9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 18^th September, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme

Source: The post extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme has been created, based on the article “Why extending national health insurance scheme to elderly is not enough” published in “Indian Express” on 18th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Governance-Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes

Context: The article discusses the government’s extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme to cover older adults above 70 years. However, it argues that this is insufficient to fully protect against high healthcare costs, highlighting the need for better public healthcare infrastructure.

For detailed information on Expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) read this article here

What is the new extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme?

1. The government extended the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to cover older adults above 70 years.
2. A Rs 5 lakh top-up is provided for those not covered by other public health insurance schemes.
3. It aims to benefit 4.5 crore families, addressing the healthcare needs of the elderly.
4. Only 20% of people above 60 years have health insurance, leaving many vulnerable.
5. The budget allocated is Rs 3,437 crore, but estimates suggest Rs 14,282 crore is required to cover 5.6 crore households, with an average hospitalisation cost of Rs 32,804 per person.

How does healthcare impact older adults in India?

1. India’s ageing population is increasing rapidly, with life expectancy at 70 years, but healthy life years are only 63.5.
2. Non-communicable diseases, disabilities, and bedridden conditions are prevalent among those aged 70-80 and 80-plus.
3. Only 20% of people above 60 have health insurance, leaving the elderly highly vulnerable to healthcare costs.
4. Out-of-pocket spending for inpatient care is twice as high for the elderly compared to younger people.
5. Nearly half of Indian households seeking hospitalisation experience catastrophic healthcare expenditures (CHE), with 15% falling into impoverishment.
6. The financial burden is worsened by high premiums for private health insurance for older adults.
7. The nucleation of families and rising economic dependency increase the vulnerability of older adults, making access to affordable healthcare critical for this population group.

What are the concerns related to the extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme?

1. Inadequate Budget Allocation: The government allocated Rs 3,437 crore, but Rs 14,282 crore is required to cover 5.6 crore eligible households, with an average hospitalisation cost of Rs 32,804 per person.
2. Limited Coverage: AB-PMJAY covers secondary and tertiary care but excludes outpatient services, which account for 46% of healthcare spending and are critical for preventive care.
3. Public Healthcare Spending: India’s public healthcare spending has remained stagnant between 0.9% to 1.35% of GDP, limiting the healthcare system’s ability to support ageing populations.
4. Long-term Care: The scheme doesn’t cover long-term and palliative care, crucial for elderly patients with chronic diseases.

Question for practice:

Evaluate whether the extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme adequately addresses the healthcare needs of India’s ageing population.

Biden influenced the India-US relationship

Source: The post Biden influenced the India-US relationship has been created, based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: Joe Biden and India-US story” published in “Indian Express” on 18th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-international relation-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Context: The article discusses Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with President Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden’s hometown. It highlights how Biden strengthened the India-US partnership, focusing on technology, defense, and regional security, continuing policies from the Trump administration to address China.

For detailed information on Successes and challenges in the India -U.S. relationship read this article here

How has Biden influenced the India-US relationship?

1. Continued Strategic Policies: Biden maintained key policies from Trump, prioritizing India in the US’s Asia strategy. This included downgrading Pakistan’s role and focusing on China as a challenger.
2. Quad Elevation: Biden elevated the Quad to summit-level meetings, emphasizing cooperation among India, Japan, Australia, and the US on regional security.
3. Technology Cooperation: In January 2023, the iCET initiative was launched to enhance cooperation on emerging technologies, like semiconductors and jet engines.
4. Economic Strategy: Biden upheld Trump-era tariffs on China, aiming to de-risk the US-China relationship and strengthen supply chains involving India.
5. Defense Cooperation: The US emerged as a key destination for India’s defense exports, reflecting deepening military ties.
6. Regional Stability: Biden expanded cooperation with India in areas like cybersecurity, maritime security, disaster relief, and telecommunications through the Quad, aligning with India’s non-military approach to the forum.

What challenges and developments have shaped the partnership?

1. AUKUS Partnership: Biden announced the AUKUS partnership with the UK and Australia, focusing on transferring nuclear propulsion technology to Australia, highlighting deeper cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
2. Afghanistan Withdrawal: Biden’s decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan reduced reliance on Pakistan, ending its long primacy in US South Asia policy.
3. China Challenge: Biden continued Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports, reflecting a commitment to de-risking economic relations with China.
4. Russia and Ukraine Conflict: Despite tensions, India and the US maintained strong relations during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
5. Quad Cooperation: The Quad partnership expanded in areas like maritime security and telecommunications.

Way forward

Despite challenges like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and political differences over Bangladesh, India and the US have maintained strong ties. Both countries have worked to ensure stability and growth in their partnership over the last four years.

Question for practice:

Discuss how Biden’s administration has continued and expanded strategic policies to strengthen the India-US partnership.

Issues with the death sentence in India

Source: The post issues with the death sentence in India has been created, based on the article “The continuing distribution of the death penalty” published in “The Hindu” on 18th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance – Criminal Justice System in India

Context: The article discusses the death penalty in India, particularly in cases of sexual violence against women and children. It questions its effectiveness, highlighting societal, legal, and systemic issues. It suggests focusing on victim-centered reforms, education, and addressing underlying causes of violence.

For detailed information on death penalty in India read Article 1, Article 2

What is the recent law passed in West Bengal?

1. West Bengal passed the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024. It introduces the death penalty for rape.
2. This law was made after the brutal rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. The bill seeks to amend the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
3. The West Bengal Assembly passed it unanimously, but the State Governor referred it to the President of India.

What is the current situation of rape cases in India?

1. In 2022, India recorded 31,516 rapes, averaging nearly four every hour, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.
2. Rajasthan had the highest number of rape cases with 5,399, followed by Uttar Pradesh (3,690) and Madhya Pradesh (3,029).
3. There were also 248 cases of murder linked to rape or gang rape.

What is the global situation regarding the death penalty?

1. By the end of 2023, 144 countries had abolished the death penalty in law or practice.
2. 112 countries have completely abolished the death penalty for all crimes.
3. However, 55 countries still retain the death penalty in law and practice.
4. In South Asia, Bhutan and Nepal have abolished the death penalty, while the Maldives and Sri Lanka are abolitionists in practice.
5. India, along with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, still retains it.
6. In 2023, India recorded 120 death sentences, though no executions took place, and 561 individuals were on death row.

What are the issues with the death sentence in India?

1. Many prisoners on death row in India face long delays, poor prison conditions, and mental health issues.
2. Most death row prisoners are from marginalized communities, and some even commit suicide due to harsh conditions.

How does society react to sexual violence?

1. Society often reacts to sexual violence with anger, grief, and shock, leading to calls for the death penalty.
2. Many label rapists as monsters (“rakshas,” “haivaan,” “wehshi darinda”), creating an “othering” that separates them from society.
3. The public focuses on family, community, and national honor rather than the victim’s autonomy.
4. Daily violence against women, both in public spaces and within homes, often goes overlooked and is met with political and legal tolerance.
5. There is a troubling trend of people searching online for videos of the victims, indicating a voyeuristic and sensationalist approach to such incidents.

What Should be Done?

1. Instead of focusing on harsh punishments, India should address the root causes of violence against women and children.
2. There should be reforms in the criminal justice system, including support for rape survivors and their families.
3. Education and public awareness about gender equality are important.
4. Need for an abolitionist feminist movement to reject the death penalty and promote structural changes in society, such as better education and healthcare.

Question for practice:

Examine the effectiveness of the death penalty in addressing sexual violence in India, considering societal, legal, and systemic issues.

GS PAPER - 3

India’s economic growth shaped by its demographics

Source: The post India’s economic growth shaped by its demographics has been created, based on the article “Demographic advantage, Indian economy’s sweet spot” published in “The Hindu” on 18th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-growth, development, and employment

Context: The article discusses India’s economic growth and demographic advantages, emphasizing the need for ongoing reforms, skill development, and labor-intensive sector focus. It highlights the importance of addressing labor laws, boosting manufacturing, and managing AI’s impact on employment.

For detailed information on India’s Demographic Dividend read this article here

How is India’s economic growth shaped by its demographics?

1. India’s economic growth is driven by its young population, with a median age of 28 years and 63% in the working-age group.
2. Growth is led by the services sector rather than manufacturing, reducing labor intensity.
3. Only 4.4% of young workers are formally skilled, highlighting a significant skills gap.

What are the Challenges with Labour and Employment?

1. Low Labour Force Participation Rate: In 2022, the participation rate was only 55.2%, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).
2. Capital-Intensive Growth: Technological advancements have led to a higher capital-to-labour ratio. Economist Arvind Panagariya noted that capital-led growth isn’t ideal for India, given its abundance of labor.
3. Hesitancy in Labor-Intensive Sectors: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and large businesses avoid labor-intensive sectors due to the high compliance burden imposed by outdated labor laws.
4. Delay in Implementing Labour Codes: The new labor codes approved by Parliament have not been implemented, creating uncertainty for investors.
5. Agriculture Employment Imbalance: 45% of the workforce is in agriculture, contributing only 18% to GDP, while other sectors like tourism and logistics remain underutilized for job creation.

What is the Impact of AI and Machine Learning?

1. AI and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming industries, especially by replacing repetitive, low-skill tasks.
2. The global AI market is projected to grow nearly nine times, reaching $826.73 billion by 2030, according to Statista.
3. India has the second largest AI talent pool in the world.
4. However, there is a 51% gap between AI demand and supply, which is expected to widen, as per NASSCOM.
5. While AI/ML pose risks to certain jobs, they also offer opportunities. The key is creating appropriate regulations and training to harness AI effectively.

What Should be Done?

1. Continue advancing reforms to sustain and accelerate growth, with a focus on improving productivity and market efficiency.
2. Promote labor-intensive sectors like toys, apparel, tourism, and logistics, aligning with labor-led growth to capitalize on India’s abundant workforce and create more job opportunities.
3. Shift reform implementation efforts to the state level, where further progress in production can be made through better coordination between the Centre and States.
4. Strengthen public-private partnerships to close the skills gap, ensuring industry-led training and promoting lifelong skilling as a flexible process.
5. Adopt a holistic strategy encompassing reforms, continuous skilling, and sector development to fully harness India’s demographic dividend for long-term global competitiveness.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s demographic advantage influences its economic growth and what challenges need to be addressed to fully harness this potential.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Rapa Nui Island

Source- This post on Rapa Nui is based on the article “Rapa Nui genomes restore the real history of an old, troubled people” published in The Hindu on 18th September 2024.

Why in News?

Studying Indigenous genomes reveals vital insights into population history, ecological adaptations, and human migration. Research on Rapa Nui genomes, for instance, helps debunk harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about Indigenous communities, showing how science can challenge derogatory myths.

About Rapa Nui Island

Aspects	Description
About	Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, is one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands with population of about 7,000.
Location	It is located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.
Geography	1. Rapa Nui is a triangular island with an area of about 163.6 square kilometers. 2. It is of volcanic origin, consisting mainly of three extinct volcanoes: Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau. 3. The island has a temperate climate, with relatively cool temperatures throughout the year.
History	1. Polynesians settled Rapa Nui around 1200 AD, developing a complex society and rapidly growing population, which led to the creation of the famous moai statues. 2. In 1722, Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen renamed it Easter Island after arriving on Easter Sunday.
Reason for decline	1. Rapa Nui civilization declined due to deforestation, overpopulation, and resource depletion. 2. European contact later introduced diseases and the slave trade, further reducing the population.
UNESCO conservation	1. In 1995, Rapa Nui National Park, covering much of the island and its archaeological sites, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. This recognition helps preserve the island’s cultural and natural heritage. 3. The moai statues, the ceremonial village of Orongo, and other significant archaeological sites have been carefully protected and studied to understand the history and culture of the Rapa Nui people.

UPSC Syllabus: World Geography

Technological Interventions to Address Stray Cattle Menace

Source- This post on Impact of Siddha Drugs in Lowering Anaemia in Adolescent Girls is based on the article “‘Siddha’ drugs combination lowers anaemia in adolescent girls, says study” published in Economic Times on 17th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying highlighted new technological solutions to tackle the issue of stray cattle during a press conference.

Key Technological Interventions

1. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):   IVF technology is being promoted on a large scale in cattle breeding for the first time to enhance the productivity and quality of livestock. 22 IVF labs have been established across the country.

2. Sex-Sorted Semen Production: Sex-sorted semen production facilities have been introduced, allowing for the birth of female calves with 90% accuracy. These facilities are established at five government-run semen stations and in three private sector units.

3. Free Artificial Insemination (AI) Services: AI services have been made available free of cost at farmer’s doorsteps, covering 7.53 crore animals. This initiative has benefitted 5.4 crore farmers by improving livestock breeding practices and reducing stray cattle numbers.

4. Genomic Chip for DNA-Based Selection:  A genomic chip has been developed for DNA-based selection, enabling the identification of high-genetic-merit animals at a younger age.  This innovation enhances the genetic selection process, improving the overall quality of cattle breeds in India.

5. AI Technician Deployment: 38,736 multi-purpose AI technicians have been inducted to provide breeding services in rural areas, ensuring widespread access to advanced breeding technologies.

UPSC Syllabus: Governance

Cellulitis Disease

Source- This post on Cellulitis Disease is based on the article “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches ‘SUBHADRA’ – the largest women-centric scheme in Bhubaneswar, Odisha” published in PIB on 18th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, Cellulitis has now become widespread in the erstwhile Karimnagar district.

About Cellulitis Disease

1. About: Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection. It affects the deeper layers of the skin and enters through a break or crack in the upper layer.

2. Causes: It is primarily caused by the Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria. The bacteria enter through cuts, bruises, scrapes, insect bites (e.g., bedbugs, mosquitoes), and other injuries.

3. Risk: It is common among people working in agricultural fields, construction sites, and individuals with compromised skin integrity. Those with diseases like leukaemia, HIV-AIDS, and diabetes, which lower immunity, are at higher risk.

4. Symptoms: Visible Signs include swollen skin, red rashes that appear suddenly, and pain or tenderness in the affected area. Other Symptoms includes fever, chills, and sweating.

5. Treatment: Cellulitis is treated effectively with antibiotics, and most individuals recover fully within 24 hours after treatment. Quick treatment is crucial to prevent complications.

6. Complications: If left untreated, cellulitis can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, which can be life-threatening.

7. Prevention: Maintaining proper hygiene can help prevent cellulitis, especially for people with lower immunity. Avoid scratching insect bites or injuries as that can facilitate the spread of infection.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Pager and how it works

Source- This post on Pager and how it works is based on the article “What is a pager?” published in Indian Express on 18th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, a series of pager explosions across Lebanon killed at least eight people and injured 2,750 others. Hezbollah reported that the pagers used by their personnel exploded mysteriously.

About Pager

1. About Pagers: A pager is a small, portable electronic device used for receiving short messages or alerts. Pagers were popular before the widespread use of mobile phones and are still in use in certain professional settings today.

2. Pagers operate on dedicated radio frequencies to receive messages.

3. How Pagers Work:  Pagers receive messages via radio frequencies from a base station or a central dispatch. These messages can either be numeric (e.g., a phone number) or alphanumeric (text-based). When a message is received, pagers alert users with a beep, tone, or vibration. Some advanced pagers, known as two-way pagers, allow users to send and receive messages, similar to basic text messaging.

4. Types of Pagers: Numeric Pagers and Alphanumeric Pagers:

Numeric Pagers can only display numbers, typically used to alert someone to call a specific number. Alphanumeric Pagers can display both numbers and letters, allowing for more detailed messages, including short text communications.

Advantages of Using a Pager

1. Reliable Communication: Pagers have a larger coverage area compared to early mobile phones, making them reliable in remote or poor signal areas.

2. Simple Design: They are easy to use, with minimal features, and are less prone to technical issues.

3. Untraceable: One-way pagers are often untraceable because they don’t transmit signals back to the base station.

4. Long Battery Life: Pagers typically have longer battery life compared to mobile phones, typically lasting several days.

Disadvantages:  Lithium batteries are common in consumer electronics like cellphones and laptops. They can overheat, melt, or catch fire upon reaching temperatures up to 1,100°F (590°C) which potentially causing pager explosions.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Subhadra Yojana 

Source- This post on Subhadra Yojana is based on the article “” published in Economic Times on 17th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister launched ‘SUBHADRA’ Scheme in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

About Subhadra Yojana

Aspects	Description
About	This scheme is a flagship scheme of Government of Odisha. It was launched on 17th September 2024.
Purpose	Financial assistance aimed at empowering women in Odisha, ensuring their economic independence and overall well-being.
Eligibility Criteria	1) Women must be aged 21–60, 2)  She must be native to Odisha 3) She must meet specific income criteria. Exclusions:  Women from wealthy families, government workers, income tax payers and Recipients of other government support above Rs 1,500 per month (or Rs 18,000 per year).
Key Features of the Scheme	1. Financial Support: The scheme provides Rs 10,000 per year to over one crore women in Odisha from 2024 to 2029. 2. Payment Schedule: Funds are distributed in two installments of Rs 5,000 each—on Rakhi Purnima (August) and International Women’s Day (March 8). 3. Mode of Payment: Direct deposit into Aadhaar-enabled single-holder bank accounts. Subhadra Debit Card will be provided to recipients for easy access to funds. 4. Registration: Over 60 lakh women have registered. Registrations are open until all qualifying beneficiaries are covered. 5. Incentives: Rs 500 for 100 top digital transaction performers in each panchayat/urban area.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and Programs