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![[5 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Revisit these sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-04-06-at-7.45.38-PM-1568x882.jpeg)
[5 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Revisit these sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
PYQ Relevance:
Mains:
Q) What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’? How does one uphold constitutional morality? (UPSC IAS/2019)
Q) What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? (UPSC IAS/2016)Note4Students:
Prelims: Governance; Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023;
Mains: Governance; Issues related to the section in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS);
Mentor comments: In December 2023, the Indian Parliament enacted three new criminal codes. The Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 is the principal law on criminal offenses in India. The stated aim of the new three legislations is to ‘decolonize’ criminal laws of the British era. Currently, ‘Organised crime’ and ‘acts of terrorism’ are not covered under IPC. Acts of terrorism are covered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). Organized crime is covered by state laws such as the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 (MCOCA), and similar laws are enacted by various states. Hence, there was a demand for a single platform for this code. However, the designed law too has its challenges which need to be revisited considering the diversity of society and its demands.
Let’s learn.
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Why in the news?
The three new criminal laws that were passed by Parliament in 2023 will come into effect from July 1, 2024, according to a notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
About the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023:
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam that will replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860; Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898; and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively, received President Droupadi Murmu’s assent on December 25, 2023.The Laws that need to be revisited:
- The issue with Section 106 (Hit-and-Run):
- The Section 106 provision is part of the BNS, which is set to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, 1860.
- Section 106(1) provides for a punishment of up to 5 years for causing death by any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide.
- Section 106 (2) stipulates a penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine for fleeing an accident spot and failing to report the incident to a police officer or a magistrate.
- This section has become a focal point of discontent, especially among the driving community. Even though the driver reports immediately after the accident, they will be charged under Section 106(1) instead of Section 106(2).
- The issue with Section 112 (petty organized crime):
- It talks about a group or gang, either singly or jointly, commits any act of theft, snatching, cheating, unauthorized selling of tickets, unauthorized betting or gambling, selling of public examination question papers, or any other similar criminal acts is said to commit a petty organized crime”.
- The “unauthorized selling of tickets” and “selling of public examination question papers” are not linked with any special Act. However, the phrase ‘any other similar criminal acts’ of the section is more indefinite and open-ended.
- Section 104 (No discretion):
- Section 303 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) mandated the death sentence for a person who murders while undergoing imprisonment for life. This provision was struck down by the Supreme Court in Mithu vs State of Punjab (1983) as it violated Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India.
- Section 303 of the IPC has been reinstated as Section 104 of the BNS without rectifying the unconstitutional defect.
- Section 303 of the BNS (Reassessment of Theft Offenses):
- No reason behind it is considered Non-cognizable: The provision stipulates that for theft cases where the value of the stolen property is less than ₹5,000 and it’s the first conviction, community service is mandated upon the return or restoration of the property. This offense is categorized as non-cognizable.
- Three Legal issues may arise:
- Firstly, if property offenses, of whatever value, are not registered, property offenders will be out of the police radar for surveillance.
- Secondly, legal issues may also arise about the return of such property if recovered with some other stolen or looted property.
- Thirdly, if the stolen property of a value less than ₹5,000 is not returned or restored by the convict as provided for, the only option available to the court will be to award imprisonment which may extend up to 3 years.
Way Forward:
- Need for Comprehensive Coverage: We can initiate consultations with all stakeholders to address concerns and gather diverse perspectives.
- Need for clear Protocols: Establish a clear and standardized protocol for emergency response, emphasizing the importance of prompt reporting without exposing drivers to potential violence. The law should also clarify the reporting procedure and the evidence required for the drivers to prove their innocence or mitigating factors.
- Need to maintain Balance: The law should be categorized in different scales based on liabilities and eventually, the punishment should be commensurate with the offense.
- Need for more research: The study and incorporation of successful models and globally best practices with effective legislation is necessary in the Indian context.
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Why Uttarakhand govt wants to evaluate the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
Why in the news?
Recently, the Uttarakhand government has constituted two teams of experts to evaluate the risk posed by five potentially hazardous glacial lakes in the region.
Context:
- The Hazardous Glacial Lakes are prone to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), the kind of events that have resulted in several disasters in the Himalayan states in recent years.
- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which operates under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has identified 188 glacial lakes in the Himalayan states that can potentially be breached because of heavy rainfall. Thirteen of them are in Uttarakhand.
About Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs):
GLOFs are disaster events caused by the abrupt discharge of water from glacial lakes large bodies of water that sit in front of, on top of, or beneath a melting glacier. As a glacier withdraws, it leaves behind a depression that gets filled with meltwater, thereby forming a lake. Example: 4 october 2023 GLOFs in Sikkim.
Factors behind the GLOFs:
- Avalanches or Landslides: Incidents such as avalanches or landslides can also impact the stability of the boundary around a glacial lake, leading to its failure, and the rapid discharge of water.
- Due to climate change: Rising surface temperatures across the globe, including India, have increased the risk of GLOFs. Studies have shown that around 15 million people face the risk of sudden and deadly flooding from glacial lakes, which are expanding and rising in numbers due to global warming.
- Rapid infrastructure development in vulnerable areas has also contributed to the spike in such incidents.
- Sizable ice chunks in the lake: GLOFs can be triggered by various reasons, including glacial calving, where sizable ice chunks detach from the glacier into the lake, inducing sudden water displacement.
Why are GLOFs under the spotlight?
- Increased Frequency of GLOFs: Since 1980, GLOFs have become more frequent in the Himalayan region, particularly in southeastern Tibet and the China-Nepal border area. This indicates a concerning trend of glacial melting and lake formation as per Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research in China
- Extent of Potential Risk: The analysis by Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research in China suggests that approximately 6,353 sq km of land could be at risk from potential GLOFs.
- Regional Impacts: Another analysis conducted by Caroline Taylor, Rachel Carr, Stuart Dunning (Newcastle University, UK), Tom Robinson (University of Canterbury, New Zealand), and Matthew Westoby (Northumbria University, UK) indicates that GLOFs are not just a localized issue but have broader regional impacts.
- Around 3 million people in India and 2 million in Pakistan are identified as facing the risk of GLOFs, highlighting the potential humanitarian consequences of these events.
What is the situation in Uttarakhand?
- Past GLOF events: Uttarakhand has experienced two major GLOF events in recent years. The first occurred in June 2013, affecting large parts of the state, particularly the Kedarnath valley, resulting in significant loss of life.
- The second event happened in February 2021 in Chamoli district, leading to flash floods due to the bursting of a glacier lake.
- Categorization of Glacial Lakes: Uttarakhand has 13 glacial lakes categorized into three risk levels: ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’.
- Five highly sensitive lakes fall into the ‘A’ category, including Vasudhara Tal in the Dhauliganga basin (Chamoli district), Maban Lake, Pyungru Lake, and two unclassified lakes in Pithoragarh district.
- Size and Elevation of High-Risk Lakes: The lakes in the ‘A’ category have areas ranging from 0.02 to 0.50 sq km and are situated at elevations between 4,351 to 4,868 meters above sea level. These characteristics make them particularly vulnerable to glacial lake outburst events.
- Impact of Rising Temperatures: A 2021 study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research (PIK) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) suggests that rising surface temperatures could worsen the situation in Uttarakhand.
- The state’s annual average maximum temperature may increase by 1.6-1.9 degrees Celsius between 2021-2050, potentially exacerbating the risk of GLOFs.
Conclusion: Uttarakhand government forms expert teams to assess risk from 5 hazardous glacial lakes prone to GLOFs. With rising temperatures and past disasters, urgent action is needed to mitigate potential catastrophic flooding.
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Govt. body hikes prices of essential medicines again, says ‘it’s minuscule’
Why in the News?
Recently, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) implemented a 0.00551% increase in the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for scheduled formulations of drugs starting from the commencement of the fiscal year 2024–25.
Context:
- The Department of Pharmaceuticals has released its yearly update of revised ceiling prices for 923 scheduled drug formulations and adjusted retail prices for 65 formulations.
- These revised ceiling rates took effect on April 1. The Central Government attributes the price adjustments to fluctuations in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
What is the National List of Essential Medicines?
- As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), Essential Medicines are those that satisfy the priority healthcare needs of the population.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare hence prepared and released the first National List of Essential Medicines of India in 1996 consisting of 279 medicines.
- Currently, India has approximately 400 molecules and 960 formulations covered under the National List of Essential Medicines.
- The prices of non-essential drugs are also monitored by the government to ensure that the manufacturers of these drugs don’t increase MRP by more than 10% annually.
The issue of the present Current Price Increase:
- Manufacturers are allowed to increase the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of scheduled formulations based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) without prior government approval.
- Pharmaceutical companies argue that a rational increase in the cost of drugs is necessary for quality control.
- Government’s Stance on Current Hike: Despite the recent increase, the government suggests that it will only marginally impact the cost of essential drugs such as antibiotics and painkillers.
- The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) follows the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) of 2013, allowing price hikes in line with changes in the WPI index.
- Medicine prices were raised by 12% last year and 10% in 2022.
BACK2BASICS:
- National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA):
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority was set up as an attached office of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (now Department of Pharmaceuticals since July 2008) on 29th August 1997. It has been entrusted inter-alia, with the following functions
- Enforce the provision: To implement and enforce the provisions of the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO), 1995/2013 under the powers delegated to it and to undertake and/or sponsor relevant studies concerning the pricing of drugs/formulations.
- Monitor Demand and supply: To monitor the availability of drugs, identify shortages, if any, and take remedial steps. To collect/maintain data on production, exports and imports, market share of individual companies, profitability of companies, etc. for bulk drugs and formulations.
- Manage legal matters: To deal with all legal matters arising out of the decisions of the Authority. To render advice to the Central Government on changes/revisions in the drug policy.
- Assist Government: To help the Central Government in the parliamentary matters relating to drug pricing.
- Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO):
- The Drugs Prices Control Order, issued by the Government of India under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, aims to govern and regulate drug prices.
- Provides the list of price-controlled drugs: The Order interalia provides the list of price-controlled drugs, procedures for fixation of prices of drugs, method of implementation of prices fixed by Govt., penalties for contravention of provisions, etc.
- Regulate only listed drugs: According to the regulations outlined in DPCO 2013, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority oversees and regulates only the prices of drugs listed in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).
Achievements of India’s Pharmaceutical Industry:
- Advanced Industries: India boasts one of the most advanced pharmaceutical industries among developing nations, ranking third globally in terms of volume and 13th in terms of value.
- Export Destinations: The United States serves as the largest export destination for bulk drugs from India. This is noteworthy considering the stringent regulatory standards in the US.
- Other significant export destinations include Brazil, Bangladesh, Turkey, China, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Vietnam, and Egypt.
- India’s Role as a Supplier for Global South (developing countries): India ranks among the top five suppliers of bulk drugs to several developing countries, including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Vietnam, Egypt, Iran, and Pakistan.
- Despite China’s dominance as a larger supplier, India remains a substantial exporter in this regard.
The challenge is Dependency on China: Despite India’s robust pharmaceutical sector, it heavily relies on China for the supply of bulk drugs and drug intermediates. Approximately two-thirds of India’s total imports in this category originate from China.
Conclusion: The recent price increase by the NPPA aligns with fluctuations in the Wholesale Price Index, aiming to regulate drug costs. India’s pharmaceutical industry faces challenges of import dependency on China, despite its global presence.
Mains PYQ
Q What do you understand by Fixed Dose Drug Combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits. (UPSC IAS/2013)
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What is Basel III Endgame?
Why in the news?
The US Federal Reserve recently announced stricter bank capital requirements known as the “Basel III endgame” proposal.
What is Bank Capital?
- Bank capital is a measure of bank shareholders’ investment in the business.
- In contrast to deposits or money a bank has borrowed, capital does not have to be paid back.
- In other words, it is a cushion or buffer that protects a bank from insolvency—and, thus, reduces the risk that a bank failure triggers system-wide financial instability.
- A bank that has sufficient capital can cover customers’ deposits even if the loans it has made aren’t repaid or if its investments drop in value.
What are Basel Norms?
- Basel, Switzerland, hosts the Bureau of International Settlement (BIS), fostering collaboration among central banks to establish global banking standards.
- The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS), established in 1974 formulates broad supervisory guidelines known as the Basel framework.
- Its purpose is to ensure banks maintain adequate capital to meet obligations and absorb losses.
- India has adopted Basel standards to align its banking practices with global norms.
Description Basel I - Introduced in 1988.
- Known as the Basel Capital Accord.
- Focused on credit risk.
- Set a minimum capital requirement of 8% of risk-weighted assets (RWA).
- Assets were assigned risk weights based on their risk profile.
- Adopted by India in 1999.
Basel II - Published in June 2004.
- Aimed to refine and reform Basel I.
- Introduced three pillars:
- Capital Adequacy Requirements
- Supervisory Review
- Market Discipline
- Increased focus on risk management and disclosure.
- Yet to be fully implemented in India and abroad.
Basel III - Released in 2010 after the 2008 financial crisis.
- Aimed to strengthen the banking system.
- Made banking activities more capital-intensive.
- Focus on four key parameters:
- Capital
- Leverage
- Funding
- Liquidity
- Designed to promote a more resilient banking system.
*Basel IV - In 2017, the Basel Committee agreed on changes to the global capital requirements as part of finalising Basel III.
- The changes are so comprehensive that they are increasingly seen as an entirely new framework, commonly referred to as “Basel IV”.
- Set to take effect under transition rules from 2025.*
Proposed Changes under Basel III Endgame
- Expansion of Scope: The proposal aims to extend the strictest risk-based capital approach to more banks, lowering the asset threshold from $700 billion to $100 billion. This would encompass around 37 large banks in the U.S.
- Standardized Measure for Capital Requirements: Regulators propose curtailing banks’ use of internal models to calculate capital requirements for loans, advocating for a standardized measure for all banks to ensure uniform risk assessment.
- Increased Capital for Trading and Operational Risks: The proposal mandates higher capital reserves for risks linked to trading activities and operational challenges, requiring banks to utilize standard models for risk assessment instead of internal ones.
- Changes to Capital Calculations for Portfolios: Banks with assets exceeding $100 billion must reflect gains and losses in portfolios categorized as “available for sale” in their capital calculations, aiming for a more precise depiction of a bank’s risk exposure.
Challenges created by the new Norms
- Operational Risks: A substantial portion of the proposed capital increment targets banks’ operational risks, encompassing potential losses arising from internal processes, people, systems, or external events.
- Non-Traditional Banking Activities: Entities engaged in trading, market-making, wealth management, and investment banking, will face more pronounced capital requirements due to altered risk assessment and operational risk calculations.
- Industry-specific Concerns: Additionally, specific industries, like renewable energy, anticipate repercussions, fearing that increased capital requirements could undermine the effectiveness of tax incentives for projects targeting climate change.
Arguments in Favor of Increasing Capital
- Financial Stability: Proponents argue that heightened capital requirements are imperative for safeguarding financial stability, averting bank failures, and minimizing the need for government bailouts.
- Prudent Banking Practices: They contend that current standards inadequately address bank risks and that increased capital incentivizes prudent banking practices.
- Resilient Banking System: Economists suggests that the social costs of higher capital requirements are minimal compared to the benefits of a more resilient financial system.
PYQ:
2015:
‘Basel III Accord’ or simply ‘Basel III’, often seen in the news, seeks to:
(a) Develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity
(b) Improve banking sector’s ability to deal with financial and economic stress and improve risk management
(c) Reduce the greenhouse gas emissions but places a heavier burden on developed countries
(d) Transfer technology from developed countries to poor countries to enable them to replace the use of chlorofluorocarbons in refrigeration with harmless chemicals
Practice MCQ:
What is the primary objective of “Basel III Endgame” in the banking sector?
(a) To encourage speculative investments by banks to boost short-term profits.
(b) To ensure the stability of the global financial system by strengthening the regulation, supervision, and risk management practices of banks.
(c) To encourage banks to invest more in less-risky assets to stimulate economic growth.
(d) To limit the role of central banks in regulating commercial banks and promote market-driven banking practices.
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NexCAR19: India’s First Indigenous CAR T- Cell Therapy for Cancer
Why in the news?
- President Droupadi Murmu has unveiled ‘NexCAR19’ India’s first indigenously-developed CAR T-cell therapy for cancer treatment.
What is CAR-T Cell Therapy?
What is it? - CAR-T cell therapy stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell therapy.
- It is a type of cancer immunotherapy that uses the patient’s own T cells, genetically modified in a laboratory to enhance their ability to locate and destroy cancer cells.
How does it work? - T cells are white blood cells responsible for identifying and fighting illness and infection.
- Each T cell has a receptor that can recognize antigens (proteins or molecules recognized by the immune system).
- Cancer cells may have antigens that the immune system does not recognize as abnormal, allowing cancer to evade the immune response.
- CAR-T cells are genetically engineered in the lab to express a new receptor that can bind to cancer cells and effectively kill them.
Therapy Process The process involves several steps, including: 1. Collecting T Cells: Blood is drawn from the patient’s arm, and T cells are separated from the blood using an apheresis machine.
2. Engineering T Cells: In a laboratory, the T cells are modified by adding a manufactured CAR, and they are allowed to multiply and grow.
3. Infusing CAR-T Cells: Once enough CAR-T cells are prepared, they are injected back into the patient’s arm.
- Chemotherapy may be recommended before CAR-T cell infusion to enhance treatment effectiveness.
- The process can take place in an outpatient infusion center or a hospital setting.
Cancers Treated - CAR-T cell therapy is effective against certain types of cancer, especially when other treatments are ineffective.
- It is currently FDA-approved for treating haematological malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
NexCAR19: India’s Indigenously Developed CAR-T Therapy
- NexCAR19 is designed to target cancer cells carrying the CD19 protein, a marker on cancer cells, enhancing precision in treatment.
- It has been developed jointly by IIT Bombay and the Tata Memorial Centre.
- Initially approved for patients aged 15 and above with B-cell lymphomas who did not respond to standard treatments, leading to relapse or recurrence.
Effectiveness and Unique Features
- Approximately 70% of patients respond to NexCAR19 treatment, with some achieving complete remission.
- Lab and animal studies indicate lower drug-related toxicities, including reduced neurotoxicity and Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS).
- Trials for paediatric patients are underway at Tata Memorial Hospital, ensuring broader applicability.
Availability and Affordability
- ImmunoACT is in the process of securing licenses and partnering with hospitals, including Tata Memorial, Nanavati, Fortis, and Jaslok, across multiple cities.
- Initially priced at Rs 30-40 lakh, ImmunoACT aims to eventually reduce the cost to Rs 10-20 lakh, making the therapy more accessible.
PYQ:
2017:
Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments?
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the CAR-T Cell Therapy, consider the following statements:
1. T cells are Red Blood Cells responsible for identifying and fighting illness and infection.
2. Each T cell has a receptor that can recognize antigens (proteins or molecules recognized by the immune system).
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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Indian Laurel Tree (Terminalia tomentosa)
Why in the news?
- Forest Department officials’ examination of an Indian laurel tree (Terminalia tomentosa) in Papikonda National Park has showcased its remarkable water storage capability.
- This discovery sheds light on the indigenous knowledge shared by the Konda Reddi tribe regarding the tree’s unique attributes.
Konda Reddi Tribe
- The Konda Reddis are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the Godavari riverbanks and the hilly forest areas of Godavari and Khammam districts in Andhra Pradesh.
- The family structure is patriarchal and patrilocal, with monogamy as the norm with some exceptions.
- The Konda Reddis are primarily Hindus with folk customs, which involves local traditions and worship of community-level deities.
- They have their own social control institution called ‘Kula Panchayat’.
- Each village has a traditional headman known as ‘Pedda Kapu’, whose role is hereditary.
- Their primary occupation is shifting cultivation, relying on forest flora and fauna for sustenance.
- Jowar cultivation is prevalent, serving as their staple food.
- They collect and sell non-timber forest products like tamarind, adda leaves, myrobolan, and broomsticks to supplement their income.
About Papikonda NP
- Papikonda NP is located in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh.
- It was established as a national park in the year 2008.
- It is characterized by hilly landscapes, dense moist deciduous forest.
- The presence of the Godavari River cuts through the Papikonda hill range of Eastern Ghats.
About Indian Laurel Tree
Description Scientific Name Terminalia tomentosa Common Names Indian Laurel Tree, Crocodile Bark Tree, Anjan Tree Habitat Found in Deciduous forests Bark Scissored and cracked bark, resembling crocodile skin (From November to February) Water Storage Ability Only 5-10% of trees observed to store water in the stem Water Storage Mechanism Development of lateral ridge, known as a wing, on trunk, indicating water presence Water Collection 4-6 litres of potable water can be collected from a fully grown tree by making a small hole in the wing Traditional Use Used by tribal communities, such as the Konda Reddi Tribe, as a water source during dry seasons Adaptability Thrives in various conditions, including harsh weather and drought PYQ:
2015:
In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
(a) Tropical moist deciduous forest
(b) Tropical rain forest
(c) Tropical thorn scrub forest
(d) Temperate forest with grasslands
Practice MCQ:
The Indian Laurel Tree (Terminalia tomentosa) recently seen in news is famous for its:
(a) Ability to store water in its trunk
(b) Therapeutic use in the treatment of Cancer
(c) Aromatic Timber
(d) Pulp for paper industry
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[pib] Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA)
Why in the news?
This newscard is an excerpt from an explainer published in the PIB.
Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA)
- ABHA, an integral part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), serves as a link for all health records of an individual.
- It is a sub-component of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission launched in September 2021.
- It is a 14-digit id employed to uniquely identify individuals, verify their identity, and connect their health records (with their consent) across various systems and stakeholders.
Features of ABHA
- Cashless Transactions: ABHA enables cashless transactions for eligible beneficiaries, reducing the financial burden during medical emergencies.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR): It integrates electronic health records, facilitating storage, and retrieval of patient information for streamlined healthcare delivery.
- Portability: ABHA accounts are portable across various healthcare providers under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring seamless access to services.
- Real-time Monitoring: Incorporating real-time monitoring mechanisms to track fund utilization, ABHA ensures efficient allocation and prevents misuse.
Various Components
- Beneficiary Identification: ABHA involves the identification and registration of eligible beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, assigning a unique health identification number (UHID).
- Funds Management: It manages the allocation and disbursement of funds for healthcare services, ensuring prompt and secure transfers.
- Claim Settlement: ABHA processes and settles claims submitted by healthcare providers, verifying authenticity, and disbursing payments.
- Audit and Oversight: Incorporating audit mechanisms to monitor fund utilization, ABHA ensures compliance with regulations and maintains system integrity.
Back2Basics: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
Details Umbrella Scheme - Ayushman Bharat
- Incepted in National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Launch Year 2018 Components - Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) - Offers a sum insured of Rs. 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care
- Provides cashless and paperless access to services at any empanelled hospital across India
- Portable scheme, allowing beneficiaries to avail treatment at any PM-JAY empanelled hospital
Coverage - 3 days pre-hospitalisation and 15 days post-hospitalisation
- Includes diagnostic care and expenses on medicines
- No restriction on family size, age, or gender
- Covers all pre-existing conditions from day one
Beneficiaries Identified through Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data Funding - Shared funding: 60:40 for states and UTs with legislature, 90:10 in Northeast states and J&K,
- Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, 100% central funding for UTs without legislature
Nodal Agency National Health Authority (NHA) - Autonomous entity under the Society Registration Act, 1860
- Responsible for effective implementation of PM-JAY in alliance with state governments
State Health Agency (SHA)
- Apex body of the State Government responsible for the implementation of AB PM-JAY in the State
PYQ:
2021:
“Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements about the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY):
1. 3 days pre-hospitalisation and 15 days post-hospitalisation.
2. Includes diagnostic care and expenses on medicines.
3. No restriction on family size, age, or gender.
4. Beneficiaries are identified from national family health survey.
How many of the above discussed features is/are correct?
(a) One
(b) Two
(c) Three
(d) Four
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Criollo: Cattle Breed that can withstand Climate Change
Why in the news?
Irish researchers discovered that Criollo cattle are well-adapted to Climate Change due to their ability to thrive in hot and humid conditions, which they have developed over many years.
About Criollo Cattle Breed
Details Origin Latin America, particularly in regions such as Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America Historical Context - Criollo cattle trace their roots back to the arrival of Spanish cattle in the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries.
- Initially brought from La Gomera in the Spanish Canary Islands, adapted to diverse environments.
Physical Appearance - Small to medium-sized cattle with a compact body structure
- Adapted to various climates, including tropical and subtropical regions
- Short, sleek coat, often in various colors such as black, brown, or red
Adaptability Known for their resilience and ability to thrive in harsh environments Well-suited to extensive grazing systems and low-input management practices
Disease Resistance Developed natural resistance to various diseases prevalent in their native regions, such as tick-borne illnesses and parasites Economic Importance - Valued for their ability to utilize low-quality forages and adaptability to diverse environments
- Serve as a sustainable source of meat and dairy products for local communities
PYQ:
2016:
What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?
1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.
3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:
The Criollo cattle breed has recently found mention in the news for its:
(a) Breeding Capacity
(b) Nutrients-rich Milk
(c) Adaptability to Climate Change
(d) Life Expectancy