CONTENTS
- Missed Measles Vaccination in India – WHO and CDC Report
Elon Musk’s Vision at Bletchley Park AI Summit: A World without Work - Supreme Court Upholds Key Provisions of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
- Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
- Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI), 2023
- NEST Initiative
- World Energy Employment 2023 Report
Missed Measles Vaccination in India – WHO and CDC Report
Context:
An estimated 11 lakh children in India missed their crucial first dose of the measles vaccine in 2022, as revealed by a joint report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This alarming figure places India among the top 10 countries globally with the highest number of children lacking the initial measles vaccination.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- Highlights of WHO and CDC Report on Measles Vaccination (2022)
- Government Response and Government Initiatives
- About Measles
- Measles Situation in India
Highlights of WHO and CDC Report on Measles Vaccination (2022)
- Global Measles Immunization Decline: During the pandemic, global measles immunization reached its lowest levels since 2008, resulting in an 18% surge in cases and a 43% increase in deaths in 2022.
- Impact of Two Doses: The report emphasizes that two doses of the measles vaccine provide 97% protection for life, with a single dose offering weaker protection.
- Global Children Affected: Approximately 33 million children worldwide missed either both doses or the second dose of the measles vaccine in 2022.
- India’s Measles Outbreak: India is among 37 countries experiencing large or disruptive measles outbreaks, reporting 40,967 cases in 2022.
- Missed First Dose in India: An estimated 11 lakh children in India missed their crucial first dose of the measles vaccine in 2022.
Government Response and Government Initiatives
- Government Response: The Union Ministry of Health Family Welfare disputed the report, citing discrepancies with their Health Management Information System (HMIS). According to HMIS, 2,63,63,270 children received their first dose of the measles vaccine in the fiscal year 2022-23, with only 21,310 children reported as missing the first dose.
- Government Initiatives: The government highlighted initiatives like Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0, IMI 4.0 in 2021 and 2022, and IMI 5.0 in 2023, focusing on increasing measles-rubella vaccine coverage. Additionally, states conducted Supplementary Immunisation activities and outbreak response immunisation, vaccinating 30 million children with an additional dose of the measles-rubella vaccine.
About Measles
- Measles or as it is called ‘khasra’, is a highly contagious viral disease which affects mostly children.
- It is one of the leading causes of death and disability among young children.
- There is no specific treatment for measles but there is a vaccine to stay protected from the disease, which is both safe as well as cost effective.
- Death due to measles are caused by the complications associated with the disease like blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea and pneumonia.
Spread:
- Measles spreads by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions.
- As per reports, an infected child with measles can spread the virus to others for about eight days, starting four days before the rash appears and ending when the rash has been present for four days.
What are the symptoms?
- Symptoms appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
- The main symptoms are fever, dry cough, running nose, sore throat and rash.
- The rashes look like small red spots which remain slightly raised and give the skin a splotchy red appearance.
- The face of the rash breaks out first. Within days, it spreads to the rest of the body.
Measles Situation in India:
Prevalence Ranking:
- According to WHO’s latest measles surveillance data (July 2018 – June 2019), India ranked fourth globally in the number of measles cases, with 39,299 reported cases.
- While India had the fourth-highest number of cases, it had the lowest measles incidence rate per million (29.68) among the top 10 countries.
National Initiatives:
- India aims to eliminate measles and control rubella by 2023 as part of a global effort.
- The government launched Mission Indradhanush in 2014, targeting 90% full immunization coverage by 2020, including vaccinations against eight preventable diseases, including measles.
- The country initiated the world’s largest Measles-Rubella (MR) immunization campaign, targeting 410 million children and adolescents aged 9 months to 15 years.
Challenges:
- The most vulnerable age group, children under one, faces challenges in vaccination rates, posing a significant hurdle in measles control efforts.
-Source: The Hindu
Elon Musk’s Vision at Bletchley Park AI Summit: A World without Work
Context:
During the Bletchley Park AI Summit, Elon Musk envisioned Artificial Intelligence replacing all human labor: both physical and cognitive, resulting in people seeking work solely for personal fulfillment rather than out of necessity. However, this vision prompts debates about the desirability and feasibility of a world without work.
Relevance:
GS III: Indian Economy
Dimensions of the Article:
- Major Theories on Work
- Arguments For and Against AI Replacing Human Labor
- Potential Implications of AI across Different Domains
Major Theories on Work
John Maynard Keynes:
- Advocated for reducing work hours under capitalism, perceiving work as drudgery.
- Envisioned technological advancements leading to increased welfare by diminishing work hours.
Karl Marx:
- Viewed work as the essence of humanity, providing meaning through the manipulation of nature.
- Envisioned a future where AI enhances human work, allowing self-enjoyment without external appropriation.
Arguments For and Against AI Replacing Human Labor
In Favor:
- AI offers unparalleled efficiency, reducing operational costs by replacing labor-intensive processes.
- Excels in accuracy and consistency, especially in tasks requiring precise calculations or data analysis.
- Operates non-stop, ensuring continuous work without fatigue for faster outcomes.
- Ensures safety and efficiency in hazardous environments.
Against:
- Struggles with nuanced decision-making, creativity, and intuition compared to human capabilities.
- Lacks ethical judgment and moral reasoning, making it unsuitable for roles involving moral dilemmas.
- Faces challenges in replicating authentic human interaction, empathy, and emotional connection.
- Concerns about reliability, bias, and accountability impact widespread adoption and trust.
Potential Implications of AI across Different Domains
Positive Impact:
- Streamlines processes, automates tasks, and enhances efficiency, leading to increased productivity.
- Optimizes resource allocation, reducing wastage and operational costs.
- Fosters innovation, creating new industries, products, and services.
- Generates jobs in AI development, programming, data analysis, and maintenance.
- Provides data-driven insights for better decision-making in businesses and policymaking.
- Enhances accuracy and speed in forecasting trends, optimizing growth strategies.
- Personalized experiences driven by AI improve customer satisfaction and engagement.
- AI aids in medical diagnostics, drug discovery, and treatment personalization, improving healthcare outcomes.
- Accelerates scientific research by analyzing vast datasets and identifying patterns.
Negative Impact:
- Automation and AI can replace certain job roles, posing challenges for displaced workers.
- Raises concerns about privacy infringement and data misuse due to AI’s reliance on data.
- Ethical dilemmas arise in AI decision-making, especially in areas like facial recognition and algorithmic bias.
- Benefits of AI might not be equally distributed, potentially widening the gap between skilled and unskilled workers.
- Concentration of AI benefits within certain industries or regions could exacerbate economic disparities.
- Overreliance on AI without sufficient human oversight can lead to vulnerabilities, such as system errors or cyber threats.
- Lack of understanding or control over AI systems makes societies vulnerable to technological failures.
- Jobs created by AI might lack the same quality, stability, or fulfillment, impacting individuals’ satisfaction.
- Changes in work patterns and job nature due to AI might affect mental health and societal well-being.
-Source: The Hindu
Supreme Court Upholds Key Provisions of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
Context:
The Supreme Court has recently upheld critical provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) that faced constitutional challenges. The Court specifically addressed concerns related to the potential violation of fundamental rights, including the right to equality, within the context of insolvency proceedings.
Relevance:
GS II: Polity and Governance
Dimensions of the Article:
- Supreme Court’s Decision on IBC Provisions Challenged by Petitions
- Potential Impact of Supreme Court’s Judgment on IBC
- What is the IBC?
Supreme Court’s Decision on IBC Provisions Challenged by Petitions
Petitioners’ Concerns:
- Lack of opportunity for personal guarantors to present their case in insolvency proceedings.
- Absence of a voice in the appointment of Resolution Professionals (RPs).
- Alleged violation of fundamental rights, including the right to livelihood, trade, and equality.
Court’s Observations:
- Constitutionality of key IBC provisions upheld, allowing insolvency proceedings against personal guarantors.
- IBC deemed non-retroactive; Sections 95 to 100 not unconstitutional for not providing a pre-hearing chance to personal guarantors.
- Rejected claims of unfairness or violation of natural justice, emphasizing a case-by-case assessment of fairness.
- Dismissed the idea of judicial intervention before RP appointments, highlighting the disruptive impact on IBC timelines.
- Clarified RP role as facilitators, not decision-makers.
- Acknowledged the provisions’ focus on protecting debts rather than debtors.
- Supported legislative decisions on moratorium application and highlighted distinctions between individual, partnership, and corporate debtors in the IBC.
Potential Impact of Supreme Court’s Judgment on IBC:
- Boost in Creditor Confidence:
- Affirmation of IBC provisions, especially regarding personal guarantors, may enhance creditor confidence.
- Creditors likely to feel more secure initiating insolvency proceedings against guarantors, fostering a proactive approach in debt recovery.
- Enhanced Predictability:
- Clarity provided by the Court’s ruling can contribute to increased predictability within the insolvency framework.
- Encouragement for smoother and more efficient resolution processes, reducing uncertainties that might have hindered creditor actions.
- Caution Among Promoters:
- Promoters and individuals providing personal guarantees may exercise caution.
- Increased circumspection, especially among promoters of solvent companies, regarding extending personal guarantees due to the highlighted risks in the judgment.
What is the IBC?
- In a growing economy, a healthy credit flow and generation of new capital are essential, and when a company or business turns insolvent or “sick”, it begins to default on its loans.
- In order for credit to not get stuck in the system or turn into bad loans, it is important that banks or creditors are able to recover as much as possible from the defaulter, as quickly as they can.
- In 2016, at a time when India’s Non-Performing Assets and debt defaults were piling up, and older loan recovery mechanisms were performing badly, the IBC was introduced to overhaul the corporate distress resolution regime in India and consolidate previously available laws to create a time-bound mechanism with a creditor-in-control model as opposed to the debtor-in-possession system.
- When insolvency is triggered under the IBC, there can be just two outcomes: resolution or liquidation.
Objectives of IBC
- To consolidate and amend all existing insolvency laws in India.
- To simplify and expedite the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Proceedings in India.
- To protect the interest of creditors including stakeholders in a company.
- To revive the company in a time-bound manner.
- To promote entrepreneurship.
- To get the necessary relief to the creditors and consequently increase the credit supply in the economy.
- To work out a new and timely recovery procedure to be adopted by the banks, financial institutions or individuals.
- To set up an Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India.
- Maximization of the value of assets of corporate persons.
-Source: Indian Express
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
Context:
Recently, the Ministry of Science and Technology has announced ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’ (RVP) at par with the Padma and other national awards.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Dimensions of the Article:
- Key Highlights About the Awards
- Criteria and Significance
Key Highlights About the Awards
Included Awards:
- Vigyan Ratna Awards:
- Recognize lifetime achievements and contributions in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Shri Awards:
- Recognize distinguished contributions to any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Team Awards:
- Given to a team comprising three or more scientists/researchers/innovators with exceptional contributions in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) Awards:
- Highest multidisciplinary science awards in India for young scientists (maximum 45 years).
- Named after Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, founder and director of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).
Awards Open to PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin):
- PIOs are now eligible for these new awards.
- Only one PIO may receive the Vigyan Ratna.
- Three PIOs each can be selected for the Vigyan Shri and the VY-SSB.
- PIOs are not eligible for the Vigyan Team awards.
Criteria and Significance
Criteria for Awards:
- Diverse criteria encompassing technology-led innovations and collaborative team efforts.
- Age restrictions removed, except for the Vigyan Yuva-SSB award, aligning with efforts to address ageism and gender biases.
- Nominations open annually from January 14th to February 28th (National Science Day).
- Award announcements on May 11th (National Technology Day).
- Award Ceremony on August 23rd (National Space Day).
Significance:
- Recognition of global Indian scientific talent by acknowledging and encouraging participation from Persons of Indian Origin abroad.
- Open to an expanded group of scientists, technologists, and innovators, including those outside formal organizations.
- Inclusion of technology-led innovations or products in addition to discovery-based research.
- Introduction of team awards (Vigyan Team) to reflect the collaborative and intersectional nature of scientific research.
- Removal of age limits (except for Vigyan Yuva-SSB award) and commitment to ensuring equitable gender representation.
-Source: Indian Express
Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI), 2023
Context:
The Global Talent Competitiveness Index has seen India fall sharply from rank 83 ten years ago to rank 103 in its latest report out recently.
Relevance:
GS III: Indian Economy
Dimensions of the Article:
- GTCI 2023 Highlights
- Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI):
GTCI 2023 Highlights:
- Coverage: The 10th edition covers 134 countries worldwide across diverse income groups.
- Top Three Countries: Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States lead the index.
- Top 10: Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Australia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom complete the list.
- India’s Rank: Positioned at 103, India lags behind other BRICS nations, with China at 40, Russia at 52, South Africa at 68, and Brazil at 69.
- Notable Countries: Several nations, including Rwanda, Paraguay, Tunisia, Namibia, Bolivia, Ghana, El Salvador, Gambia, Kenya, Morocco, and Eswatini, outperform India.
- Emerging Countries: China, Indonesia, and Mexico receive special mention for notable improvements.
Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI):
- The GTCI is an annual benchmarking report published by INSEAD, measuring how countries cultivate, attract, and retain talent.
Components:
- Input Sub-Index: Assesses regulatory and business environments, along with measures to foster and retain talent.
- Output Sub-Index: Evaluates the quality of talent.
Purpose:
- Provides decision-makers with insights to comprehend the global talent competitiveness scenario and formulate strategies for economic enhancement.
Significance:
- Offers a unique resource for decision-makers to devise strategies for talent enhancement and economic development.
-Source: Indian Express
NEST Initiative
Context:
Recently, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) launched a rating and certification initiative called ‘Nest’.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
Dimensions of the Article:
- NEST Initiative for Sustainable Construction
- Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
NEST Initiative for Sustainable Construction:
Objective:
- To promote sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices within the domestic housing sector.
Aims:
- Encourage individual house owners and the residential sector to embrace green building features.
- Reduce electricity consumption and water usage.
- Foster the creation of healthier living spaces.
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC):
- Formation: Established in 2001, it operates as part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
- Premier Certification Body: Recognized as India’s premier certification body.
- Services:
- Develops new green building rating programs.
- Provides certification services.
- Conducts green building training programs.
- Flagship Event: Organizes the annual Green Building Congress, a flagship event on green buildings.
- Global Presence: Represents India on the board of the World Green Building Council, participating in global discussions on platforms like COP.
- Rating Criteria: The rating is based on six environmental categories, including sustainable station facility, health, hygiene, and sanitation, energy efficiency, water efficiency, smart and green initiatives, and innovation and development.
- Headquarters: Located in Hyderabad.
-Source: The Hindu
World Energy Employment 2023 Report
Context:
Recently, the International Energy Association released the World Energy Employment 2023 report.
Relevance:
GS III: Indian Economy
Key Findings on Global Energy Employment Trends:
- Global Employment Growth: Global employment in the energy sector increased by 3.4 million from pre-pandemic levels, reaching 67 million in 2022.
- Clean Energy Job Growth: Clean energy sectors contributed significantly, adding 4.7 million jobs globally, totaling 35 million.
- Fossil Fuel Sector: Employment in the fossil fuel sector recovered more slowly, remaining approximately 1.3 million below pre-pandemic levels, at 32 million.
India’s Performance:
- Job growth in both clean energy and fossil fuel sectors in India remained positive compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- India witnessed the creation of the fourth-highest number of new clean energy jobs globally in the past three years.
Top Sectors for Job Creation:
- Solar PV, wind, electric vehicles (EVs) and battery manufacturing, heat pumps, and critical minerals were identified as the five major sectors leading in job creation.
- These sectors collectively employed around 9 million workers.
Solar PV Dominance:
- Solar PV emerged as the largest sector, providing jobs for approximately 4 million workers.
EVs and Battery Manufacturing:
- Manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) and their batteries played a crucial role and became the largest source of growth in employment.
-Source: The Hindu
