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  • [2nd January 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The sorry state of India’s parliamentary proceedings

    PYQ Relevance:
    Q) To what extent, in your view, the Parliament can ensure accountability of the executive in India? (UPSC CSE 2021) 

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Parliamentary Sessions (2017 & 2018) and Parliamentary Powers (2021).

    The recently concluded Winter Session of Parliament has been criticized for lacking productivity due to frequent disruptions. These productivity fluctuations indicate broader political tensions and the need for improved collaboration among parliamentary members to enhance governance.

    Today’s editorial focuses on Parliamentary productivity and the challenges associated with it. This content can be used to present the current issues faced by our Parliamentary Democracy in India.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The recent winter session of Parliament (held from November 25 to December 20, 2024) was marred by significant disruptions from both the Opposition and the Treasury benches, resulting in more adjournments than productive discussions. 

    • This led to a prevailing feeling of having disappointed the Indian public.
    Key Statistics:

    • Total Hours Lost: The Lok Sabha lost 65 hours and 15 minutes due to disruptions, marking the highest loss among all sessions this year.
    • Productivity Rates:
    – Lok Sabha: Functioned for only 52% of its scheduled time.
    – Rajya Sabha: Achieved a mere 40.03% productivity rate, with effective functioning for just 43 hours and 27 minutes.

    What were the key Legislative Activities?

    • Bills introduced and passed: A total of four bills were introduced, including the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, which was passed in both Houses with minimal opposition. This bill aimed to reform civil aviation regulations.
      • Other notable bills included the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, which proposes the ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy, and the Coastal Shipping and Merchant Shipping Bills, which focused on maritime industry development.
    • Debates and Discussions: The Lok Sabha engaged in discussions about the Constitution for a total of 16 hours, while the Rajya Sabha devoted 17 hours to similar discussions. However, no adjournment motions were accepted in either House.
      • The proposal for ‘One Nation, One Election’ sparked considerable debate, with the government advocating for it as a cost-saving measure while the Opposition raised concerns about its implications for federalism.
      • A special session was held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, although it was overshadowed by ongoing protests.
      • Further, the session saw significant protests and chaos, primarily driven by the Opposition’s demands for discussions on various issues, including allegations against the Adani Group and remarks made regarding Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
    • Supplementary Budget: The first supplementary budget for 2024-25 was discussed and passed, providing an additional expenditure of ₹44,143 crore (approximately 1% of total budgeted expenditure) to enhance financial operations.

    What were the challenges faced in the session?

    • Physical Altercations: Scuffles occurred among MPs, resulting in injuries and an FIR against the Leader of the Opposition.
      • Parliamentary Affairs Minister attributed the lack of productivity to persistent demonstrations by the Opposition. Emphasis was laid on the requirement of all parties to collaborate to restore parliamentary decorum.
    • Question Hour Ineffectiveness: In the Rajya Sabha, Question Hour did not function for 15 out of 19 days, while in the Lok Sabha, it was ineffective for over 10 minutes on 12 out of 20 days.
      • The session was heavily impacted by protests and disruptions, resulting in the Lok Sabha losing approximately 65 hours of productive time.
      • This significantly reduced overall productivity, with Lok Sabha functioning at only 52% of its scheduled time and Rajya Sabha at 39%.
    • Private Members’ Business: There was minimal engagement in private members’ business; no bills were debated in the Lok Sabha, and only one resolution was discussed in the Rajya Sabha.

    Way Forward: The Winter Session has been described as one of the least productive in recent years, reflecting a troubling trend in parliamentary proceedings. With ongoing tensions and frequent disruptions, political parties must prioritize effective governance and uphold the dignity of Parliament.

  • Quad members vow to work vigorously towards a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the Foreign Ministers of the Quad countries issued a joint statement to mark 20 years of their partnership.

    What are the Highlights of the Joint Statement?

    • Commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: The Quad nations reaffirmed their vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of effective regional institutions.
    • Support for ASEAN: The ministers expressed unwavering support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its central role in the region, endorsing the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
    • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: They reiterated their commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, noting ongoing efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and response across the Indo-Pacific.
    • Collective Response to Challenges: The joint statement emphasized collaboration in addressing complex challenges such as climate change, pandemics, maritime security, and emerging technologies.

    What are the Strategic Significance of Quad?

    • Regional Stability: The Quad serves as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, promoting a rules-based international order that respects sovereignty.
    • Multilateral Cooperation: It fosters cooperation among member nations in various sectors including security, infrastructure development, and technological advancement.
    • Disaster Response Framework: Originating from a joint response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the Quad has evolved into a robust partnership capable of coordinating humanitarian efforts during crises.

    What are the achievements of QUAD? 

    • Expanded Areas of Cooperation: The Quad has evolved from a security dialogue into a multifaceted partnership, establishing six working groups focused on diverse areas such as climate change, cybersecurity, health security, infrastructure development, critical technologies, and space cooperation.
    • Vaccine Distribution and Health Initiatives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Quad successfully coordinated efforts to distribute vaccines, particularly through the Quad Vaccine Partnership.
      • The Quad committed to delivering over 1.2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to countries in the region by 2022.
    • Maritime Security and Regional Stability: The Quad has actively engaged in enhancing maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, conducting joint exercises like  Malabar naval exercises, which include all four member nations (India, Japan, Australia, and the US) and launching initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA).

    What are the Challenges Faced by the Quad?

    • Geopolitical Tensions: China’s increasing assertiveness poses significant challenges to the Quad’s objectives in maintaining regional stability.
    • Diverse Interests Among Members: Each member nation has its own national interests and priorities, which can complicate unified action on various issues.
    • Implementation of Initiatives: While there is strong rhetoric around cooperation, effectively implementing initiatives across diverse political landscapes remains a challenge.

    What Should Quad Members Do? (Way forward)

    • Strengthen Institutional Frameworks: Establish a formal mechanism or secretariat to streamline decision-making, enhance coordination, and ensure the effective implementation of initiatives.
    • Expand Inclusive Regional Engagement: Deepen partnerships with ASEAN, Pacific Island nations, and other regional stakeholders to build trust, enhance collective capabilities, and counter perceptions of exclusivity.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • The nature of dissent in the Indian judiciary

    Why in the News?

    In the U.S. Supreme Court, dissenting opinions often reflect the political views of judges, as they are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. In contrast, dissenting opinions in the Indian judiciary cover a wider range, including political, social, and purely intellectual disagreements

    What is the significance of dissenting opinions?

    • Preservation of Judicial Independence: Dissenting opinions serve as a safeguard for judicial independence, allowing judges to express their disagreements with majority decisions without fear of repercussions. This fosters a culture of open debate within the judiciary, which is essential for a healthy democracy.
    • Shaping Legal Precedents: Dissent can influence future legal interpretations and decisions. Over time, dissenting views may gain traction and become part of the evolving legal landscape, as seen in cases like ADM Jabalpur and P.V. Narasimha Rao, where dissents later informed subsequent rulings.
    • Encouraging Public Discourse: Dissenting opinions can stimulate public discussion and debate about important legal and constitutional issues. They often highlight alternative perspectives that may resonate with societal values or concerns, thereby enriching democratic dialogue.

    How does dissent in the Indian judiciary compare to that in the U.S.?

    • Political Influences: In the U.S., dissent often reflects the political affiliations of justices, who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. For example, Justice Samuel Alito’s dissents align with conservative viewpoints on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.
      • In contrast, Indian judges are selected through a collegium system, which aims to reduce political influence on judicial decisions, resulting in dissents that may not necessarily align with current political sentiments.
    • Nature of Dissents: U.S. Supreme Court dissents frequently stem from ideological divides among justices, whereas Indian judicial dissents encompass a broader spectrum, including political, social, and intellectual disagreements.
      • For instance, Justices Khehar and Nazeer in Shayara Bano focused on the social implications of personal law rather than political affiliations.
    • Impact on Law: While both systems recognise the importance of dissent in shaping jurisprudence, Indian dissents have historically led to significant legal changes post-ruling, as seen in cases like Sita Soren where earlier dissents influenced the court’s later position on parliamentary immunity.

    What challenges and criticisms surround judicial dissent in India?

    • Risk of Retaliation: Judges who dissent against majority opinions may face professional backlash or career repercussions. Notable cases include Justice H.R. Khanna, who was superseded as Chief Justice after his dissent in ADM Jabalpur, highlighting potential risks for dissenters within the judiciary.
    • Infrequent Dissent: Despite its importance, dissent is relatively rare in the Indian Supreme Court compared to its potential significance. The Chief Justice often avoids dissenting opinions in constitutional bench cases, which raises concerns about conformity over independent judicial reasoning.
    • Public Perception: Judicial dissent can sometimes be viewed negatively by the public or political entities as undermining judicial authority or coherence. This perception can discourage judges from expressing their dissent openly.

    What are the accountable-related issues? 

    • High Bar for Impeachment: The process requires “proved misbehaviour or incapacity” and a two-thirds majority in Parliament, making it almost impossible to remove errant judges.
    • Resignation to Evade Accountability: Judges like Justice Soumitra Sen and P.D. Dinakaran resigned before the completion of impeachment proceedings, avoiding scrutiny while retaining post-retirement benefits.
    • Immunity Misuse: Judges continue to enjoy post-retirement benefits even after accusations of misconduct, as seen in Justice Ramaswami’s case, undermining accountability.
    • Limited Scope for Independent Oversight: The judiciary lacks an independent review mechanism outside the Parliament-driven impeachment process, leaving little room for holding judges accountable in real time.

     

    What is the review mechanism of committee set up under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968?

    • Initiation: A removal motion, signed by 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs, is submitted and approved by the Speaker or Chairman to initiate the process.
    • Investigation: A three-member committee (Supreme Court judge, Chief Justice of a High Court, and an eminent jurist) is constituted under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 to investigate allegations of “proved misbehaviour or incapacity.”
    • Parliamentary Decision: If the committee confirms the charges, the motion is debated in Parliament and requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses for the judge’s removal by the President.

    Way forward: 

    • Institutional Support for Dissent: Establish mechanisms to safeguard dissenting judges from career repercussions, such as transparent evaluation criteria and protections for judicial independence, ensuring open debate within the judiciary.
    • Promote Judicial Dialogue: Encourage a culture of constructive dissent by incorporating dissenting opinions into judicial training and fostering recognition of their long-term contributions to legal evolution.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • Tackling delimitation by reversing population control

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, N. Chandrababu Naidu and M.K. Stalin, expressed their frustration over the proposed delimitation exercise, which might lead to their states losing parliamentary seats.

    How Does Population Control Influence Delimitation?

    • Population as the Basis for Representation: Delimitation exercises are based on the population count, which determines the number of seats allocated to states in Parliament.
    • Southern States’ Success in Population Control: Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, which have achieved lower fertility rates, face the risk of reduced parliamentary representation.
    • Demographic Divide: States with higher population growth (mainly in northern India) may gain more seats, leading to an imbalance in political representation.

    What are the implications of current demographic trends on political representation?

    • Seat Redistribution: The impending delimitation exercise, scheduled for 2026, may lead to a significant redistribution of Lok Sabha seats.
      • Estimates suggest that states like Uttar Pradesh could gain up to 14 additional seats, while Tamil Nadu might lose several, decreasing its representation from 39 to potentially 30 seats.
    • Federal Structure Concerns: The southern states argue that using population counts for political representation undermines the federal structure of India. They contend that it is unjust to penalize regions that have successfully managed population growth while rewarding those with higher growth rates.

    What are the arguments for and against reversing population control measures during delimitation?

    Reversing population refers to attempts to increase fertility rates through incentives, aiming to counteract declining population growth trends.

    • Argument in favour of Reversal:
      • Political Strategy: South political leaders advocate for incentivizing larger families as a means to maintain or increase political representation in light of the delimitation concerns.
      • Cultural Context: There is a push to celebrate larger families as a cultural norm, with comments from leaders suggesting an exaggerated approach to family size as a humorous response to the delimitation threat.
    • Argument against Reversal:
      • Long-term Consequences: Experts argue that reversing fertility rates through incentives may not be effective or sustainable. Historical examples, such as China’s one-child policy, illustrate the challenges and unintended consequences of aggressive population control measures.
      • Social Support Necessity: Encouraging higher birth rates without adequate social support for families could place additional burdens on women and society at large. Effective policies should focus on providing necessary support rather than merely increasing birth rates.

    What reforms are necessary for a fair delimitation process? (Way forward)

    • Equitable Representation Criteria: Reforms should consider not only population counts but also socio-economic characteristics, ensuring that regions with successful population management are not unfairly penalized in political representation.
    • Stakeholder Consultations: Increased dialogue among stakeholders is essential to address concerns regarding the delimitation process. This could involve re-evaluating how political representation is determined based on demographic trends and regional development successes.
    • Migration Policies: To address regional population imbalances, promoting migration could serve as a viable solution alongside revising how political representation is allocated based on demographic characteristics rather than sheer numbers alone.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • Google Quantum AI’s Chip ‘Willow’

    Why in the News?

    Google has unveiled its latest quantum processor, ‘Willow’, which has sparked excitement about the potential of quantum computers to solve practical problems.

    Google Quantum AI’s Chip ‘Willow’

    About Willow Quantum Processor:

    • Google’s team of researchers developed Willow and shared their results in the scientific journal Nature.
    • Willow has 105 qubits, which are the basic units of information in quantum computers.
      • Some qubits perform the actual calculations (called data qubits).
      • Others check for mistakes and fix them (called measurement qubits).
    • It operates at an extremely low temperature—almost absolute zero (-273.15°C)—to keep its qubits stable.
    • How fast is It? Willow solved a tough problem in just a few minutes. The same task would take the world’s best regular computer 10 septillion years (that’s 1 followed by 24 zeros!).
    • Each qubit can stay stable for 100 microseconds (a tiny fraction of a second), which is a big improvement for quantum computers.

    Features and Significance

    • Smarter Error Handling:
      • Quantum computers are extremely sensitive, and even the tiniest disturbance can cause errors.
      • Willow uses a system where some qubits (called measurement qubits) are dedicated to spotting and fixing errors without disturbing the main qubits (called data qubits) that are doing the calculations.
    • Bigger, Better Performance:
      • Willow has 105 qubits: about half for computations and the rest for error correction.
      • Most quantum computers become less reliable as more qubits are added. Willow is different—it actually improves its performance as more qubits are included.
    • Longer Stability:
      • Qubits in Willow remain stable for 100 microseconds—a significant improvement that allows it to perform more complex tasks.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

    (a) Cloud Services
    (b) Quantum Computing
    (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
    (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

  • In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

    Why in the News?

    Tigress Zeenat, originally from Maharashtra’s Tadoba, was relocated to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve after straying through Jharkhand into West Bengal, complicating tracking efforts.

    In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

    About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)

    Details
    Geographical Features
    • Situated in the Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
    • Twin peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising to 1515 meters above mean sea level.
    • Undulating and hilly terrain, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
    • Inhabited by tribes like Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
    • Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; brought under Project Tiger in 1973.
    • Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
    Flora and Fauna
    • Flora: Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal as the dominant tree species.
    • Fauna: Rich wildlife, including Leopards, Gaurs, Elephants, Langurs, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bears, Mongoose, Flying Squirrels, Porcupines, Pythons, Sambar, Pangolins, and more.
    • It is critical habitat for birds, including migratory species like Bar-Headed Geese and Brahmini Ducks, and home to freshwater snails (Radix genus) in its water bodies.
    • Melanistic Tigers:
      • Similipal hosts 27 of Odisha’s 30 tigers (AOTE-2023-24), including 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers with unique black-striped patterns due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene.
      • It is the only wild habitat in the world with pseudo-melanistic tigers.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.

    Which one of the following could be this?

    (a) Bhitarkanika

    (b) Chandipur-on-sea

    (c) Gopalpur-on-sea

    (d) Simlipal

  • What is Coastal Security Scheme (CSS)?

    Why in the News?

    Non-operational patrolling boats, insufficient funds for training, and manpower shortages are among the challenges highlighted by 13 coastal states and Union Territories during a review of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) phases I and II.

    What is the Coastal Security Scheme?

    • CSS was launched to strengthen security across India’s 7,516.6 km coastline, including 1,382 offshore islands, in order to prevent unauthorized entry, smuggling, and infiltration.
    • It is overseen by the Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in collaboration with coastal States/UTs and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
    • Core Objective: Bolster coastal security by enhancing infrastructure, resources, and coordination among central and state agencies, ensuring effective maritime surveillance and prompt emergency response.

    Implementation Phases

    • Phase I (2005–2011)
      • Budget: ₹646 crore
      • Established 73 coastal police stations, 97 check-posts, 58 outposts, 30 barracks, 204 interceptor boats, 153 jeeps, and 312 motorcycles.
    • Phase II (2011–2020)
      • Budget: ₹1,579.91 crore
      • Added 131 coastal police stations, 60 jetties, 10 marine operational centers, 225 boats, 131 four-wheelers, and 242 motorcycles.

    Key Features

    • Infrastructure Development: Construction of coastal police stations, jetties, outposts, barracks, and marine operation centers.
    • Marine Patrolling: Deployment of interceptor boats for rapid response and improved surveillance.
    • Manpower & Training: Specialized marine police personnel trained at the National Academy of Coastal Policing (Gujarat).
    • Technological Integration: Collaboration with the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) for real-time monitoring and swift threat detection.

    Current Status

    • Phase III Plans:
      • Upgraded Boats & Equipment: Introducing larger, more stable vessels and better maintenance.
      • More Manpower: Focused recruitment and specialized training for marine police.
      • Infrastructure Expansion: Building new jetties and operational centers, backed by adequate funding.
      • Insurance Coverage: Proposals to protect marine police personnel operating in high-risk conditions.

  • [pib] CPGRAMS 3 Years, 70 Lakh Grievances Solved

    Why in the News?

    According to the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) resolved over 70 lakh grievances from 2022 to 2024.

    About Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)

    • CPGRAMS is an online platform that allows citizens to register grievances related to government service delivery, functioning 24×7.
    • It was established in June 2007 by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG); the National Informatics Centre (NIC) developed the technical framework.
    • The Prime Minister serves as the supreme head of CPGRAMS.

    Key Functions

    • Grievance Lodging & Tracking: Each complaint gets a unique registration number for monitoring.
    • Role-Based Access: Ministries and states can access and resolve relevant grievances.
    • Appeal Facility: Citizens can appeal if they are not satisfied with the resolution.
    • Feedback Mechanism: Complainants can rate the resolution; a “Poor” rating reopens the case for further appeals.

    Exclusions: Subjudice cases, personal/family disputes, RTI queries, matters affecting national/international integrity, and government employees’ service issues.

    Key Reforms to Improve CPGRAMS

    • Reduced Timelines: Grievance resolution deadlines shortened from 30 days to 21 days, with mandatory interim updates.
    • Integrated Platform: A unified portal for all ministries, departments, and states; accessible via web, mobile apps, and UMANG.
    • Feedback & Appeals: Citizens can provide feedback through SMS/email; a “Poor” rating escalates unresolved issues.
    • AI-Driven Process Improvements: Tools like the Tree Dashboard help identify problems and streamline grievance handling.
    • Training & Monitoring: Under SEVOTTAM (Service Excellence through Total Quality Management), Grievance Officers get specialized training, with regular performance reviews to enhance service delivery.

  • [31st December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: States and the danger of poorly manufactured drugs

    PYQ Relevance:
    Q) How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (UPSC CSE 2019) 

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains has always focused on Drug regulation (2013) and Patent Issues in India (2018).

    India ranks as the third largest producer of pharmaceuticals in terms of volume and fourteenth largest in terms of value globally.

    Today’s editorial highlights the critical issue of drug quality and safety, particularly concerning pharmaceuticals produced in countries with regulatory frameworks. This content can be used in your Mains answer writing while discussing the implications for public health, especially in low- and middle-income families, where substandard medications can lead to severe health crises.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has flagged over 50 common medications as “Not of Standard Quality” (NSQ), including widely used drugs for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and acid reflux.

    • Notable examples include Telmisartan, Glimepiride, and Paracetamol.
    What is India’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940?

    • It regulates the import, manufacture, and sale or distribution of drugs and cosmetics through licenses and permits. It has to ensure that the drugs and cosmetics marketed in India are reliable, efficient, and in compliance with national standards.
    • The associated Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, which were formulated in association with the 1940 Act, provide provisions for classifying medications into schedules and instructions for the storage, sale, presentation, and prescription of each schedule.

    Other provisions laid under this Act include:
    • The Act oversees medication imports into India as well as prohibits the production of inferior or counterfeit pharmaceuticals in the country.
    • To form a Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and Drugs Consultative Committees (DCC) for allopathic and allied drugs, as well as cosmetics.

    Salient Features of the Act:
    • The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 10 lakhs or three times the confiscated goods’ value, whichever is greater.
    • Other gazette officers and officers from the Central Drug Controller’s Office (CDSCO) are authorized to initiate prosecution under the Act; some offenses are cognizable and non-bailable.
    • Specialized courts for the trial of offenses covered by the Act and provision for the aggregation of minor offenses.

    What are the recent challenges?

    1) Regulatory Challenge: Since each state is responsible for licensing and inspecting pharmaceutical manufacturing units located within its territory, it means that there is little that States can do to stop poorly manufactured drugs.

    • The only tool available to prosecute pharmaceutical companies for Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs is lengthy criminal prosecution.
    • During trials, companies can continue manufacturing and selling drugs in Karnataka.

    2) Verification Issues: Current tender requirements ask companies to disclose blacklisting but lack independent verification methods for procurement officers

    CASE STUDY:

    Tainted cough syrups from India resulted in the deaths of at least 89 children in Gambia and Uzbekistan. Such incidents underline the urgent need for stringent quality control measures.
    India and China, are significant players in global drug manufacturing, where they supply a substantial portion of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) used in generic drugs worldwide. However, the regulatory oversight in these regions is often inadequate. For instance, India’s pharmaceutical sector, which accounts for over 20% of the world’s generic drugs, has faced scrutiny following incidents involving contaminated products that have resulted in fatalities abroad.

    What are the Socio-economic impacts on the Society?

    • Social Implications: The WHO estimates that around 10% of medical products in low- and middle-income countries are either substandard or falsified. These medications can lead to treatment failures, increased morbidity, and even mortality.
    • Economic Implications: The economic burden of substandard medications is profound. Families may spend their limited resources on ineffective treatments, leading to financial strain and loss of trust in healthcare systems. This erosion of confidence can have long-term repercussions on public health initiatives.
    How can a centralized database help with drug quality assurance?

    A Centralized Drug database will enable agencies like KSMSCL to verify pharmaceutical companies’ credentials before purchasing drugs, and prevent issues like the recent scandal in Maharashtra that involved spurious antibiotics. This will eventually help procurement officers to assess the quality of inspections across states and prioritize manufacturers with rigorous inspection records.

    Solutions and Recommendations (Way Forward)

    • Promoting Information Sharing: Encourage greater collaboration between state drug control departments and public procurement agencies.
      • Establish a centralized database for drug testing results from all central and state laboratories.
    • Benefits of Centralized Data: A centralized database would allow drug inspectors to track the failure rates of pharmaceutical companies’ products across the country.
      • This would enable a risk-based approach in enforcement and procurement decisions, enhancing overall drug quality.
    • Recommendations: The Union Ministry of Health recommended creating a central register of pharmaceutical manufacturers blacklisted for supplying Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs.
      • It aims to enhance drug quality and eliminate unreliable suppliers from the market, thereby improving the safety of drugs available in public hospitals.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/states-and-the-danger-of-poorly-manufactured-drugs/article69044333.ece

  • On India’s obligations towards the Rohingya

    Why in the News?

    A recent study by The Azadi Project and Refugees International has found that Rohingya refugees detained in India face serious violations of their basic rights. It also criticizes India for not meeting its responsibilities under international human rights agreements.

    What has a recent report said about India’s refugee policy for the Rohingya people?

    • Human Rights Violations: The report indicates that Rohingya refugees are subjected to “gross violations of constitutional and human rights,” including arbitrary detention without charges and inhumane living conditions in detention centres.
    • Call for Legal Revisions: It urges India to clarify the legal status of Rohingya refugees and revise outdated laws like the Foreigners Act of 1946 to align with international refugee standards.
    • Recommendations for Action: The report advocates for the immediate release of vulnerable detainees and calls on international actors, including the U.S. and UNHCR, to engage with India on these issues.

    What does the 1951 Refugee Convention state?

    The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol establish fundamental principles for the protection of refugees, including:

    • Non-refoulement: This principle prohibits states from returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution or serious harm. It is a cornerstone of international refugee law and is considered customary international law, binding even on states not party to the Convention.
    • Rights of Refugees: The Convention outlines various rights that refugees are entitled to, such as access to legal assistance, work, education, and social services, ensuring their dignity and protection from discrimination.

    Note: India is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention.

    What is India’s stand?

    • Non-signatory Status: India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its Protocol, which it argues absolves it from legal obligations to provide asylum or adhere to non-refoulement principles.
    • Detention Practices: The Indian government continues to detain Rohingya refugees under domestic laws that classify them as illegal migrants. Recent court rulings have reinforced this stance, stating that while they have a right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, they lack right to reside or settle in India.
    • Judicial Interpretation: Despite India’s non-signatory status, some High Courts have interpreted international norms as applicable under Article 21, suggesting a potential pathway for legal protections for refugees.

    What are India’s international obligations?

    • International Treaties: India is a party to several international human rights treaties that imply obligations related to the treatment of individuals at risk of torture or inhumane treatment. For instance:
      • The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) includes provisions against refoulement (forcible return of refugees) under Article 7.
      • Other treaties like the Convention Against Torture also emphasise non-refoulement principles, even if India’s ratification status complicates direct enforcement.
    • Constitutional Mandates: Article 51(c) of the Indian Constitution encourages respect for international law and treaty obligations. Landmark Supreme Court rulings have indicated that international conventions should guide domestic law when local legislation is lacking

    Way forward: 

    • Establish a Comprehensive Refugee Policy: India should enact a uniform refugee law aligning with international principles, ensuring legal clarity and protection for all refugees, including the Rohingya, while upholding the constitutional mandate under Article 21.
    • Strengthen Collaboration with UNHCR and Civil Society: Engage with international agencies and local organizations to improve refugee support systems, focusing on humane detention practices, legal aid, and sustainable resettlement initiatives.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation”. Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society. (UPSC IAS/2021)

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