Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Right to Assemble, Article 19
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has overturned a Government Order (GO) issued by the state government that aimed to regulate public meetings, processions, and assemblies on roads.
Key takeaways of the ruling
- The court held that the right to assemble, protest peacefully, and express one’s opinion freely was a precious freedom.
- It emphasized that this freedom should not be curtailed based on unproven assertions made by government officials.
- The court reiterated that freedom of speech was considered the foremost among liberties and was crucial for democracy.
- It stated that such a precious freedom should not be left to the unrestricted discretion of any individual.
AP move regulating Public Assembly
- The GO sought to regulate public meetings and assemblies on roads, roadsides, and margins.
- The state government argued that the regulations were necessary to address fatal accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow.
- Sections 30, 30A, and 31 of the Police Act, 1861 were cited as the basis for the directions under the GO.
High Court’s decision and reasoning
- The court set aside the GO, ruling that it imposed a ban on all meetings on public highways and roads.
- It stated that accidents or incidents at specific locations should not result in a total restriction on the right to assemble or conduct processions on other roads.
- The court suggested studying the causes of incidents and issuing guidelines to prevent their recurrence rather than imposing broad restrictions.
Upholding the Right to Assembly
- The court asserted that the right to assemble, protest peacefully, and express opinions freely is a fundamental freedom that cannot be curtailed arbitrarily.
- Freedom of speech is regarded as a crucial pillar of democracy and must not be subject to unfettered discretion.
- The court deemed the power conferred by the GO as excessive, arbitrary, and failing the test of proportionality.
Reference: 2018 SC Ruling on Peaceful Assembly
- The court referred to the guidelines laid down in the Supreme Court’s ruling in “Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v Union of India (2018).”
- The guidelines regulate protests and demonstrations, recognizing the right to peaceful assembly while allowing reasonable restrictions.
- The ruling includes provisions on the number of participants, minimum distances from important locations, and restrictions during visits by foreign dignitaries.
Back2Basics: Right to Assemble
- The right to assemble in India refers to the fundamental right guaranteed under Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution of India.
- It grants individuals the freedom to peacefully assemble, protest, and hold public meetings or processions.
- This right allows citizens to come together to express their views, opinions, and grievances collectively in a public setting.
- It is an essential aspect of democracy, enabling citizens to engage in peaceful activism, raise awareness about social issues, and participate in public discourse.
- However, reasonable restrictions can be imposed on this right in the interest of public order, morality, and the sovereignty and integrity of India.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Jallikattu Debate
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court Constitution Bench has upheld the amendments made by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
- The decision overturns a previous verdict that banned practices such as Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport.
Overturning the previous verdict
- The court rejected the 2014 verdict of the Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja case that deemed Jallikattu incompatible with animal rights.
- The Constitution Bench emphasized that Jallikattu has been a part of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage for at least a century.
Significance of Pongal and Jallikattu
- Pongal is a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu, celebrated with thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and rituals honoring cattle.
- Jallikattu, a bull-taming event, is an integral part of the festival and showcases the strength and skill of farm hands in southern Tamil Nadu.
Supreme Court’s 2014 verdict and animal rights perspective
- The previous two-judge Bench ruling emphasized the importance of animal rights and suggested elevating them to the level of constitutional rights.
- Animal welfare organizations presented evidence of physical and mental torture inflicted on the animals during Jallikattu.
Issue with the sport
An investigation by the Animal Welfare Board of India concluded that “Jallikattu is inherently cruel to animals”.
- Human deaths: The event has caused several human deaths and injuries and there are several instances of fatalities to the bulls.
- Manhandling of animals: Animal welfare concerns are related to the handling of the bulls before they are released and also during the competitor’s attempts to subdue the bull.
- Cruelty to animal: Practices, before the bull is released, include prodding the bull with sharp sticks or scythes, extreme bending of the tail which can fracture the vertebrae, and biting of the bull’s tail.
- Animal intoxication: There are also reports of the bulls being forced to drink alcohol to disorient them, or chilli peppers being rubbed in their eyes to aggravate the bull.
Arguments in favour
- Native breed conservation: According to its protagonists, it is not a leisure sport available but a way to promote and preserve the native livestock.
- Cultural significance: Jallikattu has been known to be practiced during the Tamil classical period (400-100 BCE) and finds mention in Sangam texts.
- Man-animal relationship: Some believe that the sport also symbolizes a cordial man-animal relationship.
- Agrarian pride: It represents a cultural infirmity to urban modernity that marginalizes rural and agrarian values.
Conclusion
- Tradition and culture should be considered in the rights discourse, recognizing the cultural context of practices like Jallikattu.
- Engagement and negotiation between animal rights advocates and local culture and tradition are necessary for a balanced approach.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The Centre has amended rules under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) Rules, bringing international credit card spends under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
Changes introduced
- Credit card spends outside India now fall under the LRS, allowing for the application of a higher TCS rate.
- The amendment removes the exclusion of credit card transactions from the LRS, which was previously covered under Rule 7 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transaction) Rules, 2000.
- The changes do not apply to payments for the purchase of foreign goods/services from India.
What is Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)?
- LRS is a facility provided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to resident individuals to remit funds abroad for permitted current or capital account transactions or a combination of both.
- The scheme was introduced in 2004 and has been periodically reviewed and revised by the RBI.
- Under the scheme, resident individuals can remit up to a certain amount in a financial year for permissible transactions including education, travel, medical treatment, gifts, and investments in equity and debt securities, among others.
- The limit for LRS is currently set at USD 250,000 per financial year.
Eligibility for LRS
- LRS is open to everyone including non-residents, NRIs, persons of Indian origin (PIOs), foreign citizens with PIO status and foreign nationals of Indian origin.
- The Scheme is NOT available to corporations, partnership firms, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), Trusts etc.
Benefits provided by LRS
- LRS is an easy process that anyone can use to transfer money between two countries.
- It’s especially useful for businesses because they can use it to transfer funds to India, and investors can receive their investments back home.
- LRS also has some added benefits, like fast transfer timing and no issues with exchange rates.
Concerns with credit card spends
- The amendment aims to achieve parity between the usage of credit and debit cards, which were already covered under the LRS.
- Instances of disproportionately high LRS payments compared to disclose incomes prompted the amendment.
- Business visits of employees, where costs are borne by the employer, are not covered under the LRS.
- The data collected from major money remitters under the LRS indicated that international credit cards were being issued with limits exceeding the prescribed norm.
Exclusions and impact of the Scheme
- The government assured that the LRS scheme would not cover genuine business visits abroad by employees.
- The imposition of a 20% tax collection on source (TCS) for foreign remittances would primarily affect tour travel packages, gifts to non-residents, and domestic high net-worth individuals investing in assets like real estate, bonds, and stocks outside India.
- The Ministry emphasized that the 5% TCS levied on medical or education expenses abroad, allowed up to ₹7 lakh per year, and would remain unchanged.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Deposits
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a regulatory framework to govern the acceptance of green deposits by banks, ensuring transparency and accountability in their investments.
What are Green Deposits?
- Green deposits are financial products offered by banks that are similar to regular deposits, but the money received is specifically earmarked for environmentally friendly projects.
- These deposits support projects aimed at combating climate change, such as renewable energy initiatives, while avoiding investments in activities that harm the environment, like fossil fuel projects.
- They are part of a broader range of financial products, including green bonds and green shares that enable investors to contribute to environmentally sustainable projects.
Regulatory framework for accepting Green Deposits
- The RBI’s framework mandates that banks establish a set of rules or policies, approved by their respective Boards, to guide the investment of green deposits.
- These rules must be made public on the banks’ websites, ensuring transparency and enabling customers to make informed decisions.
- Banks are required to disclose information on the amount of green deposits received, how these funds are allocated to different green projects, and the environmental impact of such investments.
- To verify the banks’ claims and the sustainability credentials of the projects, a third-party is appointed to conduct independent verification.
Sectors eligible for green deposits
- The RBI has identified a list of sectors classified as sustainable, which are eligible to receive green deposits.
- These sectors include renewable energy, waste management, clean transportation, energy efficiency, and afforestation.
- Banks are prohibited from investing green deposits in sectors considered detrimental to the environment, such as fossil fuels, nuclear power, tobacco, gambling, palm oil, and hydropower generation.
Addressing greenwashing
- Greenwashing refers to the practice of making misleading claims about the positive environmental impact of an activity or investment.
- The RBI’s regulatory framework aims to prevent greenwashing in the banking sector by ensuring that the actual impact of green deposits is accurately represented.
- By requiring transparency, disclosure, and third-party verification, the framework aims to protect customers from deceptive practices and ensure genuine environmental benefits.
Impact and controversies
- Depositors who prioritize environmental concerns may find satisfaction in investing their money in environmentally sustainable products like green deposits.
- However, some critics argue that green investment products may primarily serve to make investors feel good without generating significant environmental benefits.
- Additionally, the range of projects available for investment through green deposits may be limited, posing challenges in achieving broad environmental impact.
Key challenge: Assessing environmental sustainability
- Evaluating the true environmental sustainability of a project can be challenging in a complex world with interconnected systems and second-order effects that are difficult to anticipate.
- It is essential to consider the indirect consequences and long-term effects of actions to determine if a project genuinely contributes to environmental sustainability.
- Uncertainty surrounding the actual environmental impact of green projects highlights the need for rigorous evaluation and ongoing monitoring to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: OPS, NPS and other alternatives
Mains level: pension system, ensuring security and stability
Central Idea
- The issue of government employees’ pension has emerged as a critical political concern, leading several states to consider reverting from the New Pension Scheme (NPS) to the defined-benefit (DB) Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Acknowledging the significance of this matter, the Government of India has established a committee to enhance the NPS.
What is pension?
- A pension is a retirement plan that provides a stream of income to individuals after they retire from their job or profession. It can be funded by employers, government agencies, or unions and is designed to ensure a steady income during retirement.
What is Old Pension Scheme (OPS)?
- The OPS, also known as the Defined Benefit Pension System, is a pension plan provided by the government for its employees in India.
- Under the OPS, retired government employees receive a fixed monthly pension based on their last drawn salary and years of service.
- This pension is funded by the government and paid out of its current revenues, leading to increased pension liabilities.
What is NPS?
- NPS is a market-linked, defined contribution pension system introduced in India in 2004 as a replacement for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
- NPS is designed to provide retirement income to all Indian citizens, including government employees, private sector workers, and self-employed individuals
Facts for prelims: Key differences between the two pension schemes
| Parameters |
The Old Pension Scheme(OPS) |
The New Pension Scheme (NPS) |
| Nature of the schemes |
OPS offer pensions to government employees on the basis of their last drawn salary |
NPS pays the employees for their investments in the NPS Scheme during their employment. |
| Amount of pension derived |
50 per cent of the last drawn salary |
60% lump sum after retirement and 40% to be invested in annuities for getting a monthly pension |
| Benefits in taxes |
No tax benefits |
The employee can claim tax deductions of 1.5 lakh under Section 80C of income tax and up to 50,000 on other investments under 80CCD (1b) |
| Tax on pension |
No tax on pension |
60% of the NPS Corpus is tax-free while the remaining 40% is taxable |
| Option of Investment |
No option |
Two choices: Active and Automatic |
| Who can avail? |
Only government employees |
Any Indian Citizen between 18-65 years. |
| Switching Schemes |
OPS scheme can be switched to NPS |
NPS scheme cannot be switched back to OPS in general, but central government employees can switch back to OPS in case of death and disablement of the employee. |
Reasons behind the growing demand for reverting to OPS
- Stability and Predictability: One of the primary motivations for the demand to return to OPS is the desire for stability and predictability in pension benefits. Under the OPS, employees receive a fixed pension based on their last drawn salary, which is increased periodically to account for inflation. This offers a sense of security and certainty about post-retirement income, ensuring a stable financial future.
- Market Risk and Annuity Payouts: The NPS, being a market-linked pension scheme, exposes pensioners to market risks. The returns on the pension fund are subject to market fluctuations, which can impact the overall corpus and subsequently affect annuity payouts. This volatility raises concerns among employees who seek a more secure and reliable pension arrangement.
- Lower Annuity Prospects: With the NPS, pensioners bear the market risk and face the possibility of lower-than-expected annuity amounts. This uncertainty about future pension prospects prompts many employees to advocate for a return to OPS, which offers a predetermined pension amount.
- Comparisons with Other Pension Systems: Employees often compare the OPS with pension systems in other countries, particularly those in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) economies. These comparisons reveal that OPS provides higher pension replacement rates, lower retirement ages, and covers the entire family. Such favorable aspects of OPS generate a perception of better benefits and incentivize employees to demand its reinstatement.
- Perception of Unsustainability: While the NPS was introduced to address fiscal strains associated with the unfunded OPS, there are concerns about its long-term sustainability. Some argue that OPS can be sustained through effective fiscal management and reform, rather than completely abandoning it. The perception of unsustainability drives the demand for reverting to OPS as a viable alternative.
Challenges involved in reverting back to OPS
- Fiscal Sustainability: The OPS operates on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) system, where present workers finance the retired. With declining birth rates and increased life expectancy, the burden on the future workforce to fund pensions will intensify. The OPS, being an unfunded scheme, poses challenges in maintaining fiscal sustainability in the long run.
- Demographic Shifts: The dependency ratio is expected to increase substantially, with fewer workers supporting a larger number of retirees. This demographic shift adds to the challenges of sustaining the OPS, as it puts additional strain on the funding mechanism and the ability to meet pension obligations.
- Inflationary Pressures: The OPS guarantees periodic increases in pension payouts through dearness allowance (DA) adjustments to account for inflation. However, relying on fixed increments tied to DA can pose challenges during periods of high inflation. Ensuring that pension payments keep pace with inflation without compromising fiscal stability can be a complex task for policymakers.
- Budgetary Constraints: The financial burden of reverting to OPS can put a significant strain on the government’s budget. Pension liabilities already account for a substantial portion of states’ revenue receipts and own revenues. Increasing pension obligations may lead to a reduction in development expenditure or necessitate additional borrowing, potentially exacerbating the issue of public debt.
- Inter-generational Equity: Maintaining inter-generational equity is a crucial consideration in pension reforms. Reverting to OPS might fulfill the aspirations of current employees, but it can impose a heavy burden on future generations. Striking a balance between providing reasonable pension security for present employees and ensuring the sustainability of the pension system for future generations is a key challenge that needs to be addressed.
- Economic Factors: The economic environment, including interest rates and investment returns, can impact the financial viability of OPS. Changes in economic conditions, such as low interest rates or inadequate returns on pension fund investments, can strain the financial resources needed to sustain OPS and meet pension obligations.
Way ahead: Building sustainable and inclusive pension systems
- Comprehensive Reform: Governments should undertake comprehensive reforms which may involve revisiting the pension architecture, introducing alternative pension models, and exploring hybrid schemes that combine elements of defined-benefit and defined-contribution systems. Reforms should be guided by a thorough analysis of demographic trends, fiscal constraints, and economic conditions.
- Adequate Funding Mechanisms: Pension systems must establish robust funding mechanisms to ensure that pension obligations can be met. This may involve setting up dedicated pension funds, implementing sound investment strategies, and establishing appropriate contribution rates for both employees and employers.
- Strengthening Pension Governance: Effective governance is crucial for the success of pension systems. Governments should strengthen the regulatory framework, improve transparency, and enhance accountability in the management of pension funds. Establishing independent oversight bodies and adopting international best practices can help ensure the integrity and efficiency of pension governance.
- Promoting Financial Literacy: Financial literacy programs should be implemented to educate individuals about the importance of retirement planning, investment strategies, and the risks and benefits associated with different pension options. Empowering individuals with financial knowledge will enable them to make informed decisions and take an active role in securing their retirement income.
- Encouraging Voluntary Savings: Governments should encourage voluntary retirement savings programs to complement the mandatory pension schemes. Providing incentives, such as tax benefits or matching contributions, can incentivize individuals to save for retirement beyond the mandatory contributions. Voluntary savings options, such as individual retirement accounts or employer-sponsored plans, can offer individuals greater flexibility and control over their retirement savings.
- Flexibility and Portability: Pension systems should adapt to the changing nature of work and support individuals with diverse employment patterns. Portable pension accounts that allow individuals to carry their accumulated benefits across jobs can ensure continuity of retirement savings. Flexibility in pension payout options, such as lump sum withdrawals or phased withdrawals, can accommodate different financial needs and preferences of retirees.
- Social Safety Nets: To address the needs of vulnerable populations, social safety nets should be incorporated into pension systems. These safety nets can provide minimum income guarantees or targeted assistance for individuals with limited or interrupted work histories, low-income earners, and those facing economic hardships in retirement.
Conclusion
- Amidst the debate between NPS and OPS, it is crucial to devise a pension system that ensures security without compromising fiscal sustainability and inter-generational equity.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Must read:
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: challenges India's pharmaceutical industry and way forwards
Central Idea
- The recent incidents of substandard and contaminated medicines in India have raised concerns about the quality and regulatory oversight in the pharmaceutical industry. While India takes pride in being the largest manufacturer of generic medicines globally, it is essential to address the persistent quality concerns to maintain its reputation and protect public health.
Tragic incidents highlighting quality concerns
- Digital Vision Contamination: In January 2020, 12 children in Jammu died after consuming contaminated medicine manufactured by Digital Vision, revealing the presence of diethylene glycol. Despite previous red flags from drug laboratories, another incident occurred six months later, leading to the death of a two-year-old consuming Cofset cough syrup from the same manufacturer.
- Nycup Syrup: In March 2021, Nycup syrup was found to have lower levels of the active ingredient, raising concerns about quality control. However, limited regulatory action hindered effective intervention against the manufacturer.
An overview of the drug regulation mechanism in India
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO): The CDSCO, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is the central regulatory authority responsible for the approval, regulation, and control of pharmaceutical products in India. It plays a crucial role in granting licenses, conducting inspections, and monitoring drug manufacturing, import, and distribution.
- Drug Controller General of India (DCGI): The DCGI is the head of the CDSCO and holds the overall responsibility for drug regulation in India. The DCGI oversees the approval of new drugs, clinical trials, and the regulation of imported drugs.
- National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA): The NPPA regulates the prices of essential drugs in India to ensure affordability and accessibility. It monitors and controls the prices of scheduled medicines and sets guidelines for the pricing of pharmaceutical products.
- Pharmacovigilance Program of India (PvPI): PvPI is a national program that focuses on monitoring and reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to ensure the safety of medicines. It encourages healthcare professionals and the public to report any suspected ADRs to a centralized database for analysis and evaluation
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Protection: The regulatory framework includes provisions to protect intellectual property rights related to pharmaceutical inventions and innovations. This promotes research and development in the industry and encourages the introduction of new drugs.
- Manufacturing Standards: The CDSCO ensures that drug manufacturers in India adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMP) to ensure that drugs are produced under quality standards and are safe for use.
- Clinical Trials: The CDSCO regulates clinical trials in India to ensure that they are conducted ethically and with the safety of participants in mind. The CDSCO requires that clinical trials follow the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).
Challenges in the Indian pharmaceutical industry
- Fragmented Regulatory Structure: With approximately 36 drug regulators in India, coordination and consistency in regulatory oversight become challenging. A consolidated and centralized regulatory body can mitigate the risk of regulatory capture and ensure common standards across states.
- Persisting Quality Concerns: Despite being the largest manufacturer of generic medicines globally, India has encountered quality issues. Recent inspections revealed that 48 drugs failed to meet quality standards, jeopardizing patient safety.
- Global Reputation at Stake: Observations from global regulators, such as the US FDA, indicate compliance issues in Indian pharmaceutical facilities, potentially tarnishing India’s image as a quality drug manufacturing country.
- Limited Regulatory Action: In some instances, regulatory action has been limited or challenging to implement due to various reasons, making it difficult to effectively address quality issues and hold manufacturers accountable.
- Insufficient Transparency and Accountability: The lack of transparency in the drug regulatory regime hinders public trust and confidence. Limited public disclosure of drug application reviews, inspection records, and past violations makes it challenging to evaluate the compliance and track record of manufacturers.
- Inspection and Enforcement Capacity: The sheer number of pharmaceutical manufacturing units in India, coupled with the large-scale inspection load, puts strain on the inspection teams under state drug controllers.
Way forward
- Regulatory Reforms: Amend the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (1940) and establish a centralized drugs database for effective surveillance. Consolidate regional regulators into a single regulatory body to minimize state-level patronage and influence networks. Implement common standards across states.
- Enhanced Transparency and Reporting: Publish comprehensive reports on drug testing laboratories’ findings and establish a public database of past violations, inspection records, and failure history. Introduce a national law on drug recall, empowering victims and imposing penalties on firms exporting spurious drugs.
- Strengthening the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO): Provide statutory backing and establish a Central Drugs Authority as an independent body, ensuring effective regulation and enforcement.
- Industry Accountability: The pharmaceutical industry should focus on producing quality generic and innovative drugs, moving beyond generic manufacturing. Embrace zero-defect principles and prioritize public health.
Conclusion
- Addressing the challenges India’s pharmaceutical industry requires comprehensive reforms, including regulatory consolidation, transparency, enhanced inspections, and industry accountability. By prioritizing patient safety and ensuring the delivery of quality medicines, India’s pharmaceutical industry can reclaim its position as a global leader in drug manufacturing.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Also read:
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Anti-defection law
Mains level: Anti-defection law needs a relook and The Importance of accountability in
Central idea
- Two recent judgments by the Supreme Court of India have brought attention to the constitutional framework governing the relationship between the executive, legislature, and political parties. While the judgments were unanimous, they present a contradiction in their application. The Delhi case emphasized the importance of accountability of civil services to the elected government, while the Maharashtra case upheld the power of party leadership over legislators, undermining the principles of parliamentary democracy.
Delhi Case: Reinforcing the Importance of Accountability
- Importance of Accountability: The case underscores the significance of accountability in a democratic system. It reaffirms the idea that a government elected by the people must be answerable to them through a triple chain of command: civil service officers being accountable to ministers, ministers being accountable to the legislature, and the legislature being accountable to the electorate.
- Power Distribution: The judgment clarifies the delineation of powers between the Delhi government, headed by the Chief Minister, and the Lieutenant Governor appointed by the central government. It establishes that in matters concerning civil services, the elected government of Delhi should have control and authority, emphasizing the democratic principle of decentralization of power.
- Constitutional Provisions and Democratic Values: The case highlights the significance of adhering to the constitutional provisions and demarcation of powers in a Union Territory like Delhi. It upholds the principles of parliamentary democracy, emphasizing the importance of a government accountable to the people it serves.
- Strengthening Democratic Institutions: The judgment emphasizes the role of institutions in upholding democratic values enshrined in the Constitution. By safeguarding accountability and appropriately allocating powers, it sets a precedent for future cases and reinforces the role of institutions in maintaining a robust democratic system.
What is triple chain of accountability?
- Civil Service Officers to Ministers: The first link in the chain is the accountability of civil service officers to the Ministers. Civil service officers are responsible for implementing government policies and carrying out administrative tasks. They are answerable to the Ministers who oversee their work and provide directions.
- Ministers to the Legislature: The second link in the chain is the accountability of Ministers to the legislature. Ministers are accountable for their decisions, actions, and policies to the legislature, which represents the voice of the people. They are expected to participate in debates, answer questions, present bills, and seek approval or support for government initiatives from the elected representatives.
- Legislature to the Electorate: The third link in the chain is the accountability of the legislature to the electorate. The elected representatives in the legislature are accountable to the people who have chosen them through the electoral process. Legislators are expected to represent the interests and concerns of their constituents, work towards their welfare, and ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making process.
Maharashtra Case: Undermining the Triple Chain of Accountability
- Interpretation of the Tenth Schedule: The case revolves around the interpretation and application of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with the anti-defection law. The judgment focuses on the distinction between the legislature party and the political party, clarifying the power to issue binding directions to members of the legislature.
- Role of Party Leadership: The judgment reinforces the authority of the political party leadership over the legislature. It establishes that the person in charge of the political party holds the power to issue directions to the members of the party, including MLAs/MPs, and failure to comply can result in disqualification.
- Limitation on Legislators’ Accountability: The judgment raises concerns regarding the accountability of legislators to their voters. By upholding the authority of the political party leadership, it potentially weakens the accountability of legislators to the electorate and emphasizes their accountability solely to the party that fielded them in the election.
- Triple Chain of Accountability: The judgment diverges from the principles outlined in the Delhi case concerning the triple chain of accountability. It suggests that legislators should adhere to the directions of the political party, potentially undermining the daily assessment of the government by the legislature and diluting the accountability of the government to the people.
- Need for Re-evaluation: The judgment indicates the need for re-evaluating the anti-defection law and its compatibility with the principles of parliamentary democracy. It raises questions about the anti-defection law violating the basic structure of the Constitution, calling for a larger bench to examine this issue.
Facts for prelims: Basics
Anti-defection Law
- The Anti-Defection Law under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution punishes MPs/ MLAs for defecting from their party by taking away their membership of the legislature.
- It gives the Speaker of the legislature the power to decide the outcome of defection proceedings.
- It was added to the Constitution through the Fifty-Second (Amendment) Act, 1985 when Rajiv Gandhi was PM. The law applies to both Parliament and state assemblies.
|
Contradictory Conclusions: The Problem of the Anti-Defection Law
- The contradictory conclusions arising from the application of the anti-defection law in both the cases:
- Constitutional Position: While the Delhi case emphasizes the accountability of civil services to the Delhi government and upholds the triple chain of command, the Maharashtra case highlights the power of the political party leadership over legislators, as dictated by the Tenth Schedule.
- Incompatibility with Parliamentary Democracy: The Maharashtra case raises concerns about the anti-defection law, which is at the core of the Tenth Schedule, and its compatibility with the structure underlying parliamentary democracy. The anti-defection law’s assumption that any vote against the party direction is a betrayal of the electoral mandate contradicts the principle of representative democracy.
- Legislative Accountability: The Maharashtra judgment reinforces the authority of the political party leadership, implying that legislators are primarily accountable to the party that fielded them, rather than to the electorate. This breaks the triple chain of accountability.
- Impact on Daily Assessment: The Maharashtra judgment’s emphasis on party directions limits the daily assessment of the government by the legislature. If legislators of the party with a majority are bound by party directions, it undermines the meaningfulness of debates, resolutions, and no-confidence motions, as the party leadership controls the votes on every issue, ensuring the government’s victory.
- Electoral Mandate and Voter Decision: The anti-defection law assumes that voters prioritize party affiliation, disregarding other factors such as candidates’ criminal records, assets and liabilities, and educational qualifications. However, voters’ decisions in elections often contradict this assumption, as demonstrated by instances of legislators winning by-elections after switching parties.
Way forward
- Re-evaluation of the Anti-Defection Law: It is crucial to revisit the anti-defection law and assess its compatibility with the basic principles of parliamentary democracy. A thorough examination by a larger Bench of the Supreme Court can help determine if the law violates the basic structure of the Constitution.
- Reviewing the Tenth Schedule: The Tenth Schedule, which forms the basis of the anti-defection law, should be subject to a critical review. This includes analyzing its impact on the accountability of legislators to their constituents and evaluating whether it aligns with the principles of representative democracy.
- Strengthening Legislative Accountability: Efforts should be made to reinforce the accountability of legislators to the electorate. This can be achieved by ensuring that legislators prioritize their constituents’ interests over party directives, thereby fostering a stronger connection between legislators and the people they represent.
- Promoting Informed Voting: Emphasizing the importance of informed voting can help voters make decisions based on factors beyond party affiliation. Providing comprehensive information about candidates, including their track records, assets and liabilities, and educational qualifications, will enable voters to make more informed choices during elections.
- Balancing Party Discipline and Individual Freedom: Striking a balance between party discipline and individual freedom of legislators is crucial. There should be mechanisms in place that encourage healthy debate, dissent, and the ability of legislators to vote based on their own judgment, while still respecting party affiliations.
- Enhancing Parliamentary Debates and Oversight: Efforts should be made to strengthen the role of legislatures in holding the government accountable. This can be achieved through robust parliamentary debates, effective question hour sessions, and rigorous scrutiny of government actions and policies.
Conclusion
- The contradiction between the Delhi and Maharashtra cases underscores the need to revisit the anti-defection law. A larger Bench should re-examine the law’s compatibility with the basic structure of the Constitution, reaffirming the centrality of accountability in parliamentary democracy. This step is crucial to restore the balance between party loyalty and the representatives’ duty to serve their constituents and uphold democratic values.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Also read:
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Biomanufacturing, QUAD's CET working group, ICET and other such developments
Mains level: Strengthening Quad Cooperation in Biotechnology, India as a biomanufacturing hub
Central Idea
- The Quad, comprised of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, established a Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group in March 2021 to foster collaboration and explore opportunities in critical and emerging technologies, including biotechnology. However, there remains untapped potential for Quad cooperation in the field of biotechnology. The need of the hour is to establish a Quad-led biomanufacturing hub in India to enhance cooperation and leverage the complementary strengths of Quad nations.
What is QUAD’s Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group?
- The Quad’s Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group is a collaborative initiative established by the Quad countries.
- It was formed in March 2021 with the aim of facilitating cooperation, monitoring trends, and exploring opportunities related to critical and emerging technologies. The working group focuses on identifying and addressing key issues and challenges in areas such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and other cutting-edge fields.
- It serves as a platform for the Quad countries to share expertise, exchange information, and coordinate efforts in order to harness the potential of these technologies for economic growth, national security, and societal development.
- For instance, in the field of 5G, the Quad members have worked on developing telecommunications networks to counter the pervasive presence of China’s Huawei through the use of open radio access (O-RAN) networks.
Facts for prelims
Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET)?
- The ICET initiative was launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden in May 2022, to work together in developing important and new technologies.
- The Prime Minister’s Office in Delhi and the White House in Washington will oversee and direct the ICET.
- The ICET’s goal is to increase the technology interaction between the US and India while also potentially adding additional strategic depth and breadth to their growing partnership.
- It involves collaboration in a range of areas including quantum computing, semiconductors, 5G and 6G wireless infrastructure, and civilian space projects such as lunar exploration.
- Six focus areas of co-development and co-production includes, 1. Strengthening innovation ecosystems, 2. Defence innovation and technology cooperation, 3. Resilient semiconductor supply chains, 4. Space, 5. STEM talent, and 6. Next generation telecom.
|
What is mean by Biomanufacturing?
- Biomanufacturing refers to the use of biological systems, such as living organisms (microorganisms, cell cultures, or plants), to produce commercially valuable products on a large scale. It involves harnessing the power of biological processes and utilizing them in industrial applications.
- In biomanufacturing, living organisms are employed as “factories” to perform specific tasks or produce desired molecules. These organisms can be genetically engineered or naturally occurring, depending on the desired outcome.
- The organisms are cultivated in controlled environments, such as bioreactors, where they are provided with optimal conditions for growth and production. They are fed with specific nutrients, and their growth and metabolic activities are carefully regulated.
- Biomanufacturing can encompass a wide range of products, including pharmaceuticals, enzymes, biofuels, specialty chemicals, biomaterials, and more.
- Biomanufacturing is often more sustainable and environmentally friendly, as it relies on renewable resources and has the potential to reduce waste and pollution.
Why India stands as the ideal choice to host the biomanufacturing hub?
- India’s ambition of biomanufacturing: India’s National Biotechnology Development Strategy sets a target of reaching $100 billion in the biomanufacturing sector.
- Existing Infrastructure: India already has existing infrastructure in place, including pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and research institutions, that can be utilized to establish and expand biomanufacturing capabilities. This infrastructure provides a solid foundation for the development of a biomanufacturing hub.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Expertise: India has a long-standing reputation as a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry. The country has established expertise in manufacturing and quality control processes, which can be leveraged for biomanufacturing. The experience gained in pharmaceutical manufacturing can be applied to biomanufacturing, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining high-quality production.
- Skilled Workforce: India possesses a large pool of skilled professionals in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors. The country’s workforce includes scientists, engineers, and technicians with expertise in various aspects of biomanufacturing. This skilled workforce can contribute to the success of the biomanufacturing hub by driving research, development, and production activities.
- Research Output: India has demonstrated its research capabilities in biomanufacturing, ranking high in terms of the quality of research output and the share of research publications. The country’s strong research base provides a solid foundation for innovation and advancements in biomanufacturing processes and technologies.
- Cost-Effectiveness: India has a competitive advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness. The cost of manufacturing in India is generally lower compared to countries like the United States, making it an attractive destination for cost-efficient biomanufacturing. This cost advantage can contribute to the affordability and accessibility of biomanufactured products.
- Potential for Affordable Scale: India has the potential to provide affordable scalability in biomanufacturing processes. With its large population and manufacturing capabilities, India can meet the demand for biomanufactured products on a large scale, leading to cost-effective production and availability of essential biopharmaceuticals and other biotechnological products.
Complementary Strengths of Quad Nations
- Advanced Biotechnology Innovation Ecosystems: Japan, Australia, and the United States have well-established and advanced biotechnology innovation ecosystems. These ecosystems comprise research institutions, universities, biotech companies, and startups that drive innovation and technological advancements in biotechnology.
- Funding Capability: The United States, being one of the Quad nations, brings significant funding capability to the table. The U.S. government and private sector invest heavily in research, development, and commercialization of biotechnology.
- Skilled Workforce: India, as a Quad member, offers a large pool of skilled manpower, particularly in the life sciences field. Collaborative efforts can facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building to enhance the skills of the workforce across the Quad nations.
- Manufacturing and Scale-Up Capabilities: India has well-established pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. The country has a robust infrastructure and expertise in large-scale production, which can be harnessed for biomanufacturing purposes.
- Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer: The Quad nations, particularly Japan and the United States, have strong intellectual property protection systems and expertise in technology transfer. Sharing intellectual property and facilitating technology transfer can accelerate the development and commercialization of biomanufacturing technologies, benefiting all Quad nations.
- Research Output and Innovation: All Quad nations contribute significantly to global research output in the field of biotechnology. They produce high-quality research publications and drive innovation in various subfields of biotechnology. Collaboration within the Quad can facilitate knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and the development of innovative solutions in biomanufacturing.
Way ahead
- Collaborative Research and Development: Foster collaborative research and development initiatives between the Quad nations and India. This can involve joint projects, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer to accelerate the development of biomanufacturing processes, products, and technologies.
- Capacity Building and Skill Development: Establish training programs, workshops, and exchange programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals in biomanufacturing. This can include specialized training in areas such as advanced bioprocessing techniques, quality control, regulatory compliance, and technology transfer.
- Infrastructure Investment: Allocate resources for infrastructure development, including the establishment of specialized bioreactor facilities, research centers, and manufacturing capabilities.
- Regulatory Framework Alignment: Collaboratively work towards aligning regulatory frameworks among the Quad nations and India. This involves harmonizing regulations, streamlining approval processes, and ensuring consistent quality standards.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Foster public-private partnerships to leverage the expertise, resources, and capabilities of both sectors. Engaging industry stakeholders, academia, research institutions, and government agencies in collaborative initiatives can drive innovation, facilitate technology transfer, and accelerate the commercialization of biomanufactured products.
- International Collaboration: Explore collaborations beyond the Quad nations to foster international cooperation in biomanufacturing. Engaging with countries outside the Quad can expand opportunities for knowledge exchange, market access, and research collaboration.\
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Must read:
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hysterectomy
Mains level: Maternal health issues
Central Idea: The Health Ministry in India is concerned about the high incidence of unnecessary hysterectomies, particularly among poor, less-educated women in rural areas.
Why in news?
- The Supreme Court has directed States and Union Territories to implement health guidelines formulated by the Centre to monitor and prevent unnecessary hysterectomies.
What is Hysterectomy?
- Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus, and sometimes surrounding organs and tissues.
- It can be classified as a partial hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix), or radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and surrounding tissues).
- The procedure can be performed through the vagina or through an incision in the abdomen.
Issues with such surgery
- Overuse and unnecessary procedures: Hysterectomy can be performed without exploring alternative treatments.
- Psychological and emotional impact: The procedure may lead to feelings of loss and changes in body image.
- Surgical risks and complications: Hysterectomy carries risks such as infection and damage to surrounding organs.
- Long-term health effects: Removal of the uterus may have impacts on hormones and bone health.
- Patient autonomy and informed consent: Patients should be fully informed about the procedure and involved in decision-making.
- Access and equity: Disparities in access to healthcare may contribute to overuse, particularly among marginalized communities.
Concerns and Petition
A public interest litigation (PIL) highlighted the occurrence of unnecessary hysterectomies in the states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan under government healthcare schemes.
- Marginalized women were targeted: Women from marginalized communities, such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Communities, were disproportionately affected.
- Misuse and Insurance Fraud: Healthcare institutions were found to be misusing hysterectomies to claim high insurance fees from the government under various health insurance schemes.
Key issue: Violation of Fundamental Rights
- The recent judgement acknowledges that rising hysterectomy rates among young women in India deviate from trends observed in developed countries.
- It recognizes the violation of fundamental rights, stating that unnecessary hysterectomies infringe upon the right to health and the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Government action and guidelines
- The Health Ministry has closely monitored the issue of hysterectomies and requested States to share data on hysterectomy cases before and after the implementation of guidelines.
- Compulsory audits for all hysterectomies are advised, similar to those conducted for maternal mortality, in both public and private healthcare institutions.
- In 2022, the Health Ministry issued guidelines to prevent unnecessary hysterectomies and urged States to comply with them.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
Why such move?
- The EU is India’s second-largest trading partner and export market.
- India has expressed confidence that the intention behind CBAM was not to create a trade barrier but to promote sustainability.
- CBAM has potential impact on India’s Steel and Aluminum sectors.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
| Proposed by |
European Union (EU) |
| Purpose |
To reduce carbon emissions from imported goods and prevent competitive disadvantage against countries with weaker environmental regulations |
| Objectives |
Reduce carbon emissions from imported goods
Promote a level playing field between the EU and its trading partners
Protect EU companies that have invested in green technologies |
How does CBAM work?
| Coverage |
Applies to imported goods that are carbon-intensive |
| Integration |
Covered by the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), which currently covers industries like power generation, steel, and cement |
| Implementation |
CBAM taxes would be imposed on the carbon content of imported goods at the border, and the tax rates would be based on the carbon price in the EU ETS |
| Exemptions |
Possible exemptions for countries that have implemented comparable carbon pricing systems |
| Revenue Use |
Revenue generated from CBAM taxes could be used to fund the EU’s climate objectives, such as financing climate-friendly investments and supporting developing countries’ climate efforts |
Who will be affected by CBAM?
|
Details |
| Countries |
Non-EU countries, including India, that export carbon-intensive goods to the EU |
| Items |
Initially covers iron and steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, and electric energy production |
| Expansion |
The scope of the CBAM may expand to other sectors in the future |
Advantages offered
- Encourages non-EU countries to adopt more stringent environmental regulations, reducing global carbon emissions.
- Prevents carbon leakage by discouraging companies from relocating to countries with weaker environmental regulations.
- Generates revenue that could be used to support EU climate policies.
Challenges with CBAM
- Difficulty in accurately measuring the carbon emissions of imported goods, especially for countries without comprehensive carbon accounting systems.
- Potential for trade tensions with the EU’s trading partners, especially if other countries implement retaliatory measures.
Ways to ease impact of CBAM
To minimize the impact of CBAM, India can consider several actions:
- Set up a carbon trading mechanism: To reflect the level of development and adjust the carbon tax paid domestically when paying CBT to the EU.
- Re-designate taxes on essential products: Make these as carbon taxes, which could help lower the net impact of CBT.
- Create a cadre of energy auditors: To ensure fair assessment of carbon emissions for products and help the industry calculate carbon intensity and adopt cleaner technologies.
- Start an industry awareness program: To educate sectors affected by CBT and create a dedicated group involving government, industry associations, and researchers.
- Devise a WTO-compatible retaliation mechanism: To counter CBT, considering that developing countries exporting to developed nations will also suffer from it.
- Sign new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): After resolving the CBT issue, as high CBT would undermine the benefits of zero import duties.
- Expose the perceived hypocrisy: Utilize global platforms to expose offshoring pollution of developed countries and proposing to tax imports, while not addressing their own consumption patterns.
Conclusion
- The CBAM is a proposed policy by the EU to reduce carbon emissions from imported goods and to promote a level playing field between the EU and its trading partners.
- Although the CBAM has its challenges, it has the potential to incentivize non-EU countries to adopt more stringent environmental regulations and reduce global carbon emissions.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fertilizer Subsidy
Mains level: India's fertilizer subsidy burden
Central Idea
- The Union Cabinet has approved a fertilizer subsidy of ₹1.08 lakh crore for the ongoing kharif or monsoon season.
- ₹38,000 crore will be allocated for Nitrogen, phosphatic and potassic (NPK) fertilizers, while ₹70,000 crore will go towards the urea subsidy.
Fertilizer consumption and subsidies
- The country’s total consumption of urea is approximately 325 to 350 lakh metric tonnes (LMT).
- Other fertilizers sold in the country include 100 to 125 LMT of DAP, 100 to 125 LMT of NPK, and 50 to 60 LMT of Muriate of Potash (MoP).
- The fertilizer subsidy per hectare of land is about ₹8,909, and each farmer receives a subsidy of ₹21,223.
- DAP: The actual price of a bag of DAP is ₹4,000, but farmers receive it at a subsidized rate of ₹1,350 per bag, with a subsidy of ₹2,461 per bag.
- NPK: This subsidy is ₹1,639 per bag, and the MoP subsidy amounts to ₹734 per bag.
- Urea: The Centre spends ₹2,196 per bag of urea.
Fertilizer Subsidy in India
- Subsidy as a concept originated during the Green Revolution of the 1970s-80s.
- Fertiliser subsidy is purchasing by the farmer at a price below MRP (Maximum Retail Price), that is, below the usual demand-and-supply-rate, or regular production and import cost.
- The rate of subsidy is based on the average price of imported fertilizer in the last six months.
How is the subsidy paid and who gets it?
- The subsidy goes to fertiliser companies, although its ultimate beneficiary is the farmer who pays MRPs less than the market-determined rates.
- From March 2018, a new so-called direct benefit transfer (DBT) system was introduced, wherein subsidy payment to the companies would happen only after actual sales to farmers by retailers.
- With the DBT system, each retailer — there is over 2.3 lakh of them across India — now has a point-of-sale (PoS) machine linked to the Department of Fertilizers’ e-Urvarak DBT portal.
How does this system work?
- A popular example of how this system works is that of the neem-coated urea fertiliser.
- Its MRP is fixed by the government at Rs. 5922.22 per tonne.
- The average cost of domestic production is at Rs 17,000 per tonne. The difference is footed by the centre in the form of subsidy.
What about non-urea fertilizers?
- The non-urea fertiliser is decontrolled or fixed by the companies.
- The non- urea fertilizers are further divided into two parts, DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) and MOP (Muriate of Phosphate).
- The government pays a flat per tonne subsidy to maintain the nutrition content of the soil, and ensure other fertilizers are economical to use.
Issues with such subsidies
- Low NUE: Indian soil has low Nitrogen use efficiency, which is the main constituent of Urea.
- Groundwater pollution: Consequently, excess usage contaminates groundwater.
- Overuse beyond prescription: The bulk of urea applied to the soil is lost as NH3 (Ammonia) and Nitrogen Oxides. The WHO has prescribed limits been breached by Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
- Health hazards: For human beings, “blue baby syndrome” is a common side ailment caused by Nitrate contaminated water.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Quantum Biology
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The article introduces the concept of quantum biology, which explores the influence of quantum effects on living systems.
Nature and Quantum Mechanics
- Quantum effects refer to phenomena that occur between atoms and molecules that cannot be explained by classical physics.
- Quantum mechanics, which governs the behavior of objects at atomic scales, differs from classical mechanics, leading to counterintuitive phenomena like particle tunnelling and superposition.
Quantumness in Biology
- Quantum biology is an emerging field that explores the role of quantum mechanics in biological processes and living systems.
- It investigates how quantum phenomena and effects, which typically occur at atomic and subatomic scales, influence and contribute to the functioning and behavior of biological systems.
- It aims to uncover and understand the quantum nature of biological molecules, processes, and interactions.
- It seeks to study how quantum mechanics may impact various biological phenomena such as photosynthesis, enzyme reactions, and navigation in birds.
Evidence of Quantum Effects in Biology
- Research on chemical reactions in biomolecules like proteins and genetic material suggests the influence of quantum effects.
- Nanoscopic quantum effects can drive macroscopic physiological processes, including enzyme activity, sensing magnetic fields, cell metabolism, and electron transport.
Studying Quantum Biology
- Studying quantum effects in biology requires tools to measure short time scales, small length scales, and subtle differences in quantum states.
- Researchers can apply tailored magnetic fields to control the spins of electrons, influencing physiological processes that respond to magnetic fields.
Potential applications
- Therapeutic devices: Understanding and fine-tuning quantum properties in nature could lead to non-invasive, remotely controlled therapeutic devices accessible through mobile phones.
- Bio-manufacturing: Electromagnetic treatments based on quantum principles could be used for disease prevention and treatment, such as brain tumors, as well as in bio-manufacturing.
Scope quantum biology’ study
- Multi-disciplinary: Quantum biology is an interdisciplinary field that brings together researchers from various disciplines, including quantum physics, biophysics, medicine, chemistry, and biology.
- Many applications: Collaboration and cross-disciplinary research are crucial for advancing quantum biology and unlocking its transformative potential in biology, medicine, and technology.
Facts for Prelims
Superposition: A quantum phenomenon where particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously until measured or observed, in contrast to classical physics where objects have definite properties.
Spins: Quantum properties of electrons that define their interaction with magnetic fields, analogous to the way charge defines their interaction with electric fields.
Deterministic Codebook: A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between quantum causes and physiological outcomes, providing a guide for mapping quantum phenomena to specific biological effects. |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ASTR, AI
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has developed an artificial-intelligence-based facial recognition tool called Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification (ASTR).
What is ASTR?
- ASTR is designed to check subscriber databases of telecom operators to identify multiple connections associated with the same person.
- The goal of ASTR is to detect and block fraudulent mobile connections, thereby reducing cyber frauds.
Development of ASTR
- In 2012, DoT issued an order requiring telecom operators to share their subscriber database, including users’ pictures, with the department.
- These images serve as the core database for facial recognition using ASTR.
- The ASTR project was conceptualized and designed by the DoT’s unit in Haryana between April 2021 and July 2021.
- A pilot project was conducted in Haryana’s Mewat region to test the feasibility of ASTR, where a significant number of fraudulent SIMs were detected.
How ASTR works?
- ASTR uses convolutional neural network (CNN) models to encode human faces in subscribers’ images, accounting for various factors like face tilt, angle, image opaqueness, and dark color.
- A face comparison is performed for each face against all faces in the database, grouping similar faces under one directory.
- ASTR considers two faces to be identical if they match to a minimum extent of 97.5%.
- It can detect all SIMs associated with a suspected face within 10 seconds from a database of 1 crore (10 million) images.
- After matching faces, ASTR’s algorithm utilizes “fuzzy logic” to find approximate matches for subscriber names, considering variations, typographical errors, and related results.
Impact and Results
- In the first phase, ASTR analyzed over 87 crore (870 million) mobile connections and detected more than 40 lakh (4 million) cases of people using a single photograph to obtain multiple connections.
- After verification, over 36 lakh (3.6 million) connections were discontinued by telecom operators.
- The list of fraudulent connections is also shared with banks, payment wallets, and social media platforms to disengage these numbers from their respective platforms.
- WhatsApp collaborated with the government to disable accounts created using such numbers, and similar efforts are being made with other social media platforms.
Facts for Prelims
Convolutional Neural Network (CNN): A type of deep learning algorithm commonly used for image recognition tasks, where it extracts features and patterns from images by applying convolution operations.
Fuzzy Logic: A form of logic that deals with approximate or qualitative reasoning rather than strict binary true/false values. In the context of ASTR, it is used to find similarity or approximate matches for subscriber names, accounting for variations and typographical errors. |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Vacuum gas oil (VGO)
Mains level: Reprocessing Russian oil
Central Idea
- The article discusses India’s increased imports of Russian oil and the potential circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russian oil products.
Why in news?
- An EU parliamentarian accused India of profiting from cheaply bought Russian oil and indirectly supporting the Russian economy.
- India justified its purchase by emphasizing its energy demands and the challenges of higher prices due to its reliance on energy imports and significant poverty levels.
Reasons: Sanctions against Russian Oil
- After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Western countries and Europe aimed to reduce their dependency on Russian energy imports to weaken the Russian economy.
- Measures were taken, such as Germany suspending the launch of the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline and Canada and the US banning the import of Russian crude oil.
- Stricter sanctions were imposed on Russia, including a “price cap” from trading Russian oil above $60 per barrel.
- The price cap aimed to cripple Moscow’s economy and limit its ability to fund the war in Ukraine.
- However, Russia increased its oil exports to India and China as a response.
India’s role in meeting West’s energy demand
- India, exempt from the sanctions on Russian oil, has seen a significant increase in fuel imports from Russia, which is then refined and supplied to Europe and the US.
- The refined oil from Russian crude, once processed in India, is not considered of Russian origin.
- India’s oil imports have helped it meet its own energy demands and also assist Western nations facing energy crises due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- India has become a net exporter of refined petroleum products, supplying the West to alleviate current energy shortages.
Impact of Indian imports on Western markets
- Indian refiners have ramped up exports of refined petroleum products, including diesel and vacuum gas oil (VGO), to Europe and the US.
- VGO is a feedstock in the refining process that can be further processed to produce gasoline, diesel, and other fuel products.
- Diesel exports to Europe from India have increased by 12-16% in the last fiscal year.
- The US has become a major recipient of Indian VGO shipments, receiving 11,000-12,000 barrels per day (bpd) or 65-81% of India’s VGO exports.
- These exports from India have helped ease the energy tightness and supply constraints in Western markets.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
PLI Scheme for IT Hardware
- The PLI scheme for IT hardware was initially introduced in March 2021.
- It provides incentives of over 4% for incremental investment in domestic manufacturing for eligible companies, such as Dell and Flextronics.
- The scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing, increase exports, and make India a prominent player in the IT hardware sector.
- The scheme will have a tenure of six years, providing a long-term incentive for eligible companies to invest in domestic IT hardware manufacturing.
Growth in indigenous IT hardware
- The government highlighted the growth of electronics manufacturing in India.
- There is a 17% compound annual growth rate over the past 8 years and a production benchmark of $105 billion, including $11 billion in mobile phone exports.
New changes introduced
- The budgetary outlay for the PLI scheme for IT hardware manufacturing has been set at ₹17,000 crore.
- The incentive rate has been increased to 5%, offering a higher benefit to companies investing in domestic manufacturing.
- An additional optional incentive has been introduced for using domestically produced components, although the specific rates of these incentives are not specified.
- If the optional incentives are utilized as intended, the total incentive under the scheme could amount to 8-9%.
Achievements in Telecom hardware manufacturing
- Telecom hardware manufacturing has surpassed the projected ₹900 crore and reached ₹1,600 crore.
- Some Indian companies have become significant exporters of complex radio equipment worldwide.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Importance of family institution, challenges posed by globalization, rise of Individualism and way ahead
Central Idea
- The deteriorating state of families, marked by an increase in violence, suicides among youths, and a rise in children turning to crime, reflects the enfeeblement of the traditional family system. Studies worldwide emphasize the primacy of families in society. Addressing this crisis requires attitudinal and behavioral reforms, driven by society rather than the government.
Definition of Family
- Family is defined as a social unit consisting of individuals who are connected by blood relations, marriage, or adoption.
- It is a fundamental institution in society where people share emotional bonds, live together, and collaborate in various aspects of life.
- The composition and structure of families can vary across cultures and may include parents, children, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives who share mutual responsibilities and connections.
Role of The Family as a Foundational Institution of the society
- Consolidation of Interpersonal Relations: The family unit is where interpersonal relationships naturally evolve and thrive. Living under one roof allows family members to share thought processes, participate in collective actions, and develop emotional bonds. These interactions foster a sense of belonging, support, and connection among family members.
- Socialization and Education: Families are responsible for the socialization and education of children. Through nurturing and guidance, families shape the character, behavior, and values of individuals, preparing them for their roles in society.
- Emotional Support and Stability: Families offer emotional support and serve as a source of stability in individuals’ lives. They provide a nurturing environment where love, care, and emotional well-being are nurtured.
- Transmission of Cultural and Traditional Values: Families play a vital role in preserving and transmitting cultural and traditional values from one generation to the next. Through storytelling, rituals, customs, and celebrations, families ensure the continuity of cultural heritage and identity.
- Economic Cooperation and Division of Labor: Families often engage in economic cooperation and division of labor, with different members contributing to the family’s economic well-being.
- Social Support Network: Families serve as a primary social support network for individuals. Family members provide emotional, financial, and practical support during times of need, illness, or crisis.
- Intergenerational Relationships and Caregiving: Families facilitate intergenerational relationships, creating bonds between different age groups. Families also provide care for aging or dependent family members, ensuring their well-being and dignity.
Challenges faced by family system in the context of a globalized world
- Changing Social Conditions: Globalization brings about significant changes in social conditions, including urbanization, mobility, and increased connectivity. Nuclear families are becoming more common, leading to decreased intergenerational living arrangements and reduced support systems within extended families.
- Individualism and Fragmentation: As people pursue their own goals and aspirations, there may be a decline in collective decision-making, shared responsibilities, and mutual support. This can weaken the bond and cohesiveness within the family unit.
- Communication and Dialogue: Globalization has introduced new modes of communication and technology that can both connect and isolate individuals. While technological advancements have made communication easier, it can also lead to superficial and transactional interactions within families. Meaningful dialogue and deep connections between family members may suffer as a result.
- Cultural Influences: Exposure to different cultures and values through globalization can challenge traditional family norms and practices. Western influences, in particular, can impact the traditional roles and expectations within families, leading to conflicts and tensions between generations and genders.
- Work-Life Balance: Globalization has led to changes in work patterns and increased demands in the professional sphere. Balancing work and family responsibilities becomes more challenging, affecting the overall well-being of family members.
- Migration and Transnational Families: Globalization has facilitated increased migration and the formation of transnational families. While migration can provide economic opportunities, it can also create challenges related to separation, long-distance relationships, cultural adjustments.
- Consumerism and Materialism: The consumerist culture promoted by globalization places a greater emphasis on material possessions and individual desires. This can lead to conflicts within families regarding priorities, values, and the definition of success. Materialistic pursuits may overshadow the importance of emotional connections and shared experiences within the family.
Factors behind the rise of Individualism
- Economic Prosperity: Economic growth and increased prosperity have provided individuals with greater opportunities for personal advancement and self-fulfillment. As people become more financially independent, they are able to focus on their individual goals, desires, and aspirations.
- Urbanization and Mobility: The process of urbanization and increased mobility has led to a shift from close-knit rural communities to more diverse and fragmented urban settings. In urban areas, individuals have greater anonymity and independence, which can foster a sense of individualism.
- Technological Advancements: The rapid advancement of technology, particularly in the areas of communication and information, has given individuals more autonomy and freedom to pursue their own interests. The internet and social media platforms, in particular, have provided platforms for self-expression and individual identity formation.
- Emphasis on Personal Rights and Autonomy: There has been a growing emphasis on individual rights and personal autonomy in modern societies. Movements advocating for civil rights, gender equality, and personal freedoms have contributed to the promotion of individualism as a core value.
- Cultural and Ideological Shifts: Changing cultural norms and values, influenced by globalization and exposure to diverse cultures, have contributed to the rise of individualism. The ideals of personal freedom, self-expression, and individual choice are often celebrated in media, popular culture, and social discourses.
- Decline of Traditional Institutions: Traditional institutions, such as extended families, religious institutions, and community structures, have weakened in many societies. This decline has led to a greater focus on the individual as the primary unit of social organization, as opposed to collective identities and obligations.
- Influence of Western Culture: The spread of Western values and ideologies, particularly through globalization and media influence, has played a significant role in promoting individualism. Western societies have historically placed a strong emphasis on individual rights, personal achievements, and self-reliance, influencing cultural attitudes towards individualism in other parts of the world.
Way ahead: Reforms for Strengthening the Family Institution
- Promoting Dialogue and Communication:
- Encourage open and candid conversations within families, fostering an environment of trust and understanding.
- Promote regular family meetings to discuss important issues and strengthen interpersonal relationships.
- Educate individuals on effective communication skills, including active listening and empathetic responses.
- Balancing Individualism and Collectivism:
- Emphasize the value of shared experiences, mutual support, and cooperation within families.
- Encourage the practice of sharing responsibilities, decision-making, and resources among family members.
- Promote activities that foster a sense of collectivism, such as family outings, collaborative projects, and joint celebrations.
- Restoring Transparency and Trust:
- Foster an atmosphere of honesty, transparency, and mutual respect within families.
- Encourage family members to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly.
- Establish mechanisms for conflict resolution and mediation to address issues and rebuild trust when conflicts arise.
- Cultivating Togetherness and Mentorship:
- Create opportunities for family members to spend quality time together, engaging in shared hobbies, interests, or recreational activities.
- Encourage mentoring relationships within families, where older members guide and support younger ones in their personal and professional development.
- Promote intergenerational learning and knowledge exchange, preserving family values and traditions.
- Recognizing and Empowering Mothers:
- Acknowledge and appreciate the vital role of mothers in nurturing and building strong families.
- Provide support systems and resources to empower women in their roles as mothers and family leaders.
- Promote gender equality within families, ensuring equal opportunities, security, and respect for all members.
- Strengthening Support Systems:
- Develop and strengthen support networks, such as family counseling services, helplines, and community programs, to address family-related issues and provide guidance.
- Enhance public awareness campaigns on the importance of family well-being and the need for nurturing healthy family relationships.
- Collaborate with educational institutions, religious organizations, and community groups to promote family-oriented initiatives and activities
Conclusion
- The International Day of Families serves as a reminder of the alarming state of families today, characterized by violence, suicides, and societal disruptions. Recognizing the primacy of families, it is imperative to address the enfeeblement of the traditional family system through attitudinal and behavioral reforms. The collective effort of individuals, communities, and policymakers is crucial in preserving the family institution as a fundamental unit of societal well-being.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Also read:
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gig economy, Platform-Based Gig Workers Welfare Board
Mains level: Gig economy, Rajasthan's Platform-Based Gig Workers Welfare Board, challenges and measures for implementation
Central Idea
- The Chief Minister of Rajasthan recently announced the establishment of India’s first welfare fund, the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Fund. This landmark move comes as a significant regulatory step to address the vulnerabilities faced by gig and platform workers since the passage of the Code on Social Security in 2020.
All you need to know about Platform-Based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Fund
- Social security and welfare benefits to gig workers: It is the country’s first welfare fund specifically designed to address the social security needs of gig and platform workers established by the government of Rajasthan. The fund aims to provide social security benefits and welfare measures to gig workers who operate in the platform economy.
- Set up in accordance with the Code on Social Security 2020: Code on Social Security recognizes the vulnerabilities faced by gig and platform workers and emphasizes the need for social security measures to protect their rights and well-being. The creation of the welfare fund aligns with the code’s objective of extending social security coverage to workers in the informal sector.
- Operates as a tripartite institution: The Platform-Based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Fund operates as a tripartite institution, comprising representatives from the bureaucracy, employers or clients, and workers’ unions or associations. This structure enables the fund to effectively address the concerns and interests of all stakeholders involved.
- Funding through revenue-sharing model: The Code on Social Security mandates that platform companies contribute 1%-2% of their revenue towards the fund, ensuring that the financial responsibility is shared between the platforms and the government.
Who are known as Gig Workers?
- Gig workers are individuals who engage in temporary, flexible, and on-demand work arrangements, often facilitated through digital platforms or apps.
- They are part of the gig economy, which is characterized by short-term and project-based work engagements rather than traditional long-term employment contracts.
- Gig workers encompass a wide range of occupations and industries. They may include freelance writers, drivers for ride-hailing services, delivery personnel, online marketplace sellers, virtual assistants, graphic designers, and many others.
- These workers typically operate as independent contractors, offering their services or completing tasks on a project-by-project basis.
Potential challenges in program implementation
- Lack of Clarity in Definitions: The classification and definition of gig workers can vary, making it challenging to accurately identify and include all eligible individuals in the programs. Determining the scope and coverage of the programs can be complex, especially considering the diverse nature of gig work.
- Funding Constraints: Allocating sufficient funds for the implementation of social security programs for gig workers can be a significant challenge. Adequate resources need to be allocated to ensure the sustainability of the programs and the provision of comprehensive benefits. Identifying the appropriate funding mechanisms, such as revenue-sharing models or contributions from platforms, can be complex and require careful consideration.
- Limited Awareness and Outreach: Many gig workers may be unaware of their rights or the existence of social security programs available to them. Effective outreach and awareness campaigns are crucial to ensure that gig workers understand the benefits and are encouraged to participate. Language barriers, digital literacy issues, and the dispersed nature of gig workers can further complicate outreach efforts.
- Adapting to Technological Platforms: Implementing social security programs within the digital platforms that facilitate gig work can pose technical challenges. Integration with existing platform systems, ensuring secure data management, and addressing potential privacy concerns require careful planning and coordination between government agencies and platform operators.
- Addressing Cross-Jurisdictional Issues: Gig workers often operate across multiple jurisdictions, which can create complexities in program implementation. Coordination among different states or countries may be required to ensure seamless coverage and avoid gaps or duplications in benefits.
- Establishing Fair Evaluation Criteria: Determining eligibility criteria and evaluating gig workers’ contributions or income can be challenging. Traditional methods of assessing employment status or income may not align with the dynamic and variable nature of gig work. Developing fair and transparent evaluation mechanisms is crucial to ensure that deserving gig workers receive the appropriate benefits.
- Balancing Flexibility and Protection: Gig work is characterized by its flexibility, allowing workers to choose when and how much they work. Designing social security programs that provide necessary protections while still accommodating the flexible nature of gig work can be a delicate balance. Ensuring that gig workers can access benefits without compromising their work arrangements is essential.
Measures to overcome operational challenges
- Comprehensive Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: Launch targeted and extensive awareness campaigns to inform gig workers about the available social security programs, their benefits, and the application process. Utilize multiple communication channels, including online platforms, mobile apps, social media, and community networks, to reach a wide range of gig workers.
- Simplified Registration and Enrollment Processes: Streamline the registration and enrollment processes to make them user-friendly and accessible to gig workers. Utilize digital platforms and mobile applications to enable easy and convenient enrollment, reducing paperwork and administrative burdens.
- Partnerships with Platforms: Collaborate with platform operators to facilitate program implementation. Platforms can play a crucial role in sharing information, reaching out to gig workers, and integrating social security features directly into their platforms. Establish clear guidelines and expectations for platform operators to ensure compliance and seamless integration of social security measures.
- Tailored Benefit Packages: Design benefit packages that cater to the specific needs of gig workers. Consider their income volatility, irregular work schedules, and diverse occupational risks when determining the types of benefits to offer. Flexibility and customization in benefit packages can help address the unique challenges faced by gig workers.
- Digital Solutions and Technology Integration: Leverage digital solutions and emerging technologies to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve service delivery. Utilize digital platforms for benefits management, payment systems, and claims processing to ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience for gig workers.
- Collaborative Governance: Establish tripartite partnerships involving government authorities, gig worker representatives, and platform operators to foster effective governance and decision-making. This collaborative approach ensures that the perspectives and interests of all stakeholders are taken into account and promotes transparency and accountability.
- Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness and impact of social security programs for gig workers. Regularly collect feedback from gig workers, platform operators, and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to the programs.
- International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Engage in international collaboration and knowledge sharing to learn from best practices and experiences of other countries implementing social security measures for gig workers. Exchange ideas, strategies, and lessons learned to enhance program implementation and overcome operational challenges.
Facts for prelims
New classification by NITI Aayog: Platform vs. Non-platform Workers
- The NITI Aayog report broadly classifies gig workers into platform and non-platform-based workers.
- The consequent platformisation of work has given rise to a new classification of labour — platform labour — falling outside of the purview of the traditional dichotomy of formal and informal labour.
- While platform workers are those whose work is based on online software applications or digital platforms.
- Non-platform gig workers are generally casual wage workers and own-account workers in the conventional sectors, working part-time or full time.
|
Conclusion
- The establishment of the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers Welfare Board represents a significant victory for platform workers and unions who have long advocated for their rights. While many states are yet to take action, Rajasthan sets an example by prioritizing the welfare of these workers, especially with assembly elections looming next year.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India's MMR, reports and findings
Mains level: India's high maternal mortality, Government efforts, challenges, and way ahead
Central Idea
- A recent United Nations report revealed a startling reality that India, along with nine other nations, accounted for a staggering 60% of global maternal deaths, stillbirths, and newborn deaths. In 2020 alone, India accounted for over 17% of such fatalities, making it the country with the second-highest number of maternal deaths after Nigeria.
What is maternal mortality?
- As per World Health Organization, Maternal death is the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes.
Gaps in maternal Healthcare in India
- Maternal mortality rate: A United Nations report highlighted that India was among the top 10 countries responsible for 60% of global maternal deaths, stillbirths, and new-born deaths. In 2020, India accounted for over 17% of such deaths, making it the second-highest contributor after Nigeria.
- Antenatal care (ANC):1% of mothers in India did not attend any ANC visit during their recent pregnancy. Furthermore, only 34.1% of mothers attended one, two, or three visits, falling short of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of four visits.
- Postnatal care: 16% of women in India did not receive any postnatal health check-ups, while 22.8% experienced delayed check-ups occurring two days after childbirth. In the poorest 20% of the households, 26.3% women never had a postnatal health check-up, whereas among the richest, only 7.9% did not.
- Lack of skilled health providers: 8% of Indian women did not receive tetanus shots, which are crucial for preventing infections during and after surgery. In about 11% of cases, no skilled health providers were present at the time of delivery, posing risks in detecting and managing complications.
- Decline in MMR: The Sample Registration System (SRS) 2016-2018 estimated India’s MMR at 113 per 100,000 live births. This represents a decline from previous years and indicates progress in reducing maternal deaths.
Facts for prelims
- India’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has improved to 103 in 2017-19, from 113 in 2016-18.
- Seven Indian states have very high maternal mortality. These are Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Odisha and Assam.
- The MMR is ‘high’ in Punjab, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. This means 100-130 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
- It is ‘low’ in Haryana and Karnataka.
- The states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar have seen the most drop in MMR.
- West Bengal, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh have recorded an increase in MMR over the last survey.
|
Challenges in achieving further reductions in MMR in India
- Regional Disparities: States with limited healthcare infrastructure and resources often report higher MMR compared to more developed regions. Bridging these regional gaps in healthcare access and quality is crucial for ensuring equitable maternal healthcare outcomes.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Socioeconomic factors play a substantial role in maternal health outcomes. Women from marginalized communities, low-income households, and rural areas face higher risks due to limited access to healthcare facilities, education, and economic resources.
- Quality of Healthcare Services: The availability of skilled healthcare providers, adequate infrastructure, and essential medical supplies is lacking in many parts particularly in remote and ares.
- Awareness and Education: Limited awareness among women, families, and communities about the importance of antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care hindering timely and appropriate care-seeking behavior.
- Cultural and Social Factors: Deep-rooted cultural and social factors often influence maternal healthcare-seeking behavior and decision-making. Traditional beliefs, practices, and societal norms directly or indirectly affect women’s access to and utilization of maternal healthcare services.
Government’s initiatives to improve maternal health
- National Health Mission (NHM): The NHM is a flagship program of the Government of India aimed at providing accessible and affordable healthcare services, including maternal healthcare. Under the NHM, the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) strategy focuses on improving maternal and child health outcomes through a continuum of care approach.
- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): The JSY is a conditional cash transfer program that encourages institutional deliveries and postnatal care utilization. It provides financial assistance to pregnant women from low-income households to cover the cost of delivery and associated expenses. The program aims to reduce financial barriers and promote institutional deliveries, ensuring access to skilled birth attendants.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): The PMMVY is a maternity benefit scheme that provides cash incentives to pregnant and lactating women for their first live birth. It aims to provide partial wage compensation to pregnant women for wage loss during childbirth and to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
- Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK): The JSSK program ensures free and cashless delivery, including caesarean section, in public health facilities. It covers the costs of essential drugs, diagnostics, blood transfusion, and transportation for pregnant women and sick infants. The program also provides free referral transport services for pregnant women in need of emergency care.
- Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR): The MDSR system is an important component of the government’s efforts to reduce maternal deaths. It focuses on identifying, reporting, and analyzing maternal deaths to understand the causes and take appropriate actions for prevention in the future.
- National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI): The NIPI focuses on addressing anemia in pregnant women by providing iron and folic acid supplements. Anemia is a significant risk factor for maternal mortality, and the NIPI aims to ensure universal coverage and adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.
- Skill Development Initiatives: The government has also emphasized the training and skill development of healthcare professionals, especially in the field of obstetric and neonatal care. This includes the establishment of skilled birth attendant programs, enhancing the capabilities of healthcare providers, and promoting evidence-based practices for safe deliveries and postnatal care.
Way ahead
- Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure: Investing in healthcare infrastructure, especially in underserved areas, is crucial to improve access to quality maternal healthcare services. This includes ensuring the availability of skilled healthcare professionals, adequate facilities, and essential medical supplies in both urban and rural settings.
- Enhancing Healthcare Workforce: Strengthening the healthcare workforce through training programs and capacity-building initiatives is essential. This involves increasing the number of skilled birth attendants, midwives, and other healthcare professionals who can provide comprehensive maternal care services.
- Improving Access and Affordability: Addressing financial barriers is crucial to ensure that all women can access and afford maternal healthcare services. Enhancing the coverage and effectiveness of health insurance schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for maternal healthcare.
- Community Engagement and Awareness: Promoting community participation and awareness about maternal health is vital. Community-based programs can play a significant role in educating women, families, and community members about the importance of antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, postnatal care, and recognizing pregnancy-related complications.
- Strengthening Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR): Enhancing the MDSR system can provide critical insights into the causes of maternal deaths and inform evidence-based interventions. Establishing robust systems for reporting, reviewing, and analyzing maternal deaths can help identify gaps in the healthcare system and facilitate targeted interventions to prevent future deaths.
- Empowering Women and Gender Equality: Promoting gender equality and empowering women are fundamental to improving maternal health outcomes. This includes increasing access to education, economic opportunities, and decision-making power for women. Empowered women are more likely to seek and demand quality maternal healthcare services.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, NGOs, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders is crucial. Partnerships can facilitate the sharing of resources, knowledge, and best practices to drive collective efforts toward reducing maternal mortality rates.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and identify areas that require further attention is essential. Regular data collection, analysis, and reporting on maternal health indicators can help assess the effectiveness of interventions and inform evidence-based decision-making.
Conclusion
- India’s high maternal mortality rates necessitate immediate interventions to address the gaps in ANC, PNC, awareness, and access to skilled healthcare providers. Bridging the disparities based on education, wealth, and caste is crucial for equitable maternal healthcare. It is imperative to prioritize comprehensive maternal healthcare and take urgent action to save lives and ensure the well-being of women and newborns in India.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Also Read:
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Matrilineality in India
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: A tribal council’s order not to issue a Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate to any Khasi person who adopts the surname of her or his father has triggered a war of words in matrilineal Meghalaya.
Matrilineal Society of Meghalaya
- Multiple tribes in Meghalaya, northeast India, practice matrilineal descent.
- Khasi and Garo people are the primary tribes discussed in the article.
- The term “Ki Hynniew Trep” (The Seven Huts) refers to the Khasi people, while the Garo people are also known as Achik people.
- These tribes have a proud heritage of matrilineality, but there are concerns about the decline of matrilineal traits.
Background
- Khasi people are an ancient tribe and are considered the largest surviving matrilineal culture in the world.
- Khasis, along with other subgroups like the Garo, reside in Meghalaya, as well as bordering areas of Assam and Bangladesh.
- The matrilineal tradition practiced by the Khasi people is unique within India.
- Matrilineal principles are emphasized in myths, legends, and origin narratives of the Khasi tribe.
- Reference to “Nari Rajya” in the epic Mahabharata likely correlates with the matrilineal culture of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.
Rights, Roles and Responsibilities
- Women play a dominant role in the matrilineal society of Meghalaya.
- The youngest daughter, known as Ka Khadduh, inherits ancestral property.
- Husbands live with their mother-in-law after marriage.
- Children take their mother’s surname.
- In case a couple has no daughters, they can adopt a daughter and pass property rights to her.
- The birth of a girl is celebrated, and there is no social stigma associated with women remarrying or giving birth out of wedlock.
- Women have the freedom to intermarry outside their tribe.
- Independent, well-dressed, unmarried women enjoy security and prefer not to get married.
- Many small businesses are managed by women.
Comparison between Garo and Khasi Practices
Bina Agarwal compared the Garo and Khasi practices in 1994. (Aspirants with Sociology optional are bound to remember the sociologist’s name.)
- Garo also practices matrilineal inheritance and matrilocal post-marital residence.
- Both tribes accept pre-marital sex by women, but adultery by women is punished.
- The Khasi practice duolocal post-marital residence, where the husband lives separately from the wife’s parents’ residence.
- The Khasi have an aversion to cross-cousin marriage.
Roles of Men and Political Representation
- Mothers or mothers-in-law are responsible for the care of children.
- Khasi men perceive themselves as having a secondary status and established societies to protect men’s rights.
- Representation of women in politics, legislative assembly, village councils, and panchayats is minimal.
- Women believe they handle money matters better and enjoy economic freedom.
Matrilineal, not matriarchal
- While society is matrilineal, it is not matriarchal. In past monarchies of the state, the son of the youngest sister of the king inherited the throne.
- Even now in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly or village councils or panchayats the representation of women in politics is minimal.
Issues with the system
- Some Khasi men perceive themselves to be accorded a secondary status.
- They have established societies to protect equal rights for men.
- They express that Khasi men don’t have any security, they don’t own land, they don’t run the family business and, at the same time, they are almost good for nothing.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Monsoon terminologies
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala with a “slight delay” on June 4, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The usual onset date over Kerala is June 1, within a seven-day window.
What does the “Onset of Monsoon” mean?
- The onset of the monsoon over Kerala marks the beginning of the four-month, June to September southwest monsoon season over India.
- It brings more than 70 per cent of the country’s annual rainfall.
- It marks a significant transition in the large-scale atmospheric and ocean circulations in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The IMD announces it only after certain newly defined and measurable parameters, adopted in 2016, are met.
- The onset is a significant day in India’s economic calendar.
How does IMD predict the monsoon?
- Broadly, the IMD checks for the consistency of rainfall over a defined geography, its intensity, and wind speed:
- Rainfall: The IMD declares the onset of the monsoon if at least 60% of 14 designated meteorological stations in Kerala and Lakshadweep record at least 2.5 mm of rain for two consecutive days at any time after May 10.
- Wind field: The depth of westerlies should be upto 600 hectopascal (1 hPa is equal to 1 millibar of pressure) in the area bound by the equator to 10ºN latitude, and from longitude 55ºE to 80ºE. The zonal wind speed over the area bound by 5-10ºN latitude and 70-80ºE longitude should be of the order of 15-20 knots (28-37 kph) at 925 hPa.
- Heat: The INSAT-derived Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) value (a measure of the energy emitted to space by the Earth’s surface, oceans, and atmosphere) should be below 200 watt per sq m (wm2) in the box confined by 5-10ºN latitude and 70-75ºE latitude.
- The onset is not officially declared until the prescribed conditions (above) are met.
Factors considered by IMD
- The IMD uses a specialised model that forecasts the arrival dates within a four-day window.
- It uses six predictors:
- Minimum temperatures over northwest India
- Pre-monsoon rainfall peak over south Peninsula
- Outgoing long-wave radiation (OLR) over the South China Sea
- Lower tropospheric zonal wind over the southeast Indian Ocean
- Upper tropospheric zonal wind over the east equatorial Indian Ocean, and
- OLR over the southwest Pacific region
Back2Basics: Long Period Average (LPA)
- The IMD predicts a “normal”, “below normal”, or “above normal” monsoon in relation to a benchmark “long period average” (LPA).
- The LPA of rainfall is the rainfall recorded over a particular region for a given interval (like month or season) average over a long period like 30 years, 50 years, etc.
- LPA refers to the average rainfall recorded from June to September for the entire country, the amount of rain that falls every year varies from region to region and from month to month.
- The IMD’s prediction of a normal monsoon is based on the LPA of the 1971-2020 period, during which India received 87 cm of rain for the entire country on average.
- It has in the past calculated the LPA at 88 cm for the 1961-2010 period, and at 89 cm for the period 1951-2000.
Why LPA is needed?
- The IMD records rainfall data at more than 2,400 locations and 3,500 rain-gauge stations.
- Because annual rainfall can vary greatly not just from region to region and from month to month, but also from year to year within a particular region or month.
- An LPA is needed to smooth out trends so that a reasonably accurate prediction can be made.
- A 50-year LPA covers for large variations in either direction caused by freak years of unusually high or low rainfall, as well as for the periodic drought years.
- It also takes into account the increasingly common extreme weather events caused by climate change.
Range of normal rainfall
The IMD maintains five rainfall distribution categories on an all-India scale. These are:
- Normal or near normal, when the percentage departure of actual rainfall is +/-10% of LPA, that is, between 96-104% of LPA;
- Below normal, when departure of actual rainfall is less than 10% of LPA, that is 90-96% of LPA;
- Above normal, when actual rainfall is 104-110% of LPA;
- Deficient, when departure of actual rainfall is less than 90% of LPA; and
- Excess, when the departure of actual rainfall is more than 110% of LPA.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now