Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Goa's Cashew
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The recent awarding of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Goa’s cashew industry has ignited hope and enthusiasm among cashew manufacturers and processors in the state.
Goa’s Cashew Industry
- Introduction of Cashew in Goa: Cashew was introduced to Goa in the 16th century by Portuguese colonizers. Initially, it was primarily cultivated for afforestation and soil conservation purposes.
- Discovery of Edible Value: The true economic value of cashew nuts was discovered during Goa’s freedom movement in the mid-18th century. Goan prisoners exiled to Portuguese territory in Africa (Mozambique) recognized the edible potential of cashew nuts.
- Growth of Cashew Industry: Cashew production evolved from a cottage industry to a large-scale enterprise, driven by demand, particularly in the USA. The first cashew factory in Goa began operations in 1926, and the first consignment of cashew kernels was exported in 1930.
- Foreign Trade Contribution: By 1961, the cashew processing industry accounted for about 60% of industrial production in Goa. Cashew nuts, both locally grown and imported, were processed and exported to countries like the United States of America, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and West Germany.
Understanding the GI Tag
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Mains level: CPEC and India's sovereignty issue
Central Idea
- As China celebrates the 10th anniversary of its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2023, the progress of one of its flagship projects, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), appears to have slowed down.
- Despite its initial promise, challenges related to economic, security, and political factors have led to a reevaluation of the CPEC’s future.
CPEC Overview
- Inception: Signed in 2015, the CPEC aimed to facilitate Chinese goods’ transportation from Xinjiang through Pakistan to the Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea.
- Investment: It involves significant Chinese investments in rail and road infrastructure and energy development in Pakistan.
Reasons behind CPEC Slowdown
(A) Economic Factors
- Pakistan’s Economic Crisis: Pakistan’s deteriorating economic situation has impacted the viability of new CPEC projects.
- China’s Economic Slowdown: China’s economic slowdown has also contributed to a reduction in new investments.
(B) Overpromising and Under-delivering
- High Expectations: CPEC faced criticism for generating high expectations but delivering limited tangible benefits to the Pakistani people.
- Debt Burden: Pakistan has incurred substantial public debt and payments to Chinese companies, further straining its finances.
(C) Political Instability in Pakistan
- Imran Khan’s Ouster: The political instability following the ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022 has raised concerns about political stability.
- Lack of Clarity: The uncertainty surrounding the timing of future elections adds to China’s worries.
(D) Security Concerns
- Threats to Chinese Workers: Security threats to Chinese workers and projects, including attacks by militants, have raised alarm.
- Expanding Threat Landscape: China faces a range of security threats, including Baloch insurgents, the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), and Islamic State-Khorasan province (IS-K).
China’s Response and Concerns
- Security Measures: China is increasingly concerned about security threats to its Belt and Road investments and has taken measures to safeguard its personnel and infrastructure.
- Potential Political Fallout: China’s potential deployment of its security forces to protect its assets in Pakistan could have political implications.
Conclusion
- The CPEC, a vital component of China’s BRI, faces a complex set of challenges.
- Economic pressures, overpromising, political instability in Pakistan, and security threats have contributed to its slowdown.
- While some maintain optimism about the project’s future, addressing these multifaceted issues will be crucial for the CPEC to realize its full potential and continue as a significant driver of regional development.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: India-Palestine Relations
Central Idea
- India’s diplomatic position on the Israel-Palestine conflict has witnessed significant shifts over the years.
- While PM recent expression of solidarity with Israel during a period of heightened conflict has sparked debate, it is essential to contextualize these developments in India’s historical foreign policy.
- This article delves into India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine issue, the factors shaping its policies, and the implications of its evolving approach.
Historical Background
- India’s Early Stance: India’s initial position on the Israel-Palestine issue was shaped by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. In 1947, India voted against UN Resolution 181, advocating for the partition of Mandatory Palestine. Nehru favored a federal state with wide autonomy for Arabs and Jews, influenced by Gandhi’s opposition to a Jewish state.
- Recognition of Israel: Despite recognizing Israel in 1950, India did not establish diplomatic relations until 1992. Factors such as a sizable Muslim population, Cold War dynamics, and the need to maintain Arab support influenced this delayed recognition.
Impact of Establishing Diplomatic Relations
- End of Cold War: India’s decision to establish diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992 marked a shift after the end of the Cold War. The government of P.V. Narasimha Rao took this bold step, focusing on national interests and strengthening economic relations, particularly in defense.
- Ongoing Support for Palestine: India’s recognition of Israel did not signal abandonment of its principled support for Palestine. India continued to voice support for the Palestinian cause while developing closer ties with Israel.
Contemporary Developments
- India-Israel Relations: Presently, India enjoys a strong and multifaceted relationship with Israel. Prime Ministers Modi and Netanyahu have cultivated personal rapport, and both countries collaborate closely, especially in the defense sector.
- Change in Rhetoric: India has adopted a more measured approach in its rhetoric regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, especially in international forums like the United Nations. Some argue that India’s pro-Palestine stance has not yielded commensurate benefits in terms of national interest.
- Ideological Shift: India’s support for Israel’s response to attacks from Gaza is sometimes misinterpreted as anti-Islamic action. Israel’s approach to cross-border terrorism resonates with some in India, although the situations differ significantly.
India’s Formal Position
- Support for Two-State Solution: India officially supports the two-state solution, envisioning Israel and Palestine as peaceful neighbours coexisting harmoniously.
- Official visits: PM Modi’s visit to Ramallah in 2018 underscored India’s commitment to this position.
- Public perception: A large section of Indian society is supportive of the Palestinian cause due to religious affinities.
Potential Implications of Current Escalation
- Palestinian Reaction: While the Palestinians may express dissatisfaction with India’s growing proximity to Israel, it is unlikely to result in significant backlash. Popular sentiment may revive support for the Palestinian cause.
- Arab World’s Perspective: Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, have shifted their focus from the Palestinian issue. They are increasingly open to normalizing relations with Israel. India’s stance is unlikely to disrupt its relationships with these nations.
Conclusion
- India’s evolving stance on the Israel-Palestine issue reflects its pragmatic approach to foreign policy.
- While it maintains support for Palestine, India has strategically developed robust relations with Israel, grounded in national interests.
- The recent expression of solidarity with Israel amid conflict highlights the complexities of India’s diplomatic balancing act in the region.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Finfluencers
Mains level: Capital markets manipulation issue
Central Idea
- A recent front-page advertisement in a business daily, featuring a financial influencer (finfluencer), YouTube’s logo, and the IT Ministry’s logo, has stirred controversy and raised concerns about the role of finfluencers and their impact.
Understanding Finfluencers
- Finfluencers are individuals with a significant presence on social media platforms who offer financial advice, share personal experiences related to money management, and discuss various investment topics.
- Their general discussion includes stocks, budgeting, property, cryptocurrency, and financial trends.
- Finfluencers often have a large following, and their advice and recommendations can influence the financial decisions of their audience.
- However, concerns arise regarding their qualifications and the potential risks associated with their recommendations.
Why discuss them?
- The advertisement in question featured a popular finfluencer, alongside the tagline, “Trust only the real experts,” and logos of YouTube and the IT Ministry.
- It directed viewers to a YouTube playlist on online safety and content verification.
- The advertisement generated criticism due to the perceived endorsement of expertise by finfluencers or a specific social media platform.
- Given ongoing regulatory scrutiny of finfluencers, this raised concerns about the message being conveyed.
Regulatory Context
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the country’s markets regulator, has been examining the activities of finfluencers.
- Investors have expressed concerns about unsolicited stock tips and investment advice provided by finfluencers without proper registration as investment advisers.
- Many finfluencers lack clear educational or professional qualifications in finance, raising questions about their competence to provide financial advice.
- The absence of transparency regarding financial relationships between finfluencers and promoted entities is also concerning.
Government’s Response
- The MEITY clarified that the advertisement did not endorse any individual or platform.
- He emphasized the need for private platforms to exercise caution when using government logos in advocacy ads to avoid misinterpretation.
Broader Industry Concerns
- ASCI’s Guidelines violated: The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has issued guidelines for social media influencers and advertisers regarding virtual digital assets (VDAs), including cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
- Non-Compliance: ASCI’s recent half-yearly report highlighted cases of non-compliance by social media influencers with advertising guidelines.
- Celebrity endorsements: A prominent Bollywood actor was among those found in violation, particularly in advertisements related to financial instruments and cryptocurrencies.
Conclusion
- The controversial advertisement featuring a finfluencer has ignited a debate about the role and responsibilities of financial influencers in India.
- Regulatory authorities are increasingly focusing on the activities of finfluencers, and the industry is grappling with questions of transparency, qualifications, and investor protection.
- The ongoing scrutiny reflects the evolving landscape of financial advice and investment in the digital age.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Operation Ajay
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- India has initiated Operation Ajay to evacuate its citizens who wish to return from conflict-ridden Israel.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced this operation, emphasizing the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad.
Operation Ajay
- Evacuation Plan: Special chartered flights and other arrangements are being organized for the return of Indian citizens from Israel.
- Second Evacuation: This marks the second evacuation operation this year, following Operation Kaveri, which brought back several thousand Indian citizens from strife-torn Sudan in April-May.
Significance: Indian Jewish Community
- The Indian Jewish community, with an ancestry spanning over 2000 years in India, has a unique history.
- India has been a welcoming home to them, where they thrived without encountering anti-Semitism, making it a distinct place on the global map.
- However, the landscape changed with the independence of India in 1947 and the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.
- This transformation marked the beginning of a new chapter in India-Israel relations, leading to the migration of Indian Jews to their religious homeland.
Diverse Indian Jewish Groups
Indian Jews can be categorized into four main sects, each with its own historical origins and cultural traditions:
- Cochin Jews: Tracing their arrival to India back to 50 CE, they primarily settled in the southern region.
- Bene Israel: The largest group among Indian Jews, they settled in and around Maharashtra and Konkan.
- Baghdadi Jews: This group, part of the most recent wave of Jewish migration, established communities in port cities like Calcutta, Bombay, and Rangoon.
- Bnei Menashe: Settled in the North East, they are another significant segment of Indian Jews.
Complex Reception in Israel
The migration of Indian Jews to Israel was not without challenges. Israeli society struggled to embrace them due to several factors:
- Internal Divisions: The four Indian Jewish groups had substantial differences and disagreements among themselves. These internal divisions, combined with bias from Jews of European origin, complicated the reception of Indian Jews, especially in the initial years of migration.
- Discrimination: The Bene Israel, primarily from Maharashtra, faced significant discrimination upon their arrival in Israel. Reports in the 1950s highlighted instances of racism and unequal treatment, including job and housing discrimination.
- Differing Motivations: Indian Jews’ motivations for migrating varied. While the Cochin Jews were seen as driven by religious reasons, the Bene Israel were often perceived as seeking better economic prospects, leading to different treatment based on perceived motives.
- Economic Disparities: The economic differences among the four groups fueled animosity. Some attributed the Cochin Jews’ messianic aspirations to poverty, while the Baghdadi Jews considered the Bene Israel as lacking proper religious traditions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Critical Minerals
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Centre has approved royalty rates of 3% each for lithium and niobium and 1% for Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
- These changes enable competitive royalty rates for these strategically vital minerals (critical minerals) and open the doors to private sector participation through concession auctions.
What are Critical Minerals?
- Critical minerals are elements that are crucial to modern-day technologies and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
- These minerals are used in making mobile phones, computers, batteries, electric vehicles, and green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.
- Minerals such as antimony, cobalt, gallium, graphite, lithium, nickel, niobium, and strontium are among the 22 assessed to be critical for India.
- Many of these are required to meet the manufacturing needs of green technologies, high-tech equipment, aviation, and national defence.
Implications of the Amendment
- Alignment with Global Benchmarks: The amendments, involving specifying new royalty rates, bring India’s royalty rates in line with global standards. This is crucial to attract bidders’ in future mineral auctions.
- Competitive Royalty Rates: The Second Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, previously set a 12% royalty rate for unspecified minerals, which was significantly higher than international benchmarks. The revised rates are 3% for lithium and niobium, and 1% for REEs, based on price benchmarks, enhancing the attractiveness of mining in India.
- Domestic Mining Promotion: Lower royalty rates and commercial exploitation opportunities aim to encourage domestic mining, reduce imports, and stimulate related industries like electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage solutions.
- Energy Transition Commitment: Access to critical minerals is integral to India’s commitment to energy transition and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, aligning with global environmental goals.
Economic significance of the move
(A) Lithium
- Import Dependence: India currently imports all its required lithium. The government’s push for lithium mining extends beyond Jammu & Kashmir to explore lithium extraction from Rajasthan and Gujarat’s brine pools, as well as Odisha and Chhattisgarh’s mica belts.
- Economic Offensive: This initiative is part of India’s economic strategy to reduce dependency on China for lithium-ion energy storage products, given China’s dominant position in the market.
- EV Growth: With EVs on the cusp of disruption, securing a lithium supply chain is strategically vital. The global lithium battery market has seen significant growth in recent years.
(B) Rare Earth Elements
- Global Supply Challenges: Rare earth elements, primarily sourced from or processed in China, pose challenges in the EV supply chain. Securing supplies can be difficult, and China’s dominance has raised concerns.
- Usage in Motors: Rare earth elements are crucial in EV motors, particularly permanent magnet motors. Elements like neodymium, terbium, and dysprosium are used in magnets for generating a constant motor flux, enhancing motor efficiency.
- Environmental Concerns: Mining rare earth elements often involves environmentally damaging open-pit operations, raising environmental and ecological concerns.
(C) Niobium for Industry
- Corrosion Resistance: Niobium, known for its resistance to corrosion due to a surface oxide layer, is used in various industries. It strengthens alloys, particularly stainless steel, making them ideal for applications in aerospace, construction, and pipelines.
- Superconducting Properties: Niobium’s superconducting properties find applications in magnets for particle accelerators and MRI scanners.
- Global Sources: The main source of niobium is the mineral columbite, found in several countries, including Canada, Brazil, Australia, and Nigeria.
Conclusion
- India’s decision to amend mining laws for strategic minerals is a significant step toward aligning with global standards, promoting domestic mining, and securing supplies for emerging industries like EVs and energy storage.
- It underscores India’s commitment to sustainable energy transition and reduced import dependency while addressing environmental concerns in mining rare earth elements.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MRTP Act
Mains level: Abortion vs. Mothers Bodily Rights
Central Idea
- A Division Bench of two judges of the Supreme Court grappled with divergent views regarding the abortion of a 26-week pregnancy and the government’s stance to protect the “unborn child.”
- The judges, unable to reach a consensus, opted to refer the case to the CJI to convene a three-judge Bench for further deliberation.
Woman’s Plight for Abortion
- A mother of two with her youngest child just a one-year-old infant, she asserted her desire for a medically induced abortion due to her mental health condition and her inability to care for a third child.
- Her lawyer stressed the court should prioritize the mother’s well-being.
- He emphasized the threat to her privacy and dignity and her conscious decision to not proceed with the pregnancy.
Government’s Stance
- Legal Argument: The Additional Solicitor General contended that the woman did not possess an “absolute right of autonomy” to exercise her reproductive rights in a manner that would compromise the rights of the unborn child.
- MTP Act of 2021: Reference was made to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act of 2021, which extended the abortion deadline to 24 weeks in “exceptional circumstances,” primarily to save the mother’s life or in the case of fatal foetal deformity.
Legal Debate
- Bodily Autonomy vs. Foetal Rights: The core of the debate centred on whether, once a viable baby exists, the woman’s right to bodily autonomy or integrity should yield to the Act, curbing her fundamental right to choose.
- Court’s Earlier Decision: On October 9, the Bench had initially permitted the medical termination in line with the woman’s wishes, following a report from an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) medical board.
Government’s Reversal
- Government’s Appeal: Subsequently, the Union government filed an application, citing an expert doctor’s opinion received on October 10, which advocated for giving the child a chance to survive.
- State’s Responsibility: The argument was that a categorical medical opinion had emerged, offering hope for the child’s survival, and placing a responsibility on the state.
Judicial Opinions
- Justice Kohli’s Stance: One judge aligned with the government’s position that the woman should not be allowed to terminate the pregnancy.
- Justice Nagarathna’s Dissent: In contrast, the other judge dissented, asserting that the woman’s decision should be respected, considering her socio-economic circumstances, mental health, and the young age of her second child.
Conclusion
- The Supreme Court’s divided opinion on this intricate abortion case underscores the challenging balance between a woman’s right to make decisions about her body and the state’s interest in protecting the unborn.
- As the case proceeds to a three-judge Bench, it raises broader questions about the legal and ethical complexities surrounding reproductive rights and foetal interests in India’s legal landscape.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Semi-conductors
Mains level: semi-conductor industry, potential, initiatives challenges and way forward
What’s the news?
- Moody’s report has brought to light a critical factor that could disrupt India’s semiconductor aspirations: climate change.
Central idea
- In December 2021, the Indian government launched the Semicon India Programme, allocating a substantial budget of Rs 76,000 crore for the development of a domestic semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. While this initiative aimed to position India as a prominent player in the global semiconductor market, it faces multifaceted challenges, as highlighted in a recent report by Moody’s, a global rating firm.
Challenges highlighted in the Moody’s report
- Climate Change Risks: The report points out that climate change can lead to damage to manufacturing facilities, disruptions in supply chains, and substantial financial losses in the semiconductor industry, potentially deterring investments.
- Environmental Footprint: The semiconductor industry’s substantial environmental footprint is a challenge, with chip fabrication plants consuming large amounts of water, generating hazardous waste, and contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Competitive Landscape: India’s emerging semiconductor sector faces competition from established global players who are already taking steps towards sustainability, making it essential for Indian semiconductor units to adopt sustainable practices to remain competitive.
The Significance of Semiconductors
- Technological Advancement: Semiconductors are the bedrock of technological progress, enabling innovations across industries. They underpin the development of advanced electronic devices, leading to continuous improvements in efficiency, performance, and functionality.
- Information Processing: Semiconductors power the microprocessors and memory chips found in computers, smartphones, and digital gadgets. This processing capacity drives data analysis, artificial intelligence, and complex computations.
- Consumer Electronics: Nearly all consumer electronic devices, from televisions to household appliances, incorporate semiconductors. These components enhance functionality, making these devices more user-friendly and efficient.
- Clean Energy: Semiconductors are vital for renewable energy sources. They enable efficient energy conversion and management in solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems, promoting clean and sustainable energy solutions.
- Healthcare Revolution: In the healthcare sector, semiconductors are crucial for medical imaging, diagnostic equipment, and wearable health monitoring devices. They empower healthcare professionals with accurate data for improved patient care.
- National Security: Semiconductors are indispensable for defense and security applications, including radar systems, encryption technology, and surveillance equipment. They ensure the reliability and security of vital systems.
- Space Exploration: Semiconductors are vital for space missions and satellite technology. They enable data collection, communication with Earth, and the operation of instruments, advancing humanity’s understanding of the cosmos.
- Environmental Monitoring: Semiconductors are used in environmental monitoring systems, aiding efforts to assess and mitigate environmental issues such as air and water quality, climate change, and pollution.
Industry Initiatives Toward Sustainability
- Taiwan’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC): TSMC, one of the world’s largest chip manufacturers and a key supplier to tech giants like Apple, has taken a significant step by pledging to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This commitment reflects a proactive approach to reducing the environmental impact of semiconductor manufacturing.
- Samsung and Intel: The article also notes that companies like Samsung and Intel, along with several European semiconductor firms, have reportedly started conducting greenhouse gas (GHG) audits. These audits are essential for understanding and quantifying the industry’s carbon footprint, with the goal of identifying areas for improvement.
India’s Greenfield Advantage
- Clean Slate: India’s semiconductor industry has the advantage of starting from a relatively clean slate. Unlike established semiconductor hubs that may have legacy issues, India’s greenfield centers can begin their operations with a fresh perspective and without the burden of historical environmental challenges.
- Learning Opportunity: These greenfield centers in India can learn from the experiences of semiconductor companies in other parts of the world. They have the opportunity to incorporate global best practices right from the outset, making sustainability and environmental responsibility integral to their operations.
- Smart City Programme: Many of India’s semiconductor hubs are planned as part of the government’s Smart City Programme. This planning approach involves creating modern, sustainable urban environments. As a result, these townships are more likely to incorporate eco-friendly and climate-resilient infrastructure and drainage systems.
- Preventing Disruptions: The greenfield centers should prioritize strategies to prevent disruptions during extreme rainfall events. This proactive approach is important, considering the potential impacts of climate change, which can lead to increased rainfall and extreme weather events.
Way forward
- Learning from Global Best Practices: By learning from the experiences of established global players and incorporating best practices from the outset, Indian semiconductor units can enhance their sustainability quotient.
- Regional Considerations: The government’s vision of establishing Dholera in Ahmedabad as a chip-making hub should be attuned to regional climate factors. Climate change is expected to exacerbate heat-related stresses in the region, making it crucial to factor in climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Government Intervention: In light of Moody’s report, it is evident that the government must play a pivotal role in supporting the semiconductor industry. This includes investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, providing guidance to the industry, and encouraging semiconductor units to adopt sustainable practices.
Conclusion
- The Semicon India Programme holds the potential to propel India into the ranks of global semiconductor manufacturing leaders. However, this ambitious endeavor faces significant challenges, with climate change posing a formidable threat to its success. By taking proactive measures, India can navigate the treacherous waters of climate change and move closer to realizing its dream of becoming a chip-manufacturing hub.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Heart Day
Mains level: World Heart Day, Rising burden of Cardio vascular diseases, efforts and challenges
What’s the news?
- World Heart Day, observed globally on September 29, serves as a crucial reminder of the escalating threat posed by cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and the need to promote heart-healthy lifestyles.
Central idea
- World Heart Day, an annual event, initiated by the World Heart Federation in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2000, seeks to heighten awareness, engage communities, and advocate for universal access to CVD prevention, detection, and treatment. Tackling the silent epidemic of cardiovascular diseases in India demands a multi-pronged approach.
Public Awareness Efforts on CVD
- On World Heart Day, several English-language national dailies published full-page advertorials, which are advertisements designed to resemble written articles. These advertorials aimed to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and promote heart-healthy lifestyles.
- The content of these advertorials seemed to provide information about CVD rather than directly promoting a product.
- Notably, there was limited involvement or a meaningful campaign by public health agencies like the Union Ministry of Health in raising awareness about CVD on this occasion.
- These advertorials were sponsored by the diagnostics, devices, and pharmaceutical industries, indicating a partnership between these industries and media outlets for public awareness efforts.
- Additionally, clinicians from high-end corporate tertiary care hospitals contributed by providing lifestyle modification advisories as part of the public awareness campaign
Alarming Data on Hypertension
- Data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–2021) and the 2017-18 National NCD Monitoring Survey (NNMS) in India reveals concerning statistics about hypertension.
- The NFHS-5 data shows that 18.3 percent of the country’s population has hypertension, while the NNMS reports a higher rate of 28.5 percent among individuals aged 18-69.
- These percentages translate to significant numbers, given India’s large population.
- Both surveys highlight low levels of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension.
Treatment Gaps and Disparities
- The NNMS data indicates that only 28 percent of those with hypertension were aware of it.
- Among those aware, 52 percent were receiving treatment, and a smaller percentage had their blood pressure under control.
- Disparities exist based on factors such as education, income, and geographic location, with better access to healthcare services in south India.
- Vulnerable groups, including males, illiterates, those with lower income, rural residents, smokers, and alcohol users, were less likely to be part of the treatment cascades.
Efforts in India
- India launched the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) in 2010, expanding its implementation.
- The program primarily focuses on screening and treatment.
- India is committed to the principles of primary healthcare and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), as outlined in the 2018 Astana Declaration.
Challenges
- Challenges include inadequate awareness, limited healthcare access in various regions, and disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. More resources are needed for primary healthcare.
- Contemporary approaches to managing CVD heavily emphasize risk factors, particularly lifestyle-related ones like diet, physical activity, smoking, and obesity.
- Epigenetic modifications may emerge as a consequence of a lifetime of disadvantage, structural inequalities, and discrimination, thereby influencing future generations.
- There is a challenge in retaining rural health workers.
The Need for a Holistic Approach
- Contemporary approaches to managing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) emphasize lifestyle risk factors.
- The WHO’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health highlights that these risk factors often result from systemic compromises rather than individual choices.
- The Commission emphasizes addressing socioeconomic factors that affect health across an individual’s lifespan and calls for equity and social justice in healthcare.
Conclusion
- As the WHO rightly asserts, Reducing health inequities is… an ethical imperative. Social injustice is killing people on a grand scale. World Heart Day serves as a stark reminder that the battle against CVD must continue with renewed vigor and a holistic perspective.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNSC
Mains level: UNSC, need for reforms, obstacles, India's case
What’s the news?
- The issue of fundamental reforms at the United Nations (UN) has resurfaced at the ongoing General Assembly session.
Central idea
- President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye has declared that the Security Council no longer guarantees world security but serves as a battleground for a select few. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns that the organization must evolve to reflect the changing world.
- Outdated Structure: The current composition of the Security Council reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945 and fails to account for the significant changes in the world since then.
- Inadequate Representation: In 1945, the Council had 11 members out of 51 UN member countries, representing 22% of the states. Today, with 193 member states, the Council consists of only 15 members, less than 8% of the total.
- Lack of Equitability: The existing composition gives undue weight to the balance of power of 1945. For instance, Europe, with just 5% of the world’s population, controls 33% of the Council’s seats.
- Historical Inequity: Some countries, like Japan and Germany, which have been major financial contributors to the UN, are still labeled as enemy states in the UN Charter, despite their significant contributions.
- Failure to Address Current Challenges: The Council’s inability to adapt to the contemporary world hampers its effectiveness in addressing current global issues and crises.
- Global Dynamics Have Changed: The world has changed significantly since 1945, and the Council needs to evolve to remain relevant and capable of addressing 21st-century challenges.
Obstacles to Reform
- High Bar for Charter Amendment: One of the primary obstacles to reforming the UN Security Council is the high bar set for amending the UN Charter. Any amendment requires a two-thirds majority of the overall UN membership, which translates to the support of 129 out of 193 states in the General Assembly. This level of consensus is challenging to achieve.
- Ratification Hurdles: Beyond the General Assembly’s approval, amendments must also be ratified by two-thirds of the member states. Ratification is typically a parliamentary procedure, making it essential for the proposed reforms to gain widespread support and avoid opposition from any member state.
- Resistance from Current Permanent Members: Existing permanent members of the Security Council, notably China, may resist reforms that could dilute their status as the only Asian permanent member. This resistance can be a significant roadblock to any reform efforts.
- African Representation: Africa, with 54 member states, insists on having two permanent seats. However, resolving the rival credentials of nations like Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt poses a substantial challenge.
- No Consensus on Semi-Permanent Members Proposal: A proposal to create a second category of semi-permanent members with 10-year electable terms has not found acceptance among the principal aspirants, adding to the complexity of reform discussions.
- Geopolitical Conflicts: Ongoing geopolitical conflicts, such as the Ukraine crisis, highlight the Security Council’s gridlock in responding effectively to global issues when permanent members exercise their veto powers.
Stances by Countries
- Reforming the Security Council faces opposition from both rival countries and those who fear losing their influence.
- The high bar for amending the UN Charter, requiring a two-thirds majority of member states and ratification by the same, makes change difficult.
- China resists diluting its status as the sole Asian permanent member, Pakistan opposes India’s inclusion, and Indonesia has reservations.
- In Latin America, Brazil’s claims clash with those of Argentina and Mexico. Africa, with 54 member states, demands two permanent seats, further complicating the issue.
The case for India’s inclusion in the UNSC
- Population Size: India is the world’s second-most populous country, with over 1.3 billion people.
- Economic Significance: India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
- Peacekeeping Contributions: India has been a consistent and substantial contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.
- Regional Influence: India’s geographical location places it in a critical region of Asia. Its inclusion in the Security Council would provide a balanced representation of Asian interests and perspectives.
- Diplomatic Engagement: India has a long history of active engagement in international diplomacy and has played a constructive role in various global forums.
- Democracy and Pluralism: India is the world’s largest democracy, with a diverse and pluralistic society.
- Representation of the Global South: India’s presence in the Security Council would provide greater representation to the Global South, addressing concerns of equity and diversity in international decision-making.
The issue of continuing gridlock
- Lack of Progress Over Decades: Despite the urgent rhetoric, the UN has missed several milestones for reform, including the 50th, 60th, 70th, and 75th anniversaries of the organization.
- Obstructionism and Veto Use: The ongoing gridlock in the Security Council is exemplified by instances where permanent members have used their veto powers to block resolutions on critical issues. For example, Russia’s repeated use of the veto has obstructed resolutions related to Ukraine, Mali, Syria, and North Korea.
- Failure to Respond to Crises: The Security Council’s inability to respond effectively to crises, such as when a permanent member invaded a sovereign UN member state (as seen in the Ukraine conflict), underscores the Council’s limitations in addressing pressing global challenges.
- Stalemate in Financial Institution Reforms: The gridlock extends to other areas, such as reforms of international financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Way Forward
- Acknowledging the UN’s importance: Recognize the vital role that the United Nations (UN) plays as the only global platform that brings all countries together. It serves as a crucial forum for international cooperation, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.
- Addressing the Challenges: While acknowledging the challenges and obstacles to reform, member states should actively engage in discussions and negotiations to find viable solutions.
- Building Consensus: Prioritize the process of building consensus among member states on the need for Security Council reform. Diplomatic efforts should focus on finding common ground and shared objectives.
- Flexible Reform Proposals: Explore flexible reform proposals that can accommodate the diverse interests and aspirations of member states. Proposals should be open to adjustments and compromises to secure broader support.
Conclusion
- The ongoing debate on Security Council reform must prioritize maintaining the UN’s relevance in the 21st century by achieving equitable representation through innovative solutions that balance emerging powers’ aspirations with existing permanent members’ concerns, ensuring the UN fulfills its mission as a global platform for peace and progress.
Also read:
UNSC: India’s Remarkable Tenure
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