Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: HIV/AIDS
Why in the News?
The stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS impacts not only those living with the virus but also affects healthcare practices as a whole. India needs policies that address both the medical treatment of HIV and the social issues that prevent effective healthcare.
Background:
- In 1983, Luc Montagnier and Robert Gallo identified the AIDS-causing virus. By the mid-1980s, HIV/AIDS symbolized fear, targeting immune cells and posing immense medical challenges without effective treatments.
- In August 1987, the U.S. beaches saw a disturbing “Syringe Tide,” with used syringes and medical waste washing ashore, alarming the public and creating a national outcry over health concerns.
- In 1986, India passed the Environmental Protection Act, marking its first major step towards environmental protection. It also identified the first HIV case at Madras Medical College.
- Despite this progress, biomedical waste was not recognized as ‘hazardous waste’, and the 1989 Hazardous Waste Rules did not include biomedical waste, leaving its disposal to local bodies.
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Why did the USA pass the Medical Waste Tracking Act, of 1988?
- Public Health Crisis: The syringe tide incident, where used syringes and medical waste washed ashore, raised severe public health concerns, especially given the context of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Many syringes found were reportedly HIV-positive, amplifying fears about contamination and disease transmission.
- Economic Impact: The tourism industry suffered significant losses, estimated at over $1 billion due to beach closures and public fear of contaminated shorelines. This economic fallout prompted a swift governmental response to restore public confidence and safety.
- Regulatory Framework: The Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 established a clear framework for monitoring and managing medical waste from its generation to disposal. This legislation recognized medical waste as a distinct category requiring specific handling procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
What are the new Biomedical Waste Regulations in India?
- Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, introduced in 1998: It marked a significant step by formally recognizing hospital waste as hazardous. This legislation empowered Pollution Control Boards to oversee waste management practices.
- Biomedical Waste Management Rules (BMWM Rules)), 2016: It represents a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at managing biomedical waste effectively.
- Initially, biomedical waste was categorized into ten different types. This was later simplified to four color-coded categories in the 2016 amendments, which aimed to streamline the segregation process
- Segregation and Treatment: Current regulations mandate that biomedical waste be segregated at the point of generation into specific categories (e.g., infectious, non-infectious) and treated accordingly before disposal.
- Yellow Bags: For human anatomical waste, soiled waste, expired medicines, and chemical waste. This waste is typically treated through incineration.
- Red Bags: For recyclable contaminated waste such as tubing and syringes (without needles), which undergo autoclaving before recycling.
- White Containers: For sharps like needles and blades, which are sterilized before disposal.
- Blue Boxes: For glassware that is disinfected or autoclaved.
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How do these regulations aim to address environmental concerns?
- The regulations aim to prevent environmental contamination by ensuring that biomedical waste is not mixed with general waste streams, thus reducing the risk of hazardous materials entering landfills or water bodies.
- By regulating how medical waste is handled and disposed of, these laws protect public health and the occupational safety of healthcare workers who may be exposed to hazardous materials during their work.
What challenges exist in implementing these biomedical waste regulations?
- Compliance Gaps: Despite established regulations, many healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, struggle with compliance due to a lack of resources, training, or awareness about proper waste management practices.
- Occupational Hazards: Healthcare professionals continue to face risks from improperly managed biomedical waste, which can lead to exposure to infectious materials and other hazardous substances.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Inadequate infrastructure for waste segregation and treatment remains a significant challenge in many regions of India, hindering the effective implementation of existing regulations.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Infrastructure and Training: Invest in modern waste treatment facilities and ensure regular training programs for healthcare workers, particularly in rural areas, to enhance compliance with biomedical waste regulations.
- Enforce Strict Monitoring and Penalties: Implement robust monitoring systems and impose penalties for non-compliance to ensure accountability and adherence to waste management standards across all healthcare facilities.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the impediments in disposing of 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 :
Mains level: Governance Issues related to digital content;
Why in the News?
In the first half of 2024, the Asian News International (ANI) filed a defamation suit against Wikipedia Foundation and three Wikipedia administrators in the Delhi High Court, which ordered Wikipedia to disclose the administrators’ details.
What are the charges levelled by ANI in the defamation against Wikipedia?
- Defamatory Statements: ANI claims that its Wikipedia page contains false and misleading statements, including accusations of being a “propaganda tool” for the Indian government and distributing materials from fake news websites. They argue these claims tarnish their reputation and professional standing.
- Interference with Edits: ANI alleges that Wikipedia administrators have actively removed edits made by ANI-associated editors that sought to correct these statements, thereby violating their rights and obligations as an intermediary under Indian law.
Who is Allowed to Edit Wikipedia Pages?
- Any Member of the Wikipedia Community: Wikipedia allows any user to edit pages, provided they follow the platform’s guidelines. However, there are certain restrictions based on page status and the user’s account level.
- Extended Confirmed Users: Pages with a high risk of vandalism or controversial topics may be protected, meaning only editors with extended confirmed status (long-standing accounts and a minimum number of edits) can edit these pages.
- Administrators: These are experienced editors elected by the community who can make additional changes, including protecting pages, blocking users, and performing technical functions.
What are the Guidelines for Editing Wikipedia Pages?
- Reliability and Verifiability: All statements on Wikipedia must be backed by reliable, verifiable sources. Original research is not allowed, and editors are prohibited from publishing ideas or analyses not previously published elsewhere.
- Neutral Point of View (NPOV): Editors are required to maintain neutrality in writing articles. Content should not be biased or represent a particular viewpoint.
- Consensus and Collaboration: Wikipedia is a community-driven platform, and decisions about the content are made through consensus. Editors are encouraged to work together to resolve disputes.
- Page Protection: If a page is subject to frequent vandalism or disputes, it can be marked for protection, either for extended confirmed users or administrators only. This is done to maintain the integrity of the content.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Legal Framework for Online Defamation: The Indian government should create clear legal guidelines to address defamation issues related to online platforms, ensuring accountability for platforms like Wikimedia in cases of false or misleading content.
- Promote Digital Literacy and Content Regulation: The government should invest in promoting digital literacy to help users better understand and navigate online content, and ensure platforms like Wikipedia adhere to stricter content verification and neutrality standards.
Mains PYQ:
Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Women Workforce participation;
Why in the News?
Union Minister told the Rajya Sabha that more women are now working and looking for jobs. The percentage of women working has gone up from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, and the percentage of women in the labor force has increased from 23.3% to 41.7% during the same period.
- Presently, India ranks 165th out of 187 countries in the world.
What factors have contributed to the doubling of the worker population?
- Increased Economic Engagement: The WPR for women rose from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, indicating a substantial increase in women’s engagement in economic activities.
- Educational Advancements: There has been a notable rise in the employment of educated women. For instance, the employment rate for women with postgraduate education increased from 34.5% to 39.6% during the same period.
- Government Initiatives: Various government policies aimed at enhancing women’s employment opportunities and empowerment have played a crucial role in this increase.
- Rural Participation: A significant factor has been the rise in female labour force participation in rural areas, which jumped by 23 percentage points from 2017-18 to 2023-24.
How does the increase in women’s worker population ratio compare across different regions and sectors?
- Urban vs. Rural Participation: The increase in female labour force participation has been more pronounced in rural areas, from 24.6% to 47.6%. In contrast, urban participation saw a smaller increase from 20.4% to 23.8%.
- Sectoral Differences: Women are increasingly participating in various sectors, with significant improvements noted in agriculture and informal sectors, which traditionally employ many women.
What are the implications of economic growth and gender equality in India?
- Economic Growth: The rise in women’s workforce participation contributes positively to economic growth by increasing productivity and expanding the labour market. This shift is essential for achieving higher overall economic performance.
- Gender Equality: Enhanced participation of women in the workforce is a critical step toward achieving gender equality. As more women enter the labour force, it challenges traditional gender roles and promotes equal opportunities.
- Income Growth: With increased participation comes improved earnings for women across different employment categories, further contributing to household income and economic stability.
Way forward:
- Skill Development and Inclusive Policies: Expand skill training programs tailored to women’s needs, particularly in non-traditional and high-growth sectors like technology, finance, and entrepreneurship.
- Strengthening Rural and Informal Sector Opportunities: Invest in rural employment initiatives, such as MGNREGA, and formalize informal sector jobs by improving access to social security benefits, childcare support, and credit facilities for women entrepreneurs.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About the Monuments
Why in the News?
Conservation and maintenance work are being carried out at following places in Karnataka by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):
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Key Facts |
| Hoyasaleshwara Temple
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• Located in Halebidu, Karnataka.
• Built in the 12th century during the Hoysala dynasty under King Vishnuvardhana.
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Famous for its detailed sculptures, depicting mythological stories, deities, and animals.
• Hoysala style architecture with a star-shaped platform and intricate stone carvings.
• Temple is a masterpiece of the Hoysala architectural style, with complex stonework and frieze detailing.
• UNESCO tentative list for World Heritage status. |
| Amrutheshwara Temple
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• Located in Amruthapura, Karnataka, near Tarikere.
• Built in the 14th century by King Harihara II of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Architectural style reflects Vijayanagara influence with a prominent pillared hall.
• Famous for its stone carvings, particularly those on the Shiva Linga.
• Notable for its tank and the beautiful courtyard surrounding the temple.
• Temple follows the tradition of Chola and Hoysala architecture, with distinct Vijayanagara elements. |
| Gol Gumbaz
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• Located in Vijayapura, Karnataka.
• Built in the 17th century by Sultan Muhammad Adil Shah of the Bijapur Sultanate as his tomb.
• Second-largest dome in the world after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
• Acoustic marvel: The dome has a whispering gallery, where sounds can be heard clearly from great distances.
• The central dome spans 44 meters in diameter and is flanked by four towers.
• The structure is made of lime mortar and stone.
• Reflects Deccan Sultanate architectural brilliance, combining Persian, Ottoman, and Indian elements. |
| Gomatesvara Temple
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• Located in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka.
• Features the 57-feet monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali (Gomatesvara), carved from a single block of granite in 981 AD.
• The statue is the largest monolithic statue in India.
• A major pilgrimage site for Jains; it commemorates the spiritual enlightenment of Bahubali.
• The temple complex includes tall steps leading up to the statue, with pilgrims performing a ritual of climbing the steps.
• Maha Mastakabhisheka: Every 12 years, the statue is anointed with milk, water, and saffron in a grand ritual.
• The temple and statue are considered an architectural marvel in Jain art and sculpture. |
| PYQ:
[2015] With reference to art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?
(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
(c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF)
Why in the News?
The Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) has been established to support the development of urban infrastructure in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
About Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF):
|
Details |
| What is it? |
• Established (budget speech for Financial Year 2023-24) to utilize priority sector lending shortfall for financing urban infrastructure projects.
• Managed by the National Housing Bank (NHB).
• Initial Corpus: ₹10,000 crore.
• Modeled after the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), which supports rural infrastructure projects.
• Focus on developing Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in India.
- Tier-2 Cities: Cities with populations between 50,000 and 1 lakh.
- Tier-3 Cities: Cities with populations below 50,000.
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| Aims and Objectives |
• Support Urban Infrastructure: Provides funding for essential urban services such as water supply, sanitation, sewerage, and waste management.
• Sewerage, water supply, sanitation, drains, and solid waste management.
• Prioritizes projects with significant improvements in urban services.
• Funds are allocated to Municipal Corporations and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for infrastructure development. |
| Structural Mandate and Implementation |
• Coverage: Supports 459 Tier-2 cities and 580 Tier-3 cities in India.
• Loan Terms: Loans offered at Bank Rate minus 1.5% interest rate.
• Repayment Terms: Loan repayable in five equal annual instalments over seven years.
• Moratorium Period: Two years before repayment starts.
• Quarterly Interest Payments: Regular payments required during the loan period. |
PYQ:
[2017] With reference to ‘National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
- It has a corpus of Rs 4,00,000 crore at present.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(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: AMRUT 2.0
Why in the News?
The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 is a scheme launched on October 1, 2021 continues to make strides towards transforming Indian cities into self-reliant and water-secure urban areas.
Back2Basics: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
- It is a flagship urban development scheme launched in June 2015.
- The mission is being operated as a Central Sponsored Scheme.
- Aim: To provide basic urban infrastructure to improve the quality of life in cities and towns.
- Objectives:
- Ensure that every household has access to a tap with an assured water supply and a sewerage connection.
- Increase the green areas in the cities.
- Reduce pollution by promoting public transport and constructing facilities for non-motorized transport.
- Funding: It is divided among States/UTs in an equitable formula in which 50:50 weightage.
- It covers 500 cities including all cities and towns with a population of over 1 lakh with notified Municipalities.
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About AMRUT 2.0:
| Details |
• Launched on 1st October 2021 as the continuation of AMRUT 1.0.
• Aims to enhance urban infrastructure in 500 cities by focusing on water supply, wastewater management, and rejuvenation of water bodies.
• The mission runs for five years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26). |
| Salient Features and Mission |
• Universal Coverage: Ensures coverage of water supply and sewerage in 500 cities and 4,900 statutory towns.
• Circular Economy: Focuses on water recycling, reuse of treated sewage, and water conservation.
• Technology Integration: Adopts global technologies for better water management.
• Pey Jal Survekshan: Survey to assess water distribution, wastewater reuse, and promote healthy competition among cities. |
| Its Implementation and Further Roadmap |
• Project Approval: 8,998 projects approved with an estimated cost of ₹1,89,458.55 crore.
• Funds Distribution: Funds released by MoHUA to States/UTs and then to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• State Water Action Plan (SWAP): States/UTs must complete their SWAP and get approval within two years of the mission’s launch.
• Future Plans: Focus on sustainable water management and extension of AMRUT 1.0 benefits to more towns. |
PYQ:
[2011] In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee
1. is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India.
2. prepares the draft development plans for metropolitan area.
3. has the sole responsibility for implementing Government sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Copyright Act
Why in the News?
The ongoing copyright dispute between actors Dhanush and Nayanthara highlights the complexities of copyright law and its potential misuse in the film industry.
What is the dispute?
- The case revolves around South Indian actor Dhanush suing actress Nayanthara for using excerpts from their 2015 film in a biopic without his consent.
- Nayanthara claims she had sought permission earlier, but Dhanush’s company, which produced the film, did not respond, leading to the lawsuit over copyright infringement.
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About The Copyright Act, 1957:
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Details |
| What is it? |
• Enacted in 1957 to protect creators’ rights over original works.
• Objective: To encourage creativity while balancing public access.
• Grants exclusive rights to authors and creators for reproduction, distribution, and public performance of their works.
• The Act has been amended to address digital content and technological advancements. |
| Features and Provisions of the Act |
• Scope: Covers literary, musical, artistic works, cinematograph films, sound recordings, and more.
• Duration: Copyright lasts life of author + 60 years for literary, musical, and dramatic works, and 60 years for films/sound recordings.
• Exclusive Rights: Right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and adapt works.
• Moral Rights: Includes right to attribution and integrity of the work. |
| What does Section 52 say? |
• Section 52 lists exceptions allowing use of copyrighted works without permission in specific situations.
• Fair Use: For criticism, review, news reporting, teaching, research, and private use.
• Includes exceptions for libraries, archives, and government use.
• Important for education and public access—enables non-commercial use of works. |
PYQ:
[2014] In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets.
[2017] With reference to the ‘National Intellectual Property Rights Policy’, consider the following statements:
- It reiterates India’s commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS Agreement.
- Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating intellectual property rights in India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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