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GS Paper: GS3

  • Can India get rich before growing old?

    Why in the News?

    Since liberalization opened up new opportunities, there has been a lot of excitement about India’s demographic dividend, which is the advantage of having a large working-age population but there are major challenges like the middle-income trap.

    Can India leverage its sustained economic growth?

    • Harnessing the Demographic Dividend: With a large working-age population, India has a potential advantage, but it must ensure that this workforce is employed in productive sectors, particularly by shifting labor from low-productivity agriculture to higher-productivity manufacturing and services.
    • Strengthening the Manufacturing Sector: The manufacturing sector, especially labor-intensive industries like textiles, has the potential to create millions of jobs. By addressing barriers such as complex regulations, high tariffs, and infrastructure constraints, India can boost manufacturing growth, empower women, and drive economic mobility.
    • Reforming Infrastructure and Business Environment: Improving ease of doing business, simplifying trade and labor regulations, and increasing investment in infrastructure are critical for unlocking India’s potential for sustained growth. These reforms will enable large-scale job creation and enhance India’s global competitiveness.

    Challenges arising due to the middle-income trap

    • Declining Demographic Dividend: The proportion of working-age individuals in India’s population is set to decline in the coming decade, marking the potential end of the demographic dividend. Fertility rates have dropped across various states, which means India may face an aging population sooner than expected.
    • Stagnation in Key Sectors: India has struggled to reduce its agricultural workforce in the same way China did after liberalisation, making it harder to transition people to higher-productivity industries. Despite some growth in the services sector, manufacturing has stagnated and failed to generate the necessary number of jobs, especially in labor-intensive industries.
    • Limited Economic Mobility: High levels of youth unemployment and the lack of opportunities for individuals to move up the economic ladder have hindered India’s economic progress. The country’s labor force participation rate (LFPR) remains low, particularly among women, and urban job creation has not been sufficient to absorb the growing population.
    • Infrastructure and Regulatory Bottlenecks: The business environment is constrained by complex regulations, high tariffs, cumbersome licensing procedures, and a lack of access to land, all of which prevent the manufacturing sector from thriving. India’s slow regulatory reforms have stifled growth in manufacturing, which is essential for absorbing the workforce.

    How the Manufacturing sector can help India grow?

    • Job Creation: Manufacturing, especially in labour-intensive sectors like textiles and apparel, can create large numbers of jobs. This is vital for absorbing the surplus labour from agriculture and providing employment opportunities for the youth.
      • For example, the textile and apparel industry employs 45 million people compared to just 5.5 million in IT-BPM, highlighting its potential for mass employment.
    • Women’s Empowerment: Manufacturing, particularly industries like textiles, offers significant employment to women (60-70% of factory workers), helping reduce gender disparities in the labour force.
    • Economic Mobility: By creating better job opportunities, manufacturing helps people transition from low-productivity agricultural jobs to higher-wage, more stable positions in the industrial and service sectors. This transition is key to achieving sustained economic growth and avoiding the middle-income trap.
    • Global Competitiveness: Reducing barriers to manufacturing — such as simplifying business licensing, lowering tariffs on inputs, improving access to land, and streamlining trade regulations — can help India increase its competitiveness globally. Expanding market access through free trade agreements and making the business environment more conducive to manufacturing can unlock the potential of this sector.

    Steps taken by the government: 

    • “Make in India” Initiative: Launched in 2014, this initiative aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by promoting domestic production, reducing regulatory hurdles, and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in key manufacturing sectors such as electronics, textiles, and automobiles.
    • Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India): This program focuses on reducing dependence on imports by boosting local manufacturing, especially in strategic sectors like defense, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
      • It includes initiatives such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which offers incentives for manufacturing and exporting specific products like electronics, textiles, and solar panels.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Skill Development and Workforce Transition: India must invest in targeted skill development programs to equip its labor force, particularly those transitioning from agriculture, with the necessary skills for higher-productivity manufacturing and services sectors.
    • Accelerate Regulatory and Infrastructure Reforms: To unlock the full potential of the manufacturing sector, India should expedite regulatory reforms, simplify land acquisition processes, and enhance infrastructure.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (UPSC IAS/2019)

  • LignoSat: the First Wooden Satellite launched into space

    Lignosat: the First Wooden Satellite launched into space

    Why in the News?

    The world’s first wood-panelled satellite, LignoSat, was recently launched to test the use of timber as a renewable material for future space missions.

    About LignoSat Satellite:

    Details
    Purpose To test the potential of wood as a renewable building material in space applications.
    Developed By Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry of Japan.
    Launch Details Launched on November 5 aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule.
    Mission Duration Spend a month at the International Space Station (ISS) before being deployed into Earth’s orbit for six months to test its performance.
    Size and Weight Measures 4 inches (10 cm) per side and weighs 900 grams.
    Material Built with magnolia wood panels, using a traditional Japanese technique that avoids screws and glue.
    Construction Combines wood-panel casings with aluminium structures and standard electronic components.
    Durability Testing Designed to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations in space, ranging from -100 to 100 degrees Celsius every 45 minutes.

    LignoSat as a Renewable Solution for Space Construction

    • Reduced Environmental Impact: Unlike conventional aluminium-based satellites, LignoSat reduces pollutants like aluminium oxides that damage the ozone layer upon re-entry.
    • Sustainable Material: Wood is a renewable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant material in space, as there is no water or oxygen to accelerate degradation.
    • Long-Term Vision: The satellite could pave the way for sustainable space construction, with future plans to use wood in building structures on the Moon and Mars.
    • Mitigating Orbital Congestion: As satellite constellations grow, sustainable materials like wood could help reduce space debris and pollution in Earth’s orbit.

    PYQ:

    [2016] With reference to ‘AstroSat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.

    2. AstroSat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • APOBEC (Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Catalytic Polypeptide)

    Why in the News?

    Since smallpox was eradicated in 1980, research on mpox has highlighted how the virus mutates, particularly through the APOBEC family of immune system proteins.

    About APOBEC

    • APOBEC (Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Enzyme, Catalytic Polypeptide-Like) is a family of proteins involved in regulating the genetic material of viruses and cells.
    • They are part of the human immune system and play a crucial role in protecting against viral infections by editing RNA and DNA.
    • APOBEC consists of several enzymes, with APOBEC1, APOBEC3 family members being the most well-known.
    • There are 11 identified members of the APOBEC family, primarily named APOBEC1, APOBEC2, and APOBEC3, with APOBEC3 being the most studied due to its antiviral properties.
    • It has a Zinc Finger Domain, which is essential for their enzymatic activity and ability to bind to DNA or RNA.
    • APOBEC proteins are found in various tissues and cells, but they are notably present in the immune cells such as T-cells, B-cells, and macrophages.
    • Role in Immune Defense:
      • APOBEC proteins contribute to the innate immune response by editing viral genomes, preventing the replication of viruses, and reducing the ability of viruses to establish infections.
      • They are known to be cytosine deaminases, which means they modify cytosine bases in nucleic acids to uracil, leading to mutations that can prevent successful viral replication.
      • APOBEC proteins target the genomes of several viruses, including retroviruses (like HIV), hepatitis B virus, and poxviruses (such as mpox and smallpox).

    Functions of APOBEC Proteins:

    • DNA Editing: APOBEC proteins can deaminate cytosine bases in single-stranded DNA, converting them into uracil, which can lead to mutations.
      • This introduces errors in the viral genome and inhibits replication.
    • RNA Editing: Some APOBEC proteins, like APOBEC1, are involved in editing mRNA. In the case of APOBEC1, it helps edit the mRNA of apolipoprotein B, which is crucial for lipid metabolism.
    • Antiviral Activity: APOBEC3 proteins, particularly APOBEC3G, inhibit the replication of HIV and other retroviruses by editing viral DNA during reverse transcription.
      • They also reduce the replication of poxviruses (such as mpox), making them crucial in controlling infections caused by these viruses.
    • Cytosine Deamination in Viral RNA: APOBEC proteins induce mutations in viral RNA, reducing the virus’s ability to efficiently replicate and spread. This helps prevent viral evolution and adaptation.
    • Inhibition of Viral Resistance: By causing mutations in viral genomes, APOBEC proteins prevent viruses from easily developing resistance to the immune system’s defenses.
    • Interaction with Other Immune Mechanisms: APOBEC proteins work in concert with other immune mechanisms, like interferons, to enhance antiviral responses and limit infections.

    PYQ:

    [2016]  In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to:

    (a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing

    (b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism

    (c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression

    (d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

  • Asia Tea Alliance not in favor of GM Tea

    Why in the News?

    • The Asia Tea Alliance (ATA) resolved to reject Genetically Modified (GM) Tea in response to climate challenges affecting global tea production.
      • With India’s tea production down by 10% this year due to climate change, certain companies have advocated for GM tea.

    About Asia Tea Alliance (ATA)

    • Founded: April 19, 2019, in Guizhou, China.
    • 5 Members: India, China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Japan.
    • Goals: Enhance tea trade, cultural exchange, and globally promote tea.

    About Indian Tea Industry: 

    • India is the second-largest tea producer and largest black tea producer after China, and also the fourth-largest tea exporter worldwide.
    • India is the largest consumer of black tea, accounting for 18% of global tea consumption.
    • The Indian tea industry directly employs 1.16 million workers, with an equal number indirectly associated.
    • It is governed by the Tea Board of India and under Union Government control by an Act of Parliament.
    • Geographical conditions:
      • Northeast India (including Assam), north Bengal (such as Darjeeling, Terai and the Dooars), and the Nilgiris in south India.
      • Tropical and subtropical climates, with regions concentrated in Asia, Africa, and South America favours tea cultivation.
      • It requires cool to warm temperatures (15–23°C) with at least 5 hours of sunlight daily; annual rainfall should be 150-200 cm.
    • Darjeeling Tea known as the “Champagne of teas,” for its aroma was the first to GI tag in 2004–05.

    PYQ:

    [2020] “The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.” Which one of the following is that crop?

    (a) Cotton

    (b) Jute

    (c) Sugarcane

    (d) Tea

  • Caterpillar fungus

    Why in the News?

    Recent research by scientists at the University of Nottingham’s has found that a chemical produced by a fungus growing on caterpillars may slow cancer cell growth.

    What is Caterpillar fungus?

    • Cordyceps militaris, also known as caterpillar fungus, is a parasitic fungus that primarily infects caterpillars and other insects.
    • Found in the Himalayan region and parts of Asia, it is valued in traditional Asian medicine for its health benefits, including immune support, anti-inflammatory properties, and energy enhancement.
    • It is considered a delicacy in some Asian cultures and has long been used for its purported wellness effects.

    How it can slow down growth of cancer cells?

    • Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy have identified cordycepin, a compound produced by Cordyceps militaris, as potentially effective in slowing cancer cell growth.
    • Cordycepin works by interrupting overactive cell growth signals in cancer cells, which prevents rapid multiplication and allows for more targeted treatment.
    • This approach may be less harmful to healthy tissues compared to conventional cancer treatments, offering a promising direction for targeted cancer therapies.

    Other observations and significance of the species

    • In addition to its traditional uses, Cordyceps militaris is significant for its role in ecological balance, helping control insect populations in forest ecosystems.
    • Advances in research have enabled large-scale studies on cordycepin’s effects, with future studies focusing on derivatives of cordycepin for potentially enhanced anti-cancer properties.
    • The fungus illustrates how natural compounds can contribute to sustainable medical practices, offering less toxic alternatives for disease treatment, especially in oncology.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of:

    (a) Anti-malarial drug

    (b) Biodiesel

    (c) Pulp for paper industry

    (d) Textile fibre

  • IDF working on new guidelines to treat Type 2 Diabetes

    Why in the News?

    • The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is developing new Type 2 diabetes treatment guidelines in collaboration with a global expert panel.
      • These guidelines aim to integrate scientific evidence and clinical practice, adapted to the healthcare environment of specific countries.

    What is Type 2 Diabetes?

    • Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough, leading to high blood sugar levels.
    • It is commonly linked to obesity, physical inactivity and poor diet.
    • Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
    • Treatment involves lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management.
      • Medications such as Metformin help regulate blood sugar levels, and in some cases, insulin therapy may be required.

    About International Diabetes Federation (IDF):

    Details
    About
    • Established in 1950; Brussels, Belgium;
    • Members: Over 230 national diabetes associations in 170 countries and territories.
    • Collaborations: Partners with global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and others for global health initiatives.
    • Led by an elected President with the support of a Board of Directors from member countries.
    • Regional offices: Operates regional offices in Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
    Aims and Objectives
    • To improve the care and lives of people with diabetes and promote its prevention worldwide.
    • Advocacy, research, education, and raising awareness to reduce the global burden of diabetes.
    Key Programs
    • World Diabetes Day (November 14)
    • Global Diabetes Atlas
    • Educational initiatives for healthcare professionals
    Diabetes Types Covered
    • Type 1 Diabetes: Primarily affects children and young adults, where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
    • Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, often linked to lifestyle factors and obesity. It involves insulin resistance and eventually pancreas dysfunction.
    • Gestational Diabetes: A type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
    • Other Forms: Covers genetic forms, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), and MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young).

  • [9th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Staying cool, but with clean tech, global collaborations

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021)

    Q) Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above bjective? Explain. (UPSC CSE 2022)

    Q) Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC CSE 2021)

    Mentor’s Comment:  At COP28, 63 countries pledged to reduce cooling emissions by 68% by 2050 through the Global Cooling Pledge. Hence, expanded commitments are necessary at COP29 to enhance participation in global cooling initiatives and strengthen partnerships across sectors.

    Today’s editorial emphasizes the critical role of international cooperation in developing sustainable cooling technologies to combat climate change. It underscores the importance of collaboration among nations to develop clean technologies that not only address immediate cooling needs but also contribute to long-term sustainability goals.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The recent international agreements and initiatives, such as the Wilmington Declaration by the Quad nations and commitments made at COP28 focuses on the urgent need for sustainable cooling technologies in the context of global warming and climate change.

    Key Initiatives and Collaborations taken by countries:

    • Wilmington Declaration: Issued by the Quad nations (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.) on September 21, 2024. It focuses on sustainable energy solutions with an emphasis on high-efficiency cooling systems.
    • Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment: The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, aims to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning. Initiatives like the Kigali • Cooling Efficiency Program (K-CEP) provide technical support and capacity building for countries, particularly those in the developing world. 
    • U.S.-India Partnership: India has committed to significant investments in solar and cooling infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific region. Joint plans include expanding manufacturing capacities for energy-efficient air conditioners and ceiling fans.

    What were the key Commitments from COP28?
    • On Energy Transition Goals: Countries committed to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. A goal was set to triple global renewable energy capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030.
    • On Global Stocktake (GST): The first GST assessed progress towards the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the need for significant reductions in fossil fuel consumption by 2050.
    • On Loss and Damage Fund: An agreement was reached to establish a Loss and Damage Fund with initial contributions of about $800 million to support vulnerable nations affected by climate change.
    • On Methane Emissions Reduction: Countries committed to reducing global methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030, with new regulations introduced by several nations. While no complete fossil fuels phase-out was agreed upon, discussions included calls for the gradual elimination of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
    • On Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives: Nearly 160 nations signed a declaration to integrate food systems into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2025. Around $12.8 billion was pledged to the Green Climate Fund to support developing nations in their climate efforts.

    Significance of Global Collaborations for Clean Technologies

    • Accelerating Innovation: Countries can combine their scientific knowledge, leading to faster advancements in clean technologies. 
      • Collaborative efforts can attract funding and resources, speeding up the development of critical solutions.
    • Addressing Global Challenges: Coordinated responses are essential for tackling climate change effectively, as seen with initiatives like the Global Cooling Pledge. 
      • International partnerships help establish common standards, facilitating trade and effective implementation of technologies.
    • Economic Growth: Investing in clean technologies creates new industries and job opportunities, driving economic growth. 
    • Supporting Developing Economies: Involving diverse stakeholders ensures that solutions are accessible and meet the needs of vulnerable populations and their capacity building.

    What role do emerging markets play in the global cleantech landscape?

    • Growing Energy Demand: Emerging markets are expected to account for 90% of global energy demand growth by 2035, making them crucial for shaping future energy consumption.
    • Decarbonization Efforts: These markets contribute about 75% of global carbon emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to achieve climate goals.
    • Innovation Hubs: Emerging economies are becoming centers for innovation in clean technologies, supported by initiatives that address barriers to investment.
      • Renewables now make up around 75% of new power generation in emerging markets, presenting significant investment potential for clean energy projects.
    • International Collaboration: Global cooperation is essential to help these markets transition to clean energy by aligning regulations and sharing best practices.
      • Transitioning to renewable energy can alleviate energy poverty, providing access to electricity and clean cooking solutions for underserved Nations.

    What are the challenges and opportunities associated with financing clean technology initiatives?

    1) Challenges:

    • High Cost of Capital: Clean energy projects in emerging markets often face financing costs that are significantly higher than in developed countries, sometimes up to seven times more expensive, which inflate risk premiums for investors.
    • Limited Access to Funds: Emerging economies account for two-thirds of the global population but receive only one-fifth of clean energy investments. This disparity creates a funding gap that hinders the transition to sustainable energy systems.
    • High Reliance on Public Financing: Many clean energy projects in developing countries rely heavily on public sources of finance. However, these sources are often insufficient to meet the growing investment needs, especially post-COVID-19, which has strained public finances further.
    • Regulatory and Policy Barriers: Uncertain regulatory environments and lengthy procedures for project approvals can deter investment. For example, subsidies favoring fossil fuels and restrictions on foreign investment further complicate financing efforts.

    2) Opportunities:

    • Growing Demand for Clean Energy: The increasing global focus on sustainability and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions create a favorable environment for investing in clean technologies. Emerging markets are positioned to lead this transition by leveraging their renewable resources.
    • Innovative Financing Models: Blended finance approaches, which combine public and private funding, can help mitigate risks and attract investment in clean technologies. Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) can play a crucial role by providing guarantees or risk capital.
    • Technological Advancements: Advances in clean technology are reducing costs and improving efficiency, making it easier to attract investment.
      • For example, technologies like solar PV and wind power are becoming more financially viable, encouraging investment from both domestic and international sources.
    • Carbon Markets: The establishment of domestic carbon markets provides new revenue streams for clean energy projects, enhancing their financial viability. This can attract both local and international investors looking for sustainable investment opportunities.
    • International Collaboration: Global partnerships can facilitate knowledge sharing and provide access to capital for clean technology initiatives.
      • For example, initiatives like the World Economic Forum‘s efforts to mobilize investment in emerging economies highlight the importance of collaborative approaches 

    Way Forward: While financing clean technology initiatives faces notable challenges, particularly in emerging markets. Addressing the barriers effectively could unlock substantial investments needed for a successful transition to clean energy systems globally. COP29 must build on the momentum of COP28 by expanding cooling commitments.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/staying-cool-but-with-clean-tech-global-collaborations/article68846559.ece

  • How Röntgen accidentally discovered x-rays & changed the world

    Why in the News?

    On the evening of November 8, 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen was conducting experiments in his laboratory at the University of Würzburg in Germany when he made an unusual discovery.

     

    Did you know the Röntgen’s discovery story of X-rays?

    • While experimenting with cathode rays in a glass vacuum tube, Röntgen noticed a fluorescent screen glowing at a distance, despite being too far to be affected by the rays he was studying.
    • Intrigued by this unexpected glow, he wondered if this mysterious ray could penetrate organic materials, so he experimented by photographing his wife’s hand, capturing her bones and ring. This was the world’s first recorded X-ray image of the human body.
    • Röntgen documented his findings in an article titled “On a new kind of rays,” in 1895 which was published by introducing “X-rays” to the scientific community.

    How did Röntgen’s discovery transform Medical practices and Diagnostics?

    • Revolution in Diagnostic Medicine: Physicians rapidly adopted X-rays, which allowed them to view the human body without surgery. This was transformative for diagnostics, especially in orthopedics and internal medicine.
    • Surgical Advancements: By February 1896, British physician Major John Hall-Edwards had successfully used X-rays to guide the surgery. Within months, armies began using X-ray technology to locate bullet wounds and diagnose fractures, marking the beginning of its use in trauma care.

    What are the long-term implications of Röntgen’s discovery on Public health and Safety?

    • Development of Radiology: this discovery led to the birth of radiology, with subsequent advancements leading to CT, MRI, ultrasound, and other imaging technologies that are essential in modern medicine.
    • Radiation Safety and Awareness: Initially, x-rays were used liberally, even for non-medical purposes (such as in shoe stores to fit footwear), with little awareness of potential harm. It wasn’t until early reports of radiation burns and later research in the early 20th century that the health risks of radiation exposure were acknowledged, prompting the development of safety protocols.
    • Ongoing Safety Protocols: Today, radiation safety is central to radiology practices. Equipment advancements and regulatory standards have minimized exposure risks, making x-rays safe for patients and medical personnel while ensuring their continued benefits.
    • Public Health and Preventive Care: The ability to detect diseases, fractures, and other internal injuries without invasive procedures has been crucial for preventive care, enabling early detection and treatment. This has significantly impacted patient survival rates and quality of care, solidifying diagnostic imaging as a pillar of modern public health.

    Issues related to X-ray machines in Rural areas:

    • Limited X-ray Equipment: Rural Community Health Centres (CHCs) in India often need more X-ray machines, with only 68% of available units functioning, primarily due to high operational costs and shortages of technicians.
    • Maintenance and Operational Delays: Even when X-ray machines are present, many remain non-functional due to installation delays and insufficient maintenance, as imaging services are not prioritized in CHC guidelines.
    • Access and Specialist Shortages: Rural patients face long travel distances to access imaging services, further limited by a concentration of radiologists in urban areas, reducing timely access to diagnostic interpretation.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Infrastructure and Access: Increase the availability and functionality of X-ray machines in rural areas by improving equipment maintenance, investing in portable and mobile X-ray units to bring diagnostic services directly to underserved populations.
      • For example, Teleradiology enables remote interpretation of images, improving access to diagnostic services.
    • Telemedicine and Remote Diagnostics: Expand telemedicine platforms like ‘XraySetu’, enabling healthcare workers in rural areas to share X-ray images for remote analysis by radiologists, improving diagnostic capabilities without requiring patients to travel long distances.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • [pib] MAHASAGAR Initiative

    Why in the News?

    • The Indian Navy conducted the 3rd edition of MAHASAGAR Initiative, a high-level virtual interaction led by the Chief of Naval Staff.
      • Theme: “Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR,” emphasizing the importance of training cooperation to address shared maritime challenges.

    About MAHASAGAR Initiative:

    Details
    About
    • MAHASAGAR stands for “Maritime Heads for Active (MAHA) Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)”
      • SAGAR Doctrine was culminated out of PM’s vision in 2015.
    • Launched by Indian Navy in 2023 as part of India’s commitment to maritime security and regional cooperation.
    • Held bi-annually.
    Aims
    • Training Cooperation: Collaborative training efforts among IOR nations.
    • Capacity Building: Developing skilled manpower to address maritime security challenges.
    Members
    • Countries bordering the Indian Ocean, include Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
    • Chief of Naval Staff of India leads the interactions.
    • Heads of Navies, Maritime Agencies, and Senior Leadership from each participating country.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):

    1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.

    2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

    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

  • Are CSR contributions to agriculture properly tracked?

    Why in the News?

    Ten years ago, India became the first country to legally mandate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The section 135 of the Companies Act 2013 establishes the rules governing CSR. 

    • According to the National CSR Portal, ₹1.84 lakh crore in CSR funds was disbursed between 2014 and 2023.

    About CSR: 

    Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a business practice where companies contribute to social, economic, and environmental betterment, addressing societal needs alongside their profit-making objectives.

    • In India, the minimum percentage of a company’s net profit that must be spent on corporate social responsibility (CSR) is 2%.

    Sectoral division of CSR: 

    • Education: Receives the highest CSR share (33%-40%) for building schools, scholarships, infrastructure, and vocational training.
    • Health Care: Allocates 20%-30% of CSR funds to hospitals, health camps, sanitation, and disease prevention.
    • Environmental Sustainability: Accounts for 5%-10% of CSR funds, with projects in biodiversity conservation, waste management, and renewable energy.

    CSR’s Role in Agriculture

    • Claims 10%-15% of CSR funds, targeting infrastructure, agricultural practices, and livelihood support.
    • Since the enactment of the Companies Act in 2013, which mandates CSR spending, a total of Rs 1.84 lakh crore has been disbursed in CSR funds from 2014 to 2023. 
      • These funds have increasingly targeted sustainability initiatives within agriculture, with 23% of surveyed companies prioritizing “environment and sustainability” in their CSR activities.
    • Over 90.8% of farmers involved in CSR programs reported improvements in income or risk reduction due to these initiatives.  

    How much of an impact does Agriculture have on India’s GDP? 

    • Agriculture contributes approximately 15% to 18.2% of India’s GDP, reflecting a decline from 35% in 1990-91 due to rapid growth in the industrial and service sectors. The average annual growth rate of the agricultural sector has been around 4% over the last five years. (acc to pib data)
    • Agriculture remains crucial for employment, providing livelihoods for about 42% of the population, which is significantly higher than the global average of 25%.

    What are the key requirements to improve agricultural sustainability?

    • Investment in Infrastructure: There is a pressing need for capital investment in infrastructure development, including irrigation systems, cold storage, and transportation networks to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.
    • Technological Advancements: Adoption of modern agricultural practices and technologies is essential. This includes better seed varieties, efficient irrigation methods, and sustainable farming techniques to enhance productivity.
    • Environmental Sustainability Initiatives: Projects focusing on water conservation, energy-efficient irrigation, and agroforestry are critical for maintaining ecological balance while improving agricultural output.

    What hinders CSR’s potential for agriculture?

    • Lack of Clear Reporting Mechanisms: One of the main obstacles is the absence of robust frameworks to track and categorize CSR funding specifically directed towards agricultural initiatives. Current reporting practices do not emphasize agriculture-related CSR activities adequately.
    • Diverse Allocation Categories: CSR activities can fall under multiple categories (e.g., gender equality, and environmental sustainability), making it difficult to isolate funds specifically aimed at agricultural sustainability. This lack of specificity hampers effective monitoring and impact assessment.
    • Need for Distinct Sector Identification: To maximize CSR contributions to agriculture, it is crucial to identify agriculture as a distinct sector within CSR activities. This would streamline funding processes and enhance transparency and accountability in how funds are utilized for agricultural development.

    Way forward: 

    • Establish Agriculture as a Separate CSR Category: Need to create a distinct sector for agriculture in CSR reporting to streamline funding, improve transparency, and enable targeted monitoring of agriculture-focused initiatives.
    • Implement Comprehensive Reporting Frameworks: The government should develop robust mechanisms for tracking CSR funds specifically allocated to agricultural projects, ensuring clear categorization and facilitating better impact assessments.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications. (UPSC IAS/2013)