19 June 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. The Post Office Act 2023 comes into effect from today

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity & Governance

Context:-

“The Post Office Act, 2023” modernises India’s postal services by removing monopolies, enhancing citizen-centric and banking services. Effective from 18th June 2024, it aims to streamline operations and introduce new standards for addressing and postal code usage, repealing the 1898 legislation.

Analysis of the news:

• Legislation: “The Post Office Act, 2023” passed on 24th December 2023, aims to modernise postal services.
• Objectives: Simplifies operations, enhances service delivery for citizens, banking, and government schemes.
• Key Changes: Ends monopoly on letter collection, processing, and delivery to boost business and convenience.
• Penalties: No punitive measures specified under the Act.
• Implementation: Effective from 18th June 2024, replacing the Indian Post Office Act, 1898.
• Regulatory Framework: Introduces standards for item addressing, address identifiers, and use of postcodes.

The Post Office Act, 2023:

Key Highlights of the Post Office Act, 2023: Director General of Postal Services: Empowered to regulate and set charges for postal services without parliamentary approval. Interception of Shipments: Allows for interception, opening, or detention of postal items for reasons including state security, public order, and prevention of contraventions. Identifiers and Post Codes: Introduces digital addressing based on geographical coordinates to enhance delivery accuracy. Removal of Offences and Penalties: Eliminates penalties for theft or misappropriation of postal articles. Removal of Centre’s Exclusivity: Ends the Centre’s exclusive privilege over conveying letters, adapting to modern courier services. Deficiencies in the Post Office Act, 2023: Regulation Disparities: Differential regulation between public and private postal services. Lack of Procedural Safeguards: Absence of safeguards against arbitrary interception violates privacy and freedom of expression. Ambiguity in ‘Emergency’ Grounds: Broad and undefined ’emergency’ grounds for interception raise concerns of misuse. Exemption from Liability: Officers exempt from liability for lapses in service, lacks clarity on consequences for misconduct. Recommendations for Improvement: Enhanced Procedural Safeguards: Introduce oversight mechanisms and judicial warrants for interceptions. Define Grounds for Interception: Clearly define ’emergency’ to prevent misuse, aligning with constitutional principles. Balanced Liability Framework: Establish clear rules for officer accountability without compromising service efficiency. Address Unauthorised Opening: Reintroduce penalties for unauthorised opening of postal articles to protect privacy rights.

Practice Question:  Discuss the implications of the Post Office Act, 2023 on privacy rights and procedural safeguards in India, highlighting the concerns and recommendations for ensuring accountable governance in postal services. (150 Words /10 marks)

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2026249 )

2. National Conclave on Awareness Generation on Sickle Cell Disease

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health

Context

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and AIIMS Delhi are hosting a National Conclave in New Delhi to raise awareness on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) on World Sickle Cell Day. The initiative aims to curb SCD transmission through early detection and is part of the government’s mission to eliminate the disease by 2047.

Analysis of the news:

• Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Birsa Munda Centre, AIIMS Delhi, are organising a National Conclave in New Delhi to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) on World Sickle Cell Day.
• SCD is an inherited blood disorder caused by a genetic mutation leading to abnormal haemoglobin, resulting in sickle-shaped red blood cells that can cause blockages and severe health complications.
• The campaign aims to halt intergenerational transmission of SCD by promoting early detection through medical screening.
• Government launched the ‘Mission for Elimination of SCD by 2047’, focusing on awareness, universal screening of 7 crore people aged 0-40 in affected tribal areas, and management of SCD.
• More than 3 crore people have been screened under the mission, targeting tribal-dominated districts in 17 states with higher prevalence.

Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA)

Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder where red blood cells become rigid and sticky due to an abnormal haemoglobin protein (haemoglobin S). Normal red blood cells are round and flexible, but sickle cells are crescent or sickle-shaped, causing them to get stuck in small blood vessels and obstruct blood flow. Symptoms include chronic pain (sickle cell crises), fatigue, infections, delayed growth in children, and vision problems. SCA is inherited when a child receives two sickle cell genes (one from each parent).It primarily affects people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian ancestry. Diagnosis is usually done through newborn screening programs, genetic testing, and haemoglobin electrophoresis. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications, including pain relief medications, antibiotics and blood transfusions. Bone marrow or stem cell transplants may offer a potential cure but are limited by donor availability and risks. Public health efforts aim to raise awareness, improve access to screening, and provide comprehensive care to affected individuals globally.

Practice Question:  Discuss the challenges and strategies involved in the management and eradication of Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) in India. How effective are the current government initiatives such as the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in addressing these challenges? (250 Words /15 marks)

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2026348 )