9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 28 March, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

India’s urban water crisis-From Bengaluru to Chennai and beyond

India’s urban water crisis-From Bengaluru to Chennai and beyond

Source-This post on India’s urban water crisis-From Bengaluru to Chennai and beyond has been created based on the article “How to fix India’s urban water crisis, from Bengaluru to Chennai and beyond” published in “The Indian Express” on 28 March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper 1- Urbanization, their problems and their remedies. India’s urban water crisis-From Bengaluru to Chennai and beyond

Context– Bengaluru is experiencing its worst water crisis in decades. The weak monsoon last year has compounded an already difficult situation. Along with Bengaluru, several other Indian cities are under similar stress.
As per the Pey Jal Survekshan, only 10 % of Indian cities meet drinking water standards. This indicates that water supply is not considered during urban planning.

What are the reasons for deterioration of water quality in the distribution network?

1) Compounds from old pipes may get released into the water.

2) There is buildup of sediment and the accumulation of pathogens.

3) Due to sewer lines close to leaky pipes in many Indian cities, there is deterioration of water quality.

Read more- Bengaluru water crisis

What are the problems with the water distribution network in Indian cities?

1)  Faulty piped water supply approach-As per the standards of the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organization, Indian cities have a daily per capita water requirement of 135 liters.
Under the current piped water supply approach, all this water is treated to meet drinking water quality standards. However, a person requires only a fraction of this amount for drinking and cooking purposes. So, this practice of treating large quantities of water to drinking water quality standards and distributing is not beneficial.

2) Capital intensive– The distribution network of water supply is quite costly. Further, there are regular expenses on repair and maintenance.

What steps can be taken to address this issue?

1) Reforming piped water supply approach – There is a need to segregate water for drinking purposes and other domestic uses. This will ensure that only a small amount of wastewater is treated for drinking water quality standards.

2) Packaged drinking water (PDW) model-It relies on decentralized treatment of water and non-pipe mode of delivery. According to a recent study, 38 % of households in Kolkata and 70 % of households in Chennai routinely purchase water jars despite having access to piped water.
However, a large section of urban population cannot buy water sold by private players. Further, as per WHO, the reverse osmosis method used by industry to purify water deprives water of essential minerals. Thus, these problems should be addressed before its widespread implementation.

3) Water ATMs-It is a water dispensation system which can be automatic with a coin or smart card, or manually. The recent water crisis in Bengaluru has pushed the city’s authorities to experiment with water ATMs.

There is a need for an alternative model of water supply to address the water quality issues. Steps such as Decentralized treatment and non-pipe mode of service delivery should be promoted by the government.

Question for practice

What are the problems with the water distribution network in Indian cities? Suggest measures to overcome the problem.

GS PAPER - 2

Limitation of Welfare Policies Politics in India

Limitation of Welfare Policies Politics in India

Source-This post on Limitation on Welfare Policies Politics in India has been created based on the article “Welfare is on the agenda of all political parties. But is it adequate” published in “The Indian Express” on 28 March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2– Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes.

Context– According to the ILO’s World Social Protection Report, 2022, India spends too little on social protection. This is a matter of great concern as 90 per cent of the workforce in India works in informal sector with no or little social protection. Limitation of Welfare Policies Politics in India

What are some of the important welfare schemes started by the Centre and States especially for women?

As per Crisil report 2023, the share of the economy (gross state domestic product) devoted to social welfare expenditures has increased from 1.2-1.3 % on average in 2017-18 to about 1.6 % in 2022-23 in 11 states.

Women have assumed great importance in the social protection architecture of states. There are various welfare schemes which cover education expenses, free public transport, subsidized LPG, and direct cash transfer.

1) Mahtari Vandan programme.-  Chhattisgarh has announced this scheme.

2) Ladli Behna scheme –This has been started by Madhya Pradesh government. Under it, Rs 1,250 per month was given to poor women beneficiaries.

3) Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Scheme– This has been started by Tamilnadu. Under it,Rs 1,000 is transferred per month to women above the age of 21 with a household income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh.Similarly,there are schemes such as Mahalakshmi and the Gruha Lakshmi cash transfer programmes for women in Telangana and Karnataka respectively.

4) Ujjwala scheme -The Central government has started this scheme to provide subsidized LPG gas cylinders to poor women. The scheme has now been extended till February 2025.

5) PM Jan Dhan Yojna-During Covid pandemic, the central government has transferred 3 instalments of Rs 500 each to women holding Jan Dhan Yojana bank accounts.

Read more- Subsidies are not a sustainable solution to underlying problems, rather it is a burden on fiscal purse

What is the significance of these welfare schemes for women?

Along with ensuring political dividends, it is also good economics. As per some studies, cash transfers to women have increased the proportion of expenditure on items of basic consumption and education. This benefits households and has positive implications for women’s empowerment.

What are the issues with these welfare schemes?

1) Paternalistic approach-These welfare schemes are not rights-based schemes. They do not have any legal backing and are rather rooted in paternalism. Here, women are only seen as beneficiaries or recipient. This hinders their actual empowerment.

2) Lack of political competition within states-States with one political party domination do not have incentive to introduce fresh programmes or effectively implement existing schemes. Whereas in states, where there is stiff political competition and regular change of power, the welfare schemes are rejigged rather than withdrawn.

3) Lack of inclusiveness– The social protection architecture in India is chaotic. It’s unbalanced as groups like the very young and the old, who do not constitute the majority voters, are often overlooked.

According to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, social security is a human right. Thus, there is an urgent need to pay heed to ILO’s Recommendation of 2012 that has called for all nations to institute a social protection floor.

Question for practice

Enlist some of the important welfare schemes run by states to ensure women empowerment. Also, highlight the problems associated with welfare schemes?

Avoid pre-trial injunctions against the media in defamation cases: Timely restatement

 The media in defamation cases

Source: The post avoid pre-trial injunctions against the media in defamation cases has been created, based on the article “Timely restatement” published in “The Hindu” on 28th March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-polity-judiciary

News: The article discusses the Supreme Court’s recent judgment advising courts to avoid pre-trial injunctions against the media in defamation cases. It emphasizes its potential negative impact on freedom of speech and the public’s access to information. Avoid pre-trial injunctions against the media in defamation cases

Background

A lower court in Delhi and the Delhi High Court had told Bloomberg to remove an article about Zee Entertainment, saying it was defamatory. The Supreme Court disagreed with this and canceled their orders.

What is the Supreme Court’s view on pre-trial injunctions against the media in defamation suits?

Supreme Court’s Recent View: The Supreme Court says courts should be careful about blocking media reports before trials in defamation cases.

Bonnard vs Perryman Rule: This principle states that injunctions in defamation suits should only be granted if the content is undoubtedly defamatory and cannot be justified during the trial.

Standard for Granting Injunctions: The Court emphasized the three-fold test for granting injunctions: a prima facie case, the balance of convenience, and preventing irreparable harm. It stressed the need for careful analysis of facts in each case.

Early Judgment Risk: The Court cautioned that early injunctions in lengthy trials can be like a ‘death sentence’ for the content, preventing vital public information from being shared. This is especially worrying with SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation), as it can suppress criticism.

Question for practice:

Examine how the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on pre-trial injunctions in defamation cases impacts the balance between freedom of speech and the need for protecting individuals from defamatory content.

Impact of politics on humanitarian aid: The politics of humanitarian aid

Source: The post impact of politics on humanitarian aid has been created, based on the article “The politics of humanitarian aid” published in “The Hindu” on 28th March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests.

News: The article discusses how politics often interferes with humanitarian aid in conflict zones.

How does the UN Security Council view humanitarian aid?

Selective Enforcement: The UN Security Council’s approach to humanitarian aid appears inconsistent. While it calls for aid in Gaza, the U.S.’s abstention and labeling the resolution as non-binding suggest a selective enforcement of aid policies.

Inadequate Action in Conflict Zones: Despite acknowledging the need for humanitarian aid in areas like Syria, Yemen, and Ethiopia, the Council’s actions are often limited by political interests of member states, resulting in insufficient aid delivery.

Use of Aid as a Diplomatic Tool: The Council’s decisions sometimes reflect the use of aid as a tool for diplomatic leverage, as seen in the case of Afghanistan where aid was provided without significant progress on women’s rights.

For information on UN resolution on the ceasefire in Gaza read here

What role does India play in providing humanitarian aid?

Aid to Sri Lanka: In 2008, India, under the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government, sent food and clothes to displaced Sri Lankan Tamil civilians. This act was both humanitarian and a political message of solidarity.

Continued Support: In 2022, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, sent significant food and medical aid to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis, demonstrating India’s ongoing commitment to providing humanitarian assistance.

Global Contribution During COVID-19: India extended its humanitarian efforts globally by sending vaccines to over 100 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing its capability and willingness to support international humanitarian causes.

What is the impact of politics on humanitarian aid?

U.S. Funding Decisions: The U.S. Congress halted funding to the UN agency assisting Palestinians, highlighting how political decisions directly impact humanitarian aid distribution.

Gaza’s Crisis: In Gaza, political interests led to restricted aid delivery, including a tragic incident where Israeli soldiers killed Palestinians waiting for food, demonstrating the severe consequences of politicizing aid.

Civilian Casualties and Suffering: The shooting of Palestinians by Israeli soldiers while waiting for food aid in Gaza highlights the severe consequences of politicizing humanitarian aid, leading to direct harm to civilians in need.

Question for practice:

Analyse the impact of politics on the distribution of humanitarian aid in conflict zones.

Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD): WTO’s investment facilitation negotiations are not illegal

Source: The post Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) has been created, based on the article “WTO’s investment facilitation negotiations are not illegal” published in “The Hindu” on 28th March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations-Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.

News: The article discusses India’s opposition to the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi. India is concerned about including investment in WTO agreements and the process of making IFD a part of WTO rules.

What is Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD)?

IFD is a proposed agreement within the World Trade Organization (WTO), aimed at making it easier for investments to flow globally.

It intends to enhance regulatory transparency and streamline administrative procedures, fostering a more conducive environment for foreign investments.

Notably, the IFD does not include provisions on market access, investment protection, and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS).

Over 70% of WTO members, about 120 of 166 countries, support the IFD agreement.

The agreement was to be included as a plurilateral agreement (PA) within Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement, as allowed by Article II.3 of the WTO Agreement.

PAs are binding for WTO members that accept them and do not impose obligations on others.

The IFD agreement, finalized in November 2023, was launched under the Joint Statement Initiative in 2017, indicating a shift in how WTO handles investment-related discussions.

For information on Investment Facilitation Agreement read here

Why does India oppose the IFD agreement?

India, along with South Africa, was key in opposing the inclusion of IFD in the WTO rulebook.

The opposition is based on two main concerns: the suitability of including investment under WTO’s scope, and the process of integrating IFD into WTO rules.

India contends that there was no collective decision to start negotiations on an IFD Agreement within the WTO framework. This stance is based on past decisions, like the 2004 WTO General Council ruling and the 2015 Nairobi ministerial decision, emphasizing the need for consensus among all members to initiate new negotiations.

Is Investment Considered Part of Trade?

OECD data showing that approximately 70% of international trade occurs within global value chains involving both trade and investment

Modern free trade agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, often include detailed investment provisions, reflecting the link between trade and investment.

India’s trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association also contains investment elements, further substantiating the relationship between trade and investment.

What is the Significance of the IFD Agreement?

Streamlining Global Investment: The IFD Agreement’s primary goal is to simplify administrative procedures and increase regulatory transparency, aiming to bolster foreign investment inflows.

Excluding Certain Provisions: The focus of the IFD towards the facilitation of investment rather than addressing these broader investment-related issues, like market access, investment protection, and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS).

WTO Evolution: The IFD represents an evolution in the WTO’s scope, potentially incorporating investment alongside trade.

Plurilateral Agreement Framework: Its integration as a plurilateral agreement within the WTO indicates a shift towards more flexible, inclusive frameworks for international economic cooperation.

Question for practice:

Examine why India opposes the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi.

GS PAPER - 3

Challenges of implementing a wealth tax: Piketty’s wealth tax: An idea that just can’t work

Challenges of implementing a wealth tax

Source: The post challenges of implementing a wealth tax has been created, based on the article “Piketty’s wealth tax: An idea that just can’t work” published in “Live mints” on 28th March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy – Inclusive growth and issues

News: This article discusses the rise in billionaires in India and the debate about introducing a wealth tax. It argues that while a wealth tax might seem fair, it’s difficult to implement and could have negative effects on the economy. Challenges of implementing a wealth tax

What is the current status of wealth inequality in India?

Increase in Billionaires: India has seen a rise in billionaires, with 94 new additions, reaching a total of 271.

Comparison with Other Countries: This growth is higher than in China, which added 55 billionaires, now totaling 814.

Global Billionaire Rankings: India’s total number of billionaires is significantly less than China and the US.

Wealth Disparity Concerns: A study by Thomas Piketty highlights extreme wealth disparity in India, indicating the richest 1% hold a disproportionately large share of wealth.

What does Thomas Piketty’s research suggest?

Wealth Inequality in India: Piketty’s research, specifically his paper “Income and Wealth Inequality in India, 1922-2023,” focuses on the growing wealth gap in India.

Top 1% Holding More Wealth: The study highlights that India’s top 1% hold a large and increasing share of the nation’s wealth, is at a historically high level.

Wealth Growth Outpacing Income: Piketty notes that when the return on capital surpasses general income growth, it disproportionately benefits the wealthy, leading to a wider wealth gap.

What are the challenges of implementing a wealth tax?

Difficulty in Fair Assessment: Assessing and taxing wealth is complex, particularly with diverse assets like real estate and cryptocurrencies.

Liquidity Problems: A wealth tax could unfairly burden people with illiquid assets, like a home, which might need to be sold under distress to pay taxes.

Visibility of Assets: Visible assets, especially stocks, are easier to tax, but this could unfairly target certain forms of wealth.

Economic Impact: A wealth tax might discourage businesses from going public and could lead to capital flight to lower-tax countries.

Inefficiency in Capital Allocation: Such a tax could make capital allocation less transparent and efficient, adversely affecting the economy.

Question for practice:

Examine the potential economic impact of implementing a wealth tax in India, given its rising billionaire count and wealth disparity issues.

Sustainable building materials

Source-This post on sustainable building materials has been created based on the article “On sustainable building materials” published in “The Hindu” on 26 March 2024.

UPSC SyllabusGS Paper-3- Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Context- India housing construction sector is booming, with over 3,00,000 housing units built annually. However, the building sector is a major energy consumer that accounts for over 33% of India’s electricity usage, contributing to environmental degradation and climate change.
Further, The India Cooling Action Plan predicts an eight-fold increase in cooling demand between 2017 and 2037. Thus, it is important to address energy inefficiency in residential buildings due to India’s rising energy and cooling demand.

What are the steps taken by the government to make construction sector energy efficient?

1) The government has taken steps like the Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) and the Residential Energy Conservation Building Code to ensure energy efficiency.

2) The ENS introduces the Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV). This is a metric which measures heat transfer through a building’s envelope.

Significance of RETV– Lower RETV values lead to cooler indoor environments and decreased energy usage.
RETV of 15W/m2 or less is recommended for optimal efficiency, improved occupant comfort, and lower utility expenses.

What are the optimal construction materials for energy efficiency of buildings?

There are 4 popular materials such as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks, red bricks, fly ash, and monolithic concrete (Mivan).

Read more- Indian Cooling Action Plan

What is RETV evaluation for these construction materials?

1) Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC)– During evaluation, AAC blocks consistently had the lowest RETV across all climatic conditions. They have lower embodied energy compared to monolithic concrete and red bricks. However, they still contribute to emissions and waste.

2) Monolithic Concrete– Monolithic concrete has an embodied energy 75 times greater than AAC for building materials.
Monolithic concrete, despite its quick construction time, poses a significant environmental impact, and sustainability challenges.

NoteEmbodied Energy is the energy associated with the manufacturing of a product.

3) Red brick-For estimated construction time for a 100 sq. ft room, red bricks required the longest time. Red bricks exhibit moderate embodied energy, contributing to resource depletion, emissions, and waste.

What should be the way forward?

1) Interdisciplinary Collaborations-There is a need for fostering collaborations   with sustainability experts to develop strategies like building orientation, Window Wall Ratio (WWR), U-value (rate of heat transfer) of walls etc. to ensure energy efficiency.

2) Innovation-There is a need for innovation from building materials manufacturers so that they can develop cost-effective, scalable, durable, fire-resistant solutions.

Question for practice

What is RETV evaluation for construction materials? What steps can be taken to ensure optimal RETV evaluation?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

2nd Employment Working Group (EWG)

Source-This post on Employment Working Group (EWG) 2023  is based on the article “India At G20 2nd Employment Working Group Meeting At Brasilia” published in “PIB” on 27th March 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the 2nd Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting held under the Brazilian Presidency in Brasilia.

About 2nd Employment Working Group (EWG)

2nd Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting
Source: DDNEWS

1. It was held under the Brazilian Presidency in Brasilia. 

2. India is co-chairing the 2nd EWG meeting, along with Brazil and South Africa.

3. The G20 EWG’s mandate is to address labour, employment and social issues for strong, sustainable, balanced and job-rich growth for all.

4. The focus areas for the 2nd EWG meeting is on:

(i) creating quality employment and promoting decent labor

(ii) addressing a just transition amidst digital and energy transformations

(iii) leveraging technologies to enhance the quality of life for all

(iv) emphasis on gender equity and promoting diversity in the world of employment for inclusivity, driving innovation and growth.

5. The Indian delegation emphasized the need for:

(i) gender equality in the workplace and beyond

(ii) steps taken for migrant workers

(iii) promoting reemployment of senior citizens

(iv) participation in the work force of the differently abled and the marginalised.

Read more: G20 and its Significance

UPSC Syllabus: International Organisation

50,000-year-old magnetofossil

Source-This post on 50,000-year-old magnetofossil is based on the article Goa scientists find 50,000-year-old magnetic fossils in Bay of Bengal” published in “The Hindu” on 26th March 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, scientists have found 50,000-year-old magnetic fossils in the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the youngest giant magnetofossils to be found yet.

About the magneto fossil

Magentofossils
Source: The Hindu

Needle, spindle, bullet and spearhead shape-magnetofossils.Needle, spindle, bullet and spearhead shape-magnetofossils.Needle, spindle, bullet and spearhead shape-magnetofossils.

1. About: Magnetofossils are the fossilised remains of magnetic particles.

They are created by magnetotactic bacteria, also known as magnetobacteria.

2. Magnetotactic bacteria are mostly prokaryotic organisms that arrange themselves along the earth’s magnetic field. These unique creatures were first described in 1963.

3. These organisms were believed to follow the magnetic field to reach places that had optimal oxygen concentration.

4. It was found that the bacteria contained novel structured particles in small sacs that essentially worked as a compass. They are rich in iron.

5. These magnetotactic bacteria create tiny crystals made of the iron-rich minerals magnetite or greigite. The crystals help them navigate the changing oxygen levels in the water body in which they live.

6. The fossils left behind by the crystal-creating bacteria help scientists collect information regarding the conditions that prevailed millions of years ago, and which contributed to “the sediment magnetic signal”

Findings of the study

1. The sediment core from the southwestern Bay of Bengal consisted mainly of pale green silty clays.

2. There is presence of ‘conventional’ magnetofossils along with giant ones.

3. At a depth of around 1,000-1,500 m, the Bay of Bengal has a distinctively low oxygen concentration.

4. The rivers Godavari, Mahanadi, Ganga-Brahmaputra, Cauvery, and Penner played a crucial role in the formation of the magnetofossils.

5. Nutrient-rich sediments from rivers introduced reactive iron to the Bay of Bengal along with organic carbon in low-oxygen conditions, which supported growth of magnetotactic bacteria.

6. The freshwater discharge from these rivers along with the other oceanographic processes, like eddy formation, provided the oxygen content in these waters that isn’t usually found in other low-oxygen zones.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Meme coins

Source-This post on meme coins is based on the article “Explainer: What are meme coins and should you add them in your portfolio?“ published in “Business Standard” on 25th March 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, meme coins have gained significant popularity in the digital currency space.

About Meme Coins

meme coin
Source: BS

1. About: Meme coins are digital currencies created as a form of satire or humorous tribute to the internet culture. They are also known as ‘memetic tokens’ or ‘community coins’.

2. Features:

a) Meme coins have branding and names inspired by internet memes, jokes, or phenomena. They are humorous and designed for virality, often featuring quirky logos to appeal to the widespread online community.

b) The nature of these coins are highly volatile as they are driven by the current buzz surrounding the token.

c) They typically have a massive or uncapped supply, leading to very low values per token.

d) These coins leverage blockchain technology, often utilising smart contracts on platforms like Ethereum and Solana.

e) It is easy to create a meme coin as compared to traditional cryptocurrencies. Virtually anyone can launch a meme coin with minimal technical expertise and resources.

3. Some of the famous meme coins are Dogecoin, Shiba inu, Retik Finance.

4. Risks associated with meme coins:

a) The prices of meme coins can experience rapid fluctuations, making them risky investments.

b) These coins are primarily driven by speculation and community engagement, lacking fundamental value or unique use cases.

Read more: cryptocurrency

UPSC Syllabus: Economy

900-year-old Chalukyan inscription

Source-This post on 900-year-old Chalukyan inscription900-year-old Chalukyan inscription is based on the article “900-year-old Chalukyan inscription discovered in state of utter neglect at Gangapuram” published in “The Hindu” on 24th March 2024.

Why in the News?

A 900-year-old Kannada inscription from the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty has been found at Gangapuram, a temple town, in Telangana.

About the Chalukyas of Kalyani:

Chalukyas Dynasty
Source: Geeksforgeeks

About Chalukya Dynasty

1. The Chalukya dynasty ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and 12th centuries. During this period, they ruled as three related yet individual dynasties:

i) Badami Chalukyas: The earliest Chalukyas, with their capital at Badami (Vatapi) in Karnataka. They rose to prominence during the reign of Pulakeshin II and began to assert their independence after the decline of the Kadamba kingdom of Banavasi.

ii) Eastern Chalukyas: They emerged in the eastern Deccan after the death of Pulakeshin II. Their capital was Vengi, and they ruled until about the 11th century.

iii) Western Chalukyas: They were the descendants of the Badami Chalukyas. They emerged in the late 10th century and ruled from Kalyani (modern-day Basavakalyan).

About Kalyani Chalunkyas

1. Dynasty and Capital:
a) The Chalukyas of Kalyani belong primarily to a Kannadiga dynasty, also known as western chalukyas. They were known after their capital city, Kalyani, which is present in the modern-day Bidar district of Karnataka.

2. Establishment and Expansion:
a) The empire was established by Tailapa II.

b) During their 300-year rule in the western Deccan and southern part of the Indian peninsula, the Chalukyas of Kalyani expanded and reached the zenith of power.

3. The most successful period of the later Chalukya rulers in Karnataka’s history is often referred to as the ‘Chalukya Vikrama era’.

4. Vikramaditya VI (1076-1126 CE) played a crucial role during this time. He controlled feudatories in the northern region, including Kadamba Jayakesi II of Goa, Silhara Bhoja, and the Yadava King.

6. Decline:
a) After Vikramaditya VI’s death, consistent confrontations with the Chola dynasty led to the decline of the Western Chalukya empire.

7. Art and architecture:

a) The Chalukyas contributed significantly to the development of Kannada and Telugu literature.

b) Their architecture, known as the ‘Gadag style, bridged the gap between the Badami Chalukya architecture of the 8th century and the Hoysala architecture of the 13th century.

c) The Western Chalukyas minted punch-marked gold coins called pagodas with Kannada legends.

d) Temples built during their rule are abundant in detailed carvings and ornate sculptures, featuring themes like kirtimukha makaras, and mithuna (erotic) figures.

 

UPSC Syllabus: History

India TB report 2024

Source-This post on the Decline in TB cases in India is based on the article “India achieves 16% decline in new TB cases, 18% reduction in mortality since 2015: report” published in “The Hindu” on 28th March 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Union Health Ministry released the India TB report 2024.

Findings of the report

eliminating TB
Source: MygovHealth care workers take out a tuberculosis control awareness rally in Vijayawada.Health care workers take out a tuberculosis control awareness rally in Vijayawada.

1) Since 2015, there has been a decline of 16% in TB incidence (new cases emerging each year) and an 18% reduction in mortality due to TB.

2) The incidence rate in India has fallen from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 199 per lakh population in 2022, while the mortality rate has declined from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh population in 2022.

3) Nearly 32% of TB notifications in 2023 came from the private health care sector, which is an increase of 17% from the previous year.

4) While the overall notification of TB cases has improved by over 50% in the last nine years on an annual basis, Uttar Pradesh saw the highest jump in notifications (by 21% compared to the previous year) followed by Bihar (15%).

About Tuberculosis

1) Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs and is caused by a Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium.

Read More

About National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)

1. The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) is a public health initiative started in 2020 by the Government of India.

2. It was formerly known as the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP).

2. Mission: Its mission is to organize anti-Tuberculosis efforts across the country.

3. Vision: Achieving a “TB free India” through strategies focused on prevention, detection, treatment, and universal coverage.

4. Components:
a) Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative provides additional diagnostic, nutritional, and vocational support to TB patients.

b) Ni-kshay Digital Portal is a platform for community support for persons with TB.

5. Through the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, nutritional support is extended to all TB patients during their entire treatment duration.

6. Provision of chemoprophylaxis against TB disease for pediatric contacts of TB patients and people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Read more: Eliminating tuberculosis (TB) in India by 2025

UPSC Syllabus: Social Justice – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

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