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GS Paper: GS3

  • Union Cabinet approved the continuation of PMFBY and RWBCIS until 2025-26

    Why in the News?

    The government extended two crop insurance schemes, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), for another year until 2025-26. It also set aside ₹824.77 crore to improve these schemes using advanced technology.

    What are the provisions and key features of PMFBY?

    • Comprehensive Risk Coverage: PMFBY provides coverage against all non-preventable natural risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages, including droughts, floods, and pests.
    • Subsidised Premium Rates: Farmers pay a fixed premium of 1.5% for rabi crops, 2% for kharif crops, and 5% for cash crops. The remaining premium is shared between the central and state governments.
    • Financial Support: It offers financial assistance to farmers suffering from crop loss due to unforeseen events, aiming to stabilise their income and encourage modern agricultural practices.
    • Technology Integration: The scheme incorporates technological initiatives like YES-TECH for yield estimation and WINDS for weather data collection, enhancing efficiency in claim settlement.

    Why was RWBCIS introduced?

    • Financial Protection Against Weather Risks: RWBCIS was introduced to safeguard farmers from financial losses caused by adverse weather conditions such as rainfall, temperature fluctuations, wind, and humidity, which can severely impact crop yields and farmer income.
    • Comprehensive Coverage for Various Crops: The scheme aims to provide insurance protection for a wide range of crops, including food crops, oilseeds, and commercial or horticultural crops, thereby mitigating the impact of natural calamities like droughts and floods on farmers’ livelihoods.

    What is the difference between PMFBY and RWBCIS?

    PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) RWBCIS (Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme)
    Launch Launched in 2016 (replacing NAIS and MNAIS). Introduced in 2016 to safeguard farmers against adverse weather conditions.
    Primary Focus Protects against crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, diseases. Provides insurance based on weather parameters (e.g., rainfall, temperature, wind) to mitigate financial losses from weather extremes.
    Risk Assessment Method – Area-based approach with crop-cutting experiments, remote sensing, etc.
    – Yield vs. threshold yield determines compensation.    		 – Weather-based triggers using data from weather stations.
    – Predefined thresholds (e.g., rainfall levels) activate payouts automatically.
    Premium Structure – Uniform, capped rates for farmers: 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, 5% for horticulture/commercial crops.
    – No upper limit on government subsidy.    		 – Varies based on weather risks and policy design.
    – Similar subsidy approach, but rates are dependent on specific weather-based insurance products.
    Coverage – All notified crops in a defined area.
    – Includes food crops, oilseeds, and commercial/horticultural crops.    		 – Covers food crops, oilseeds, and commercial/horticultural crops for weather-induced losses (e.g., drought, flood, cyclone, hailstorm).
    Enrollment – Initially compulsory for farmers with crop loans (KCC).
    – Made voluntary for all farmers from Kharif 2020.    		 – All farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers, are eligible if they grow notified crops in notified areas.
    Key Objectives – Provide financial support and stabilize income in the event of crop failure.
    – Encourage innovative and modern farming practices.    		 – Protect farmers from weather aberrations, ensuring swift compensation when weather thresholds are met or breached.
    Unique Features – “One Nation, One Scheme” concept.
    – Loss-based compensation linked to actual yield shortfall.    		 – Trigger-based system; payouts depend on deviation from normal weather parameters (no extensive damage assessment).

    What is the role of FIAT in crop insurance schemes?

    The Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) has been established with a corpus of ₹824.77 crore to enhance the implementation of PMFBY and RWBCIS. There are various key roles:

    • Technological Advancement: Funding technological initiatives aimed at improving the assessment of crop damage and expediting claim settlements.
    • Research Support: Facilitating research and development studies that enhance the effectiveness of crop insurance schemes through innovative practices.
    • Improving Accessibility: Aiding in the use of digital technologies for easier enrollment processes and expanding coverage among farmers.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Awareness and Accessibility: Increase farmer outreach through targeted awareness campaigns and simplify enrollment processes using digital platforms to ensure maximum participation in crop insurance schemes.
    • Enhanced Technology Integration: Expand the deployment of advanced tools like remote sensing and automated weather monitoring to improve accuracy in loss assessment, and claim settlements, and minimize disputes.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • Annual Ground Water Quality Report – 2024

    Why in the News?

    The Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 was released by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti.  Conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the report provides a scientific baseline for groundwater quality across India.

    Annual Groundwater Quality Report, 2024: Key Highlights

    Monitoring Scale

    • Data collected from 15,200 locations and 4,982 trend stations both before and after the monsoon.

    Contamination Levels

    • Nitrate
      • 20% of samples exceeded the safe limit of 45 mg/L.
      • Hotspots include Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra (>40% of samples), Telangana (27.48%), Andhra Pradesh (23.5%), and Madhya Pradesh (22.58%).
      • States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland remain within safe limits.
    • Fluoride
      • 9.04% of samples above permissible limits.
      • Affected states: Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
    • Arsenic
      • Detected in Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains (West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh).
      • Linked to cancer and skin lesions.
    • Uranium
      • 42% of Rajasthan and 30% of Punjab samples exceed 100 ppb.
      • Over-exploited zones in Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh also show elevated levels, posing kidney damage risks.

    Agricultural Suitability

    • SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) & RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate): 81% of samples suitable for irrigation; 100% suitability in North-Eastern states.
    • High Sodium: Elevated levels in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, risking soil degradation.
    • Salinity (as a measure of Electrical Conductivity (EC)): High in Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Karnataka.

    Temporal Trends

    • Seasonal Improvements: Post-monsoon recharge improves EC (salinity) and fluoride levels.
    • Stable Nitrate since 2015 in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat.
    • Rising Nitrate (2017–2023) in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana.

    Hotspots of Contamination

    • Nitrate:
      • Rajasthan (Barmer, Jodhpur), Maharashtra (Wardha, Jalgaon), Andhra Pradesh (Palnadu), Tamil Nadu (Villupuram), Punjab (Bathinda).
    • Uranium:
      • Over-exploited aquifers in Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat.
    • Arsenic:
      • Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar.

    What are the key factors contributing to decline in Groundwater quality?

    Groundwater quality declines due to:

    • Industrialization, with untreated waste introducing heavy metals and chemicals into aquifers, and agricultural practices, where excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides leads to nitrate contamination.
    • Urbanization worsens the problem through improper waste disposal, sewage leakage, and landfill contamination.
    • Over-extraction for agriculture and domestic use lowers water tables, exposing aquifers to pollutants like arsenic and uranium.
    • Climate change and poor livestock waste management further exacerbate contamination and reduce aquifer recharge.

    Government Initiatives to conserve Groundwater

    • Jal Jeevan Mission – Groundwater Component (2023): Ensures source sustainability for rural water supply by focusing on groundwater recharge and sustainable extraction with local governance participation.
    • Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain (2021): A nationwide campaign promoting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, emphasizing the creation of water conservation structures.
    • National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (Updated 2020): Maps groundwater aquifers to guide sustainable management, particularly in over-exploited areas.
    • Atal Bhujal Yojana (2019): Focuses on sustainable groundwater management through community participation in seven water-stressed states, with decentralized planning involving Gram Panchayats.

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements:​

    1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.​

    2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.​

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?​

    (a) 1 only ​

    (b) 2 only​

    (c) Both 1 and 2 ​

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2​

  • [pib] What is Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) ?

    [pib] What is Di-Ammonium Phosphate?

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme.

    What is Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)?

    • DAP is a two-nutrient fertilizer that contains 18% nitrogen (N) and 46% phosphorus (P) as P2O5.
    • DAP is highly soluble in water and soil, releasing phosphate and ammonium that plants can use.
    • DAP is a popular choice for farming and other industries because of its high nutrient content and physical properties. It’s particularly effective in the early stages of plant development.

    What is Fertilizer Subsidy in India?

    Details
    • Ensures affordable fertilizers for farmers to boost agricultural productivity.
    • Applies to both Urea and Phosphatic & Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, each with distinct pricing/subsidy mechanisms.

    Types of Subsidies:

    1. Urea Subsidy

    • Fixed MRP: Urea is sold at a statutorily notified MRP (₹5,360/ton in 2023), irrespective of production costs.
    • Government Compensation: Bridges the cost gap, making urea highly affordable but often leading to overuse.

    2. Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) for P&K (2010)

    • Nutrient-Based Approach: Subsidies depend on Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) content, promoting balanced fertilization.
    • Pricing Revision: Subsidy rates are reviewed annually or bi-annually based on global market prices.
    • Objectives: Improve soil health, nutrient efficiency, and ensure affordability of P&K fertilizers.

    3. Subsidies as per New Investment Policy (NIP) for Urea (2012)

    • Self-Sufficiency Focus: Encourages new urea plants and revival of old ones to reduce imports.
    • Investment Incentives: Aim to increase domestic production through favourable policies and pricing.
    Concerns Related to Subsidy
    • Overuse of Urea: Low urea prices lead to excessive application, causing soil nutrient imbalance and environmental harm.
    • Fiscal Burden: Total subsidy expenditures reached ₹2.25 lakh crore (2023–24), placing a heavy load on public finances.
    • Imbalanced Nutrient Use: Heavy reliance on urea discourages the use of P&K fertilizers, degrading soil quality over time.
    • Import Dependency: India relies significantly on P&K imports, exposing farmers to global price volatility.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements:

    1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.

    2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.

    3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • [pib] Tobacco Board of India

    Why in the News?

    The Tobacco Board of India, established on January 1, 1976, under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the growth and sustainability of the tobacco industry.

    About Tobacco Board of India

    • It is established under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975, operational from January 1, 1976.
    • It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • It is headquartered in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
    • Objective: To promote the orderly development of India’s tobacco industry, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
    • Functions:
      • Regulates the production, curing, grading, and marketing of Virginia tobacco (Flue-Cured Virginia and Burley).
      • Issues licenses and registrations for growers, manufacturers, exporters, and dealers.
      • Collaborates with research institutes to develop new crop varieties and improve farming practices.
      • Engages in market promotion, price stabilization, and quality control to protect farmers and maintain fair trade.

    About the Tobacco Production and Trade

    India

    • Tobacco is drought-tolerant, hardy, and short-duration, cultivable on soils where other crops are less profitable.
    • It is grown on 0.45 million hectares, accounting for 0.27% of India’s net cultivated area.
      • India produces around 750 million kilograms of tobacco leaf annually.
    • India is the second-largest producer globally (after China) and second-largest exporter (after Brazil).
    • About 300 million kg of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco is produced on 0.20 million ha, while 450 million kg of non-FCV varieties come from 0.25 million ha.
    • India contributes 10% of global tobacco acreage and 9% of world tobacco production

     

    PYQ:

    [2008] Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

    List-I(Board) List-II (Headquarters)
    A. Coffee Board 1. Bengaluru
    B Rubber Board 2. Guntur
    C Tea Board 3. Kottayam
    D Tobacco Board 4. Kolkata

    Code: A B C D

    (a) 2 4 3 1

    (b) 1 3 4 2

    (c) 2 3 4 1

    (d) 1 4 3 2

  • Google Quantum AI’s Chip ‘Willow’

    Why in the News?

    Google has unveiled its latest quantum processor, ‘Willow’, which has sparked excitement about the potential of quantum computers to solve practical problems.

    Google Quantum AI’s Chip ‘Willow’

    About Willow Quantum Processor:

    • Google’s team of researchers developed Willow and shared their results in the scientific journal Nature.
    • Willow has 105 qubits, which are the basic units of information in quantum computers.
      • Some qubits perform the actual calculations (called data qubits).
      • Others check for mistakes and fix them (called measurement qubits).
    • It operates at an extremely low temperature—almost absolute zero (-273.15°C)—to keep its qubits stable.
    • How fast is It? Willow solved a tough problem in just a few minutes. The same task would take the world’s best regular computer 10 septillion years (that’s 1 followed by 24 zeros!).
    • Each qubit can stay stable for 100 microseconds (a tiny fraction of a second), which is a big improvement for quantum computers.

    Features and Significance

    • Smarter Error Handling:
      • Quantum computers are extremely sensitive, and even the tiniest disturbance can cause errors.
      • Willow uses a system where some qubits (called measurement qubits) are dedicated to spotting and fixing errors without disturbing the main qubits (called data qubits) that are doing the calculations.
    • Bigger, Better Performance:
      • Willow has 105 qubits: about half for computations and the rest for error correction.
      • Most quantum computers become less reliable as more qubits are added. Willow is different—it actually improves its performance as more qubits are included.
    • Longer Stability:
      • Qubits in Willow remain stable for 100 microseconds—a significant improvement that allows it to perform more complex tasks.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

    (a) Cloud Services
    (b) Quantum Computing
    (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
    (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

  • In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

    Why in the News?

    Tigress Zeenat, originally from Maharashtra’s Tadoba, was relocated to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve after straying through Jharkhand into West Bengal, complicating tracking efforts.

    In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

    About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)

    Details
    Geographical Features
    • Situated in the Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
    • Twin peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising to 1515 meters above mean sea level.
    • Undulating and hilly terrain, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
    • Inhabited by tribes like Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
    • Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; brought under Project Tiger in 1973.
    • Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
    Flora and Fauna
    • Flora: Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal as the dominant tree species.
    • Fauna: Rich wildlife, including Leopards, Gaurs, Elephants, Langurs, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bears, Mongoose, Flying Squirrels, Porcupines, Pythons, Sambar, Pangolins, and more.
    • It is critical habitat for birds, including migratory species like Bar-Headed Geese and Brahmini Ducks, and home to freshwater snails (Radix genus) in its water bodies.
    • Melanistic Tigers:
      • Similipal hosts 27 of Odisha’s 30 tigers (AOTE-2023-24), including 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers with unique black-striped patterns due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene.
      • It is the only wild habitat in the world with pseudo-melanistic tigers.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.

    Which one of the following could be this?

    (a) Bhitarkanika

    (b) Chandipur-on-sea

    (c) Gopalpur-on-sea

    (d) Simlipal

  • What is Coastal Security Scheme (CSS)?

    Why in the News?

    Non-operational patrolling boats, insufficient funds for training, and manpower shortages are among the challenges highlighted by 13 coastal states and Union Territories during a review of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) phases I and II.

    What is the Coastal Security Scheme?

    • CSS was launched to strengthen security across India’s 7,516.6 km coastline, including 1,382 offshore islands, in order to prevent unauthorized entry, smuggling, and infiltration.
    • It is overseen by the Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in collaboration with coastal States/UTs and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
    • Core Objective: Bolster coastal security by enhancing infrastructure, resources, and coordination among central and state agencies, ensuring effective maritime surveillance and prompt emergency response.

    Implementation Phases

    • Phase I (2005–2011)
      • Budget: ₹646 crore
      • Established 73 coastal police stations, 97 check-posts, 58 outposts, 30 barracks, 204 interceptor boats, 153 jeeps, and 312 motorcycles.
    • Phase II (2011–2020)
      • Budget: ₹1,579.91 crore
      • Added 131 coastal police stations, 60 jetties, 10 marine operational centers, 225 boats, 131 four-wheelers, and 242 motorcycles.

    Key Features

    • Infrastructure Development: Construction of coastal police stations, jetties, outposts, barracks, and marine operation centers.
    • Marine Patrolling: Deployment of interceptor boats for rapid response and improved surveillance.
    • Manpower & Training: Specialized marine police personnel trained at the National Academy of Coastal Policing (Gujarat).
    • Technological Integration: Collaboration with the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) for real-time monitoring and swift threat detection.

    Current Status

    • Phase III Plans:
      • Upgraded Boats & Equipment: Introducing larger, more stable vessels and better maintenance.
      • More Manpower: Focused recruitment and specialized training for marine police.
      • Infrastructure Expansion: Building new jetties and operational centers, backed by adequate funding.
      • Insurance Coverage: Proposals to protect marine police personnel operating in high-risk conditions.

  • [pib] CPGRAMS 3 Years, 70 Lakh Grievances Solved

    Why in the News?

    According to the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) resolved over 70 lakh grievances from 2022 to 2024.

    About Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)

    • CPGRAMS is an online platform that allows citizens to register grievances related to government service delivery, functioning 24×7.
    • It was established in June 2007 by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG); the National Informatics Centre (NIC) developed the technical framework.
    • The Prime Minister serves as the supreme head of CPGRAMS.

    Key Functions

    • Grievance Lodging & Tracking: Each complaint gets a unique registration number for monitoring.
    • Role-Based Access: Ministries and states can access and resolve relevant grievances.
    • Appeal Facility: Citizens can appeal if they are not satisfied with the resolution.
    • Feedback Mechanism: Complainants can rate the resolution; a “Poor” rating reopens the case for further appeals.

    Exclusions: Subjudice cases, personal/family disputes, RTI queries, matters affecting national/international integrity, and government employees’ service issues.

    Key Reforms to Improve CPGRAMS

    • Reduced Timelines: Grievance resolution deadlines shortened from 30 days to 21 days, with mandatory interim updates.
    • Integrated Platform: A unified portal for all ministries, departments, and states; accessible via web, mobile apps, and UMANG.
    • Feedback & Appeals: Citizens can provide feedback through SMS/email; a “Poor” rating escalates unresolved issues.
    • AI-Driven Process Improvements: Tools like the Tree Dashboard help identify problems and streamline grievance handling.
    • Training & Monitoring: Under SEVOTTAM (Service Excellence through Total Quality Management), Grievance Officers get specialized training, with regular performance reviews to enhance service delivery.

  • [31st December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: States and the danger of poorly manufactured drugs

    PYQ Relevance:
    Q) How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (UPSC CSE 2019) 

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains has always focused on Drug regulation (2013) and Patent Issues in India (2018).

    India ranks as the third largest producer of pharmaceuticals in terms of volume and fourteenth largest in terms of value globally.

    Today’s editorial highlights the critical issue of drug quality and safety, particularly concerning pharmaceuticals produced in countries with regulatory frameworks. This content can be used in your Mains answer writing while discussing the implications for public health, especially in low- and middle-income families, where substandard medications can lead to severe health crises.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has flagged over 50 common medications as “Not of Standard Quality” (NSQ), including widely used drugs for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and acid reflux.

    • Notable examples include Telmisartan, Glimepiride, and Paracetamol.
    What is India’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940?

    • It regulates the import, manufacture, and sale or distribution of drugs and cosmetics through licenses and permits. It has to ensure that the drugs and cosmetics marketed in India are reliable, efficient, and in compliance with national standards.
    • The associated Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, which were formulated in association with the 1940 Act, provide provisions for classifying medications into schedules and instructions for the storage, sale, presentation, and prescription of each schedule.

    Other provisions laid under this Act include:
    • The Act oversees medication imports into India as well as prohibits the production of inferior or counterfeit pharmaceuticals in the country.
    • To form a Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and Drugs Consultative Committees (DCC) for allopathic and allied drugs, as well as cosmetics.

    Salient Features of the Act:
    • The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 10 lakhs or three times the confiscated goods’ value, whichever is greater.
    • Other gazette officers and officers from the Central Drug Controller’s Office (CDSCO) are authorized to initiate prosecution under the Act; some offenses are cognizable and non-bailable.
    • Specialized courts for the trial of offenses covered by the Act and provision for the aggregation of minor offenses.

    What are the recent challenges?

    1) Regulatory Challenge: Since each state is responsible for licensing and inspecting pharmaceutical manufacturing units located within its territory, it means that there is little that States can do to stop poorly manufactured drugs.

    • The only tool available to prosecute pharmaceutical companies for Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs is lengthy criminal prosecution.
    • During trials, companies can continue manufacturing and selling drugs in Karnataka.

    2) Verification Issues: Current tender requirements ask companies to disclose blacklisting but lack independent verification methods for procurement officers

    CASE STUDY:

    Tainted cough syrups from India resulted in the deaths of at least 89 children in Gambia and Uzbekistan. Such incidents underline the urgent need for stringent quality control measures.
    India and China, are significant players in global drug manufacturing, where they supply a substantial portion of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) used in generic drugs worldwide. However, the regulatory oversight in these regions is often inadequate. For instance, India’s pharmaceutical sector, which accounts for over 20% of the world’s generic drugs, has faced scrutiny following incidents involving contaminated products that have resulted in fatalities abroad.

    What are the Socio-economic impacts on the Society?

    • Social Implications: The WHO estimates that around 10% of medical products in low- and middle-income countries are either substandard or falsified. These medications can lead to treatment failures, increased morbidity, and even mortality.
    • Economic Implications: The economic burden of substandard medications is profound. Families may spend their limited resources on ineffective treatments, leading to financial strain and loss of trust in healthcare systems. This erosion of confidence can have long-term repercussions on public health initiatives.
    How can a centralized database help with drug quality assurance?

    A Centralized Drug database will enable agencies like KSMSCL to verify pharmaceutical companies’ credentials before purchasing drugs, and prevent issues like the recent scandal in Maharashtra that involved spurious antibiotics. This will eventually help procurement officers to assess the quality of inspections across states and prioritize manufacturers with rigorous inspection records.

    Solutions and Recommendations (Way Forward)

    • Promoting Information Sharing: Encourage greater collaboration between state drug control departments and public procurement agencies.
      • Establish a centralized database for drug testing results from all central and state laboratories.
    • Benefits of Centralized Data: A centralized database would allow drug inspectors to track the failure rates of pharmaceutical companies’ products across the country.
      • This would enable a risk-based approach in enforcement and procurement decisions, enhancing overall drug quality.
    • Recommendations: The Union Ministry of Health recommended creating a central register of pharmaceutical manufacturers blacklisted for supplying Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs.
      • It aims to enhance drug quality and eliminate unreliable suppliers from the market, thereby improving the safety of drugs available in public hospitals.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/states-and-the-danger-of-poorly-manufactured-drugs/article69044333.ece

  • On India’s obligations towards the Rohingya

    Why in the News?

    A recent study by The Azadi Project and Refugees International has found that Rohingya refugees detained in India face serious violations of their basic rights. It also criticizes India for not meeting its responsibilities under international human rights agreements.

    What has a recent report said about India’s refugee policy for the Rohingya people?

    • Human Rights Violations: The report indicates that Rohingya refugees are subjected to “gross violations of constitutional and human rights,” including arbitrary detention without charges and inhumane living conditions in detention centres.
    • Call for Legal Revisions: It urges India to clarify the legal status of Rohingya refugees and revise outdated laws like the Foreigners Act of 1946 to align with international refugee standards.
    • Recommendations for Action: The report advocates for the immediate release of vulnerable detainees and calls on international actors, including the U.S. and UNHCR, to engage with India on these issues.

    What does the 1951 Refugee Convention state?

    The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol establish fundamental principles for the protection of refugees, including:

    • Non-refoulement: This principle prohibits states from returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution or serious harm. It is a cornerstone of international refugee law and is considered customary international law, binding even on states not party to the Convention.
    • Rights of Refugees: The Convention outlines various rights that refugees are entitled to, such as access to legal assistance, work, education, and social services, ensuring their dignity and protection from discrimination.

    Note: India is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention.

    What is India’s stand?

    • Non-signatory Status: India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its Protocol, which it argues absolves it from legal obligations to provide asylum or adhere to non-refoulement principles.
    • Detention Practices: The Indian government continues to detain Rohingya refugees under domestic laws that classify them as illegal migrants. Recent court rulings have reinforced this stance, stating that while they have a right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, they lack right to reside or settle in India.
    • Judicial Interpretation: Despite India’s non-signatory status, some High Courts have interpreted international norms as applicable under Article 21, suggesting a potential pathway for legal protections for refugees.

    What are India’s international obligations?

    • International Treaties: India is a party to several international human rights treaties that imply obligations related to the treatment of individuals at risk of torture or inhumane treatment. For instance:
      • The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) includes provisions against refoulement (forcible return of refugees) under Article 7.
      • Other treaties like the Convention Against Torture also emphasise non-refoulement principles, even if India’s ratification status complicates direct enforcement.
    • Constitutional Mandates: Article 51(c) of the Indian Constitution encourages respect for international law and treaty obligations. Landmark Supreme Court rulings have indicated that international conventions should guide domestic law when local legislation is lacking

    Way forward: 

    • Establish a Comprehensive Refugee Policy: India should enact a uniform refugee law aligning with international principles, ensuring legal clarity and protection for all refugees, including the Rohingya, while upholding the constitutional mandate under Article 21.
    • Strengthen Collaboration with UNHCR and Civil Society: Engage with international agencies and local organizations to improve refugee support systems, focusing on humane detention practices, legal aid, and sustainable resettlement initiatives.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation”. Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society. (UPSC IAS/2021)