India is hosting the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time in New Delhi.
Theme: “World Heritage in the 21st Century: Building Capacities and Exploring Opportunities for Youth.”
About the World Heritage Young Professional Forum
The World Heritage Young Professionals Forum is an initiative by UNESCO to engage young professionals in the field of heritage conservation.
The first World Heritage Young Professionals Forum was organized in 1995.
The primary aim is to engage young professionals in heritage conservation and management through capacity building, networking, and awareness-raising.
Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Description
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Landmarks or areas selected by UNESCO for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other significant value, legally protected by international treaties.
Importance
World Heritage Sites represent collective and preservative interests of humanity, signifying remarkable accomplishments and intellectual history.
Selection Criteria
Sites must be already-classified landmarks, unique and significant culturally or physically, such as ancient ruins, historical structures, cities, monuments, etc.
Conservation
World Heritage Sites require practical conservation to protect them from risks like trespassing, uncontrolled access, or administrative negligence.
World Heritage Committee
Selects and monitors World Heritage Sites, manages the World Heritage Fund, and provides financial assistance. Composed of 21 states parties elected for a four-year term.
Membership
India is not a member of the World Heritage Committee.
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following international agreements:
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
The World Heritage Convention
Which of the above has / have a bearing on the biodiversity?
The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a bill mandating that industries, factories, and other establishments appoint local candidates in 50% of management positions and 75% in non-management positions.
The bill was cleared in a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister.
Key features of the Bill:
Definition of a Local Candidate:
Born in Karnataka
Domiciled in Karnataka for 15 years
Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing Kannada
Passed a required test by the nodal agency
Educational Requirements:
Must have a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language, or
Pass a Kannada proficiency test specified by the nodal agency
Training and Relaxation Provisions:
Industries and establishments must train local candidates within three years if qualified locals are unavailable
Establishments can apply for relaxation if local candidates are insufficient
The government’s decision on relaxation applications is final
Local candidates must constitute at least 25% in management and 50% in non-management positions
Non-compliance penalties range from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000
Do you know?
The Punjab and Haryana High Court earlier quashed the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020, which mandated 75% reservation for state domiciles in the private sector jobs.
This decision was made because the State had overstepped its legislative authority and imposed undue restrictions on private employers.
Background and Rationale:
Long-pending Demand:
The bill has been passed in response to longstanding demands for 100% job reservation for Kannadigas.
Earlier in July, Kannada organizations organized rallies in parts of the State, demanding immediate implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi Report.
Sarojini Mahishi Report:
The Sarojini Mahishi report, submitted in 1984 by Mahishi, former Union Minister and the first woman MP from Karnataka, included 58 recommendations.
The report recommended 100% reservation for locals in group C and D jobs in Central government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs) in Karnataka.
Reservation for Locals in Jobs: Constitutionality Check
Provision
Potential Violation
Article 14
Guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws.
Reservation for locals could create unequal opportunities for non-locals, violating the principle of equality.
Article 15
Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Reserving jobs for locals based on place of birth or domicile status may constitute discrimination against non-locals.
Article 16
Ensures equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State.
Though it allows reservation for backward classes, it does not explicitly extend this provision to private employment, making mandatory quotas for locals potentially unconstitutional.
Article 19
Guarantees the freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India.
Imposing local reservations could restrict the free movement of people seeking employment opportunities across states, infringing upon their freedom of movement and residence.
PYQ:
[2017] One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of:
Next Generation Aviation Professionals (NGAP): Addresses anticipated aviation professionals shortage
No Country Left Behind (NCLB): Assists states in implementing ICAO standards and policies
Publications and Resources
Annexes to the Chicago Convention: SARPs across civil aviation domains
ICAO Journal: Quarterly publication
Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP): Strategic documents for aviation safety and navigation improvements.
Regional Offices
Seven offices in Bangkok, Cairo, Dakar, Lima, Mexico City, Nairobi, and Paris
Standards
Annex 1: Personnel Licensing
Annex 6: Operation of Aircraft
Annex 8: Airworthiness of Aircraft
Annex 17: Security
Annex 19: Safety Management
Global Impact
Harmonizes international aviation policies and procedures
Contributes to safe, secure, and sustainable growth of global air transport
About Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation
The conference aims to strengthen regional collaboration and develop a future-focused vision for the region, emphasizing innovation and safety.
The inaugural conference took place in February 2018 in Beijing.
39 member states of the UN aviation safety body, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), from the Asia Pacific region are expected to attend.
The conference focuses on making aviation travel sustainable, resilient, and adaptive to the changing needs of a globally interconnected community.
This region accounts for 33.41% of global flight departures, the highest of any region worldwide.
Passenger numbers are expected to increase from 4.5 billion this year to 11.5 billion by 2050.
PYQ:
[2014] International civil aviation laws provide all countries with complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territory. What do you understand by ‘airspace’ What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggest ways to contain the threat.
Q) ‘The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate. (UPSC IAS/2019)
Prelims: Consider the following statements: (UPSC IAS/2020) 1) The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade. 2) “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh. 3) In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 only (d) 3 only
Note4Students:
Prelims: India-Nepal Bilateral Ties;
Mains: Neighbourhood First Policy; Panchasheel Principles;
Mentor comment: India and Nepal share deep geographical, civilizational, historical, economic and cultural ties. They have an open border and close people-to-people connections. The 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship forms the bedrock of their special relationship, granting citizens of both countries equal economic and educational opportunities. India is Nepal’s largest trade partner and source of foreign investment. The two countries have extensive cooperation in areas like defense, disaster management, infrastructure development, water resources, and education. During recent years, the Indian government has been observing some strains and gaps in this relationship, which needs urgent attention seeing the regional geopolitical situations.
Let’s learn!
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Why in the news?
India-Nepal relations have involved a significant decline in bilateral ties since 2015, which has now presented an opportunity for improvement.
Key events and issues that contributed to the strain include:
•New Constitution in Nepal: In 2015, Nepal’s Constituent Assembly adopted a new constitution, which India had wanted to be reworked. Despite promises made during visits to New Delhi, the draft was promulgated unamended, leading to tensions. •Economic Blockade: India imposed an economic blockade on Nepal, which lasted nearly six months. This blockade was seen as a response to the new constitution and was widely criticized for its impact on Nepal’s economy and relations with India. •Increased Chinese Influence: Nepal’s PM Khadga Prasad Oli reacted to the blockade by signing 10 agreements with China, covering areas such as trade, transit, power, and transport. This move further strained the India-Nepal relationship. •Political and Diplomatic Tensions: The Indian government became more involved in Nepali governance and politics, leading to accusations of interference. The RSS and the BJP were also accused of attempting to influence Nepal’s politics and culture to align with India’s image. •Border Disputes: The publication of an updated political map by India in October 2019, which included the disputed Limpiyadhura-Kalapani triangle, led Nepal to amend its constitution to include the same region on its map. This further exacerbated the border disputes between the two countries.
The present context of Power and Prowess between both countries:
Conjecture in Nepal: There is speculation in Nepal about what Narendra Modi’s third term as Prime Minister means, given the legacy of the blockade, Hindutva activism, economic stifling, and geopolitical coercion.
Indian Exceptionalism: India’s long history of interfering in Nepal’s politics and governance goes against the principle of non-interference, as seen in the Panchsheel doctrine.
India’s overbearing attitude towards Nepal seems to be based on power rather than prowess (skill or expertise), which could lead to a more stable and economically energized Nepal, benefiting India’s National Security and Economy.
Legacy of India’s existing Policies: Modi’s foreign policy and national security teams remain unchanged, leading to questions about whether he will become more moderate or aggressive to compensate for the BJP’s domestic slowdown.
Modi’s“Neighbourhood First“ initiative has been unsuccessful, and he may need to correct his policies on Nepal as the closest neighbor.
Nepal is not just a basket-case neighbor but the seventh largest remittance-sending country to India, helping support livelihoods in India’s poorest regions.
Nepalian Viewpoint:
Eroded Ability to Engage Equally
Nepal’s political, civil society, bureaucratic, and security institutions have lost the ability to engage with their Indian counterparts as equals. This is due to the ongoing political turmoil in Nepal.
Nepal’s political leadership has included both weak and subservient figures. The worst example was during the prime ministership of Pushpa Kamal Dahal (‘Prachanda’), the Maoist leader.
Dahal’s Subservience to India
During his 2023 visit to India, Nepali PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal avoided raising issues that could have upset Modi. He failed to discuss pending bilateral matters like air routes, the Limpiyadhura-Kalapani dispute, and the Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) report.
To please the RSS, Dahal and his team wore saffron robes at a temple in Madhya Pradesh.
Dahal signed a power trade deal that let India refuse imports from Nepal’s Chinese-backed hydropower plants and allowed the Indian embassy to distribute grants in Nepal.
Considering the South Asian Region and India’s Peaceful Existence:
Nepal’s Cordiality towards India: Presently, New Delhi is far from considering Nepal as the future connectivity gateway to the Chinese mainland via railways and roadways breaching the Himalayan rampart.
A continuing ‘Himalayan paranoia’, with its origins in the 1962 debacle with China, fuels geo-strategic insecurity in New Delhi think-tanks.
India’s Missed Opportunities: Indian economists fail to note the enormous savings in Military expenditure represented by Nepal’s presence as a ‘benign buffer’along the central stretch of the Himalaya, especially after the concerns over the Indian exchequer’s inability to bear military costs and pensions (Agniveer Scheme).
The open Nepal-India border is the prototype for a future South Asia at peace, but New Delhi analysts constantly harp on the insecurity it represents for India.
Nepal’s Suffering and India’s Misconceptions
The Maoists used shelters across the unregulated border during their decade-long insurgency against the Nepali state.
Every summer, the Indian media claims Nepal “releases” monsoon waters into the Ganga plain, but Nepal has no significant storage dams, and the Gandaki and Kosi barrages are controlled by India.
‘Nepal studies’ is not an academic discipline in India, which contributes to Indian citizens viewing Nepal as poor, ungrateful, and even malevolent.
Conclusion: Frustrated Nepalis want India to treat them as an equal partner, not a “big brother”. India’s policymakers should accept that Nepal is a separate country from India. Nepal should try to clear up misconceptions about itself and suggest ways to improve relations.
After the ambitious Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) was finalized in June 2024, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath stated its launch capability exceeded demand threefold, highlighting a need for robust domestic market demand for launch vehicles.
What is the present scenario of Satellites in India?
India operates a diverse fleet of satellites with applications in Communications, Remote Sensing, Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), Meteorology, Disaster Management, Space-based internet, Scientific missions, and Experimental missions.
India currently has four main launch vehicles: the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-3), capable of launching satellites up to four tonnes to geosynchronous orbit.
For satellites weighing more than four tonnes, India relies on foreign launch vehicles, such as Europe’s Ariane V and SpaceX’s Falcon 9, to meet its heavy payload requirements.
India has been actively involved in significant space missions like Chandrayaan 3 (a lunar mission) and Aditya L1 (a mission to study the Sun), showcasing its growing capabilities in space exploration.
Existing Demand-Driven Model in India – Before and After
Before (Supply-Driven Model)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) primarily built and launched satellites based on its assessments and planned missions without waiting for specific customer demands.
After launching satellites, ISRO would then look for customers who needed the services provided by the satellites, which sometimes led to underutilization or delayed utilization of satellite capabilities.
The space sector was heavily government-controlled, with limited involvement and investment from private players
There was less emphasis on educating potential customers about the benefits and applications of space-based services, leading to lower demand from various sectors.
After 2020 (Demand-Driven Model)
The Space sector reforms 2019-2020 encouraged greater private sector participation, fostering innovation, competition, and commercialization in the Indian space industry.
Satellites are now built and launched based on confirmed customer demands, ensuring that each satellite has a predefined purpose and user base before it is sent into space.
The market demand for satellite services is validated and secured before the construction and launch phases, leading to better alignment of resources and higher utilization rates.
Major Three Limitations Associated at Present Time:
Limited Launch Vehicle Capability: Currently, the Indian launch vehicles have restricted payload capacities, necessitating multiple launches for larger missions, increasing costs and complexity.
Demand-Supply Mismatch: Transitioning from a supply-driven to a demand-driven model faces challenges, including the need to educate potential customers and create a robust private sector ecosystem.
Economic and Technological Constraints: High costs of developing and maintaining launch vehicles and satellites, coupled with the early stages of implementing cost-effective reusable technologies, and insufficient infrastructure and investment.
Way forward:
Enhance Launch Vehicle Capacity: Invest in research and development to upgrade existing launch vehicles like GSLV and LVM-3 to increase payload capacity, reducing dependence on foreign launch providers.
Strengthen Market Engagement and Education: Expand outreach programs to educate potential customers across sectors about the benefits and applications of satellite-based services.
Promote Private Sector Participation: Facilitate a conducive regulatory environment to attract private investments and foster innovation in satellite manufacturing and launch services.
Mains PYQ:
Q India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically. (UPSC IAS/2017)
China’s Communist Party commenced and formulated a strategy for achieving self-reliant economic growth amidst heightened National security concerns and restrictions on American technology access.
What are the plenums of the Chinese Communist Party?
The Chinese Communist Party holds a major congress twice a decade, where members of the Central Committee are elected. In between the party congresses, the Central Committee holds seven plenums attended by all its current members.
The plenums are numbered from 1st to 7th, with each focusing on different aspects:
1st, 2nd, and 7th plenums typically focus on power transitions between Central Committees.
4th and 6th plenums generally center on party ideology.
3rd plenums have historically focused on long-term economic reforms.
5th plenums are associated with deliberations for the country’s five-year development plans.
What are the major decisions taken at these meetings?
Chinese govt is planning to take measures to restore and expand domestic consumption, focusing on sectors like automobiles, real estate, and services.
Reforms are also planned to transform the mechanisms of economic development by making the domestic market and technological innovation the main drivers of growth and emphasis on advancing the “New Development Pattern“ adopted in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025)
Provisions that provided relaxation of restrictions on home purchases and funding curbs on property developers in some cities are incorporated to boost the struggling real estate market.
Focus on advancing science and technology sectors like Artificial Intelligence, Green Energy and Electric Vehicles under the “New Quality productive Forces” initiative
What are the expected implications shortly for regional trade and politics?
Trade and Economic Relations: Policies discussed at plenums can impact China’s trade strategies on economic reforms, market regulations, and industrial policies could influence trade volumes, tariffs, and investment flows.
Changes in China’s economic policies could include shifts in investment patterns, and infrastructure projects linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Security Dynamics: Discussions on National security policies and Military strategies can impact regional security dynamics, especially India’s Arunachal Pradesh region influencing alliances, defense postures, and regional stability.
Conclusion: The Indian Government needs to watch its ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy very effectively keeping its stance assertive rather than passive this time.
Mains PYQ:
Q China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (UPSC IAS/2017)
CJI D.Y. Chandrachud has accepted the plea to list petitions challenging the passage of contentious legislation in Parliament as Money Bills.
This has given rise to the expectation that the matter could be heard and decided before Chandrachud demits office in November this year.
Presently, the three key issues are referred to the 7-judge bench in the Supreme Court:
Amendments made post-2015, like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) through Money Bills, giving the Enforcement Directorate wide powers, were valid or not.
Whether the passage of the Finance Act of 2017 as a Money Bill to alter appointments to 19 key judicial tribunals was valid or not
In the Aadhaar case, the Supreme Court had in 2018 upheld the Aadhaar Act as a valid Money Bill.
However, in 2021, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud (who was then a part of the bench) had dissented, saying the larger questions on Money Bills should be decided first before reviewing the Aadhaar judgment.
Now, the current Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has agreed to list the petitions challenging the use of the Money Bill route by the Centre to pass contentious amendments, indicating he will constitute a 7-judge Constitution Bench to hear this matter.
What is a Money Bill?
A Money Bill is a specific type of financial legislation that exclusively deals with matters related to taxes, government revenues, or expenditures.
It is defined under Article 110 of the Indian Constitution.
Every Money Bill is a Finance Bill but every Financial Bill is not a Money Bill: A Financial Bill can cover a broader range of financial issues, whereas a Money Bill is specifically limited to the matters mentioned in Article 110 of the Constitution. Therefore, while every Money Bill is a Financial Bill, not every Financial Bill is a Money Bill.
Key provisions of the Money Bill:
Article 110(1)(a): Imposition, abolition, remission, alteration, or regulation of any tax
Article 110(1)(b): The regulation of borrowing by the government or giving of any guarantee by the government or the amendment of the law for any financial obligations undertaken by the government
Article 110(1)(c): Custody of the Consolidated Fund or the Contingency Fund of India, the payment of money into or the withdrawal of money from any such Fund.
Article 110(1)(d): Appropriation of money out of the Consolidated Fund of India
Article 110(1)(e): Declaration of any expenditure to be expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India or the increase of the amount of any such expenditure
Article 110(1)(f): Receipt of money on account of the Consolidated Fund of India or the public account of India or the custody or issue of such money or the audit of the accounts of the Union or of a State
Article 110(1)(g): Any matter incidental to any of the matters specified in sub-clauses (a) to (f).
What are the present challenges associated with the Parliament?
Circumvention of the Rajya Sabha: The government is accused of misusing the Money Bill provision to evade scrutiny of the Bill by the Rajya Sabha where it was numerically weaker as compared to the Lok Sabha where it enjoyed pre-eminence.
Contentious Amendments passed as the Money Bill: Aadhaar Act, 2016; amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002; amendments to the Foreign Contributions Regulations Act, 2010; Finance Act, 2017 which brought about changes in the mode of appointment of judicial tribunals; electoral bonds scheme brought through Finance Act, 2017.
For example, the Finance Act of 2017, passed as a Money Bill, altered the appointment processes for judicial tribunals, which was seen as an attempt to extend executive control over these institutions.
The Supreme Court has been involved in multiple such cases questioning the classification of certain bills as Money Bills. For instance, the Rojer Mathew case and the Aadhaar case (K. Puttaswamy case)
Finality of the Speaker’s Decision: The Lok Sabha Speaker’s decision to certify a bill as a Money Bill has been contested. The judiciary has debated whether this decision is final or subject to judicial review.
Way forward:
Need for strengthening Judicial Oversight: Establish clear guidelines and criteria for the classification of bills as Money Bills, ensuring they strictly adhere to the provisions outlined in Article 110 of the Constitution.
Requires the Reinforcement of Legislative Procedures: Enhance the role of the Rajya Sabha in the legislative process by ensuring that all significant amendments, especially those affecting governance structures or individual rights, undergo thorough scrutiny in both houses of Parliament.
Mains PYQ:
Q The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof. (UPSC IAS/2017)
The Maharashtra state government has introduced a comprehensive new legislation – Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPC) Bill, 2024, to address the growing incidence of Naxalism in urban areas.
The Maharashtra government claims that Naxalism is no longer limited to remote rural areas, but has now spread its influence to urban centers through “frontal organizations”.
The government argues that existing laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act are not sufficient to effectively control these urban Naxal organizations.
Key provisions drafted under the MPSC Bill, 2024:
Declaration of Unlawful Organizations
The bill empowers the state government to declare any organization as “unlawful” under Section 3.
An advisory board of three qualified individuals (current/former/qualified High Court judges) will review such decisions as per Section 4.
Definition of Unlawful Activities
The bill defines “unlawful activities” in broad terms, including “activities threatening public order, peace, and tranquility” (Section 2(f)(i)), “interference with law administration and public servants” (Section 2(f)(ii)), and “encouraging disobedience to law and institutions” (Section 2(f)(iv)).
Cognizable and Non-Bailable Offences
All offences under this law will be cognizable and non-bailable, and will be investigated by a police officer not below the rank of a Sub-Inspector as per Section 9.
Punishments
Members of Unlawful Organizations: Imprisonment up to 3 years and fines up to Rs 3 lakh (Section 10)
Non-members Contributing or Aiding Unlawful Organizations: Imprisonment up to 2 years and fines up to Rs 2 lakh (Section 11)
Management or Promotion of Unlawful Organizations: Imprisonment up to 3 years and fines up to Rs 3 lakh (Section 12)
Committing, Abetting, or Planning Unlawful Activities: Imprisonment up to 7 years and fines up to Rs 5 lakh (Section 13)
Seizure and Forfeiture
The District Magistrate or Commissioner of Police can notify and take possession of any place used for unlawful organization activities (Section 14). The government can also forfeit money and assets intended for unlawful organizations (Section 15).
Legal Review
An advisory board must review the declaration of unlawful organizations within six weeks and submit a report within three months (Section 4). The High Court can review government actions through revision petitions (Section 7).
Why it is being seen as a threat to civil liberty:
Vague Definitions of Unlawful Activities: The bill defines “unlawful activities” in broad and vague terms, including “activities threatening public order, peace, and tranquility” and “encouraging disobedience to law and institutions” in Section 2(f)(i) and (iv).
Excessive Powers Granted to the State: The bill allows the state government to unilaterally declare an organization as “unlawful” without adequate judicial oversight in Section 3. It also empowers District Magistrates and Police Commissioners to grant permission for prosecution, bypassing the courts in Section 9.
Threat to Civil Liberties and Press Freedom: The bill’s broad provisions in Sections 2(f) and 8 could be used to criminalize activities such as reporting on administrative failures or the plight of citizens, as seen in other states with similar laws. This poses a threat to press freedom and the right to freedom of expression.
Lack of Transparency and Public Consultation: The bill was tabled hastily, with the draft not made available for public scrutiny and objections, as noted by civil society members.
Potential for Misuse and Abuse: Given the vague definitions in Section 2(f) and excessive powers granted to the state in Sections 3, 8 and 9, the bill has a high potential for misuse and abuse against political opponents, activists, and journalists, turning Maharashtra into a “police state”.
Way forward:
Consultative Process: The Maharashtra government should engage in a consultative process with legal experts, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to refine the bill’s provisions, ensuring they align with constitutional principles and international human rights standards.
Safeguarding Rights: Introduce safeguards such as judicial oversight in the process of declaring organizations unlawful, ensuring that fundamental rights like freedom of expression and assembly are protected while addressing legitimate security concerns effectively.
Mains PYQ:
Q Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (2022)
India’s apex drug regulator Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) gave preliminary approval to the drug Tirzepatide.
Tirzepatide is known to have assisted in weight control treatment among diabetic patients.
About Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO):
CDSCO is India’s national regulatory body for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
It serves a similar function to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the US or the European Medicines Agency of the European Union.
The Indian government has announced its plan to bring allmedical devices, including implants and contraceptives under a review of the CDSCO.
Within the CDSCO, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) regulates pharmaceutical and medical devices and is positioned within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The DCGI is advised by the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and the Drug Consultative Committee (DCC).
Mandate and Responsibilities:
Drug Approval: CDSCO is responsible for the approval of new drugs and clinical trials.
Standards Enforcement: Ensures standards of drugs and medical devices through various acts such as the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Import and Export: Regulates the import and export of drugs and medical devices in India.
Licensing Authority: Issues licenses for the manufacture, sale, and distribution of drugs in India.
Surveillance: Conducts drug quality surveillance and monitors adverse drug reactions.
Diabetes Drug for Weight Loss
In 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a drug called Ozempic for managing type 2 diabetes.
The active ingredient, semaglutide, was later noted for causing weight loss, which led to its off-label use for treating obesity.
This usage became popular on social media, influencing further developments.
What is Tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is the main component of Eli Lilly’s drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound.
It’s important to note here that Mounjaro is the brand name for diabetes, while Zepbound is for weight loss.
How does it work?
There is a dual action involving two hormones:
(1) Regulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1):
GLP-1 is a hormone that regulates appetite and calorie intake through effects on the brain and digestive tract.
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide function as polypeptides that enhance the body’s levels of GLP-1.
The higher levels of GLP-1 trigger satiety, the feeling of fullness, reducing the desire to eat.
Unlike semaglutide, tripeptide also increases levels of GIP, the other hormone involved.
Promising Global Trials
Global clinical trials for tirzepatide(Zepbound) have shown significant results, with the highest dosage leading to an average weight loss of 20.9% over 72 weeks.
The approval in India is due on further post-marketing surveillance (Phase IV trials) to monitor the drug’s side effects and its effectiveness across India’s diverse population.
Long-term side effects:
Cardiovascular risks like increased heart rate and potential blood pressure elevation.
Gastrointestinal effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. Endocrine concerns involve thyroid C-cell tumours in MEN syndrome patients.
Other issues include kidney problems, eye complications, mental health impacts, and long-term risks like pancreatic enzyme elevation and gallbladder problems.
Why under-consideration in India?
India has the world’s second-highest number of people with type 2 diabetesand high obesity rates.
A study in Lancet in 2023 estimated that 101 million people in India — 11.4 per cent of the country’s population — are living with diabetes.
As per the World Obesity Federation Atlas, around 11 per cent of Indian adults will be obese by 2034.
The government has implemented a uniform Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) rate of 5% on all aircraft and aircraft engine parts.
Background:
Prior to the implementation of GST in 2017, the taxation of aircraft and aircraft parts was complex, with different central and state taxes being levied.
Under the pre-GST regime, aircraft parts attracted a range of taxes, including excise duty, VAT, and additional customs duties, leading to a cascading effect and higher costs for the aviation industry.
IGST Harmonization for MRO Boost:
This move is aimed at boosting Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities in India.
Previously, GST rates on aircraft components varied between 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, causing several issues.
MRO Industry in India
The Indian MRO industry is projected to become a $4 billion industry by 2030.
Currently, India represents only 1% of the global MRO market, which is worth US$45 billion.
The industry is divided into airframe maintenance, engine maintenance (50-55% of work value), components maintenance, and line maintenance (weekly checks).
Commercial airlines spend 13-15% of their revenues on maintenance, primarily outsourcing heavy maintenance.
What is Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST)?
The IGST is a component of the GST system in India.
It is levied by the central government on:
Inter-state /UT supply of goods and services;
Imports of goods and services;
Supply of goods and services to/by SEZ units;
Deemed exports (certain transactions where goods supplied do not leave the country but are treated as exports under GST law).
IGST is calculated by adding the applicable Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST) rates.
One thing to remember in IGST is that the importing state gets the accrued benefit of taxes.
Rationale for the Uniform 5% IGST Rate
Simplification of Tax Structure: A uniform 5% IGST rate on aircraft and engine parts simplifies tax compliance and eliminates classification complexities.
Cost Efficiency: A lower IGST rate reduces overall tax burden on aviation industry, enhancing affordability of aircraft acquisition and maintenance.
Global Alignment: Aligns India’s tax policy with global standards, fostering competitiveness and attractiveness for international aviation investments.
Promotion of Aviation Services: Encourages aircraft leasing and MRO activities, supporting India’s aspiration to become a hub for these services.
PYQ:
[2017] What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’?
It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India.
It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves.
It will enormously increase the growth and size of economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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