Weekly Current Affairs (8th to 14th February 2024) Part - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Global Burden of Cancer: WHO

• The released estimates from the IARC shed light on the increasing burden of cancer globally, its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, and the pressing need to tackle cancer disparities worldwide.

Key Insights into the Global Burden of Cancer in 2022 by WHO

Global Burden:

• In 2022, approximately 20 million new cases of cancer were reported, resulting in 9.7 million deaths.
• Survival estimates indicate that around 53.5 million individuals were living within five years of being diagnosed with cancer.
• Approximately one in every five individuals will develop cancer during their lifetime.

Common Cancer Types:

• Ten types of cancer collectively accounted for about two-thirds of both new cases and deaths worldwide in 2022.
• Lung cancer topped the list as the most prevalent cancer globally, with 2.5 million new cases representing 12.4% of total new cases.
• Following closely, female breast cancer ranked second (2.3 million cases, 11.6%), trailed by colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and stomach cancer.

Primary Causes of Death:

• Lung cancer stood as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, claiming 1.8 million lives (18.7% of total cancer deaths), followed by colorectal cancer (900,000 deaths, 9.3%), liver cancer, breast cancer, and stomach cancer.
• The resurgence of lung cancer as the most common cancer is attributed to ongoing tobacco use, notably in Asia.

Cancer Disparities:

• Significant disparities in cancer burden were observed across different levels of human development, notably with breast cancer.
• In nations with very high Human Development Index (HDI), one in every 12 women is diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and one in 71 succumbs to it.
• Conversely, in countries with low HDI, while one in 27 women develops breast cancer, one in 48 dies from it.
• Women in lower HDI countries are 50% less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than those in high HDI countries, yet they face significantly higher mortality rates due to late diagnosis and inadequate access to quality treatment.

Projected Burden Increase:

• A substantial increase in cancer cases is anticipated, with over 35 million new cases projected for 2050, marking a 77% rise from the 2022 estimates of 20 million.
• This surge in the global cancer burden is a result of both population aging and growth, along with changes in risk factor exposure, many of which are linked to socioeconomic development.
• Tobacco, alcohol, and obesity are identified as key contributors to the rising cancer incidence, while air pollution remains a significant environmental risk factor.
• In terms of absolute burden, countries with high HDI are expected to witness the largest increase in incidence, with an additional 4.8 million new cases forecasted for 2050 compared to 2022 estimates.

Call to Action:

Urgent action is needed to address the glaring inequities in cancer outcomes worldwide and ensure equitable access to affordable, high-quality cancer care for all individuals, irrespective of their geographic or socioeconomic circumstances.

What are the Key Findings Related to India?

• India reported 1,413,316 new cases in 2022 with a higher proportion of female patients — 691,178 men and 722,138 women.
• Breast cancer had the highest proportion in the country, with 192,020 new cases, accounting for 13.6% of all patients and over 26% in women.
• In India, breast cancer was followed by lip and oral cavity (143,759 new cases, 10.2%), cervix and uterine, lung, and oesophagal cancers.
• A recent study by WHO assessing the cancer burden in Asia, published in The Lancet Regional Health, found that India alone accounted for 32.9% of global deaths and 28.1% of new cases of lip and oral cavity cancer in 2019.
• This was on account of the widespread consumption of smokeless tobacco (SMT) such as khaini, gutkha, betel quid and paan masala in South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Worldwide, SMT is responsible for 50% of the oral cancer burden.
• As per the Lancet Global Health 2023, India accounted for 23% of deaths that occurred due to cervical cancer globally.
• In India, cervical cancer’s five-year survival rate was 51.7%. However, survival rates in India are lower compared to high-income countries such as the United States.

What are the Key Facts Related to World Cancer Day?

About:

• World Cancer Day is an international awareness day led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) celebrated on 4th February every year.
• Cancer is caused by an uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells in the body that causes lump or tumour in most causes.
• It was first celebrated on 4th February 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris.
• The Paris Charter's mission is to promote research, prevent cancer, improve patient services, raise awareness and mobilise the global community to make progress against cancer, and includes the adoption of World Cancer Day.

Theme 2024:

• Close the Care Gap: The theme aims to mobilise the necessary attention and resources to ensure that the rising burden of cancer can be addressed in an equal manner across the globe and that all people in the world have access to systematic testing, and early diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer Overview:

• Cancer encompasses a diverse set of diseases characterized by the abnormal proliferation and spread of cells within the body. These cells, termed cancer cells, possess the ability to infiltrate and disrupt healthy tissues and organs. 
• In a normally functioning body, cells undergo regulated growth, division, and death, maintaining the proper functioning of organs and tissues. However, cancer arises when genetic mutations or irregularities disturb this normal cell cycle, leading to uncontrolled cell division and growth.

Cervical Cancer:

• Cervical cancer specifically originates in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Almost all instances of cervical cancer (99%) are associated with infection by high-risk strains of human papillomaviruses (HPV), a prevalent virus primarily transmitted through sexual contact. 
• Notably, two HPV types (16 and 18) contribute to nearly half of all cases of high-grade cervical pre-cancers. Despite its preventable nature, cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women worldwide. Alarmingly, approximately 90% of new cases and fatalities recorded globally in 2020 occurred in low- and middle-income nations.

Government Initiatives Addressing Cancer:

In the interim Budget for 2024-25, emphasis was placed on the vaccination of girls aged 9-14 years to mitigate the risk of cervical cancer. Moreover, various government initiatives have been launched to combat cancer comprehensively:

• The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke.
• The National Cancer Grid, facilitating collaboration among cancer centers for improved treatment outcomes.
• Recognition of National Cancer Awareness Day, raising awareness about cancer prevention and early detection.
• Encouragement for HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer and reduce its burden on public health.

Delimitation

The process of delimiting constituencies for both the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies is set to occur based on the data from the first census conducted after 2026. This decision comes in the wake of the postponement of the 2021 Census, initially due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequently due to delays attributed to the Central government.

Understanding Delimitation:

• Delimitation refers to the procedure of establishing the number of seats and demarcating the boundaries of territorial constituencies in each state for both the Lok Sabha and Legislative assemblies. 
• It also involves determining the allocation of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in these legislative bodies. 
• This process, known as the 'delimitation process,' is carried out by the Delimitation Commission established under an act of Parliament. Delimitation Commissions have been constituted four times - in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002, as per the Acts of 1952, 1962, 1972, and 2002, respectively. 
• The inaugural delimitation exercise was conducted by the President with the assistance of the Election Commission in 1950-51.

Historical Context:

• The most recent delimitation exercise that altered the composition of the Lok Sabha across states was finalized in 1976, based on the 1971 census. The Indian Constitution mandates that the allocation of Lok Sabha seats should be proportional to the population of each state, ensuring a near-equitable ratio of seats to population across all states. 
• However, this provision raised concerns that states with lower population control efforts could secure a disproportionate number of seats in Parliament. To mitigate such disparities, the Constitution was amended via the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, freezing seat allocations and territorial constituency divisions until the year 2000 at the 1971 census level. 
• The 84th Amendment Act of 2001 granted the government authority to re-adjust and rationalize territorial constituencies based on 1991 census data. Subsequently, the 87th Amendment Act of 2003 stipulated delimitation based on the 2001 census, without altering the number of seats allotted to each state in the Lok Sabha.

Constitutional Provisions:

• According to Article 82, Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act following each census. 
• Similarly, under Article 170, states are also divided into territorial constituencies in accordance with the Delimitation Act following every census.

What is the Significance of Delimitation?

Representation:

• Delimitation ensures fair representation in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies by adjusting the number of seats based on population changes.
• This is crucial for upholding the democratic principle of "one citizen-one vote-one value."

Equity:

• By readjusting the boundaries of territorial constituencies, delimitation aims to ensure equitable distribution of seats among different regions, considering population shifts over time.
• This helps prevent underrepresentation or overrepresentation of specific areas.

Reserved Seats for SC/ST:

• Delimitation determines the allocation of reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in accordance with constitutional provisions, ensuring adequate political representation for marginalized communities.

Federalism:

• Delimitation impacts federal principles by influencing the distribution of political power among states. It is essential to strike a balance between population-based representation and federal considerations to maintain harmony among diverse regions.

Population Control Measures:

• Historically, the freezing of seats based on the 1971 Census aimed to incentivize population control measures. However, the impending delimitation exercise raises questions about the effectiveness and implications of this policy in the context of changing demographics.

What are the Concerns Related to Delimitation?

Regional Disparity:

• Disparity in representation between north and southern part of India in the Lok sabha due to population as a deciding factor.
• The delimitation based solely on population disregards the progress made by the southern states in population control and may lead to disparities in the federal structure.
• Despite having only 18% of the country's population, the southern states contribute 35% to the country's GDP.
• The northern states, which did not prioritise population control, are expected to benefit in the delimitation process due to their higher population growth.

Inadequate Funding:

• After the 15th Finance Commission used the 2011 Census as a basis for its recommendation, concerns were raised about southern states losing funding and representation in parliament.
• Previously, the 1971 Census was used as the base for funding and tax devolution recommendations to states.

Affecting the Reservations for SCs/ STs:

• The scheduled delimitation and reallocation of seats may result in not only a loss of seats for southern states but also an increase in power for political parties with their base of support in the north.
• This could potentially lead to a shift of power toward the north and away from the south.
• The exercise will also affect the division of seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in each state (under Articles 330 and 332).

What are the Global Practices Regarding Delimitation?

United States:

• In the United States, the House of Representatives, akin to India's Lok Sabha, has maintained a fixed count of 435 seats since 1913. 
• Despite the country's population soaring nearly fourfold from 94 million in 1911 to an estimated 334 million in 2023, seat distribution among states undergoes redistribution following each census using the 'method of equal proportion.' 
• Consequently, this process typically results in negligible gains or losses for any state. For instance, following the 2020 Census, reapportionment led to no change in the seat count for 37 states.

European Union (EU):

• Within the European Union Parliament, comprising 720 members, seat allocation among its 27 member nations follows the principle of 'degressive proportionality.' 
• This principle dictates that the ratio of population to the number of seats increases with population growth. 
• For example, Denmark, with a population of approximately 6 million, holds 15 seats (averaging 400,000 individuals per member), while Germany, with a population of 83 million, commands 96 seats (averaging 860,000 individuals per member).

Understanding the Delimitation Commission:

Appointment:

• The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and collaborates with the Election Commission of India.

Composition:

• It comprises a retired Supreme Court judge, the Chief Election Commissioner, and respective State Election Commissioners.

Functions:

• The primary functions of the Delimitation Commission include determining the number and boundaries of constituencies to ensure nearly equal population representation across all constituencies. Additionally, it identifies seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, particularly in areas where their population is significant.

Powers:

• In instances of dissent among Commission members, the majority's opinion prevails. Notably, the decisions of the Delimitation Commission hold the weight of law and are immune from judicial scrutiny.

Future Directions:

• Addressing the need to strike a balance between democratic representation and federal considerations is crucial. 
• Proposals for achieving this balance encompass initiatives such as capping the number of Lok Sabha seats while aligning the count of Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) with population variations. 
• Additionally, empowering local bodies to foster grassroots democracy is recommended for further democratic enhancement.

Finances of Panchayati Raj Institutions

Key Report Highlights:

Composition of Revenue:

• PRIs derive a mere 1% of their revenue from taxes, with the majority sourced from grants provided by the Central and State governments.
• Data reveals that 80% of revenue originates from Central government grants, while 15% stems from State government grants.

Revenue Statistics:

• In the fiscal year 2022-23, PRIs amassed a total revenue of Rs 35,354 crore, with a nominal Rs 737 crore generated through their own tax revenue.
• Non-tax revenue stood at Rs 1,494 crore, primarily stemming from interest payments and Panchayati Raj programs.
• Significantly, PRIs received Rs 24,699 crore in grants from the Central government and Rs 8,148 crore from State governments.

Revenue Per Panchayat:

• On average, each panchayat garnered merely Rs 21,000 from its own tax revenue and Rs 73,000 from non-tax revenue.
• Conversely, grants from the Central government averaged approximately Rs 17 lakh per panchayat, with State government grants totaling over Rs 3.25 lakh per panchayat.
• State Revenue Share and Inter-State Disparities:
• PRIs' share in their respective State's own revenue remains minimal, with wide variations observed among states regarding average revenue earned per panchayat.

Recommendations by RBI:

• The RBI advocates for greater decentralization and empowerment of local leaders and officials, alongside measures to enhance financial autonomy and sustainability of Panchayati Raj.
• The report underscores the potential for PRIs to optimize resource utilization through transparent budgeting, fiscal discipline, community involvement in development prioritization, staff training, and rigorous monitoring and evaluation.
• Moreover, it stresses the importance of raising public awareness about PRI functions and fostering citizen participation for effective local governance.

Why do Panchayats Face Funding Related Issues?

Limited Taxation:

• The PRI have limited powers in respect of imposing cesses and taxes. They have very little funds doled out to them by the State Government. Further, they are generally reluctant to raise necessary funds due to the fear of losing popularity with the masses.

Low Capacity and Utilization:

• PRI’s may lack the capacity and skills to generate their own revenue from various sources, such as fees, tolls, rents, etc.
• They also face challenges in utilising the funds efficiently and effectively, due to poor planning, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms.

Fiscal Decentralisation Issues:

• Insufficient devolution of financial powers and functions from higher levels of government to panchayats hampers their ability to mobilise resources independently. Limited fiscal decentralisation undermines local governance and community empowerment.

What are the Repercussions of Panchayats’ Financial Dependence?

• Dependence on external funding leads to interference from higher tiers of government.
• Delayed release of funds by State governments forces panchayats to use private funds.
• Some regions have also reported non-receipt of funds under key schemes, impacting their functioning.
• The Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in March, 2023 said that 19 out of 34 State/UTs did not receive any funds under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan scheme in FY23.

What is a Panchayati Raj Institution?

• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 gave constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and established a system of uniform structure (three tiers of PRIs), elections, reservation of seats for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and women and devolution of fund, functions and functionaries to PRIs.
  • Panchayats act on three levels: gram sabhas (village or group of small villages), panchayat samithis (block council), and zila parishads (district).
• Article 243G of the Constitution of India gives state legislatures the power to provide Panchayats with the authority and powers to function as self-government institutions.
• For financial empowerment of Panchayats, provisions have been made in terms of Article 243H, Article 280(3)(bb) and Article 243-I of the Constitution.
  • Article 243H gives state legislatures the power to authorize Panchayats to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees. It also allows them to assign these taxes, duties, tolls, and fees to Panchayats, subject to conditions and limits.
  • Article 280(3) (bb), it shall be the duty of the Central Finance Commission to make recommendations to the President as to the measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Panchayats in the State on the basis of the recommendations made by the Finance Commission of the State.
  • Article 243-I mandates the formation of state finance commissions every five years by the Governor. These commissions are tasked with reviewing the financial status of panchayats and advising the Governor on:
• Principles guiding the distribution of taxes, duties, tolls, and fees between the state and panchayats, including their respective shares and allocation among different levels of panchayats.
• Measures to improve panchayats' financial position.
• Any other finance-related matters referred by the Governor.
• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj looks into all matters relating to the Panchayati Raj and Panchayati Raj Institutions. It was created in May 2004.

CBSE to Introduce Credit System

• This strategic overhaul aims to revolutionize the educational landscape by introducing a cohesive framework that bridges the gap between vocational and general education.

Understanding the Credit System:

• Overview: The credit system quantifies and evaluates students' learning by assigning numerical values, or credits, to various courses or learning activities based on the time and effort required to master the subject matter.
• Objectives of Creditisation under NEP 2020: The creditisation initiative seeks to establish academic parity between vocational and general education, thereby facilitating seamless transition between these two educational domains as envisioned in the NEP 2020. To operationalize this vision, the University Grants Commission introduced the National Credit Framework (NCrF) in 2022.
• NCrF: This framework serves as a unified credit system for integrating training and skill development into both school and higher education settings. Students' earned credits will be digitally cataloged in the Academic Bank of Credits, accessible through linked Digilocker accounts.

CBSE Subcommittee Recommendations:

• Notional Learning: The proposed academic year would encompass 1,200 notional learning hours, translating to 40 credits for students. Notional learning denotes the designated time required for an average student to achieve specified learning outcomes. Subjects are allotted specific hours to ensure a total of 1,200 learning hours per year for students to successfully progress.
• Curriculum Structure for Classes 9 and 10: In these grades, students must complete 10 subjects, including three languages and seven core subjects. Among the languages, at least two must be Indian languages (e.g., Hindi, Sanskrit, or English). The seven core subjects encompass math and computational thinking, social science, science, art education, physical education and well-being, vocational education, and environmental education.
• Curriculum Structure for Classes 11 and 12: Students are expected to study six subjects in these grades, comprising two languages and four subjects, with an optional fifth subject. At least one language must be Indian in origin.

What are the Other Major Features of NEP 2020?

About: The NEP 2020 aims at making “India a global knowledge superpower”. It is only the 3^rd major revamp of the framework of education in India since independence.

• The two earlier education policies were brought in 1968 and 1986.

Major Features:

• Universal Access and Quality Education: It aims to ensure universal access to education from pre-primary to Grade 12.
• Quality early childhood care and education for children aged 3-6 are emphasised.
• New Curricular and Pedagogical Structure: Introduces a new structure of 5+3+3+4.
• Promotes integration between arts and sciences, curricular and extracurricular activities, and vocational and academic streams.
• Assessment Reforms and Equity: Establishes the National Assessment Centre, PARAKH.
• It calls for a separate Gender Inclusion fund and Special Education Zones for disadvantaged regions and groups.
• Technological Integration: Establishes the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) for technology integration.
• Financial Investment and Coordination: Aims to increase public investment in the education sector to 6% of GDP.
• Strengthens the Central Advisory Board of Education for coordination and quality focus.
• It also advocates for 'Light but Tight' regulation.
• Gross Enrolment Ratio(GER) Targets: Aims to increase GER to 100% in preschool to secondary level by 2030.
• Targets GER in Higher Education, including vocational education, to reach 50% by 2035.
• Proposes holistic and multidisciplinary education with multiple entry/exit options.

Motion of Thanks

Understanding the Motion of Thanks:

• The Motion of Thanks is a parliamentary procedure aimed at formally expressing gratitude or appreciation for the President’s Address to both Houses of Parliament.
• The President’s Address, drafted by the Government, outlines the previous year's activities, achievements, and forthcoming policies, projects, and programs concerning national and international issues.
• As per Article 87 of the Indian Constitution, the President addresses both Houses of Parliament at the onset of each general election and yearly thereafter, providing reasons for summoning Parliament.
• Rules governing parliamentary procedures allocate time for discussing matters outlined in the President’s Address, termed a 'special address', which is an annual event.
• The President's address, akin to the 'speech from the Throne' in Britain, undergoes discussion in both Houses through the 'Motion of Thanks'.
• During this discussion, amendments may be proposed, addressing both matters in the Address and any perceived omissions.
• The Prime Minister or another Minister concludes the discussion with a reply, after which amendments are considered and the Motion of Thanks is voted upon.
• Passage of the Motion of Thanks is imperative, signifying the government's confidence, while its defeat implies a lack thereof.
• However, discussions are limited to matters directly under the Central Government's purview, with constraints against mentioning the President's name in debate.

What are the Highlights of the President's Address?

Fastest-Growing Major Economy:

• Despite global challenges, the President declared India as the fastest-growing major economy, maintaining a growth rate of over 7.5% for two consecutive quarters.

Macro-Economic Stability:

• The government's focus on ensuring macroeconomic stability is credited for India's transformation from a 'fragile five' to a 'top five' economy.
• Macroeconomic Stability describes a national economy that has minimised vulnerability to external shocks, which in turn increases its prospects for sustained growth.
• It acts as a buffer against currency and interest fluctuations in the global market.
• Exposure to currency fluctuations, large debt burdens, and unmanaged inflation can cause economic crises and a collapse in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Impressive Export Figures:

• India's exports witnessed substantial growth, surging to over USD 775 billion, showcasing the nation's economic resilience.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Surge:

• FDI flows doubled, contributing to India's economic strength.
• India stood at USD 45.15 billion in 2014-2015 and have since consecutively reached record FDI inflows for eight years. The year 2021-22 recorded the highest ever FDI at USD 83.6 billion.
• During FY 2022-23, FDI inflow of USD 71 billion (provisional figure) has been reported.

Khadi and Village Industries Boom:

• Sales of Khadi and Village Industries products quadrupled from the financial year 2013-14 to the financial year 2022-23, reflecting the success of initiatives supporting indigenous industries.

Income Tax Returns Soar:

• The number of people filing income tax returns increased significantly from about 3.25 crore in the assessment year (AY) 2013-14 to approximately 8.25 crore in the A.Y. 2023-2024.

Robust Forex Reserves:

• The President announced that India's forex reserves now exceed USD 600 billion, underscoring the nation's financial stability.

PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme:

• Under PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana farmers received over Rs 2.8 lakh crore, emphasising the government's commitment to supporting agricultural livelihoods.

Loans for Farmers:

• Over the past decade, there has been a threefold increase in easy loans for farmers from banks, contributing to the financial well-being of the farming community.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Success:

• The President highlighted the success of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, where farmers paid a premium of Rs 30,000 crore and received a substantial claim of Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

Ram Temple Construction:

• The President highlighted the historic occasion of the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
• Emphasized that the centuries-old aspiration to build the temple had become a reality, symbolizing a cultural milestone for the nation.
• The President noted the role of the government in promoting heritage tourism, citing the significant turnout of 13 lakh devotees during the five days of consecration ceremonies in Ayodhya.