to factors such as conserving biodiversity, rehabilitating and compensating landowners, and seismological factors in the Himalayas. Therefore, nuclear power is an alternative to coal-based power plants.
Net-zero emissions goal: To achieve the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, India needs a combination of small modular reactors and large reactors. Therefore, multiple companies need to be allowed to operate nuclear reactors rather than a monopoly by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.
Firm, reliable and low-carbon power: Nuclear power is a source of firm, dispatchable power that is low carbon and reliable. It can provide a constant and stable source of electricity, especially when wind and solar energy are intermittent or variable.
Access to nuclear fuel: India has limited access to enriched uranium, which is required to fuel nuclear reactors. However, the country’s nuclear program is based on working around its limited supply of enriched uranium, and it has not faced any significant issues in accessing nuclear fuel.
Portfolio of technologies: A mix of supply-side and demand-side technologies is required to solve energy problems. Nuclear power can be a part of the portfolio of technologies that India needs to achieve its energy goals. Therefore, policy frameworks should be enabling rather than technology-specific.
Mains Question
Q. Do you agree with the statement that ‘Without scaling up nuclear power, it won’t be possible to decarbonise the electricity sector.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bharat Tap Rating, AMRUT
Mains level: Water conservation efforts
Central idea: The Centre is in the process of bringing in a star rating system for water fixtures similar to the ratings of electrical appliances.
Bharat Tap Rating
The star rating system would come under one umbrella called Bharat Tap, which was formulated under AMRUT 2.0 to drive water efficiency.
The initiative aims to promote and adopt water-efficient fixtures.
It would have 3, 4, and 5-star water fixtures based on their water efficiency.
This would help consumers make informed decisions while purchasing sanitary equipment.
Collaborators of the initiative
The Indian Plumbing Association and all manufacturers have been roped in to adopt and promote the new standards for water-efficient fixtures.
Why such move?
Data derived from this initiative showed that on average over 30% of water can be saved.
However, there was not enough data available to consumers to assist them in making informed decisions when purchasing sanitary fixtures.
Back2Basics: AMRUT 2.O
Water management: It will build upon the progress of AMRUT to address water needs, rejuvenate water bodies, better manage aquifers, reuse treated wastewater, thereby promoting circular economy of water.
Water supply: It would provide100% coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 ULBs.
Sewerage: It will provide 100% coverage of sewerage and septage in 500 AMRUT cities.
Rejuvenation of water bodies and urban aquifer management: It will be undertaken to augment sustainable fresh water supply.
Recycle and reuse of treated wastewater: It is expected to cater to 20% of total water needs of the cities and 40% of industrial demand.
Pey Jal Survekshan: It will be conducted in cities to ascertain equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater and mapping of water bodies.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Health Account (NHA) estimates
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central idea: The National Health Account Estimates 2019-20 report shows an increase in government spending and a decline in out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare.
About National Health Account (NHA) estimates
The NHA estimates for India 2019-20 is the seventh consecutive report prepared by the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC).
NHSRC was designated as National Health Accounts Technical Secretariat (NHATS) in 2014 by the Union Health Ministry.
The NHA estimates use an accounting framework based on the internationally accepted standard of System of Health Accounts, 2011 developed by the WHO.
India now has a continuous series of NHA estimates from 2013-14 to 2019-20, making the estimates comparable internationally.
The estimates enable policymakers to monitor progress in different health financing indicators of the country.
Key highlights
Description
Government spending as % of GDP
Increased from 1.13% (FY 2015) to 1.35% (FY 2020)
Per capita health spending of the government has also increased from Rs 1,108 in FY 2015 to Rs 2,014 in FY 2020.
Govt share in total healthcare spending has increased from 29% in 2015 to 41.4% in 2020
Declining out-of-pocket expenditure
Proportion of total healthcare spending that comes from people’s pockets has decreased from 62.6% in 2015 to 47.1% in 2020
Govt aims to further reduce out-of-pocket expenditure by investing in public health and insurance
To reduce the financial burden of healthcare on individuals and increase the utilization of healthcare services
Government spending on primary healthcare
Increased from 51.3% in 2015 to 55.9% in 2020.
Govt. invested in creating 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres that can screen people for cancers, diabetes, and eye disease.
Increase in social security expenditure
Increased from 5.7% of total healthcare spending in 2015 to 9.3% in 2020.
Suggests that the government is investing more in social welfare programs.
Increase in spending on insurance
Privately purchased health insurance increased from 3.9% of total health expenditure in 2015 to 7.72% in 2020
Govt. financed health insurance spending also went up from 3.8% in 2015 to 6.37% in 2020
Health spending by states
Only two big states and three smaller ones have crossed the target of 8% of their budget going towards healthcare as set by the National Health Policy 2017.
Key issues
Marginal increase: Activists are concerned about the marginal increase in government spending.
Global laggard: This increase in government health expenditure as a percentage of GDP also takes into account capital spending, which puts India in 164th place out of 184 countries in terms of government health spending.
No proportional increase: Total spending on health as a proportion of GDP has been going down, from 3.9% in 2015 to 3.3% in 2020, indicating a decline in consumption of healthcare services.
Conclusion
Overall, the report shows that government spending on healthcare has been increasing, while out-of-pocket expenditure has been declining.
There is a need to invest in public health and insurance and increase the contribution of states towards healthcare.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Seamounts
Mains level: NA
Central Idea: Scientists have reported finding 19,325 new seamounts after poring through new high-resolution data. A study had already mapped 24,000 seamounts across the world’s oceans.
Why study this?
The recent discovery of new seamounts was made possible by advancements in altimetry for gravity-field mapping, which improved spatial coverage.
Seamounts are underwater mountains formed through volcanic activity.
They are recognised as hotspots for marine life.
Most seamounts are formed near mid-ocean ridges, intraplate hotspots, and oceanic island chains with volcanic and seismic activity called island arcs.
They can be active, extinct or dormant volcanoes.
Importance of Seamounts
Seamounts provide information about the mantle’s composition and how tectonic plates evolve as they are formed when molten rock comes up from below the tectonic plates.
Oceanographers study seamounts to understand their influence on how water circulates and absorbs heat and carbon dioxide.
Seamounts are home to diverse biological communities as they can cause localised ocean upwelling, which brings nutrient-rich water from deep within the ocean to the surface.
How were they mapped?
Surveyors map seamounts using either echo sounders or multibeam sonar on ships for topographic mapping or using satellite altimetry for gravity-field mapping.
The hi-res maps produced by multibeam sonar mapping are often incomplete, whereas the low-res maps produced by satellite altimetry have better coverage.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ningaloo ‘Hybrid’ Solar Eclipse
Mains level: Not Much
A ‘hybrid’ solar eclipse called the Ningaloo Eclipse recently happened on April 20, 2023.
Ningaloo ‘Hybrid’ Solar Eclipse
It was a rare astronomical event that occurred on April 20, 2023.
The Moon passed directly between the Sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on a narrow strip of land in Western Australia.
It was a “hybrid” eclipse, starting as an annular eclipse and transitioning into a total eclipse.
The path of the eclipse crossed over the Ningaloo Reef, a world heritage site in Western Australia.
It offered a unique opportunity to view the eclipse against the backdrop of the reef and the Indian Ocean.
How rare are such events?
During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth’s surface.
However, solar eclipses do not occur every month because the Moon’s orbit is tilted by about 5 degrees relative to Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
Therefore, the Moon’s shadow usually misses Earth, but occasionally the alignment is just right for a solar eclipse to occur.
In the case of the Ningaloo Hybrid Solar Eclipse, the alignment was such that the Moon was at the right distance from Earth to create both an annular and a total eclipse as it moved across the Sun.
This type of eclipse is quite rare, occurring only about once every 400 years.
