China’s burgeoning production of electric cars and other green technologies has become a flashpoint in a new US-China trade fight, highlighted by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen during her five-day visit to China.
Context:
According to the Paris-based International Energy Agency, China has built a substantial car industry that accounts for 60% of global electric vehicle sales. Similar dynamics exist in other industries, such as solar panels, batteries, and steel.
China is now the world’s largest producer of solar cells.
Now the main concern is that the Chinese are building up a lot of capacity in many industries across the board, including these new technology sectors, and if domestic demand does not pick up, they are going to be looking for markets outside the country.
US-China Trade Dispute:
The US and China have been slugging it out since Trump slapped heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminum items from China in March last year, and China responded by imposing tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American imports.
The IMF noted that the US-China trade tension was one factor that contributed to a “significantly weakened global expansion” late last year, as it cut its global growth forecast for 2019.
US-China Trade and Investment Facts:
US GOODS & SERVICES trade with China totalled an estimated $737.1 billion in 2018. Exports: $179.3 billion; imports: $557.9 billion; deficit: $378.6 billion
CHINA IS CURRENTLY the US’s largest goods trading partner with $659.8 billion in total (two-way) goods trade in 2018. Exports: $120.3 billion; imports: $539.5 billion; US goods trade deficit: $419.2 billion
US FDI IN CHINA (stock) was $107.6 billion in 2017, a 10.6% increase from 2016. US direct investment in China is led by manufacturing, wholesale trade, finance and insurance
CHINA FDI IN THE US (stock) was $39.5 billion in 2017, down 2.3% from 2016. China’s direct investment in the US is led by manufacturing, real estate, depository institutions
How does China’s Auto Industry pose an external threat to Indian Market?
Market Dominance: China is dominating the local market and threatening to dominate India’s traditional export markets, which could cause concern for the ‘Make in India‘ program.
Quality Concerns: The quality of auto parts coming from China is a major concern for the safety of vehicles in India. With increasing stakes by Chinese vendors, the situation is expected to become more challenging.
Cost Advantage: Chinese automakers have a cost advantage over North American and European brands, allowing them to undercut rivals. This cost advantage is due to Chinese manufacturers’ ability to produce EVs more efficiently and profitably than their Western counterparts.
Security concerns: Chinese automakers flooding foreign markets with their autos and the potential for these vehicles to be used for espionage, data collection, or sabotage.
How India can benefit from the ongoing US-China trade war?
Export Opportunities: India can tap export opportunities in both the US and China, particularly in areas such as garments, agriculture, automobile, machinery, apparel, and readymade garments
Export Growth: India’s exports to the US increased by 11.2% in 2018, and to China by 31.4% in the same year, indicating the potential for further growth
Product Opportunities: India can boost exports of around 350 products to the US and China, including items like copper ores, rubber, paper/paperboard, industrial valves, vulcanised rubber, carbon or graphite electrodes, and natural honey
Trade Deficit Reduction: Increasing exports would help India narrow the widening trade deficit with China, which stood at USD 50.12 billion during April-February 2018-19
Conclusion: The US-China trade fight intensifies over China’s dominance in green technology sectors like electric vehicles. India stands to benefit from increased exports to both nations, potentially narrowing its trade deficit with China while tapping into new markets.
Recently, the SC called on the Centre and state governments to refrain from a “contest”, and noted that various state governments were approaching the court to seek relief against the Centre in matters related to the disbursal of funds.
The bench was hearing the Karnataka government’s plea seeking a direction to the Centre to release financial assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for drought management.
Background:
The Karnataka state submitted to the Central government, that 223 of the 236 talukas or sub-districts were declared drought-hit. (48 lakh hectares of land under cultivation)
An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) also visited the state to inspect the damage in October 2023. During the monsoon season last year, the rainfall deficit was 56% in June (the third highest in 122 years) and 73% in August (the highest in 122 years).
Supreme Court’s role in this case:
Ensuring Accountability and Setting Legal Precedence: The plea before the SC involves significant questions concerning the interpretation of the Constitution, particularly regarding Article 293. It questions whether this article grants states a legally enforceable right to borrow from the Union government or other sources.
Additionally, the court is considering the extent to which the Union government can regulate such borrowing rights if they exist.
Interpreting the Constitution: There should be at least five judges to hear cases that involve ” a substantial question of law as to the interpretation” of the Constitution. (Article 145(3))
Promoting Fair resource allocation in federal structure: It also raises “various questions of significant importance impacting the federal structure of governance as embedded in our Constitution.
About the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF):
It is a fund administered by the Central Government to cover costs associated with emergency response, relief, and rehabilitation in the face of potential disaster situations or actual disasters.
The NDRF is formed to bolster the finances of the State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) during significant disasters, ensuring support if sufficient funds are lacking in the SDRF.
Under the Disaster Management Act 2005, there is no definition of disasters. It can include any event arising from natural or man-made causes that can severely disrupt life for people, going beyond their coping capacity.
NDRF is mentioned in Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Provisions:
NDRF guidelines state that natural calamities of cyclones, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorms, landslides, avalanches, cloud bursts, pest attacks, and cold waves and frost are considered to be severe by the Government of India (GoI) and requiring expenditures by a state government over the balances available in its own SDRF will qualify for immediate relief assistance from NDRF.
The NDRF also covers man-made disasters such as terrorist attacks, chemical or biological disasters, or nuclear disasters as notified by the Central Government.
States have the State Disaster Relief Funds, where the Centre contributes 75% of the funds (and 90% for Himalayan and northeastern states) and states contribute the remainder.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court, addressing Karnataka’s drought relief plea, emphasizes cooperation over conflict between the Centre and states, while also examining constitutional and federal structure implications, amid discussion on National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) utilization.
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Clean Economy Investor Forum is set to be held in Singapore.
About IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum
The IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum brings together the region’s top investors, philanthropies, financial institutions, innovative companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs.
The Forum aims to mobilize investments into sustainable infrastructure, climate technology and renewable energy projects.
It is managed by Invest India (www.investindia.gov.in), India’s National Investment Promotion Agency.
The Department of Commerce is the nodal agency for the IPEF engagements.
The Forum will have opportunity for the Indian industry in the two following tracks:
Climate Tech Track: Under this track, IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is holding an open call that aims to recognise the top climate tech companies and start-ups among the member countries and present them to global investors.
Infrastructure Track: Under this track, India will showcase selected investible sustainable infrastructure projects at the 2024 Forum. The sectors of focus are-energy transition (e.g electric gird; renewable energy, including solar, and onshore wind; sustainable aviation fuel; battery storage; hydrogen; green data centers), transport and logistics (e.g. Electric Vehicle, EV charging points), waste management/waste to energy.
About Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)
It is a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen economic partnerships among participating countries to enhance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The IPEF was launched in 2021with 12 initial partners who together represent 40% of the world GDP.
The IPEF is NOT a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but allows members to negotiate the parts they want to.
Four main “Pillars” of IPEF:
Trade that will include digital economy and emerging technology, labor commitments, the environment, trade facilitation, transparency and good regulatory practices, and corporate accountability, standards on cross-border data flow and data localisations;
Supply chain resilience to develop “a first-of-its-kind supply chain agreement” that would anticipate and prevent disruptions;
Clean energy and decarbonization that will include agreements on “high-ambition commitments” such as renewable energy targets, carbon removal purchasing commitments, energy efficiency standards, and new measures to combat methane emissions; and
Fair Economy Agreement, with commitments to enact and enforce “effective tax, anti-money laundering, anti-bribery schemes in line with [American] values”.
Members Countries include:
Currently, India and 13 countries other located in the Pacific Ocean are its members: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.
How is IPEF different from other trade deals?
No market access or tariff reductions have been outlined in the IPEF, although experts say it can pave the way to trade deals.
It’s not a take-it-or-leave-it arrangement, like most multilateral trade deals are.
Since the IPEF is not a regular trade pact, the members so far are not obligated by all four pillars despite being signatories.
The Centre has reportedly initiated measures to reduce the land jurisdiction of 10 major cantonment boards across five states.
In May 2023, the Centre had kicked off a plan to abolish all 62 colonial-era Cantonments across the country.
What are Cantonments?
Cantonments are Permanent military stations where a group of military personnel are stationed for administrative purposes.
They are governed by the Cantonments Act, 2006, which provides for municipal administration and control of these areas.
India currently has 62 cantonments spread across various states, with some areas known for their better infrastructure and facilities compared to other parts of the country.
Cantonments are managed by Cantonment Boards, which are democratic bodies comprising elected and nominated members.
The Station Commander of the Cantonment serves as the ex-officio President of the Board.
Historical Background
The Cantonments Act, 1924, was enacted by the British to regulate the municipal administration of cantonments.
After India’s independence, the Cantonments Act was modified to suit the democratic setup of the country.
The current Cantonments Act, 2006, replaced the previous version, aiming to provide greater autonomy and accountability to the Cantonment Boards.
Categories of the erstwhile Cantonments
Cantonments are categorized based on the population size residing within them:
Category I: Cantonments with a population of over 50,000.
Category II: Cantonments with a population of 10,000 to 50,000.
Category III: Cantonments with a population of less than 10,000.
Category IV: Industrial or training Cantonments, irrespective of their population size.
Centre’s plan to re-regulate Cantonments
Conversion to Exclusive Military Stations: Under the plan, military areas within all cantonments will be carved out and designated as “exclusive military stations.” The Army will exercise “absolute control” over these areas, streamlining their administration and operations.
Merger with Local Municipalities: The civilian areas of cantonments will be integrated with the respective local municipalities. These municipalities will take up the responsibility of maintaining these areas, along with providing essential services and infrastructure.
Move Away from Traditional Cantonment Concept: Post-independence, the Indian Army moved away from the traditional cantonment concept, primarily due to friction between military and civilian authorities. However, certain major cantonments continued to exist, such as Pune Cantonment and Agra Cantonment.
The Supreme Court recently held that people have a fundamental right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change while emphasizing that countries like India must uphold their international obligations for healthy and sustainable development [M K Ranjitsinh & Ors. vs Union of India].
Background of M K Ranjitsinh & Ors. vs Union of India Case:
The case was related to the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
In 2021, a writ petition was filed by retired government official and conservationist M K Ranjitsinh, seeking protection for the GIB and the Lesser Florican, which are on the verge of extinction.
On April 19, 2021 order by SC was imposed restricting the setting up of overhead transmission lines in a territory of about 99,000 sq km in the GIB habitat in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The Supreme Court has ruled that people have a “right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change”, which should be recognized by Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
This judgment was by a three-judge Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
The Recent Modification over Earlier Judgement given by the SC:
Who applied for modification of an earlier case?
The Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had applied to modify the 2021 order on grounds that
It had adverse implications for India’s power sector, and undergrounding power lines was not possible
The Paris Climate Treaty (2015) is one of the key grounds for seeking a modification of the 2021 order.
What SC did say in this case?
Underground powerlines: The apex court modified its April 2021 order giving directions for underground high-voltage and low-voltage power lines, and directed experts to assess the feasibility of undergrounding power lines in specific areas after considering factors such as terrain, population density, and infrastructure requirements
The earlier direction was not feasible: The ruling acknowledged that its earlier directions, “besides not being feasible to implement, would also not result in achieving its stated purpose, i.e., the conservation of the GIB”.
Suitable relationship between FR and DPSP: The court emphasized that when addressing environmental concerns outlined in the Directive Principles of State Policy, they must be interpreted in conjunction with the right to life and personal liberty as enshrined in Article 21.
How have the Courts interpreted Article 21 earlier?
Article 21 as the Heart of Fundamental Rights: The Supreme Court (SC) recognizes Article 21 of the Constitution as central to fundamental rights, emphasizing that the right to life encompasses more than mere existence but includes all rights necessary for a meaningful and dignified life.
Inclusion of Environmental Rights within Article 21: In the 1980s, the SC expanded Article 21 to include the right to a clean environment, along with various other rights such as education, shelter, clean air, livelihood, and medical care.
Actualizing New Rights: Despite the recognition of these new rights, citizens often face challenges in exercising them, particularly in cases concerning environmental issues like clean air.
What are the implications of the judgment for environmental jurisprudence?
Strengthening Environmental and Climate Justice: The judgment emphasizes bolstering environmental and climate justice by recognizing the multifaceted impacts of climate change on various communities.
Expansion of Article 14 and Right to Life: The judgment expands the scope of Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, to encompass environmental concerns.
Influence on Public Discourse and Government Policies: The judgment is expected to influence public discourse on environmental issues, shaping perceptions and priorities regarding environmental protection.
Establishment of Legal Precedent: By acknowledging the “right against adverse effects of climate change,” the judgment establishes a significant legal precedent.
Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s recognition of citizens’ “right to be free from adverse effects of climate change” expands constitutional protections, strengthens environmental justice, influences policy discourse, and sets a crucial legal precedent.
Mains PYQ
Q Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discus in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and judgements of the apex in this regard.(UPSC IAS/2015)
Q The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (UPSC IAS/2022)
Recently the three-judge Supreme Court Bench stayed a ruling of the Allahabad High Court on the U.P. Board of Madrasa Education Act 2004 calling it an infringement of the Fundamental Rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Earlier, the HC had dubbed the U.P. Board of Madrasa Education Act “Unconstitutional” and asked for immediate closure of the madrasas. It called for the relocation and integration of the madrasa students with regular schools.
Why are madrasas in the spotlight?
Uttar Pradesh has approximately 25,000 madrasas, out of which 16,500 are recognized by the U.P. Madrasa Education Board.
Only 560 madrasas receive grants from the government, leading to complaints of delayed payment and salary arrears.
Irregular madrasas, often lacking resources, provide only elementary learning.
In 2022, the U.P. Government ordered a survey to identify unrecognised or illegal madrasas.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to investigate alleged foreign funding sources for the madrasas, claiming over ₹100 crore had been received from abroad over three years. However, evidence supporting these claims was not made public.
About Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004:
The Act sought to oversee and administer the operations of madrasas (Islamic educational institutions) in Uttar Pradesh, providing guidelines for their establishment, recognition, curriculum, and management.
It led to the formation of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education, tasked with regulating and supervising madrasa activities throughout the state.
Concerns Regarding the Act:
Limited Curriculum: Upon examination of madrasa syllabi, the High Court noted a curriculum heavily focused on Islamic studies, with limited emphasis on modern subjects.
Conflict with Higher Education Standards: The Act raised concerns regarding its conflict with Section 22 of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956, which led to questions about its compliance with higher education norms
Conclusion: Madrasas in Uttar Pradesh are under scrutiny due to a recent Supreme Court stay on the Allahabad High Court ruling, citing infringement of fundamental rights. Concerns persist over grants, quality of education, and compatibility with higher education standards.
After Chabahar, India has gained the rights to operate a second overseas port, Sittwe, in Myanmar.
This development is part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport project, which aims to provide alternate connectivity from the eastern coast of India to the northeastern states through the Sittwe port.
About India Ports Global (IPGL)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has approved a proposal for India Ports Global (IPGL) to take over the operations of the entire port located on the Kaladan River.
IPGL is a company 100% owned by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
It is a joint venture between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Deendayal Port Trust (Erstwhile Kandla Port Trust).
It was created and incorporated in January 2015 under the Companies Act, 2013, as per directions of Ministry of Shipping (MoS), for development of ports overseas.
The MoS has presently assigned IPGL the task of equipping and operation of container/multi-purpose terminals at Chabahar Port in Iran.
About Sittwe Port
The Sittwe Port, located in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, is a crucial component of the Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project.
It has been developed under a framework agreement between India and Myanmar for the construction and operation of a multimodal transit transport facility on the Kaladan River.
It is a deep-water port serving as a maritime gateway, enhancing trade and connectivity between India and Myanmar.
Significance of Sittwe Port
The Sittwe Port is part of the Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project.
The project aims to connect the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkatawith Sittwe seaport in Myanmar by sea.
It further link Sittwe Port to Paletwa in Myanmar via Kaladan river waterway, and connect Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram through a road component.
This link will not only offer an alternative route for shipping goods to the northeastern states, but will significantly reduce the cost and distance from Kolkata to Mizoram and beyond.
It will also reduce dependency on the Siliguri Corridor, known as the chicken’s neck, which is squeezed between Bhutan and Bangladesh.
It connects the seaport of Kolkata in India to Sittwe seaport in Rakhine State, Myanmar, by sea.
In Myanmar, the project links Sittwe seaport to Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river boat route and then from Paletwa by road to Mizoram state in Northeast India.
The project is being funded by the Indian government and is aimed at reducing the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by approximately 1,328 km.
It was initially scheduled to be completed by 2014.
The project is affected by Chin conflict, Rohingya conflict, and militant groups such as Arakan Army and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
There are different sections of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which combines multi-modes of transport, including sea, river, and road routes.
Sea Route: It includes- Kolkata-Sittwe shipping route, Sittwe seaport to Paletwa inland jetty river boat route, Sittwe Special Economic Zone at Ponnagyun town, Paletwa inland jetty to Zorinpui road route in Myanmar, and the Zorinpui to Aizawl road route in India.
Road: This project will complement the river-road route of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project in Myanmar-Mizoram.
Railway: It has the Sittwe-Kyaukhtu railway in Myanmar, Kyaukhtu-Zorinpui in Myanmar, and the Zochawchhuah (Zorinpui)-Sairang railway in India.
PYQ:
[2015] In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not a participant/ participants?
1. Bangladesh
2. Cambodia
3. China
4. Myanmar
5. Thailand
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
The Supreme Court has decided to address petitions advocating for a comprehensive verification of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips in upcoming general elections.
What are VVPATs?
VVPAT machines, attached to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), print a slip showing the voter’s choice, allowing voters to verify their vote for 7 seconds before the slip drops into a secured box.
The concept emerged in 2010, leading to the creation of prototypes by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL).
After trials and feedback, the design was approved in February 2013.
The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, were amended to incorporate VVPATs.
They were first used in Nagaland’s Noksen Assembly constituency in 2013 and were implemented in all polling stations by the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Current VVPAT Slip Counting Protocol
In 2018, the ECI consulted the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) to determine a statistically robust sample size for VVPAT slip verification.
Initially, VVPAT slips of one randomly selected polling station per Assembly constituency were counted.
This was increased to five polling stations per Assembly seat after a Supreme Court judgment in 2019.
The ISI suggested counting VVPAT slips from 479 EVMs to ensure a high confidence level that the proportion of defective EVMs is less than 2%.
Recent petitions regarding VVPAT
Opposition parties advocate for heightened VVPAT verification, ranging from 50% to 100%, to bolster electoral transparency and uphold the sanctity of democratic processes.
However, the Election Commission emphasizes the need to balance transparency with operational constraints, citing logistical challenges and potential delays in result declaration.
About Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in India
Details
Introduction
EVMs introduced in Paravur Assembly Constituency, Kerala, 1982.
Adoption
Election Commission increasingly used EVMs since 1998. All state elections and by-elections used EVMs by 2003.
Use of EVMs for Lok Sabha elections implemented in 2004.
Development
Developed by the Technical Experts Committee (TEC) of Election Commission, with Bharat Electronics Ltd,
Bangalore, and Electronic Corporation of India Ltd, Hyderabad.
Functionality
Consists of Control Unit and Balloting Unit connected by cable.
Voters press blue button on Ballot Unit to record vote.
Key Features
Each EVM records up to 2,000 votes.
Operates without electricity, powered by battery from Bharat Electronics Ltd/Electronic Corporation of India.
Uses one-time programmable/masked chip for security.
Stand-alone machines without an operating system for enhanced security.
PYQ:
[2017] Right to vote and to be elected in India is a
On the eve of World Health Day (7th April), many countries aim to implement UHC (Universal Health Coverage) in the same way as India introduced its National Health Policy, in 2017. However, there exist challenges in India too for implementing it.
Background:
On December 12, 2012, the UN General Assembly unanimously endorsed a resolution urging countries to accelerate progress towards UHC.
In India, the high-level expert group report, submitted to the Planning Commission in 2011, outlined a government intent to increase public financing for health to 2.5% of India’s GDP during the 12th Plan (2012-17).
BACK2BASICS:
About National Health Policy, 2017:
It aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage and deliver quality healthcare services to all at an affordable cost. It focuses on improving health status through preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative services with an emphasis on quality.
What are the challenges in the Implementation of UHC in India?
Federal Issue: Health is a state subject in India, but UHC policy is envisaged at the national level. This can lead to challenges in coordination between the central government and state governments.
While the Directive Principles of State Policy provide a basis for the right to health, the absence of a specific constitutional guarantee may create challenges in ensuring consistent and enforceable healthcare rights.
Migrant Population and Urban Slums: Due to issues such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited infrastructure, a significant portion of the population living in urban slums face issues with the availability and accessibility of Primary Health Services is hard to provide.
Lack of Finance: Implementing UHC requires significant financial resources. Reducing out-of-pocket expenditure and strengthening primary healthcare services necessitate substantial investments, which may strain government budgets and require innovative financing mechanisms to ensure sustainability.
Lack of Healthcare Infrastructure and Human Resources: India faces shortages in both infrastructure and human resources, particularly in rural and underserved areas, which hinders efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and quality.
The vicious cycle of poverty: The vicious cycle of poverty and poor health perpetuates inequality in various spheres of life which eventually leads to the accessibility of health services.
Suggestive Measures:
Addressing Urban Migrants’ Health Needs: Establishing mobile healthcare units or clinics that can reach migrant communities in urban and peri-urban areas, providing essential primary healthcare services.
Reducing Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: Simplifying the reimbursement process by digitizing healthcare payment systems and integrating them with government identification or mobile banking platforms to facilitate easy reimbursement for medical expenses.
Creating Inclusive Health Systems: Introducing multilingual and culturally sensitive health information materials and services to bridge language barriers and ensure accessibility for diverse urban populations.
Implementing Community-Based Primary Healthcare: Establishing community health centers or clinics in urban and peri-urban areas staffed by trained community health workers who can provide basic healthcare services and referrals.
Conclusion: Building Constitutional backing, enhancing coordination, and federal with fiscal consensus with adequate infrastructure in addressing urban health needs can improve the reach of the Universal Health Program in India.
Mains PYQ
Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)
Mains: Q) Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC CSE 2015) Q) The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (UPSC CSE 2022)
Prelims: With reference to National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of Asha, a trained community health worker? (UPSC CSE 2012) 1) Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care checkups 2) Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy 3) Providing information on nutrition and immunization 4) Conducting the delivery of babySelect the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Note4Students:
Prelims: National Health Policy; Ayushman Bharat;
Mains: Health Issues in India; Universal Health Coverage;
Mentor comments: Indian Health Policies since Independence have neglected diverse perspectives critical for public health systems at the local level. This diversity impacts the nature of policies made, “because we are looking only from a certain lens”. Recently, with the passage of World Health Day 2024, WHO promoted the idea that ‘Health Equity’ is a source of optimism for millions of people, going beyond social justice or legislative change. Now the issue is with the theme of World Health Day ‘my health – my right’. How should access to health be envisaged? Given that health is a state subject (Seventh Schedule) and the ‘Universal Health Coverage’ policy is envisaged at the National level, there is a need for discourses on implementation.
Let’s learn.
—
Why in the News?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared health to be a fundamental human right.
India’s ‘Health Equity’ issues require a comprehensive approach that goes beyond improvements in healthcare facilities.
About World Health Day 2024:
World Health Day (April 7) unites every country around ‘Health Equity’, an essential topic at the heart of global health and justice.
Theme for 2024: “My Health, My Right”.Although over 140 nations recognize health as a Constitutional right, the WHO Council on the ‘Economics of Health for All’ reported that more than half the world’s population needs complete access to essential health services.
There is an alarming gap in Indian health-care access, which was highlighted especially during the COVID-19 epidemic, environmental crises, and growing socio-economic gaps.
What is meant by Health Equity?
‘Health Equity’ ensures that every person has an equal opportunity to achieve their highest health potential, no matter what their circumstances.
WHO’s idea behind Health Equity – Ensuring Everyone’s Right to Health:
Aim: To eliminate unfair and preventable health disparities among different social and economic categories.
Significance:
Builds Equality: True health equity addresses the root causes of health inequities, such as poverty, discrimination, and limited access to resources.
Universal Coverage: Pandemics, climate change, and sociopolitical unrest exacerbate health inequities, particularly in diverse countries like India.
What does the Indian Statistics say?
1) 2011 Census:
Infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, are 1.5 times more common in slums due to overcrowding and poor sanitation as compared to non-slum areas, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research. Disparities across caste and gender are profound.
2)National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21)
Minorities: SCs and STs experience higher child mortality and lower immunization rates. 59% of women in the lowest wealth quintile suffer from anemia, demonstrating the intersection of caste, gender, and economic status in health outcomes.Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for more than 60% of all fatalities in India. The economic effect of NCDs could surpass $6 trillion by 2030.
3)Public Health Foundation of India: Shortage of Doctors: The WHO data indicates that there are only 0.8 doctors per 1,000 people, which is below the advised ratio. Even though over 75% of Health-care professionals work in metropolitan regions, which only account for 27% of the population, the shortage is particularly severe in rural areas.
Limitations in India:
Diversity: The road to health equity is fraught with difficulties, ranging from deeply ingrained social injustices to global systemic health concerns, particularly in multicultural countries such as India.
Comprehensive Planning: Achieving health equity requires a comprehensive approach beyond legislative reform, addressing socioeconomic determinants of health.
Collaboration and Coordination: Realizing health potential demands collective effort by governments, communities, and individuals to remove barriers.
Accessibility: Health equity includes targeting marginalized and vulnerable groups, climate change disproportionately impacting low-income and vulnerable people, and conflicts disrupting healthcare provision.
Initiatives Taken by Government:
Ayushman Bharat Initiative: This initiative provides free health coverage to the bottom 40% economically, demonstrating a commitment to reducing health disparities.
National Health Mission (NHM): It includes both the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), thus reducing the healthcare gap between rural and urban India. It expands its access by strengthening infrastructure and providing essential services to vulnerable populations.
Way Forward:
Requires a Comprehensive Approach: To move India towards Universal Health Coverage and a more equitable future, the government, civil society, healthcare providers, and communities need to work together.
Tap Organizations Together: Organizations (Non-Governmental organizations and Civic Societies) with a strong local presence are essential for health equity. They actively participate in every phase, from planning to evaluation, to guarantee the relevance and effectiveness of health programs.
Successful collaborations: Need for open communication, respect for one another, and common goals because this can strongly emphasize empowering communities, sharing knowledge, and building capacity. For Example, WHO, the Global Fund and Gavi support health initiatives.
Building R&D: Research institutes and academic institutions offer crucial insights into health inequalities and the efficacy of interventions, assisting in creating evidence-based practices and policies supported by scientific studies.
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