HEALTH ISSUES

1. VERTIPLANE X3 DRONE DELIVERS TB MEDICINES

TAGS: PRELIMS- GS-II-HEALTH ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: The Ministry of Health recently conducted a trial of delivering TB medicines in a drone. The trials were conducted in Rishikesh. Traversing through the Himalayas, especially during rainy seasons and winter seasons is challenging and time-consuming. Drones can deliver medicines to hilly regions quickly even during harsh weather conditions.

THE EXPLANATION:

Drone delivery of TB medicines

• The trials of TB medicine delivery using drones were conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences under the supervision of the Health ministry. The trial was successful. The drone delivered 2 kilograms of anti-tubercular drugs to a hospital in Tehri Garhwal from AIIMS.

Future plans

• GoI is planning on using drone technology to deliver medicines and also sputum samples to laboratories and eliminate TB by 2025. Further, government hospitals will be encouraged to use this technology to deliver organs for transplantation.

About the drone used in the trials

• The drone can carry 4 kilograms. It can traverse 50 km. The drone was designed and built by Tech Eagle Innovations. The drones developed by the same company were used by the Meghalaya government to transport medicines. The Government of Meghalaya set up a drone station in Jengjal. Drones were also used by ICMR to deliver COVID vaccines in Manipur.

VALUE ADDITION:

Tuberculosis

• Cause: It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (bacteria) and it most often affects the lungs.

Transmission

• TB is spread through the air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit. A person needs to inhale only a few germs to become infected.
• With TB infection, a person gets infected with TB bacteria that lie inactive in the body. This infection can develop into TB disease if their immune system weakens.

Symptoms

• Prolonged cough, chest pain, weakness/fatigue, weight loss, fever, etc.
• Often, these symptoms will be mild for many months, thus leading to delays in seeking care and increasing the risk of spreading the infection to others.

Diagnosis

• In the case of suspected lung TB disease, a sputum sample is collected for testing for TB bacteria.
• For non-lung TB disease, samples of affected body fluids and tissue can be tested.
• WHO recommends rapid molecular diagnostic tests as initial tests for people showing signs and symptoms of TB.
• Other diagnostic tools can include sputum smear microscopy and chest X-rays.

Treatment

• Bedaquiline for multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB
• Both TB infection and disease are curable using antibiotics.
• It is treated by the standard 6-month course of 4 antibiotics. Common drugs include rifampicin and isoniazid.
• In drug-resistant TB, the TB bacteria do not respond to the standard drugs. Its treatment is longer and more complex.
• In case of infection (where the patient is infected with TB bacteria but not ill), TB preventive treatment can be given to stop the onset of disease. This treatment uses the same drugs for a shorter time.

2. GOVERNING ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION IN INDIA

TAGS: GS- HEALTH ISSUES

THE CONTEXT:The Central Government has recently made major changes in the organ transplant regulations in the country under its ‘one nation, one policy’ rule by removing the 65-year age cap for recipients and allowing them to register in any state and not just their state.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Organ Transplantation in India:

• The primary legislation governing organ transplantation in India is the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, passed in 1994.
• It provides a system to regulate the removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs for therapeutic purposes and for the prevention of commercial dealings in human organs.

National Organ transplant programme:

• It is implemented by the Directorate General of Health Services, Government of India.
• Objectives:

• To organize a system of organ and Tissue procurement & distribution for transplantation.
• To promote deceased organ and Tissue donation.
• To train the required manpower.
• To protect vulnerable poor from organ trafficking.
• To monitor organ and tissue transplant services and bring about policy and programme corrections/ changes whenever needed.

National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO):

• It is a National level organization set up under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• It functions as the apex center for coordinating all activities and networking for the procurement and distribution of organs and tissues and maintaining the registry of organs and tissue donation and transplantation in the country.

Organ donation in India:

• Organ donation means giving part of the body (organ) to a person with end-stage organ disease who needs a transplant.
• In India, organ donations are legal under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA), 1994, which also legalizes the concept of ‘brain death’, the permanent cessation of all brain functions.
• Organ donation is a voluntary process wherein you can fill up a consent form to donate your organs in the event of your demise.

Types of organ donation:

Living Donor Organ Donation:

• A person during his life can donate one kidney, a portion of the pancreas, and a part of the liver.
• Living Donor is any person not less than 18 years of age who voluntarily authorizes the removal of any of his organ and/or tissue, during their lifetime, as per prevalent medical practices for therapeutic purposes.
• The donor can be a family member, relative, friend, neighbour, or in-law.

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

3. THYREUS NARENDRANI

TAGS: PRELIMS- GS-III- ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, researchers from Kerala has been discovered a new species of cuckoo bee from the Kole wetlands and named it Thyreus narendrani.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Thyreus narendrani:

• The new species belongs to the family Apidae of the order Hymenoptera.
• The genus Thyreus consists of cuckoo bees or cleptoparasitic bees.
• Cuckoo bees parasitise the nest of other bees by breaking and entering and laying their eggs.
• Unlike other female bees, cuckoo bees lack pollen-collecting structures.
• Once the cuckoo bee’s larva hatches out in the nest of the host bee, it consumes the food stored by the host for its own growing larva.

About Kole wetland

• It is the largest brackish, humid tropical wetland ecosystem located in the state of Kerala.
• Extending from the northern bank of Chalakudy River in the south to the southern bank of Bharathapuzha River in the north
• It is situated in the central Asian Flyway of migratory birds.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

4. US BILL ON ARUNACHAL PRADESH LAC

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The US senate recently passed a resolution condemning China. According to the resolution, China is changing the status of LAC using its military force. Also, the resolution lauded India for the country’s steps to defend itself against Chinese aggression at the border.

THE EXPLANATION:

About the resolution

• The resolution title was long and self-explanatory. The title mentioned that Arunachal Pradesh was an integral part of India. It also said that the actions of China in South Asia are provocative.

Implications of the resolution

• The USA is strongly supporting India and its international relations. US Congress had passed such resolutions earlier too. For instance, in 2020, the US Congress passed a similar resolution after the Galwan issue. However, this is the first time, the US is passing a detailed and open resolution that is echoing the position of India in the border areas.

Political significance

• The resolution had the support of both the Republican and conservative party support. This is an additional benefit. This means the support from the US and its citizens is strong. The increase in the number of Indian Americans in the country may be one of the major reasons for such collective support.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

5. USTAD BISMILLAH KHAN YUVA PURASKAR

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The award is presented by Sangeet Natak Akademi to artists in the field of dance, music, and drama. It is presented annually to artists below the age of 40. Every year, more than 33 artists are presented with the award. The winners receive 25,000 rupees of the cash price. The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is being presented since 2006. The awards were presented by the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism.

THE EXPLANATION:

Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

• 19 artists from North East India won the award. The awards were presented for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021. 102 awardees were selected. The lists were finalised in 2022. However, are being presented now. Categories include Sitar, Flute, Mridangam, etc.

Who is Ustad Bismillah Khan?

• He was a famous Shehnai musician. He was one of the few musicians in the country to receive Bharat Ratna. Before him, musicians M S Subbulakshmi and Ravi Shankar were honoured with the award before him and he was the third to receive the honour.

Sangeet Natak Akademi

• It was established by the Education ministry of India in 1952. The main objective of the academy is to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the country.

VALUE ADDITION:

Sangeet Natak Akademi confers classical status on nine Indian dance forms:

• Bharatanatyam: Tamil Nadu
• Kathak: Northern India
• Kathakali: Kerala
• Kuchipudi: Andhra Pradesh
• Manipuri: Manipur
• Mohiniyattam: Kerala
• Odissi: Odisha
• Sattriya: Assam
• Chhau: Odisha

1. Awakening of intuition READ MORE
2. Feeling Overwhelmed? READ MORE

1. Announces Push for Mangrove Conservation, but Where Are the Funds? READ MORE
2. Mission Urban Wetlands Are Not Wastelands, They Are Essential for Climate Resilient Cities READ MORE

1. The automation boom may widen inequality. Address it READ MORE
2. Language and Power READ MORE
3. Section 377 scrapped, but LGBTQIA+ awaits acceptance READ MORE
4. What India Should Have Done for Migrant Workers – But Conveniently Didn’t READ MORE

1. How data can empower MPs to serve people better READ MORE
2. Organ donation in India needs a major push READ MORE
3. It is free for all!: Tripura elections once again show how political parties are wooing voters with freebies READ MORE
4. ‘Basic Structure’ as democratic defence READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. AICTE and BPRD Jointly Launch KAVACH-2023, a National Level Hackathon to tackle cyber threats and provide effective solutions READ MORE  
2. likely to place reverse charging of GST on scrap before Council READ MORE
3. Now, no age bar to register for cadaver organ transplants READ MORE
4. 12 cheetahs from South Africa take off for Gwalior; to fly to Kuno by chopper READ MORE
5. India accounts for 52% of world’s new leprosy patients, says Health Minister READ MORE
6. PM Modi inaugurates Aadi Mahotsav tribal festival, says welfare of Adivasis ‘personal for me’ READ MORE
7. Factors behind moderating CAD, how it will impact markets READ MORE
8. India should brace for dry and hot spring-summer, El Nino, say experts READ MORE
9. Supreme Court reserves judgment on whether a Speaker under notice can disqualify legislators READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. The automation boom may widen inequality. Address it READ MORE
2. Language and Power READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. How data can empower MPs to serve people better READ MORE
2. Organ donation in India needs a major push READ MORE
3. It is free for all!: Tripura elections once again show how political parties are wooing voters with freebies READ MORE
4. ‘Basic Structure’ as democratic defence READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Section 377 scrapped, but LGBTQIA+ awaits acceptance READ MORE
2. What India Should Have Done for Migrant Workers – But Conveniently Didn’t READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Need to revive SAARC READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Shuffling feet: On foreign trade and policy responses READ MORE
2. RBI’s nod to payment aggregators signals start of light-touch regulation READ MORE
3. Agri credit societies: Indispensable lifeline for small and marginal farmers READ MORE
4. Lower rates will reduce interest burden on Govt debt READ MORE

TECHNOLOGY

1. Google and ChatGPT can coexist READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Announces Push for Mangrove Conservation, but Where Are the Funds? READ MORE
2. Mission Urban Wetlands Are Not Wastelands, They Are Essential for Climate Resilient Cities READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Resisting China: The seven new ITBP battalions are part of Indian efforts to curb the belligerence of our northern neighbor READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Disaster relief as a tool of outreach READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Awakening of intuition READ MORE
2. Feeling Overwhelmed? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Members of the judiciary cannot compromise judicial independence by trading it for a plum post-retirement sinecure. In the light of this statement, do you agree with this view that there should be a cooling-off period for judges after retirement?
2. Despite efforts to ensure their wellbeing, the Adivasi community remains one of the most deprived in India. In light of this statement critically analyse the steps taken by Government of India to address the issues of Adivasi community.
3. ‘India must put in place actionable policy to achieve Hydrogen Mission targets, which will depend on cheaper green hydrogen’. Discuss, why Green ports are key to achieve Green Hydrogen Mission?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Judicial abuse occurs when judges substitute their own political views for the law.
• Post retirement, the judicial community should take a concerted decision not to accept any job stemming from political patronage.
• Members of the judiciary cannot compromise judicial independence by trading it for a plum post-retirement sinecure.
• As the current G-20 president, and as a vulnerable country, India has a key role in ensuring that AMR remains high on the global health agenda.
• A credible glide path to bring inflation down to the target level is of critical importance, particularly now with the national elections around the corner.
• Inflation is proving to be the Achilles heel of the Indian economy’s recovery from the pandemic and subsequent global disruptions.
• A Union of small states is a good idea is that such a political model addresses what’s going to soon be a source of tension in Indian federalism.
• Smaller or medium size states or small bits of one or two large states like Maharashtra and Gujarat are doing most of the economic heavy lifting – but it is the larger states with larger populations that wield political power.
• End child marriages is a challenge of moral suasion and Assam’s arrests were not a useful way to pursue this noble goal.
• The pandemic adversely affected the quality of employment. Further, higher the level of education, higher is the chance of being out of the job market.
• Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees the freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion to all citizens, subject to public order, health and morality.
• India must put in place actionable policy to achieve Hydrogen Mission targets, which will depend on cheaper green hydrogen.

50-WORD TALK

• India lost 24 tigers between January and February, the highest in three years. The lack of scientific assessment of the carrying capacity of forests frequented by them is also a worry. There is such a thing as too many tigers in a region, especially with human activity shrinking their habitat.
• The drastic economic measures announced by Pakistan show how desperate its situation is but also highlight IMF’s unrelenting push for economic reform in the country. While these measures will cause pain among the citizenry, there is hope IMF can finally pull Pakistan out of its perennial state of economic crisis.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

THE CONTEXT: With the rapid change in economy and society in this age, there is an influx of wealth in the philanthropy world with changing needs of society which is leading to change in the face of Philanthropy. It is said that we are entering the golden age of Philanthropy. In this context, there is a need to analyze, the role of Philanthropy in accelerating economic growth that is both inclusive and sustainable.

INTRODUCTION: PHILANTHROPY

Jamsetji Tata stated, “In a free enterprise, the community is not just another stakeholder in business but is in fact, the very purpose of its existence.” Here, the role of Philanthropy is seen both as an obligation and a sign of privilege and status. It tends to play a key role in advancing social justice and equality. It can even lead to shaping public policies by insisting on measurable results of their investments and advancing market-based solutions to contain social ills. One of the examples is the 2010 Giving Pledge, created by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates, where signatory billionaires promise to give away at least half of their wealth during their lifetime or at their death.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

With the growth of the economy and its unintended negative consequences, there is a heightened sense of social responsibility, as a further consequence, more and more Indian corporate houses have come forward, resulting in increased spending in social responsibility in the last two decades.

What is Corporate social responsibility (CSR)?

• It is a self-regulating business model that helps a company to be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. By practising corporate social responsibility, also called corporate citizenship, companies can be conscious of the kind of impact they are having on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental.
• CSRs are often broken into four categories: environmental impacts, ethical responsibility, philanthropic endeavours, and financial responsibilities.
• Philanthropic responsibility: It refers to how a company spends its resources to make the world a better place. This includes Whether a company donates the profit to charities or causes it believes in. Whether a company only enters into transactions with suppliers or vendors that align with the company philanthropically. Whether a company supports employee philanthropic endeavors through time off or matching contributions. Whether a company sponsors fundraising events or has a presence in the community for related events.
• Example: Starbucks has been known for its keen sense of corporate social responsibility and commitment to sustainability and community welfare. According to its 2020 Global Social Impact Report, these milestones include reaching 100% of ethically sourced coffee, creating a global network of farmers and providing them with 100 million trees by 2025, pioneering green building throughout its stores, contributing millions of hours of community service, and creating a groundbreaking college program for its employees.

CSR initiatives strive to have a positive impact on the world through direct benefits to society, nature and the community in which a business operates. In addition, a company may experience internal benefits through the initiatives.

GOVERNMENT VS PHILANTHROPY

The government and the philanthropic community have long worked together to solve public problems.
Philanthropy relates to the concept of nationalism or welfarism. However, Philanthropy is not interchangeable for government spending. Here, there is a need to look into the role of both government and Philanthropy.

GOVERNMENT WELFARE 

• Not regulated by an external force: The government is in itself responsible for public welfare and not regulated or controlled by any external force for its welfare activities and is free to choose its own methods.
• Compulsory: Welfare is a compulsory obligation and an entitlement for the government.
• Allowed for legislation: Governments can fulfill their social welfare obligation by exercising their legislative powers by enacting laws and bringing policies.
• Can’t experiment much: Governments are the principal actors in the social sector and spend crores on education, health, etc. However, the government is a behemoth and can’t experiment or innovate on a continuous basis;
  state capacity is also limited.
• For maximum people: The welfare state has to work for maximum good for the maximum people for an inclusive society so that benefits reach to every section.
• Accountable: It is obligatory for the government to perform social welfare and if not performed well they can be held accountable for this.

PHILANTHROPY

• Regulated by the government: Though Philanthropy may be as old as human civilization, it is regulated by political institutions in a welfare state. Donations, charity, and funds spent as Philanthropy are encouraged with tax subsidies.
• Voluntary: Philanthropy is voluntary and depends on the organization whether to take it or not.
• Not allowed for legislation: organizations are not allowed to be “action organizations” that seek to influence legislation or participate in political campaigns.
• Innovative: Philanthropy solves problems differently than government. It tends to be more inventive and experimental, quicker, nimbler, more efficient, more varied, more personalized, and more interested in transformation than treatment, and more efficient.
• Discriminatory: Philanthropy activity can be discriminatory, and target based for organization’s own purpose.
• No accountability: There is no such accountability on the part of philanthropists and even if they don’t perform their obligations, they cant be held accountable.

LIMITATION OF PHILANTHROPY

• Rise of Corruption: The rise of rich organizations lead to vast sums of wealth and can use Philanthropy as a way to protect their wealth accumulation or diverting black money to the cause of Philanthropy avoiding penalties.
• Diversion of Resources: Philanthropy can lead to diversion of already scarce resources from a more effective solution to some less needy from a more deserving recipient as philanthropists are not experts in the social sector, they are not able to identify the needy properly.
• Lack of Transparency: It can involve secrecy that sometimes hides real connections or reasons behind philanthropic acts because of non-disclosure of acts.
• Lack of measurable impact: As there are no such parameters or tools to measure the efficiency of strategy and implementation of the acts done by philanthropists, it generally becomes not possible to measure the impact of these acts.
• Paternalism and Cultural Insensitivity: Another criticism of philanthropic interventions is the tendency of having cultural insensitivity and a sense of paternalism in the lives of vulnerable people rather than being empathic.
• Using it for their own agenda: As it can be noticed that the rich are not only becoming richer, but they have learned how to turn their giving into an instrument of shaping public agendas and policies at global and national levels for their own benefits.
• Undermined democracy: Privatization of public wealth effectively undermines democracy by handing control of essential public services to the ultra-rich, which can lead to monopoly of essential services.

WHY THERE IS NEED FOR PHILANTHROPY

• Create a culture of giving: It helps establish a culture of giving for generations and passes on positive attitudes towards money and helping others.
• Fueling innovation: Philanthropy is super important in terms of fueling innovation and ensuring that local organizations have the resources to implement the same.
• Quickly fill the fund gaps: Philanthropists can immediately support a cause or organization upon learning about it. Government policies may take time to implement but philanthropists help to quickly fill in gaps in funding that may emerge.
• Strengthen community: Philanthropy fuels a person or organization’s involvement in their community. It brings people together to support a cause which leads to much stronger unity and a sense of belonging.
• Supports underfunded causes: Philanthropy is important to society because governments can’t address the needs of all causes. Frequently, certain government budgets get slashed because of politics or a need to shift the money elsewhere. This can leave gaps in areas where support is needed. Philanthropic individuals and businesses help fill in the gaps by supporting causes and organizations that don’t use government funding.
• Benefits the philanthropist corporation as well: The benefits of Philanthropy are not limited to individuals. Corporations that support charitable giving receive a wealth of offerings from building a better public image, creating more vital brand awareness, and attracting new partners and talent who may be attracted to a company that contributes to charities.

INDIA: CURRENT SITUATION OF PHILANTHROPY

INDIA’S RICH HISTORY OF PHILANTHROPY

• Philanthropy has long been embedded in the fabric of Indian society and contributed heavily to the creation of modern-day India. Pre-industrial India saw business families giving away a proportion of their income to local charities.
• Industrialization in the 19th and 20th centuries has enabled rapid wealth creation for social causes. For example, business leaders like Sir Jamsetji Tata voiced their opinions on using wealth for social good, donating vast amounts to create exemplary institutions.
• As India’s Independence movement began, Mahatma Gandhi encouraged businessmen to contribute their wealth for the betterment of society. Industrialists like Jamnalal Bajaj and G.D. Birla supported Mahatma Gandhi’s initiatives during the freedom movement while pursuing their own philanthropic interests.

CURRENT SITUATION OF PHILANTHROPY IN INDIA

• India has no shortage of billionaires as 17 new ones added in 2017 alone, taking the count up to 101 and during the same year, the wealth of this elite group increased by ₹20,91,300 crore an amount equal to the total budget of the central government in 2017-18 but when it came to Philanthropy, though, only 38 men and one woman made it to the annual Hurun Indian Philanthropy List 2018.
• Relative contributions (giving as a percentage of wealth) among Indian UHNIs range from 0.1% to 0.15% compared with 1.2% to 2.5% in the United States, 0.5% to 1.8% in the UK, and 0.5% to 1.4% in China.
• Currently, this is a threshold moment for India’s philanthropy sector as despite economic uncertainty and the continuing impact of Covid-19, Indian Philanthropy is growing steadily as evidenced but there is a need to pace up the philanthropist activities.

ISSUES RELATED TO PHILANTHROPY IN INDIA

Despite India’s history of giving and rapid wealth creation in the last few decades, there are three major challenges that have inhibited Indian Philanthropy:

• A trust deficit: Budding philanthropists haven’t yet come to fully appreciate the good work being done in the impact sector.
• The parochial nature of giving: It risks some of the poorest parts of the country being ignored.
• Programmatic giving: The philanthropist acts are not giving intended outcomes, for example, a number of organizations are working on education yet learning outcomes have not improved.

MODERN-DAY PHILANTHROPY—INDIA’S TAKEOFF MOMENT

Indian Philanthropy is now poised to take off, despite the challenges. Few examples in this regard:

• There has been an uptick in domestic Philanthropy recently, with Azim and Yasmin Premji, and Nandan and Rohini Nilekani leading the way. Beyond committing to part with a majority of their wealth, they’re showing the world a new model of selfless public service and Philanthropy.
• Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani and Ajay Piramal have made big commitments, along with the startup gang inspired by people like Sridhar Vembu and the Kamath brothers.
• Tatas had a rich legacy of profit for purpose and they were not unique because, around the turn of Independence, we had other prominent Indian groups, such as the Godrej, Bajaj and the Birlas, who had a similar ethos.
• Adani family pledged Rs 60,000 crore towards charity to mark the 60th birthday of Gautam Adani. It’s one of the biggest philanthropic commitments made in India so far. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, it is about 9% of Adani’s net worth.

But there’s scope to do more as the wealth of India’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families has continued to grow dramatically, but giving has not kept pace.Indeed, if they gave the same share of their wealth as their peers in the US, total giving could reach US$58 billion by 2026 which can contribute in growth of economy as well as social sector.

THE WAY FORWARD

Philanthropy has been part of our culture from the ancient times and is deeply embedded as a way of life, here we need to be proud of our culture and follow few strategies that are mentioned below for major impacts and to build a better world:

• Collaboration with stakeholders: Philanthropists need to collaborate with other stakeholders like NGOs or government agencies through collaborative vehicles and by making alliances of social sector actors with multilateral donor agencies for taking on some of India’s most chronic social challenges.
• Being more flexible: As Indian Philanthropy is short-term and restricted, there is a need for flexibility in the organization to strengthen the capacity of the social sector by building knowledge, and networks and engaging in these efforts.
• To realize the potential of the social sector: The response to the Covid-19 pandemic has shown a spotlight on Philanthropy and signaled the potential of India’s social sector. In this regard, if the wealthiest Indians continue on this path to take their place alongside the world’s notable philanthropists, the nation will have a chance at achieving its potential.
• Investment in prominent social areas: There is a need for identification of the social sector and investing in areas such as literacy, health infrastructure and gender equity for a better outcome.
• Meaningful dialogue with government: Policymakers can encourage Philanthropy meaningfully by engaging with wealth creators in a dialogue on issues such as tax disincentives or identifying critical areas which can lead to improvement in service delivery.
• Enable economic growth: To achieve India to be a $30 trillion inclusive and sustainable economy, there is a need to create resources for the government to fund development programmes and social security. Here, philanthropists can use their wealth and experience to advocate policies, support the improvement of enabling conditions for investment, exports and job creation, and help transform our economy.

THE CONCLUSION: The old model of Philanthropy was to create change in society by the generosity and this modern-day Philanthropy beginning in the 19th century, has shown the power of strategic transformative change. Society and Organization need to adjust in this changing world, and there is a need to balance government and Philanthropy as we enter the Golden Age of Philanthropy.

Mains questions

1. With the rich becoming richer and the poor becoming poor, there is a need to balance the growth of wealth in society. In this context, analyze the role of Philanthropy in balancing economy and welfare and its limitations.
2. Both Government and Philanthropy are contributing to the welfare of the social sector. In this regard, compare how both are different from each other and what can be the way forward for the sustainable growth of the social sector.

[WpProQuiz 427]

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

1. OMORGUS KHANDESH

TAGS: PRELIMS- GS-III-ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a scientist from the Zoological Survey of India, Western Regional Centre (WRC), Pune discovered a new beetle species.

THE EXPLANATION:

• OmorgusKhandesh is necrophagous and is, therefore, also called a keratin beetle. During the decomposition of a body, blowflies are amongst the first ones to arrive in the early stages. Meanwhile, the final successional stage is with the arrival of the keratin feeders, thus their importance in forensic science.
• The beetles of this group are sometimes called hide beetles as they tend to cover their body under the soil and hide. They are not photogenic; they are usually black or grey and encrusted in dirt. Their bumpy appearance is distinct, with short, dense setae all over the body.
• The new species is morphologically most similar to Omorgusrimulosus. The latter is redescribed and illustrated to enable accurate recognition of both species in the new paper.
• OmorgusKhandesh is mainly associated with bird and mammal nests or burrows and the details of their life histories are poorly known. They feign death upon being disturbed and become motionless.
• “The keratin beetles are less studied in the Oriental region generally and India particularly as compared to the other part of the world.
• “Hence, the authors have tried to give the catalogue of the subgenus Omorgus with details on their type depositories, synonyms, chresonomy and known geographical distributions.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

2. MARGINAL COST OF FUNDS-BASED LENDING RATE (MCLR)

TAGS: PRELIMS- GS-III-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Indian Overseas Bank have raised their marginal cost of fund-based lending rates (MCLR) by up to 15 basis points.

THE EXPLANATION:

Marginal cost of funds-based lending rate:

• It is the minimum interest rate below which no bank is permitted to lend money.
• It is determined by banks internally, depending upon the loan repayment time.
• The Reserve Bank of India introduced the MCLR methodology for fixing interest rates on 1 April 2016.
• It replaced the base rate structure, which had been in place since July 2010.
• The rate is determined internally by the bank depending on the period left for the repayment of a loan.
• MCLR is calculated based on four components Marginal cost of fund, Negative carry on account of cash reserve ratio, Operating costs, Tenor premium.

What is the difference between MCLR and base rate?

• MCLR is an advanced version of the base rate.
• The base rate is based on the average cost of funds, but MCLR is based on the marginal or incremental cost of money.
• MCLR depends on the repo rates changed by RBI while Base Rate does not depend on the repo rates changed by RBI.

3. INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND AUTHORITY (IEPFA)

TAGS:PRELIMS- GS-III- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

THE CONTEXT: The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), will organise a State Level Conference on Financial Literacy in Amrit Kaal – Empowering Investors in association with the Department of Tourism in Aizawl.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority:

• It was established in 2016 under the Companies Act, of 2013.
• The Authority is entrusted with;
• The responsibility of administration of the Investor Education Protection Fund (IEPF).
• Make refunds of shares, unclaimed dividends, matured deposits/debentures etc. to investors and promote awareness among investors.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Corporate Affairs

About the Investor Education Protection Fund (IEPF).

• It has been established under Section 205C of the Companies Act, 1956 by way of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1999.
• The following amounts that remained unpaid and unclaimed for a period of seven years from the date they became due for payment are credited to the Fund:
  o Amounts in the unpaid dividend accounts of the companies
  o The application money received by companies for allotment of any securities and due for refund
  o Matured deposits with companies
  o Matured debentures with companies
  o Grants and donations are given to the fund by the Central Government, State Governments, companies or any other institutions for the purposes of the Fund
  o The interest or other income received out of the investments made from the fund.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

4. SHINKU LA TUNNEL

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The Union Cabinet recently approved the construction of the tunnel. With the Atal Tunnel and the completion of the Shinku La Tunnel in 2025, the Nimmu – Padum – Darcha road shall be accessed all through the year.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The Shinku La or Shingo La is a mountain pass located on the border between HP and Ladakh. It is at an altitude of 5,091 metres. In 2016, the Border Road Organization built a road to the pass.
• However, the road couldn’t be accessed during winter and large-wheeled vehicles couldn’t pass through. Following this, in 2020, GoI planned to build a 13.5 km tunnel in the pass.

Significance

• The tunnel will help to boost the Zanskar valley economy. It reduces the travel time between HP and Ladakh.
• Currently, one has to travel 101 km on the Manali-Leh road and then take the Darcha road to enter the Zanskar region. With the tunnel, you can drive to Darcha via Padum.
• The toughest hurdle is the 15-20 feet of snowfall the region received during winter. Almost all roads are closed during this season. The Shinku La Tunnel is to make the Zanskar valley accessible 365 days.

Project Yojak

• The Shinku La tunnel is a part of Project Yojak. This project is implemented by BRO. The main objective of the project is to make sure Manali – Leh route is accessible all through the year.

5. STUDY ON THWAITES GLACIER

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The recent study on Doomsday Glacier, also called the Thwaites Glacier says that the weak spots in the glacier are increasing. More and more warm water is seeping into the glacier. There is a threat of massive sea rise. If the glacier melts the sea level will increase by more than half a metre.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The study was conducted by the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration. It is one of the biggest studies conducted on the glacier so far. More than 13 scientists participated in the study from the UK, the US, and different other countries. They spent more than six weeks coming to this conclusion.

Findings

• Terraces in the glaciers are increasing. These openings are causing the sideways melt of the glacier. Terraces are leading the warm water to the crevasses and increasing the melting further.

What are Glacier Terraces?

• It is a long segment of a glacier. It is formed due to the stripping of soft strata from hard strata. In India, the glacial terraces are addressed as Karewas. They are found in Kashmir valley.
  Glacial Crevasses
• They are deep cracks in glaciers. Their sizes range from a few inches to more than 40 feet. They are formed due to shear stress. Say two big ice masses are moving. Friction develops resulting in shear stress. This leads to breakings in the faces.