Weekly Current Affairs (22nd to 30th June 2023) Part - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Anxiety Disorders

Context: Recently, there has been a growing recognition of the impact of anxiety disorders on individuals' daily lives and overall well-being. These common mental health conditions affect a significant portion of the population and can lead to persistent distress and impairment.

• Anxiety is a normal emotion that can become problematic when it becomes persistent and disruptive. In such cases, it may indicate an anxiety disorder that requires attention and appropriate treatment.

What is Anxiety disorder?

About:

• Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that involve excessive and irrational fear and worry about various aspects of life.
• Anxiety disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture, or background.

Historical Context of Anxiety Disorders:

• Anxiety disorders were historically classified within mood disorders until the late 19th century. Sigmund Freud introduced the concept of "anxiety neurosis" to differentiate anxiety symptoms from depression.
• Freud’s original anxiety neurosis included people with phobias and panic attacks.
• Anxiety neurosis is further categorized into anxiety neurosis (people with mainly psychological symptoms of anxiety) and anxiety hysteria (people with phobias and physical symptoms of anxiety).

Prevalence:

• According to India's National Mental Health Survey, neurosis and stress-related disorders have a prevalence of 3.5% in India.
• These disorders are more commonly observed in women and are often overlooked or misdiagnosed in primary care settings. Childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood are considered high-risk periods for the onset of anxiety disorders.

Clinical Features of Common Anxiety Disorders:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worrying lasting over six months, not restricted to specific circumstances, and often accompanied by physical symptoms and distress.
• Panic Disorder: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks characterized by intense physical symptoms and fear of catastrophic outcomes.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of negative evaluation by others, resulting in avoidance of social situations and significant distress.
• Separation Anxiety Disorder: Fear and distress concerning separation from attachment figures, accompanied by excessive worry about potential harm.
• Specific Phobias: Irrational fear of specific objects, animals, or situations.

Causes For Anxiety Disorders:

• Genetics: An increased likelihood of anxiety disorders can be observed in individuals with a family history of anxiety, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
• Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are responsible for regulating mood and emotions, may play a role in the development of anxiety disorders.
• Personality Traits: Certain personality traits, such as being shy, perfectionistic, or prone to stress, can make individuals more susceptible to developing an anxiety disorder.
• Life Events: Traumatic or stressful experiences, such as abuse, violence, loss, or illness, can trigger or exacerbate anxiety disorders. Conversely, even positive life events like marriage, having a baby, or starting a new job can induce anxiety in some individuals.
• Medical Conditions: Underlying physical health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, thyroid problems, or hormonal imbalances, can contribute to the onset or manifestation of anxiety symptoms.

Treating Anxiety Disorders:

• Treatment decisions are based on the severity, persistence, and impact of symptoms, as well as patient preferences.
• Evidence-based interventions include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Co-occurring depression requires separate consideration and specific treatment.
• Treatment is usually continued for 9-12 months after symptom remission, gradually phased out as recommended.

What Initiatives has the Government of India taken to Address Mental Health?

• National Mental Health Program (NMHP): The National Mental Health Program (NMHP) was adopted by the government in 1982 in response to the large number of mental disorders and shortage of mental health professionals.
  • District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), 1996 was also launched to provide community mental health services at the primary health care level.
• Mental Health Act: As part of the Mental Health Care Act 2017, every affected person has access to mental healthcare and treatment from government institutions.
  • It has significantly reduced the significance of Section 309 IPC and attempts to commit suicide are punishable only as exceptions.
• Kiran Helpline: In 2020, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched a 24/7 toll-free helpline 'Kiran' to provide mental health support.
• Manodarpan Initiative: It aimed at providing psychosocial support to students, teachers, and family members during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• MANAS Mobile App: To promote mental well-being across age groups, the Government of India launched MANAS (Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation System) in 2021.

Adoption in India

Context: The Ministry of Women and Child Development has recently highlighted the significant backlog of adoption cases in Maharashtra, with the highest number of pending adoption cases in India (329 awaiting resolutions).

• In January 2023, the Bombay HC directed the state government not to transfer pending adoption proceedings to District Magistrates, (as mandated under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021), leading to confusion and hindering progress.

What is the Status of Child Adoption in India?

About:

• It is a legal and emotional process that involves accepting the responsibility of caring for a child who is not biologically related to the adoptive parents.
• The process of adoption in India is monitored and regulated by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), which is part of the Ministry of Women and Child Care.
• CARA is the nodal body for adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country adoptions.
• CARA is also designated as the Central Authority to deal with inter-country adoptions in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, 1993, ratified by Government of India in 2003.

Laws Related to Adoption in India:

• Adoptions in India are governed by two laws: the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 (HAMA) and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
• Both laws have their separate eligibility criteria for adoptive parents.
• Those applying under the JJ Act have to register on CARA’s portal after which a specialised adoption agency carries out a home study report.
• After it finds the candidate eligible for adoption, a child declared legally free for adoption is referred to the applicant.
• Under HAMA, a “dattaka hom” ceremony or an adoption deed or a court order is sufficient to obtain irrevocable adoption rights.
• Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs are legalized to adopt kids under this Act.

Recent Development:

• The Parliament passed the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021 in order to amend the Juvenile Justice Act (JJ Act), 2015.
• The key changes include authorising District Magistrates and Additional District Magistrates to issue adoption orders under Section 61 of the JJ Act.
• Earlier in JJ Act 2015, adoption of a child is final on the issuance of an adoption order by the civil court.
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development has introduced the Adoption Regulations-2022, which has streamlined the adoption process.
• District Magistrates (DMs) and Child Welfare Committees have been directed to upload adoption orders and case status in real time.
• Since the implementation of the Adoption Regulations-2022, 2,297 adoption orders have been issued by DMs nationwide, resolving a significant portion of pending cases.

What are the Major Challenges Related to Adoption in India?

• Lengthy and Complex Adoption Process: The adoption process in India can be lengthy, bureaucratic, and complex, leading to delays in the placement of children with suitable families.
• India’s tedious and interminable adoption process can clearly be seen in the statistics with the CARA which states that while more than 30,000 prospective parents are currently waiting to adopt, less than 7% the number of children — 2131— are legally free for adoption.
• Around two-third of them are children with special needs, and it takes three years for an adoption process to complete.
• Illegal and Unregulated Practices: Unfortunately, there are instances of illegal and unregulated adoption practices in India. This includes baby trafficking, child-selling, and the existence of unregistered adoption agencies, which exploit vulnerable children and biological parents.
• In 2018, Ranchi’s Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity came under fire for its “baby-selling racket” after a nun from the shelter confessed to selling four children.
• Returning Children after Adoption: India also faces an unusual upsurge in adoptive parents returning children after adopting.
• In 2020, CARA stated that over 1,100 children adopted across the country have been returned to child care institutions by their adoptive parents in the last five years.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Adoption Laws: There is a need to review and update adoption laws to streamline the process, make it more transparent, and ensure the best interests of the child.
  • This includes simplifying paperwork, reducing delays, and addressing any loopholes or ambiguities in the existing legislation.
• Post-Adoption Services: There is a need to establish comprehensive post-adoption support services to assist both adoptive parents and adopted children.
  • This can include counselling, educational support, access to healthcare, and guidance for managing any challenges that arise during the adoption journey.
• Awareness and Education: There is a need to promote awareness about adoption as a viable option for building families.
  • It includes educating the public about the benefits, procedures, and legal aspects of adoption. Also, encouraging positive attitudes towards adoption and dispel misconceptions or stigma associated with it.

UNDP and DAY-NULM for Women Entrepreneurs

Context: Recently, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) have joined hands to empower women entrepreneurs in India.

What are the Key Highlights of the Partnership?

Aim:

• The partnership aims to provide support for women looking to start or expand their own enterprises in various sectors, such as care economy, digital economy, electric mobility, waste management, food packaging and more.
• To enhance the implementation of national-level schemes for urban poverty alleviation and livelihood promotion by providing capacity building support to DAY-NULM.
• To pilot innovative solutions, particularly in the care economy domain, to address the challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs.

Coverage and Time Span:

• The project will cover eight cities in the initial phase and will span over three years, with the possibility of extension beyond 2025.

Role of UNDP:

• UNDP will offer national-level capacity building support to DAY-NULM, focusing on knowledge generation and management, such as compiling compendiums of best practices related to urban poverty.
• UNDP and DAY-NULM will jointly engage in on-ground mobilization activities that involve identifying pockets of urban poverty and potential entrepreneurs, as well as facilitating access to business development services.
• UNDP will also contribute to the initiative by developing community business mentors called Biz-Sakhis in selected project locations.
• These mentors can support new and existing enterprises and serve as a resource for DAY-NULM at a later stage.

Importance:

• Women entrepreneurship is a proven strategy for poverty alleviation, financial independence, and reshaping gender norms.
• Today, women account for only 15% of the total entrepreneurs in India. By increasing this number, the partnership not only empowers women, but also accelerates economic growth and ensures a happy and healthy society.
• The partnership leverages UNDP’s experience in linking over 200,000 women with better employment opportunities, and DAY-NULM’s mandate of uplifting urban communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities.

What is Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission?

• The mission was launched in 2014 and is being implemented by the Urban Ministry of Housing & Poverty Alleviation.
• It aims to uplift urban poor by enhancing sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development.
• It is Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Funding will be shared between the Centre and the States in the ratio of 75:25. For North eastern and Special Category – the ratio will be 90:10.
• DAY-NULM has mobilized more than 8.4 million urban poor women across India, forming over 8,31,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in over 4,000 towns till 2023.

What Challenges do Women Entrepreneurs Face?

• Lack of female mentors and role models.
• Difficulty in maximizing the value of business networks traditionally dominated by men.
• Gender stereotypes and biases regarding logical and empathetic capabilities.
• Societal barriers imposed by patriarchal constructs and familial constraints.
• Challenges in raising finance and lack of creditworthiness.
• Limited avenues for financial management and reliance on others.

What are the Initiatives Related to Women Entrepreneurship in India?

• The Government of India and many state governments are running schemes to improve financial inclusivity for women. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana is one such high-potential scheme for women because it offers collateral free loans.
• The Dena Shakti Scheme provides loans up to ₹20 lakh for women entrepreneurs in agriculture, manufacturing, micro-credit, retail stores, or small enterprises.
• The scheme also provides a concession of 0.25% on the rate of interest.
• The Government of India also launched the Stand Up India Scheme to leverage the institutional credit structure to reach out to the underserved sector of people such as SCs, STs and Women Entrepreneurs.
• Stree Shakti Yojana and Orient Mahila Vikas Yojana support women who have majority of ownership in the business.
• Women who want to enroll themselves in catering business can attain loan via the Annapurna Yojana.

UPI Payments: Empowering Users, Challenging Banks

Context: The rapid rise in United Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India has led to the introduction of various daily limits by banks and apps, creating a complex landscape of limitations in terms of value and volume.

• The surge in UPI transactions has revealed the need for continuous development and improvement of banking infrastructure and technological capabilities.

What are the Daily Limits on UPI Payments?

• The National Payments Corporation of India (NCPI) set a limit of 20 transactions per day and ₹1 lakh per day in 2021. However, banks and apps have implemented their own limits, adding to the complexity.
• For instance, ICICI bank allows 10 transactions in 24 hours, while Bank of Baroda and HDFC Bank allow 20 transactions in the same period.
• Certain specific categories of transactions, such as capital markets, collections, insurance, and forward inward remittances, have a higher limit of ₹2 lakh.
• For UPI-based ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount system) IPO and retail direct schemes, the limit for each transaction was increased to ₹5 lakh in December 2021.

What is the National Payments Corporation of India?

About:

• It is an umbrella organisation for all retail payments systems in India.
• It was set up with the guidance and support of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).

Objectives:

• To consolidate and integrate the existing multiple systems into a nation-wide uniform and standard business process for all retail payment systems.
• To facilitate an affordable payment mechanism to benefit the common man across the country and propel financial inclusion.

How has the Number of UPI Payments Increased Over Time?

• UPI gained popularity as an alternative to cash after demonetization in India.
• The surge in transactions from May 2018 to May 2023 was primarily in terms of volume rather than value.
• In May 2018, the value of UPI transactions was ₹33,288 crore (₹1,756 per transaction).
• In May 2023, the value rose to Rs.14,89,145 crore (Rs.1,581 per transaction), representing a decrease of Rs.175 per transaction in five years.

Recent developments in UPI ecosystem:

New Rules:

• Introduction of interchange fee for Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) wallet transactions via UPI, applicable from April 2023. The fee is up to 1.1% on merchants for Person to Merchant transactions above ₹2,000 and will be shared between banks involved in the transaction.
• UPI AutoPay feature for recurring payments up to ₹5,000, enhancing customer convenience and merchant retention.

Collaboration:

• NPCI has partnered with several countries such as Singapore, UAE, Bhutan and Japan to enable cross-border payments using UPI.

What are the Effects of these Trends for Users and Banks?

Positive Impacts:

• Convenience and Efficiency: Quick and hassle-free digital transactions through smartphones.
• Financial Inclusion: Access to digital payments for individuals.
• Reduced Cash Dependency: Minimizing risks and combating illicit transactions.
• Enhanced Transparency: Tracking and monitoring financial activities.
• Boost to Digital Economy: Promoting digital entrepreneurship and innovation.

Negative Impacts:

UPI as an Alternative to Petty Cash:

• Consumers are increasingly using UPI for smaller transactions, replacing petty cash. The declining value per transaction over time reflects this trend.

Limited Transaction Flexibility:

• The complex web of limitations set by different apps and banks on UPI transactions creates confusion and restricts users' flexibility in terms of transaction volume and value.
• Users have to navigate through varying limits, impacting their ability to carry out transactions according to their needs.

Increased Transaction Failures:

• The struggle of banks to upgrade their infrastructure and technical systems to keep up with the surge in UPI payments can result in transaction failures. This can frustrate users and hinder their seamless payment experience.

Banks:

Infrastructure Challenges for Banks:

• Banks face difficulties in keeping up with the surge in UPI payments, leading to transaction failures.
• Upgrading banking infrastructure and technical systems is crucial to meet the growing demand.
• Banks need to ensure that their servers are able to handle the increasing volume and frequency of UPI transactions without any glitches or downtime.

Security and Fraud Prevention:

• With the rise in UPI transactions, the risk of cyber threats and fraudulent activities also increases.
• Banks need robust security measures, including encryption, two-factor authentication, and fraud detection mechanisms, to safeguard user data and prevent unauthorized access.

Way Forward

Agile Infrastructure Development:

• Invest in robust infrastructure and advanced technology solutions to handle the increasing volume and frequency of UPI transactions.
• Embrace edge computing, and distributed ledger technology (DLT),
• DLT is a decentralized digital system that enables secure and transparent recording, storing, and sharing of information across multiple participants in a network to ensure scalability, security, and real-time transaction processing.

Personalized Financial Insights:

• Leverage data analytics and artificial intelligence to provide personalized financial insights to UPI users.
• Offer real-time spending analysis, budgeting tools, and tailored recommendations to empower users in making informed financial decisions.

Blockchain Integration:

• Explore the integration of blockchain technology into the UPI infrastructure to enhance transparency, security, and scalability.
• Smart contracts can automate transaction processes, reduce intermediaries, and enable seamless cross-border transactions.

AI-Powered Fraud Prevention:

• Harness the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and prevent fraudulent UPI transactions in real-time.
• Implement advanced anomaly detection algorithms that analyze user behavior patterns and transaction data to identify suspicious activities.