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GS Paper: GS2

  • Psychedelics and its uses to treat Depression

    Central idea: The context of the article is about the use of psychedelic drugs for both recreational and medicinal purposes.

    What are Psychedelics?

    • Psychedelics are a class of drugs that alter an individual’s perception, mood, and thought processing while still allowing the individual to remain conscious and with unimpaired insight.
    • They are non-addictive and non-toxic, and cause less harm to the end user compared to illicit drugs.
    • The two most commonly used psychedelics are LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) and psilocybin. Researchers have also developed synthetic psychedelics.
    • In India, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 prohibits the use of psychedelic substances, except for ketamine which is used under strict medical supervision.

    History of psychedelics

    • Humans have used psilocybin and mescaline for ceremonial, healing, and spiritual rituals for millennia.
    • The modern-day use of psychedelics is commonly associated with the German chemist Arthur Heffter isolating mescaline from the peyote cactus in 1897.
    • In 1938, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann first synthesized LSD while investigating compounds related to ergotamine.
    • LSD was widely used as a therapeutic catalyst in psychotherapy between 1947 and 1967, until it was criminalized in the US due to medical concerns and the Vietnam War.

    Experience of using psychedelic substances

    • Users of psychedelic substances report changes in perception, somatic experience, mood, thought-processing, and entheogenic experiences.
    • Perceptual distortions most commonly include the visual domain.
    • Somatic experiences may include the visceral, tactile, and interoceptive domains.
    • Mood changes may include elation, euphoria, anxiety, and paranoia.
    • Entheogenic experiences include transcendental and ineffable spiritual experiences.

    How do they work inside the body?

    • Classical psychedelics boost brain serotonin levels.
    • Psilocybin’s therapeutic effects require a ‘trip’ that is mediated by the activation of serotonin receptors.
    • Modern neuroimaging suggests that psychedelics increase the cross-talk between different brain networks, and this correlates with the subjective effects of psychedelics.

    Can psychedelic substances cause any harm?

    • Death due to direct toxicity of LSD, psilocybin, or mescaline has not been reported in the literature despite 50-plus years of recreational use.
    • Synthetic psychedelics have been associated with acute cardiac, central nervous system, and limb ischemia, as well as serotonin syndrome.

    What is Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy?

    • Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has three types of sessions: preparatory, medication, and integration.
    • In the medication session, the patient is accompanied by a male-female co-therapist dyad and a psychedelic drug is administered in a comfortable and well-appointed room.
    • Over the next 6-8 hours, the therapists listen to the patient while maintaining a neutral therapeutic stance.
    • In the integration session, the therapists work with the patient to interpret the contents of their psychedelic experience into meaningful long-term change, based on their thoughts and ideas.

    Uses to treat Neuropsychiatric Disorders

    • Research has shown that psychedelic substances have potential therapeutic benefits in treating neuropsychiatric disorders such as treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
    • In recent trials, a single dose of psilocybin or MDMA-assisted therapy has been shown to reduce depression scores and improve symptoms of PTSD in participants.

    Back2Basics: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985

    Details
    Purpose Combat drug abuse and trafficking in India
    Scope Consolidates and amends the existing legal framework related to narcotics and psychotropic substances
    Regulations Strictly regulates and controls the production, manufacture, sale, transport, possession, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
    Special Courts Establishment of special courts and appointment of special public prosecutors to handle cases related to drug trafficking and abuse
    Covered Substances Opium, heroin, cannabis, cocaine, synthetic drugs such as LSD and ecstasy
    Classification Substances classified into different schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical use
    Punishment Imposes different levels of punishment for offenses related to each schedule
    Enforcement Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), and state-level drug enforcement agencies
    Functions Prevention of drug abuse and trafficking, investigation and prosecution of drug offenses, rehabilitation and treatment of drug addicts

     

     

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  • Link between poor Solid Waste Management and Stray Dog Attacks

    stray dog

    Central idea: Several incidents of stray dog attacks in Indian cities have shed light on the link between urban solid waste management and the issue of stray dogs.

    Stray Dog Attacks in India

    • Cities have witnessed a sharp increase in the stray dog population, which as per the official 2019 livestock census stood at 1.5 crore.
    • However, independent estimates peg the number to be around 6.2 crore.
    • The number of dog bites has simultaneously doubled between 2012 and 2020.
    • Experts agree there may be a correlation between urbanisation and solid waste production, made visible due to the mismanagement of waste disposal.
    • Tepid animal birth control programmes and insufficient rescue centres, in conjunction with poor waste management, result in a proliferation of street animals in India.

    Reasons behind

    • Poor waste management: Inadequate waste disposal facilities and the mismanagement of solid waste often lead to the congregation of stray dogs around garbage dumps and landfills, where they scavenge for food.
    • Unplanned urbanization: The population boom in Indian cities has led to a sharp increase in the stray dog population. Rapid urbanization has led to the creation of slums and unmanaged solid waste, which attract dogs.
    • Lack of food and shelter: The availability of food and shelter determines the carrying capacity of a city. In the absence of these facilities, free-ranging dogs become scavengers that forage around for food, eventually gravitating towards exposed garbage dumping sites.
    • Territoriality: Stray dogs often become territorial and aggressive about public spaces where they are fed, leading to increased attacks on humans.
    • Improper sterilization and rescue centres: Tepid animal birth control programmes and insufficient rescue centres, in conjunction with poor waste management, result in a proliferation of street animals in India.

    Food wastage in India

    • A population boom in Indian cities has contributed to a staggering rise in solid waste production. Indian cities generate more than 150000 metric tonnes of urban solid waste every day.
    • According to a 2021 UNEP report, an estimated 931 million tonnes of food available to consumers ended up in households, restaurants, vendors and other food service retailers’ bins in 2019.
    • Indian homes on average also generated 50 kg of food waste per person.
    • The presence of free-roaming dogs in urban areas is determined by the “carrying capacity” of a city, which is the availability of food and shelter.

    Urban Stray Dogs and Waste Disposal

    • Food and shelter: The wastage food often serves as a source of food for hunger-stricken, free-roaming dogs that move towards densely-populated areas in cities, such as urban slums which are usually located next to dumping sites.
    • Sanitation assists food hunt: In the absence of proper sanitation and waste disposal facilities, stray dogs become scavengers that forage for food around exposed garbage dumping sites.

    Impact of Unplanned and Unregulated Urban Development

    • ABC Program: Under Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, municipal bodies trap, sterilize, and release dogs to slow down the dog population. This approach aims to control the number of strays while avoiding the inhumane practice of killing them.
    • Rabies Control Measures: Another anchor of India’s response is rabies control measures, including vaccination drives. Rabies is a fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans through dog bites. Thus, preventing rabies is essential in addressing the issue of stray dogs.
    • Informal Measures: These include mass killing of dogs in states like Kerala, which is a controversial practice as it is often inhumane and does not address the root causes of the issue. Other measures include imposing bans on the entry of stray dogs in colonies or feeding them in public.

    Why address stray dog attacks issue?

    • Adds Vulnerability to the poor: The disproportionate burden of dog bites may also fall on people in urban slums, which are usually located in close proximity to dumping sites.
    • Exposes harsher realities: The rise in such attacks speak to core issues of lack of serviced affordable urban housing for all, lack of safe livelihood options and improper solid waste management”.

    Empathizing the strays

    • Abandoned, not strayed: Stray dogs are sentient social beings capable of feeling pain, fear, and joy. Urban living patterns have largely impacted their abandonment.
    • Subjected to abuse: They are often victims of neglect, abuse, and abandonment, and are forced to survive in harsh conditions on the streets.
    • Neglected community guardians: Stray dogs can serve as community guardians by alerting us to potential dangers and can also provide emotional support to humans.

    Way forward

    • Improve waste management: Efficient management of solid waste can help reduce the availability of food for stray dogs and limit their population growth.
    • Increase vaccination and sterilization: ABC and vaccination programs should be implemented in a more organized and efficient manner to control the stray dog population and the spread of rabies.
    • Encourage responsible feeding practices: Regulating feeding around bakeries and restaurants and improving waste management in public spaces can reduce the carrying capacity of the environment for stray dogs and minimize the congregation of dogs in certain areas.
    • Develop national policy: There is a need for a comprehensive national policy that addresses the issue of stray dogs and their management in a more systematic and humane manner.
    • Stop gruesome brutality: Stopping brutality towards dogs is a crucial step towards creating a more compassionate and just management of stray dogs menace.

     

    Also read:

    Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill, 2022. Why is it needed?

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  • India’s One Health Approach to Tackle Future Pandemics

    One Health

    Central Idea

    • The Covid-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in the world’s health systems, including countries ranked high in the Global Health Security Index. It has also provided an opportunity to build stronger health systems to prevent and respond to future pandemics. India’s One Health approach aims to address the health of people, animals, and ecosystems together in order to prevent, prepare, and respond to pandemics.

    One Health

    What is PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM ABHIM)? 

    • PM ABHIM is being rolled out as India’s largest scheme to scale up health infrastructure.
    • It is aimed at ensuring a robust public health infrastructure in both urban and rural areas, capable of responding to public health emergencies or disease outbreaks.
    • Key features:
    • Health and Wellness Centres: In a bid to increase accessibility it will provide support to 17,788 rural HWC in 10 ‘high focus’ states and establish 11,024 urban HWC across the country.
    • Exclusive Critical Care Hospital Blocks: It will ensure access to critical care services in all districts of the country with over five lakh population through ‘Exclusive Critical Care Hospital Blocks’.
    • Integrated public health labs: It will also be set up in all districts, giving people access to “a full range of diagnostic services” through a network of laboratories across the country.
    • Disease surveillance system: The mission also aims to establish an IT-enabled disease surveillance system through a network of surveillance laboratories at block, district, regional and national levels.
    • Integrated Health Information Portal: All the public health labs will be connected through this Portal, which will be expanded to all states and UTs, the PMO said.

    Facts for prelims

    What is Global Health Security Index?

    • The Global Health Security Index is a tool developed to assess a country’s preparedness and ability to respond to outbreaks, pandemics, and other public health emergencies.
    • It was developed by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, in collaboration with The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
    • The Index ranks 195 countries based on their level of preparedness across six categories: 1. Prevention, 2. Detection and reporting, 3. Rapid response, 4. Health system, 5. Compliance with international norms, and 6. Risk environment.
    • The Index aims to identify gaps in preparedness and encourage countries to take action to strengthen their health security systems, particularly in the face of global health threats such as pandemics.
    • The first edition of the Index was published in 2019, and it has since been updated to reflect the evolving global health landscape.
    • Global Health Security Index 2021: India ranked 66th.

    One Health

    What is mean by One health?

    • One Health is an interdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
    • It emphasizes the need for collaboration between various sectors, including public health, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and others, to achieve optimal health outcomes for all.

    key components of India’s One Health approach

    • Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM): The flagship program launched in October 2021 aims to prevent, prepare, and respond to pandemics. It seeks to fill the gaps in health systems at the national and state levels.
    • National Institute for One Health: The foundation for the institute was laid recently in Nagpur. It will identify hotspots for endemic and emerging zoonotic diseases to contain their spread early on.
    • Creation of a network of institutions for genomic surveillance: During the COVID-19 pandemic, India created a formidable network of institutions that can identify new pathogens. This can now be complemented with wider testing of wastewater and samples from incoming ships and aircraft.
    • Coordination between ministries: Several ministries, including health, animal husbandry, forests, and biotechnology, have been brought under the Principal Scientific Advisor to address overlapping mandates and improve coordination.
    • Expansion of research laboratories: India is expanding its network of research laboratories, which primarily focused on influenza, to cover all respiratory viruses of unknown origin.
    • Partnerships between research bodies and manufacturers: Indian manufacturers produced vaccines, test kits, therapeutics, masks and other items at very competitive prices, both for India and other countries. The partnerships between research bodies and manufacturers will need to be sustained and enhanced to make India a global hub in the biopharma sector.
    • Clinical trial network: The clinical trial network set up under the National Biopharma Mission is a positive step toward improving access to affordable new vaccines and drugs in India and around the world.
    • Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission: The mission can facilitate the bringing of private hospitals and clinics under a common platform and placing data in the public domain to augment surveillance in vulnerable areas.
    • Municipal corporations mandated to provide early alerts: Municipal corporations have been mandated to identify the most vulnerable areas and provide early alerts. For this to be successful, strong partnerships with communities, dairy cooperatives, and the poultry industry will be needed to identify new infections.

    What are the potential advantages of the One Health approach?

    • Holistic approach: The One Health approach looks at the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By taking a holistic approach, it enables a better understanding of the complex interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health, and can lead to more effective interventions and solutions
    • Early disease detection: The One Health approach emphasizes the importance of early disease detection in animals, which can serve as an early warning system for potential human outbreaks. This approach can help prevent the spread of diseases and reduce the risk of pandemics.
    • Better disease surveillance: The One Health approach facilitates better disease surveillance by enabling the sharing of information and resources between different sectors, including human health, animal health, and environmental health.
    • More effective responses: The One Health approach can lead to more effective responses to outbreaks by facilitating collaboration between different sectors and stakeholders, and ensuring a coordinated response.
    • Improved animal health: The One Health approach recognizes the importance of animal health and welfare, and can lead to improved animal health through better disease control and prevention measures.
    • Better environmental management: The One Health approach also recognizes the importance of environmental management and conservation, and can lead to more sustainable environmental practices that benefit both human and animal health.

    One Health

    Conclusion

    • India’s One Health approach is a positive step towards addressing the health of people, animals, and ecosystems together. The country’s efforts to tackle future pandemics are commendable, and the success of these efforts will be critical. The rise of new pathogens, zoonotic diseases, and antibiotic resistance highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to prevent future pandemics. India’s efforts to build stronger health systems, prevent pandemics, and respond to outbreaks will help protect its citizens and set an example for the world.

    Mains Question

    Q. What do you understand by mean One Health? Discuss the advantages of One health approach the efforts of India in this direction.

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  • Women’s Political Representation in India: Moving Beyond Tokenism

    Representation

    “The progress of a community can be measured by the degree of progress which women have achieve” ——Babasaheb Ambedkar

    Central Idea

    • Women have broken the glass ceiling of patriarchy in various sectors; however, they still face significant barriers to political participation in India. Despite achieving suffrage early, women hold only 14% of seats in the Parliament even 75 years after independence. It is time to acknowledge the systematic exclusion of women from politics and demand action for creating a more equitable political landscape.

    Women’s political participation

    • Role in India’s fight for independence: Women played a crucial role in India’s fight for independence, by organising demonstrations, leading rallies, and raising awareness.
    • Representation in Constituent Assembly: There were numerous female representatives in the Constituent Assembly as well.
    • Women Chief Ministers: Just a decade ago, three of India’s largest States, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, were in the spotlight for being led by women Chief Ministers.
    • For instance: While Sushma Swaraj led the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sonia Gandhi served as both President of the Congress Party and Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance. Also, India had its first woman President, Pratibha Patil around the same time.

    The discourse on women’s reservation

    • Dates back to pre-Independence era: The discourse on women’s reservation in India originates from the pre-Independence era when several women’s organisations demanded political representation for women.
    • 10% of seats in the Legislature: It can be traced back to 1955 when a government appointed committee recommended that 10% of seats in the Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies should be reserved for women.
    • National Perspective Plan for Women (1988): The National Perspective Plan for Women (1988) recommended that 30% of seats in all elected bodies should be reserved for women.
    • National Policy for the Empowerment of Women: This recommendation was reiterated in the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, which was adopted in 2001.
    • 33% reservation under Panchayati raj Act: In 1993, the Panchayati Raj Act was amended to reserve 33% of all seats in local government bodies for women, which was a significant step towards women’s political empowerment.
    • Women’s Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha: The success of this reservation led to demands for similar reservations in other elected bodies; in 1996, the Women’s Reservation Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Bill proposed to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State legislative Assemblies for women. However, facing strong opposition from some political parties it lapsed but gained more momentum again in the early 2000s. On March 9, 2010, the Bill was approved in the Rajya Sabha.

    Why female representation in Parliament and state legislatures remained low?

    • Inaccessibility of Institutions: Election records show that most political parties, though pledging in their constitutions to provide adequate representation to women, in practice give far too few party tickets to women candidates. A study found that a large section of women who do get party tickets have family political connections, or are ‘dynastic’ politicians. With normal routes of accessibility limited, such connections are often an entry point for women
    • Notion of women less likely to win: It is still widely held in political circles that women candidates are less likely to win elections than men, which leads to political parties giving them fewer tickets.
    • Challenging Structural Conditions: Election campaigns in India are extremely demanding and time-consuming. Women politicians, with family commitments and the responsibilities of child care, often find it difficult to fully participate
    • Highly vulnerable: Women politicians have been constantly subjected to humiliation, inappropriate comments, abuse and threats of abuse, making participation and contesting elections extremely challenging.
    • Expensive electoral system: Financing is also an obstacle as many women are financially dependent on their families. Fighting parliamentary elections can be extremely expensive, and massive financial resources are required to be able to put up a formidable contest. Absent adequate support from their parties, women candidates are compelled to arrange for their own campaign financing this is a huge challenge that deters their participation
    • Internalized patriarchy: A phenomenon known as ‘internalized patriarchy’ where many women consider it their duty to priorities family and household over political ambitions.

    Why women participation in law making process is so important?

    • Political empowerment: Legislative representation is fundamental to political empowerment, enabling participation in the law-making process. Legislatures play a vital role in raising debates and discussions on various aspects of governance and in exacting accountability from the government.
    • Shows the status of gender parity: Women’s representation in the national parliament is a key indicator of the extent of gender equality in parliamentary politics.
    • Women bring different skills to politics: According to Political scientist, Anne “women bring different skills to politics and provide role models for future generations; they appeal to justice between sexes.
    • Facilitates specific interests of women in policy: Their inclusion in politics facilitates representation of the specific interests of women in state policy and creates conditions for a revitalized democracy that bridges the gap between representation and participation.
    • Highly effective and less likely to be criminal and corrupt: Study found that, women legislators perform better in their constituencies on economic indicators than their male counterparts also women legislators are less likely to be criminal and corrupt, more efficacious, and less vulnerable to political opportunism.

    How reservation for women in India can help increase political participation?

    • Ensuring representation: Reservation of seats for women in legislatures can ensure that women are represented in decision-making bodies. This can help address the issue of underrepresentation of women in politics.
    • Encouraging women to enter politics: Reservation can provide women with an opportunity to enter politics and participate in the political process. This can help increase the number of women who contest elections and engage in politics.
    • Building capacity: Reservation can help build the capacity of women politicians by providing them with an opportunity to participate in legislative processes and gain experience in politics. This can help them to become effective leaders and represent the interests of women.
    • Changing attitudes: Reservation can help change societal attitudes towards women in politics. It can help create a perception that women are capable of holding political office and making important decisions. This can help break down stereotypes and encourage more women to participate in politics.
    • Promoting gender-sensitive policies: Women politicians can help promote gender-sensitive policies that address issues such as violence against women, gender-based discrimination, and women’s health. Reservation can help ensure that these issues are given due consideration in the legislative process.

    Conclusion

    • Women have been waiting for too long for their right to govern not just for themselves but for the greater common good. Women’s leadership qualities are not hidden from anyone, so the denial of opportunity for political representation represents grave injustice. As India strives to become a Vishwa Guru, we must not overlook the pivotal role women can play in nation building and development. The women’s reservation Bill cannot wait any longer. The Bill must be passed.

    Mains Question

    Q. Women’s leadership qualities are not hidden from anyone, so the denial of opportunity for political representation represents grave injustice. Comment.

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  • Bharat Tap Rating System for Water Fixtures

    bharat tap

    Central idea: The Centre is in the process of bringing in a star rating system for water fixtures similar to the ratings of electrical appliances.

    Bharat Tap Rating

    • The star rating system would come under one umbrella called Bharat Tap, which was formulated under AMRUT 2.0 to drive water efficiency.
    • The initiative aims to promote and adopt water-efficient fixtures.
    • It would have 3, 4, and 5-star water fixtures based on their water efficiency.
    • This would help consumers make informed decisions while purchasing sanitary equipment.

    Collaborators of the initiative

    • The Indian Plumbing Association and all manufacturers have been roped in to adopt and promote the new standards for water-efficient fixtures.

    Why such move?

    • Data derived from this initiative showed that on average over 30% of water can be saved.
    • However, there was not enough data available to consumers to assist them in making informed decisions when purchasing sanitary fixtures.

    Back2Basics: AMRUT 2.O

    • Water management: It will build upon the progress of AMRUT to address water needs, rejuvenate water bodies, better manage aquifers, reuse treated wastewater, thereby promoting circular economy of water.
    • Water supply: It would provide100% coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 ULBs.
    • Sewerage: It will provide 100% coverage of sewerage and septage in 500 AMRUT cities.
    • Rejuvenation of water bodies and urban aquifer management: It will be undertaken to augment sustainable fresh water supply.
    • Recycle and reuse of treated wastewater: It is expected to cater to 20% of total water needs of the cities and 40% of industrial demand.
    • Pey Jal Survekshan: It will be conducted in cities to ascertain equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater and mapping of water bodies.

     

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  • Latest National Health Account figures on India’s Healthcare Sector

    national health

    Central idea: The National Health Account Estimates 2019-20 report shows an increase in government spending and a decline in out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare.

    About National Health Account (NHA) estimates

    • The NHA estimates for India 2019-20 is the seventh consecutive report prepared by the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC).
    • NHSRC was designated as National Health Accounts Technical Secretariat (NHATS) in 2014 by the Union Health Ministry.
    • The NHA estimates use an accounting framework based on the internationally accepted standard of System of Health Accounts, 2011 developed by the WHO.
    • India now has a continuous series of NHA estimates from 2013-14 to 2019-20, making the estimates comparable internationally.
    • The estimates enable policymakers to monitor progress in different health financing indicators of the country.

    health

    Key highlights

    Description
    Government spending as % of GDP
    • Increased from 1.13% (FY 2015) to 1.35% (FY 2020)
    • Per capita health spending of the government has also increased from Rs 1,108 in FY 2015 to Rs 2,014 in FY 2020.
    • Govt share in total healthcare spending has increased from 29% in 2015 to 41.4% in 2020
    Declining out-of-pocket expenditure
    • Proportion of total healthcare spending that comes from people’s pockets has decreased from 62.6% in 2015 to 47.1% in 2020
    • Govt aims to further reduce out-of-pocket expenditure by investing in public health and insurance
    • To reduce the financial burden of healthcare on individuals and increase the utilization of healthcare services
    Government spending on primary healthcare
    • Increased from 51.3% in 2015 to 55.9% in 2020.
    • Govt. invested in creating 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres that can screen people for cancers, diabetes, and eye disease.
    Increase in social security expenditure
    • Increased from 5.7% of total healthcare spending in 2015 to 9.3% in 2020.
    • Suggests that the government is investing more in social welfare programs.
    Increase in spending on insurance
    • Privately purchased health insurance increased from 3.9% of total health expenditure in 2015 to 7.72% in 2020
    • Govt. financed health insurance spending also went up from 3.8% in 2015 to 6.37% in 2020
    Health spending by states
    • Only two big states and three smaller ones have crossed the target of 8% of their budget going towards healthcare as set by the National Health Policy 2017.

     

    Key issues

    • Marginal increase: Activists are concerned about the marginal increase in government spending.
    • Global laggard: This increase in government health expenditure as a percentage of GDP also takes into account capital spending, which puts India in 164th place out of 184 countries in terms of government health spending.
    • No proportional increase: Total spending on health as a proportion of GDP has been going down, from 3.9% in 2015 to 3.3% in 2020, indicating a decline in consumption of healthcare services.

    Conclusion

    • Overall, the report shows that government spending on healthcare has been increasing, while out-of-pocket expenditure has been declining.
    • There is a need to invest in public health and insurance and increase the contribution of states towards healthcare.

     

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  • Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Initiative

    pret

    Central Idea: The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a PRET initiative to be better prepared for future outbreaks of a similar scale and devastation as the COVID-19 pandemic.

    What is PRET Initiative?

    • The Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative is launched by the WHO to prepare for future outbreaks of a similar scale and devastation as the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • It is aimed at providing guidance on integrated planning for responding to any respiratory pathogen such as influenza or coronaviruses.
    • The current focus of PRET is on respiratory viruses, but work is already underway to assess what should be the next group of pathogens to be mitigated under this initiative.
    • It can serve to operationalize the objectives and provisions of the Pandemic Accord, which is currently being negotiated by WHO Member States.

    Three-pronged approach of PRET

    • The three-pronged approach includes-
    1. Updating preparedness plans
    2. Increasing connectivity among stakeholders in pandemic preparedness planning, and
    3. Dedicating sustained investments, financing, and monitoring of pandemic preparedness.
    • The approach has a special focus on bridging the gaps highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring community engagement and equity are at the centre of preparedness and response efforts.

     

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  • SCO and Its Broader Geopolitical Evolution

    SCO

    Central Idea

    • The visit of Chinese and Russian defence ministers to attend a ministerial meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Delhi has drawn attention to the broader geopolitical evolution of the SCO. While the clamour for membership shows the attractiveness of the forum, its internal contradictions and inability to cope with intra-state and inter-state conflicts among member states are raising questions about its strategic coherence.

    All you need to know about SCO

    • Background: After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the then security and economic architecture in the Eurasian region dissolved and new structures had to come up. The original Shanghai Five were China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan.
    • SCO formation: The SCO was formed in 2001, with Uzbekistan included. It expanded in 2017 to include India and Pakistan. Since its formation, the SCO has focused on regional non-traditional security, with counter-terrorism as a priority.
    • Partner countries: Eight Member States are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan. While four observer states are Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia and six dialogue partners include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.
    • Functionaries of SCO
    1. Executive Branch: The SCO has an executive branch, which is headed by the Secretary-General and is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the organization.
    2. Council of Heads of State: The highest decision-making body of the SCO is the Council of Heads of State, which meets annually to discuss and decide on important issues.
    3. Council of Heads of Government: The Council of Heads of Government is the second most important decision-making body of the SCO, which meets annually to discuss and decide on economic and trade-related issues.
    4. Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): The SCO has RATS, which is responsible for coordinating the efforts of member states in the fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

    Facts for prelims

    SCO RATS:

    • Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent organ of the SCO which serves to promote cooperation of member states against the three evils of terrorism, separatism and extremism.
    • It is headquartered in Tashkent.
    • Its head is elected to three-year term.
    • Each member state of SCO sends permanent representative to RATS.

    The SCO paradox

    • Shadow over its strategic coherence: Even as the Eurasian forum looks attractive to a growing number of regional states, its internal contradictions are casting a shadow over its strategic coherence.
    • Russia-Ukraine war: Russia’s war in Ukraine is raising questions about Moscow’s capacity to sustain primacy in its backyard.
    • China’s dominance in Asia: China’s rise is increasing the prospects for Beijing’s emergence as the dominant force in inner Asia.

    SCO

    Membership Clamour and Attractiveness of the SCO

    • Comparison between the long lines for membership at the doors of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the SCO:
    • Central European countries towards NATO: Many countries in Central Europe, including Ukraine, want to follow Finland and Sweden into NATO.
    • Several countries queuing up to join SCO: Several important regional states in India’s neighbourhood are queuing up to join the SCO, which now has eight members – China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
    • Iran set to join: Iran is set to join the SCO and Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia are observers and would like to follow Tehran.
    • Impressive list of dialogue partners: Then there is the impressive list of current and incipient dialogue partners that includes Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates from the Middle East and Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka from the Subcontinent.
    • SCO is inclusive: Unlike NATO the SCO is inclusive, and its attractiveness underlines the rise of non-Western security institutions.
    • Turkey wants to be part of SCO: Turkey, a long-standing member of NATO, wants to be part of SCO certainly highlights the value of being part of a forum led by Russia and China that today are at loggerheads with the West.

    Internal Conflicts and Counter-terrorism Preoccupation

    • Internal conflicts becoming high priority: Counter-terrorism has been the principal preoccupation of the SCO for all these years. The internal conflicts within and between the member states and associates are becoming a higher priority for the SCO.
    • For example: Afghanistan’s internal instabilities have been a major driver for the SCO. However, for all the talk of the SCO becoming the regional security arbiter, it was a direct deal between the US and the Taliban that reshaped the Afghan dynamic.
    • Russia’s Role and Ambitions in Central Asia: Russia’s muscle and Beijing’s money provide a sensible basis for their strategic division of labour in Central Asia to keep the Western powers out of the region. However, if Russia is a protector of the Central Asian regimes, it could also be a potential predator.
    • China’s Growing Regional Influence: China’s growing regional influence will come at Russia’s expense, as China becomes the senior partner in the bilateral relationship with Russia after Ukraine. China’s explicit support of the sovereignty of the Central Asian states is a straw in the wind. Shared borders, growing political salience, and rising regional security profiles promise to make China a force to reckon with in Central Asia in the not-too-distant future.

    Significance of SCO for India

    • Central Asia connection: SCO membership provides India with an opportunity to engage with Central Asian nations, Russia, and China, and work towards promoting regional stability, security, and economic cooperation.
    • Security cooperation: SCO focuses on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the region, which is of particular concern to India.
    • Consensus over CBT: India has been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades. India has been working closely with the RATS to share intelligence and coordinate counter-terrorism operations in the region.
    • Economic push: SCO has set up mechanisms for trade and economic cooperation, including the SCO Business Council, the SCO Interbank Consortium, and the SCO Development Bank.
    • Cultural cooperation: The organization aims to promote cultural exchanges among member states and has set up mechanisms for cooperation in fields such as education, science, and technology

    Issues with SCO (Indian context)

    • Pakistan’s presence: India has accused Pakistan of using SCO forums to spread propaganda and misinformation against India.
    • China’s dominance: India has also expressed concerns over China’s dominance in the organization and its attempts to use the platform to push its strategic interests in the region.
    • Limited economic benefits: Despite being a member of the organization for over a decade, India’s trade with other SCO members remains limited and has not been able to tap the full potential of the organization.
    • Limited counter-terrorism cooperation: While the primary objective of the organization is to combat terrorism, India has expressed concerns over the limited counter-terrorism cooperation among member states.
    • Limited influence: Despite being a major power in the region, India’s voice and concerns have not been adequately represented in the organization.

    India’s challenging role in the SCO

    • India’s engagement with the SCO all these decades was premised on Russian primacy in the region and Moscow’s support of India’s regional interests.
    • For India, a strong and independent Russia is critical for maintaining the inner Asian balance. However, Delhi is in no position to ensure Moscow’s strategic autonomy from Beijing; that depends on Russian strategic choices.
    • India’s burden in the SCO must now be to protect its own interests amidst a rapidly changing regional power distribution in China’s favour.

    Conclusion

    • India, which is chairing the Eurasian regional forum this year, has a range of bilateral problems to discuss with its fellow SCO members. However, its burden in SCO must now be to protect its own interests amidst a rapidly changing regional power distribution in China’s favour. The challenge is particularly demanding as India does not have direct geographic access to the landlocked region.

    Mains Question

    Q. The clamour for membership is a measure of a forum’s success the increasing clamour for the membership of the SCO is doing well. Discuss and highlight the internal challenges that the SCO is facing.

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  • Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct

    banglore

    The Supreme Court of India has directed the Registrar General of the Calcutta High Court to investigate an alleged interview given by a judge to a news channel in which he made remarks against a politician. This is cited against Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct.

    What are Bangalore Principles?

    • The Bangalore Code of Judicial Conduct was drafted in 2001 for the Judicial Group on Strengthening Judicial Integrity and presented to the Round Table Meeting of Chief Justices in November 2002.
    • Resolution 23 of the United Nations Social and Economic Council promotes implementation of the Bangalore Principles by the judiciaries of Member States.
    • The principles are intended to establish standards for ethical conduct of judges.
    • They are designed to provide guidance to judges and to offer the judiciary a framework for regulating judicial conduct.

    Six core values recognized

    S. No. Principle Description
    1. Independence Judges must be free to make impartial decisions based on the law and facts, without any influence or pressure from external sources.
    2. Impartiality Judges must be unbiased and treat all parties equally, without any favoritism or discrimination.
    3. Integrity Judges must have high moral and ethical principles, be honest, and act with transparency and fairness.
    4. Propriety Judges must avoid any impropriety or appearance of impropriety, such as conflicts of interest or inappropriate behavior.
    5. Equality Judges must uphold the principle of equality before the law, treating all people with respect and dignity.
    6. Competence and diligence Judges must have the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualities to perform their duties effectively, and must work diligently and efficiently.

     

    Significance of these principles

    • The principles define their meaning and elaborate in detail on what kind of conduct is to be expected in concrete terms of the persons concerned in order to put the respective value into practice.
    • A number of specific instructions are given under each of the values.
    • Not only have some States adopted the Bangalore Principles but others have modelled their own Principles of Judicial Conduct on them.

     

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  • Same Sex Marriage: Marriage Equality for LGBTQ+ Persons is A Fundamental Right

    LGBTQ+

    Central Idea

    • The Supreme Court of India recently started hearing petitions from LGBTQ+ petitioners seeking marriage equality. While marriage equality for LGBTQ+ persons is a controversial issue in India, it is essential to understand that denying them the right to marry excludes them from participating fully in family and community life, including gaining recognition and respect.

    LGBTQ+

    LGBTQIA+ community

    • Sexual orientations or gender identities: LGBTQIA+ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Ally. The plus sign is often added to include other identities and orientations that are not explicitly mentioned in the acronym. It is a term used to refer to individuals who identify as any of these sexual orientations or gender identities.
    • Equal rights and acceptance: The community is made up of individuals who may face discrimination, marginalization, and stigma based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The community advocates for equal rights and acceptance, and works towards achieving societal and legal recognition and protection

    What is mean by Same-sex marriage?

    • Same-sex marriage is the legal recognition of a marriage between two individuals of the same sex.
    • It grants same-sex couples the same legal and social recognition, rights, and privileges that are traditionally associated with marriage, including property rights, inheritance rights, and the ability to make decisions for each other in medical emergencies.
    • The recognition of same-sex marriage varies around the world, with some countries legalizing it while others do not.
    • The issue has been the subject of much debate and controversy, with arguments for and against same-sex marriage based on religious, cultural, social, and legal considerations.

    Same-sex marriage in India

    • Decriminalized homosexuality: Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized homosexuality, was struck down by the Supreme Court of India in 2018, which was a landmark decision for LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
    • Same sex marriage is not yet legal: However, there is still no law that allows same-sex couples to legally marry or have any legal recognition of their relationships. Same-sex marriage is currently not legally recognized in India.

    LGBTQ+

    What are the implications of not recognizing Same sex marriage legally?

    • Infringement on individual freedoms: Denying same-sex couples the right to marry can be seen as an infringement on individual freedoms and a violation of human rights. It can limit the ability of individuals to express their identities and form meaningful relationships.
    • Exclusion from family and community life: Marriage is a fundamental institution in Indian society, and remaining unmarried is looked down upon by the entire family. However, excluding LGBTQ+ persons from marriage denies them full benefits of participating in family and community life, including acceptance in society.
    • Social stigma: The lack of legal recognition for same-sex marriage can contribute to negative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships. This can perpetuate social stigma and discrimination.
    • Discrimination: Despite same-sex attraction being a natural part of human society, some people of the same sex fall in love with each other and want to get married. Marriage benefits a couple in tangible and intangible ways, including essential protections, such as the ability to own and share financial assets, joint ownership of property, and access to health and life insurance. Denying these rights to LGBTQ+ persons is discriminatory.

    LGBTQ+

    Arguments against recognizing same sex marriage legally in India

    • Marriage is a union between a man and a woman: Many people believe that marriage is meant to be a union between a man and a woman, and that allowing same-sex couples to marry goes against traditional values.
    • It is against Indian culture: Many opponents of same-sex marriage argue that it goes against Indian culture and Hindu values, and that such unions are not recognized in traditional Indian society.
    • It could lead to social instability: Some people believe that allowing same-sex marriage could lead to social instability and moral decay, and that it would have a negative impact on family and societal values.
    • It is against the law: While homosexuality is no longer a criminal offence in India, same-sex marriage is not recognized under Indian law. Opponents argue that allowing same-sex marriage would be against the law and would undermine the institution of marriage.
    • It could have negative impact on children: Some people argue that children raised by same-sex couples could face social stigma and could be negatively impacted psychologically. They believe that children should have both a mother and a father.

    Other developments and challenges

    • Many corporations have applied core HR principles of fairness, equality, and non-discrimination to their LGBTQ+ employees and have re-written their equal opportunity and anti-discrimination policies to protect them from discrimination, bullying, and harassment.
    • However, inclusive policies have been challenging to implement with insurance companies as same-sex partners are not legally recognised as spouses. Being allowed to marry will help to gain the acceptance that LGBTQ+ citizens are seeking in society.

    Way ahead with a balanced approach

    • Increase awareness and education: It is essential to increase awareness and education among the general public regarding the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of equal rights for all individuals.
    • Dialogue and debate: There need to be an open and respectful dialogue and debate between people who support same-sex marriage and those who oppose it. This will help to address concerns and misunderstandings and lead to a greater understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. A wide-ranging consultation process could be initiated with stakeholders from different communities, including religious leaders, civil society organizations, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, to build consensus on the issue.
    • Legal reforms: The Indian government should consider legal reforms to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community has equal rights and protections under the law. This includes legal recognition of same-sex marriage and the extension of benefits and protections to same-sex couples, such as inheritance rights and access to healthcare.
    • Inclusive workplace policies: Corporations and employers can play a significant role in promoting inclusivity and diversity by implementing policies that explicitly protect LGBTQ+ employees from discrimination, bullying, and harassment.
    • Sensitization of government officials: Sensitization programs should be conducted to sensitize government officials to the needs and rights of the LGBTQ+ community. This will help to ensure that government policies are more inclusive and considerate of the needs of all citizens.
    • Balancing Interests: The government could take a cautious approach to legalizing same-sex marriage, considering the positive effects such as social inclusion and individual rights, and the potential negative effects, such as religious sensitivities and family values. This could involve striking a balance between individual rights and social cohesion, taking into account the unique cultural and social contexts of India.
    • Monitoring and Evaluation: The government could set up an independent body to monitor the implementation of same-sex marriage legislation and evaluate its impact on society. This could help to identify areas of success and potential areas for improvement, and ensure that the legal recognition of same-sex marriages is a positive step forward for Indian society as a whole.

    Conclusion

    • Inclusive policies have resulted in more loyalty and engagement from employees, and it is now time to extend this sense of belonging to the LGBTQ+ community in India. The LGBTQ+ individuals deserve the right to participate in one of society’s major institutions and to be treated equally under the law. Allowing same-sex marriage would enable LGBTQ+ individuals to feel a sense of belonging and gain the acceptance they are seeking in society.

    Mains Question

    Q. Issues over the Same sex marriage has been one of the hot topics for some time now. Analyze the issue recognizing same sex marriage legally in India and suggest a balanced way ahead.

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