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| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Disaster Management Act and Paris Agreement for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Notifiable Disease important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for December 14, 2024 |
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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on December 14, 2024
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Disaster Management Bill, 2024
For Preliminary Examination: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), National Policy on Disaster Management (2009)
For Mains Examination: General Studies Paper II (Governance and Policy)
Context:
The Lok Sabha passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Thursday through a voice vote, which seeks to amend the existing Disaster Management Act, 2005
Read about:
National Disaster Management Act (NDMA)
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)
Key takeaways:
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The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 1, 2024, as an amendment to the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- The original Act established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to oversee disaster management at the national, state, and district levels, respectively.
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Under the Act, National Executive Committee and State Executive Committee were constituted to assist NDMA and SDMA.
- These committees are tasked with drafting national and state disaster management plans, which are then approved and implemented by NDMA and SDMA.
- However, the amendment mandates that NDMA and SDMA will now prepare these plans directly.
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The Bill authorizes state governments to set up an Urban Disaster Management Authority specifically for state capitals and cities with municipal corporations.
- This authority will be chaired by the Municipal Commissioner, with the District Collector serving as vice-chairperson, and other members designated by the state government.
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The Act establishes the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for specialized disaster response.
- The Bill allows states to constitute a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), whose functions and terms of service will be determined by the state government.
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The Bill grants statutory recognition to existing bodies like the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and the High-Level Committee (HLC).
- The NCMC will act as the primary body for managing large-scale disasters with national implications, while the HLC will oversee financial aid to state governments during disasters.
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The Act also stipulates that the central government will provide NDMA with the necessary personnel, consultants, and staff as required
Prelims MCQs:
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The Disaster Management Act, 2005, established which of the following institutions?
(a) National Green Tribunal (NGT)
(b) National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
(c) National Environment Management Authority
(d) Central Pollution Control Board
(Answer: b) -
Under the Disaster Management Act, who heads the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)?
(a) Governor
(b) Chief Minister
(c) Home Minister
(d) Chief Secretary
(Answer: b)
Mains Questions:
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GS II:
"The Disaster Management Act, 2005, has been pivotal in addressing disasters in India. Discuss its key provisions and evaluate its effectiveness in managing disasters." (250 words) -
GS III:
"India faces a rising frequency of disasters due to climate change. Examine the role of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, in building a disaster-resilient nation." (250 words) -
GS IV:
"During disasters, administrators often face ethical challenges in resource distribution. Discuss the role of ethical decision-making in disaster management." (250 words)
For Preliminary Examination: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Target net-zero emissions by 2070, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
For Mains Examination: General Studies Paper III (Environment and Sustainable Development)
Context:
The Paris Agreement was supposed to save the world from the worst impacts of climate change. But nine years after it was finalised — on December 12, 2015 — it is perhaps more fragile than ever, appearing increasingly ineffective and helpless in containing the rapidly worsening climate situation.
Read about:
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
Paris Agreement
Key takeaways:
- The Paris Agreement was envisioned as a global effort to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. However, nine years since its adoption on December 12, 2015, it appears increasingly fragile and ineffective in addressing the rapidly worsening climate crisis.
- During this period, annual global emissions have risen by 8%, from approximately 49 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent to 53 billion tonnes. Meanwhile, average global temperatures have increased from 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels to 1.45°C. Projections now indicate that 2024 is likely to be the first year to exceed the 1.5°C threshold.
- The Paris Agreement’s primary goal—to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, or 2°C at the most—seems increasingly unattainable.
- This has led to growing frustration among developing nations, particularly small island states, which are now exploring alternative approaches to combat climate change more effectively. The International Court of Justice is currently deliberating on a case to define nations’ obligations and potential repercussions concerning climate responsibilities.
- Before the Paris Agreement, the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 had established the principle of equity and differentiated responsibilities, requiring developed countries to take the lead in reducing emissions while allowing developing nations to contribute as per their capabilities.
- However, with the growing economic influence of China and the perceived economic constraints of climate obligations, developed countries sought to undermine the Kyoto Protocol.
- Although their initial attempt at the 2009 Copenhagen conference failed, they succeeded in dismantling it during the Paris negotiations in 2015.
- The Paris Agreement, while aiming to make all nations accountable, diluted the fight against climate change by adopting a system of "nationally determined contributions" (NDCs).
- This approach effectively removed specific emission reduction obligations for developed nations, reducing global climate action to the bare minimum needed to fulfill Paris commitments. As a result, current efforts are misaligned with the emission reductions necessary to limit global warming.
- Even the limited provisions of the Paris Agreement have been progressively weakened over time to serve the interests of developed countries. A prime example is the financial agreement reached in Baku.
- Under the UNFCCC, developed nations are obligated to provide financial and technological assistance to developing countries for climate action.
- Despite their 2020 pledge to raise $100 billion annually, assessments indicate that trillions are required to address the challenges effectively.
- Instead of scaling up ambition, developed countries agreed in Baku to raise the $100 billion target to just $300 billion annually by 2035.
- This meager increase severely undermines the ability of developing nations to pursue meaningful climate action, further stalling progress in the fight against global warming
Follow Up Question
1.Which of the following is a goal of the Paris Agreement?
(a) Limit global temperature rise to 3°C above pre-industrial levels.
(b) Ensure carbon neutrality for all nations by 2050.
(c) Limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, with efforts to keep it at 1.5°C.
(d) Mandate all countries to phase out fossil fuels by 2040.
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Answer (c)
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21), has a central goal of strengthening the global response to climate change by keeping the global temperature rise this century well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and preferably limiting the increase to 1.5°C. Let's quickly review why the other options are incorrect:
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2.What is the significance of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement?
(a) It establishes funding for adaptation projects.
(b) It creates carbon market mechanisms for international cooperation.
(c) It mandates countries to submit NDCs every two years.
(d) It outlines penalties for non-compliance.
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Answer (b)
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is a crucial provision that establishes international cooperation mechanisms for carbon trading and emissions reduction. Specifically, it provides a framework for countries to voluntarily cooperate in achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through market-based approaches. Key aspects of Article 6 include:
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India-UK FTA talks by January end
For Preliminary Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
For Mains Examination: The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks with the new UK government are set to commence by the end of January
Context:
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks with the new UK government are set to commence by the end of January
Read about:
Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
European Union(EU)
Key takeaways:
- India is increasingly focusing on trade deals with larger markets like the UK and EU, prioritizing countries that offer significant export growth potential rather than smaller nations that may provide more market access for the partner country.
- To streamline this approach, the commerce ministry is working on a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to optimize the negotiation processes for future trade agreements.
- This shift comes after several trade agreements, such as the one with the UAE that took effect in February 2022 and the 2010 ASEAN pact, resulted in a noticeable rise in imports relative to exports, raising concerns over potential violations of rules of origin.
- The ongoing dispute between India and the EU over the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) continues to be a major issue. In response, the Indian minister has emphasized that discussions on sustainability should adhere to the principle of ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)’ and take into account varying development levels.
- Bilateral trade between India and the UK grew by 16% to reach US $20.36 billion in 2022-23, with India’s exports rising to $11.4 billion from $10.5 billion the previous year, while imports from the UK climbed to $8.96 billion.
- In January 2022, both nations began talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to strengthen economic ties. The agreement includes 26 chapters covering goods, services, investment, and intellectual property. The bilateral trade between India and the UK rose to $21.34 billion in 2023-24.
- The CBAM, set to come into effect in January 2026, will require Indian companies in seven carbon-intensive sectors, including steel, cement, and fertilizers, to provide carbon emissions data to the EU starting October 1, 2023.
- Similarly, the UK is planning to implement a carbon tax on metal imports, which could negatively impact India’s exports, even if India secures tariff reductions. The UK's carbon tax is designed to reduce reliance on Russian energy imports.
- India has raised concerns about the CBAM, particularly its impact on steel exports, as the tax would affect Indian steel manufacturers targeting the UK market.
- The EU remains India’s third-largest trading partner, with €88 billion in trade in 2021, accounting for 10.8% of India’s total trade. India is the EU's 10th-largest trading partner, contributing to 2.1% of EU trade. Trade in services between the two reached €30.4 billion in 2020.
- According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), as India aspires to become the third-largest economy, it needs to align its treaties with global investment norms, address the negative perceptions stemming from the cancellation of numerous treaties, and improve its negotiation strategies. GTRI pointed out that India had canceled 77 of its over 80 Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) by 2016 due to misalignment with its interests.
- Rules of origin, which determine the national origin of products, have been a key point of contention in FTA talks with the UK.
- These rules are crucial because countries impose tariffs or restrictions on products based on their origin.
- Additionally, India’s commerce and tax officials are negotiating on duty cuts for alcohol and whisky imports from the UK, which could impact the local bottling industry. Consequently, negotiations have progressed slowly.
- EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries, not part of the EU, represent an alternative for countries not wishing to join the European Community. In 2022-23, India’s exports to EFTA countries totaled $1.67 billion, down from $1.74 billion in the previous year, while imports from EFTA countries decreased from $25.5 billion to $15 billion, resulting in a trade deficit for India
Follow Up Question
1.Consider the following statements regarding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs):
- FTAs are agreements between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas.
- The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a type of FTA that focuses on the exchange of services and investments between countries.
- FTAs are binding agreements that ensure mutual tariff reduction between all sectors, including agriculture, industry, and services.
- The India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement was signed in 2010 to facilitate trade in goods and services.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1, 2, and 4
B) 1, 3, and 4
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1 and 2 only
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Answer (A)
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- According to Shankaracharya, the ultimate reality is Brahman, which is formless, eternal, and beyond all attributes. Brahman is not subject to birth, death, or change and is the only true existence.
- The world we perceive is Maya (illusion), and it is the ignorance (Avidya) of our true nature that causes us to see multiplicity and diversity in the world.
- Atman (the individual self) is not different from Brahman. Realization of this oneness (called Moksha) occurs when a person overcomes ignorance and sees that their true self (Atman) is identical with the universal self (Brahman)
1.Which of the following statements accurately reflects the philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya?
- Adi Shankaracharya is known for establishing the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, which asserts that the ultimate reality is non-dual, and the individual soul (Atman) is identical with the universal soul (Brahman).
- Shankaracharya's philosophy emphasizes that the physical world is the absolute reality and the ultimate goal is to attain a materialistic view of life.
- According to Shankaracharya, the concept of Maya (illusion) suggests that the physical world is real and eternal, and ignorance (Avidya) is not a significant obstacle in spiritual progress.
- Shankaracharya's teachings were focused solely on the performance of rituals and sacrifices as the means to attain liberation.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
A) 1 and 2
B) 1 and 3
C) 1 and 4
D) 1 only
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Answer (D)
Key philosophical points of Adi Shankaracharya:
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A notifiable disease is any disease that is required by law to be reported to government authorities when diagnosed. These diseases are considered significant due to their potential to spread, cause serious health complications, or lead to outbreaks within the community. The purpose of declaring a disease notifiable is to enable timely public health responses, including tracking, controlling, and preventing further spread.
Key Points about Notifiable Diseases:
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Mandatory Reporting: Health professionals and laboratories are legally required to report cases of notifiable diseases to local, state, or national health authorities.
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Public Health Monitoring: It helps in monitoring disease patterns, controlling outbreaks, and preparing preventive measures.
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Examples of Notifiable Diseases:
- Infectious Diseases: Tuberculosis, cholera, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and measles.
- Emerging Threats: Diseases such as bird flu, SARS, or novel pathogens that could lead to an outbreak.
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Purpose of Notifiable Status:
- Early Detection: Quick identification of an outbreak or unusual patterns of illness.
- Epidemic Control: Enables swift action such as isolation, quarantine, and vaccination campaigns.
- Resource Allocation: Helps in directing resources where they are most needed, such as vaccines, medicines, and health personnel.
Snakebite as a Notifiable Disease
Snakebites are a significant public health issue in many countries, including India, where they contribute to a large number of fatalities each year. As a result, making snakebite a notifiable disease can have significant public health benefits. This approach helps in better management of snakebite cases, tracking trends, allocating resources for treatment, and preventing further fatalities.
Follow Up Question
1.Which of the following statements about notifiable diseases is correct?
- Notifiable diseases must be reported to government authorities to enable timely interventions in case of an outbreak.
- All diseases, including minor ones, are declared notifiable by the government.
- Reporting of notifiable diseases is voluntary for healthcare providers and laboratories.
- The purpose of declaring diseases notifiable is solely for epidemiological research.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2
C) 1 and 4
D) 2 and 3
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Answer (A)
Notifiable diseases are carefully selected based on their potential public health impact, transmission rate, severity, and ability to cause outbreaks. Examples include:
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Important Personalities |
| History | Modern Indian History | Independence and Partition |
| History | Modern Indian History | Constitutional Development in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Peasants, Tribal and other movements |
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