R2R NEWSPAPER NOTES

R2R SSB BATCHES START EVERY 1ST & 15TH of month. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

• Puri Rath Yatra Stampede: On June 29, a stampede during the Jagannath chariot procession in Puri, Odisha, resulted in 3 deaths and over 50 injuries.
• Cause of Stampede: A major contributing factor was the "unprecedented chaos" caused by stopping the chariot for VIP entry, blocking normal pathways and forcing pilgrims into a single, narrow corridor.
• VIP Culture: The article highlights India's entrenched "VIP culture," where privileged access for a few leads to dangerous overcrowding and negligence during public events.
• Repeated Incidents: This is the ninth stampede in India in the past 12 months, with six occurring at religious gatherings.
• Government's Response: The State government has ordered a probe, but the article criticizes the lack of decisive action to curb VIP culture.
• Recommendations: The article advocates for restricting VIP entry to public events, promoting barrier-free access, and prioritizing the safety and comfort of all attendees.

• India's Foreign Policy Challenges: India faces a complex geopolitical landscape with challenges from China, Pakistan, and an evolving US policy.
• China-Pakistan Nexus: The article highlights the growing China-Pakistan military cooperation, including joint exercises and potential transfer of technology, which poses a significant concern for India's security.
• "Wake-up Call" for India: Recent developments, like China's increased assertiveness and Pakistan's military modernization, are a "wake-up call" for India to enhance its defense preparedness.
• US-India Relations: While relations with the US have improved, India needs to ensure its "strategic autonomy" and not become overly reliant on any single power.
• Nuclear Capabilities: The article discusses the nuclear capabilities of India, Pakistan, and China, emphasizing the need for a stable strategic balance to prevent a nuclear arms race.
• China's White Paper: China's recently published white paper on national security outlines its defense plans, which India needs to study carefully.
• India's Objectives: India needs to secure its borders, strengthen its military capabilities, and foster strong economic growth to maintain its position in the evolving global order.
• Regional Diplomacy: India is urged to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to address regional disputes and prevent escalation.

• Geographical Indication (GI) Tags: GI tags identify products originating from a specific region, possessing unique qualities or characteristics. In India, 658 GI-tagged goods are registered.
• Cultural Misappropriation: The article discusses whether GI tags can prevent the misuse or exploitation of traditional knowledge and cultural products.
• Case Studies:
  • Basmati Rice (US vs. India): A US patent for "basmati" rice was challenged by India due to its geographical origin.
  • Turmeric Patent (US vs. India): A US patent for turmeric's wound-healing properties was overturned after India proved its traditional medicinal use.
• Legal Framework: The article refers to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883) and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, 1995, as international legal frameworks for GI protection.
• Benefits of GI Tags: GI tags protect traditional knowledge, promote rural development, and prevent unfair competition or passing off of goods.
• Limitations: GI protection is primarily territorial and not always sufficient to prevent misuse globally. Infringement can occur across borders, requiring international cooperation.
• Way Forward: Strengthening international cooperation and establishing a searchable database of traditional knowledge are crucial to prevent cultural misappropriation.

• Gender Gap in Mathematics: The article explores the persistent question of whether girls or boys perform better in mathematics.
• Research Findings:
  • A study in France found that girls and boys begin school with similar mathematical abilities, but a gender gap emerges in favor of boys by high school.
  • In the US, 26.53 lakh children aged 5-7 years from over four years were studied, showing that boys generally outperform girls in mathematics.
  • However, some studies indicate no significant gender differences or even a slight advantage for girls in early years.
• Contributing Factors:
  • Stereotypes and Bias: Social stereotypes and unconscious bias can influence performance.
  • Attitudes and Confidence: Differences in attitudes towards mathematics, self-confidence, and anxiety can play a role.
  • Teaching Methods: The way mathematics is taught and the resources available can affect performance.
  • Curriculum: The content and structure of mathematics curricula can influence gender differences.
• Impact on STEM Careers: The gender gap in mathematics often translates to fewer women pursuing careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
• Interventions: The article suggests that interventions at the primary school level are crucial. These include teacher training, equitable education, and encouraging girls to engage in mathematics.
• Conclusion: While the debate continues, addressing underlying factors like stereotypes and attitudes is key to achieving gender equity in mathematics education.

NEWS IN SHORTS

1. PM Modi's Five-Nation Tour to Focus on Defence, Africa Outreach, Multilaterals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a five-nation tour from July 2-9, visiting Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The tour aims to strengthen defence cooperation, particularly in rare earth minerals and security systems. Discussions will also cover Africa outreach, climate action, and multilateral cooperation, including BRICS participation. India seeks to enhance ties in critical sectors like aviation, maritime security, and renewable energy, while countering cross-border terrorism.

2. Bihar Has Consistently Fallen Behind in Registering Births, Report Shows

A report based on the 2009 Civil Registration System (CRS) reveals that Bihar consistently lags in birth registrations. In 2000, registrations were 3.7%, rising to only 16.9% in 2005, significantly below the national average of 56.2%. Issues include a lack of awareness and a low percentage of institutional births being registered immediately. The Registrar-General of India has urged states to ensure birth certificates are issued before hospital discharge to improve registration rates.

3. Why the Prestige of Doctors is Eroding

The article discusses the erosion of respect for the medical profession in India, contrasting it with historical reverence. It attributes this decline to several factors, including the commercialization of healthcare, lack of transparency, and inadequate regulatory oversight. The piece highlights how the doctor-patient relationship has become transactional, with a rise in medical negligence cases and a decline in public trust. The need for ethical practice and a return to the original values of medicine are emphasized for restoring public confidence.

4. How Unsafe Drugs Reach Patients?

A major investigation reveals that unsafe and substandard cancer drugs are widespread in over 100 countries, affecting patient safety and treatment efficacy. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism uncovered issues such as quality failures, lack of proper storage, and contamination. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a rapid alert system for dangerous drugs, but challenges in quality control, particularly in low and middle-income countries, allow these drugs to proliferate. Experts advocate for stronger regulatory oversight and improved supply chain management to ensure drug safety.

5. India to Get Above-Normal Rain in July, Forecasts IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts "above-normal" monsoon rainfall in July, crucial for agricultural operations. States including Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Telangana are expected to receive heavy rain in catchment areas of rivers like Krishna, Godavari, and Mahanadi. This forecast indicates more than 8% above normal rainfall for June-September, largely due to the absence of an El Niño. The IMD advises monitoring rainfall activity, especially in rain-deficient regions.

6. 17 Dead in Massive Explosion at Pharma Unit Near Hyderabad

A massive explosion at a pharmaceutical unit in Sangareddy, near Hyderabad, resulted in 17 deaths and over 30 injuries. The blast occurred during production hours, trapping many workers under debris. Emergency response teams and disaster relief forces were deployed to the site for rescue operations. Authorities have initiated an official inquiry to determine the cause of the explosion, which highlights concerns about safety protocols and industrial accidents in the region.

7. China Says Border Dispute With India Complicated, Ready for Delimitation Talks

China has stated that the border dispute with India is "complicated" and will take time to resolve but expressed readiness for delimitation talks. During a meeting in Qingdao, Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun discussed maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both sides emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions and strengthen bilateral communication to achieve a "fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution."

8. India Fast-Tracks 52 Satellites for Precision Surveillance Following Operation Sindoor

India has fast-tracked the launch of 52 dedicated surveillance satellites to enhance round-the-clock monitoring of coastlines and land borders, following the success of Operation Sindoor. ISRO will manufacture the first 21 satellites, with private companies handling the remaining 31. These next-generation satellites will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for smarter decisions and improved operational performance, aiming to bolster India's defence capabilities and reduce reliance on other countries for military assets.

9. GST Reform and Unfinished Business in Tobacco Control

The article discusses the impact of GST on tobacco control in India, noting its dual effect on revenue and public health. While GST aimed to simplify taxes, the current structure of specific excise duties on tobacco products is complex and often too low, making tobacco products affordable. Experts suggest that rationalizing and increasing taxes on tobacco products would significantly reduce consumption and boost revenue, aligning with public health objectives.

10. IIP Growth at 9-Month Low of 1.2% in May

India's industrial activity growth slumped to a nine-month low of 1.2% in May, according to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The mining, electricity, primary goods, consumer goods, and manufacturing sectors all contracted or showed sharply slowed growth compared to the previous year. Specifically, manufacturing growth nearly halved to 2.6%, and the electricity sector contracted 5.8%. The figures highlight a significant slowdown in industrial output, raising concerns about economic recovery.