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  • What are AT-1 Bonds?

    Central Idea

    • Subscription Disappointment: State Bank of India (SBI)’s additional tier-1 (AT-1) bond issue saw a very low response from investors, raising ₹3,101 crore against an issue size of ₹10,000 crore.
    • Market Sentiment Impact: The lackluster response is expected to dampen market sentiment and make fundraising more challenging for other PSU banks, potentially leading to delays in their fundraising plans.

    What are AT1 Bonds?

    • Definition: AT-1 bonds, or Additional Tier-1 bonds, are unsecured, perpetual bonds issued by banks to strengthen their core capital base in compliance with Basel-III norms.
    • Complex Hybrid Instruments: AT-1 bonds are complex instruments suited for institutions and knowledgeable investors who can analyze their terms and determine if the higher rates compensate for the higher risks involved.
    • Face Value: Each AT-1 bond typically carries a face value of ₹10 lakh.
    • Acquisition Routes: Retail investors can acquire these bonds through initial private placement offers by banks or by purchasing already-traded AT-1 bonds in the secondary market based on broker recommendations.

    Key Features and Importance of AT1 Bonds

    • Perpetual Nature: AT-1 bonds do not have a maturity date. Instead, they include call options that allow banks to redeem them after a specific period, usually five or ten years. Banks can choose to pay only interest indefinitely without redeeming the bonds.
    • Flexibility in Interest Payments: Banks issuing AT-1 bonds can skip interest payouts or even reduce the bonds’ face value if their capital ratios fall below certain thresholds specified in the offer terms.
    • Regulatory Intervention: If a bank faces financial distress, the RBI has the authority to ask the bank to cancel its outstanding AT-1 bonds without consulting the investors.

    Back2Basics: Basel Norms

    • Basel is a city in Switzerland and the headquarters of the Bureau of International Settlement (BIS).
    • The BIS fosters cooperation among central banks to achieve financial stability and common standards of banking regulations.
    • Basel guidelines are broad supervisory standards formulated by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS).
    • The Basel accord is a set of agreements by the BCBS that primarily focuses on risks to banks and the financial system.
    • The purpose of the Basel accord is to ensure that financial institutions maintain sufficient capital to meet obligations and absorb unexpected losses.
    • India has accepted the Basel accords for its banking system.

     

    Basel I Basel II Basel III
    Year Introduced 1988 2004 2010
    Focus Credit Risk Credit, Market, Operational Risks Capital, Leverage, Funding, Liquidity
    Capital Requirement Fixed at 8% of Risk-Weighted Assets (RWA) Minimum Capital Adequacy Requirement of 8% of Risk Assets Strengthening capital requirements
    Pillars – 1. Capital Adequacy Requirements 2. Supervisory Review 3. Market Discipline –
    Objective Define capital and risk weights for banks Encourage better risk management and disclosure Promote a more resilient banking system
    Implementation in India Adopted in 1999 Yet to be fully implemented March 2019 (postponed to March 2020 due to COVID-19)
    Key Parameters – – Capital: 12.9% capital adequacy ratio, Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital ratios, capital conservation buffer, and counter-cyclical buffer; Leverage: minimum 3% leverage rate; Funding and Liquidity: LCR and NSFR ratios

     

  • New Scorpene Class Submarines for Navy

    submarine

    Central Idea

    • Procurement Announcement: The three additional Scorpene submarines will be procured under the Buy (Indian) category. The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai will build the submarines.

    Scorpene Submarines and Project-75

    • Project-75: MDL is already building six Scorpene class submarines under Project-75, with technology transfer from the French defense firm.
    • Commissioned Submarines: Five out of the six Scorpene submarines have been commissioned, with the final one expected to be commissioned early next year.
    • Delays and Challenges: Project-75 faced significant delays, as the first submarine was originally scheduled for delivery in 2012.

    Need for Additional Submarines

    • Addressing Delays and Fleet Strength: The procurement of three additional submarines is necessary to compensate for the delayed deliveries under Project-75 and strengthen India’s submarine fleet.
    • Current Fleet Status: The Indian Navy currently operates 16 conventional submarines, but it needs a minimum of 18 submarines to carry out its full spectrum of operations.
    • Refit Challenges: Around 30% of submarines are under refit at any given time, further reducing the number of operational submarines.
    • Employment Opportunities: Procuring additional submarines with higher indigenous content will create employment opportunities and enhance MDL’s submarine construction capabilities.

    Capabilities of Scorpene Submarines

    • Attack Submarines: Scorpene submarines are designed as conventional attack submarines to target and sink enemy naval vessels.
    • Weapons and Surveillance: They can launch a variety of torpedoes and missiles, equipped with surveillance and intelligence-gathering systems.
    • Specifications: Scorpene submarines are approximately 220 feet long, with a height of about 40 feet. They have a top speed of 11 knots when surfaced and 20 knots when submerged.
    • Diesel-Electric Propulsion: These submarines use diesel-electric propulsion systems, providing an endurance of around 50 days.

    Comparison with Nuclear Submarines

    • India’s Current Nuclear Submarines: India currently operates two nuclear-powered submarines (SSBMs) of the Arihant class.
    • Endurance and Speed: Nuclear submarines have theoretically unlimited endurance and can operate for up to 30 years without refuelling. They can also achieve higher speeds.
    • Cost and Expertise: Nuclear submarines are expensive and require specialized expertise to operate.
    • Advancements in Conventional Submarines: Diesel-electric technology has significantly improved the range and stealth of conventional submarines.
    • Air Independent Propulsion (AIP): Retrofitting Scorpene submarines with AIP systems will enhance their endurance and stealth capabilities.

    Conclusion

    • India’s decision to procure three additional Scorpene submarines enhances its naval capabilities and strengthens the indigenous manufacturing sector.
    • The addition of these submarines will help meet the requirements of a growing fleet and improve operational readiness.

  • National Green Tribunal (NGT): A failing institution in need of revival

    What is the news?

    • There are concerns regarding the underperformance of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) over the past five years which highlights the need for reform and revival.

    Central idea

    • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) plays a crucial role in adjudicating environmental cases in India, upholding the principles of justice and fairness. However, over the past five years, the NGT has faced significant challenges and underperformance. There is need for reform and revival within the NGT, emphasizing the responsibility of lawyers to raise awareness about its shortcomings.

    What is NGT?

    • The NGT is a specialized judicial body in India established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
    • Its primary purpose is to handle cases related to environmental issues and disputes.
    • The NGT has jurisdiction over matters concerning the enforcement of environmental laws, conservation of natural resources, and the prevention and control of environmental pollution

    Structure of NGT

    • Chairperson: The NGT is headed by a Chairperson who is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The Chairperson holds a significant position of authority and leadership within the tribunal.
    • Judicial Members: The NGT consists of Judicial Members who possess legal qualifications and expertise. These members are responsible for adjudicating on environmental cases and applying legal principles to make informed decisions.
    • Expert Members: Expert Members are appointed to the NGT to provide specialized knowledge and expertise in specific fields related to the environment. These members bring scientific, technical, or environmental expertise to assist in the decision-making process.
    • Selection Committee: A Selection Committee is formed by the Central Government to appoint both the Judicial Members and Expert Members of the NGT. This committee plays a crucial role in the selection process, ensuring the appointment of qualified individuals.
    • Tenure and Age Limit: Members of the NGT, including the Chairperson, serve a term of three years or until they reach the age of sixty-five, whichever comes earlier. They are not eligible for reappointment after completing their term.
    • Number of Members: The NGT Act specifies that there should be a minimum of ten and a maximum of twenty full-time Judicial Members and Expert Members in the tribunal. The actual number of members may vary within this range based on the requirements and workload of the NGT

    Powers & Jurisdiction of NGT

    • Jurisdiction over Civil Cases: The NGT has jurisdiction over all civil cases that involve substantial questions related to the environment. This includes matters concerning the enforcement of legal rights associated with the environment.
    • Suo Motu Powers: The NGT has been granted “unique” forum status by the Supreme Court, which empowers it with suo motu (on its own motion) powers. This means that the NGT can take up environmental issues across the country without requiring a specific case to be filed before it.
    • Adjudicatory and Preventative Roles: The NGT not only performs an adjudicatory function but is also entrusted with vital roles that are preventative, ameliorative, or remedial in nature. This implies that the NGT has a broader mandate beyond purely resolving disputes and is empowered to take preventive or remedial measures to address environmental concerns.
    • Appellate Jurisdiction: In addition to its original jurisdiction, where parties can file applications before the NGT, the tribunal also possesses appellate jurisdiction. This means that it can hear appeals as a court (tribunal) on matters within its purview.
    • Guided by Principles of Natural Justice: While the NGT is not bound by the procedural rules outlined in the Code of Civil Procedure 1908, it is guided by the principles of natural justice. This ensures fairness and due process in its proceedings and decision-making.
    • Principles of Sustainable Development: In making its orders, decisions, or awards, the NGT applies the principles of sustainable development, precautionary principle, and polluter pays principle. These principles guide the tribunal in achieving a balance between environmental protection and development.
    • Relief and Compensation: The NGT has the power to provide relief and compensation to victims of pollution and other forms of environmental damage. It can order restitution of damaged property and restoration of the environment in specific areas as it deems appropriate.
    • Execution of Orders: The orders, decisions, or awards of the NGT can be executed as decrees of a civil court. This ensures that the directions issued by the tribunal are enforceable and have legal weight.
    • Penalty for Non-compliance: The NGT Act provides a procedure for penalties in case of non-compliance. This includes imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years, fines that may extend to ten crore rupees, or both, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
    • Laws Covered: The NGT deals with civil cases arising from seven laws related to the environment, including the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977; the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991; and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

    Concerns regarding NGT

    • Lack of Judicial Oversight: One of the major concerns raised is the delegation of judicial work to expert committees, which resulted in a lack of judicial oversight. The reports of these committees were often accepted without hearing the affected parties, violating the principles of natural justice. This undermines the fair and transparent functioning of the NGT.
    • Violation of Natural Justice: There are concerns regarding the failure to hear the parties affected by the orders issued by the expert committees goes against the basic principles of natural justice. Natural justice dictates that no one should be condemned behind their backs, and all parties should have the opportunity to present their arguments and evidence.
    • Questionable Application of Polluter Pays Principle: The concerns have been raised about the application of the Polluter Pays principle by the NGT. There are discrepancies in the self-made report published by the NGT, which fails to acknowledge the outcome of challenges to the orders imposing Environmental Compensation.
    • Bias Against Development and Industry: The concern expressed over the term compensation regime used to describe the NGT’s approach during the mentioned tenure. This term suggests a bias against development and industry, which may hinder the balance between economic growth and environmental conservation.
    • Credibility and Transparency: The questions raised on the credibility and transparency of the NGT, particularly regarding the self-certification report published on its website. Such self-assessment raises doubts about the objectivity and reliability of the report and undermines the credibility of the NGT as an independent judicial body.

    Need for reform and revival of the NGT

    • Addressing Underperformance: The NGT has experienced underperformance over the past five years, as mentioned in the article. This can hinder its effectiveness in handling environmental cases and achieving its objectives. Reform is necessary to improve the NGT’s performance and ensure it fulfils its intended purpose.
    • Judicial Oversight and Natural Justice: The delegation of judicial work to expert committees and the lack of proper judicial oversight raise concerns about the NGT’s decision-making process. It is important to reform the system to enhance judicial oversight and uphold the principles of natural justice, ensuring fair hearings and comprehensive evaluations of cases.
    • Credibility and Transparency: The credibility and transparency of the NGT have been called into question. The publication of a self-made report card exclusively covering the tenure of the outgoing chairperson raises doubts about objectivity and transparency. Reform measures should focus on enhancing the credibility and transparency of the NGT’s operations and decision-making.
    • Collaboration and International Standing: Reviving the NGT involves fostering collaborations with national and international organizations, research institutions, and experts. Such collaborations can strengthen the NGT’s knowledge base, exchange best practices, and enhance its standing on the global stage.
    • Rebuilding Bar-Bench Relationship: The strained relationship between the bar (lawyers) and bench (NGT members) needs to be addressed. Reviving this relationship is crucial for effective representation of parties involved in environmental cases and to facilitate a constructive dialogue on environmental issues.
    • Prioritizing Sustainability and Development Balance: While environmental protection is vital, the NGT’s approach should not be perceived as biased against development and industry. Reforms should strike a balance between environmental conservation and sustainable development, ensuring that economic growth and ecological concerns are harmonized.
    • Transparent and Accountable Performance Evaluation: The NGT’s performance evaluation should be carried out in a transparent and accountable manner, avoiding any self-certification or subjective assessments. Establishing clear evaluation criteria and mechanisms can help monitor the NGT’s performance objectively.

    Conclusion

    • The NGT’s underperformance over the past five years necessitates urgent reform and revival. The next Chairperson must restore credibility, transparency, and respect within the institution, while also striking a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation. Through these efforts, the NGT can fulfill its vital role in addressing environmental challenges and upholding principles of justice

    Also read:

    State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)

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  • How to prevent disruptions by flood and extreme weather events

    What is the news?

    • The recent floods and extreme weather events in north-western India and Delhi highlight the urgent need for cities across the country to prepare for and adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change.

    Central Idea

    • As global and local warming intensify, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods, water scarcity, and heatwaves will grow exponentially. Our current governance, planning, and infrastructure systems are ill-equipped to handle these rapid changes, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate future disruption

    Challenges in urban areas

    • Inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Drainage Infrastructure: Urban areas face challenges in providing basic services such as water supply, sanitation, drainage, and wastewater management. The existing infrastructure is often insufficient and struggles to deliver these services effectively.
    • Concentration of Population and Economic Output: Cities concentrate a large portion of the population and economic activities, which increases their vulnerability to climate impacts. The dense built-up areas, coupled with poor infrastructure, exacerbate the effects of extreme weather events like flooding, water scarcity, and heatwaves.
    • Irrational Land Use and Planning Systems: The irrational land use practices and planning systems worsen the challenges faced by cities. Encroachments, illegal constructions, and improper zoning further amplify the vulnerability of urban areas to climate impacts.
    • Vulnerability of Informal Settlements and Slums: Millions of people are forced to live in informal settlements and slums with inadequate infrastructure and services. These areas are highly vulnerable to climate impacts, leading to increased risks and hardships for the residents.
    • Impacts on Sensitive Regions: Cities located in sensitive regions along coastlines, rivers, and hills face even more severe impacts due to higher exposure and locational vulnerability. They are more prone to flooding, landslides, and other extreme events.

    How to prevent disruptions by flood and extreme weather events?

    • Ensuring Effective Drainage Systems:
    • Urban civic bodies must conduct regular audits ahead of the monsoon season to ensure stormwater drains, tanks, and lakes are functional and free from obstructions.
    • Integrating drainage, water supply, and wastewater systems in the medium term can store intense rainfall, recharge groundwater, and provide better services, ultimately limiting waterborne diseases.
    • Improving Road Infrastructure:
    • Rapid urban expansion has outpaced planned drainage systems, resulting in roads functioning as makeshift stormwater drains.
    • Addressing local flooding requires the improvement of road construction and repair practices. Infrastructure planning and coordination should account for the impact of new constructions, such as flyovers, underpasses, and metro lines, on existing drainage systems to prevent post-flooding traffic bottlenecks.
    • Implementing Blue-Green-Grey Infrastructure:
    • Adopting blue-green-grey infrastructure, such as green roofs, urban forests, and wetlands, can mitigate flooding, water scarcity, and heatwaves.
    • Learning from initiatives like China’s sponge cities and the effective flood defense mechanism provided by East Kolkata’s wetlands, Indian cities should prioritize nature-based solutions.
    • Reducing Flood Vulnerability:
    • Leveraging high-resolution satellite and topographical data, India can map all its cities and identify flood-prone areas. The focus should then shift to addressing the vulnerability of communities living in these areas, such as those along riverbanks, low-lying regions, and unstable slopes.
    • Building community-based resilience and enhancing evacuation strategies will be crucial in minimizing the dislocation of millions during extreme events.
    • Strengthening Early Warning Systems:
    • Building on the progress made in improving forecasting, early warning, and evacuation systems in large cities like Mumbai and Surat, India must extend these measures to other at-risk areas.
    • Additionally, critical services such as cellphone, power, and water supply should be fortified to ensure their resilience and rapid recovery post-disaster

    Way forward

    • Integrated Climate Action Plans: Develop comprehensive climate action plans involving multiple stakeholders to address floods and extreme weather events.
    • Upgrading Infrastructure: Invest in resilient infrastructure, including improved drainage systems, upgraded road infrastructure, and integration of green infrastructure to manage stormwater and reduce flood risks.
    • Robust Early Warning Systems: Strengthen early warning systems by improving forecasting capabilities, enhancing communication channels, and conducting regular drills and awareness campaigns.
    • Community Engagement and Resilience: Empower local communities, educate residents about flood risks, promote preparedness, and encourage sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and waste management.
    • Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Develop and enforce robust policy and regulatory frameworks that integrate climate considerations to prevent encroachments and ensure resilient urban development.
    • Climate Financing: Explore climate financing mechanisms and partnerships to secure funding for climate adaptation projects, leveraging national and international funds, private sector entities, and climate finance initiatives.
    • Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange: Enhance capacity through training programs and knowledge exchange platforms for urban planners, officials, and community leaders to accelerate the adoption of effective flood and extreme weather mitigation strategies

    Conclusion

    • Protecting and preparing Indian cities for the future impacts of climate change is imperative. It is crucial to acknowledge that climate change is a harsh reality requiring collective adaptation efforts, regardless of socio-economic status. By implementing these measures, Indian cities can enhance their climate resilience and safeguard the well-being of their inhabitants

    Also read:

    The lesson from a monsoon-battered North India: Time to be prepared

     

  • Age of Consent for Data Protection

    data

    Central Idea

    • Empowering the Central Government: The upcoming data protection Bill in India could grant the Centre the authority to lower the age of consent from 18 for accessing Internet services without parental oversight.
    • Exemptions for Certain Companies: The Bill may exempt specific companies from additional obligations in protecting children’s privacy if they can process data in a “verifiably safe” manner.

    Must read:

    Data Protection Bill approved by Cabinet: Content, concerns

    Why in news?

    • Departure from Previous Bill: This marks a departure from the previous data protection Bill, where the age threshold was hard-coded at 18 years.
    • Aligning with global laws: The change aligns with data protection regulations in the Western world, such as the EU and US.

    Journey of a Clause: Changing Definition of a Child

    • Justice BN Srikrishna Committee Report: The committee’s 2018 report recommended seeking parental consent for individuals under 18 years but suggested that the age of consent could be reduced if amendments were made.
    • Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019: The PDP Bill, 2019 retained the recommendation and defined a child as an individual under the age of 18.
    • Joint Committee of Parliament Recommendations: The Joint Committee proposed reducing the age of consent to 13/14/16 years in its final recommendations in late 2021.
    • Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022: The draft Bill defined children as those under 18 years of age, leading to dissatisfaction among social media companies.
    • Final Change: The data protection Bill headed to Parliament’s Monsoon session reportedly changed the definition of a child to an individual who has not completed the age of eighteen years or a lower age notified by the Central Government.

    Global Definitions of Children for Data Regulations

    • EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): The age of consent is set at 16 but allows member states to lower it to as low as 13. Specific protections for children’s personal data exist.
    • USA’s Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA): Children are defined as under 13 years, and parental consent is required for processing their personal data.
    • Australia’s Privacy Act, 1988: The Act protects personal information regardless of age but requires organizations to assess an individual’s capacity to consent on a case-by-case basis.
    • China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL): Entities handling personal data of individuals under 14 years must obtain parental consent, and children’s data is categorized as sensitive.

    Conclusion

    • Lowering the age of consent in India’s data protection Bill reflects global trends seen in data protection regulations.
    • Countries have different age thresholds for defining children and varying requirements for obtaining parental consent.
    • The final change in the Bill represents a series of discussions and deliberations on determining the age of children in India’s data protection law, addressing concerns of industry stakeholders and aligning with international standards.

  • EV Tires: A lesser-known Pollution Headache

    tyre

    Central Idea: Tire Pollution

    • Meeting EVs’ Needs: Tire manufacturers strive to develop the perfect tire that balances performance and durability for electric vehicles (EVs).
    • Weight and Torque Considerations: EVs’ increased weight and torque require sturdier tires to handle the load and efficiently transfer power to the road.
    • Leading Manufacturers’ Efforts: Tire companies are improving designs and developing chemical formulas to meet the demands of EVs.

    Environmental Impact of Tires

    • Beyond Tailpipe Emissions: Tires significantly contribute to environmental degradation beyond exhaust emissions.
    • Tire Wear and Particle Shedding: Worn tires release tiny particles, which can become airborne or settle on soil, posing risks to air and land quality.
    • Microplastic Pollution: Tire particles entering waterways contribute to the growing problem of microplastic pollution.
    • VOCs and Smog: Tires contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that react in the atmosphere, contributing to smog formation and air pollution.

    Tire Emissions and Electric Vehicles

    • Surpassing Tailpipe Emissions: Tire particulate pollution has exceeded emissions from vehicle tailpipes.
    • EVs’ Weight Impact: EVs’ additional weight results in higher tire wear emissions compared to traditional vehicles.
    • Tesla Model Y vs. Kia Niro: A study showed that the Tesla Model Y exhibited 26% greater tire wear emissions than the Kia Niro.

    Environmental Hazards and Solutions

    • Water Pollution and Microplastics: Tire particulate pollution contributes to water pollution and the accumulation of microplastics.
    • Health Hazards and 6PPD: The chemical 6PPD in tires poses risks to aquatic life, edible plants, and human health.
    • Balancing Climate Goals and Tire Emissions: Addressing tire emissions is crucial when transitioning to electric vehicles to mitigate overall pollution levels.
    • Reducing Car Use vs. Economic Activity: Balancing environmental concerns and economic activity while reducing car usage is essential for sustainable mobility.

    Market Mechanisms and Individual Actions

    • Incentivizing Innovation: Market mechanisms can encourage tire companies to invest in developing low-emission tire formulations.
    • VOC Toxicity Variations: Stricter industry standards are needed to regulate volatile organic compound (VOC) toxicity levels in tires.
    • Individual Actions for Tire Wear Reduction: Responsible driving habits can reduce tire wear and particulate emissions.
    • Maximizing Lifespan: Using tires to their full lifespan minimizes particulate emissions during the initial usage period.

    Conclusion

    • Innovating for a Sustainable Future: Tire design and manufacturing must balance EV performance and pollution reduction.
    • Collaborative Efforts Needed: Market, industry, and individual actions are crucial to address tire and EV-related challenges.
    • Striving for Sustainable Mobility: Comprehensive solutions integrating technology, environmental considerations, and responsible behavior can mitigate the environmental impact of tires.

  • Affordable treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)  

    Central Idea

    • Researchers in India are collaborating to develop an affordable treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare and incurable genetic disorder.
    • The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jodhpur, is collaborating to develop affordable therapeutics for DMD.

    What is DMD?

    • DMD is a progressive muscle degeneration disorder caused by alterations in the dystrophin protein.
    • It is the most common and fatal type of muscular dystrophy, primarily affecting boys.
    • It leads to progressive muscle degeneration, weakness, and eventually wheelchair dependency, assisted ventilation, and premature death.

    Symptoms and Impact of DMD

    • Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness is the primary symptom of DMD, initially affecting proximal muscles and later distal limb muscles. Difficulties in jumping, running, and walking are common.
    • Other Symptoms: Enlargement of calves, a waddling gait, lumbar lordosis (inward curve of the spine), and later heart and respiratory muscle involvement. Pulmonary function impairment and respiratory failure may occur.

    Current Challenges

    • Costly treatment: Current therapeutic options for DMD are minimal and expensive, with costs reaching up to Rs 2-3 crore per child per year.
    • Limited Treatment Options: The treatments are predominantly imported, making them financially unattainable for most families.

    Efforts to Develop Affordable Therapeutics

    [A] Antisense Oligonucleotide (AON)-Based Therapeutics

    • The IIT Jodhpur researchers are working on enhancing the efficacy of AON-based therapeutics.
    • AONs can mask specific exons in a gene sequence, addressing the challenges faced in DMD patients.
    • Personalized medicine is necessary due to the variations in mutations among DMD patients.

    [B] Clinical Trials and Molecular Tags

    • The research team has received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to conduct multi-centric clinical trials on AON-based exon skipping in DMD patients.
    • They are also working on reducing the therapeutic dose of AON through new molecular tags.

  • India’s diabetes epidemic is making its widespread TB problem worse

    diabetes

    What is the news?

    • India has long grappled with two major epidemics: type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus, DM) and tuberculosis (TB). With a staggering 74.2 million people living with diabetes and 2.6 million new TB cases each year, it is crucial to understand the deep interconnection between these diseases.

    Central Idea

    • The diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) are closely interconnected in India, with DM increasing the risk and severity of TB, and TB co-infection worsening diabetes outcomes. Among people with TB, the prevalence of DM was found to be 25.3% while 24.5% were pre-diabetic. Which highlights the need for urgent action to address this dual burden and improve care coordination for individuals affected by both diseases.

    What is type 2 diabetes?

    • Type 2 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus (DM), is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels.
    • It is the most common form of diabetes and typically develops over time, often in adulthood.
    • In type 2 diabetes, the body either becomes resistant to the effects of insulin (a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels) or does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.

    What is tuberculosis (TB)?

    • TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
    • It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
    • TB is transmitted through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria. When inhaled by others, these droplets can lead to infection

    diabetes

    The interconnection and Impact of DM on TB

    • Increased Risk of TB: People with DM have a higher risk of developing TB compared to those without DM. DM weakens the immune system and impairs the body’s ability to fight off infections, including TB.
    • Increased TB Severity: When individuals with DM acquire TB infection, they tend to have a higher bacterial load, which means there are more TB bacteria in their bodies. This can result in more severe symptoms and complications associated with TB.
    • Delayed Sputum Conversion:
    • Sputum conversion refers to the transition from having TB bacteria detectable in the sputum (positive) to no longer having detectable bacteria (negative) after initiating treatment.
    • Individuals with both TB and DM often experience delayed sputum conversion compared to those with TB alone.
    • It means that it takes longer for the TB bacteria to be eliminated from their bodies, prolonging the infectious period and potentially increasing the risk of transmitting the disease to others.
    • Altered Treatment Outcomes:
    • TB treatment outcomes can be affected by the presence of DM. Individuals with both TB and DM may experience modified TB symptoms, radiological findings, and lung functioning compared to those with TB alone.
    • Studies have shown that individuals with TB and DM have reduced lung functioning even after completing TB treatment.
    • Respiratory Complications: Individuals with both TB and DM are more prone to experiencing respiratory complications related to TB. Respiratory complications can be a common cause of death in this population, highlighting the increased severity of TB when DM is present.

    What measures India must take to combat the dual burden of DM and TB

    • Integrated Care: Implement patient-centered care approaches that address the unique needs of individuals with both TB and DM, along with other comorbidities. This includes coordinated diagnosis and treatment, bidirectional screening, patient education, and support.
    • Holistic Treatment Plans: Strengthen high-quality care for TB, DM, and associated comorbidities by developing holistic treatment plans. Prioritize individual programs for TB and DM and ensure their integration into healthcare services.
    • Resilient Health Systems: Build and scale up resilient and integrated health systems by garnering increased commitment from stakeholders, formulating robust policy guidance, and mobilizing additional resources. These efforts will support the development of effective strategies to combat both diseases.
    • Data-Driven Decision Making: Enhance the research literature on TB and DM interactions to enable better decision-making. Access to comprehensive data and ongoing studies will provide critical insights for improving patient care and raising awareness of the impact of these interconnected diseases

    Conclusion

    • The coexistence of diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis in India demands immediate attention. By adopting integrated care models, improving treatment outcomes, and strengthening health systems, we can effectively address the dual burden of DM and TB. It is essential for health professionals, policymakers, and communities to prioritize research, enhance collaboration, and work together to improve the lives of those affected by these intertwined epidemics.

    Also read for more details:

    Is India a Diabetes capital of the world?

  • EU Nature Restoration Law faces backlash from Farmers

    eu nature restoration

    Central Idea

    • The EU Parliament’s approval of a nature restoration law has sparked backlash and debate over plans to protect endangered ecosystems.
    • The law is a crucial part of the European Green Deal and aims to address the extinction of species and restore damaged habitats.

    Nature Restoration Law: Why in news?

    • Objectives: The law aims to restore 30% of terrestrial, coastal, freshwater, and marine habitats by 2030, which are currently in poor condition.
    • Resistance: Farmers and conservative lawmakers strongly oppose the legislation, particularly concerning plans to restore drained peatlands. They argue that valuable agricultural land may be lost, leading to economic and social consequences and potential food security risks.

    Importance of Peatlands and Environmental Impact

    • Peatland Carbon Storage: Peatlands, wetland ecosystems formed over thousands of years, store more carbon than any other ecosystem. They absorb nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as all of the Earth’s forests combined.
    • Drained Peatlands: When peatlands are drained for agriculture or other purposes, they transition from being carbon sinks to significant greenhouse gas sources, contributing to emissions.
    • European Peatlands: More than half of Europe’s peatlands have been permanently damaged, leading to approximately 7% of the continent’s greenhouse gas emissions.

    Calls for Rewetting and Paradigm Shift

    • Rewetting Peatlands: The proposed legislation includes plans to rewet 50% of former peatlands in Europe, aiming to restore their environmental functions and mitigate climate change.
    • Paradigm Shift in Agriculture: Experts advocate for a paradigm shift in agriculture, moving away from farming on drained peatlands and investing in paludiculture (farming on wetlands), which is agriculture on rewetted peat soil. This approach would stop carbon emissions while improving soil and water quality.

    Political Challenges and Compromises

    • Opposition by Conservative Groups: Conservative groups, including the European People’s Party, seek to reduce the scope of wetland restoration plans and oppose the conversion of agricultural land.
    • Concerns and Dissemination of Misinformation: Critics claim that villages could be cleared for wetland restoration, leading to economic and social fallout. However, these claims have been labeled as misinformation and populist.

    Economic and Environmental Benefits

    • Long-Term Economic Return: The European Commission estimates that every euro invested in restoring natural resources would yield at least eight times the economic return over the long term.
    • Sustainable Land Use: While rewetted land may not support traditional monocultures, it could enable the growth of other crops, such as timber, grasses, and reeds for insulation materials and organic plastic substitutes. Revitalized areas could also become grazing grounds for alternative livestock.

    Conclusion

    • The approval of the EU nature restoration law has sparked a debate between environmental conservation and agricultural interests.
    • While farmers express concerns over the potential loss of agricultural land and economic impact, environmentalists argue for the restoration of threatened ecosystems and the long-term benefits of sustainable land use.
    • The implementation of the law will play a crucial role in achieving the ambitious climate and biodiversity targets set by the European Green Deal.

     

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