Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to family Planning;
Why in the News?
According to NFHS-5, 97% of women and 97.5% of men are aware of modern contraceptives, yet the burden primarily falls on women, with female sterilisation being the most prevalent.
What are the current trends in contraceptive decision-making among Indian couples?
- Dominance of Female Sterilization: As of the latest reports, female sterilisation accounts for 37.9% of total sterilizations, while male sterilisation through vasectomies remains critically low at just 0.3%.
- Decline in Male Sterilization: The use of male sterilization has been steadily decreasing over the past three decades.
- Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) show that the percentage of vasectomies has remained stagnant at around 0.3% in both NFHS-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5 (2019-20), reflecting a broader trend of declining male participation in family planning.
- Government Targets Not Met: The National Health Policy 2017 aimed to increase male sterilization to at least 30%, a target that remains unmet, indicating systemic issues within the family planning framework.
How does societal perception impact men’s involvement in family planning?
- Perception of Burden: Many men view vasectomy as an undue burden, fearing loss of wages and questioning their masculinity. Women often echo this sentiment, believing that men should not be “burdened” by sterilization responsibilities due to their economic roles.
- Lack of Awareness: There is a widespread lack of awareness regarding the benefits and safety of vasectomies, compounded by misconceptions about their effects on libido and masculinity. This misinformation contributes to low acceptance rates among men.
- Cultural Norms: Traditional gender roles reinforce the notion that women should handle family planning, leading to a lack of male engagement in reproductive health discussions.
What strategies can be implemented to promote shared responsibility in contraceptive use? (Way forward)
- Education and Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives should focus on educating both genders about reproductive health and shared responsibilities through school programs and community workshops. Early sensitization can help normalize discussions around male sterilization.
- Conditional Cash Incentives: Increasing financial incentives for men who opt for vasectomies can encourage participation. Evidence from Maharashtra suggests that cash incentives have led to higher rates of vasectomy acceptance among rural men.
- Training Healthcare Providers: Enhancing training for healthcare workers on no-scalpel vasectomies can improve service delivery, particularly in rural areas with limited access to skilled practitioners.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Drawing lessons from countries like South Korea and Brazil, India can implement mass media campaigns to reshape societal attitudes towards male contraceptive responsibility, emphasising the safety and simplicity of vasectomies compared to female sterilization procedures.
- Policy Implementation with Concrete Steps: The government should ensure that policies are actionable, with clear steps outlined to achieve targets related to male participation in family planning efforts.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (UPSC IAS/2021)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Challenges due to wildfire;
Why in the News?
A study published in The Lancet revealed that pollution from landscape fires, including agricultural burning in northern India during winters, may have caused over 1.2 lakh deaths annually in India between 2000 and 2019.
What is Wildfire and Its Types?
- Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn in natural landscapes, including forests, grasslands, and savannas. They can occur due to natural causes, such as lightning strikes, or human activities, including agricultural burning and land clearing.
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- Forest Fires: These occur in wooded areas and can spread rapidly due to dry conditions and strong winds.
- Grassland Fires: Also known as prairie fires, these occur in grasslands and can be beneficial for ecosystem regeneration but are destructive if uncontrolled.
- Vegetation Fires: These include fires that burn through shrublands and other types of vegetation, often exacerbated by drought conditions.
- Agricultural Burning: A common practice in many regions, particularly in northern India during winters, where farmers burn crop stubble to clear fields for new planting. This practice significantly contributes to air pollution.
What are the Global and Local Impacts of Landscape Fire Pollution?
Global Impact:
- Death Toll: A recent study published in The Lancet estimates that globally, landscape fires are responsible for over 1.53 million deaths annually due to air pollution, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
- Health Risks: The study highlights that approximately 450,000 deaths each year are linked to cardiovascular diseases and 220,000 to respiratory diseases caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) released from these fires.
- Geographical Disparities: The highest mortality rates from fire-related air pollution are found in countries like China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
Local Impact (India):
- Annual Deaths: In India alone, it is estimated that landscape fires contributed to about 2.55 million deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases between 2000 and 2019, averaging over 120,000 deaths per year.
- Seasonal Pollution: During winter months (October to December), northern India experiences severe air quality issues due to agricultural burning combined with cooler temperatures that trap pollutants close to the ground.
- Socio-Economic Factors: The study indicates that deaths caused by wildfires are four times higher in low-income countries compared to high-income nations. Lower socio-economic regions face greater health risks from fire-related air pollution.
What are the steps taken by the Government to the wildfire?
- Forest Protection Division: Headed by the DIG of Forests, this division oversees forest fire management at the central level.
- Community Involvement: The government encourages active participation in forest fire management through mechanisms like Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs).
- National Action Plan for Forest Fires (NAPFF): Introduced in 2018, the plan focuses on reducing forest fires by fostering collaboration between forest communities and state forest departments.
- Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FPM): A government-sponsored initiative aimed at assisting states in effectively managing and preventing forest fires.
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Community-Based Management: Enhance capacity building, training, and incentivization for local communities through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) to actively prevent and manage wildfires.
- Leverage Technology and Research: Implement advanced monitoring systems like satellite-based fire detection and promote research on fire-resistant vegetation to mitigate the impact of wildfires and associated air pollution.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site
Why in the News?
The Tamil Nadu CM has requested the Prime Minister to cancel the tungsten mining rights in Madurai, citing concerns for the Arittapatti biodiversity heritage site.
About Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site:
| Details |
• First BHS in Tamil Nadu.
• Notified for its ecological and historical significance. |
| Geological Features |
• Surrounded by a chain of seven hillocks (inselbergs) which act as a watershed.
• Watershed feeds 72 lakes, 200 natural springs, and 3 check dams.
• Historic Anaikondan tank built during the Pandiyan kings in the 16th century. |
| Flora and Fauna |
• Home to 250 species of birds, including Laggar Falcon, Shaheen Falcon, and Bonelli’s Eagle.
• Hosts species like Indian Pangolin, Slender Loris, and pythons. |
| Cultural Significance |
• Presence of megalithic structures, rock-cut temples, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, and Jain beds.
• These features highlight the site’s historical and cultural heritage. |
Back2Basics: Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)
- A BHS is a well-defined, ecologically sensitive area that is recognized for its high biological diversity.
- Key Features:
- High Biodiversity: These sites host a variety of wild and domesticated species, including rare, threatened, and keystone species.
- Ecological Fragility: BHS areas are considered ecologically fragile and are crucial for maintaining local ecosystems.
- Community Involvement: BHS areas are managed by local communities and society to conserve biodiversity.
- BHS are declared under Section 37(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and the State Government can notify such areas in consultation with local bodies.
- The Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka, was the first Biodiversity Heritage Site in India, declared in 2007.
- Protection Measures:
- The creation of a BHS does not necessarily restrict activities but aims to conserve and manage the biodiversity within these areas for long-term sustainability.
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PYQ:
[2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:
(a) Birds
(b) Primates
(c) Reptiles
(d) Amphibians |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme
Why in the News?
- The government has a Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme to regulate the subsidy rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, based on international prices of raw materials and fluctuations in the global market.
| Note: Unlike P&K fertilizers, urea is provided to farmers at a statutorily notified Maximum Retail Price (MRP), irrespective of its cost of production. |
About the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme:
|
Details |
| About |
• Introduced to provide subsidies on Phosphatic (P) and Potassic (K) fertilizers, based on nutrient content, excluding Urea.
• Aims to promote balanced fertilization by encouraging use of multiple fertilizers for optimal plant nutrition. |
| Structure and Functioning |
• Launched: 2010, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• Implemented by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• Scope: Applies to Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers (excluding Urea).
• Governance: Subsidy rates are decided annually or bi-annually, based on market prices of fertilizers and raw materials. |
| Aims and Objectives |
• Promote Balanced Fertilization: Encourages the use of Phosphorus and Potassium to complement Nitrogen and improve soil health.
• Enhance Nutrient Efficiency: Aims to reduce over-reliance on Urea and improve use of other essential nutrients.
• Support Farmers’ Affordability: Makes P&K fertilizers more affordable and accessible to farmers. |
About New Investment Policy (NIP) on Urea
- The NIP for Urea was announced by the Government of India in 2012 to increase domestic urea production capacity and reduce dependence on urea imports.
- The policy aims to revive old urea plants and promote investment in new plants to meet the growing demand for urea.
- The NIP focuses on improving fertilizer availability, and ensuring self-sufficiency in urea production.
Urea Pricing after NIP
- The pricing of urea is controlled by the government, and the subsidy mechanism ensures affordable pricing for farmers.
- The government provides subsidies to urea manufacturers to bridge the gap between the cost of production and the retail price, which is kept constant at ₹5,360 per ton (as of 2023) for farmers.
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PYQ:
[2020] With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements:
1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.
2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.
3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP), ADB
Why in the News?
- The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $98 million loan to support the Building India’s Clean Plant Programme.
Aims and Objectives
- The $98 million loan focuses on improving horticulture crop farmers’ access to certified disease-free planting materials.
- The primary aim is to boost the yield, quality, and resilience of crops, particularly in response to the impacts of climate change.
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About the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP):
| Details |
• Announced in Union Budget 2023-24 to enhance plant health management in India.
• Aimed at providing farmers access to clean, disease-free planting materials.
• Anchored by the National Horticulture Board (NHB), which will set up Clean Plant Centers across the country.
• Ensures global competitiveness of the Indian horticulture sector.
• Key Objectives:
– Strengthen the regulatory framework for plant health management.
– Establish Clean Plant Centres for disease-free horticultural crops.
– Collaborate with private nurseries, researchers, state governments, and growers’ associations for success.
• Funding: ADB loan to establish advanced laboratories and diagnostic testing facilities at Clean Plant Centres.
• Will include a certification scheme for private nurseries to produce disease-free planting materials. |
| Where does India stand in its Horticulture Sector? |
• In 2022-23, India’s horticulture production reached 351.92 million tonnes, surpassing foodgrain production.
• Second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world; Contributes about 33% to the agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA).
• Ranks first in the production of crops like Bananas, Lime, Papaya, and Okra.
• Steady increase in horticulture production driven by proactive government policies. |
PYQ:
[2021] What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification?
[2018] Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers? |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AYURGYAN and AYURSWATHYA Scheme
Why in the News?
- The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) is an important Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at promoting and developing the AYUSH systems of medicine across the country.
- In addition to NAM, Central Sector Schemes like the AYURSWASTHYA Yojana and the AYURGYAN Scheme play a crucial role in advancing the mission’s objectives
About AYURGYAN and AYURSWATHYA Scheme
|
Details |
| AYURSWASTHYA Yojana |
• Under the Ministry of AYUSH to promote AYUSH healthcare and education.
• Has two key components:
- AYUSH and Public Health: Promotes AYUSH interventions for community health care.
- Upgradation of Facilities to Centre of Excellence: Improves standards of AYUSH medical units and establishes advanced centers in AYUSH and Allopathic institutions (both Govt. and Private).
• Funding: Maximum assistance of ₹10 crore for Centre of Excellence upgrades for 3 years. |
| AYURGYAN Scheme |
• Created by merging two schemes under one umbrella.
• Focuses on promoting AYUSH education and research.
• Aims to develop quality standards and expand AYUSH education and healthcare services across India.
• Training of healthcare professionals in AYUSH and supporting research initiatives to improve efficacy and standards of traditional medicine. |
Back2Basics: National AYUSH Mission (NAM)
| Category |
Details |
| Overview |
• Launched in September 2014 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare during the 12th Five Year Plan.
• Aimed at promoting and strengthening traditional systems of medicine: AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy).
• Focuses on improving healthcare infrastructure in rural and remote areas, enhancing access to AYUSH services and promoting holistic health across India. |
| Implementation and Structure |
• Initially implemented by the Department of AYUSH, now under the Ministry of AYUSH for nationwide execution.
• Works in partnership with States and UTs to address healthcare gaps in underserved areas. |
| Provisions under NAM |
• Promotion of AYUSH Systems: Integrates AYUSH into the mainstream healthcare system, especially in rural and underserved areas.
• Support to State/UTs: Provides financial support for establishing AYUSH dispensaries, clinics, colleges and hospitals.
• Strengthening AYUSH Health Services: Financial assistance for expanding AYUSH services, especially in remote areas.
• Research & Development (R&D): Supports research for developing better treatments and standardizing practices in AYUSH. |
PYQ:
[2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? |
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