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Mar 28 2024

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Relationship Between Climate Change and Disease: An United, Holistic and One Health Approach Needed

March 28, 2024

Context

The latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns the world about the close relationship between climate change and disease, which states that climate change heightens the global risk of infectious diseases.

Relevancy for Prelims: IPCC Report Reveals Link Between Climate Change and Disease Risks, Disease X, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) and One Health Approach.

Relevancy for Mains: Climate change and new infections and disease scenarios, India’s taken initiatives in this direction and need for a One Health approach.

Relationship Between Climate Change and Disease

  • Habitat Loss: It forces disease-carrying animals to encroach upon human territory, increasing the risk of human-animal interaction and the transfer of pathogens from wildlife to humans. 
  • Frequency: Over half of all-known infectious diseases threatening humans worsen with changing climate patterns. 
  • Transmission of Diseases: 
    • Routes: It includes environmental sources, medical tourism and contaminated food and water. 
    • Factors: Variability in temperature, precipitation and humidity disrupt disease transmission cycles. Heat has been proven to interfere with the genomic structure of pathogens, changing their infectivity and virulence.
  • Interconnection between Ecosystem & Climate Change: While ecosystems shape local climates, climate change is transforming ecosystems. 
    • This dynamic introduces invasive species and extends the range of existing life forms. 
  • ‘Disease X’ and Beyond: It is the familiar annual cycles of known agents such as influenza, measles, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, diarrhoea among others that will continue to test the public health system. 

Climate Change and Disease: Challenges of the Hour

  • Not adequate Real-time Tracking: The programme, which would have enabled real-time tracking of emerging disease outbreaks, has not delivered on expectations.
  • Lacking on Surveillance: The current design of surveillance is not adequate for the emerging disease scenario. 
  • Multi-pronged Impacts: Climate change is not just limited to infectious diseases but also exacerbates injuries and deaths from extreme weather events, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues. 
    • For example: The re-emergence of Nipah in Kerala is a wake-up call, that mere biomedical response to diseases is inadequate. 

Climate Change and Disease: Scenario in India

  • Experiencing Impacts: India has already faced adverse impacts, with early summers and erratic monsoons causing water scarcity across the Gangetic plains and Kerala. 
  • Observed Cases: These climatic shifts are manifesting in severe health crises, including a dengue epidemic in Kolkata (and in Dhaka, Bangladesh) and the Nipah outbreak in Kerala. 
  • Steps Taken: Over the past two decades, India has improved its reporting of outbreaks. 
    • The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP): It was rolled out in a few States in 2007. 
    • Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP): It is a new, web-enabled, near-real-time electronic information system that was launched in seven States in 2018 to present disaggregated data to its users. 
  • Need to Focus: 
    • Synergy: India must launch One Health and infectious disease control programmes by building greater synergies between the Centre and States and their varied specialised agencies. 
    • Robust Surveillance Systems: Animal husbandry, forest and wildlife, municipal corporations, and public health departments need to converge and set up robust surveillance systems. 
    • Responsible Coordination: Above mentioned institutions need to build trust and confidence, share data, and devise logical lines of responsibility and work with a coordinating agency. 
      • So far, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister has been taking this lead but with new World Bank and other large funding in place, this will need greater coordination and management.

The Path Ahead

  • Need Adequate Strategies: Changed disease scenarios require a revision of strategies to detect and deal with them. 
  • Time to Mitigate: Mitigating the spread of climate change-induced diseases requires safeguarding ecosystems, curbing greenhouse gas emissions, and implementing active pathogen surveillance. 
  • Need of a Unified Approach: A unified approach, termed One Health which integrates monitoring human, animal, plant, and environmental health is the must of the hour. 
    • This approach is pivotal in preventing outbreaks, especially those originating from animals. 
    • It encompasses zoonotic diseases, neglected tropical diseases, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental contamination.

Conclusion

Protecting ecosystems, fostering collaboration, and embracing the One Health paradigm could be the best defences in the face of a changing climate and the growing threat of infectious diseases. There is a need to take concerted efforts, not just to adapt but also to proactively safeguard our planet and its inhabitants.

Also Read: The Impact Of Climate Change On Health

 

Must Read
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Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

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Wealth Inequality and the Debate on Wealth Tax

March 28, 2024

Context

As per a report of the World Inequality Lab (Income And Wealth Inequality In India, 1922-2023), inequality has risen worldwide, especially after COVID-19. 

Relevancy for Prelims: Wealth Tax, Kuznets curve, World Inequality Lab and Henley Private Wealth Migration Report.

Relevancy for Mains: Rising Economic Inequalities and Wealth Tax- Need, Significance and Challenges.

Rising Economic Inequality

  • Rising Inequality Worldwide:

    • Top 1% Dominance: The top 1% accounted for more than two-thirds of wealth generation since 2020.
    • Bottom 50% Marginalised: The bottom 50% own only 2% of the world’s wealth.

  • Concerning Condition in India: 

    • Economic Inequality in India is worse than the colonial period, with the top 1% owning 40% of India’s wealth and taking away 22.6% of national income every year.
      • India’s Inequality is one of the highest in the world.

  • Rousseau on Economic Inequality: 

    • Rousseau argued that economic inequality stems from the institution of private property and the resulting accumulation of wealth by a minority, leading to a disparity in power and freedom.
      • “Eat the Rich” is commonly attributed to Rousseau, a renowned political philosopher and leading figure in the French Revolution: “When the people shall have nothing more to eat, they will eat the rich.”

The Case for a Wealth Tax

  • Failures of Current System: The present taxation system is failing to redistribute wealth. Super rich avoid income tax through low salaries and wealth in shares/property. The Kuznets curve theory (inequality rises then falls with development) has failed.
  • Potential Benefits: A 2% wealth tax on the super-rich could fund health, education, and reduce inequality. 

What is Wealth Tax?

  • A Kind of Direct Tax: A direct tax on individual assets such as cash, shares and property.
  • India’s Wealth Tax Act: India’s Wealth Tax Act 1957 imposed a 1% tax on earnings over Rs 30 lakh/year. The Act was introduced in 1957 but repealed in 2015 due to improper implementation.
  • Global Presence: Wealth tax still exists in some countries like Switzerland, Norway and Spain.
    • G20 finance ministers are also discussing a global minimum tax on billionaires.
  • Generation of High Revenue: The European tax think tank, EU Tax Observatory, has recommended a global minimum tax of 2% on billionaires’ wealth, which could generate around $250 billion annually. 
    • They also called for a strengthened global minimum tax on multinational companies, which could raise an additional $250 billion per year.

Arguments in Favour of Wealth Tax

  • Reduces Wealth Gap: A wealth tax reduces the wealth gap and creates a fairer society.
  • Contribution to Society: The rich should pay more for benefiting from society’s resources.
  • Funds Public Goods: Wealth tax revenue can fund public goods and services.
  • Encourages Investment: A wealth tax encourages productive investment over hoarding.

Arguments Against Wealth Tax

  • Flight of High Net Worth Individuals: A wealth tax could lead to the flight of high-net- worth individuals from the country.
    • As per the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report of 2023, India is the country with the second-highest outflow of high networth individuals globally, next only to China (net loss of 13,500).
  • Compliance Costs: India abolished its wealth tax in 2015 due to litigation and compliance costs.
  • Asset Valuation Disputes: Difficulty in valuing assets leads to disputes and legal challenges.
  • Harms to Consumption and Employment: A wealth tax could harm consumption and employment by the middle and upper classes.
  • Existing High Taxes: The super-rich are already taxed at 42.74% plus a 2% surcharge.
  • Indirect Tax Efficiency: Indirect taxes are considered more efficient with low direct tax compliance.

Conclusion

India needs a shift in its fiscal policy that needs such measures that can create employment opportunities. As various countries have introduced the wealth tax, India can introduce a progressive wealth tax along with other fiscal steps to counter the growing inequalities.

Also Read: Regional Income Disparities In India

 

Prelims PYQ (2019):

In the context of any country, which one of the following would be considered as part of its social capital? 

(a) The proportion of literates in the population 

(b) The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines 

(c) The size of population in the working are group 

(d) The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society 

Ans: (d)

 

Mains Question: Evaluate the pros and cons of reintroducing a wealth tax in India as a tool for economic equity and fiscal policy. Give some suggestions for reforming India’s tax system to better address wealth inequality. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

 

Must Read
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UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

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India’s Strategic Imperatives Amidst China Taiwan Conflict

March 28, 2024

Context

Amidst rising conflicting scenarios between China and Taiwan, further escalated by the US entry that would probably fight to defend Taiwan, India needs to enact tougher policies to serve its own interests.

Relevancy for Prelims: South China Sea Dispute, India Taiwan Relations, and China’s Belt And Road Initiative (BRI). 

Relevancy for Mains: China Taiwan Conflict and Impact on India and actions that need to be taken by India.

China Taiwan Conflict: China’s Strategy for Taiwan

  • To use all Instruments of National Power: China would use all instruments from international law to economic and political leverage, aside from military coercion. 
  • Action as per Need: China would prefer to pursue less costly and disruptive non-military ways as long as they remain viable and would only resort to a military campaign once it is satisfied that it has adequately set the conditions for victory. 
    • By various instances, it has been concluded that China is using its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), soft power and trade as a weapon for its interest and the same will hold true for Taiwan too.

China Taiwan

Taiwan Map

Reasons For India to Maintain the Status Quo

  • Economic Interest: 

    • India and Taiwan have expanded trade seven-fold since 2001 and are exploring a possible free trade agreement. 
      • Recently, an agreement was signed to send Indian workers to Taiwan. 
      • India’s industry, critical supply chains, and overseas population are all increasingly invested in an enduring peaceful status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
      • Example: A Taiwanese firm has partnered with the Tata Group to build India’s first semiconductor fabrication plant. 

  • High Costs of Conflict: 

    • Any Chinese aggression against Taiwan would create disruptions throughout Asia and West Asia and would be costly for India. India simply cannot afford to alter its status quo, especially as it seeks stability and growth for national development.
      • As per recent Bloomberg study, the costs of a conflict would amount to over 10% of global GDP.
      • A protracted or general war between China and the U.S., spreading beyond Taiwan, could impact more severely. 
        • It could intensify the already tense India-China land border, impact the various regional countries’ industrial capacity and raise the risk of nuclear war. 

  • Regional Security: 

    • A limited conflict, where China has relative advantages and is most likely to end in a Chinese victory and would undermine the region’s entire security architecture. 
      • American security guarantees would be less credible and China’s military would be free to further project unchecked influence, including into the Indian Ocean. It may even call for its claims on Arunachal Pradesh. 
        • India is not an American ally, but it does depend on the U.S. for its military modernisation and a broadly benign strategic environment.

What Can India Do to Prevent this China Taiwan Conflict?

  • Diplomatic Actions: India can use international law arguments, can build narratives opposed to aggression and support a coordinated diplomatic messaging to counter China’s aggression.
  • Strategic Actions: By using economic de-risking, active information operations to support the Taiwanese people and providing military support to the U.S. forces in the Indian Ocean, India can help in countering China’s aggression and maintain regional stability.

Conclusion

India’s expanding interests and ambitions suggest the need for different policy settings, and adoption of above mentioned options can also advance India’s grand strategic position, regardless of their impact on the China Taiwan dispute, deepen India’s cooperation with the U.S., exhibit India’s international leadership, especially among countries of the Global South.

Also Read: Changing Dynamics Of India’s Foreign Policy

 

Prelims PYQ (2022):

Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news? 

(a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.

(b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea. 

(c) A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities. 

(d) Through International Court of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them.

Ans: (b)

 

Mains Question: Analyse the strategic importance of maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait for India’s national interests. Discuss how India can play a constructive role in preventing conflict between China and Taiwan. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

 

Must Read
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key
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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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