July 28, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
World Hepatitis Day | Explained
Discover the significance of World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28, aimed at raising awareness about viral hepatitis and its impact on global health. Learn about the history, themes, and efforts to combat hepatitis through prevention, testing, and treatment. Explore the causes, types, and treatments of hepatitis, along with government policies and public health campaigns addressing liver health. Join the movement to promote hepatitis awareness and work towards a healthier future for all.
Highlights of the Day
1. Launch of Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) Signals Global Shift Towards Sustainable Future The Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) was launched during the 4th G-20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and Climate Ministers’ meeting in Chennai. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized that embracing a circular economy model is vital to shift away from the linear "take-make-waste" paradigm and address environmental challenges caused by waste, including plastics, microplastics, e-waste, and chemical waste. The coalition comprises 39 multinational corporations from various sectors, committed to adopting resource efficiency and circular economy principles. The government will play a supportive role, while industries lead the initiative. India's efforts to tackle plastic waste include EPR guidelines and significant recycling initiatives [1].
2. Rajya Sabha Passes Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Introduces Stricter Anti-Piracy Measures and Graded Age Ratings for Films The Rajya Sabha passed the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, expanding the law from censorship to include copyright and introducing stringent anti-piracy provisions. The proposed amendments impose up to three years of imprisonment and fines up to 5% of a film's production cost for piracy-related offenses. The Bill also introduces three age ratings for films, requiring adult supervision. It formalizes the practice of recertification for TV and "other media" for films initially rated for adults. The government has not implemented the recommendation to strip the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) of its power to require cuts. The Bill awaits approval from the Lok Sabha to become law [2].
3. Haryana's Aravalli Rejuvenation Board to Utilize Drones and CCTV for Curbing Illegal Mining in Sensitive Areas The newly constituted Aravalli Rejuvenation Board in Haryana aims to curb illegal mining in sensitive areas like Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Nuh. Headed by Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, the seven-member board will use drones and CCTV cameras for surveillance. Its objectives include protecting the Aravalli region, addressing illegal mining complaints, coordinating with administrative agencies, and implementing programs for sustainable development. The board will utilize funds from the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) for projects. Emphasis will be on awareness, local involvement, and nature trails to encourage public interest in the Aravallis. However, some environmentalists urge strict implementation of existing frameworks and citizen participation [3].
4. SEBI Reviews Delisting Regulations to Tackle Share Manipulation; Considers Fixed Price Option as Alternative to Reverse Book-Building
SEBI is reviewing delisting regulations to tackle share manipulation during the delisting process. The current method, "reverse book-building," may be replaced with a fixed price delisting option. Voluntary delisting, when a company chooses to remove its securities, and compulsory delisting as a penalty for non-compliance with listing agreement requirements, are common scenarios. To delist, companies must buy back 90% of the total issued shares, which poses challenges. SEBI aims to consider stakeholder feedback and release a consultation paper on delisting norms. Market experts suggest caution and careful consideration of all aspects, including minority shareholder consent and reaching the 90% shareholding threshold, for an efficient delisting process [4].
5. Johnson & Johnson Agrees to Provide Generic TB Drug in Low and Middle-Income Countries
One of the world's largest pharma multinationals, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), has reached an agreement with the UN-backed Stop TB Partnership to provide generic versions of its top-line tuberculosis (TB) drug in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) fighting the disease. The deal allows the Global Drug Facility (GDF) to source and supply the drug, bedaquiline, at more affordable rates. Although it is a significant development, the agreement excludes certain countries with valid J&J patents until 2027. While many TB patients will benefit, health activists argue that the battle against the disease won't be fully won until J&J withdraws its secondary patents [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: What is the process by which a liquid turns into a gas at the surface of the liquid, even at temperatures below its boiling point?
a) Evaporation b) Condensation c) Sublimation d) Vaporization
Q2: Statement 1: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. Statement 2: Cellular respiration is the process by which cells release energy from glucose.
Identify the correct statement(s) from the options below: a) Only Statement 1 is true. b) Only Statement 2 is true. c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true. d) Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2 is true.
Q3: Statement 1: Fiscal deficit refers to the excess of government's total expenditure over its total revenue. Statement 2: Revenue deficit refers to the excess of government's revenue expenditure over its revenue receipts.
Identify the correct statement(s) from the options below: a) Only Statement 1 is true. b) Only Statement 2 is true. c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true. d) Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2 is true.
Q4: Statement 1: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha can cast his/her vote in the House in case of a tie. Statement 2: The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha cannot cast his/her vote in the House.
a) Only Statement 1 is true. b) Only Statement 2 is true. c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true. d) Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2 is true.
Q5: Statement 1: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the monetary value of all finished goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period. Statement 2: Gross National Product (GNP) is the total value of all goods and services produced by the residents of a country, both domestically and internationally, within a specific time period.
a) Only Statement 1 is true.
b) Only Statement 2 is true.
c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
d) Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2 is true.
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the challenges in achieving the goal of TB elimination in India and analyze the role of public awareness campaigns in reducing TB prevalence. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
What we see matters
Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
In recent UPSC prelims, there has been considerable focus on questions concerning inflation, its types, and measurement methods. Inflation, as a vital economic indicator, holds significant importance in understanding price stability and its impact on the overall economy.
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