Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Health Issues; Challenges faced by society due to NCDs;
Why in the News?
On International Diabetes Day (November 14), the Lancet shared a global study showing over 800 million adults have diabetes, and more than half aren’t receiving proper treatment.
What is the controversy over the numbers and the difference in Testing Methodology?
- The Lancet study reported that diabetes was significantly higher in number than the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimates (just over 100 million). This stark contrast raises questions about the accuracy and methodology used in both studies.
- The primary reason for the discrepancy lies in the methodologies used to measure blood sugar levels:
- The Lancet study utilized various methods including fasting glucose and HbA1C (a three-month glycated hemoglobin average) from data across 200 countries.
- The ICMR study relied on fasting and two-hour post-prandial blood sugar tests using an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), which is considered the gold standard in India.
- Experts argue that using HbA1C can lead to inflated numbers due to its sensitivity to factors like age and anemia.
- For instance, a person without diabetes might still show elevated HbA1C levels based on their physiological characteristics, which can skew prevalence estimates.
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What are the issues raised in the Lancet study?
- Global Inequalities in Treatment: The study highlighted significant disparities in diabetes treatment access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where treatment rates are stagnating despite rising diabetes cases. This raises concerns about long-term health complications for untreated individuals.
- Rising Rates of Diabetes: The findings underscore that diabetes rates have increased dramatically, especially Type 2 diabetes, which poses a growing public health challenge. This trend is alarming given that many affected individuals are younger and at risk for severe complications.
- Complications and Healthcare Burden: With a large number of individuals requiring treatment, there is a looming healthcare crisis regarding complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, and vision loss, which could overwhelm healthcare systems.
What steps need to be taken? (Way forward)
- Enhanced Awareness and Education: There is a pressing need for widespread education on diabetes prevention through nutrition and physical activity. Public health campaigns should focus on promoting healthy lifestyles to mitigate risk factors associated with diabetes.
- Policy Changes: Governments must implement policies that restrict unhealthy food options while making healthy foods more affordable. This includes subsidies for nutritious foods and initiatives to create safe spaces for physical activity.
- Targeted Interventions for Vulnerable Populations: Special attention should be directed towards vulnerable groups, particularly women who may be at higher risk post-pregnancy or during menopause. Tailored interventions can help address specific risk factors prevalent in these populations.
- Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure: To effectively manage the rising burden of diabetes, there must be significant investment in healthcare infrastructure, especially in low- and middle-income countries where resources are limited.
- Long-Term Strategic Planning: A comprehensive long-term strategy is essential to combat the growing diabetes epidemic, requiring collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, and communities to ensure sustainable health outcomes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Global Conventions on War Crimes;
Why in the News?
UNGA committee approved a resolution to initiate negotiations for the first-ever treaty to prevent and punish crimes against humanity after Russia withdrew potentially obstructive amendments.
What are the present laws governing the conflict?
- The 1949 Geneva Conventions provide the foundational legal framework for humanitarian protection during armed conflicts. These treaties outline the responsibilities of states to protect civilians and ensure humane treatment for non-combatants.
- While the International Criminal Court (ICC) addresses war crimes and genocide, there is currently no specific treaty that comprehensively covers crimes against humanity. The ICC recognizes crimes against humanity as acts committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians, which include offenses such as murder, torture, and sexual violence.
- The ICC operates as a court of last resort, intervening only when national courts are unable or unwilling to prosecute these crimes
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Why there is a need for a treaty dealing with the Crimes Against Humanity Treaty?
- Legal Gaps: Existing international treaties cover war crimes and genocide but do not specifically address crimes against humanity. This lack creates a legal void that allows perpetrators to evade accountability for serious offenses committed against civilian populations.
- Increasing Incidence of Crimes: There has been a notable rise in crimes against humanity globally, with reports of such offenses in countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, Ukraine, and Myanmar. A dedicated treaty would facilitate international cooperation in prosecuting these crimes and provide a framework for justice.
- Strengthening International Law: A new treaty would reinforce the international justice framework by imposing obligations on states to prevent and punish these crimes, thereby enhancing global standards for human rights protection.
What would be the step towards a Crimes Against Humanity Treaty?
- Preparatory Sessions: Scheduled for 2026 and 2027, these sessions will prepare the groundwork for formal discussions on the treaty.
- Formal Negotiating Sessions: Three-week sessions are planned for 2028 and 2029 to finalize the treaty’s text.
- Broad International Support: The initiative is backed by Mexico, Gambia, and 96 other countries, indicating a strong international commitment to addressing these serious human rights violations
Way forward:
- Adopt a Survivor-Centric and Inclusive Approach: Ensure the treaty prioritizes the rights of victims, incorporates survivor input, and mandates comprehensive support mechanisms while maintaining a robust, enforceable legal framework.
- Strengthen Global Collaboration: Mobilize international cooperation, with developed nations providing financial and technical assistance, to build national capacities for prosecuting crimes against humanity and preventing impunity.
Mains PYQ:
Q At the international level, the bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples. (UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Pollution; Plastic waste;
Why in the News?
Over 170 countries will meet in Busan, South Korea, starting for the fifth and final round of negotiations on a legally binding global treaty to combat plastic and marine pollution by 2024.
Why is a global plastic treaty required?
- Massive Increase in Plastic Production: Global plastic production has rapidly increased from 234 million tonnes in 2000 to 460 million tonnes in 2019, with expectations to reach 700 million tonnes by 2040. Asia is the largest producer, contributing nearly half of global plastic production.
- Environmental and Health Impact: Plastic takes 20 to 500 years to decompose, and less than 10% is recycled. Around 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, which is expected to rise by 62% by 2050. Much of this waste enters rivers and oceans, breaking down into microplastics that harm marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
- Human Health Risks: Chemicals in plastics can disrupt hormones and cause diseases like cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurodevelopmental impairments.
- Contribution to Climate Change: Plastic production generates 3.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with most emissions coming from the production process, which relies on fossil fuels.
- Global Plastic Pollution: India contributes significantly to global plastic pollution, accounting for 20% of the world’s total plastic waste, with emissions of 9.3 million tonnes.
What is on the negotiating table?
- Comprehensive Global Rules: The primary goal is to develop a legally binding global treaty to address plastic pollution throughout its life cycle, including its production from fossil fuels, waste management, and disposal.
- Production and Waste Management Caps: Countries are debating the introduction of production caps, which have been opposed by oil-rich and plastic-producing nations, including India.
- Types of Plastic and Chemical Additives: Discussions are ongoing regarding banning specific types of plastic, plastic products, and harmful chemical additives used in their production.
- Recycling and Content Targets: The treaty might include legally binding targets for recycling and recycled content in consumer goods.
- Just Transition for Affected Communities: There will be talks on supporting workers and communities whose livelihoods depend on plastic production and industries, ensuring a fair transition.
- Financial and Technical Assistance: A key agenda item is how to mobilize private and public funding to meet the treaty’s goals, especially for developing countries.
What is India’s position?
- India does not support caps on plastic production, arguing that such measures go beyond the scope of the UNEA resolution adopted in 2022. India insists that the treaty must include provisions for financial and technical support, including technology transfer for developing countries.
- India maintains that decisions regarding harmful chemicals in plastic production should be based on scientific studies and that regulation should be handled at the National level.
- India has banned 19 categories of single-use plastics domestically but insists that decisions on banning other plastic products should be “pragmatic” and consider national circumstances.
- India advocates for the establishment of a mechanism to assess the infrastructure needs and financial resources required for safe and scientific waste management.
- It also emphasizes the need for adequate, timely, and predictable financial resources to support waste management and other treaty objectives.
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Way forward:
- Global Collaboration with National Flexibility: The treaty should foster global collaboration on plastic pollution while allowing flexibility for countries to implement solutions based on their unique socio-economic contexts and developmental priorities.
- Enhanced Financial and Technological Support: Developed countries must provide financial and technological assistance to developing nations to ensure equitable implementation of the treaty’s provisions, especially for waste management infrastructure and transitioning away from plastic reliance.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Guru Tegh Bahadur and his Contributions
Why in the News?
November 24 is commemorated as the Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th guru of the Sikhs, who was executed on the orders of Aurangzeb in 1675.
Guru Tegh Bahadur: Everything you need to know
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Details |
| Who was Guru Tegh Bahadur? |
- Born on April 1, 1621 in Amritsar, Punjab to Guru Hargobind (6th Sikh Guru), Mata Nanaki
- Death: November 11, 1675, executed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb
- Became 9th Guru (1665 to 1675)
- Promoted the idea of Nirbhau (fearless) and Nirvair (without enmity) and emphasized the oneness of God.
- Referred to as ‘Hind Ki Chadar’ (Shield of India).
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| What was his historical contribution? |
- Guru stood up for the Hindu Kashmiri Pandits, defending their right to practice their religion against Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s oppressive policies.
- Refused to convert to Islam despite facing torture and persecution, ultimately leading to his execution.
- Advocated for the principle of one God, rejecting idol worship and preaching about the unity of all religions.
- Emphasized meditation, self-discipline, moral living, and serving others. He urged Sikhs to remain spiritually committed while defending the rights of the innocent.
- His hymns are compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib, with 115 hymns attributed to him.
- Many Gurdwaras are dedicated to him, including Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, built on the site where he was executed.
- Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, was born to Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1666.
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PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following Bhakti Saints:
- Dadu Dayal
- Guru Nanak
- Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
Why in the News?
Delhi has been experiencing severe air pollution for 10 days, leading the Supreme Court to criticize the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its poor response.
About Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):
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Details |
| About |
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- A statutory body for air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
- Established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021, replacing the Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) (formed in 1998).
- It came into effect in 2020 through an ordinance.
Structure:
- Chairperson: Senior government official (Secretary or Chief Secretary)
- 5 ex-officio members from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh; 3 full-time technical members
- 3 members from NGOs
- Technical support from CPCB, ISRO, and NITI Aayog
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| Functions |
- Monitor and coordinate air quality management efforts in NCR and adjoining areas
- Research sources of air pollution and propose mitigation strategies
- Implement air quality policies with state agencies
- Raise public awareness and engage communities in air quality management
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| Powers |
Jurisdiction: Over air quality issues in NCR, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Powers:
- Issue binding directions to authorities and individuals
- Restrict activities impacting air quality
- Investigate and enforce environmental pollution measures
- Take strict actions against non-compliance under the CAQM Act, 2021
- Initiate complaints and enforce regulations
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PYQ:
[2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lothal’s Maritime Heritage Complex
Why in the News?
PM recently highlighted Lothal’s importance in India’s maritime history as the site of the world’s first dockyard, now home to the National Maritime Heritage Complex under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
About Lothal’s Maritime Heritage Complex:
| Facts about Lothal |
- Dockyard Evidence: Recent IITGn study confirms existence of a dockyard (222 x 37 meters).
- River Shift: Sabarmati River’s old course closer to Lothal during Harappan period, now 20 km away.
- Trade Route: Linked Ahmedabad, Lothal, Nal Sarovar, Little Rann, and Dholavira.
- Satellite Imagery: Revealed ancient channels of Sabarmati River, confirming Lothal’s strategic location.
- Trade Connections: Traders might have used the Gulf of Khambhat, collecting materials from Ratanpura and transporting them to Mesopotamia.
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| Historical Significance |
- Built around: 2200 BC as a major trade center for beads, gems, and ornaments.
- Lothal means “mound of the dead” in Gujarati similar to Mohenjodaro.
- Discovered by S.R. Rao, excavated from 1955 to 1960.
- World’s earliest known dock; connected to the ancient Sabarmati River.
- Nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014; only port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization.
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| Features of the Present Complex |
- Location: Bhal region, Gujarat, India.
- Objective: Showcase India’s 5,000-year-old maritime history, focusing on the first dockyard at Lothal.
- Developed by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
- Components: Exhibition halls, maritime park, amphitheater, and educational spaces.
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PYQ:
[2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelling water into connected reservoirs?
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Compressed Biogas (CBG)
Why in the News?
PM Modi inaugurated the 100 TPD cattle dung-based Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Gwalior.
About the CBG Plant
- The plant is located in Laltipara, Gwalior, within the largest cowshed in the region, Adarsh Gaushala, which houses over 10,000 cattle.
- It spans over 5 acres.
- It is India’s first self-sufficient gaushala with a modern CBG plant, where cow dung and organic waste (such as vegetable and fruit waste from mandis and households) are processed into valuable biogas.
- The project, developed at a cost of ₹31 crores, is a collaboration between Gwalior Municipal Corporation and the Indian Oil Corporation.
Working features:
- Bio CNG: The plant produces 2 tons of compressed Bio CNG daily from 100 tons of cattle dung, providing a cleaner, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
- Organic Manure: The plant also generates 10-15 tons of dry bio-manure daily, which is a valuable by-product for organic farming.
- Windrow composting: The plant incorporates windrow composting, located adjacent to the main facility, which enhances organic waste processing.
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What is Compressed Biogas (CBG)?
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Details |
| About |
- CBG is a renewable natural gas produced from the biochemical conversion of organic waste into methane.
- It is chemically similar to CNG (compressed natural gas) and can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels in transportation, cooking, and power generation.
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| Process of Making CBG |
- Collection of Organic Waste: Organic waste such as agricultural residue, animal dung, food waste, and municipal solid waste is collected from farms, industries, and households.
- Anaerobic Digestion: Waste is placed in an airtight chamber, where microorganisms break it down without oxygen, producing biogas (methane, carbon dioxide, trace gases).
- Purification: The raw biogas undergoes purification through methods like pressure swing adsorption, water scrubbing, or membrane separation to remove impurities like CO₂, H₂S, and water, leaving pure methane.
- Compression: The purified methane is compressed to 200-250 bar pressure to form CBG, reducing volume for storage and transportation.
- Storage and Distribution: It is stored in high-pressure cylinders or tanks and transported to fuel stations or industries for various applications.
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| Significance of CBG |
- Reduces fossil fuel dependence.
- Mitigates landfill methane emissions.
- CBG can replace CNG, reducing pollution.
- Utilizes local organic waste.
- Creates jobs, promotes organic farming, and provides eco-friendly fertilizers.
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PYQ:
[2015] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:
1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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