Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (05-08-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Social Issues: Highest-ever organ transplants in India, 63% of living donors were women: NOTTO report |
| Environment and Ecology: Are deep-sea metals a vital resource or an environmental disaster in the making? |
| International Relations: What is special about the flying cauldron in the 2024 Olympics? |
| Polity and Governance: Law Ministry report highlights poor infrastructure, overburdened courtrooms |
| Two-day Conference of Governors concludes at Rashtrapati Bhavan |
Highest-ever organ transplants in India, 63% of living donors were women: NOTTO report
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2 Social Issues
Context: A record-high total of organ transplants
Why in News
- In 2023, India performed a record-high total of 18,378 organ transplants, with 10% of these procedures conducted for foreign nationals who traveled to India for medical treatment.
Record-Breaking Transplants:
- The total number of organ transplants in India reached 18,378 in 2023, marking the highest annual figure ever recorded in the country.
- This reflects significant progress in the field of organ transplantation.
Foreign Nationals:
- Of the total transplants, 1,851 were for patients from other countries who came to India seeking treatment. This represents 10% of the overall transplant volume.
- The trend of foreign nationals coming to India for medical procedures is notable and indicates India’s growing reputation as a global destination for advanced medical care.
Implications:
The high number of transplants for foreign nationals underscores several factors:
- International Trust: It reflects trust in India’s medical facilities and expertise in organ transplantation.
- Economic Aspect: Medical tourism can have economic implications, potentially bringing substantial revenue into the country’s healthcare system.
- Regulatory and Ethical Considerations: The involvement of foreign nationals in the transplant system raises issues regarding the ethical sourcing of organs, ensuring fair practices, and maintaining high standards of care.
Regional Focus:
- In terms of regional distribution, the Delhi-NCR region played a significant role, handling a substantial portion of these transplants for foreign patients.
- This highlights the concentration of advanced medical facilities in this region.
Domino Transplants:
- India conducted eight domino transplants in 2023.
- In these procedures, organs are exchanged among different donor-recipient pairs to ensure better matches.
Donation Rate:
- Despite these advancements, the organ donation rate in India remains below 1 per million population, indicating a need for increased awareness and participation in organ donation.
National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)
- NOTTO is a national level organization set up under Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- It functions as apex centre for all India activities of coordination and networking for:
- procurement and distribution of organs and tissues; and
- registry of Organs and Tissues Donation and Transplantation in country.
Regulatory frameworks guiding the organ transplantation in India
- Legislation
- In 1994, The Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA) was promulgated by the government of India.
- The Transplantation of Human Organs Rules followed in 1995 and were last amended in 2014, increasing the scope of donation and including tissues for transplantation.
- The act made commercialization of organs a punishable offence and legalized the concept of brain death in India allowing deceased donation by obtaining organs from brain stem dead person.
- Institution
- National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) is a national level organization set up under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Besides laying down policy guidelines and protocols for various functions, it coordinates all the activities associated with organ donation at national level.
- Organ transplant rules
- In February 2023 the govt modified national organ transplantation guidelines.
- The new guidelines have done away with the 65-year age limit for registration of patients seeking organs from a deceased donor.
- There was no age cap for living donor transplants, where family members donate organs like kidneys and livers.
- However, people over the age of 65 years couldn’t register to receive organs from deceased donors as per guidelines of NOTTO.
- It has asked states to remove the domicile criterion for registering those seeking organs from deceased donor for transplant procedures.
- Now the needy person can go to any state of the country and register for getting organ and also get the transplant done.
- The patient will be allotted a unique ID by NOTTO on registering.
- This will get carried forward even if the patient changes multiple hospitals in different States.
- Noting that some states have been charging fees ranging between Rs 5,000 to 10,000 for registering such patients, this guideline has asked them not to charge money.
- Steps are being taken to develop a uniform organ transport policy for the country
- To develop a uniform organ transport policy for the country, consultations were held with seven ministries coordinated by NITI Aayog.
- Standard Operative Procedures have been drafted, which prescribe that:
- every concerned ministry will have a nodal officer and
- State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) will coordinate with a nodal officer to facilitate organ transport.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. In the context of organ transplantation in India, consider the following statements about domino transplants:
Which of the statements is/are correct? A) Only statement 1 is correct. B) Statements 1 and 2 are correct. C) Statements 1 and 3 are correct. D) Statements 2 and 3 are correct. |
Q. Consider the following statements: (2023)
Statement-I: India’s public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care. Statement-II: Under India’s decentralized approach to healthcare delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services. 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- 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: (d) |
| Answer 1-A
Explanation:
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Are deep-sea metals a vital resource or an environmental disaster in the making?
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Environment and Ecology, Disaster Management
Context: Deep-sea metals, International Seabed Authority (ISA)
Why in News
- The International Seabed Authority (ISA) aims to set binding rules for deep-sea mining by 2025.
Current State of Deep-Sea Mining
- The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is working on establishing legally binding rules to manage deep-sea mining by 2025.
- The process is complex and contentious, with many countries and stakeholders having differing views on how to balance commercial interests with environmental protection.
Division of Opinions:
- Countries like Germany, Brazil, and Palau are calling for thorough environmental impact assessments before agreeing to new rules.
- Meanwhile, nations such as China, Norway, and Japan are advocating for quicker agreements to allow mining to commence.
- There is growing support among some countries for suspending or banning deep-sea mining due to environmental concerns.
Commercial Potential:
- Deep-sea mining targets minerals found in the high seas, which are considered the “common heritage of mankind” and managed by the ISA.
- These minerals include manganese nodules, which are valuable for their manganese, cobalt, copper, and nickel content, essential for electric car batteries and renewable energy technologies.
Exploration Licenses:
- The ISA has issued exploration licenses to various countries and companies, including China, Germany, India, and Russia.
- However, the distribution and potential sharing of profits remain contentious, with concerns about equitable distribution and the skepticism of organizations like the Deep-Sea Conservation Coalition.
Types of Metals and Resources
- Manganese Nodules: These are potato-sized lumps found on the ocean floor, rich in manganese, cobalt, copper, and nickel. They are crucial for the growing demand for electric vehicle batteries.
- Polymetallic Sulfides and Ferromanganese Crusts: Other valuable resources include polymetallic sulfides (rich in copper, zinc, lead, iron, silver, and gold) and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts, which are difficult to mine due to their hard, crusty nature.
Environmental Impact
- Ecosystem Damage: Mining operations can cause significant harm to marine ecosystems. Manganese nodules and crusts serve as habitats for numerous deep-sea species, and the mining process can destroy these habitats and release sediment plumes that affect distant marine areas.
- Research Needs: Scientists have explored only a small fraction of the deep sea, and many species and ecosystem functions are still poorly understood. The potential for catastrophic effects on biodiversity and ecosystems is significant if mining proceeds without adequate research and precaution.
Economic and Technological Considerations
- Economic Arguments: Proponents argue that deep-sea mining could provide valuable raw materials and reduce reliance on terrestrial mining. However, there is debate over whether the minerals are essential for the energy transition, with alternatives like lithium-iron-phosphate batteries being explored.
- Technological Challenges: Deep-sea mining involves high risks and costs, particularly due to the extreme conditions at great depths. Technology for deep-sea mining is still under development, and equipment maintenance and repair present significant challenges.
Future Prospects
- Upcoming Projects: Companies like The Metals Company plan to apply for commercial mining licenses by late 2024, with operations potentially starting by 2026 in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
- Norway is also preparing to start its mining operations by 2030 in a region it controls, independent of the ISA’s jurisdiction.
Deep Sea Mining
- Deep-sea mining is the process of retrieving mineral deposits from the deep seabed the ocean below 200 metres and covers two-thirds of the total seafloor.
- According to International Seabed Authority (ISA), an agency under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for monitoring all activities related to mineral resources in the deep sea, the international seabed is the area that lies beyond the limits of national jurisdiction and represents around 50% of the total area of the world’s oceans.
- ISA has issued 32 contracts to explore deep sea mineral deposits. More than 1.5 million square kilometres of the international seabed have been set aside for mineral exploration.
International Seabed Authority (ISA)
- The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- ISA oversees the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the international seabed area, which is beyond national jurisdiction.
- It issues licenses for deep-sea mining activities and aims to ensure that these activities are conducted sustainably and equitably.
- The ISA is tasked with developing and enforcing regulations to minimize environmental impacts and preserve marine ecosystems in the deep-sea environment.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. Which of the following statements regarding deep-sea mining and the International Seabed Authority (ISA) are correct?
Select the correct statements: A) Statements 1 and 2 are correct. B) Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct. C) Statements 2 and 3 are correct. D) Statements 1 and 4 are correct. |
Q. With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements: (2015)
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? (a) 1 only Ans: (d) |
| Answer 2 – B
Explanation:
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What is special about the flying cauldron in the 2024 Olympics?
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: Cauldron for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Why in News
The cauldron for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
represents a groundbreaking design both in its form and function.
Design Concept
- The Paris 2024 Olympic cauldron is an innovative departure from traditional Olympic cauldrons. Instead of being a static fixture, it has been designed to float and rise into the air.
- It stands 30 meters tall and hovers 30 meters above the ground at night, making it the first airborne cauldron in Olympic history.
- The design is by French multidisciplinary designer Mathieu Lehanneur, who drew inspiration from hot air balloons.
- The cauldron is meant to symbolize a “ring of fire” suspended above a liquid surface, reflecting both purity and magic.
- This design is a nod to the historical significance of hot air balloons, linking the present with past innovations.
Historical Tribute:
- The cauldron pays homage to Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, the pioneering French inventors of hot air balloons.
- In 1783, the Montgolfier brothers conducted the first successful flights with their hot air balloons, showcasing the technology to King Louis XVI and the public.
- The cauldron’s location at Jardin des Tuileries is historically significant, as it was the site of the Montgolfiers’ first balloon launch.
Features and Symbolism
- Physical Design: The cauldron’s “ring of fire,” where the Olympic flame burns, has a diameter of seven meters. This ring symbolizes fraternity, a core value of the Paris Games. The cauldron aligns with Lehanneur’s creative philosophy, which emphasizes the transformative power of objects and their ability to represent and pass on cultural values.
- Environmental Considerations: In line with the Paris 2024 Games’ commitment to sustainability, the cauldron is powered entirely by electricity rather than fossil fuels. It features 40 LED lights and 200 high-pressure misting nozzles. The interaction of these elements creates an illusion of real fire without the environmental impact associated with burning fossil fuels.
- Public Engagement: The cauldron is situated in a public area at Jardin des Tuileries, offering free access to visitors. This location allows the public to view the cauldron up close, take photographs, and engage with the Olympic symbol in a way that has not been possible with previous Olympic cauldrons.
What is special about its design?
- Traditionally, the Olympic cauldron remains in position on the ground in a prominent site in or near a venue – usually the main stadium – for the duration of the Games.
- However, the innovative hot air balloon design of the Paris Olympic cauldron means that while its location is static, the Olympic flame itself is anything but.
- Organisers say during the day, the cauldron will be on the ground in the city’s Tuilleries Gardens but during the evening, it will be tethered in place and raised 30 m into the air.
- The cauldron itself is 30 m high, meaning its highest point reaches 60 m off the ground.
- Around its base is a 7-metre-diameter ring – meant to symbolise fraternity, one of the three core values of the French Republic – which houses the Olympic flame itself.
How does the cauldron work?
- The design of the Paris 2024 Olympic flame is very different from previous games in that it is fuelled by electricity rather than fossil fuels.
- The ring at the base of the balloon houses 40 LED lights which illuminate a cloud of water vapour produced by 200 high-pressure misting nozzles to give the flickering and smoke effect of real flames.
- It will be a beacon in the night and a sun within reach during the day. The fire that burns in it will be made of light and water, like a cool oasis in the heart of summer.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following statements about the Paris 2024 Olympic cauldron:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only |
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the 32nd Summer Olympics: (2021)
1. The official motto for this Olympics is ‘A New World’. Which of the above statements is/are correct? Answer: b) 2 only |
| Answer 3- A
Explanation
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Law Ministry report highlights poor infrastructure, overburdened courtrooms
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2 Polity and Governance- Judiciary
Context: state of infrastructure in district courts across the country
Why in News
- A recent report published by the Ministry of Law and Justice on the state of infrastructure in district courts across the country has revealed significant deficiencies that are hindering the efficient delivery of justice.
Overview
- The report titled “Empirical study to evaluate the delivery of justice through improved infrastructure,” released by the Ministry of Law and Justice, provides a comprehensive overview of the deficiencies in district court infrastructure across India.
- The study, led by Prof. Jeet Singh Mann of the Centre for Transparency and Accountability in Governance, highlights several critical issues impacting the effective delivery of justice.
Key Findings:
- Overcrowding in Courtrooms:
- Courtrooms are severely overcrowded with case files and archived documents, limiting space for individuals.
- Advocates, litigators, and parties often have to stand due to insufficient space, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among legal professionals about the spatial arrangements and accessibility.
- IT Infrastructure Shortfalls:
- The report found inadequate IT infrastructure in district courts:
- Only 45% of judicial officers reported having electronic display facilities.
- 20% of installations for such facilities were still in progress.
- About 32.7% of judicial officers noted the lack of video conferencing facilities in jails.
- Lack of Fire Safety:
- Approximately 39% of courtrooms lack fire safety equipment, posing significant safety risks in case of emergencies.
- Inadequate Ahlmad Rooms:
- 29.3% of judicial officers reported the absence of Ahlmad rooms, which are crucial for court clerks, affecting the efficiency of court proceedings.
5.Furniture and Amenities:
- 36.3% of judicial officers indicated a lack of adequate seating and essential furnishings in courtrooms.
- Support staff face substantial infrastructural deficiencies:
- Only 14.6% of male and 10.7% of female support staff have common rooms.
- 73.7% of support staff lack attached toilets.
- 41% of support staff do not have access to computer units with multifunctional printers.
- Transportation and Accommodation:
- 44.5% of judicial officers use personal vehicles for official duties due to a lack of government-provided vehicles.
- 50.4% of judicial officers live in government-provided accommodations, indicating a mix of provision adequacy.
Sub-ordinate courts
- These courts function below the High court at district and state level
- Constitutional provisions: Articles 233 to 237 in Part VI of the constitution make the following provisions to regulate the organization of subordinate courts and to ensure their independence from the executive
- Appointment of District judges: The appointments are made by the governor in consultation with the high court
- Qualification of District judges:
- He should not already be in the service of the central or the state government
- He should have been an advocate or a pleader for seven years
- He should be recommended by the High Court for appointment
- Appointment of other judges: They are made by the governor after consultation with the state public service commission and the high court
- Control over subordinate courts: It is vested with the concerned state high court
Structure and jurisdiction
- The organization, jurisdiction and nomenclature of the subordinate judiciary is laid down by the states
- There are three-tiers of civil and criminal courts below the high court.
- Criminal courts:
- Sessions judge’s court (district level)
- Chief Judicial magistrate court
- Judicial magistrate court
- Civil court:
- District judge
- Subordinate Judge’s court
- Munsiff’s court
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding district courts:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only |
Q. With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements: (2021)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Ans: (c) |
| Answer 4- C
Explanation
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Two-day Conference of Governors concludes at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Source: News On Air
https://www.newsonair.gov.in/two-day-conference-of-governors-concludes-at-rashtrapati-bhavan/
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 Polity and Governance
Context: Conference of Governors
Why in News
- The two-day Conference of Governors concluded at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Overview
- The Conference of Governors was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan and concluded marking the end of the two-day event.
- The President commended the work of the groups of Governors who had been formed to discuss and deliberate on various national issues.
- President Droupadi Murmu emphasized crucial issues such as tribal welfare, women empowerment, natural farming, and addressing drug addiction.
Key Points of Discussion
- Social Media Engagement: The Centre has advised Governors to use social media to connect with the public and share their views, especially during policy disagreements, to enhance transparency and public engagement.
-
- Improving Coordination: Governors are encouraged to improve coordination among Central and state agencies to avoid isolation and enhance governance in areas like job creation, education, and growth.
- Community Engagement: Governors are urged to host open forums and roundtable discussions, and to engage with citizens directly, including outreach to schools and hospitals.
- Supreme Court Observation: The conference follows a Supreme Court reminder that Governors are not elected representatives and should keep this in mind in their roles.
- Tribal Welfare: Emphasized the need for focused efforts on the well-being of tribal communities.
- Women Empowerment: Stressed the importance of initiatives aimed at empowering women.
- Natural Farming: Advocated for the promotion of sustainable and natural farming practices.
- Drug Addiction: Addressed the pressing issue of drug addiction and the need for effective solutions.
Conference of Governors:
- The Conference of Governors aims to address critical issues affecting governance and development across states.
- It serves as a platform for Governors to discuss matters of national importance, propose reforms, and share best practices.
- Participants: The conference includes all State Governors and key officials such as the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and several Union Ministers. This ensures high-level engagement and collaboration between different branches of government.
- Agenda: The agenda typically covers a range of topics, including reforms in criminal laws, improvements in higher education, and development in focus areas such as tribal regions and aspirational districts. The discussions are often divided into breakout sessions or working groups.
- Significance:
- The conference provides a platform for Governors to engage with central government leaders and address critical issues.
- It is a forum for policy discussions and formulation of strategies to improve governance and development at both state and national levels.
Historical Background:
- Early Years (Post-Independence):
- The Conference of Governors was established shortly after India’s independence in 1947 as part of efforts to streamline governance across states. The role of Governors, appointed by the President of India, was intended to bridge the central and state governments, ensuring smooth administration and coordination.
- Evolution and Objectives:
- Over the years, the conference has evolved from a purely administrative meeting to a platform for discussing broader governance issues. Initially focused on administrative and operational matters, the agenda has expanded to include policy reforms, development strategies, and socio-economic issues.
- Regular Meetings:
- The Conference of Governors has traditionally been held periodically, often annually. It serves as a forum for Governors to meet with the President, Prime Minister, and other central leaders to discuss state-level issues and national policies.
- Key Historical Moments:
- 1970s-80s: The conference began to focus more on regional development issues and the coordination of central and state policies.
- 1990s: With the rise of regional political parties and increasing federal dynamics, the conference’s role became more significant in mediating central-state relations.
- 2000s-Present: Recent conferences have emphasized a range of contemporary issues, including governance reforms, economic development, and social justice. The focus has also shifted to include technological advancements and environmental concerns.
Notable Conferences:
- 2001: The conference emphasized governance reforms and the implementation of central schemes at the state level.
- 2014: Focused on the role of Governors in enhancing federal governance and managing state-central relations in a changing political landscape.
- 2024: Under the presidency of Droupadi Murmu, the conference addressed contemporary issues such as tribal welfare, women empowerment, and drug addiction, reflecting an increased emphasis on social issues and public engagement.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements about the Conference of Governors in India:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 2 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2, and 3
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Q. Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State? (2014)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only Ans: (b) |
| Answer 5- A
Explanation
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