Central idea: The East-West Metro corridor, the second line of Kolkata’s Metro network that is currently under construction, will connect Kolkata and Howrah, and one of its highlights is India’s first underwater transport tunnel spanning the Hooghly river.
Hooghly River: Some facts
Description
Name
Bhagirathi Hooghly River (Anglicized alternatively spelled Hoogli or Hugli)
Source
Close to Giria, north of Baharampur and Palashi, in Murshidabad
Length
260 km
Flows through
West Bengal
Endpoint
Bay of Bengal
Importance
Lifeline for Kolkata, transportation route for goods and people, historical trade route, cultural and ecological resource
Challenges
Changing course, frequent floods, pollution from industrial effluents and sewage
Additional Information
A man-made canal called the Farakka Feeder Canal connects the Ganges to the Bhagirathi to bring the abundant waters of the Himalayan river to the narrow river that rises in West Bengal.
The main course of the Ganges then flows into Bangladesh as the Padma.
The Bhagirathi Hooghly River is also called the Ganga or the Kati-Ganga in the Puranas.
About the East-West Corridor
The East-West Corridor is expected to significantly ease congestion in the city.
The line connects Kolkata’s IT hub of Salt Lake Sector V to the western suburb of Howrah.
The eastern part of the East-West line is operational while the western portion of the corridor is underground.
There are 12 stations on the entire route, including the country’s deepest, Howrah, at a depth of 33 meters.
Key feature: Underwater Tunnel
The tunnels under the Hooghly River are 520 meters long and more than 30 meters below the river surface at its deepest point.
The trains will have an operational speed of 80 km/h and will cover the half-kilometre stretch under the Hooghly in about 45 seconds.
The underwater tunnels have an internal diameter of 5.55 meters and an external diameter of 6.1 meters.
Millions of baby Olive Ridley Turtles crawled towards the Bay of Bengal after emerging from eggshells along Odisha’s Rushikulyabeach in the Ganjam district.
Olive Ridley Turtles
Description
Scientific name
Lepidochelys olivacea
Habitat
Warm and tropical waters
Found in
Pacific and Indian Oceans
Nesting sites
Rushikulya rookery in Odisha
Largest mass nesting site
Coast of Odisha in India
Conservation status
Vulnerable in IUCN Red List
Listed in
Schedule 1 in Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Special feature: Mass nesting
Notable behavior
Arribadas
Nesting habits
Synchronized mass nesting and return to the same beach where they hatched
Nest structure
Conical nests about one and a half feet deep, dug with hind flippers
Incubation period
45 to 60 days, influenced by temperature of the sand and atmosphere
Central idea: The scientists working in the Garbh-Ini program have identified 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or genetic markers that are associated with preterm or premature birth.
What is Garbh-Ini?
It is an interdisciplinary research program in India that focuses on the advanced research of birth outcomes.
It is a collaborative initiative under the Department of Biotechnology.
It is led by DBT-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in the NCR Biotech cluster, Faridabad, in collaboration with DBT-NIBMG, Kalyani, DBT-Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Gurugram Civil Hospital, and other organizations.
The program aims to use advanced technology to improve maternal and child health outcomes and address the high incidence of preterm births in India.
What are Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)?
Genetic markers are specific sequences of DNA that can be used to identify an individual or a particular trait.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common type of genetic variation that occurs in the DNA sequence.
SNPs occur when a single nucleotide (A, C, T, or G) in the DNA sequence is altered.
These changes can occur in any region of the genome and can be used as genetic markers to identify specific traits or disease susceptibility.
Significance of the Study
The study is significant as it identifies 19 SNPs or genetic markers that are associated with preterm or premature birth.
Out of these 19 SNPs, five were found to be associated with an increased risk of early preterm birth (birth before 33 weeks) and can be used to predict premature births.
This is the first study in South Asia to identify genetic markers associated with preterm births, and it has significant implications for improving maternal and child health outcomes in India.
Setting new goals is easy. Beginning with a fresh dose of motivation is also easy. What’s not easy? Staying consistent with your daily routines and daily targets. That’s the part where we wish we had some practical, life-saving hacks.
Hasn’t it happened to all of us?
We binge-watch IAS toppers on Youtube on how they kept up for 25 hours, 9 days a week, or create multiple copies of their timetable only to find ourselves lost again. Worse still, we look up to our peers on their best days of preparation and compare our worst, most unproductive days, and genuinely feel a sense of loss.
This has happened to all of us. To 100% of the IAS Toppers as well. Trust us, we have mentored 10,000+ students on their IAS journey since 2016 and know their most honest, sincere struggle moments.
We sit back with our IAS toppers, request them to reflect back on their moments of uncertainties and probe them for practical hacks and tips for future aspirants.
Here are the top 3 helpful pointers to help you when the going gets tough:
1. Utilize the power of accountability (works 95% of the time)
Oftentimes, our mind makes the dumbest of excuses to get ourselves out of a task that we should, but don’t want to. And that is why you should OUTSOURCE accountability to other people.
It could be someone you think highly of, and they won’t let you divert from your goals. You need to be accountable to not yourself, but to that person for the completion of a specific task.
Confessing your inaction to someone else brings much more psychological pain, and hence you’ll be compelled to complete that task.
At CivilsDaily you get mentored by IAS/IPS rankers
CivilsDaily’s personal mentors are the perfect guide for such cases. They have been mentoring these 10,000+ aspirants and rankers and are very well aware of the power of consistency.
2. Keep your focus on one thing at a time (works 80% of the time)
Focus brings clarity to your goal
Staying consistent becomes all the way more cumbersome if you have too much on your plate. Your mind is already struggling with trying to muster up the courage to complete something, and then you burden it with additional tasks. This ends up delaying both tasks rather.
We know that this is easier said than done. It works for very self-driven students but with some external help, and mentor-driven accountability, about 80% of aspirants are able to pick it up.
Our mentors’ expertise will help you strive through this tough, but rewarding journey.
3. Avoid paralysis by analysis (works 55% of the time)
It’s the human tendency to expect results even before any solid efforts have been made. Your primary focus should be to do your job, and the results will follow! Follow the right strategy and be patient, because of course, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Though there will be days when you might doubt yourself or even the achievability of the task, it’s your duty to not buy those negative thoughts.
However, if in spite of prolonged efforts, results fail to show up, then you can always get on a quick call with one of our mentors and scrutinize your approach. This will help you channel your efforts in the right direction.
Not sure how to implement these three. Get FREE Samanvaya Mentorship.
How does Samanvaya Mentorship work? Introducing 3 layers of mentorship: Get IAS or UPSC ranker as your mentor
1. 1st step starts with this Samanvayacall: Once you fill in the form, we get on a 30-40 minute call with you to understand your prep level, working/ study constraints, and current strategies and create a step-by-step plan for the next week, next month and so on.
2. You are directed and given access to relevant resources and an invite-only Telegram group where you can ask your daily doubts, discuss your test-prep questions and have real-time, live sessions on news and op-eds, and find your optional groups.
Daily target monitoring.Introducing three layers of Mentorship with IAS/UPSC Ranker as your mentor.
3. The third and the most personalized tier is the 1 on 1 mentor allotment who stays with you through the course of your UPSC preparation – always-on chat and on scheduled calls to help you assess, evaluate, and chart the next milestone of your IAS 2023-23 journey.
We will also connect you to a UPSC ranker or IAS, who will mentor you in this journey.
Layer 1: You will be assigned a dedicated in-house mentor who will keep track of our progress from start till your final interview.
Layer 2: Sajal Singh sir and the team will be constantly with you through various programs like Samachar Manthan, Prelims, Essay, etc.
Layer 3: A UPSC IAS ranker (one who has cleared this exam) will be supervising your progress as your super mentor.
Who are you?
Working Junta? If you are preparing for IAS 2023-24 and working simultaneously, we can help you design a timetable that fits right in your hectic schedule.
First-time prep? If you are in the last year of college or thinking of dropping a year and preparing for IAS 2023-24 full-time, we can help you pick the right books and craft a practical & personal strategy.
The Union Cabinet approved the full budget for the LIGO-India mega-science project, which includes the construction, commissioning and joint scientific operation of a state-of-the-art, advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in India in collaboration with the NSF-funded LIGO Laboratory, USA, operated by Caltech and MIT.
About LIGO-India
LIGO-India will be the fifth node of this international network of gravitational wave observatories, and possibly the last.
The instrument is so sensitive that it can easily get influenced by events like earthquakes, landslides, or even the movement of trucks, and produce a false reading.
That is why multiple observatories are needed to revalidate the signals.
India’s involvement in LIGO is crucial to demonstrating its intent and capability to pull-off complex science projects independently
Advancement in gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics: LIGO-India will significantly enhance global capabilities in the field of gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics. The project will enable an entirely new window to our universe and open up opportunities to study the cosmos in ways that were previously impossible.
Boosting research careers: LIGO-India will provide opportunities for Indian youth to pursue research careers in cutting-edge areas of science and technology, thereby supporting the growth of the Indian science industry and economy.
Development of cutting-edge technologies: LIGO-India will lead to the development of cutting-edge technologies such as lasers, optics, vacuum, quantum metrology and control-system technologies, which have great national relevance. The project will bring together researchers in fundamental and applied sciences from national research laboratories, IITs and IISERs to universities in partnership with the industry, and attract talent from the large pool of Indian researchers spread worldwide.
Galvanizing India’s industry: The project will galvanize India’s industry to enhance capability and capacity to engineer and manufacture complex components with precision to meet stringent scientific requirements, thereby enhancing the reputation of Indian industry.
Contributing to India’s mega-science ventures: LIGO-India is part of India’s mega-science ventures, which aim to lead or partner in very high-science goals through large-scale collaborative efforts requiring highly skilled human resources, significant fiscal capital and infrastructural investment, and close academia-industry partnerships. LIGO-India is expected to extend the legacy of successful world-class facilities such as the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) near Pune and Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) in Ladakh.
Facts for prelims: Other Important science projects
Mega-science Project
Description
Large Hadron Collider (LHC)
Particle accelerator located in Switzerland, aims to study subatomic particles
Indian-based Neutrino Observatory (INO)
A proposed underground neutrino laboratory to be located in Tamil Nadu, India
Facility for Antiproton & Ion Research (FAIR)
A particle accelerator located in Germany, used for research in nuclear and particle physics
Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)
A proposed astronomical observatory, with a mirror diameter of 30 meters, to be located in Hawaii
Square Kilometre Array (SKA)
A radio telescope that will be the largest and most sensitive in the world, to be located in Australia and South Africa
A facility designed to detect gravitational waves, with observatories located in the USA and India
Way ahead: Mega-Science Projects and India’s S&T Policy
Mega-science projects like LIGO-India inculcate invaluable elements of work ethic in the scientific community.
The key is the ability to create a focused but adequately large well-knit collaborative ecosystem that remains open to growing by bringing in wider participation.
There is need for a culture within S&T communities to anticipate breakthroughs and appreciate new findings that may often deviate from the current comfort zone for policymakers to be receptive and for executing agencies to create robust mechanisms to assess, evaluate, and respond expeditiously to allow sufficient time to set up the enterprise.
Conclusion
The LIGO-India mega-science project is a significant milestone in India’s contribution to the growth of modern astronomy. The project will prompt Indian S&T in academia, national laboratories, and industries to leapfrog in a range of cutting-edge technologies. It reinforces the view that a healthy sprinkling of mega-science efforts in the overall S&T policy empowers and enriches the nation.
Central idea: The article discusses the challenges faced by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in modernizing its fighter jet fleet due to unending delays in procurement and limited resources.
Why discuss this?
Against the sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons, the IAF has only 31 squadrons today.
And this number is expected to remain the same or even decrease by 2029.
The IAF representative informed the Parliamentary standing committee that the shortfall may not be accomplished anytime soon.
Indian Air Force (IAF): A quick backgrounder
The IAF was established in 1932, and it played an important role in India’s defence during World War II and later in the 1947-48 Kashmir War.
It underwent modernization in the 1960s and 70s with the induction of new aircraft and weapons systems.
Since then, the IAF has grown to become one of the largest air forces in the world, with a significant role to play in India’s defence and security.
Evolution of the IAF
Key Events
Pre-Independence Phase
– Small organization with only six officers and 19 airmen
– Played a crucial role in World War II and the 1947-48 Kashmir War
1947-1962 Phase
– Expansion and modernization of the IAF
– Acquisition of new aircraft and weapons systems
1962-1980 Phase
– Involvement in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars
– Modernization with the induction of new aircraft and missiles
1980-Present Phase
– Further modernization with the acquisition of new aircraft, missiles, and weapons systems
– Focus on enhancing operational readiness
Current Status of the IAF
Large workforce: The IAF has around 1,500 aircraft and 140,000 personnel, making it one of the largest air forces in the world.
Fleet details: The IAF has a sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons, but the current strength stands at 31 squadrons.
Victorious wars: It has played an essential role in various conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars and the Kargil conflict in 1999.
HADR operation: It has also been involved in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, such as the 2004 tsunami and the 2013 Uttarakhand floods.
Challenges faced
The IAF faces multiple challenges in the 21st century.
Decommissioning aircraft: By the end of the decade, many of the Jaguars, Mirage-2000s, and Mig-29s will begin going out, which is why the decision on Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) is essential to arrest this drawdown.
Arsenal shortages: The IAF faces a shortage of fighter aircraft, which is a significant concern given the current geopolitical environment.
Selective modernization: One of the critical issues is modernization, which includes the upgrading of its aircraft and weapons systems.
Diverse threat: The IAF also needs to ensure operational readiness to address the changing nature of warfare, which involves non-state actors, asymmetrical warfare, and cyber threats.
Logistic fallouts: Furthermore, the IAF needs to improve its logistics and infrastructure to support its operations effectively.
Maintenance challenges: There is a slow synergy with vendors for ‘long-term spares and repair contracts’.
Opportunities for the IAF
There are several opportunities for the IAF to enhance its capabilities in the modern era.
Modernization: The acquisition of new aircraft, weapons systems, and technologies can significantly enhance the IAF’s combat capabilities.
Joint cooperation: Additionally, the IAF can improve its international cooperation with other air forces to gain experience and enhance its interoperability.
UAV induction: The IAF can also explore the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat roles.
Indigenization: The IAF is emphasizing the need for indigenization of its fighter jet production via LCA and Fifth Gen fighter aircraft program.
Challenges in fleet modernisation
Procurement delay: The IAF faces significant challenges in modernizing its fleet due to delays in procurement and limited resources.
R&D, Infra bottlenecks: Implementing indigenization is a complex process that involves significant investment in research and development, infrastructure, and human capital.
Others: Other challenges include a lack of skilled labour, limited funding, and the need for technology transfer from foreign partners.
Way forward
The IAF needs to prioritize the acquisition of MRFA, focus on increasing the availability rates of the Su-30, and invest in its own industry to achieve self-reliance in the long term.
Effective collaboration between industry, government, and the armed forces is crucial for the success of indigenization efforts in the defence sector.
The demand for a caste-based census in India has once again brought Mandal politics to the forefront. Mandal politics has succeeded in capturing political power in large parts of India and has shifted the political discourse towards a universal acceptance of OBC reservations. However, the movement has weakened in recent years, and the demand for a caste census is seen as a way for Mandal parties to regain their hold in the public discourse.
Mandal politics refers to a political movement initiated by historically marginalized Other Backward Classes (OBCs) or Bahujan caste groups in India in the late 1980s and 1990s.
The movement sought to secure a greater share of political and economic power through reservation in the public sector for the OBCs who had been historically excluded from such opportunities.
The movement derived its name from the Mandal Commission, a committee appointed by the Indian government in 1979 to identify the socially and educationally backward classes of India and recommend measures for their advancement.
The Mandal Commission report in 1980 recommended that 27% of jobs in the public sector be reserved for OBCs, a recommendation that was later implemented by the Indian government in 1990.
The outcomes of Mandal politics
Positive outcomes:
Increased representation: One of the main positive outcomes of Mandal politics is the increased representation of OBCs and other marginalized groups in the political sphere. This has led to greater inclusivity and diversity in government and a more balanced distribution of power.
Reservation policies: Mandal politics has also led to the introduction and expansion of reservation policies, which aim to provide equal opportunities to marginalized groups in education and employment.
Recognition of social justice: Mandal politics has brought the issue of social justice to the forefront of political discourse and has highlighted the need for policies that address historic discrimination and disadvantage.
Negative outcomes:
Caste-based politics: One of the negative outcomes of Mandal politics is the perpetuation of caste-based politics. This has led to the further entrenchment of caste divisions and has hindered the development of a more inclusive and egalitarian society.
Polarization and conflict: Mandal politics has also led to polarization and conflict between different caste groups, as each group seeks to secure its own interests.
Resentment and backlash: The policies introduced by Mandal politics have also led to resentment and backlash from certain upper-caste groups, who view the policies as discriminatory and unjust. This has sometimes led to violent protests and social unrest.
What is Caste Census?
A caste census is basically the counting of people belonging to different castes in a particular marked area.
With this two-phase exercise, the Bihar government will try to get numbers of people belonging to SC, ST, and OBC communities and their financial status among other important things.
The exercise is termed ‘Jaati Aadharit Ganana’. People belonging to every religion and caste will be covered during the exercise.
Arguments for caste census
Enumerating the marginalized: A caste census would actually bring to the particular the number of people who are at the margins, or who are deprived, or the kind of occupations they pursue, or the kind of hold that institutions like caste have on them. The caste census opens up to enumerating Dalits who are not Hindus, such as Dalit Christians and Muslims.
Data for Policymaking: This information is absolutely necessary for any democratic policymaking. The census will be able to answer real public policy questions and direct policies more effectively towards those who most need state assistance and affirmative action policies.
Judicial backing: The courts in India have often emphatically said that it is important to have adequate data with regard to the reservation.
Caste offers privilege: Caste is not only a source of disadvantage; it is also a very important source of privilege and advantage in our society.
Rids away caste rigidities: Counting of caste doesn’t necessarily perpetuate caste or the caste system. Myths of caste elitisms can be debunked through a caste census.
Arguments against caste census
50% breach of reservation cap: It is argued that a Socio-Economic Caste Census is the only way to make a case to breach the 50% cap on reservation and rationalize the reservation matrix in the country.
Caste within Caste: Given the differences in caste hierarchies across various regions of the country, a comparative reading along with generating a common hierarchy may be a challenge.
Caste over occupation linked predicaments: Caste linked deprivation or adversity may not be as common as occupation linked predicaments, which become easier to compare across states/regions.
Anonymity and bias: An intimate and personalised attribute like caste may have its differential exposition between urban and rural residents. Urban residents’ need for anonymity can always bias the reporting on caste.
Identity crisis: Recognition and adherence to caste identity is to a large extent shaped by progressive ideals, cosmopolitanism and education, which has its own regional divide in the country between the north and the south.
Hurdle to casteless society: The idea of a national caste census is abhorrent when the stated policy is to strive for a casteless society.
The Impact of a Caste Census: Analysis In brief
Positive impact
Accurate data: A caste census can provide accurate data on the caste demographics of India, which is necessary for effective policy-making and affirmative action programs.
Better targeting of government policies: The data from a caste census can help the government target policies and programs more effectively towards the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society.
Improved representation: A caste census can help improve representation of underrepresented castes in government bodies and institutions.
Empowerment of marginalized communities: A caste census can help empower marginalized communities by giving them a voice and recognition in the political and social systems.
Negative impact
Polarization: A caste census can lead to polarization and tensions between different castes, especially if the data is used to allocate resources or benefits based on caste.
Stigma and discrimination: There is a risk that the caste census data can be used to further stigmatize and discriminate against marginalized communities.
Misuse of data: The data from a caste census can be misused by politicians and other groups to further their own agendas, leading to potential conflicts and social unrest.
Privacy concerns: Some people may be hesitant to disclose their caste, leading to concerns about privacy and data protection.
Conclusion
The caste census is seen as a way for Mandal parties to regain their hold in the public discourse and direct policies more effectively towards those who most need state assistance and affirmative action policies. However, the demand for a caste census is a double-edged sword that may create conflicts and shift the discourse from historical injustices to distribution. The Mandal movement faces challenges but remains relevant in the ongoing struggle for social justice.
At the One World TB Summit in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on March 24, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a fresh approach to the global tuberculosis (TB) elimination response, with innovation and research being central drivers of change. This is a critical step as India and the world look to redefine their TB elimination response. India’s recent progress in TB control efforts and COVID-19 response provides a good reflection point, which offers lessons to address the challenges faced in the fight against TB.
Expanded reach and improved detection measures: India’s National TB Elimination Programme has introduced several measures to find, notify, and treat TB cases, resulting in expanded reach and improved detection measures. As a result, the number of TB case notifications has significantly increased, rising from 15.6 lakh in 2014 to over 24 lakh in 2022.
Innovative approaches: India has adopted innovative approaches to TB management, including engagement with the private sector, launch of social support provisions, and introduction of diagnostic tools and new drug regimens. These measures have improved TB management in the country.
Increased investment in health research and development: India has recognized the importance of investing in health research and development, especially in recent years. The Mission COVID Suraksha programme to develop vaccines was a good example of a public-private partnership, with clear goals and outcomes. The country has also established centres of excellence, which will facilitate collaboration between Indian Council of Medical Research laboratories and the private sector.
Expansion of diagnostic tools: India has been working on expanding access to diagnostic tools for TB. Innovations such as nasal and tongue swab-based tests for TB can be a game changer by reducing diagnostic delays, and handheld digital x-ray machines with artificial intelligence-based software can now be taken to villages and urban settlements to screen large numbers of high-risk individuals.
Introduction of new therapeutic molecules: India has been investing in the development and introduction of new therapeutic molecules for TB treatment. Shorter, safer, and more effective regimens, such as the 1HP regimen for latent TB infections, the four-month regimen (HPZM) for drug-susceptible TB, and the six-month regimen (BPaL/M) for drug-resistant TB, have been developed.
Why there is a Need for Disruptive Approaches and New Tools in TB elimination response?
Lack of widespread awareness: Despite the progress made by India’s National TB Elimination Programme, there is still a lack of widespread awareness about the disease, which has led to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Access to quality care: Many people with TB in India and other developing countries do not have access to quality care, which has led to high rates of morbidity and mortality.
Limited diagnostic tools: There is a need to expand access to diagnostic tools for TB, especially in rural and remote areas.
Drug-resistant TB: The emergence of drug-resistant TB has made treatment more difficult, requiring the development of new therapeutic molecules and regimens.
Need for innovative approaches: Innovative approaches are needed to change the way TB is prevented, diagnosed, and treated.
Rapidly evolving technology: Advances in technology, such as point-of-care tests, artificial intelligence-based software, and handheld digital x-ray machines, have made it possible to develop new tools to combat TB.
For example: Innovative technologies such as handheld digital x-ray machines with artificial intelligence-based software and nasal and tongue swab-based tests for TB can reduce diagnostic delays and provide rapid, low-cost diagnostics. Similarly, newer and more effective regimens and repurposed existing drugs for TB can play a crucial role in the long run.
Importance of Prioritizing TB Vaccine Trials
Vaccines are key to ending the TB epidemic: Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases. For TB, a vaccine would be a critical tool for ending the epidemic, especially for those who are at the highest risk of developing and spreading TB.
BCG vaccine is not effective for all: The current TB vaccine, Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), is not effective for everyone, especially adolescents and adults who are at the highest risk of developing and spreading TB. Therefore, new and effective vaccines are needed to provide adequate protection.
Multiple TB vaccine candidates in the pipeline: There are currently over 15 TB vaccine candidates in the pipeline, which have shown promise in pre-clinical and clinical trials. Prioritizing these clinical trials will help identify the most effective vaccine candidates for various community settings and different target groups.
Cost-effectiveness: Vaccines are a cost-effective way to prevent diseases, and a TB vaccine would be no different. Investing in TB vaccine trials and development would save resources in the long run by reducing the burden of TB on health systems and economies.
Global impact: TB is a global public health issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. The development of a new TB vaccine would have a significant impact not only in India but also in other high-burden countries.
Facts for prelims: Types of vaccine technologies
Vaccine Technology
Explanation
Examples
Inactivated or killed vaccines
Use viruses or bacteria that have been inactivated or killed so that they can no longer cause disease
Inactivated polio vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine
Live attenuated vaccines
Use viruses or bacteria that have been weakened so that they can’t cause disease in healthy people
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, yellow fever vaccine
Protein subunit vaccines
Use pieces of the virus or bacteria, such as proteins or sugar molecules, to stimulate an immune response
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine
Nucleic acid vaccines
Use genetic material from the virus or bacteria, such as DNA or RNA, to stimulate the immune system
COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna
Viral vector vaccines
Use harmless viruses, such as adenoviruses, to deliver genetic material from the target virus or bacteria into the body to stimulate an immune response
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, Ebola vaccine developed by Merck
How Testing and Diagnosis of TB can be improved?
Increased access to diagnostic tools: There is a need to increase access to diagnostic tools for TB, especially in rural and remote areas. Innovative approaches such as point-of-care tests (POCTs), including home-based tests, can provide decentralized, rapid, and low-cost diagnostics to provide results within minutes.
Introduction of new diagnostic tools: New innovations such as nasal and tongue swab-based tests for TB can be a game changer by reducing diagnostic delays. Further, handheld digital x-ray machines (with artificial intelligence-based software) can now be taken to villages and urban settlements to screen large numbers of high-risk individuals, safely and conveniently.
Strengthening the laboratory network: It is essential to strengthen the laboratory network in India to ensure quality diagnostics, especially in the private sector. Accreditation of private laboratories for TB diagnosis and linking them with the public sector is essential.
Integration with other healthcare services: TB testing and diagnosis need to be integrated with other healthcare services to improve access and reduce stigma. For example, TB screening can be done in conjunction with diabetes or HIV screening.
Empowering patients: Empowering patients with knowledge about TB symptoms and diagnostic tests can help increase awareness and improve early diagnosis. TB awareness campaigns can also help reduce stigma associated with the disease.
Collaboration between public and private sectors: Collaboration between the public and private sectors can improve access to diagnostic tools and reduce the time required for TB testing and diagnosis. The private sector can be leveraged to provide affordable and quality TB diagnostics and treatment.
Need for Appropriate Policy Frameworks
Smoothening the rollout of proven tools: Creating regulatory and policy frameworks can smoothen the rollout of proven tools to reach people with as little delay as possible. This requires greater collaboration between policymakers, scientists, product developers, and clinical researchers across the country and even across regions.
Harmonization of standards and regulatory processes: Harmonization of standards and regulatory processes between countries can enable mutual recognition of evidence-based standards and licenses and save critical time towards rollout.
Addressing the regulatory challenges: Appropriate policy frameworks can address the regulatory challenges of introducing new tools and approaches. This can help reduce the time and cost of clinical trials and shorten the time to market for new tools and products.
Encouraging innovation: Policy frameworks that incentivize innovation can encourage the private sector to invest in TB research and development. This can lead to the development of new and effective tools for TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Supporting public-private partnerships: Appropriate policy frameworks can support public-private partnerships that can bring together the strengths of both sectors to develop and scale up innovative solutions for TB control.
Conclusion
India’s scientific ingenuity during the COVID-19 pandemic has cemented its position as pioneers in innovation in the life sciences. India must use its G-20 presidency to build a global health architecture that creates equitable access for all. India must use this opportunity to call for the collaborative development of transformational tools and approaches that cater to not only India’s needs but also those of the under-represented but disproportionately affected developing world. TB should no longer be the leading infectious disease killer globally in the 21st century, and India can lead the way.
Mains Question
Q. At the One World TB Summit held at in Varanasi recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a fresh approach to the global tuberculosis (TB) elimination response. In this light discuss India’s Progress in TB Control Efforts and the need for disruptive approaches and new tools in TB elimination response.
