Day: July 13, 2018

Topic :Case study 7)Recently in Maharashtra, a controversy has arisen over a project by the United States Navy to build a radar facility at a nearby site. Much of the debate is concerned about the right of the local community to participate meaningfully in this decision. And a concern has arisen over the possibility that …

Continue reading “7)Recently in Maharashtra, a controversy has arisen over a project by the United States Navy to build a radar facility at a nearby site. Much of the debate is concerned about the right of the local community to participate meaningfully in this decision. And a concern has arisen over the possibility that the facility could generate electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that could cause harmful health effects, namely, forms of cancer. As a public health official, you are familiar with some of the recent research that has been done on EMFs. Among the important facts are the following: Many common everyday objects (electric shavers, microwave ovens, hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, electric can openers) produce electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Concern arises from larger projects such as electric power lines, substations, and radar facilities like the one proposed for Lajas. Epidemiological evidence exists showing slightly higher risks associated with living next to these field-generating facilities. (Epidemiological evidence results from studies that compare groups exposed to EMFs to others not exposed.) These studies then look for significantly higher incidents of illness in the exposed groups. But other epidemiological studies do not show significant risk ratios. Some have argued that there is a causal mechanism to explain the cancers associated with EMFs. For example, it is argued that EMFs interfere directly with cellular activity. But EMFs are pervasive (including the earth’s own field) and it has not been demonstrated why the EMFs generated by electric power lines or radar facilities are special. Another series of studies have been carried out to see if EMFs trigger (or activitate) a cancer-causing gene that is directly responsible for the cancer. But scientists have not been able to confirm this hypothesis. An extensive animal study conducted at the Illinois Institute of Technology showed no positive results. It involved a controlled experiment in which three groups of rats were exposed to varying EMFs while a control group had no exposure. No significant difference between the four groups was found. You have been asked to speak to a group of concerned citizens about the health effects of living near electromagnetic fields. Furthermore, you are personally opposed to the US Navy’s project; you feel that it is being imposed on the community without their informed consent. How do you respond to the community’s health concerns about EMFs? Questions: Should you accept the responsibility of answering the public’s questions about EMFs given your views on the undesirability of the project in general? What does it mean to assess risk? Is this a value neutral process? What kinds of ethical responsibilities do experts have related to communicating risk information to the public? (250 words)”

Topic– Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. 6)In its drive towards sustainability and energy security, India must ensure  its sustained support for diverse cooking fuel choices. Discuss.(250 words) The hindu Why this question Energy use is a key indicator as well as a key tool for development. …

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Topic – Part of static series under the heading – “ordinary legislation and constitutional amendment Bill” 5) Discuss how the passage of ordinary legislation differs from the passage of constitutional amendment Bill.(250 words) Key demand of the question The question expects us to compare the process of passage of constitutional amendment Bill and an ordinary …

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Topic– Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. 4)The newly envisaged body for higher education, Higher Education Commission of India,goes against  several of its ke objectives. Comment.(250 words) The hindu Why this question There has been a discussion around HECI in several questions, posted in the past …

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Topic–Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. 3)What do you understand by net neutrality. Critically analyze India’s policy response in this regard.(250 words) The hindu wikipedia Why this question Net-neutrality is undeniably an important issue, given the increasing relevance and adoption of  IT and …

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Topic:Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation 2)Discuss the provisions of the Dam Safety Bill 2018 and the role of National Dam Safety Authority. Critically examine how far the Bill goes in ensuring structural and operational safety of dams?(250 words) Hindustantimes Why this question …

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Topic – Social empowerment 1) Examine how far Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 has succeeded in empowering women at workplaces?(250 words) Indian express Why this question The article explores how successful Maternity Benefits Amendment Act has been in ensuring that women are not discriminated against at workplace. It touches upon various issues still impacting women …

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