Indian Society and Social Issues: November 2023 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

Walking Pneumonia

Context

China is facing an unusual surge in pneumonia cases, particularly among children, raising global concerns. 

• The surge is attributed to factors like the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens like influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2.

About Pneumonia

• The pneumonia caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae, often termed “walking pneumonia,” is a mild form of the infection. It is characterized by mild respiratory symptoms, and the bacteria can cause more serious lung infections in some cases.

How it spreads?

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Common symptoms include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, watery eyes, wheezing, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
• Groups at higher risk of severe infection include children, the elderly, and those with weakened lungs.
• Preventive measures recommended by WHO include vaccination, maintaining distance from ill individuals, staying home when unwell, testing and seeking medical care, wearing masks as appropriate, ensuring good ventilation, and practicing regular hand-washing.

Gender-Related Killings of Women and Girls

Context

Recently, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women released a study titled-Gender-related killings of women and girls (femicide/feminicide), revealing an increase in gender-related killings of women and girls in 2022.

What are the Key Highlights of the Study?

• Femicide Trends:
  • Globally, nearly 89,000 women and girls were killed intentionally in 2022, the highest yearly number recorded in the past two decades. 
  • While the overall number of homicides globally has begun to fall in 2022 after a spike in 2021, the number of female homicides are not decreasing.

• Perpetrator-Victim Disparity:
  • Women are more likely to be victims of intimate partner or family-related homicides compared to men. 
  • While most homicides worldwide are committed against men and boys (80% in 2022), women and girls are disproportionately affected by homicidal violence in the home: they represent approximately 53% of all victims of killings in the home and 66% of all victims of intimate partner killings.
• Continental Trends:
  • Africa reported the highest number of intimate partner/family-related homicides of women in 2022, surpassing Asia for the first time in 13 years.
  • The Americas, while reporting fewer cases, exhibited relatively higher rates of such femicides per 100,000 female population.
• Regional Variations and Recent Changes:
  • With an estimated 20,000 victims in 2022, Africa has – for the first time since 2013 surpassed Asia as the region with the highest number of victims in absolute terms. 
  • In 2022, Africa was also the region with the highest number of victims relative to the size of its female population (2.8 victims per 100,000 women).
  • Between 2010 and 2022, Europe witnessed an average reduction in the number of female intimate partner/family-related homicides (by 21%), albeit with differences across sub-regions and with some setbacks in Western and Southern Europe, especially since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

• India-Specific Insights:
  • India experienced a slight decline in gender-based killings over the past decade, although issues like dowry-related deaths, honour killings, and witchcraft accusations persist.
  • Dowry-related reasons consistently topped the list as the leading cause of gender-related deaths in India, with honour killings and witchcraft-related murders forming a smaller percentage.

Key Initiatives for Tribal Groups

Context

On the Occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (15^th November) the Prime Minister (PM) has launched three key Initiatives to ensure last-mile welfare scheme delivery and protection for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

• The PM launched ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’, Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PM PVTG) Development Mission and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan.

What are these Key Initiatives?

• PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN):
  • About: PM JANMAN aims to protect and nurture tribal groups, especially those on the verge of extinction, by providing them with necessary support, development, and connectivity to mainstream services and opportunities.
  • Coverage: The initiative covers 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) residing in 18 states and union territories, spread across 22,544 villages in 220 districts.
  • Approximately 28 lakh people belong to these identified tribal groups.
  • Significance: PM JANMAN underscores the government's commitment to uplifting and safeguarding tribal communities, preserving their cultural heritage, and integrating them into the mainstream development process.
  • It emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between tribal populations and essential services while ensuring their socio-economic empowerment.
• Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra:
  • The focus of the Yatra will be on reaching out to people, creating awareness and providing benefits of welfare schemes like sanitation facilities, essential financial services, electricity connections, access to LPG cylinders, housing for the poor, food security, proper nutrition, reliable healthcare, clean drinking water, etc.
  • Enrolment of potential beneficiaries will be done through details ascertained during the Yatra.
  • The Yatra will start from districts with significant tribal populations initially and will cover all districts across the country.
• PM PVTG Mission:
  • The PM-PVTG Development Mission program aims to improve the socio-economic status of Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
  • For this, availability of Rs 24000 Crore for Scheduled Tribes has been envisaged in the Union Budget.
  • The mission includes providing basic facilities like safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, education, health and nutrition, better access to roads in settlements for backward scheduled tribes.

Issue of Suicide Cases in Educational Hubs

Context

Recently, the Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) has conducted a survey, highlighting a concerning issue of rising student Suicides in Kota.

• The Lokniti-CSDS survey was conducted face-to-face using a structured questionnaire in Hindi, involving over 1,000 students in October 2023. 30 % of the sample consisted of girls.
• A majority of students who study in Kota’s coaching centres come from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Nearly half of them belong to cities and small towns; only 14% come from villages.

What are the Reasons for More Students Going to Kota?

• Influence of Family and Relatives:
  • A significant number of students have immediate family members or extended relatives who studied in Kota, influencing their decision to come to Kota.
  • Social media and recommendations from friends and parents also play a role in their decision.
• Entrance Exam Focus:
  • Students in Kota are predominantly preparing for NEET (medical entrance exam) and JEE (engineering entrance exam).
  • NEET is more popular among girls, while JEE is favored by boys.
• Dummy Schools without Regular Attendance:
  • Clearing board exams is a prerequisite for entrance exams. The majority of students in Kota are enrolled in 'dummy schools' that do not require regular attendance and only facilitate board exam appearances.

What is the Status of Suicides in India as per NCRB’s ADSI Report 2021

• Overall Suicides Status:
  • According to the National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB’s) Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India (ADSI) 2021, a total of 1,64,033 suicides were reported in the country during 2021 showing an increase of 7.2% in comparison to 2020.
  • Rate of Suicides in India was 12.0% in 2021.

• Suicides Status in Students:
  • Over 13,000 students died by in 2021 in India at the rate of more than 35 every day, a rise of 4.5% from the 12,526 deaths in 2020 with 864 out of 10,732 suicides being due to failure in examination.
  • The report also showed the percentage of women student suicide was at a five-year low of 43.49% in 2021, while men student suicides made up 56.51% of the total student suicides.
  • In 2017, 4,711 women students died by suicide, while in 2021 such deaths increased to 5,693.

What are the Reasons for Increasing Suicide Cases in Educational Hub?

• Academic Pressure:
  • High expectations from parents, teachers and society can lead to excessive stress and pressure to perform well in exams.
  • This pressure to succeed can be overwhelming for some students, leading to feelings of failure and hopelessness.
• Mental Health Issues:
  • Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder can contribute to student suicides.
  • These conditions can be exacerbated by stress, loneliness, and lack of support.
• Isolation and Loneliness:
  • Many students in educational hubs come from far away and live away from their families and friends.
  • This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can be particularly difficult to deal with in an unfamiliar and competitive environment.
• Financial Concerns:
  • Financial difficulties, such as not being able to afford tuition fees or living expenses, can create a great deal of stress and worry for students.
  • This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and desperation.
• Lack of Support:
  • Many students in educational hubs are reluctant to reach out for help when they are struggling.
  • This can be due to stigma surrounding mental health problems or a fear of being judged.
  • This lack of support can lead to feelings of hopelessness and desperation.
• Stigma Surrounding Failure:
  • In Indian society, failure in competitive exams is often stigmatized. Students may feel ashamed to admit their struggles or discuss their mental health issues, leading to a lack of support and understanding.

What are the Initiatives To Curb Suicides?

• Global Initiatives:
  • World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD): Observed on 10th of September every year, WSPD was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in conjunction with the WHO. It focuses attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organizations, government, and the public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.
  • World Mental Health Day: 10th October is celebrated as World Mental Health Day, every year. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
• Indian Initiatives:
  • Mental Healthcare Act (MHA), 2017: MHA 2017 aims to provide mental healthcare services for persons with mental illness.
  • KIRAN: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a 24/7 toll-free helpline “KIRAN” to provide support to people facing anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts and other mental health concerns.
  • Manodarpan Initiative: Manodarpan is an initiative of the Ministry of Education under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
  • It is aimed to provide psychosocial support to students, family members and teachers for their mental health and well-being during the times of Covid-19.
  • National Suicide Prevention Strategy: Announced in 2023, National Suicide Prevention Strategy is the first of its kind in the country, with time-bound action plans and multi-sectoral collaborations to achieve reduction in suicide mortality by 10% by 2030. The strategy is in line with the World Health Organisation’s South East-Asia Region Strategy for suicide prevention.

Way Forward

• Providing students with access to mental health services and resources such as counseling services, support groups, and psychiatric services can help prevent suicides. Also, schools and universities must train teachers, staff, and students in mental health first aid .
• Positive attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking must also be promoted through open discussions about mental health and suicide.
• Socio-economic factors such as poverty, homelessness, and unemployment should be addressed to improve students' overall well-being and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Gender Disparity in Organ Transplants

Context

From 1995 to 2021, data from India highlights a notable gender gap in organ transplantation. The findings, featured in the Experimental and Clinical Transplantation Journal, show that for each woman undergoing an organ transplant, four men undergo the same procedure. The study points out that 80% of living organ donors are women, predominantly wives or mothers, whereas 80% of the recipients are men.

Details

• Socio-economic pressures on women, driven by societal expectations for caregiving roles, lead to a higher number of female organ donors, including wives, mothers, and even fathers in some cases.
• Men, often the primary breadwinners, exhibit reluctance to undergo organ transplantation surgery, contributing to the gender disparity in donation.
• Wives, mothers, and fathers are generally more willing organ donors, with the burden of donation often falling on the family members of male recipients.
• Female organ recipients may feel guilt about family members donating organs, emphasizing the complex dynamics surrounding organ donation within families.
• The study emphasizes the importance of addressing societal norms and pressures that contribute to gender imbalances in organ donation and transplantation.
• It highlights the significant role women play as living donors and the challenges faced by men due to societal expectations and economic considerations.

Organ Transplantation in India

• Organ transplantation is a medical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased organ with a healthy one from a donor. It can save lives and improve the quality of life of people suffering from organ failure.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India performed the second-largest number of transplants in the world in 2019 (after the United States), however, India also has a huge gap between the demand and supply of organs, as there are an estimated 500,000 people who need an organ transplant every year, but only about 0.65 per million population (pmp) donate their organs after death.

Types of Organ Donation

• India has a comprehensive system that allows both living and deceased organ donations.
• Living donors, typically immediate blood relatives, can donate a kidney, a portion of the pancreas, or a segment of the liver.
• Deceased donors can contribute to six life-saving organs, including kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, and intestine. Additionally, uterus transplants are performed, although the uterus is not considered a life-saving organ.

Regulation and Legislation

• The legal framework for organ transplantation in India is provided by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), enacted in 1994 and amended in 2011.
• This legislation regulates various aspects of organ donation and transplantation, recognizing brain death as a form of death and requiring family consent for organ donation after brain death.
• The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) serves as the apex body overseeing organ-related activities in the country.

Trends and Challenges

• Lack of Public Awareness: A considerable portion of the population remains uninformed about organ donation, harbouring misconceptions or fearing illegal organ trade. Public education campaigns are crucial to disseminate accurate information and encourage donations.
• Religious or Cultural Barriers: Some individuals refrain from organ donation due to religious or cultural beliefs. It is essential to respect and address these beliefs, involving religious leaders and community representatives in awareness campaigns.
• Legal or Procedural Hurdles: Obtaining consent for organ donation can be complex, and some individuals face exploitation by middlemen promising organs for money. Simplifying legal procedures and ensuring transparency are crucial to alleviate these issues.
• Cost and Accessibility Issues: The cost and complexity of organ transplantation present barriers for many individuals, especially those facing financial or geographical constraints. Addressing these issues involves subsidizing and regulating the cost of organ transplantation, and ensuring equitable distribution and availability across regions.

Global TB Report 2023

Context

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released the Global Tuberculosis (TB) report 2023, highlighting the high burden of TB worldwide in 2022.

• India accounted for the highest number of TB cases in the world in 2022, with 2.8 million TB cases, representing 27% of the global burden.

What are the Key Findings of the Global TB Report 2023?