CENTRAL CONSUMER PROTECTION AUTHORITY
1. Context
The government has issued a stern warning to online players, emphasizing the need to halt the exploitation of consumers through deceptive practices known as 'dark patterns.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), established under The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, will play a crucial role in combating these unethical tactics.
2. About The Central Consumer Protection Authority
- It is constituted under Section 10(1) of The Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
- It replaces the previous Consumer Protection Act of 1986.
- It aims to address consumer concerns and protect consumer rights and Targets unfair trade practices and false/misleading advertisements.
2.1. Powers of the CCPA
- It is an Authority to investigate violations of consumer rights and unfair trade practices.
- it can initiate investigations suo motu, based on complaints or directives from the central government.
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution finalizing rules for CCPA's composition and functioning.
2.2. Structure of the CCPA
- It is a lean body with a Chief Commissioner as the head and Two other commissioners, one responsible for goods and the other for services.
- It is Headquartered in the National Capital Region of Delhi, with the possibility of regional offices.
2.3. Dealing with Dangerous, Hazardous, or Unsafe Goods
- The specific classification of such goods is not mentioned in the Act.
- CCPA ensures adherence to standards set by regulators like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
2.4. Actions against Non-compliant Goods or Services
Under Section 20 of The Consumer Protection Act, CCPA has the power to:
- Recall goods or withdraw services deemed dangerous, hazardous, or unsafe.
- Order refunds for purchasers of recalled goods or services.
- Discontinue unfair practices prejudicial to consumer interests.
2.5. Penalties for Adulterated Products
Penalties vary based on the harm caused:
- No consumer injury: Fine of up to Rs 1 lakh with imprisonment of up to six months.
- Injury caused: Fine of up to Rs 3 lakh with imprisonment of up to one year.
- Grievous hurt caused: Fine of up to Rs 5 lakh with imprisonment of up to 7 years.
- Death caused: Fine of Rs 10 lakh or more with a minimum imprisonment of 7 years, extendable to life imprisonment.
2.6. Addressing False or Misleading Advertisements
- Section 21 of the Act empowers CCPA to take action against such advertisements.
- CCPA can issue directions to discontinue or modify misleading ads.
- Penalties for manufacturers or endorsers range from fines up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment of up to two years.
- Subsequent offences can lead to higher penalties of up to Rs 50 lakh and imprisonment of up to five years.
- CCPA may ban endorsers from making endorsements for up to one year, extending to three years for subsequent violations.
2.7. Additional Powers of the CCPA
- Investigation Wing headed by a Director General.
- Officers can conduct preliminary inquiries, enter premises, and seize relevant documents or articles.
- CCPA can file complaints before Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions.
- Issuance of safety notices to alert consumers against dangerous or unsafe goods/services.
3. The Way Forward
- The government's firm stance against 'dark patterns' highlights the significance of consumer protection.
- Through the Central Consumer Protection Authority, violations of consumer rights, and unfair trade.
|
For Prelims: Central Consumer Protection Authority, consumer rights, unfair trade, consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions, The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, Consumer Protection Act of 1986, Ministry of Consumer Affairs,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the key provisions and objectives of The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with a focus on the establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and its role in safeguarding consumer rights. (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions 1. With reference to consumer's rights/privileges under the provisions of the law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2012)
1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.
2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.
3. In case of the death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
2. With reference to the Consumer Disputes Redressal at district level in India, which one of the following statements is not correct? (UPSC 2010)
A. A State Government can establish more than one District Forum in a district if it deems fit B. One of the members of the District Forum shall be a woman
C. The District Forum entertains the complaints where the value of goods or services does not exceed rupees fifty lakhs
D. A complaint in relation to any goods sold or any service provided may be filed with a District Forum by the State Government as a representative of the interests of the consumers in general
Answer: C 3. Provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 has come into force since ________. (SSC MTS 2021)
A. 12 March 2020 B. 23 June 2020 C. 30 April 2020 D. 20 July 2020
Answer: D
|
Source: The Indian Express
CARBON MOLECULES IN SPACE
1. Context
Detecting carbon molecules in space has significant implications across various scientific disciplines.
It offers insights into the origins of life, astrochemistry, stellar and planetary formation, identification of potential life-supporting environments, and our understanding of the interstellar medium.
2. Understanding the Origins of Life
- Carbon as a fundamental element: Carbon is a vital element for life, and organic compounds containing carbon are essential building blocks for living organisms.
- Insights into chemical processes: Detecting carbon molecules in space helps scientists understand the chemical processes that occurred during the formation of stars, planets, and the emergence of life.
3. Astrochemistry and Chemical Evolution
- Studying interstellar environments: Carbon molecules provide valuable information about the synthesis of complex organic compounds, such as amino acids, sugars, and DNA precursors.
- Mapping chemical evolution: By mapping the distribution and abundance of carbon-based compounds, scientists can unravel the chemical evolution of the universe.
Image Source: Nature4. Probing Stellar and Planetary Formation
- Role in star and planet formation: Carbon compounds play a crucial role in the formation of stars and planets.
- Tracing protoplanetary disks: Observations of carbon molecules help trace the chemical composition and physical conditions of protoplanetary disks, which are the birthplaces of planets.
5. Identifying Potential Life-Supporting Environments
- Indicators of habitable environments: Carbon-based molecules can serve as indicators of environments conducive to hosting life.
- Search for life beyond Earth: Detecting carbon molecules aids in the search for habitable environments on planets or moons within our solar system and beyond.
6. Understanding the Interstellar Medium
- The role of carbon molecules: Carbon compounds play a significant role in the chemical and physical processes occurring within the interstellar medium.
- Interplay between matter and energy: Studying carbon compounds helps scientists gain a better understanding of the interplay between matter, energy, and the lifecycle of stars.
7. The Way Forward
- The detection of carbon molecules in space offers valuable insights into the origins of life, chemical evolution, planetary formation, the search for habitable environments, and our understanding of the dynamics of the universe.
- By unravelling the presence and characteristics of carbon-based compounds, scientists deepen their understanding of our place in the cosmos and contribute to answering fundamental questions about the existence of life beyond Earth.
|
For Prelims: Carbon molecules, DNA, Stars, life, Earth,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the significance of detecting carbon molecules in space for understanding the origins of life. How do these molecules contribute to the chemical processes involved in the formation of stars, and planets, and the emergence of life? (250 words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements (UPSC 2020)
1. They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.
2. They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of the human body.
3. They can be used in biochemical sensors.
4. Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2, 3 and 4 only C. 1, 3 and 4 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: C
2. With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct? (UPSC 2019)
A. Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
B. Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
C. A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.
D. Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes
Answer: A
3. A person stood alone in a desert on a dark night and wanted to reach his village which was situated 5 km east of the point where he was standing. He had no instruments to find the direction but he located the polestar. The most convenient way now to reach his village is to walk in the (UPSC 2012)
A. direction facing the polestar.
B. direction opposite to the polestar.
C. direction keeping the polestar to his left.
D. direction keeping the polestar to his right.
Answer: C
4. On 21st June, the Sun (UPSC 2019)
A. does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
B.does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
C.shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
D. shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn
Answer: A
|
Source: The Indian Express
ANAEMIA AND MATERNAL HEALTH
1. Context
Recently, there has been news coverage in India regarding folate anaemia and its impact on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS). The government proposed to remove a question specifically addressing anaemia from the survey and replace it with a more comprehensive test to determine haemoglobin levels in the blood. This change is part of the Diet and Biomarker (DAB) survey.
Additionally, a research paper suggesting that normative values for haemoglobin should be lowered in India has faced criticism. The paper is based on a small study, which has raised concerns about its applicability to the entire population.
2. About Anaemia
Anaemia is a common blood disorder characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a deficiency in the amount of haemoglobin a protein responsible for carrying oxygen to body tissues. It can lead to fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. While anaemia can result from various causes, it is often preventable through proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
.png)
Image Source: The Hindu
3. Anaemia can occur due to various reasons, including
- Iron Deficiency: Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia. It happens when the body doesn't have enough iron to produce sufficient amounts of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. Inadequate iron intake, poor absorption of iron, increased iron requirements (such as during pregnancy), and blood loss (through menstruation or gastrointestinal bleeding) can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
- Vitamin Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) can result in anaemia. These vitamins are crucial for red blood cell production. A lack of dietary intake, impaired absorption (as seen in certain gastrointestinal conditions), or inadequate utilization of these vitamins can contribute to anaemia.
- Chronic Diseases and Conditions: Certain chronic diseases can interfere with red blood cell production or lead to increased destruction of red blood cells. Examples include kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammation. These conditions can disrupt the normal functioning of the bone marrow, affecting the production of red blood cells, or causing their destruction.
- Inherited Disorders: Some types of anaemia are inherited. Examples include sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, and hereditary spherocytosis. These genetic disorders affect the structure or production of red blood cells, leading to chronic anaemia.
- Other Factors: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can suppress the production of red blood cells. Infections, such as malaria, can also cause the destruction of red blood cells. Additionally, rare conditions like aplastic anaemia, where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells, can result in anaemia.
4. Anaemia and Postpartum Haemorrhage
- The WOMAN trial collaborators conducted a study to examine the association between anaemia and the risk of postpartum haemorrhage (excessive vaginal bleeding after delivery).
- Worldwide, more than half a billion women of reproductive age are anaemic, and postpartum haemorrhage is a major cause of maternal deaths, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
- The trial included over 10,000 women with moderate or severe anaemia giving birth vaginally in Pakistan, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia.
- The study analyzed the continuous relationship between pre-birth haemoglobin levels and the risk of postpartum haemorrhage.
- By defining the outcome in three ways (clinical postpartum haemorrhage, WHO-defined postpartum haemorrhage, and calculated postpartum haemorrhage), the researchers assessed different thresholds of blood loss.
- The advantage of examining anaemia as a continuous variable is that it helps identify a potential causal relationship by demonstrating a monotonic biological gradient.
- The findings provide valuable insights into the strong association between anaemia and the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to address and manage anaemia in pregnancy.
5. Prevention Strategies
- Balanced Diet: Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate is essential for preventing anaemia. Iron-rich foods include lean meats, seafood, leafy green vegetables, beans, and fortified cereals. Foods high in vitamin B12 are animal-based products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Folate can be obtained from green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified grains.
- Iron Absorption: Enhancing iron absorption can contribute to preventing anaemia. Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers, can aid in the absorption of dietary iron. On the other hand, certain substances like tannins found in tea and coffee can inhibit iron absorption, so it's advisable to consume them in moderation.
- Avoiding Nutrient Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamin B12, folate, and other essential nutrients can lead to anaemia. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a varied diet that includes all necessary vitamins and minerals. If a balanced diet is not sufficient, dietary supplements can be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Managing Chronic Conditions: Some chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, and certain cancers, can contribute to anaemia. Proper management of these conditions, including regular check-ups, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications, can help prevent anaemia or reduce its severity.
- Prenatal Care: Pregnant women are more susceptible to anaemia due to increased blood volume requirements. Regular prenatal care, including iron and folate supplementation, is essential to prevent anaemia during pregnancy and ensure the healthy development of the fetus.
- Blood Loss Prevention: Certain individuals, such as women with heavy menstrual bleeding or individuals with gastrointestinal bleeding, are prone to anaemia due to blood loss. Effective management of these conditions, including medical interventions, can help prevent anaemia associated with excessive blood loss.
|
For Prelims: Anaemia, Maternal Health, National Family Health Survey (NFHS), Diet and Biomarker (DAB) survey, Iron deficiency, Vitamin deficiency, vitamin B12, folate (vitamin B9), and Postpartum Haemorrhage.
For Mains: 1. Analyze the factors contributing to anaemia in pregnant women and evaluate the effectiveness of existing interventions in preventing and managing anaemia during pregnancy. (250 words).
|
Previous year Question1. Anaemia is caused by the deficiency of which of the following element? (SSC CGL 2017)A. Cobalt
B. Iron
C. Sodium
D. Calcium
Answer: B
|
Source: The Hindu
ZO PEOPLE
1. Context
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga’s emotional appeal to restore peace in Manipur through a tweet recently came on the same day as the main opposition in his state, the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), called for a reunification of the Zo people in view of the continuing ethnic violence between the dominant Meiteis and the Kuki-Zomi tribes in the neighboring state.
2. About Zo people
- The Zo people, also known as the Mizo-Kuki-Chin group, are an indigenous ethnic group primarily inhabiting the northeastern states of Manipur and Mizoram in India.
- They also have a significant presence in neighboring regions of Bangladesh and Myanmar. The Zo people have a rich cultural heritage, distinctive traditions, and a strong sense of identity.
- In Manipur, the Zo people primarily reside in the districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, and Senapati.
- They are one of the major ethnic communities in the state and have made significant contributions to its cultural diversity. In Mizoram, the Zo people constitute the largest ethnic group and are the native inhabitants of the state.
3. Zo People Society, Occupation and Religion
- The Zo people have a complex social structure and are organized into various clans and sub-clans. They have a matrilineal system where kinship and inheritance are traced through the mother's line.
- Traditional customs and practices play an essential role in their daily lives, including vibrant festivals, folk dances, and music.
- Agriculture is the primary occupation of the Zo people, with the cultivation of crops like rice, maize, millet, and vegetables being central to their livelihood.
- They are known for their skill in weaving and handicrafts, creating intricate traditional garments, baskets, and pottery.
- Christianity has had a profound influence on the Zo people, with the majority embracing Christianity, particularly the Presbyterian denomination.
- The spread of Christianity has brought about significant changes in their social and cultural practices.
4. Zo people Art and culture
- The Zo people have a strong sense of community and take pride in their cultural heritage.
- They have made notable contributions to art, literature, and sports. The Mizo language, a Tibeto-Burman language, is widely spoken among the Zo people, with various dialects across different regions.
- Despite facing challenges such as socioeconomic disparities, infrastructure development, and cultural preservation, the Zo people have strived to maintain their unique identity and work towards the upliftment of their communities.
- Efforts are being made to promote education, healthcare, and sustainable development in their regions.
5. The Chin Hills
- The Chin Hills, also known as the Indo-Chin Hill ranges, are densely forested and located in northwestern Myanmar, with elevations ranging from 2,100 to 3,000 meters.
- The region is inhabited by various tribes that fall under the Zo ethnic umbrella.
- The Zo peoples include tribes such as the Chin, Kuki, Mizo, Lushei, Zomi, Paitei, Hmar, Ralte, Pawi, Lai, Mara, Gangte, Thadou, and others, spread across Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh.
- These tribes are believed to have migrated from China, passed through Tibet, and eventually settled in Myanmar. They speak Tibeto-Burman languages.
- Internal conflicts and feuds among tribal clans led to migration westward in the 17th century, resulting in the settlement of many tribes in present-day Mizoram and parts of Manipur.
- Despite recent migration caused by the military coup in Myanmar, there has been a long history of seamless movement across the porous international border between Myanmar and Mizoram.
- The tribes share commonalities in ethnicity, religion (Christianity), and historical experiences, including the Mizo nationalist movement of the 1960s.
- Many individuals from Mizoram sought refuge in Manipur during the crackdown by Indian forces, and they have since lived there.
6. Reunification
- Most displaced people from Manipur have settled in Mizoram's districts of Aizawl, Kolasib, and Serchhip.
- While some individuals are housed in transit camps set up by the Mizoram government, the majority live with their Mizo relatives.
- Many displaced individuals have existing homes or business connections in Mizoram and have been regularly traveling between the two states.
- The movement for "Zo reunification," which aimed to integrate areas from Manipur, Tripura, Arakan (Myanmar), and Chittagong Hills (Bangladesh) with Mizoram, has diminished due to political challenges.
- However, the idea of reunification still holds emotional significance for the people of Mizoram.
- The Mizo National Front (MNF), led by Zoramthanga, and the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), led by Lalduhoma, are likely to support demands for a separate administrative setup for the tribes of Manipur and potential territorial integration with Mizoram.
|
For Prelims: Zo People, Mizo National Front (MNF), Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), Chin Hills, Tibeto-Burman languages, and Zo reunification.
For Mains: 1. Discuss the historical migration patterns and geographical distribution of the Zo people across Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh, highlighting the major tribes and sub-tribes that fall under the Zo ethnic umbrella. (250 words).
|
Source: The Indian Express
SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA
1. Context
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget, declared Sickle cell Anaemia as a national mission.
2. Key Points
- Way back in 2019, Prof Sudam Laxman Kate, emeritus scientist with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Former Deputy Director of the Tribal Health Research project, at B.J. Medical College, Pune, was crusading to help tribals suffering from Sickle Cell Anaemia.
- He has done pioneering research in Sickle Cell Disease, especially among tribal populations of India.
- He was the first scientist to find Sickle Cell disorder in the tribes of north Maharashtra in 1972. Diseases of the Poor often get neglected in discussions on health.
- He set up two centres dedicated to Sickle Cell anaemia in northern Maharashtra and a community health care centre in 1998 called "Sickle cell Dawakhana" in the remote Satpuda, under the aegis of Maharashtra Arogya Mandal Hadapsar, Pune.
3. Nature of the disease
- It is an inherited genetic disease where a point mutation in haemoglobin makes it abnormal and prone to structural change.
- This causes the red blood cells to take an abnormal "sickle" shape, which obstructs blood flow.
- This can lead to severe haemolysis and persistent anaemia and affects the functioning of other organs in the later stages.
- Common symptoms are anaemia, jaundice and liver and spleen enlargement.
- In severe cases, patients have debilitating orthopaedic conditions called avascular necrosis of the femur.
- The disease can be very severe and reduces the quality of life. Patients have very painful conditions called "crisis".
- There is no complete cure. The only way to help the patient is by providing symptomatic treatment and pain management. Improve nutritional status.
- Hydroxyurea drug has been shown to reduce morbidity.
- Currently, Sudham Kate Research Foundation is conducting a clinical trial of this drug on patients in collaboration with ICMR to see its efficacy in Indian Sickle Cell patients.
4. The Burden of disease
- The disease burden from Sickle Cell anaemia in India is prevalent in tribal populations, especially in Maharashtra.
| The disease burden figures may exceed 14 lacks across India, but with intensified screening, the numbers are likely to increase Tribes like Pawara, Bhil, Madia, Gond and Pardhan from Maharashtra have a very high prevalence. |
- Approximately more than three lakh patients in the tribal areas are affected and it is most prevalent in the central India belt covering states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and parts of Bengal.
- There are pockets in the South, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of Telangana.
5. Prevention
- There is a lack of screening awareness and inadequate screening centres/ facilities in tribal and rural areas. Also, failure to access primary healthcare is a concern.
- It is a genetic disease and the only prevention lies in a timely diagnosis through cost-effective and large-scale screening camps along with marriage counselling.
- Prenatal diagnosis can also play an important role.
6. The way forward
- Resource utilisation and implementation of projects at the grassroots level and collaboration between government and NGOs are the keys.
- Treating more than patients over the years in remote inaccessible tribal areas is the main challenge was the lack of adequate medical laboratory infrastructure.
- The development of point-of-care indigenous, low-cost, simple and minimally invasive diagnostic tests for hemoglobinopathies could be performed at the homes of these remote tribal populations.
|
Previous Year Questions:
1.Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics : (UPSC 2022)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3
D.2 and 3
Answer (C)
2.In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? (2022) A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3
Answer (B)
|
For Prelims & Mains
|
For Prelims: Sickle Cell Anaemia, ICMR, Tribals, Genetic disease, Sickle cell Dawakhana, National Mission, Prof Sudam Laxman Kate, Primary Health Care, Sudham Kate Research Foundation, Hydroxyurea drug
For Mains:
1. What is Sickle Cell Anaemia and Discuss the nature and prevention of Sickle Cell Anaemia. (250 Words)
|
Source: The Indian Express
