5th September 2024
Topic: Accelerate safety measures to reduce road traffic deaths: WHO
Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Road- Infrastructure
Source: who.int
Context
Southeast Asian nations have been urged by the World Health Organization (WHO) to expedite efforts to lower traffic fatalities, which are the biggest cause of death for individuals between the ages of 15 and 29.
About
- In Southeast Asia, vulnerable road users comprise pedestrians, bicyclists, and two- or three-wheelers, accounting for 66% of all documented road traffic fatalities.
- Of the 1.19 million estimated road traffic deaths worldwide in 2021, the region accounted for 3,30,223 of them, or 28% of the total burden.
- In the midst of rapid urbanization, the WHO South-East Asia Region faces a number of challenges, including a high prevalence of motorized two- and three-wheelers, inadequate data on traffic injuries, inadequate infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, and a shortage of emergency services.
- 70% of people on the planet are expected to live in cities by 2030, demand for public transport will surge.
India’s Road Accident Rate
- The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 3,00,000 people in India die while driving every year. That is the same as more than 34 persons every single hour of the day.
- Road accidents are thought to cost India’s GDP between 5% and 7%.
Areas of concentration for increased safety
- Wearing a helmet: It needs to be applied to both motorcycle riders and their pillion passengers. Wearing a helmet properly can reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 42%.
- There needs to be less speeding: In India, 70% of fatal traffic crashes are the result of speeding. Drunk driving should also not be tolerated.
- It is necessary to improve road infrastructure: There are a lot of unsafe roads, despite government initiatives in recent years have led to rapid improvements.
- Behavioral changes: To ensure behavioral changes, extensive public awareness campaigns involving international celebrities, like the recently launched UN global road safety campaign #MakeASafetyStatement, must be launched.
Actions that India has taken
- The 2019 Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act’s implementation.
- The Act’s increased fines for moving violations, electronic tracking of those infractions, harsher sanctions for underage drivers,
- Automated/computerized vehicle fitness test, vehicle recall for defects, streamlined third-party insurance, higher damages for hit-and-run incidents, etc.
Worldwide measurements
- Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) depends on road safety, a public health and development priority.
- The Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 was introduced by the UN General Assembly in September 2020 with the goal of lowering the number of fatal traffic accidents and injuries by at least 50% by 2030.
Way Forward
- The safety of vulnerable road users, such as bicyclists, pedestrians, and riders of two- and three-wheelers, who are disproportionately at higher risk, needs to be given priority in low- and middle-income countries.
- Improving road safety requires bolstering emergency response and trauma systems, improving data on traffic accidents, exhibiting strong leadership, and encouraging cooperation amongst all parties involved.
- Although there was a 2% decrease in road fatalities in the WHO South-East Asia Region in 2021, which contributed to a 5% reduction worldwide, more work is required to meet global targets.
Also Read Topics & Concepts:
Mains Model Questions
Q. Examine the different aspects that need to be taken into account when enhancing traffic safety. Investigate further the government programs designed to address and lessen the problems brought on by traffic accidents.
Introduction:
Road safety is a major concern for development and public health worldwide, but it is especially so in India, where the country has some of the highest rates of traffic accidents worldwide. A multifaceted strategy is needed to strengthen road safety, addressing issues with infrastructure, behavior, vehicle safety, and emergency response systems.
Body:
Aspects to Take Into Account for Increasing Traffic Safety:
- Improvements to the infrastructure include having properly lit roads, appropriate signage, pedestrian facilities, and well-maintained roads. It is essential to implement road designs that lower the risk of collisions.
- Encouraging the production and use of automobiles with safety features like airbags, ABS, and compliance with emission regulations are known as vehicle safety standards.
- Enforcing Traffic Laws: Strict enforcement of traffic laws, such as those pertaining to helmet and seatbelt use, speed limits, and penalties for driving while intoxicated.
- Education and Awareness: Organizing public awareness campaigns regarding driving etiquette, road safety, and the repercussions of reckless driving.
- Data-Driven Policies: These involve identifying accident-prone areas through data analytics and putting targeted interventions in place.
Governmental Programs:
- The National Road Safety Policy prioritizes raising public awareness, creating databases of road safety data, and supporting the development of safer road infrastructure.
- The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019 includes provisions for electronic monitoring, increased penalties for moving violations, and protection for good samaritans.
- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is taking steps to improve road safety, including implementing advanced traffic management systems and conducting audits.
- The “Sadak Suraksha – Jeevan Raksha” campaign is a new effort to increase public awareness of the value of traffic safety.
- Smart City Projects: Improving road safety through urban planning and the integration of intelligent traffic management systems.
- Working together with NGOs and corporations: forming public-private alliances for campaigns aimed at raising awareness and educating the public.
Conclusion:
Increasing road safety is a multifaceted endeavor that calls for cooperation from the public and commercial sectors, as well as from civil society and individual citizens. Even though a number of initiatives have made significant progress, ongoing assessment and strategy modification are required to stay up with shifting conditions and emerging technologies. To dramatically lower this, a persistent emphasis on engineering, emergency care, education, and enforcement is necessary.
Topic: Asian cities are growing upwards more than outwards
Relevance: GS Paper: 1 – Urban development
Source: The Hindu
Context
According to a recent study that was published in Nature Cities, cities are expanding faster upward than outward globally, with Asia leading the way in this trend.
About
- More noticeable vertical growth was observed in the cities with populations over 10 million, and this trend intensified in the 2010s.
- Indian cities did not exhibit consistent upward growth; only those with populations greater than five million demonstrated upward and/or outward growth, primarily in the 2010s.
- One of the world’s most dramatic urban transformations has occurred in China, Japan, South Korea, and other east Asian countries. These countries are known for the rapid proliferation of high-rise buildings, especially in their major cities.
- Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing, Guangzhou, and other cities are known for their impressive skylines filled with high-rise buildings and skyscrapers.
- India’s vertical development is booming, especially in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
Increasing upward growth in cities
- Trends in Global Urbanization: There are more people living in cities than in rural areas as the world gets more urbanized. Instead of growing outward, cities are growing upward to accommodate this population shift.
- High Land Costs: Building upward becomes more economically feasible than horizontal expansion as urban land prices rise.
- Better Construction Methods: Building taller structures is now safer and easier to do thanks to technological and engineering advancements.
- Changing Lifestyles: The amenities and conveniences of living in a high-rise, like easy access to shopping, entertainment, and places of employment, are attracting more and more urban dwellers, particularly the younger ones.
Benefits of the Vertical Development in Urban Areas
- Greater density in smaller areas is made possible by taller buildings, which optimize the use of scarce urban land.
- Population density in vertical developments can result in more effective public service delivery, including waste management, utilities, and transportation.
- Because residents of vertical cities live closer to their places of employment, there is less need for lengthy commutes, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion.
- In comparison to low-density urban development, taller buildings can be more sustainable and energy-efficient, especially when designed with green technologies.
Disadvantages of Vertical Shift in Urban Growth
- As vertical development increases, lower-class populations are displaced by gentrification, which furthers social inequality.
- The increased density may be too much for the current infrastructure, which includes public transportation, sewage systems, and roads, resulting in crowding and possible service interruptions.
- High-rise structures have the potential to produce urban heat islands, where the microclimate is impacted by rising local temperatures brought on by a concentration of concrete and a lack of green space.
- In the event of a natural disaster, taller buildings present difficulties for emergency services like firefighting and evacuation.
- Because vertical living can limit opportunities for neighbourly interactions compared to more horizontal, community-based urban designs, residents of high-rise buildings often feel socially isolated.
Conclusion
- The need for sustainable urban development, land scarcity, and the challenges of rapid urbanization have given rise to the trend of high-rise buildings.
- Although vertical growth has many benefits, there are also issues that need to be carefully managed.
- Future high-rise construction will probably aim to create resilient, livable urban environments while striking a balance between social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
Also Read Topics & Concepts:
Mains Model Questions
Q. “Indian cities contribute nearly 66% of the country’s GDP and offer people great personal freedoms.” Discuss the problems related to India’s urbanization in light of this statement and offer solutions.
Introduction:
Urbanization pertains to the movement of people from rural to urban areas, the consequent decline in the number of people residing in rural areas, and the methods by which communities adjust to this transformation. India had a population of 1210 million as of the 2011 Census, with a 31.1% urbanization rate.
Body:
Significance of Urbanization
- Easy Access to Facilities: Living in an urban area is associated with improved health, longer life expectancies, higher literacy and educational levels, easier access to social services, and more opportunities for civic and cultural engagement.
- Access to Information: The public can benefit from having easier access to information sources like radio and television, which can be used to spread health-related information.
- Personality: The abundance of options, social diversity, and lack of parental and societal influence over decision-making encourage self-interest and make it easier for an individual to make decisions about their own actions and careers.
Problems Connected to Urbanization
- A surplus of population pressure: The movement of people from rural to urban areas speeds up urbanization, but it also puts undue strain on the infrastructure already in place due to population growth.
- Overwhelming Slums: Approximately 13.7 million slum dwellings in the nation provide housing for 65.49 million people nationwide.
- Inadequate Housing: Of all the social issues associated with urbanization, housing is the most upsetting. The great majority of people living in cities do so in extremely crowded quarters with subpar housing.
- Unplanned Development: The developed city model includes unplanned development, which serves to reinforce the rich-poor divide that exists in urban areas.
- Issues Caused by Pandemics: The Covid-19 pandemic has made life worse for slum dwellers and the urban poor. Slum dwellers’ capacity to make a living was negatively impacted by the abrupt imposition of the full Covid lockdown.
Way Forward
- Sustainable Urbanization for Successful Development: As the world gets more urbanized, effective urban growth management will become more and more important for sustainable development, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income nations where the rate of urbanization is faster.
- Integrated policies are necessary to enhance the quality of life for residents of both urban and rural areas while fostering the existing social, economic, and environmental ties between them.
- Increasing the Efficiency of Welfare and Relief Programs and Ensuring Access to Free Vaccinations, Food Security, and Sufficient Shelter in the Slums are Ways to Improve Access to Health Facilities and Welfare Schemes.
- Novel Strategies for Urbanization: We urgently require novel strategies for efficient urban planning and administration. A bottom-up strategy will be used in place of a top-down one to better comprehend the particular difficulties that the urban poor face.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Topic: Mitochondria may protect against Parkinson’s disease
Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Health
Source: The Hindu
Context
A crucial protein that may help develop novel therapies for Parkinson’s disease and other brain disorders has been discovered through recent research.
About
- Scholars specializing in Parkinson’s disease have been examining the part mitochondria, the powerhouses that power cells, play in the disease.
- A crucial protein has been found by researchers, and this discovery may result in novel therapies for brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Mitochondrial Dynamics and Degenerative Brain Pathways
- Recent research has connected a variety of neurodegenerative illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease, to abnormalities in mitochondrial functions.
- Deficient mitochondrial dynamics also impair the cell’s ability to recycle waste and clean itself, which accumulates toxic proteins into dangerous intracellular aggregates.
- These harmful protein aggregates are a defining feature of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that impairs dopamine production in the brain, which is an essential neurotransmitter for controlling movement.
- PD deteriorates with time. Although there isn’t a cure, medications and therapies can lessen symptoms.
- Tremors, excruciating muscle contractions, and trouble speaking are typical symptoms.
- There is a high rate of disability and care requirement associated with Parkinson disease. Dementia strikes many Parkinson’s disease patients.
- Although the disease primarily affects the elderly, it can also strike younger people. More men than women are impacted than women.
- An Essay on the Shaking Palsy, written in 1817 by British physician James Parkinson, provided the first detailed account of cases of the neurodegenerative condition that is now known as Parkinson’s disease.
- Parkinson’s disease is currently the second most prevalent neurodegenerative condition in the United States.
Parkinson’s disease in India
- The burden of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is rising in India as a result of both population growth and rising life expectancy.
- Compared to other western nations, India faces a major challenge: Parkinson’s disease (PD) usually strikes people around age 51, or about ten years earlier.
- This early onset affects people in their prime working years, which has significant ramifications.
- Furthermore, a lack of neurologists—particularly in rural areas—often leads to inadequate initial treatment and delayed diagnosis.
- In an effort to address the rising prevalence of neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and dementia, the Union Health Ministry has chosen to provide neurological care at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, the government’s primary healthcare facilities.
Also Read Topics & Concepts:https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease
Mains Model Questions
Q. Discuss about the idea of mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) and any possible effects it might have on the reproductive system and general health of people.
Introduction:
A medical procedure called mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) tries to stop mitochondrial diseases from being passed from a mother to her children. The genetic disorders known as mitochondrial diseases are brought on by mutations in the DNA of the mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles of cells. These mutations have the potential to cause serious illnesses that impact the body’s systems and organs.
Body:
Possible effects of this procedure on human reproduction and health include:
- Preventing Mitochondrial Diseases: To stop the spread of mtDNA mutations that lead to serious mitochondrial diseases, MRT replaces damaged mitochondria. It lessens the possibility of crippling illnesses brought on by malfunctioning mitochondria.
- Safety and Efficacy: Since MRT’s long-term effects are unknown and the techniques are still in their experimental stages, there may be safety and efficacy issues.
- Unintended Consequences: According to critics, this procedure may have unanticipated effects and pave the way for genetic enhancements or designer babies.
- Genetic Identity and Inheritance: Mitochondrial DNA from a third person is inherited through MRT, which entails the introduction of genetic material from a donor. This begs the issues of genetic identity and kinship ties. It is important to take into account the long-term effects on family dynamics and the mental health of those conceived through MRT.
- Social and Cultural Implications: MRT might have more extensive effects on society and culture. It questions established ideas about kinship, inheritance, and reproduction.
Conclusion: Although it presents significant ethical, safety, and legal issues, mitochondrial replacement therapy has the potential to stop the spread of serious mitochondrial diseases. As this technology develops, it will be important to conduct continuous research, enforce strict regulations, and carefully consider the advantages against any potential risks and societal repercussions.
Topic: Micronutrient deficiencies
Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Health
Source: Times Of India
Context
According to a recent paper in The Lancet, the amount of 15 dietary micronutrients that the Indian population consumes is insufficient.
Principal Features
- Almost 5 billion people, or 68% of the world’s population, do not get enough iodine; 67% do not get enough vitamin E; and 66% do not get enough calcium.
- Over 4 billion people, or 65% of the world’s population, do not get enough iron, riboflavin, folate, or vitamin C.
- Estimated inadequate intakes for iodine, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium were higher in women than in men within the same country and age groups; similarly, magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, and niacin were higher in men than in women.
- The countries in sub-Saharan Africa, east Asia and the Pacific, south Asia, and east Asia are said to have the highest rates of inadequate calcium intake.
Importance of Micronutrient Content
- They carry out a variety of tasks, such as facilitating the body’s synthesis of hormones, enzymes, and other chemicals required for typical development and growth.
- They aid in bone growth and maintenance, metabolic processes, and the health and function of the brain due to the influence of various micronutrients.
- Red blood cell formation and anemia prevention depend on iron, vitamin B12, and folate.
- Zinc, along with vitamins C and A, is involved in wound healing and tissue repair.
- Chronic disease can be avoided by consuming certain micronutrients in adequate amounts.
- Micronutrient deficiencies can result in less clinically significant declines in energy level, mental clarity, and general capacity in addition to visible and dangerous health conditions.
- A healthy diet rich in a variety of foods, nutrition education, and, when necessary, food fortification and supplementation can help avoid many of these deficiencies.
Government of India Programs aimed at tiny nutrients Undernourishment
- The National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyan) was introduced in 2018 with the goal of enhancing the nutritional status of children, teenage girls, expectant mothers, and nursing mothers in order to lower stunting, undernutrition, anemia, and low birth weight.
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): This program offers pregnant and lactating mothers as well as children under six years old comprehensive services. It seeks to enhance these groups’ health and nutritional status.
- The National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI) was started with the goal of preventing iron deficiency anemia, particularly in women and children. Iron and folic acid are provided as part of the initiative.
- Programs for Food Fortification: The main objectives of fortification are to increase the amount of iodine (iodized salt), iron and folic acid in wheat flour, and vitamin A in edible oils.
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS): The program gives schoolchildren free lunches that are enhanced with vital nutrients in an effort to improve their nutritional intake and encourage consistent attendance.
- Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB): The program aims to increase dietary intake of iron-rich foods, deworm patients, and provide regular iron and folic acid supplements.
Also Read Topics & Concepts:
Mains Model Questions
Q. The new cure-all for nutritional deficiencies in the Indian population is food fortification. Discuss.
Introduction:
The process of fortifying food involves incorporating micronutrients, such as vitamins and essential trace elements, into it. Food manufacturers and governments can implement this as a public health strategy to lower the proportion of the population with dietary deficiencies.
Body:
Benefits of Food Fortification
- Increase in Nutritional Value: When compared to the conventional varieties, the biofortified crops have 1.5–3 times higher levels of protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
- A safer approach to fortification It is important to note that these varieties were created by scientists using traditional crop breeding methods; they are not genetically modified. Furthermore, incorporating micronutrients into food does not pose a health risk to people.
- Overall Nutritional Security: This is a great way to instantly improve the health of a big portion of the population because the nutrients are added to commonly consumed staple foods.
- Economical: This approach is economical, particularly when using the current platforms for delivery and technology.
Negative Effects of Food Enhancement
- Not a Replacement for a Healthy Diet: Although fortified foods have higher concentrations of some micronutrients, they shouldn’t be used in place of a healthy diet that provides enough energy, protein, essential fats, and other nutrients needed for optimum health.
- Failing to Serve the Poorest Segment of the Population: The general public’s poorest segments have limited access to fortified foods in public spaces due to low purchasing power and an underdeveloped distribution channel.
- Uncertainty in the Evidence: Before significant national policies are implemented, the evidence for fortification is unresolved and most definitely insufficient.
- Diminish the Value of Natural Food: A policy of silence will have suppressed the value and the choice of naturally iron-rich foods like millets, different types of green leafy vegetables, meat dishes, and liver, to mention a few, once iron-fortified rice is marketed as the cure for anemia.
Way Forward:
- Raising Women’s Nutritional Literacy: Mothers’ education and children’s wellness are positively correlated.
Need for Multi-pronged Approach: To address the underlying causes of this intricate issue, India will eventually require a multi-pronged strategy that includes access to basic infrastructure, such as drinking water, electricity, and sanitary facilities.
Topic: BioE3 Policy
Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Economy
Source: PIB
Context
In order to promote high-performance biomanufacturing, the Union government unveiled its BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy.
Biotechnology
- In order to create vastly better goods and services, biotechnology applies biological knowledge and methods related to molecular, cellular, and genetic processes.
- The following sectors make up India’s biotechnology market: biopharmaceuticals, bioservices, bioagriculture, bioindustry, and biotechnology information technology.
India’s Biotechnology Situation
- The biotechnology segments’ percentage share is:
Pharmaceuticals: 62% (or $57.5 billion)
13% in bioagriculture ($11.5 billion)
BioIndustrial: 15% ($4.1 billion)
BioServices & BioIT: 10% ($9.3 billion) - India’s goal of having an economy worth USD 5 trillion is expected to be largely fueled by the biotechnology sector.
- India ranks third in Asia Pacific and is among the Top 12 countries in the world for biotechnology, accounting for about 3% of the global biotechnology market.
- India’s economy grew to be the fifth largest in the world in 2022, and the Global Innovation Index (GII) Report 2023 ranks it as the top innovation economy in Central and Southern Asia.
- The biotechnology sector in India was estimated to be worth $93.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $300 billion by 2030.
India’s Potential for Biotechnology
- Because of the unique bioresources found in the Himalayas and the country’s enormous biodiversity, India has an advantage in biotechnology and an abundance of bioresources that are ready to be utilized.
- India has a sizable population of young, skilled workers—47 percent of its 1.4 billion inhabitants are under 25.
- India’s biotechnology industry has significantly impacted a number of industries, including health, Medicine, Agriculture, Industry and Bioinformatics.
Governmental Initiatives
- The Government of India (GoI) is working to establish India as a global center for biotechnology and biomanufacturing through policy initiatives like Startup India and Make in India.
- Thirty MSMEs and over 150 organizations are among the 101 projects that the National Biopharma Mission is funding.
- India and Finland decided in 2022 to push bilateral cooperation and broaden it in areas like biotechnology, digital education, future mobile technologies, and ICT partnerships.
- The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) established the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) with the goal of enabling and bolstering nascent biotechnology enterprises to engage in strategic research and innovation.
- The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), a division of the Ministry of Science and Technology, has established Biotechnology Parks and Incubators around the nation to facilitate the conversion of research into goods and services by offering the required infrastructure support.
- India has become the “pharmacy of the world” thanks to beneficial government policies including the Draft R&D Policy 2021, PLI Schemes, and clinical trial regulations.
- FDI Policy: For greenfield pharmaceuticals, 100% FDI is permitted through the automatic route. Additionally, brownfield pharmaceuticals are eligible for 100% FDI under the government route.
– FDI is subject to the automatic route up to 74% of the time, and the government approval route after that.
Way Forward
- The BioE3 Policy will accelerate green growth in India by supporting the “Circular Bioeconomy” and fortifying the government’s efforts towards a “Net Zero” carbon economy and a “Lifestyle for Environment.”
- It lays out the Bio-vision for Viksit Bharat and will promote an advanced future that is more inventive, sustainable, and sensitive to global challenges.
Also Read Topics & Concepts:
https://www.icgeb.org/india-bioeconomy-policy-unveiled/
Mains Model Questions
Q. In what ways can biotechnology aid India’s economic growth? Discuss about it in light of the newly implemented BioE3 policy.
Introduction:
The Union Cabinet has approved the Department of Biotechnology’s “BioE3” (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing.
Body:
India’s Biotechnology Situation
- The biotechnology segments’ percentage share is:
Pharmaceuticals: 62% (or $57.5 billion)
13% in bioagriculture ($11.5 billion)
BioIndustrial: 15% ($4.1 billion)
BioServices & BioIT: 10% ($9.3 billion)
Biotechnology’s Place in Economic Development
- Industrial Transformation: Using biomanufacturing to create smart proteins, biobased chemicals, and bioplastics.
- Development of carbon capture technologies, biodegradable materials, and climate-resilient agriculture are examples of sustainability and climate solutions.
- Medical Advancements: Organogenesis and precision biotherapeutics provide healthcare solutions.
Conclusion:
India is in a position to use biotechnology for both sustainable economic growth and gaining a competitive advantage in rapidly developing international markets thanks to the BioE3 policy.