Current Affairs Reverse Engineering
Care (1-11-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Science and Technology: Telemedicine in India: is the government’s eSanjeevani platform living up to its potential |
| LiDAR: Remote sensing system which helped discover lost Mayan city |
| Ecology and Environment: Greenhouse gas emissions surge to new record in 2023: World Meteorological Organization report |
| What is DANA, the weather pattern which caused flash floods in Spain? |
| International Relations: UNRWA: What is the UN agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has banned? |
Telemedicine in India: is the government’s eSanjeevani platform living up to its potential
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 3- Science and Technology
Context: Telemedicine in India and the eSanjeevani Platform.
Why in News
- Telemedicine in India has made strides, particularly with the rise of eSanjeevani, the National Telemedicine Service launched in 2019.
Key Features of eSanjeevani
- Models of Service:
- OPD Model: Enables direct consultations between patients and doctors.
- Hub-and-Spoke Model: Links subcenters and primary health centers (PHCs) with district hospitals and medical colleges for specialized care.
- Enhanced Version (eSanjeevani 2.0): Integrated with point-of-care diagnostic devices for improved service quality.
- Statistics: Over 3.2 crore patients served and 2.2 lakh healthcare providers engaged as of October 2024.
Benefits of eSanjeevani
- Improved Access: Reaches remote areas, reduces the need for physical travel, and supports early diagnosis (e.g., leprosy diagnosis in Kerala).
- Bridging Gaps: Addresses the lack of specialist care in rural and underserved regions.
Challenges in Implementation
- Shortage of Doctors: Low participation from doctors due to high workloads and insufficient incentives.
- Revenue Model: Currently free, limiting scalability. Experts suggest a revenue-generating model with better compensation for doctors.
- Technical Limitations: Connectivity issues lead to delays, making it harder for specialists to allocate time for consultations.
- Administrative Gaps: Inadequate integration with regular medical practices, lack of general practitioners (GPs) in the tele-referral system, and insufficient training for healthcare staff.
- E-literacy and Language Barriers: Limited reach due to low digital literacy and the absence of multilingual support.
Recommendations for Improvement
- Incentive Structure: Introduce hourly pay for doctors, mandate a weekly time commitment, and implement a revenue model to fund expansion.
- Infrastructure Enhancements: Improve internet connectivity, provide updated technology, and develop Electronic Health Records (EHR) integration for continuity of care.
- Public Awareness: Increase awareness and acceptability among healthcare providers and the public to encourage use.
- Regular Evaluation: Beyond call volumes, track metrics such as patient satisfaction, healthcare outcomes, and economic benefits.
Relevance
- Health Governance and Policy: Shows how digital health interventions can aid in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
- Digital India and Healthcare: Ties into government initiatives to integrate technology for better governance.
- Public Health: Highlights the potential and limitations of telemedicine in tackling rural healthcare access issues.
- Economic and Administrative Efficiency: Demonstrates the need for resource optimization and structured evaluation.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the eSanjeevani telemedicine platform:
1. eSanjeevani operates solely as a patient-to-doctor consultation platform. 2. The eSanjeevani platform provides both teleconsultations and diagnostic services. 3. The platform has integrated Electronic Health Records (EHR) for continuity of care. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2, and 3
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Q. “Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following? (2023)
a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes b) Converting crop residues into packing material c) Producing biodegradable plastics d) Producing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass Ans: (a)
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| Answer 1– B
Explanation – · Statement 1 is incorrect: eSanjeevani provides both patient-to-doctor (OPD model) and doctor-to-doctor (hub-and-spoke model) consultations, facilitating referrals between different levels of healthcare facilities. · Statement 2 is correct: eSanjeevani 2.0 has been upgraded to include tele-diagnostic services with point-of-care diagnostic devices, enabling better care quality. · Statement 3 is incorrect: Although there is an ongoing effort to integrate Electronic Health Records (EHR) within India’s healthcare system, this has not yet been fully realized in eSanjeevani, limiting continuity of care across consultations. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |
LiDAR has become a revolutionary tool in archaeology, as demonstrated by the recent discovery of a lost Mayan city
Source: The Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS3- Science and Technology
Context: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
Why in News
- LiDAR has become a revolutionary tool in archaeology, as demonstrated by the recent discovery of a lost Mayan city, Valeriana, in Mexico’s Campeche region.
Overview
Key Features of LiDAR
- Technology Basics: LiDAR uses pulsed laser beams to measure distances from a sensor (often aircraft-mounted) to the ground, creating detailed 3D models with up to 10 cm accuracy. It includes a laser, scanner, and GPS receiver for precise distance measurements.
- Data Processing: Initially, data is collected as a “point cloud,” capturing reflections from terrain, vegetation, and structures. This can be refined into a “bare earth” model, which digitally strips away vegetation to reveal ground features.
How LiDAR Aided Archaeology
- Efficient Site Mapping: Traditional archaeological methods require physically navigating terrain to locate ancient ruins. In contrast, LiDAR enables researchers to analyze vast landscapes remotely, helping uncover structures without disturbing the environment.
- Mayan City Discovery: Researchers used publicly available LiDAR data to identify Valeriana. The city, containing structures like temple pyramids, reservoirs, and plazas, is consistent with Maya civilization architecture, indicating it may have been a political capital.
Broader Applications of LiDAR
- Geography and Conservation: Beyond archaeology, LiDAR is useful for topographic mapping, conservation, and infrastructure planning, providing critical data for policymakers and scientists.
- Forestry and Ecology: LiDAR assists in studying forest structures, understanding habitat layers, and monitoring environmental changes over time.
Important Points
- Technological Advancement in Archaeology: LiDAR’s application highlights how technology can revolutionize fields like archaeology, aligning with UPSC themes on science and technology in development.
- Implications for Preservation: By enabling remote analysis, LiDAR supports conservation efforts, minimizing physical disruptions to archaeological sites.
- Cross-Disciplinary Benefits: The technology’s utility spans multiple fields, from land management to urban planning, reflecting the significance of interdisciplinary tools in governance and sustainable development.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Assertion (A): LiDAR technology has become instrumental in the discovery of ancient archaeological sites, such as the lost Mayan city of Valeriana in Mexico.
Reason (R): LiDAR technology uses pulsed laser beams to create high-resolution, 3D models that can penetrate dense vegetation, revealing ground features otherwise hidden from view. Choose the correct option: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. (c) A is true, but R is false. (d) A is false, but R is true.
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Q. With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following statements: (2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only Ans: (d)
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| Answer 2 – A
Explanation – · LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, has indeed become valuable in archaeological research, as shown by the discovery of the lost Mayan city of Valeriana. · LiDAR’s capability to penetrate dense forest cover allows researchers to identify structures and map terrain features hidden beneath vegetation. · This ability to generate detailed 3D ground models makes it especially useful for archaeology, where dense natural cover often obscures ancient ruins. · Thus, both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why LiDAR is instrumental in archaeological discoveries. |
Record High Greenhouse Gas Levels in 2023
Source: The Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Environment and Ecology
Context: Greenhouse gas (GHG) levels reached record highs in 2023
Why in News
- According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), greenhouse gas (GHG) levels reached record highs in 2023, continuing a worrying trend with significant implications for global climate.
Historical Comparison
- The WMO highlights that such high CO₂ levels were last observed 3-5 million years ago when temperatures were 2-3°C warmer, and sea levels were 10-20 meters higher than present.
- This historical context emphasizes the severity of current GHG concentrations and their potential impact on climate and sea levels.
Causes and Contributing Factors
- Human and Industrial Activities: Fossil fuel emissions from human activities remain the primary driver of CO₂ increase.
- Natural Events and Feedback Loops:
- El Niño: The 2023 El Niño exacerbated GHG levels by creating drier conditions that increased wildfires and reduced vegetation cover, which would otherwise act as carbon sinks.
- Vegetation Fires: Wildfires linked to El Niño and dry vegetation released additional CO₂.
- Reduced Carbon Absorption: Both terrestrial and oceanic carbon sinks were less effective due to warming, potentially leading ecosystems to emit rather than absorb GHGs.
Implications of Rising GHG Levels
- Vicious Climate Feedback Cycle: WMO experts warn of a potential cycle where rising temperatures lead to less effective carbon sinks, meaning more CO₂ remains in the atmosphere, accelerating warming.
- Ecosystems as GHG Sources: Climate change risks converting natural ecosystems into GHG sources. Warmer oceans, for example, may absorb less CO₂, while increased wildfires could elevate atmospheric carbon levels.
- Long-Term Temperature Persistence: Given CO₂’s long lifespan, even rapid emissions reduction will not immediately reduce temperature levels. The warming effects are projected to persist for decades.
Role of Methane and Other GHGs
- Methane emissions have seen an unprecedented three-year increase, partly due to warmer, wetter conditions linked to La Niña events, which stimulate emissions from natural wetlands.
- This underscores methane’s role in GHG increases, which is often overshadowed by CO₂ but has significant warming potential.
Broader Impact
- Climate Feedback Mechanisms: This report underlines the critical role of feedback loops in climate dynamics.
- Long-Term Climate Consequences: GHGs like CO₂ and methane persist in the atmosphere, highlighting the urgency of proactive policy measures and renewable energy transition.
- Global Climate Agreements: The data reinforces the importance of international climate accords, such as the Paris Agreement, and net-zero targets to mitigate long-term climate impact.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding greenhouse gases and climate change as reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO):
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 only (d) 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? (2019)
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (d)
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| Answer 3– A
Explanation –
Thus, the correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only.
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What is DANA, the weather pattern which caused flash floods in Spain?
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS3- Environment and Ecology
Context: Spain experienced devastating flash floods in late October 2024
Why in News
- DANA or “gota fría” (cold drop), resulted in record-breaking rainfall in Spain, leaving entire towns submerged and causing multiple fatalities.
What is DANA (Cold Drop)?
- DANA stands for “Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos,” or “Isolated Depression at High Altitudes.” This weather phenomenon occurs when cold air from the polar jet stream descends and collides with the warm, moisture-rich Mediterranean Sea air, creating atmospheric instability. The rapid rise of warm air leads to the formation of dense cumulonimbus clouds, which can trigger heavy, sudden rainfall in a short period.
Mechanism:
- Polar Jet Stream: A high-speed wind current at the top of the troposphere that separates cold polar air from warm tropical air.
- When a pocket of cold air detaches from the jet stream and moves over the warm Mediterranean Sea, it meets warm air, resulting in the rapid formation of storm clouds that lead to intense rain.
Characteristics:
- Heavy rainfall over a short time, often leading to flash floods.
- Common in Spain during autumn and spring, particularly around the western Mediterranean.
Recent Event Highlights
- In this event:
- Over 150-200 liters of rain per square meter fell in some areas within two hours.
- Certain areas in Andalusia received four times the monthly average rainfall for October in a single day, causing severe flooding.
Increasing Intensity of DANA
- Experts note that DANA events have become more intense and geographically widespread in recent years. Previously, these storms mainly affected coastal areas, but recent events have also impacted inland cities like Madrid, which traditionally experienced less intense rainfall. Two primary factors contributing to this increase in severity include:
- Rising Global Temperatures: Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall when storms occur.
- Warmer Mediterranean Sea: In August 2024, the Mediterranean recorded its highest-ever sea surface temperature, which exacerbates the strength of these storms.
Climate Change and Future Implications
- Enhanced Rainfall Intensity: As the atmosphere warms, the moisture-carrying capacity of air increases, making storms more intense.
- Vulnerability of Non-Coastal Areas: With DANA events now affecting inland areas, Spain faces new challenges in flood management and disaster preparedness.
- Mediterranean Region’s Climate Risks: Rising sea surface temperatures in the Mediterranean further increase the potential for intense storms, indicating a need for adaptation and resilience strategies in these regions.
Relevance
- Environment and Climate Change: Understanding DANA ties into the effects of climate change on regional weather patterns and highlights the relationship between rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
- Disaster Management: This event underscores the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies for managing flash floods and extreme rainfall.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||||
Q4. Match the following terms with their correct descriptions:
Options: (a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 (b) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4 (c) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 (d) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1 |
Q. In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason? (2015)
(a) Sea surface temperatures are low (b) Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs (c) Coriolis force is too weak (d) Absence of land in those regions Ans: (b)
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| Answer 4 – B
Explanation
Thus, the correct answer is (b) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4.
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UNRWA: What is the UN agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has banned?
Source: The Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2- International Organisations
Context: Welfare of millions of Palestinian refugees
Why in News
- Israel’s parliament recently passed two bills banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and the Palestinian territories, declaring UNRWA a “terrorist organization.”
What is UNRWA?
- UNRWA was established in 1949 to support roughly 700,000 Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
- Today, the agency provides essential services — education, healthcare, relief, social services, and emergency assistance — to around 5.9 million registered Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.
- Funded mainly through donations from countries like the United States and the European Union, UNRWA employs around 30,000 Palestinians and is vital in managing the distribution of food, water, and medical services in Gaza.
Reasons Behind Israel’s Ban
- Perceived Obsolescence: Israel argues that UNRWA’s mandate, particularly its support for descendants of original Palestinian refugees, has become an obstacle to peace by perpetuating refugee status.
- Alleged Links to Militant Activities: Israel has accused some UNRWA employees of involvement in Hamas attacks, specifically the October 2023 assault on Israel.
- The Israeli government claims that around 190 militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, including teachers in UNRWA schools, were on UNRWA’s payroll, although UNRWA denies intentional involvement with militant groups.
Details of the Two Bills
- Operational Ban: Prevents UNRWA from maintaining offices, providing services, or conducting any activities in Israel.
- Severing Ties: Cuts all official ties between Israeli government employees and UNRWA and removes legal immunities of UNRWA staff, effectively restricting the agency’s operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
- These bills are likely to force UNRWA to relocate its headquarters from East Jerusalem and may halt its operations within the Palestinian territories.
Impact on Gaza and the West Bank
- Humanitarian Aid Disruption: Gaza’s two million residents rely almost entirely on UNRWA for basic supplies like food, water, and hygiene products, especially amidst ongoing conflict. UNRWA also supports critical health initiatives, such as emergency vaccination campaigns.
- Education and Health Services: In the West Bank, UNRWA operates numerous schools and health centers, supporting prenatal care, primary education, and more across 19 refugee camps. The restriction could jeopardize these services, heightening regional vulnerability.
- Broader Implications: UNRWA’s Chief Philippe Lazzarini warned that the ban could set a “dangerous precedent,” exacerbating the suffering of Palestinian communities dependent on UNRWA.
Relevance
- International Relations: Understanding the implications of Israel’s actions on the UN and the broader Middle East conflict can enrich knowledge on diplomatic relations and humanitarian issues.
- Humanitarian and Refugee Affairs: The ban underscores the critical role of international agencies in providing aid amidst conflict, aligning with themes on refugee welfare and humanitarian challenges.
- Governance and International Organizations: Insights into how international organizations like the UN manage aid in conflict zones and the complexities involved in their operations.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. With reference to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2, and 3
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5. Consider the following statements: (2023)
Statement-I: Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. Statement-II : The ‘Arab Peace Initiative’ mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement- I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Answer: (c)
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| Answer 5-B
Explanation
Thus, the correct answer is (b) 2 and 3 only.
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