Jan 08 2025

India faces a dual challenge, rising life expectancy and an earlier disease burden necessitating Preventive healthcare  with focus on early detection.

What are Preventive Measures?

Preventive measures refer to proactive actions taken to avert the onset of diseases, manage risk factors, and maintain overall health. These include:

  • Primary Prevention: Avoiding the occurrence of diseases through vaccinations, hygiene, and lifestyle changes.
  • Secondary Prevention: Early detection and prompt treatment to prevent disease progression.
  • Tertiary Prevention: Managing chronic diseases to minimize complications and enhance quality of life.

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Preventive Healthcare in India

Need for Preventive Measures in India

  • Rising Elderly Population: With increasing life expectancy, India’s elderly population is projected to reach 320 million by 2050. This group faces a high prevalence of NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, and cancers.
  • Malnutrition in Children: Childhood stunting remains a concern, with 35.5% of children under five stunted (NFHS-5). Malnutrition impacts cognitive development and increases susceptibility to infections.
    • Immunization and nutritional programs are vital to protect children from preventable diseases.
  • Deficiency among Women: Anemia affects 57% of women aged 15-49, with nutritional deficiencies being a significant contributor. Additionally, breast and cervical cancers are on the rise, often diagnosed late.
    • Targeted health check-ups, nutritional supplementation, and cancer screenings can address these challenges effectively.
  • Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs): In 2016 India reported 63% of total deaths due to NCDs, of which 27% were attributed to CVDs. CVDs also account for 45% of deaths in the 40-69 year age group. Risk factors include hypertension, obesity, and high cholesterol.
    • Preventive measures such as regular screenings, lifestyle changes, and public awareness campaigns are critical.
  • High Communicable Diseases Burden: Despite progress, diseases like tuberculosis (TB) and malaria remain endemic.
    • India recorded 1.6 million TB cases in 2022, with multidrug-resistant TB posing additional challenges. Necessiting improved diagnostics, vaccinations, and hygiene promotion are essential.
  • Rising Risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): The prevalence of risk factors for NCDs is worryingly high. One in four adult men are hypertensive. One in eight are diabetic.
    • Early diagnosis and lifestyle interventions can mitigate the growing NCD burden.
  • Economic Burden of Disease in India: Rising healthcare expenses and productivity losses threaten financial stability, especially for middle and lower-income families.
    • As per National Health Accounts Estimates 2021-22, the Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) as a percentage of Total Health Expenditure (THE) is 39.4%.
    • The Union Budget 2024 allocated ₹87,657 crore to healthcare, a 13% increase but insufficient for India’s challenges.
    • WHO predicts NCD costs in India to exceed ₹280 lakh crore by 2030, equivalent to ₹2 lakh per household.

Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE):

  • Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) refers to the direct payments made by households when accessing healthcare services.
  • It excludes those covered by public or private insurance or social protection schemes

Preventive Measures

To address the health challenges, India must implement comprehensive preventive strategies:

  • Regular Health Check-Ups: Early detection through periodic screenings for diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and other conditions is crucial.
    • Tailored screening protocols for high-risk groups, such as women (mammograms, pap smears) and elderly individuals, can enhance outcomes.
  • Filling the Hunger Gap: Strengthening nutrition programs, such as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), can combat malnutrition.
    • Including nutrient-dense foods like fortified cereals and edible oils in public distribution systems (PDS) can further improve dietary intake.
  • Medical Interventions: Scaling up vaccination programs for diseases like hepatitis, cervical cancer, and influenza.
    • Promoting routine deworming, particularly for children in high-risk areas.
  • Healthcare Facilities for All: Expanding the Ayushman Bharat initiative to ensure universal healthcare access. Establishing telemedicine platforms to improve accessibility in remote regions.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Disseminating information on healthy lifestyles, hygiene, and the importance of preventive care.
    • Engaging community health workers to promote awareness at the grassroots level.

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Government Initiatives to Improve Healthcare in India

  • Universal Health Coverage through National Health Mission (NHM): The Central Government supports states in providing accessible and affordable healthcare, focusing on underserved and marginalized groups in rural areas.
    • Efforts include strengthening health infrastructure, ensuring adequate human resources, and improving healthcare accessibility and quality.
  • Mission-Mode Healthcare Projects: 
    • Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM):
      • Develops capacities in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare systems.
      • Strengthens existing national institutions and establishes new ones to address emerging diseases.
      • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with an outlay of ₹64,180 crore.
    • Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs (AAMs): Deliver comprehensive primary healthcare, including preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative services for all health issues, free and closer to communities.
      • 1,75,418 AAMs operationalized by converting Sub-Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
    • Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Provides health cover of ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care to 55 crore beneficiaries (12.37 crore families).
      • Recently extended to cover all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income.
  •  Reducing Out-of-Pocket Expenditure
    • National Free Drugs Service Initiative: Ensures availability of essential drugs at public health facilities.
    • Free Diagnostic Services: Provides essential diagnostic services to patients at public facilities.
    • Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP): Offers quality generic medicines at affordable prices in collaboration with state governments.
    • AMRIT Pharmacies: Set up in select hospitals to provide affordable medicines and implants.

Challenges in Preventive Healthcare in India

  • Gaps in Primary Healthcare Infrastructure: Despite government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, primary healthcare centers (PHCs) face issues such as understaffing, lack of medical equipment, and inadequate facilities, particularly in rural areas.
    • As per the Rural Health Statistics 2022-23, 8% of PHCs are without doctors, and 39% lack lab technicians, impeding service delivery.
  • Lack of Awareness About Preventive Health Measures: A significant portion of the population remains unaware of the importance of preventive healthcare, such as regular screenings, vaccinations, and hygiene practices.
    • According to a 2023 survey by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), only 45% of women were aware of cervical cancer screenings, indicating a need for widespread education campaigns.
  • Hesitancy Towards Diagnosis and Immunization: Cultural stigmas and fear of diagnosis deter individuals from undergoing screenings for conditions like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
    • Despite immunization drives, vaccine hesitancy persists, with NFHS-5 reporting 6% of children under five still not fully immunized in 2022.
  • Negligence or Lack of Proper Implementation at the Primary Level: Policies like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) often suffer from irregular implementation, impacting their effectiveness in addressing malnutrition and promoting health education.
    • Reports from the NITI Aayog (2022) highlighted irregularities in fund utilization and gaps in food quality across several states.
  • Lack of Monitoring and Evaluation: Insufficient monitoring of healthcare programs leads to inefficiencies and limited accountability at the ground level.
    • A 2021 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) pointed out lapses in monitoring and data collection under the National Health Mission, affecting service delivery outcomes.
  • High Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE): High OOPE discourages regular health check-ups and preventive interventions, particularly among economically weaker sections.
  • Inadequate Focus on Mental Health in Preventive Care: Mental health issues remain largely ignored in preventive strategies, despite the increasing prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.
    • The National Mental Health Survey (2015-16) found that 10.6% of adults suffer from mental health disorders, with minimal access to early intervention.
  • Resistance to Change in Lifestyle Habits: Many individuals remain reluctant to adopt healthier lifestyles, such as increased physical activity and reduced consumption of unhealthy foods.
    • The Global Nutrition Report (2022) stated that 25% of India’s adult population is obese or overweight, a growing concern linked to lifestyle choices.
  • Dietary Gaps in Marginalized Communities: Tribal and marginalized groups often rely on calorie-dense but nutrient-poor diets, leading to both undernutrition and hidden hunger.
    • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 2022 reported that 74% of India’s rural population cannot afford a healthy diet, exacerbating malnutrition issues.
  • Urban-Rural Divide in Healthcare Access: Urban areas have better access to healthcare facilities, leaving rural populations underserved.
    • According to NITI Aayog (2021), 60% of rural households need to travel over 5 km to access basic healthcare services, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Way Forward for Preventive Healthcare in India

  • Strengthen Early Intervention through Technology: Expand capabilities at Ayushman Health and Wellness Centres by integrating AI-enabled imaging for cost-effective, large-scale screenings and leveraging data to implement targeted, risk-driven interventions.
  • Subsidize Screenings via Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage private health providers and insurers to offer subsidized screening packages for individuals aged 40-60. Utilize funds from healthcare cess or the proposed higher GST slab on tobacco and sugar products to offset costs and support preventive initiatives.
  • Increase Tax Incentives for Preventive Health Checks: Revise the tax deduction limit under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 to account for healthcare inflation, encouraging individuals to undergo regular comprehensive health screenings.
  • Promote Public Awareness and Accessibility: Launch widespread campaigns to highlight the importance of regular screenings and preventive measures, making preventive healthcare more accessible and affordable for all income groups
  • Subsidized Preventive Services: Introduce affordable health screenings and checks similar to Singapore’s CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme), ensuring preventive care is accessible to economically weaker sections.
  • Expand Insurance for Preventive Care: Include preventive services in health insurance coverage, as seen in Germany, where mandatory screenings are a part of universal healthcare.

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Conclusion

Prioritizing preventive healthcare in India is crucial to mitigate the rising burden of diseases and associated economic costs. Preventive care is not just a medical necessity but a societal investment in human capital and national progress.

Recently, several workers have been trapped in a coal “rat-hole” mine after it was flooded with water in Dima Hasao district of Assam.

What is Rat-Hole Mining?

  • A primitive and illegal coal mining technique involving the creation of narrow tunnels, called “rat holes,” which are barely wide enough for a single person.
  • Workers manually extract coal using basic tools like pickaxes and shovels.
  • Commonly practiced in India’s northeastern states, particularly in Meghalaya.

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Rat-Hole Mining

Types of Rat-Hole Mining

  • Side-Cutting Procedure:
    • Tunnels are dug into hill slopes to locate thin coal seams, often less than 2 meters thick.
    • Coal is manually extracted from these tunnels.
  • Box-Cutting Procedure:
    • A rectangular opening (10–100 sqm) is made to dig a vertical pit (100–400 feet deep).
    • Horizontal tunnels are created for coal extraction once the coal seam is found.

Causes of Rat-Hole Mining

  • Economic Factors:
    • Poverty and lack of alternative livelihood opportunities drive local populations to engage in rat-hole mining.
    • The quick cash generated from coal extraction incentivizes this hazardous practice despite the risks involved.
  • Land Ownership Issues:
    • Ambiguous land ownership titles create regulatory loopholes that allow illegal mining to persist.
  • Coal Demand:
    • The constant demand for coal, both legal and illegal, sustains the practice.
    • Middlemen and illegal traders perpetuate the cycle, putting miners’ lives at risk.
  • Policy Gaps:
    • Weak enforcement of regulations and oversight allows illegal operators to exploit the system.
    • Special provisions like Article 371A in Nagaland complicate government efforts to regulate mining activities on privately owned land.

Key Issues with Rat-Hole Mining

  • Human Safety Concerns:
    • Narrow tunnels are prone to collapses, trapping miners underground.
    • Poor ventilation leads to suffocation and exposure to hazardous gases.
    • Lack of safety equipment increases the risk of accidents and diseases.
  • Environmental Impact:
    • Deforestation: Trees are cleared to create access points.

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Acid mine drainage (AMD),  also known as acid rock drainage (ARD), is a naturally occurring process that produces acidic water and metal-rich solutions when sulfide-bearing minerals are exposed to air, moisture, and bacteria during mining. 

    • Land Degradation: Unplanned digging scars the landscape and erodes topsoil.
    • Water Pollution: Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Causes water contamination and biodiversity loss.
    • Air Pollution: Results from coal burning and inadequate ventilation. Social Concerns:
      • Child labor is common due to the small size of tunnels.
      • Displacement of local communities leads to loss of livelihoods.

Regulatory Framework

  • National Green Tribunal (NGT) Ban:
    • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned the practice in 2014, and retained the ban in 2015 in Meghalaya, citing safety concerns and environmental degradation.
    • Despite the ban, illegal mining continues due to weak enforcement and economic dependence.
  • Nagaland’s Coal Mining Policy (2006):
    • Nagaland permits regulated small-scale mining under its 2006 policy.
    • Licenses are granted for limited durations and conditions, but illegal mining persists due to inadequate oversight.

Way Forwards

  • Livelihood Alternatives: Providing sustainable income sources such as skill development programs, tourism, and handicrafts can help communities move away from mining.
    • Microfinance opportunities can support alternative ventures.
  • Sustainable Mining Practices: Exploring safer methods like bord-and-pillar mining or small-scale mechanized mining can reduce risks while maintaining economic viability.
  • Strengthening Enforcement: Strict penalties and enhanced monitoring systems are needed to curb illegal mining activities.
    • Regulatory bodies should be empowered with the necessary resources for effective oversight.
  • Promoting Renewable Energy: Investments in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power can reduce dependence on coal mining.
  • Community Empowerment: Raising awareness about the risks of rat-hole mining and providing training programs for safer practices are essential.

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Conclusion

Rat-hole mining remains a pressing issue in India, driven by economic necessity and regulatory gaps. A multi-pronged approach that combines strict enforcement, sustainable livelihoods, modern mining techniques, and investments in renewable energy is crucial to phase out rat-hole mining while ensuring the well-being of affected communities.

Recently, the Supreme Court slammed the Centre and States for delay in appointing Information Commissioners to decide citizens’ rights under the Right to Information Act. 

  • Vacancies in the Central Information Commission (CIC):
    • Currently eight vacant posts of Information Commissioners in the CIC.
    • Over 23,000 appeals are pending from citizens seeking information from various government departments.
  • State Information Commissions:
    • Several State Information Commissions have been defunct since 2020.
    • Some State Information Commissions have stopped accepting petitions under the RTI Act due to lack of personnel.

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About RTI Act, 2005

  • Enactment and Implementation: The RTI Act was enacted in June 2005 and came into force in October 2005.
  • Purpose: Its primary objective is to provide citizens the right to access information under the control of Public Authorities (PAs).
  • Nodal Agency: Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions (MoPPG&P).
  • Institutional Framework:
    • The Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs) are established to oversee the Act’s implementation and to address appeals regarding the denial of information.
    • Public Information Officers (PIOs) are appointed at both the central and state levels to provide information to citizens as per their requests.

Central Information Commission (CIC)

  • Establishment: The CIC was established in 2005 by the Central Government under the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
  • Nature: It is not a constitutional body but a statutory authority.
  • Composition: The CIC comprises:
    • A Chief Information Commissioner.
    • Up to ten Information Commissioners.
  • Appointment Process
    • The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners are appointed by the President of India.
    • The recommendation is made by a committee consisting of:
      • The Prime Minister as Chairperson.
      • The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
      • A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
  • Tenure and Conditions of Service
    • The tenure of the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners is determined by the Central Government or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
    • They are not eligible for reappointment.
  • Removal of Commissioners: The President can remove the Chief Information Commissioner or an Information Commissioner
  • Powers and Functions
    • The CIC acts as an appellate authority under the RTI Act.
    • It is empowered to:
      • Receive and inquire into complaints related to RTI non-compliance.
      • Conduct inquiries suo moto if reasonable grounds exist.
      • Exercise civil court powers, such as summoning and requiring the production of documents.
    • The CIC entertains complaints and appeals pertaining to offices, financial institutions, public sector undertakings, and other entities under the Central Government and Union Territories.

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About State Information Commission (SIC)

  • Each state government constitutes an SIC. It includes:
    • A State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC).
    • Up to ten State Information Commissioners (SICs).
  • Appointment: Members are appointed by the Governor based on recommendations from a committee consist:
    • The Chief Minister as the Chairperson,
    • The Leader of the Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly, and
    • A State Cabinet Minister nominated by the Chief Minister.
  • Removal: The Governor can remove the State Chief Information Commissioner or any State Information Commissioner from the office

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently inaugurated the Bharatpol portal, which aims to provide police and security agencies in India with a seamless connection to Interpol, the international Police organisation.

About BHARATPOL Portal

  • The BHARATPOL Portal is an initiative to enhance India’s international law enforcement capabilities through streamlined collaboration with INTERPOL.
  • Aim: Streamline the processing of requests for international police assistance through INTERPOL.
    • Facilitate real-time information sharing for faster access to international police collaboration.
  • Developed By: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) developed the portal and oversees its operation and integration with international law enforcement systems.
  • Key Features of BHARATPOL
    • Global Network Integration: Connects Indian investigative agencies to INTERPOL’s global network of 195 countries, enabling seamless collaboration for crime control and international investigations.
    • Access to INTERPOL Databases: Access to 19 types of INTERPOL databases, aiding in crime analysis, prevention, and the apprehension of fugitives.
    • Five Modular Components:
      • Connect: Integrates all Indian law enforcement agencies as an extension of INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi).
      • INTERPOL Notices: Facilitates quick, secure transmission of requests for notices such as Red Corner Notices.
      • References: Simplifies seeking and providing international assistance in investigations.
      • Broadcast: Provides real-time availability of requests for assistance from 195 countries.
      • Resources: Manages documents and supports capacity-building initiatives for law enforcement officers.
    • Real-Time Interface: Includes a real-time communication system that ensures quick and effective data sharing among agencies, enhancing crime control measures.
    • Expedited Responses: Allows for faster handling of international and domestic requests, reducing delays in investigations and increasing efficiency.
    • Support for “Trial in Absentia”: Enables prosecution of fugitives in their absence, ensuring justice is served even if criminals have fled abroad.

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About International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)

  • Purpose: Facilitates international police cooperation to combat cross-border crimes like terrorism, trafficking, and organized crime.
  • Establishment Year: 1923.
  • Member: 195 member countries.
    • India’s Membership: India has been a member since 1956.
  • Status: Independent international organization, not part of the United Nations system.
  • Headquarters: Located in Lyon, France.
  • Official Languages: Arabic, English, French, and Spanish.
  • Role in Investigations: Acts as the first point of contact for international investigations but does not actively investigate crimes.
  • Communication System: Member countries are connected through Interpol’s communication system, I-24/7, facilitating real-time contact and access to Interpol’s databases.
  • Databases: Interpol manages 19 databases containing information on crimes and criminals, accessible to member countries.

Organizational Structure

  • General Assembly:
    • Supreme decision-making body with one delegate from each member country.
    • Decisions are taken during annual meetings.
  • General Secretariat:
    • Operates under a Secretary General, who manages day-to-day operations.
    • Secretary General’s Term: Five years, appointed by the General Assembly.
  • Executive Committee:
    • Comprises 13 members, each representing a different region.
    • Oversees the implementation of General Assembly decisions and supervises the work of the Secretary General.
  • National Central Bureau (NCB):
    • Each member country has an NCB, acting as the central point of contact with INTERPOL and other NCBs globally.
    • NCBs are managed by police officials and are typically housed in the government ministry responsible for policing (in India’s case, the Union Home Ministry).
    • In India, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) serves as the NCB.

Types of Notices

BHARATPOL Portal

  • 8 types of notices (7 of which are colour-coded):  In the form of alerts/requests allowing police in member countries to share critical crime-related information.
  • These notices are issued by the Interpol’s General Secretariat at the request of a member country’s Interpol National Central Bureau, and are made available for all member countries.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

  • Origin:
    • Established in 1941 as the Special Police Establishment (SPE) to investigate bribery and corruption during World War II in transactions with the War and Supply Department.
  • Establishment of CBI:
    • Recommended by the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–1964).
    • Set up in 1963 by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs and later transferred to the Ministry of Personnel.
  • Legal Status:
    • Not a statutory body; derives powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
  • Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, which falls under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
  • Functions and Responsibilities:
    • Dual Responsibility:
      • Investigates grievous cases of national importance.
      • Provides leadership and direction to fight corruption across the police force in the country.
    • Superintendence:
      • For cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the superintendence lies with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

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  • Appointment of CBI Director:
    • Pre-2014 Process: Appointed based on the DSPE Act, 1946.
    • Post-2014 Process: Lokpal Act provided a committee for appointment of CBI Director
      • Appointment committee:
        • Prime Minister (Head).
        • Leader of Opposition/Leader of the single largest opposition party in Lok Sabha.
        • Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court Judge.
      • Process:
        • The Ministry of Home Affairs sends a list of eligible candidates to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
        • DoPT prepares the final list based on seniority, integrity, and experience in anti-corruption cases, and submits it to the committee.
  • Tenure of CBI Director:
    • CVC Act, 2003: Fixed tenure of 2 years.
    • Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) Act, 2021:
      • Allows extension of tenure up to 5 years, with the following conditions:
        • Extensions granted one year at a time.
        • No extension permitted beyond a total of 5 years (including the initial 2-year term).

The Digital Personal Data Protection Rules (DPDPR), 2025 propose a child verification system through ID tokenization formulated with consultation from Tech Industry to ensure minors do not access age-restricted online services without parental consent.

About ID Tokenisation

  • Definition: Tokenization creates a digital representation of personal data, ensuring the original data remains secure and inaccessible.
  • Currently, most platforms allow any user to simply declare that they are at least 13 years old, and have parental consent if they are below 18 years of age.
  • Use Case: Platforms must verify the age of users or their guardians using a token rather than storing complete identity records.
  • Existing Applications: Tokenisation is widely used in payment systems to secure credit card information.
  • Benefits of Tokenisation in Age Verification
    • Safeguards minors by ensuring compliance with age restrictions for online services and social media platforms.
    • Prevents platforms from directly accessing or storing sensitive identity documents.
    • Ensures data privacy by allowing tokens to be deleted once their purpose is fulfilled.

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Privacy Concerns and Government’s Response

  • Privacy advocates have raised concerns about requiring all users, including adults, to verify their age for online services.
  • The government emphasized that modern technology enables seamless and non-intrusive age verification.
  • The tokenisation approach mitigates privacy risks by limiting data exposure.

Role India’s Digital Framework in Achieving 

  • India’s robust digital architecture, powered by Aadhaar and payment systems, positions the country ahead of many developed nations in implementing such measures.
  • The rules reinforce citizen-centric governance and data protection.
  • Platforms operating in India must incorporate token-based age verification for all new users.
  • The government’s assurance that tokens can be deleted post-verification addresses privacy and security concerns.
Additional Reading: DPDPR, 2025

The report, ‘2024 Global Water Monitor Report’, was produced by an international team of researchers from universities in Australia, Saudi Arabia, China, Germany, and elsewhere. 

Key Findings of the ‘2024 Global Water Monitor Report’

  • 2024 Hottest Year on Record: The average global temperature reached 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
  • Water-Related Disasters: Over 8,700 fatalities and 40 million displaced due to water-related disasters.
    • Economic losses exceeded $550 billion globally.
  • Increase in Dry Periods: 2024 witnessed 38% more record-dry months compared to the baseline period (1995–2005).
    • Extremely dry months have been increasing in recent decades.
  • Record-Breaking Rainfall: Monthly rainfall records were set 27% more often in 2024 than in 2000.
    • Daily rainfall records were set 52% more frequently.
  • Terrestrial Water Storage (TWS): Ongoing low TWS values were observed in most of the world’s dry regions.
    • Increases in TWS were noted in parts of Africa (western, central, and eastern regions).
    • Lake and reservoir water storage worldwide declined for the fifth year in a row.
  • Projections for 2025: Droughts could worsen in northern South America, southern Africa, and parts of Asia.
    • Increased flood risks are anticipated in wetter regions such as the Sahel and Europe.

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What is Water Cycle?

Global Water Monitor Report

  • The water cycle involves the constant movement of water in all its phases (solid, liquid, gas) on the ground, underground, and in the atmosphere.
    • It is driven by solar energy and temperature changes, regulating weather patterns and enabling the availability of water for all living organisms.
  • Key processes:
    • Evaporation: Water escapes from the ground or water bodies into the atmosphere.
    • Transpiration: Water taken up by plants is released as vapour.
    • Condensation: As warm air rises from the Earth’s surface, it cools and water vapor turns back into liquid droplets and eventually forms clouds.
    • Precipitation: Condensed water vapour forms clouds and falls as rain or snow.
    • Storage: Water is stored in ice caps, lakes, rivers, soil, or underground aquifers.
    • Runoff: When there’s more water than the land can absorb, the excess water flows over the land’s surface into streams, rivers, or ponds.

Impact of Climate Change on the Water Cycle

  • Increased Evaporation and Precipitation:
    • Higher temperatures cause more water to evaporate into the atmosphere.
    • Warmer air holds more moisture, intensifying precipitation events.
  • Intensified Storms and Floods:
    • With each 1°C rise in temperature, the atmosphere holds 7% more moisture, increasing storm intensity, duration, and frequency.
    • Severe floods are becoming more frequent globally.
  • Increased Droughts and Soil Drying:
    • High temperatures lead to faster evaporation, drying out soils.
    • When rain occurs, water often runs off hard, dry ground, further exacerbating soil dryness and increasing the risk of droughts.
  • Erratic Water Cycle:
    • Climate change is making the water cycle more irregular, with regions experiencing either extreme rainfall or prolonged droughts.
  • Sea-level rise: Thermal expansion and melting ice is contributing to sea level rise.
    • Resulting in oceanic acidification and affecting marine life
  • Future Projections:
    • The planet is on track for a 2.6–3.1°C temperature increase by the century’s end if greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically reduced.
    • This could lead to more unpredictable and extreme weather events.

Recently, the Tamil Nadu Governor left the Legislative Assembly without delivering the customary address on the opening day of the first session of the year, complaining that the national anthem was not played before his scheduled address.

State Assembly Practices

  • Tamil Nadu:
    • The State Anthem (“Tamil Thai Vazhthu”) is played before the Governor’s address.
    • The National Anthem is played at the end of the session.
    • This convention has been followed since 1991.
  • Nagaland: The National Anthem was not played in the Assembly until 2021.
  • Tripura: The National Anthem was played for the first time in 2018.

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Practice in Parliament

  • The National Anthem is played when the President reaches the dais.
  • Presiding Officers, members, and visitors stand during the anthem and resume their seats as the President sits.
  • After the address, the President rises, and the National Anthem is played again.

Key Supreme Court Judgments

  • Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986):
    • Jehovah’s Witness students refused to sing the anthem but stood respectfully.
    • The Supreme Court ruled that expelling them violated their freedom of conscience and religion (Article 25).
    • The case emphasized tolerance and respect for diverse beliefs.
  • Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India (2018):
    • Interim Order (2016): Directed cinema halls to play the National Anthem before films, requiring audiences to stand.
    • Modified Order (2018): Made playing the anthem optional in cinema halls.

Key Issues 

  • Mandatory vs. Customary:
    • Playing the National Anthem is not mandatory in all functions, as clarified by court rulings.
    • It is largely a customary practice followed at formal and ceremonial events.
  • Respect and Tolerance:
    • The Supreme Court has consistently upheld the right to religious freedom and freedom of conscience, emphasizing the need for tolerance and respect for diverse practices.
  • Implementation Challenges:
    • Variability in state-level practices.
    • Weak enforcement of existing guidelines, leading to controversies.

About National Anthem

National Anthem

  • The National Anthem of India is “Jana Gana Mana”, written by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali.
  • It was adopted as the National Anthem in its Hindi version on 24th January 1950 by the Constituent Assembly.
  • Playing Time: 52-second playing time for full text, while the short version includes the first and last lines with a 20-second duration.
  • Historical Context of the National Anthem
    • First sung on 27th December 1911 at the Indian National Congress session in Kolkata.
    • Inspired by the melody of Raag Alhiya Bilawal.
    • Rabindranath Tagore provided an English interpretation titled “The Morning Song of India” in 1919.
    • Subhash Chandra Bose played a role in popularizing the song during India’s freedom struggle.

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Legal Framework

  • Constitutional Provision:
    • Article 51(A)(a) (Fundamental Duties): Citizens are required to respect the National Anthem, National Flag, and other national symbols.
  • Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971:
    • Section 3: Punishment for preventing singing or showing disrespect to the National Anthem includes imprisonment up to three years, a fine, or both.
  • Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Guidelines:
    • When to Play the Full Version:
      • Civil and military investitures.
      • National salute to the President or Governors.
      • Parades, flag hoisting, and regimental color presentations.
      • Arrival and departure of the President or Governors at formal state functions.
      • Before and after the President addresses the nation.
    • Mass Singing:
      • During flag unfurling.
      • Cultural or ceremonial functions.
      • Arrival or departure of the President at public functions.
  • General Conduct: Audiences must stand to attention when the National Anthem is played unless it is part of a newsreel or documentary.

The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is recently released, the First Advance Estimates of Annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25 along with its expenditure components both at Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices.

About National Statistical Office (NSO)

  • Formation: NSO was formed in 2019 by merging the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
  • Recommendation: The establishment of NSO as the nodal body for core statistical activities was first suggested by the C. Rangarajan Committee.
  • Affiliation: NSO operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
  • Function: It collects, compiles, and disseminates reliable, objective, and relevant statistical data.

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Key Highlights of India’s GDP Estimate (2024-25)

GDP

  • GDP Growth:
    • Real GDP growth estimated at 6.4%, down from 8.2% in 2023-24.
    • Nominal GDP expected to grow by 9.7%, reaching ₹324.11 lakh crore.
  • Sectoral Growth:
    • Primary Sector: Growth of 3.6%, a recovery from 2.1% in 2023-24.
    • Secondary Sector:  Growth of 6.5%, down from 9.7% in 2023-24.  Manufacturing being the largest contributor (14%) followed by Construction (9%).
    • Tertiary Sector: Growth of 7.2%, down from 7.6% in 2023-24.
  • Consumption Expenditure:
    • Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE): Growth of 7.3% compared to 4% in the previous year.
    • Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE): Growth rebounded to 4.1%, up from 2.5%.

Private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) is defined as the expenditure incurred by the resident households and non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH) on final consumption of goods and services, whether made within or outside the economic territory. 

Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE) is the total amount of money the government spends on buying goods and services, including employee compensation.

  • Gross Value Added (GVA):
    • Real GVA growth: 6.4%, down from 7.2% in the previous year.
    • Nominal GVA growth: 9.3%, reaching ₹292.64 lakh crore.
  • Net Exports:
    • Typically a negative contributor to GDP due to higher imports than exports.
    • The drag effect grew by 144%, though the overall deceleration from 19.6% to 13.3% suggests improvement over time.

Observations

  • Economic Recovery:
    • GDP growth suggests recovery after Covid-induced disruptions.
    • Growth primarily attributed to a low base effect in FY22 and FY23.
  • Growth Deceleration:
    • The second term of the current government has witnessed slower growth compared to the first term.
    • Contraction in GDP (-5.6%) in 2020-21 impacted long-term growth.
  • Investment and Consumption:
    • Investment growth driven largely by public spending.
    • Private consumption remains muted, impacting the largest GDP engine.

About GDP

  • GDP is a monetary measure of the total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country over a specific period.
  • Purpose: Used to assess the economic health of a country or region.
  • Types of GDP: 
    • Nominal GDP
      • Measures economic output using current prices without adjusting for inflation.
      • Calculation: All goods and services are valued at their selling prices in the year they are produced.
      • Usage:
        • Useful for comparing output within the same year.
        • Expressed in local currency or U.S. dollars at current exchange rates for international comparisons.
    • Real GDP
      • An inflation-adjusted measure of economic output, reflecting the actual quantity of goods and services produced.
      • Real GDP is calculated using “constant” prices, removing the effect of inflation or price changes.
      • Estimating Real GDP
        • GDPBase year is used to estimate real GDP and is updated every 5-10 years.
        • The National Statistical Office (NSO) is responsible for revising the GDP base year to reflect changes in prices and economic output.
      • Purpose: Allows for year-to-year comparisons by showing real growth or decline in production.
      • Calculation:
        • Uses a GDP price deflator to account for price changes between the current year and the base year.
        • Nominal GDP is divided by the deflator to obtain real GDP.

GDP

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About GVA

  • GVA measures the value of goods and services produced in a specific area, considering the value added to a product. In India, GVA is measured at ‘basic prices’.
  • Calculation of GVA: It is  calculated by deducting the intermediate value of consumption from the total output produced, reflecting the added value generated during the production process. 
  • The formula for calculating GVA is: GVA = GDP + Subsidies on products – Taxes on products.
  • GDP is greater than GVA, due to the higher amount of taxes received compared to subsidies provided by the government.

Recently, a winter storm hit the United States, leading to mass school closures, dangerous road conditions and power cuts.

About Polar vortex

  • Definition: It is a large low-pressure and cold air system that surrounds the Earth’s poles.
  • Polar VortexIt always exists near the poles but becomes stronger in winter and weaker in summer.
  • The term “vortex” refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air, which keeps cold air confined near the poles.
  • Types of Polar Vortex:
    • Tropospheric Polar Vortex: Found in the lowest atmospheric layer (up to 10-15 km), where most weather events occur.
    • Stratospheric Polar Vortex: Found at higher altitudes (15-50 km), strongest during autumn and disappears in summer.
  • Key Features of the Polar Vortex
    • Northern Hemisphere Vortex
      • Has two main centers:
        • Near Baffin Island, Canada.
        • In northeastern Siberia.
    • Southern Hemisphere Vortex
      • Typically located around the South Pole.
      • Stronger and more stable compared to the northern vortex, making it less likely to wobble.

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How Does the Polar Vortex Work?

  • Constant Spin: The vortex spins counter-clockwise around the North Pole throughout the year.
  • Seasonal Shifts
    • In summer months, the vortex sits at higher latitudes.
    • In winter months, it shifts southward.

How Does the Polar Vortex Cause Extreme Cold?

Polar Vortex

  • When the polar vortex weakens, cold Arctic air moves south, bringing freezing temperatures to regions like the US, Europe, and Asia.
  • Role of the Jet Stream
    • A strong polar vortex keeps the jet stream stable, trapping cold air in the north and keeping warm air in the south.
    • When the polar vortex is strong, the polar jet stream locks bitterly cold, dry air in place over the Arctic. When strong, these winds essentially act as an unscalable wall that frigid air cannot breach.
    • However, parts of this “wall of wind” can become vulnerable when certain atmospheric conditions build into place.
    • A weakened polar vortex makes the jet stream wavy, allowing cold Arctic air to move south, sometimes as far as Florida (U.S).
  • Impact of High-Pressure Systems: A strong area of high pressure near the Arctic disturbs the polar vortex.
    • Strong high pressure that develops in the atmosphere surrounding the North Pole can “squish” the polar vortex farther south, into places like North America or Europe and Asia.
    • High-pressure systems can disrupt the jet stream, pushing the cold air even farther south, leading to extreme cold in unusual areas.

Image of Global Warming on the Polar Vortex

  • Global warming impacts the polar vortex, causing changes in weather patterns and leading to extreme cold events. 
  • More Extreme Cold Spells
    • Even though global temperatures are rising, warming in the Arctic can lead to more cold weather in some regions.
      • This happens because warmer temperatures in the Arctic make the polar vortex more unstable, allowing cold air to move south.
  • Faster Arctic Warming
    • The Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the world, a phenomenon called Arctic amplification.
    • This makes the polar vortex more likely to cause cold air outbreaks in lower latitudes.

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Famous Polar Vortex Events

  • 2013- 2014 Event: This event caused low temperature and heavy snowfall across Canada and eastern US. 
  • 2021 Texas event: This polar vortex caused freezing temperatures in Texas in February. 
    • The low temperature remained for 9 days. 

An earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck Tibetan China. The tremors of the powerful earthquake was felt in Nepal, Bhutan and parts of northern India.

Tibet Earthquake

  • Epicentre: The epicenter of the earthquake is located 10 km below the Tingry county in the Shigatse region of Tibet (a spot around 80 km north-east of Mt Everest).

About the Shigatse Region of Tibet

  • Population: Shigatse region is home to about 800,000 people.
  • Cultural Importance: The Shigatse Region Capital city is the traditional seat of the important Panchen Lama of Tibetan Buddhism
    • Panchen Lama is a key figure of Tibetan Buddhism whose spiritual authority is second only to the Dalai Lama.
  • Tingry County: It is a ‘gateway’ to Mt Everest and the surrounding terrain and a  popular tourist destination.
  • Lhasa Terrane: The Lhasa block is a key geological region in southern Tibet, bounded by the Bangong-Nujiang suture zone in the north and the Indus–Yarlung Zangbo suture zone in the south
    • Origin: The Lhasa Block was originally a part of Australia and East Africa plate, which diverged and joined the Eurasian plate during the Cretaceous period
      • It collided with the Indian continent in the Cenozoic era
    • Seismic Nature: It is positioned between the Qiangtang and Tethyan Himalayan terranes and experiences tectonic forces from the Indian-Eurasian plate collision.
      • Rupture: The present earthquake is caused by a rupture in the Lhasa block in an area under north-south compression (causing crustal shortening and uplift) and west-east stress (leading to lateral crustal movements)
    • Seismically Active: Since 1950, 21 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher have been recorded in the Lhasa terrane alone. 
      • The strongest of these occurred near Mainling in 2017 with a magnitude of 6.9, 

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About Earthquakes in the Himalayan Region

Tibet Earthquake

  • Formation: The Himalayan mountain range began forming around 40 to 50 million years ago with the collision of the Eurasian and Indian plates resulting in the uplifting of land.
    • Upliftment: As both the continental plates were of similar density, there was no subduction initially causing the continental crust to thicken due to folding and faulting by compressional forces pushing up the Himalaya and the Tibetan Plateau. 
      • The continental crust here is twice the average thickness at around 75 km.
  • Peculiar Tectonic Formation: The Indian plate is getting subducted under the Himalayas along the entire Himalayan range whereas the Eurasian plate is getting subducted under the Pamir mountains creating several convergence points for seismic forces along the entire region.
  •  Seismic  Zone:  As per the seismic zoning map prepared by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Majority of states in Himalayan regions fall in zone IV and V.
    • Zone IV: Ladakh, the remaining part of J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, parts of Haryana and Punjab, Delhi, and Sikkim fall in
    • Zone V: Kashmir valley, the western part of Himachal Pradesh, the eastern part of Uttarakhand, part of northern Bihar, and all north-eastern states.
  • Seismicity in the Himalayan Region: The Indian and Eurasian plates are converging at a relative rate of 40-50 mm/yr resulting in the rise of the Himalayas by more than 1 cm per year
    • The Indian plate is continuously pushing the Eurasian plate northwards. The friction and stress build up has resulted in the occurrence of shallow focus earthquakes in the region.
    • Active Zone: At least five earthquakes of magnitude greater than 7 have struck the Hindu Kush region since 1950. 
  • Earthquake Prone Zone: As Earthquakes cannot be forecasted but scientists studying the Himalayan region have estimated that the region is due for a big quake, of magnitude over 8.
    • A 2017 says that-
      • A huge amount of energy is stored along the several fault lines creating regional compressions, which can be released only in the form of a massive quake.

‘Artesian condition’

Context: Residents of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district witnessed a rare artesian phenomenon when high-pressure groundwater erupted naturally in Taranagar village flooding 25 bighas of land.

What Are Artesian Conditions?

  • Artesian water refers to groundwater stored under high pressure between layers of hard, impermeable rocks.
  • It is also called “confined water” due to the materials that trap it underground.
  • When the top layer is punctured (e.g., by drilling), the high underground pressure forces water to flow upward naturally, without pumps.
  • The term “artesian” comes from Artois in France, where such wells were first observed in the Middle Ages.

Factors Leading to Artesian Condition

  • Geological internal pressure within the aquifer. 
  • Underground barrier break
  • External pressure from overlying rocks.
  • Natural pathways due to cracks in the rock.

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Konda Reddi Tribe

Context: Traditional marriages of Konda Reddi  involve extensive rituals, but live-in relationships are gaining acceptance to reduce financial burdens.

  • Love marriages, elopements, and marriage by negotiation or service are also common.

About the Konda Reddi Tribe

  • Ethnography: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) inhabiting the banks of the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh, primarily in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district and Khamama District of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Language: Speak Telugu with a distinct accent that reflects their cultural uniqueness.
  • Religion: Practices Folk Hinduism, worshipping local deities and following traditional rituals.
  • Family and Marriage: Families are patriarchal and patrilocal, with monogamy as the norm, though polygamy exists.
  • Livelihood: The tribe relies on shifting cultivation, with jowar as the staple crop.
    • They also  grow commercial crops like cashew, niger, and chillies and depend on forest resources for sustenance.
  • Housing: Their unique circular mud-walled houses with thatched roofs mirror Bhunga architecture.
  • Political Structure: The tribe has a traditional governance system led by a hereditary headman, the Pedda Kapu, who also serves as the village priest.
  • Cultural Change: Modern influences like live-in relationships reflect their adaptability while preserving harmony and traditional values.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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