Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 02 December 2024

Contents :

1. First step
2. Research security should be a national priority
3. India’s cities, their non-communicable disease burden

First Step

Relevance: GS 2 (International Relations )

Practice Question: Evaluate impacts of Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire on west Asia and also discuss U.S role in maintaining the peace and stability in the region. (250 Words)

• Background: During the Israel-Hamas war, Hezbollah entered the battle by firing rockets into Israel in October 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians

• Israel’s Response: Israel responded with a ground invasion of Lebanon (October 1st,2024)

• Ceasefire Agreement: Post two months of conflict, US and France were successful in mediating a ceasefire between both the countries. Israeli troops would withdraw to the Israeli side of the border, while Hezbollah would redeploy north of the Litani River.

• Lebanese Army’s Role: The Lebanese army would enforce the ceasefire between the border and the Litani River.

• Claims of Victory: Both sides claimed victory, with Israel stating Hezbollah is weakened, and Hezbollah claiming a “divine victory”.

• Setbacks for Both Sides: Hezbollah lost many fighters and top commanders, including Nasrallah, and its strongholds were heavily damaged. Israel faced stiff resistance and high casualties, with limited impact on Hezbollah’s rocket capabilities.

• Continued Tensions: On November 24, 2024, Hezbollah fired over 250 rockets into Israel, including high-security zones.

• Public Opinion: A Channel 13 poll showed most Israelis believe Hezbollah has not been defeated.

• Short-term Ceasefire: The ceasefire is seen as fragile and could be short-lived without further measures.

• U.S. Role and Recommendations: The U.S. should leverage its influence to push for a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent rearmament and further conflict.

Research Security Should Be A National Priority

Relevance : GS 3(Technology , Research )

Practice Question: Explain the role of research security in global competitiveness. Suggest key measures to address emerging threats.(250 Words )

Research security protects scientific research from threats like intellectual property theft, cyberattacks, and unauthorised access to ensure its integrity and confidentiality.

Importance of Science and Technology:

• Essential for global competitiveness and addressing societal challenges.
• Focus on space, defence, semiconductors, nuclear technology, cybersecurity, biotechnology, clean energy, AI, and quantum technology.

Research Security Concerns:

• Risks: Foreign interference, IP theft, insider threats, cyberattacks, unauthorised access.
• Threats to confidentiality, economic value, national interest.

Global Cases and Responses:

• Examples of breaches: Harvard professor, COVID-19 vaccine cyberattacks, ESA cyberattacks.
• Responses: US CHIPS Act, Canada’s National Security Guidelines, EU’s self-governance approach.

Promoting Research Security in India:

• Map security vulnerabilities in research ecosystem.
• Analyse foreign influence, key research labs, and funding in strategic technologies.
• Classification of research based on strategic value and national security implications.

Implementation Challenges:

• Balance between research security and academic freedom.
• Avoid over-regulation, maintain international collaborations.
• Address administrative burdens on researchers and institutions.

Recommendations:

• Engage security and intelligence agencies with technical experts.
• Develop a risk-based and proportionate research security framework.
• Create a dedicated office for research security within Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
• Involve researchers in decision-making for balanced security and scientific progress.

Conclusion:

• Ensuring research security is crucial for safeguarding India’s R&D investments and strategic advancements.

India’s Cities, Their Non-Communicable Disease Burden

Relevance : GS 2 (Health )

Practice question: Analyse rising burden of non communicable disease among urban population. Explain policy measures that need to be taken to resolve the issue. (250 Words )

Context:BMTC bus driver’s cardiac arrest death sparks discussions on urban health issues.

Vulnerable Urban Populations

• Marginalised workers: gig workers, cab drivers, bus drivers, sanitation workers.
• Lack of contracts and health insurance is prevalent among these workers.

Policy Implementation Issues

• Poor implementation of the national NCD surveillance policy.
• Overburdened and fragmented urban health systems due to rapid urbanisation.

Urbanisation and Migration

• Urban population is expected to reach 70% by 2050.
• Significant interstate migration with 41 million people moving between states.
• 49% of urban populations living in slums.

Health Burden in Urban India

• Triple health burden: hazardous work, limited healthcare, financial vulnerability.
• Rising hypertension, diabetes, and obesity rates despite declining tobacco and alcohol use.

Importance of Screening and Early Detection

• Regular screening for NCDs is necessary within robust health systems.
• Lack of understanding leads to catastrophic out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure.

Social Determinants of Health

• Health outcomes are tied to workplace, housing, community, and family connections.
• Poor access to publicly-run primary healthcare for urban marginals.

Tapping Technology for Health Monitoring

• Real-time monitoring for hypertension and diabetes.
• Community-based health promotion and education activities.

State-Level Action Plans Needed

• Focus on access to primary healthcare for marginalised communities.
• Collaboration between local bodies, city administration, health departments, and community organisations.

Conclusion

• Implementing community-led NCD surveillance and health promotion systems.
• Co-creating solutions with the community to create healthy cities for all.