Current affairs 4th-9th November,2019
4th November, 2019
TOPIC- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices
Ans:
Introduction
Recently, the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has recommended that the government review (read scrap) its open-ended grain procurement policy. CACP, in its latest report for rabiseason, has batted for direct procurement by private players, as envisaged under the Private Procurement Stockist Scheme.
Should government review its open-ended grain procurement policy?
Conclusion
In the light of the above-mentioned points, we certainly need to move away from open-ended grain procurement policy while retaining the ethos of not diluting the present benefits to farmers in a smarter manner. Or else the skewed farm matrix will continue to dominate our farm topography, which is not desirable.
Reference: Financial Express
5th November, 2019
Topic- Education, Human Resources
Ans:
Introduction
Beyond a few examples of philanthropy in higher education in India, contemporary leadership in philanthropy in higher education is limited and almost non-existent. The historical evolution of public universities in India and their exclusive dependence on the government for all financial resources have contributed to limiting the capacity of funding that could be available for public universities. Today, public universities (State universities and other higher education institutions) face serious financial challenges.
Status of corporate philanthropy towards higher education
Why do universities require funding?
What has been suggested by Narayan Murthy Committee?
What could be done?
Conclusion
The Institute of Eminence (IOE) policy by the government did create hopes and expectations for establishing world class universities in India. Unfortunately, the policy, procedure and the process of selecting IOEs has been marred by a lack of transparency, vision and imagination in institution building. Therefore, there is an urgent need in Indian universities to reflect upon the crisis of leadership and the inability to seek reforms relating to institution building. In this, leadership in philanthropy is central to enabling an institutional vision that will help build the future of higher education in India.
TOPIC- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes
Ans:
Introduction
Across the world, agriculture insurance is recognised as an important part of the safety net for farmers to deal with the impacts of extreme and unseasonal weather due to climate change. A highly subsidised PradhanMantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched in 2016 to provide insurance to farmers from all risks. PMFBY was more farmer-friendly provisions than its predecessors. However, notwithstanding its ambition and intent, the scheme since its operation has been scrutinised more for its misses than its hits.
Positives of the scheme
Negatives of the scheme
Way forward
Conclusion
If such a comprehensive social protection scheme is implemented, there would be opportunities for further rationalisation of subsidies.
6th November, 2019
TOPIC- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Ans:
Introduction
Abortion has been legal in India under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act since 1971, when it was hailed as one of the more progressive laws in the world. According to the Act, abortion can be provided at the discretion of a medical provider under certain conditions. When the Act was introduced, policymakers had two goals — to control the population resulting from unintended pregnancies (which even today are to the tune of 48 per cent) and to reduce the increasing maternal mortality and morbidity due to illegal, unsafe abortions. Today we can agree that though the Act was liberal for its time, it has limitations that pose barriers to women and girls seeking legal abortions.
What is the law as of now?
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act of 1971 permits abortions after consultation with one doctor up to 12 weeks. Between 12 to 20 weeks, medical opinion of two doctors is required. Further, only a registered allopathic physician in a registered facility is authorised to conduct the procedure. Beyond the 20 weeks ceiling, exceptions are legally permissible only if continuation of pregnancy poses a threat to the mother’s life.
Issues with the law
Way forward
Conclusion
Many women, when denied legal abortions, turn to unqualified providers or adopt unsafe methods of termination. Estimates based on the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2001-03, indicate that unsafe abortions account for 8 per cent of maternal deaths in India. Adopting and implementing the amendments will take us a few steps closer towards ensuring that all girls and women have access to safe abortion services.
TOPIC- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Ans:
Introduction
An inseparable part of the human body, the complement of microorganisms living within our intestine, called the intestinal microbiome, plays a critical role in directing healthy growth and development, and preventing vulnerability to childhood illness. Research links the microbiome with better cognitive scores in one-year-old infants, and has identified brain and behavioural characteristics clustered by gut microbiota profile, in middle-aged adults.
Role that gut microbes can play in boosting overall health
Conclusion
Despite the dramatic progress in the last two decades, infant mortality remains one of the biggest health challenges faced by the world today. Focus on the microbiome and gut are now at the cutting edge of scientific research on infant health and malnutrition. It is heartening to note that there is emerging evidence that the microbiome dramatically affects nutritional status and this approach has the potential to overturn traditional approaches. Promoting the development of healthy gut bacteria through appropriate nutritional interventions could go a long way in boosting overall health.
7th November, 2019
TOPIC- Geography
Ans:
Introduction
OVER THE years, various citizens and political leaders have debated whether India should have two separate time zones. The demand is based on the huge difference in daylight times between the country’s longitudinal extremes, and the costs associated with following the same time zone. Those arguing against the idea, on the other hand, cite impracticability — particularly the risk of railway accidents, given the need to reset times at every crossing from one time zone into another.
Arguments in favour for India to have two time-zones
Arguments against
Way forward
Conclusion
The demand for separate time zone has always been since independence. Thus decision can be made by taking the views of all the stake holders into accounts and assessing the challenges and benefits at the same time.
Reference: Indian Express
TOPIC- Environmental pollution
Ans:
Introduction
The problem of garbage management in Delhi has reached alarming proportions. The city ran out of dump sites way back in 2008. Since then, all five municipal corporations of Delhi have been dumping wastes illegally in already-filled landfill sites at Bhalswa, Ghazipur and Okhla. The environment, including the groundwater, in and around these landfill sites is highly polluted with toxins, causing innumerable suffering in the surrounding areas.
Measures to deal with this issue of solid waste management
Conclusion
If the by-laws are implemented in letter and spirit, Delhi will be able to solve its garbage problem in a few years. This will require massive social movement. Inculcating the habit of segregating waste requires time, continuous campaigning, prodding and penalties. But once this is achieved, waste management is a profitable venture for the city and its citizens.