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In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words) [UPSC 2024]
Model Answer Introduction Recognizing healthcare as an essential fundamental right for every citizen is crucial for the welfare of society. The Indian Constitution, through Directive Principles (Article 47), underscores the State’s responsibility in ensuring the health of its population. Recently, tRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Recognizing healthcare as an essential fundamental right for every citizen is crucial for the welfare of society. The Indian Constitution, through Directive Principles (Article 47), underscores the State’s responsibility in ensuring the health of its population. Recently, the Supreme Court reaffirmed this, emphasizing universal healthcare access in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for stronger public health systems.
Adverse Impact of Marketisation of the Public Healthcare System
Role Played by State in Enhancing Public Healthcare
Measures to Contain the Adverse Impact of Marketisation
Conclusion
Going ahead, the State must ensure that its interventions in the healthcare sector align with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. This includes universal health coverage, reducing inequalities (SDG 10), and building resilient healthcare infrastructure (SDG 9).
See lessWhat are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act? (Answer in 250 words) [UPSC 2024]
Model Answer Introduction The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was enacted to uphold the integrity of public examinations in India, particularly in light of rising instances of cheating, including at least four reported paper leak cases in 2024 alone. Aims and Objectives ofRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was enacted to uphold the integrity of public examinations in India, particularly in light of rising instances of cheating, including at least four reported paper leak cases in 2024 alone.
Aims and Objectives of the Act
Coverage of University and State Education Board Examinations
The Act does not explicitly cover university or state education board examinations. However, it defines “public examination” as any examination conducted by a public examination authority specified in the schedule, which includes bodies like UPSC, SSC, and others. This definition ensures standardisation across institutions and upholds the integrity of examination processes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, represents a significant step towards ensuring transparent and fair educational assessments in India, aligning with the vision of fostering merit and accountability in the education system.
See lessPoverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (Answer in 150 words) [UPSC 2024]
Model Answer Introduction Poverty and malnutrition are interconnected issues that create a vicious cycle adversely affecting human capital formation in India. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that targets the root causes of malnutrition and poverty. How Poverty and MalnutRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Poverty and malnutrition are interconnected issues that create a vicious cycle adversely affecting human capital formation in India. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that targets the root causes of malnutrition and poverty.
How Poverty and Malnutrition Create a Vicious Cycle
Steps to Break the Cycle
By adopting these strategies, India can effectively address the intertwined issues of poverty and malnutrition, enhancing human capital and promoting sustainable development.
See lessTo what extent do you believe the Aspirational District Programme has achieved its objectives since its launch? (Answer in 150 words)
Model Answer Introduction The Aspirational District Programme (ADP), launched in January 2018, aims to transform 112 of India's most backward districts. Evaluating its effectiveness reveals both significant achievements and persistent challenges. Overall Progress Approximately 95% of the aspirationaRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Aspirational District Programme (ADP), launched in January 2018, aims to transform 112 of India’s most backward districts. Evaluating its effectiveness reveals both significant achievements and persistent challenges.
Overall Progress
Approximately 95% of the aspirational districts have shown substantial improvements in key indicators, including health, nutrition, financial inclusion, and skill development. This broad progress indicates that the ADP has made meaningful strides in uplifting these regions.
Health and Nutrition
In the health sector, many districts have exceeded state averages for institutional deliveries and vaccination rates, achieving over 90% vaccination coverage among children. However, challenges remain, as 93 out of 112 districts report over 50% of women suffering from anemia, and there is a notable lag in addressing stunting and underweight issues among children under five.
Education
The educational landscape has improved with the integration of technology, yet no district has fully met its educational targets. This indicates that while progress has been made, significant gaps remain in both infrastructure and learning outcomes.
Financial Inclusion and Skill Development
Financial inclusion has markedly increased, from 30% to 90% in ADs, with more individuals accessing banking services and government schemes. However, skill development remains inconsistent, with insufficient market demand leading to migration for employment, affecting local uptake of training programs.
Basic Infrastructure
Several districts have achieved saturation in basic infrastructure metrics; however, 30 districts have completed less than 50% of housing under the PMAY-Grameen scheme.
Conclusion
In summary, the ADP has made significant progress in various sectors but continues to face challenges. Addressing disparities, data discrepancies, and sector-specific issues is crucial for further success. The programme’s potential to transform these districts hinges on resolving these ongoing challenges effectively.
See lessStudent awareness about the government's funding opportunities for biotech startups.
The Indian biotech industry requires student knowledge about governmental funding sources to develop innovations and entrepreneurial activities in this essential area. Why Awareness Matters: Startup biotech companies must have knowledge about funding resources to obtain financial support or their exRead more
The Indian biotech industry requires student knowledge about governmental funding sources to develop innovations and entrepreneurial activities in this essential area.
Why Awareness Matters:
Startup biotech companies must have knowledge about funding resources to obtain financial support or their expansion would face obstacles.
Extensive knowledge regarding funding opportunities stimulates young researchers and entrepreneurs to develop their innovative proposals because it lowers startup obstacles.
Through government financial support researchers are motivated to develop innovations in healthcare as well as agricultural sciences and environmental protection.
The expansion of biotech startups through successful operations leads to the establishment of high-paying skilled positions which subsequently drives national economic development.
How to Improve Student Awareness:
University and college administrators should conduct workshops and seminars which deliver information about government funding programs with their eligibility standards and application requirements.
The organization of guest lecture sessions should welcome both government officials and funding representatives who will deliver live information regarding program funding options specifically for students.
The organization should develop simple online platforms that provide detailed information about funding opportunities along with essential requirements and critical dates as well as demonstrate successful funding cases.
The institution needs to create a mentorship platform which pairs students with profitable entrepreneurs and relevant experts who assist students in securing funding from government support programs and understanding the startup environment.
The establishment of university-based incubation centers provides students with mentorship programs to develop student startups and access funding information through both networking opportunities and incubation facilities.
-Curriculum Integration: Integrate information about government funding opportunities into relevant academic courses, such as biotechnology, entrepreneurship, and business studies.
Through online campaigns on social media platforms the organization will spread information about funding possibilities and interact with student audiences.
The institution should unite with existing student organizations to host funding-awareness campaigns which focus both on government aid and start-up ventures.
See lessWhat are the ethical implications of the art market's role in the looting and illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts?
The ethical implication of looting and illicit traffic in the culture artifacts of art market is actually very huge because: The cultural loss is entangled with art market. To feed its gullible need for antiquated and priceless monuments, the art market incites looting as well as illegal traffickingRead more
The ethical implication of looting and illicit traffic in the culture artifacts of art market is actually very huge because:
The cultural loss is entangled with art market. To feed its gullible need for antiquated and priceless monuments, the art market incites looting as well as illegal trafficking that rob source countries from their own artifacts and disarrays historical and archeological scenarios.
-Profit from Plunder: The illegal trade in cultural heritage sometimes generates revenue for criminals who use such money for terrorism and organized crime, which fuels violence and instability in the source countries.
-Erosion of Trust: It erodes public confidence in the art market when respected auction houses and galleries are found selling looted antiquities, this will destroy the reputation of honest collectors and dealers.
-Ethical Concerns for Collectors: The acquisition of this artifact for collectors raises questions about ethical sourcing. How can one be certain that the artifact being purchased was acquired lawfully and ethically?
-Repatriation Challenges: Illegal trade is the major hindrance to the repatriation of looted cultural artifacts to their original owners, which in turn has resulted in a wave of lawsuits and ethical deliberations over ownership and rights to cultures.
Multi-dimensional strategy is required to tackle these ethical problems:
Transparency and Due Diligence: The art market should be demanding with due diligence in the authentication of provenance, so the artifacts are legally acquired.
International Cooperation: International cooperation must strengthen to avoid illicit trafficking. Better information sharing, improved law enforcement, and stronger export controls would help achieve that.
-Education and Awareness: Education among collectors, dealers, and the public is needed to educate them on ethical implications that the illegal trade of art creates.
-Backing Source Countries, through capacity building, training, and providing resources, help source countries preserve cultural heritage through archaeological researches and building museums.
See lessWhich category of British policies in India focused on the economic exploitation and commercial interests of the British East India Company?
This is a class of British policies in India with regard to economic exploitation and the interests of commerce from the British East India Company; thus, the category would be commercial policies. -Monopoly in Trade: To begin with, the idea was to create a monopoly in the trade with India. TRead more
This is a class of British policies in India with regard to economic exploitation and the interests of commerce from the British East India Company; thus, the category would be commercial policies.
-Monopoly in Trade: To begin with, the idea was to create a monopoly in the trade with India. That comprised stripping of trading rights on particular items such as spices without letting the activities of other European traders go unchecked.
Land Revenue Policies: “The Company introduced land revenue systems such as the Zamindari system to maximize revenue collection in favor of the Company. This system of tenancy often exploited Indian farmers and resulted in the accumulation of wealth by the Company.”.
– Promotion of Cash Crops: The Company encouraged cash crops such as cotton, indigo, and opium to be sold as exports to Britain at the cost of food crops, thus famines and economic hardship on the Indian farmers’ side.
De-industrialization of India: The Company positively encouraged the de-industrialization of India by policies which benefited British manufactured goods, thereby causing a demand for the product and hence increased profit to the Company.
See lessWhich category of British policies in India focused on the economic exploitation and commercial interests of the British East India Company?
This is a class of British policies in India with regard to economic exploitation and the interests of commerce from the British East India Company; thus, the category would be commercial policies. -Monopoly in Trade: To begin with, the idea was to create a monopoly in the trade with India. TRead more
This is a class of British policies in India with regard to economic exploitation and the interests of commerce from the British East India Company; thus, the category would be commercial policies.
-Monopoly in Trade: To begin with, the idea was to create a monopoly in the trade with India. That comprised stripping of trading rights on particular items such as spices without letting the activities of other European traders go unchecked.
Land Revenue Policies: “The Company introduced land revenue systems such as the Zamindari system to maximize revenue collection in favor of the Company. This system of tenancy often exploited Indian farmers and resulted in the accumulation of wealth by the Company.”.
– Promotion of Cash Crops: The Company encouraged cash crops such as cotton, indigo, and opium to be sold as exports to Britain at the cost of food crops, thus famines and economic hardship on the Indian farmers’ side.
De-industrialization of India: The Company positively encouraged the de-industrialization of India by policies which benefited British manufactured goods, thereby causing a demand for the product and hence increased profit to the Company.
See lessMost common virus of hepatitis b and c
Hepatitis B and C Risk Factors Bloodborne -Sharing needles or syringes to inject drugs or for tattoos. -Receiving blood without screening (Though rare these days, thanks to the improvements of screening) -Dirty medical equipment while receiving a treatment Very rare as seen in other regions. Mother-Read more
Hepatitis B and C Risk Factors
Bloodborne
-Sharing needles or syringes to inject drugs or for tattoos.
-Receiving blood without screening (Though rare these days, thanks to the improvements of screening)
-Dirty medical equipment while receiving a treatment
Very rare as seen in other regions.
Mother-to-Child: The newborn can receive it from a pregnant mother during childbirth if the mother has hepatitis B.
Sexual Transmission:
Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
Having multiple sexual partners.
Occupational Exposure:
Healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and lab technicians, who handle blood or other bodily fluids.
Factors Contributing to Challenges in Reducing Transmission:
-Lack of awareness and education: Most individuals do not have information on hepatitis B and C risks and the modes of their transmission.
-Discrimination and Stigma: Most infections lead to stigma that might prevent individuals from going for tests and treatment.
Limited access to health care: Most individuals lack quality health care, including tests, vaccination, and treatment of hepatitis.
-Poverty and Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty and socioeconomic inequalities increase the risk factors of hepatitis B and C, including unsafe injection practices and limited access to health care.
-Inadequate Infrastructure: In some areas, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, including limited access to sterile equipment and trained healthcare workers, can contribute to the spread of these infections.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including:
-Public Health Campaigns: Public education on hepatitis B and C, their transmission, and prevention and treatment.
Vaccination Programs: Wider access to hepatitis B immunization, especially among infants and other high-risk groups.
Healthcare Access Increased: Improved access to quality health care, including diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B and C infection.
Socioeconomic Disparity Reduction: Poverty elimination and increasing education and access to and use of health care by deprived populations.
-Harm reduction activities. Such activities may include needle exchange and syringe programmes for injecting drug users, thus reducing infections.
See less-Stigma reduction. Promote stigma reduction campaigns that call upon people to come for testing and treatment without the fear of stigmatization.
Discuss the importance of maintaining healthy wetlands for climate mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and human health. What mechanisms are in place in India to achieve this? (200 Words)
A Brief Explanation: Climate change; Mitigation; Adaptation; Biodiversity; Human health Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, serving as hotspots of biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. These unique systems also support a rich diversity of taxa, aquatic and terrestrial, and pRead more
A Brief Explanation: Climate change; Mitigation; Adaptation; Biodiversity; Human health
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, serving as hotspots of biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. These unique systems also support a rich diversity of taxa, aquatic and terrestrial, and play a critical role in climate adaptation and mitigation, and in human health and well-being. This is how wetlands in India have been defined through various legislative and community-based efforts for their protection and conservation.
Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
Wetlands are nature’s water filters and can help sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide, making them a potential tool in the fight against climate change. They are natural filters, able to absorb and retain water during a rainy season and release it slowly in a dry season, allowing the water cycle to be paced and reducing the incidence of floods and droughts. Such a buffer against extreme weather events is particularly important for a country like India which is highly susceptible to the impact of climate change, given that floods and water scarcity have both become increasingly regular features of contemporary life in India.
Wetlands also serve as carbon sinks, trapping carbon in their soils and plants. When healthy, they carve and stash away more carbon than many other systems, pulling down the concentration of greenhouse gases in the air. But when wetlands degrade, they become sources of carbon emissions that amplify the climate crisis. So making sure they continue to be healthy is essential for climate mitigation and adaptation.
Biodiversity Conservation
Thousands of plants and animals live in wetland habitats, from which many species are exclusive. They are crucial habitats for millions of migratory birds, amphibians, fish and mammals. Wetlands provide important ecosystems and are rich in biodiversity where the diversity allows for better resilience and recovery from disturbances.
Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan and Chilka Lake in Odisha are popular for their diversity as wetlands in India. These regions provide local flora and fauna habitat, but also serve as points for migratory birds, making them necessary for global avian biodiversity. You know, protecting these wetlands is really critical to ecological balance and protecting many endangered species.
Human Health and Well-Being
Healthy wetlands had direct impact on the human health and well-being. Water quality also improves through natural filtration. This natural filtration is a critical benefit in areas of the world with limited access to clean water, as it can significantly decrease the risk of waterborne illness.
Wetlands are also a source of fish and plants, essential for food security and livelihoods. Wetlands comprise an important fishery resource for many communities, particularly rural communities, with fish acting as both a vital component of the diet and a key eco-economic resource. Wetlands also serve as possible habitat for medicinal plants or other resources for traditional medicine, fostering the health and welfare of adjacent communities.
Mechanisms in Place in India
Realising the importance of wetlands, India has instituted various mechanisms for the protection and conservation of wetlands. Let us discuss about one such initiative taken in the form of National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) for sustainable management practices in India. The NWCP is working to identify where wetlands can be maintained and restored to deliver essential ecological services.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules were enacted in 2017 in India to create a legal framework for the protection and conservation of wetlands. The rules say all wetlands must be identified and sustainably regulated, and no pollution, encroachment and degradation should be permitted. The guidelines also require setting up of State Wetland Authorities for enforcing conservation measures.
India has operationalized the National Wetland Atlas and the National Wetland Inventory to learn more about its wetlands and better manage them. The projects will survey and satellite-detect wetlands nationwide, producing critical data for conservationists. The atlas and inventory identify priority areas requiring immediate action, and provide a basis for developing targeted conservation strategies.
India is also a signatory of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty that seeks to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetland resources. It establishes a framework for international cooperation and acts as a catalyst for the designation of wetlands of international importance. Currently sites like Loktak Lake in Manipur and Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir are protected under these frameworks in India.
Many of these efforts at the state level are focused on restoring soulless wetlands and expanding community oversight in environmental management. For example, the Yamuna Biodiversity Park in Delhi, has enhanced public consciousness and participation in conservation, as well as enhanced health of the wetland itself.
To introduce community participation in awareness programs is one of the main goals of this real-time study.
Community involvement is very important for the conservation of wetland in India. The reason for this has been an increasing movement to engage local communities in conservation, given that in most cases these communities are the most affected by wetlands degradation. People awareness programs are being implemented to inform people about the importance of wetlands and sustainable management practices Evaluation and Implementation of wetlands ConservationPlan
You cannot learn enough in a profession that teaches and strengthens their community, where they become part of the local solution themselves, they take ownership and pride for what they learn. India’s method for wetland protection, for example, is framed by cooperation and inclusiveness — citizens are involved in the planning and execution of conservation measures, which ensures that actual policy and science implementation occurs on the ground.
Conclusion
But wetlands are essential for climate mitigation, climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation and human health. Across India, laws, engages with communities, and collaborations are being harnessed to secure and revive these critical ecosystems. The reward and punishment approach, like the National Wetland Conservation Programme, Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 and Ramsar Convention, etc, in long term health and sustainability of wetlands had have very few attempts on mechanistic implementations.
But their success will take sustained effort and cooperation among all stakeholders from governments to national and international organizations. By working in tandem, India can safeguard its wetlands and ensure that they continue to play a fundamental role in both the ecology and humanity.
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