उत्तर प्रदेश के सोनभद्र के भूजल में फ्लोराइड की अधिकता के कारण सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य संकट बढ़ गया है।

§  फ्लोराइड: यह एक अत्यधिक प्रतिक्रियाशील तत्त्व है जो प्रकृति में तात्त्विक रूप में नहीं पाया जाता है।

o    यह भू-पर्पटी में 0.3 ग्राम/किग्रा. मात्रा में पाया जाता है तथा फ्लोरस्पार, क्रायोलाइट और फ्लोरापेटाइट जैसे खनिजों में फ्लोराइड (ऑक्सीकरण अवस्था -1) के रूप में पाया जाता है।

§  प्रमुख उपयोग: इसका एल्युमीनियम उत्पादन में तथा स्टील और ग्लास फाइबर उद्योगों में फ्लक्स के रूप में व्यापक रूप से उपयोग किया जाता है। इन्हें फॉस्फेट उर्वरकों, ईंटों, टाइलों और सिरेमिक के निर्माण के दौरान भी उपयोग में लाया जाता है। 

o    फ्लोरोसिलिक एसिड, सोडियम हेक्साफ्लोरोसिलिकेट और सोडियम फ्लोराइड जैसे यौगिकों का उपयोग नगरपालिका जल के फ्लोराइडीकरण में किया जाता है।

§  स्वास्थ्य पर प्रभाव: फ्लोराइड के दोहरे प्रभाव होते हैं, यह अल्प मात्रा में लाभदायक होता है (दंत क्षय से सुरक्षा), लेकिन अधिक मात्रा में हानिकारक होता है, जिसके कारण दंत फ्लोरोसिस (मुख्य रूप से बच्चों में दाँतों के इनेमल का धब्बेदार होना} और कंकालीय फ्लोरोसिस (अस्थि/जोड़ों की समस्याएँ) होता है।

o    भारतीय मानक ब्यूरो के अनुसार, जल में फ्लोराइड का सुरक्षित स्तर 1 से 1.5 मिलीग्राम/लीटर (मिलीग्राम प्रति लीटर) है, इससे अधिक स्तर स्वास्थ्य के लिये खतरनाक माना जाता है।

§  भारत में फ्लोराइड नियंत्रण की योजनाएँ: भारत ने 11वीं पंचवर्षीय योजना के दौरान राष्ट्रीय फ्लोरोसिस निवारण और नियंत्रण कार्यक्रम (NPPCF) शुरू किया। इसके अतिरिक्त, जल जीवन मिशन का उद्देश्य सुरक्षित पेयजल सुनिश्चित करना है।

प्रश्न:  निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिएः

1. फ्लोराइड भू-पर्पटी में फ्लोरस्पार, क्रायोलाइट और फ्लोरापेटाइट जैसे खनिजों में पाया जाता है।
2. फ्लोराइड का उपयोग केवल दंत चिकित्सा में सीमित है।
3. जल में फ्लोराइड की अधिक मात्रा से कंकालीय फ्लोरोसिस हो सकता है।

उपर्युक्त में से कौन-से कथन सही हैं?
(A) केवल 1 और 2
(B) केवल 2 और 3
(C) केवल 1 और 3
(D) 1, 2 और 3

उत्तर  (C) केवल 1 और 3

स्पष्टीकरण:

• कथन 1 सही है – फ्लोराइड उपरोक्त खनिजों में पाया जाता है।
• कथन 2 गलत है – इसका उपयोग दंत चिकित्सा के अलावा एल्युमीनियम, स्टील, ग्लास फाइबर, उर्वरक आदि में भी होता है।
• कथन 3 सही है – फ्लोराइड की अधिक मात्रा से कंकालीय फ्लोरोसिस हो सकता है।

(2) वर्णनात्मक प्रश्न – UPSC Mains Standard:

प्रश्न: फ्लोराइड प्रदूषण एक उभरती हुई सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य समस्या है। भारत में इसके स्रोत, प्रभाव एवं नियंत्रण के उपायों का विश्लेषण कीजिए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

उत्तर:

• परिचय:
  फ्लोराइड एक रासायनिक तत्व है जो भूजल में प्राकृतिक रूप से पाया जाता है। भारत के कई हिस्सों में इसकी अधिकता सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य संकट बन गई है।
• स्रोत:
  भूजल में फ्लोराइड की अधिकता भू-पर्पटी में विद्यमान फ्लोराइड युक्त खनिजों से होती है। इसके अलावा औद्योगिक अपशिष्ट, उर्वरक और जल के फ्लोराइडीकरण जैसे मानवजनित स्रोत भी जिम्मेदार हैं।
• प्रभाव:
• सकारात्मक:  सीमित मात्रा में दंत क्षय से सुरक्षा।
• नकारात्मक:
• दंत फ्लोरोसिस – दाँतों के इनेमल पर धब्बे, खासकर बच्चों में।
• कंकालीय फ्लोरोसिस – हड्डियों में जकड़न, दर्द और विकृति।
• नियंत्रण उपाय:
• राष्ट्रीय फ्लोरोसिस निवारण और नियंत्रण कार्यक्रम (NPPCF)।
• जल जीवन मिशन के अंतर्गत सुरक्षित पेयजल उपलब्ध कराना।
• घरेलू जल निस्पंदन तकनीकों का उपयोग, जैसे कि Activated Alumina Filter आदि।
• जनजागरूकता और स्वास्थ्य शिक्षा।
• निष्कर्ष:
  फ्लोराइड प्रदूषण का समाधान बहु-आयामी प्रयासों द्वारा ही संभव है, जिसमें सतत निगरानी, जल गुणवत्ता सुधार और जन-भागीदारी अनिवार्य है।

 

Data Protection Act vs. Right to Information

 

Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Understand the purpose and key provisions of this Act, particularly Section 44(3).

Right to Information (RTI) Act: Understand the purpose and principles of the RTI Act and its role in promoting transparency and accountability.

Conflict/Overlap: Analyze the alleged conflict or overlap between specific sections of the Data Protection Act and the RTI Act.

Section 44(3): Specifically understand the implications of this section as it potentially overrides aspects of the RTI Act.

Data Fiduciary: Understand the definition and potential implications of classifying journalists, activists, and political parties as data fiduciaries under the new Act.

Data Protection Board: Understand the composition and powers of this board, particularly its ability to impose significant fines.

Impact on Information Access: Evaluate the potential "chilling effect" of the Data Protection Act on individuals and organizations seeking information.

Government Oversight and Control: Consider the concerns raised regarding government influence over data access and information disclosure.

Transparency and Accountability: Analyze how the interplay between these two Acts might affect government transparency and accountability.

Legislative Process and Debate: Understand the context of the statements made in the Lok Sabha and the nature of the concerns being raised.

1. Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 - Purpose

What is the primary objective of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023?

(a) To regulate the collection, storage, and processing of personal data
(b) To promote transparency and accountability in government operations
(c) To regulate media content on digital platforms
(d) To monitor the financial transactions of companies

Explanation:

• The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 aims to protect individuals' personal data and regulate how organizations collect, store, and process it.

• It provides individuals the right to data privacy while holding organizations accountable for misuse or breach of data.

• The Act does not primarily focus on promoting government transparency, which is the focus of the RTI Act.
  Thus, the correct answer is (a) To regulate the collection, storage, and processing of personal data.

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2. Conflict Between DPDP Act and RTI Act

Which section of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, has been criticized for potentially undermining the Right to Information (RTI) Act?

(a) Section 21(2)
(b) Section 34(1)
(c) Section 42(3)
(d) Section 44(3)

Explanation:

• Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act allows data protection provisions to override certain aspects of the RTI Act.

• This has raised concerns that it may restrict public access to information, particularly concerning defaulters or government-related data.

• Critics argue that this weakens the spirit of the RTI Act, which promotes transparency and accountability.
  Thus, the correct answer is (d) Section 44(3).

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3. Data Fiduciary in DPDP Act

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which of the following can be classified as a Data Fiduciary?

1. Journalists

2. Activists

3. Political parties

4. Social media platforms

Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) All of the above

Explanation:

• The Act defines Data Fiduciaries as entities that determine the purpose and means of processing personal data.

• Journalists, activists, and political parties can be classified as Data Fiduciaries if they handle or process personal data.

• Social media platforms, as large-scale processors of personal data, are also considered Data Fiduciaries.
  Thus, the correct answer is (d) All of the above.

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4. Penalty Provisions Under DPDP Act

According to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, what is the maximum penalty that can be imposed by the Data Protection Board for non-compliance?

(a) ₹10 crore
(b) ₹100 crore
(c) ₹250 crore
(d) ₹500 crore

Explanation:

• The Data Protection Board of India is empowered to impose penalties for non-compliance with the DPDP Act.

• The penalty can go up to ₹500 crore depending on the severity of the violation.

• This has been criticized for creating a chilling effect on journalists, activists, and others who might face punitive actions.
  Thus, the correct answer is (d) ₹500 crore.

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5. Balancing Right to Privacy and Transparency

Which constitutional article provides the Right to Information to citizens, which is perceived to be undermined by certain provisions of the DPDP Act?

(a) Article 14
(b) Article 19(1)(a)
(c) Article 21
(d) Article 32

Explanation:

• Article 19(1)(a) guarantees the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression, which includes the Right to Information (RTI).

• The RTI Act, 2005 operationalizes this right by empowering citizens to seek information from public authorities.

• Concerns regarding the DPDP Act highlight a potential imbalance between the Right to Privacy (protected under Article 21) and the Right to Information.
  Thus, the correct answer is (b) Article 19(1)(a).

Advantage China in Africa’s nuclear energy market race

 

Africa's energy sector is undergoing a transformation, with nuclear power emerging as a key area of interest for several nations seeking to enhance electricity access. While France has historically been a dominant player, China is rapidly becoming the leading partner for African countries pursuing nuclear energy development, offering training, technology, and financing through state-owned corporations and initiatives like the Belt and Road. This growing Chinese influence, demonstrated by recent agreements with countries like Nigeria and Uganda, presents a challenge to other nations, including Russia and potentially India, who also seek a stake in Africa's expanding nuclear market and resources. The financial demands of nuclear projects and geopolitical factors may further solidify China's position as the primary driver of nuclear energy growth across the continent.

1. Nuclear Energy Development in Africa

Which African country currently has the only operational nuclear power plant?

(a) Nigeria
(b) Ghana
(c) South Africa
(d) Kenya

Explanation:

• South Africa has the only operational nuclear plant on the African continent, known as the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.

• It was built by a French consortium and has been operational since the 1980s.

• Other African nations like Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya are planning to develop nuclear energy infrastructure, but they do not have active nuclear plants yet.
  Thus, the correct answer is (c) South Africa.

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2. Geopolitical Competition in Africa's Nuclear Market

Which of the following countries are major competitors in the African nuclear energy market?

1. Russia

2. China

3. France

4. South Korea

5. India

Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1, 2, 3, and 4 only
(b) 2, 3, 4, and 5 only
(c) 1, 3, and 5 only
(d) All of the above

Explanation:

• Russia, China, France, and South Korea are actively pursuing nuclear energy partnerships in Africa.

• China has emerged as a dominant player, leading the market with major projects and financing under state-owned companies like CGN and CNNC.

• Russia’s Rosatom has signed multiple agreements, especially with pro-Russian governments like those in Burkina Faso and Mali.

• France has a historical presence, particularly in Francophone Africa, though its influence is declining.

• South Korea is also increasing its presence through companies like KHNP.

• India, though focused on domestic nuclear expansion, has agreements for uranium supply from Africa, particularly Namibia and Niger.
  Thus, the correct answer is (d) All of the above.

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3. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Nuclear Energy

China’s nuclear energy expansion in Africa is often linked to which major global infrastructure initiative?

(a) African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
(b) Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
(c) Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
(d) Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC)

Explanation:

• China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a large-scale infrastructure development strategy involving investments in energy, transport, and connectivity across multiple countries.

• China is leveraging BRI to expand its nuclear projects in Africa by providing financing, building nuclear plants, and developing transmission networks.

• Through BRI, China strengthens its geopolitical influence and secures strategic partnerships.
  Thus, the correct answer is (c) Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

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4. Role of Uranium in Nuclear Energy

Which African countries are major suppliers of uranium, crucial for nuclear power generation?

1. Namibia

2. Niger

3. Zambia

4. Kenya

Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) All of the above

Explanation:

• Namibia and Niger are among the world’s largest uranium producers, supplying uranium for nuclear power generation.

• Zambia has reserves but is not a major uranium producer yet.

• Kenya has no significant uranium reserves.

• India has nuclear cooperation agreements with Namibia and is exploring uranium sourcing from Niger.
  Thus, the correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only.

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5. Energy Security and Clean Energy Goals

India aims to generate how much nuclear energy capacity by the year 2047 as part of its clean energy goals?

(a) 20 GW
(b) 50 GW
(c) 75 GW
(d) 100 GW

Explanation:

• India currently has a nuclear energy generation capacity of 8,180 MW.

• As part of its long-term energy strategy, India plans to generate 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047.

• Achieving this goal will involve securing reliable uranium supplies, including from African countries.
  Thus, the correct answer is (d) 100 GW.

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6. China’s Strategy in Africa’s Nuclear Energy Market

Which of the following strategies has China adopted to strengthen its influence in Africa’s nuclear energy market?

1. Providing scholarships for nuclear training programs

2. Offering financial assistance under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

3. Collaborating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

4. Establishing military bases in African countries

Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) All of the above

Explanation:

• China has established nuclear cooperation through scholarship programs and training initiatives to promote the use of Chinese nuclear technology.

• Financial assistance is provided under the BRI, offering African nations the infrastructure and support needed to build nuclear power plants.

• Collaboration with the IAEA ensures compliance with global nuclear safety and non-proliferation norms.

• However, China’s involvement in Africa’s nuclear market is primarily economic, not military. While China has established some military bases (e.g., Djibouti), they are unrelated to nuclear energy projects.
  Thus, the correct answer is (b) 1, 2, and 3 only.

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7. Nuclear Energy and Energy Security

Which of the following statements best describes the role of nuclear energy in enhancing energy security for African nations?

(a) Nuclear energy provides a stable, low-carbon electricity source, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
(b) Nuclear energy is a temporary solution until renewable energy sources are fully operational.
(c) African nations prioritize nuclear energy solely to export surplus electricity to other regions.
(d) Nuclear energy is primarily used in remote regions with no alternative power sources.

Explanation:

• Nuclear energy offers a reliable and low-carbon power source that significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to energy security.

• Many African countries face frequent power shortages and insufficient electricity access. Nuclear energy can bridge this gap by providing base-load power.

• Unlike solar or wind energy, which are intermittent, nuclear plants can operate continuously.
  Thus, the correct answer is (a) Nuclear energy provides a stable, low-carbon electricity source, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

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8. Comparative Advantage in Nuclear Energy Projects

Why is China considered a more attractive partner for African countries in nuclear energy development compared to Russia or Western nations?

(a) China offers flexible financing and rapid project execution.
(b) Russia has limited technological expertise in nuclear power.
(c) Western countries are unwilling to work on nuclear projects in Africa.
(d) African countries prefer to work only with China due to cultural ties.

Explanation:

• China provides flexible loans and financial aid under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which makes its nuclear projects more attractive.

• Additionally, China’s state-owned companies like CGN and CNNC have significant expertise, with over 50 operating reactors.

• While Russia also has nuclear technology (e.g., Rosatom), sanctions due to the Ukraine war and economic stagnation hinder its capacity to fund large-scale projects.

• Western countries often impose strict regulatory and environmental conditions, making Chinese offers comparatively simpler.
  Thus, the correct answer is (a) China offers flexible financing and rapid project execution.

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9. Nuclear Power Plant Development Challenges

Which of the following are challenges African countries face in developing nuclear energy infrastructure?

1. Lack of trained nuclear engineers and technicians

2. Insufficient nuclear fuel resources

3. Underdeveloped electricity transmission networks

4. Stringent international nuclear regulations

Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only
(d) All of the above

Explanation:

• Lack of technical expertise is a significant barrier; this is why China’s scholarship programs for African students are beneficial.

• Transmission networks are often inadequate, preventing nuclear-generated electricity from being distributed efficiently.

• International regulations by the IAEA ensure nuclear safety and prevent misuse, adding complexity to project development.

• While some African countries (e.g., Niger and Namibia) have uranium reserves, not all do, leading to reliance on imports.
  Thus, the correct answer is (d) All of the above.

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10. India’s Energy Security and Africa’s Role

Why is India interested in African uranium supplies despite pursuing domestic uranium mining?

(a) India has limited domestic uranium reserves and needs additional sources for its growing nuclear energy sector.
(b) African uranium is cheaper and of higher quality than Indian uranium.
(c) India is mandated by international agreements to import a specific percentage of its uranium.
(d) African uranium reserves are the only source available for India’s nuclear energy plans.

Explanation:

• India’s domestic uranium reserves are insufficient to meet its target of generating 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047.

• Therefore, India has signed civil nuclear agreements with uranium-rich African countries like Namibia and Niger.

• Importing uranium ensures a stable supply for India’s expanding nuclear reactor network, supporting its energy security.

• While African uranium may not be the only source, it remains a strategic supplier.
  Thus, the correct answer is (a) India has limited domestic uranium reserves and needs additional sources for its growing nuclear energy sector.