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GS Paper: GS3

  • Draft Patent Amendment Rules and Issues

    petent

    Central Idea

    • On August 23, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in India unveiled draft patent amendment rules.
    • These changes, if enacted, may have significant implications for pharmaceutical companies and patients, particularly in the global South.

    Draft Patent Amendment Rules: Key takeaways

    • Financial Burden: A notable modification is the introduction of variable fees for filing pre-grant oppositions, potentially placing a substantial financial burden on civil society organizations and patient groups.
    • Maintainability Decision: Of particular concern is the provision granting the controller the authority to determine the maintainability of representation by individuals or civil society organizations seeking to file pre-grant oppositions.

    Impact on Public Health Safeguards

    • Key Public Health Safeguard: Pre-grant opposition serves as a crucial public health safeguard against practices like patent evergreening and the granting of unwarranted monopolies. It ensures continued accessibility to quality-assured and affordable generic medicines.
    • Lobbying for Weakened Safeguards: The draft amendment rules have raised concerns that they may undermine these safeguards and potentially extend patent protection on frivolous grounds. Big pharmaceutical companies have long lobbied to remove critical safeguards from India’s patent laws.

    Critiques and Concerns

    • Lack of Rational Basis: Critics argue that the rules’ provision for controller-determined maintainability lacks a rational basis and may create more problems. Without clear guidelines, decisions on the eligibility of pre-grant opposition filers could become arbitrary.
    • Favouring Corporations: Some believe that the government is aligning with pharmaceutical companies’ interests, as these corporations often seek to limit pre-grant opposition.
    • Unique Provision at Risk: Pre-grant opposition, an exceptional provision within the Indian Patent Act, has been crucial in protecting public health interests. Weakening this provision could have dire consequences for patients and the generic drug industry.

    Precedents of Successful Opposition

    • Past Precedents: Pre-grant opposition filed by patient groups and civil society organizations has led to the rejection of patent extensions pursued by pharmaceutical companies based on weak claims of “novel invention.”
    • Notable Instances: Examples include opposition to patents for drugs like Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), Nevirapine, Glivec (imatinib mesylate), Zidovudine/Lamivudine (HIV medicines), and Lopinavir/Ritonavir (HIV medicines).

    Potential Ramifications

    • Global Implications: The proposed changes could disproportionately impact patients in India and the global South, who heavily rely on India’s production of affordable generic drugs and vaccines.
    • Threat to Access: Weakening pre-grant opposition may impede access to essential medicines, putting patients at risk and affecting the generic drug industry.
    • Concerns Raised: Experts emphasize that any erosion of this provision within the Indian Patent Act would be a significant change, jeopardizing patients’ ability to access affordable medications and enabling pharmaceutical corporations to exert greater control over the market.

    Conclusion

    • The draft patent amendment rules have sparked concerns that they may undermine essential safeguards, potentially benefiting pharmaceutical giants while posing a threat to patients’ access to affordable medicines.
    • The pivotal role of pre-grant opposition in safeguarding public health interests is at risk, raising questions about the impact on patients in India and beyond.

  • Neuralink’s Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)

    neuralink

    Central Idea

    • Elon Musk’s brain implant company Neuralink has announced it is one step closer to putting brain implants in people.

    Neuralink’s Vision

    • Neuralink uses tiny brain implants to control neural signals for movement.
    • These implants translate thoughts into actions via a wireless app.

    Science behind Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)

    • They use a tiny chip implanted in the brain.
    • This chip reads and sends brain signals to an app, turning thoughts into actions.
    • It starts with helping paralyzed individuals control a computer cursor using their thoughts.
    • Some BCIs use sensor-filled structures like hairnets to detect brain signals.
    • They can stimulate different parts of the brain, which showed promise in treating conditions like depression.

    India’s Role in Brain Tech

    • C-DAC in India is developing BCIs to capture brain signals that show intentions.
    • The All India Institute of Medical Sciences is testing this project.
    • BrainSight AI, an Indian startup, maps brain connections to understand neurological conditions.

    Indian Innovations and Their Impact

    • Indian BCIs, like Neuralink’s, aim to help paralyzed patients move and communicate.
    • They could also treat mental disorders like schizophrenia.
    • Indian hospitals are testing these technologies.

    Challenges Ahead

    • Invasive BCIs, like Neuralink’s, face rules and need lots of data.
    • Non-invasive BCIs are moving faster.
    • Indian institutions are actively testing these technologies and mapping the brain.

  • India’s Inclusion in Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM)

    Central Idea

    • In a groundbreaking development, JPMorgan has announced the inclusion of Indian government bonds in its Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM), slated to commence from June 2024.
    • This decision could pave the way for substantial inflows of billions of dollars into local currency-denominated government debt.

    What is Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM)?

    Definition An index that tracks the performance of government bonds issued by emerging market countries.

    It reflects the returns of local-currency-denominated sovereign bonds.
    Purpose To provide a benchmark for measuring the performance of emerging market government bonds, helping investors assess the attractiveness of these bonds for investment.
    Issuer J.P. Morgan
    Components Includes government bonds issued by various emerging market countries.

    The composition may change over time based on eligibility criteria.
    Coverage Covers a broad range of emerging market countries and their local currency government bonds.

    Different GBI-EM indices may have specific regional or maturity focuses.
    Currency Denominated in the local currencies of the respective emerging market countries.

     

    India’s inclusion in GBI-EM

    • Long-Awaited Discussion: India’s consideration for inclusion in global indexes began in 2013. However, limitations on foreign investments in domestic debt impeded progress.
    • Fully Accessible Route (FAR): In April 2020, the Reserve Bank of India introduced select securities exempt from foreign investment restrictions through the “fully accessible route” (FAR), rendering them eligible for inclusion in global indexes.
    • Index-Eligible Bonds: Currently, there are 23 Indian Government Bonds (IGBs) with a combined notional value of $330 billion that meet index eligibility criteria, according to JPMorgan.
    • Investor Support: Approximately 73% of benchmarked investors voted in favor of India’s inclusion in the index, marking a significant endorsement.

  • Gurnards: New fish species discovered in Bengal’s Digha harbour

    Gurnards

    Central Idea

    • Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have unveiled a captivating discovery— Gurnards, a new species of deep water marine fish, displaying a striking orange hue.
    • This remarkable find was made off the coast of Digha Mohana in West Bengal.

    Gurnards or Sea-robins

    • The newfound species falls within the Triglidae family, commonly referred to as gurnards or sea-robins.
    • Named Pterygotrigla intermedica, this species exhibits distinct characteristics that set it apart from its counterparts, such as Pterygotrigla hemisticta.
    • It marks the fourth species within the Pterygotrigla genus to be reported in India.
    • This family boasts a global diversity with a total of 178 species, emphasizing the significance of this discovery.

  • Northeast’s Mithun gets ‘Food Animal’ Tag

    mithun

    Central Idea

    • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently recognized the mithun as a ‘food animal,’ opening doors for its commercial use.

    About Mithun

    • The Mithun, also known as the Gayal (scientifically Bos frontalis), is believed to have evolved from the Indian Gaur or bison.
    • It was first described in 1804 by Aylmer Bourke Lambert.
    • It holds significant cultural and socio-economic importance among tribes like the Nyishi, Apatani, Galo, and Adi in Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Its habitat spans Northeast India, Bangladesh, northern Myanmar, and Yunnan, China.
    • It is often referred to as the ‘cattle of the mountain.’
    • The gayal serves as the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

    Conservation status

    • IUCN: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I.

    Recognition as a ‘Food Animal’

    • This move has sparked efforts to help farmers and tribal communities benefit economically from the sale and processing of mithun meat.
    • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has introduced the M-ANITRA app, facilitating the registration of Mithun farmers as both “buyers” and “sellers” to engage in competitive trade.
    • Mithun farmers from various villages in Northeast India have been participating in training programs conducted by organizations like the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun.
    • Farmers are adopting practices to protect mithun, including enclosures, night shelters, and vaccinations.
    • Mithuns, when sold as meat, can fetch high prices, with an average selling price of Rs 300 per kg.
    • The opportunity to commercially sell mithun meat is generating excitement among farmers.

  • Propelling India’s development the right way

    What’s the news?

    • The op-ed acknowledges India’s technological achievements, emphasizing the need to revive state support, particularly in emerging sectors. It underscores the urgency of addressing persistent inequalities and promoting inclusive economic growth for a more prosperous future.

    Central idea

    • Aim for the moon is often synonymous with bold ambition, verging on recklessness. India’s foray into space research in the 1960s was initially met with skepticism, given its status as a young and struggling nation. Today, India boasts remarkable achievements in space exploration. However, these accomplishments raise a pertinent question: How do these feats align with the persistent poverty and destitution afflicting millions of Indians?

    Historical Foundations of India’s Scientific and Technological Capabilities

    • Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): Between 1951 and 1961, India founded five Indian Institutes of Technology. These institutions rapidly gained global recognition as centers of academic excellence. They played a critical role in nurturing a talent pool of engineers and scientists who would later contribute to India’s technological advancements.
    • Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs): In 1961, India inaugurated the first two Indian Institutes of Management. These institutions aimed to foster managerial talent, aligning with India’s broader goals of building expertise and human capital in various fields.
    • Public Sector Units (PSUs): Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, India established numerous public sector units across diverse industrial sectors. These sectors included steel production, fertilizer manufacturing, machine tools, electric machinery, drug production, and petrochemicals. These PSUs not only bolstered industrialization but also served as vital testing grounds for emerging technologies.

    India’s Moonshot Development Strategy

    • The moonshot development strategy aimed to leverage modern industrialization to address developmental challenges.
    • Early visionaries like Vikram Sarabhai envisioned satellite technology for nationwide communication, agricultural improvements, and healthcare education.
    • Nevertheless, this approach faced criticism for its heavy reliance on public investment and the alleged misdirection of resources toward capital- and technology-intensive industries instead of labor-intensive sectors.

    How have inequalities posed significant hurdles to India’s progress and development?

    • Lack of Effective Government Intervention:
    • India’s development strategy’s lackluster record was not due to excessive government emphasis on technology but rather because the government could not effectively address inequalities and ensure social development.
    • One of the missed opportunities was the failure to implement a successful program of land redistribution.
    • Ownership Disparities: Ownership of assets remains significantly low among socially oppressed communities, including Dalits and the Scheduled Caste (SC) population. This lack of asset ownership creates barriers to accessing education and economic opportunities.
    • Education Underinvestment: India has consistently underinvested in basic education for the masses. This educational deficit further exacerbates inequalities and limits opportunities for those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged.
    • Replicated Inequalities in the Labor Market: The historical inequalities in social and economic spheres translate into labor market disparities. Better-paying jobs tend to be concentrated among privileged groups with greater access to higher education, further deepening the divide.
    • Employment Disparities: The data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey highlights significant disparities in employment. In 2021–22, a higher percentage of SC workers (38.2%) were engaged in casual employment, which often involves manual labor, compared to workers from other general category castes (11.2%).
    • Contrast with East Asian Countries: East Asian countries like Japan and China implemented land reforms and other measures in the 1950s that created a relatively egalitarian social structure. This laid the foundation for progressive economic and social changes in the subsequent years.
    • Impact on Industrial and Economic Growth: Inequalities have negatively impacted industrial and economic growth in India. The skewed domestic demand, driven by the upper-income classes, has hindered the growth of manufacturing sectors producing high-quality, mass-consumption goods like food products and garments.
    • Narrow Social Base for Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship in India has emerged from a narrow social base, limiting the diversity and inclusivity of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    Way forward

    • Reinstate state support:
    • India should recognize the strengths and weaknesses of its post-independence development strategy.
    • The audacious attempt to build technological and industrial capabilities with generous state support was the right approach.
    • India must reinstate such efforts, especially in rapidly growing economic sectors like semiconductors and biotechnology.
    • Abandoning industrial policy in a globalized economy, as done after 1991, is a mistake, especially when countries like the United States and China actively support their industries.
    • Make Economic Growth Inclusive:
    • India needs to redouble efforts to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and broad-based.
    • Access to education, particularly higher education, should be made accessible to all, including marginalized communities.
    • Strengthen human and social capabilities:
    • While technology has played a significant role in India’s development, it’s equally important to focus on building human and social capabilities.
    • Empowering the billion-strong population with the skills and capabilities required for upward mobility is crucial.
    • Achieving this would be equivalent to a significant leap in economic progress.

    Conclusion

    • India’s journey toward technological prowess should coexist with a commitment to alleviate inequality and ensure inclusive growth. A moonshot approach to development, grounded in state support for technological advancement, is imperative. By reconciling these objectives, India can pave the way for a prosperous and equitable future.

  • Ethanol – a saviour that gives savings

    What’s the news?

    • India grapples with soaring international oil prices, hitting nearly $100 per barrel, amid its record high import dependence on crude oil and products at 87.3% in FY2023.

    Central idea

    • As the third-largest consumer of crude and related products globally, India faces a critical challenge in securing its energy future. However, the recently formed Global Biofuel Alliance under India’s G20 presidency presents a promising opportunity to harness clean bioenergy and enhance energy security while optimizing public spending.

    India’s Ethanol Blending Program

    • In 2003, India initiated its ethanol blending program, but progress remained sluggish for over a decade.
    • In 2022, after sustained policy efforts, the program achieved a significant milestone by achieving a 10% ethanol blending rate in petrol.
    • The government now aims to accelerate progress, targeting a 20% (E20) blending rate by FY25–26, advancing the original timeline by five years.
    • Ethanol producers supplied approximately 430 crore litres of ethanol in 2022, with demand projected to soar to nearly 1,100 crore litres by 2025.
    • Achieving this target hinges on substantial investments and ensuring an adequate supply of feedstock for domestic ethanol production.

    Mobility needs in India

    • Two-Wheelers Dominance: Nearly 60% of India’s petrol demand is attributed to two-wheelers. These vehicles are essential for meeting the mobility requirements of people across various economic strata, from urban commuters to rural residents.
    • Four-Wheelers’ Growing Demand: While two-wheelers dominate, the demand for four-wheelers is steadily increasing. Approximately 55% of respondents in a 2021 study indicated their desire and need to own a four-wheeler. A NITI Aayog report also predicts a significant growth in petrol demand from four-wheelers by 2030.

    The Role of Biofuels, Specifically Ethanol

    • Reducing Petrol Consumption: One of the primary roles of biofuels, such as ethanol, is to reduce the overall consumption of petrol (gasoline). By blending ethanol with petrol, India can lower its dependence on imported crude oil, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy security.
    • Blending to Reduce Emissions: Ethanol blending in petrol is an effective strategy to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. This is crucial for addressing India’s air quality challenges and its commitment to combating climate change.
    • Promoting Bio-Energy: Biofuels, including ethanol, can be produced from agricultural crops and biomass sources. This provides an additional income stream for the farming community, contributing to rural development and income generation.
    • Supporting Sustainable Agriculture: The cultivation of crops for biofuel production can be aligned with sustainable agricultural practices, including crop diversification and efficient resource use.

    Challenges with Electric Vehicles (EVs)

    • Limited Availability and Affordability of EVs: While EV adoption is increasing, there is still limited variety in EV models compared to traditional vehicles. This limitation can impact consumer choice and adoption. Additionally, the upfront costs of EVs are often higher, which can deter potential buyers.
    • Charging Infrastructure: The need for expanding charging infrastructure is emphasized, highlighting that the development of charging stations is essential for the widespread adoption of EVs. The lack of charging stations can create range anxiety among EV users.
    • Range Anxiety: EVs generally have a limited range compared to traditional vehicles, and addressing this concern is crucial to alleviating consumer fears about long-distance travel.
    • Charging Time: While not explicitly mentioned, the article indirectly alludes to the longer charging times for EVs compared to refueling traditional vehicles. Fast-charging stations are discussed as a solution to reduce charging times.
    • Battery Technology and Supply Chain: The article briefly touches upon battery cost and supply chain challenges, noting that the cost of EV batteries remains relatively high and disruptions in the global supply chain can impact EV manufacturing.

    Way forward

    • Expediting Ethanol Blending Program: Accelerate efforts to achieve the ambitious target of 20% ethanol blending (E20) by FY25–26. Prioritize investments in ethanol production facilities to meet the rising demand for ethanol.
    • Infrastructure Development: Focus on rapidly developing the necessary infrastructure for the efficient distribution and sale of ethanol-blended petrol, including retrofitting existing petrol pumps and establishing new ones.
    • Research and Development for 2G Technologies: Allocate resources to research and develop second-generation (2G) biofuel technologies that can utilize non-food crop feedstocks, diversifying biofuel sources.
    • Balanced Approach: Recognize the complementary nature of biofuels, electric vehicles (EVs), and other sustainable mobility solutions. Promote EV adoption, particularly in public transit and urban settings, alongside biofuel promotion.
    • Supportive Policy Framework: Ensure the presence of consistent and supportive policy frameworks that incentivize biofuel production, distribution, and usage. Explore pricing mechanisms to encourage responsible private vehicle usage in urban areas.

    What else?

    • First-generation Production: Much of India’s supply of ethanol for the blending program comes from first-generation production. This primarily involves using underlying sugars in food crops, with the majority sourced from sugarcane (84 percent) and grain (16 percent).
    • Food-Energy-Water Nexus: Considering the food-energy-water nexus in ethanol production is important. Food crops used for ethanol require fertilizers, water, and energy subsidies for their production.
    • Climate Change Considerations:
    • While ethanol production provides a new income stream for the farming community through assured procurement, it’s crucial to recognize that climate change can lead to significant variations in rainfall and yields. These variations can make the ethanol supply vulnerable to supply shocks.
    • Therefore, India needs a robust assessment of these trade-offs and a clear research and development plan for second-generation (2G) ethanol technologies before scaling up ethanol production.

    Conclusion

    • In an era when the automobile industry grapples with the transition to EVs, India’s strategic and actionable plan for transforming its mobility landscape not only promises to reduce the import bill but also provides the nation with the time required to transition a cornerstone industry of its economy. The Global Biofuel Alliance, alongside well-considered policy initiatives, will be pivotal in steering India toward greater energy security and sustainability.

    Must Read:

    Sustainable Biofuels

  • TrueNat Test to detect Nipah

    Central Idea

    • Kerala has been accorded sanction by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) to use TrueNat test to diagnose Nipah.
    • Hospitals with BSL 2 level labs can perform the test.

    What is TrueNat Test?

    • The TrueNat test is a molecular diagnostic test used for the detection of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19.
    • It is a portable, chip-based and battery-operated machine developed by a Goa-based company.
    • It is based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, which allows for the amplification and detection of specific genetic material (RNA or DNA) from the target pathogen.
    • The WHO has approved TrueNat for detecting TB as it is cost-effective and a miniature version of the PCR test.

    Benefits offered

    • TrueNat machines are designed to be portable and easy to use in various settings, including remote or resource-limited areas.
    • This feature has been particularly useful for TB diagnosis in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.

    About RT-PCR

    • Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology is a molecular biology method used to detect and quantify DNA or RNA sequences in biological samples.
    • It combines PCR amplification with fluorescent probes to monitor DNA amplification in real-time.
    • This allows for the quantification of specific genetic material, making it valuable for applications such as gene expression analysis, disease diagnosis, and genetic research.
    • It provides high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid results, making it a widely used tool in molecular biology and clinical diagnostics.

  • YashoBhoomi: India’s Premier Convention and Expo Centre

    YashoBhoomi

    Central Idea

    • PM inaugurated the first phase of the world-class ‘YashoBhoomi’ India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC) in Dwarka, Delhi.

    About YashoBhoomi

    • YashoBhoomi is the second convention facility to offer top-notch amenities for exhibitions and conferences, following the Bharat Mandapam, which hosted world leaders during the recent G20 Summit.
    • It represents PM’s vision to create world-class infrastructure in India for hosting conventions, meetings, and exhibitions, greatly benefiting from its operational status in Dwarka.

    Key Features of YashoBhoomi

    • Expansive Project: Also known as the India International Convention and Expo Centre, YashoBhoomi spans an impressive 8.9 lakh square meters, with a built-up area exceeding 1.8 lakh square meters.
    • Capacity and Facilities: This conference center boasts a remarkable capacity of accommodating 11,000 guests. It comprises 15 convention rooms, including the main auditorium, the grand ballroom, and 13 meeting rooms.
    • Auditorium and Ballroom: The main auditorium can seat 6,000 people, while the grand ballroom can accommodate an additional 2,500. There is also seating for up to 500 people in a large open space.
    • Exhibition Hall: A massive exhibition hall, spanning over 1.07 lakh square meters, is a prominent feature of YashoBhoomi.
    • Metro Connectivity: On the same day as the inauguration of the new metro station in Dwarka Sector 25, YashoBhoomi will be connected to the Delhi Airport Metro Express line.
    • Architectural Splendor: The conference center incorporates elements inspired by Indian civilizations, including terrazzo floors with brass inlays resembling rangoli patterns, suspended sound-absorbing metal cylinders, and illuminated pattern walls.
    • Sustainability Focus: YashoBhoomi is committed to sustainability, featuring rooftop solar panels, a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system enabling 100% wastewater reuse, rainwater harvesting, and Green Cities Platinum certification from CII’s Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

  • Defence Ministry nods to buy Pralay Ballistic Missiles

    pralay

    Central Idea

    • The Defense Ministry has granted approval for the acquisition of a regiment of ‘Pralay’ ballistic missiles, earmarked for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Line of Control (LoC).
    • It is the first time that a ballistic missile will be inducted into the services for conventional operations.

    Pralay Missile: Key Features

    Strike Range 150 to 500 kilometers
    Payload Capacity 350 kg to 700 kg conventional warhead
    Warhead Variability High explosive preformed fragmentation warheads, penetration-cum-blast (PCB) warheads, runaway denial penetration submunitions (RDPS)
    Classification Quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile
    Maneuverability Mid-flight trajectory alteration capability
    Propulsion Solid propellant rocket motor with advanced guidance systems
    Global Comparisons Comparable to China’s Dong Feng 12 and Russia’s Iskander missile
    Development History Development was initiated around 2015, with significant progress during the tenure of General Bipin Rawat as Chief of Army Staff

     

    Strategic significance

    • Longest Range: ‘Pralay’ will emerge as the longest-range surface-to-surface missile within the Army’s inventory.
    • Strategic Role: ‘Pralay,’ in conjunction with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, will play a central role in India’s planned Rocket Force, augmenting the nation’s strategic posture.
    • Imperative: China and Pakistan have already deployed ballistic missiles for tactical purposes, prompting India’s acquisition of ‘Pralay’ missiles.