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  • Indo-pacific and the New Eurasia

    pacific

    Context

    • Japan, which invented the contemporary geopolitical idea of the Indo-Pacific, is now well on its way to changing the way we think about the relationship between Asia and Europe. In his swing through Europe last week, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s message was simple, the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific is indivisible.

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    How Japan shaped the idea of Indo-pacific?

    • Japan is not alone for Indo-pacific anymore: Building on the ideas of his predecessor, the late Shinzo Abe, Kishida is determined to build strong military partnerships with Europe. Together Japan, South Korea and Australia are bridging the divide between Asia and Europe long seen as separate geopolitical theatres.
    • South Korea raising profile in Europe: South Korea, which does not always see eye to eye with Japan, is also joining the party by raising its profile in Europe. for example, Seoul, is selling major weapons platforms in Poland.
    • Australia eager to bring Europe in Indo pacific: Australia, which has joined the US and UK in the AUKUS arrangement, is equally eager to bring Europe into the Indo-Pacific.
    • Accelerated by Ukraine war: This process has been accelerated by Russia’s war in Ukraine and the alliance between Moscow and Beijing.

    The idea of Eurasia

    • Many used it as a neutral term: The idea of Eurasia is not new, many used it as a neutral term to describe the vast landmass that connected Europe and Asia.
    • Separate political spheres: Despite continental continuity, Europe and Asia emerged as separate political and cultural spheres over the millennia.
    • Russia as European and Asian: Russia, which straddles this space, saw itself as both a European and Asian power but had trouble becoming a part of either. When post-Soviet Russia’s effort to integrate with the West soured in the 2000s, it developed Eurasia and Greater Eurasia as new geopolitical constructs.
    • Putin’s Eurasian strategy: Consolidating the former Soviet space, restoring influence in Central Europe, building a strong alliance with China, and limiting Western influence in the continental heartland became part of Putin’s Eurasian strategy.

    China-Russia alliance

    • Altering geopolitical dynamics: Well before Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol turned to Europe, it was Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin who altered the geopolitical dynamic in Eurasia.
    • Alliance without limits: Days before he ordered his armies into Ukraine, Putin travelled to Beijing last February to sign an agreement declaring an alliance without limits and no forbidden areas.
    • China’s tilt towards Russia: China, which had made a largely successful effort to cultivate Europe since the 1990s, deliberately avoided taking sides in Europe’s conflicts with Russia. But on the eve of the Ukraine war, Xi chose to tilt towards Moscow by blaming NATO for the crisis in Ukraine.
    • New kind of Eurasian alliance: Together, Putin and Xi unveiled a Eurasian alliance that they might have hoped would deliver the long-awaited coup de grace to the global hegemony of the West. What it did instead was to not only strengthen the Western alliance in Europe but also provide the basis for a new kind of Eurasia an alliance between China’s East Asian neighbours and Russia’s West European neighbours.

    What are the Challenges for India?

    • For India, the rise of Eurasia is making it harder to ride on two boats at the same time: Until now, India could easily hunt with the maritime coalition the Quad in the Indo-Pacific and run at the same time with the continental coalitions led by Russia and China.
    • US Europe and Japan on the one hand and China, Russia on the other: The conflict between the US, Europe, and Japan on the one hand and China and Russia on the other is now acute and shows no signs of immediate amelioration.
    • India’s security challenge on Himalayan frontier: On the downside, then, India’s mounting security challenges from China on the Himalayan frontier and the tightening embrace between Moscow and Beijing will mean the shadow over India’s continental strategy will become darker in the days ahead.
    • Strategic capabilities in partnership: On the upside, the possibilities for strengthening India’s strategic capabilities in partnership with the US and Europe as well as Japan, South Korea and Australia have never been stronger.

    Opportunities for India may include

    • Economic cooperation: Increased economic cooperation and trade between India and countries in Europe and Asia
    • India’s larger role in global affairs: The potential for India to play a larger role in regional and global affairs as a result of increased connectivity and cooperation
    • To address security concerns in Indo-Pacific: Opportunities for India to strengthen its ties with Japan and other countries in the region to address security concerns in the Indo-Pacific

    Conclusion

    • Japan’s strategy of promoting greater connectivity and cooperation between Europe and Asia could present both opportunities and challenges for India in terms of economic cooperation and geopolitical influence. India will have to carefully navigate and balance its relationships with various countries and groups in the region to maximize the opportunities and minimize the challenges.

    Mains question

    Q. Japan is now well on its way to changing the way we think about the relationship between Asia and Europe. In this backdrop discuss opportunities and challenges for India.

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  • Disclosure of Journalistic Sources by Press

    press

    While rejecting a closure report filed by the CBI, a Delhi court said there is “no statutory exemption in India to journalists from disclosing their sources to investigating agencies”.

    What is the news?

    • The CBI had sought to close its investigation on how certain news channels and a newspaper had aired and published reports related to a disproportionate assets case against a leader.
    • It had argued that the “documents used by the news channel were forged” but it could not be established who forged the documents.
    • This certainly amounts to creation of fake news.

    Legal protection for disclosure of Journalistic Sources

    Ans. Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19

    • In India, there is no specific legislation that protects journalists from being asked to disclose their sources.
    • Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression to all citizens.
    • Investigative agencies can issue notice to anyone, including journalists, to provide information.
    • Like any citizen, a journalist can be compelled to give evidence in Court.
    • If she does not comply, the journalist can face charges of Contempt of Court.

    Freedom of Press

    • The fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 includes press freedom.
    • This covers an entire process from newsgathering, editorial judgement, publication and distribution of printed matter.
    • Press freedom covers all four stages.

     What have courts said on this issue?

    • While the Supreme Court broadly recognises the freedom of the press, including the right of journalists to ensure the protection of their sources, various courts have ruled differently on this issue.
    • In the Pegasus spyware case (2021), the Court underlined that the protection of journalistic sources is one of the basic conditions for the freedom of the press.
    • In 2019, the Supreme Court in a review petition in the Rafale case overruled the Centre’s objections on the petitioner’s claims since they relied on purportedly “stolen” confidential documents.

    Is there any legal enforcement?

    Ans. No

    • Courts have in “public interest asked journalists to disclose their sources. In the absence of a specific law, it is often the discretion of a Court.
    • Under the Press Council of India (PCI) Act, of 1978, the Press Council has powers of a civil court to deal with complaints when a newspaper has “offended against the standards of journalistic ethics.”
    • However, the Council cannot force a newspaper, news agency, journalist, or editor to reveal their sources during the proceedings.
    • The Whistleblower Protection Act, 2014 offers protection to people disclosing acts of corruption, wilful misuse of power, or criminal offences by public servants, in public interest.

    Recommendations for a change in law

    Ans. Recognition under Indian Evidence Act

    • The Law Commission of India in its 93rd Report in 1983 recommended recognising journalistic privilege by amending the Indian Evidence Act.
    • In its 185th report on the amendments to the Evidence Act, the Law Commission again suggested this amendment.

    Position in other countries

    • United Kingdom: The Contempt of Courts Act 1981 creates a presumption in favour of journalists who want to protect the identity of their sources. However, that right is subject to certain conditions in the “interest of justice”.
    • United States: Although the First Amendment guaranteeing free speech in the United States specifically mentions the press, the Supreme Court has held that journalists do not have the right to refuse to testify in a federal grand jury proceeding and disclose sources.
    • Sweden: The Freedom of the Press Act in Sweden is a broad protection of rights of journalists and even extends to state and municipal employees who might share information with journalists freely. In fact, a journalist who reveals his or her source without consent may be prosecuted at the behest of the source.
    • France and Germany: Journalists can refuse to disclose sources in an investigation.

    Need for non-disclosure

    • Debated issue: The right of journalists to use and protect confidential sources is a debated topic.
    • Vitality of larger public interest: Many journalists say that confidential sources are an essential tool in the search to uncover information of great public interest.
    • Prevent oppression: It is a reporter’s need and duty to protect the identity of the source of his information or else vital information of concern to the people in a democracy would be suppressed.

    Why are we discussing this?

    • Media malpractices are on rise: When the public interest is compelling and the disclosure outweighs the public interest then the sources can be revealed.
    • Serious allegations and media trial: The court can also require disclosure of the source of the news relates to a public office or public official and serious allegations have been made against him.
    • Defamation by media: Also if there is a defamatory article against a person then the Court may compel the journalist to reveal his source.

    Why media needs protection for sources?

    Where source protection is compromised, the impacts can include:

    • Pre-publication exposure of journalistic investigations may trigger cover-ups, intimidation, or destruction of information,
    • Revelation of sources’ identities has legal or extra-legal repercussions,
    • Sources of information running dry,
    • Self-censorship by journalists and citizens.

    Conclusion

    • Indian law on source disclosure is limited and has mostly been determined by courts on a case-by-case basis.

     

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  • In news: National Export Co-operative Society

    The first consignment expected to be exported by the first-ever National Export Co-operative Society.

    Why in news?

    • The Union Cabinet on January 11 approved the setting up Multi-State Seed Society, Multi-State Organic Society and Multi State Export Society.

    What is National Export Co-operative Society (NECS)?

    • The society will have an authorised share capital of ₹2,000 crore with the area of operation all over the country.
    • It will be registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002.
    • It will have its registered office in Delhi.
    • The Society’s registration will be complete in the next few days and the first consignment will be exported in three months.
    • It will work as an export house for handicrafts, handlooms, khadi and other products, ensuring enhancement of income of the cooperative member entrepreneurs.

    Funding of NECS

    • Leading cooperatives like IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, Amul and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) will be the promoters of the Society.
    • They will contribute ₹100 crore each.

    Working of NECS

    • The Society will be different from the Export Promotion Council under the Ministry of Commerce.
    • This Society will provide end-to-end services to the cooperatives.
    • It will open foreign bank accounts and complete all the formalities, including necessary permissions for exporting a product.
    • The dividends will be shared with the manufacturer instantly and without any brokerage fee.
    • The Society will hire consultants in foreign countries who will help expand its footprint across continents.

    Why need cooperatives for export promotion?

    • Cooperatives contribute 28.80% in fertilizer production, 35% in fertilizer distribution, 30.60% in sugar production and 17.50% in milk in the national economy.
    • However, their contribution to exports is negligible.
    • Society will benefit the smallest of farmer or artisan who has a good product but does not have access to the right platform.
    • Through this Society, they will get access to international market and good returns too.
    • Once a product has been tested for international standards, the packaging and export will be done by the Society.

     

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  • [pib] Channapatna Toys

    channapatna

    Augmented Reality of Channapatna Toys were displayed at First Movers Coalition (FMC) Leadership Meeting of the World Economic Forum.

    Channapatna Toys

    • Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys (and dolls) that are manufactured in the town of Channapatna in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka.
    • This traditional craft is protected as a geographical indication (GI) under the World Trade Organization, administered by the state govt.
    • As a result of the popularity of these toys, Channapatna is known as Gombegala Ooru (toy-town) of Karnataka.
    • Traditionally, the work involved lacquering the wood of the Wrightia tinctoria tree, colloquially called Aale mara (ivory-wood).
    • Their manufacture goes back at least 200 years according to most accounts and it has been traced to the era of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the 18th century.
    • The toys are laced with vegetable dyes and colours devoid of chemicals and hence they are safe for children.

    Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)

    • A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
    • Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
    • India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
    • GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
    • The tag stands valid for 10 years.

     

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  • Assessing the Learning of the School Children

    Context

    • The Covid pandemic had caused schools to shut down in March 2020, and India had one of the longest school closures in the world primary schools were closed for almost two years. The impact of the pandemic on the education sector was feared to be twofold learning loss associated with long school closures, and higher dropout rates, especially among older children, due to squeezed family budgets.

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    ASER survey during the pandemic

    • Assessing the learning losses: Estimates from these three state-level surveys could be used to understand the extent of children’s learning losses. These state level estimates are extremely useful as they are the only ASER estimates of learning we have between 2018 and 2022.
    • Rising learning level pre-pandemic: For the country as a whole, learning levels had been rising slowly between 2014 and 2018, after being stagnant for several years. For example, at the all-India level, the proportion of children in Class III who could read a Class II level text (a proxy for grade-level reading) had risen from 23.6 per cent in 2014 to 27.2 per cent in 2018.
    • Big fall during pandemic: ASER 2022 shows a big drop in this proportion to 20.5 per cent. This 7-percentage point fall is huge, given how slowly the all-India numbers move and confirms fears of large learning losses caused by the pandemic.
    • Higher losses in math: In math also, learning levels had risen slowly between 2014 and 2018. The 2022 estimates show a drop here as well although much smaller than in the case of reading.

    Case study of three states- Karnataka Chhattisgarh and West Bengal

    • Assess learning levels in three states: Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal in 2021, when schools were still closed or had just reopened. While these are not national estimates, they provide an interim measurement that is more reflective of pandemic-induced learning losses than the estimates for 2022.
    • Reading and math losses: Across all three states, there were large learning losses in both reading and math in 2021 in excess of 7 percentage points, except in the case of Std V in West Bengal. The loss in reading is a little higher, though not by much.
    • Learning losses was much below 2014 levels: In both reading and math, the 2021 learning levels in these three states fell below their 2014 levels. A year later, ASER 2022 data shows that across all three states, there has been a recovery in both reading and math (except Karnataka in reading and West Bengal in reading in Std V) after schools reopened in 2021-22.
    • Recovery still below pandemic: In other words, while the 2022 learning levels were still below or in some cases close to the 2018 levels, comparing 2018 with 2022 hides the dramatic fall in learning levels observed between these two points and the subsequent recovery that has happened in the last year.

     Impact of New Education Policy

    • Focus on foundational competency: Another big development during 2020-21 was the introduction of the new National Education Policy (NEP) in 2020. For the first time, there was a big focus on the early years and the importance of foundational competencies.
    • Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN): Once schools reopened, states moved quickly and almost all states have made a major push in the area of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) under the NIPUN Bharat mission (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy). This push is reflected in the ASER 2022 data.
    • Directive for NEP Implementation: As part of the survey, ASER field investigators visited one government school in each of the sampled village to record enrolment, attendance and school facilities. This year we also asked whether schools had received any directive from the government to implement FLN activities in the school and whether teachers had been trained on FLN. At the all-India level, 81 per cent schools responded that they had received such a directive and 83 per cent said that at least one teacher in the school had been trained on FLN.

    Recovery of learning losses

    • Partial recovery in some states: Extrapolating from the experience of the three states for which we have 2021 data, we can assume that other states also experienced large learning losses during the pandemic. However, once schools reopened, states made a concerted effort to build or re-build foundational competencies, which has resulted in a partial and in some cases, a full recovery.
    • Earliest open, recovered faster: The extent of the recovery varies across states depending on how long their schools were closed as well as when they initiated learning recovery measures. For instance, Chhattisgarh was one of the earliest states to reopen their primary schools in July 2021, giving them a longer period to work with children, as compared to, for instance, Himachal Pradesh or Maharashtra, where schools reopened much later.
    • Remarkable recovery by Chhattisgarh: Taking into account the 2021 figures, the 2022 estimates for Chhattisgarh point to a remarkable recovery, in both reading and math, that is hidden if we just compare 2022 with 2018.
    • Lack of data for many states: In the absence of a 2021 measurement for other states, it is difficult to say what the original pandemic-induced learning loss was from which states are aiming to recover.

    Conclusion

    • As per the ASER survey learning losses of the student have been recovered quickly than expected. NEP looks very promising for better learning outcomes for children and college students. Every state and union territory should implement the NEP in its entirety.

    Mains Question

    Q. Analyze the learning outcomes and recovery of children based on ASER survey. What is impact of NEP on recovery of learning outcome after pandemic?

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  • Much Needed Amendments in WHO

    Context

    • India has proposed several amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) that take into account the socio-economic development of states, promote One Health, among other things.

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    What are the amendments proposed by India?

    • International Health Regulations: The country advocated implementing IHR to be in accordance with (the) common but differentiated responsibilities of the States Parties, taking into consideration their social and economic development.
    • Assessing human+ animal health: It also recommended assessing human health in congruence with animal and environment health to promote One Health.
    • Public health alert: India also sought a provision for an intermediate public health alert in the event where an outbreak doesn’t yet meet the criteria for a public health emergency of international concern but requires timely mitigating measures.

    Impact of COVID 19 on proposed amendments

    • Equitable access demand: Drawing on the learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic, India argues for “equitable access to medical countermeasures.”
    • Accountability of WHO: India also sought greater accountability from the World Health Organization (WHO) in how the IHR is implemented and whether Member States are complying.
    • Reporting to WHA: It proposed the Director-General report all activities under the IHR to the World Health Assembly (WHA), particular instances when Member States did not share information.

    Support from other countries

    • Some developed and developing countries: Other countries which made submissions included Armenia, Brazil, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Namibia, New Zealand, Russia and Switzerland, among others.
    • Support from Arica: Eswatini also made suggestions to the IHR amendments on behalf of the WHO Africa Region.
    • Other issues are also raised: It included issues surrounding intellectual property, licensing, transfer of technology and know-how for diversification of production.

    What is the common demand from developing countries?

    • Equitable access to health: Equity has emerged as the common focal point in demands made by developing countries. Equitable access to the health products, international financing mechanisms, strengthening health systems, access and benefit sharing mechanisms and tailoring responsibilities based on a country’s capacity are some of the key features.
    • Similar demand by executive board: The WHO’s executive board, in its sixth meeting last January, had noted that IHR amendment “should be limited in scope and address specific and clearly identified issues, challenges, including equity,
    • Universal protection from disease: Other demands include, technological or other developments, or gaps that could not effectively be addressed otherwise but are critical to supporting effective implementation and compliance of the International Health Regulations (2005), and their universal application for the protection of all people of the world from the international spread of disease in an equitable manner”.

    What are the opposition from developed countries?

    • Equity only for pandemic: Amendments proposed by developed countries seem to evade the equity demand. The European Union’s policy, for instance, noted equity principles should only be applicable for pandemic-scale health emergencies.
    • Non-pandemic health emergency doesn’t need equity: This terminology, in effect, excludes health emergencies that are not officially declared a pandemic. The argument being that outbreaks at the scale of COVID-19 occur occasionally.
    • Pandemic specific capacities cannot be generalized: Capacities developed solely for pandemic response cannot therefore be put in use regularly and this will further result in the deterioration of the capacities as well.

    Conclusion

    • As per the current suggestions, the new regulations should make developed countries and WHO more responsible towards developing countries, put in place stricter mandates, swift action and regular implementation review by WHO.

    Mains Question

    Q. What are the amendments suggested by India for WHO? Why there is opposition from developed countries for demand of equity by developing countries?

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  • [Sansad TV] Medical Devices Industry in Sunshine Sector

    [Sansad TV] Medical Devices Industry in Sunshine Sector

    What are Sunshine Industries?
    Sunrise industry is a colloquial term for a burgeoning sector or business in its infancy stage showing promise of a rapid boom. They are typically characterized by high growth rates, numerous start-ups, and an abundance of venture capital funding.

    Medical Device Industry in India

    • This has been recognized as a key industry under the Make in India initiative and accorded the status of ―Sunshine Sector.
    • Vaccines, drugs and medical devices are the three vital pillars of the modern healthcare industry.
    • The current market size of the medical devices sector in India is estimated to be USD 11 billion and its share in the global medical device market is estimated to be 1.5%.
    • India is the 4th largest market for medical devices in Asia after Japan, China and South Korea and is amongst the top 20 markets in the world.
    • Indian medical devices industry has potential to reach 50 billion dollars by 2030.

    Segments of medical devices

    medical devices

    There are different segments into which the medical device industry is classified based on the type of products produced.

    • Equipment and instruments: They contribute largely to the total market share and include devices like ophthalmic instruments, dental products, medical and surgical sterilizers, and therapeutic respiration apparatus.
    • Diagnostic imaging: The total market share of this segment is the second and categorizes devices like electro-diagnostic apparatus, radiation apparatus, and imaging parts and accessories.
    • Patient aids: This segment mainly depends on orthopaedic and prosthetics, portable aids, wheelchairs, and hospital furniture and these contribute to a small amount of the total market share.
    • Consumables and implants: These are devices that are used internally or for injecting into the patient, such as syringes, needles, catheters, bandages, suturing materials, etc., and a percentage of it contributing to the total market share is managed by these devices.

    Push factors for growth

    • India’s population and life expectancy: It is expected to reach 1.45 billion by 2028, making it the world’s most populated country.  Life expectancy in India is anticipated to rise to 70 years by 2025, up from the current 67.5 years.
    • Disease Burden Shift: In India, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for half of the disease burden and 60% of all deaths.
    • Preferences changes: Increasing health knowledge, a shift in attitudes toward preventative healthcare, and an increase in the occurrence of lifestyle disorders
    • Increasing Disposable Income: By 2026, 8% of Indians will earn over $12,000 per year. Over the next ten years, 73 million Indian households will enter the middle class, increasing their purchasing power, including in the area of medical devices.
    • Health insurance reforms: About 20% of Indians are covered by health insurance. With increased affluence and urbanization, this number is anticipated to rise.
    • Medical Tourism: It is on the rise in India, because of the relatively low cost of medical care. It contributes more than $2 billion to India’s healthcare market.
    • Infrastructure Development: India is planning for more medical device parks. It has a dedicated PLI Scheme in this regard.
    • Policy Support and Incentives: 100% FDI authorized in Greenfield and brownfield projects, lower entry hurdles than other industries, and a varied and vibrant start-up ecosystem.
    • Make in India boost: The medical device industry in India attained independent status after the launch of the “Make in India” program in 2014 under the government scheme. 

    Technology surge and medical devices

    • Big Data: Medical devices provide enormous amounts of vital, timely data that can have a big clinical impact. Predictive analytics models based on ‘Big Data’ can assist physicians get helpful insights while also improving the quality of care and patient outcomes.
    • Wearable Devices: Due to their ease of use, wearable such as glucose monitors, exercise trackers, and wearable for mental health are becoming increasingly popular among Indian customers.
    • Surgical Robotics: Robotics is one of the most fascinating and rapidly increasing areas of healthcare, with potential innovations ranging from robot companions to exoskeletons. In healthcare, robot companions can help alleviate loneliness, cure mental health difficulties, and even assist children with chronic illnesses.
    • Startups: India has around 250 active medical technology startups. Between 2011 and 2020, Indian health-tech and digital health startups raised over $2 billion, including 500+ investments into 340+ companies. Over the last decade, there have been more than 70 successful exits.
    • Home Healthcare: This has the potential to save up to 65 percent of unnecessary hospital visits in India while also lowering hospital expenditures by 20%. By 2027, it is predicted to increase at a CAGR of 19.2%, reaching $ 21.3 billion.

    Regulatory mechanism in India

    • Legacy laws: After 1970 the government took control through the Indian Patent Act 1970 and Drug Price Control Order and gradually Indian companies started emerging.
    • Regulatory authorities: The Government of India has introduced Medical Device Regulation which has the task to regulate the manufacturing and marketing of medical devices and the authorities governing it are:
    • Central Drug Standards Control Organization:  Main regulatory body for pharmaceuticals and medical devices
    • Drug Controller General in India: He/She is the crucial official under CDSCO
    • Drugs & Cosmetic Act and Rules: This governs the manufacture, import, sales and distribution of medical devices

    Various challenges to this sector

    • Quality assurance: India has only 18 certified medical device testing laboratories that have been approved by the CDSCO and that is grossly insufficient keeping in view the size of the country.
    • Demand-supply gap: There is a huge gap in the current demand and supply of medical devices in India and this provides a significant opportunity for manufacturing devices in India.
    • Nascent industry: Around 65 percent of Indian manufacturers are domestic operators in the consumables sector, catering mostly to domestic consumption with negligible exports.
    • MNC monopoly: With vast service networks, large multinational corporations dominate the high-tech end of the Medical Devices industry in India.
    • Overpricing: To substantiate, let’s consider the example of stents or knee or hip implants. This needs no explanation!

    Policy Boost

    • Medical Device Parks Promotion Scheme: The government has approved the establishment of four medical device parks to offer shared infrastructure, build a healthy ecosystem for medical device manufacture, and lower manufacturing costs.
    • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: The PLI scheme for Promoting Domestic Manufacturing of Medical Devices and for Pharmaceuticals (PLI 2.0) were introduced to help India achieve its goal of becoming a worldwide medical device manufacturing powerhouse.
    • Draft National Policy for Medical Devices, 2022: The Medical Devices Rules (MDR) 2017 govern clinical research, manufacturing, importation, sale, and distribution of medical devices. The gadgets are divided into four categories in accordance with international standards.
    • QA mechanism: In June 2021, the Quality Council of India (QCI) and the Association of Indian Manufacturers of Medical Devices (AiMeD) launched the Indian Certification of Medical Devices (ICMED) 13485 Plus scheme to undertake verification of the quality, safety and efficacy of medical devices

    Need for a concrete policy

    • Policy vacuum: India’s medical devices sector has so far been regulated as per provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940, and a specific policy on medical devices has been a long-standing demand from the industry.
    • Meaningful expense on R&D: The policy also aims to increase India’s per capita spend on medical devices. India has one of the lowest per capita spend on medical devices at $3, compared to the global average of per capita consumption of $47.
    • Reducing import dependence: With the new policy, the government aims to reduce India’s import dependence from 80 per cent to nearly 30 per cent in the next 10 years.
    • Becoming a global hub: It aims to become one of the top five global manufacturing hubs for medical devices by 2047.
    • Domestic manufacturing of high-end products: Indian players in the space have so far typically focussed on low-cost and low-tech products, like consumables and disposables, leading to a higher value share going to foreign companies.

    Way forward

    • Infrastructure boost: Having adequate common infrastructure including accredited laboratories in various regions of the country for standard testing will significantly encourage local manufacturers to get their products tested for standard. 
    • Surveillance System: There is a dire need for developing a robust IT-enabled feedback-driven post-market surveillance system for medical devices to evaluate their efficiency.
    • Validation Centre: Setting up government-run, common medical device testing facilities in PPP mode for testing/evaluating medical devices. 
    • Skill Development: There is a need to set up committees and representation through the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) and the Healthcare Sector Skill Council.
    • R&D: Development of incubation centres, setting up an IP exchange where technologies can be showcased and licensed for commercial benefits.  
    • Synergy with State governments: Health Ministry needs to work in synergy with State governments and impart the necessary skills to the local medical device officers and also devise a mechanism.
    • 3As: Accessibility, availability and affordability must be at the core objectives for focusing on self-sustainability, innovation and growth in the medical devices sector.

    With inputs from:

    https://rjptonline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacy%20and%20Technology;PID=2019-12-12-57

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  • 19th Jan 2023 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    19th Jan 2023 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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  • Highlights of ASER 2022

    aser

    Pratham’s Annual Survey of Education Report (ASER) 2022 — the first full-fledged one after the pandemic has now been published.

    ASER Survey

    • This is an annual survey (published by the education non-profit Pratham) that aims to provide reliable estimates of children’s enrolment and basic learning levels for each district and state in India.
    • ASER has been conducted every year since 2005 in all rural districts of India. It is the largest citizen-led survey in India.
    • It is also the only annual source of information on children’s learning outcomes available in India.
    • The survey is usually done once in two years.

    How is the survey conducted?

    • ASER tools and procedures are designed by ASER Centre, the research and assessment arm of Pratham.
    • The survey itself is coordinated by ASER Centre and facilitated by the Pratham network. It is conducted by close to 30,000 volunteers from partner organizations in each district.
    • All kinds of institutions partner with ASER: colleges, universities, NGOs, youth groups, women’s organizations, self-help groups, and others.
    • The ASER model has been adapted for use in several countries around the world: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Pakistan, Mali, and Senegal.

    Assessment parameters

    • Unlike most other large-scale learning assessments, ASER is a household-based rather than school-based survey.
    • This design enables all children to be included – those who have never been to school or have dropped out, as well as those who are in government schools, private schools, religious schools or anywhere else.
    • In each rural district, 30 villages are sampled. In each village, 20 randomly selected households are surveyed.
    • Information on schooling status is collected for all children living in sampled households who are in the age group 3-16.
    • Children in the age group 5-16 are tested in basic reading and basic arithmetic. The same test is administered to all children.
    • The highest level of reading tested corresponds to what is expected in std 2; in 2012 this test was administered in 16 regional languages.
    • In recent years, this has included household size, parental education, and some information on household assets.

    Highlights of ASER 2022

    The ASER 2022 report, which surveyed 6.99 lakh children aged 3 to 16 across 616 rural districts, however, bears some good news. School-level enrolment continues to grow strong and fewer girls are now out of school.

    (1) Enrolment

    • India has recorded a 95% enrolment for the last 15 years in the 6-14 age group.
    • Despite the pandemic forced school closure, the figure rose from 97.2% in 2018 to 98.4% in 2022.
    • Only 1.6% children are now not enrolled.
    • There is a clear increase in government school (6-14) enrolment across states — it rose from 65.6% in 2018 to 72.9% in 2022.
    • This is contrast to the trend in the 2006-14 period, which marked a steady decline in government school enrolment for the 6-14 age group.
    • From 10.3% of 11-14 year old girls not enrolled in schools in 2006, the proportion came down to 4.1% in 2018 and is at 2% in 2022. Save Uttar Pradesh, where it is at 4%, the number is lower across states.

    (2) Learning Loss

    • The ASER 2022 report says that children’s basic reading ability has dropped to ‘pre2012 levels, reversing the slow improvement achieved in the intervening years’.
    • The decline is seen across gender and across both government and private schools and is more acute in lower grades.
    • Percentage of children in Class III in govt or private schools who can read at Class II level dropped from 27.3% in 2018 to 20.5% in 2022.
    • Class V students who can at least read a Class II level text fell from 50.5% in 2018 to 42.8% in 2022.
    • Nationally, 69.6% of Class VIII students can read at least basic text in 2022, falling from 73% in 2018.

    (3) Arithmetic abilities

    • Students in Class III who are able to at least do subtraction dropped from 28.2% in 2018 to 25.9% in 2022.
    • For Class V, students who can do division has also fallen from 27.9% in 2018 to 25.6% in 2022.
    • Class VIII has done better with an improvement recorded — proportion of children who can do division has increased from 44.1% in 2018 to 44.7% in 2022.
    • ASER says that this increase is driven by improved outcomes among girls as well as among children enrolled in government schools, whereas boys and children enrolled in private schools show a decline over 2018 levels.

    (4) Tuition dependency

    • Rural India has been reporting an uptick in Class I-VIII paid tuition classes and it has moved up from 26.4% in 2018 to 30.5% in 2022.
    • In UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand, the proportion of children taking paid private tuition increased by 8 percentage points.

    (5) English proficiency

    • ASER recorded English abilities last in 2016 and the trend stays similar till date.
    • Children’s ability to read simple English sentences was at 24.7% in 2016 and is found at 24.5% in 2022.
    • Class VIII has shown some improvement from 45.3% in 2016 to 46.7% in 2022.
    • Children’s basic reading ability has dropped to pre-2012 levels, reversing the slow improvement achieved in the intervening years, while the basic maths skills have declined to 2018 levels nationally.

    (6) Schools improvement

    • Average teacher attendance increased from 85.4% in 2018 to 87.1% in 2022, while average student attendance persists at 72% as before.
    • Textbooks had been distributed to all grades in 90.1% of primary schools and in 84.4% of upper primary schools.
    • Fraction of schools with useable girls’ toilets increased from 66.4% in 2018 to 68.4% in 2022.
    • There were 76% schools with drinking water facilities compared with 74.85% in 2018, but there are interstate variations.
    • In 2022, 68.9% schools had a playground, up slightly from 66.5% in 2018.

    Way forward

    • In the past 10 years, we’ve seen improvement, but it has been in small bits. So it means that we really need to shake up things.
    • It is a critical thing for improving the productivity of the country. Business as usual is not going to work.
    • Again, it’s not a new message, but it’s a message that needs to be reiterated.
    • There are Anganwadi everywhere and their enrollment has gone up. Integration between the Anganwadi system and the school system is urgently needed because the work starts there.

     

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  • TRAI’s Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) Proposal

    cnap

    Telecom operators have expressed concerns over user privacy on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) proposal.

    Calling Name Presentation (CNAP)

    • Under this phones would need to display the name of a caller, by extracting the name of the telecom subscriber from their SIM registration data.
    • The feature would provide the called individual with information about the calling party (similar to ‘Truecaller’ and ‘Bharat Caller ID & Anti-Spam’).
    • The idea is to ensure that telephone subscribers are able to make an informed choice about incoming calls and curb harassment by unknown or spam callers.

    Why need CNAP?

    • Securing important calls: Genuine calls should not get unanswered. Hence proper system is solicited.
    • Blocking of spammers: Since subscribers are not given the name and identity of the caller, they may choose not to answer them believing it could be commercial communication from unregistered telemarketers.
    • Rise of robocalls: There have been rising concerns about robocalls (calls made automatically using IT-enabled systems with a pre-recorded voice), spam calls and fraudulent calls.

    What are the proposed models? 

    The regulator has proposed four models for facilitating the CNAP mechanism-

    1. TSPs operating CNAP database: The first model involves each telecom service provider (TSP) establishing and operating a CNAP database of its subscribers. Here, the caller’s TSP would have to extract the relevant data from its own database.
    2. Database sharing: In the second model, the operator of the calling entity shares its CNAP database with the receiver’s operator. The difference here is that the calling operator would permit the receiver’s operator to access its database for the caller’s CNAP data.
    3. Creating a Centralised database: The onus rests on the receiver’s operator to delve into the centralized database to retrieve and present the caller’s data. This model is similar to a plan envisaged by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in 2018, involving the setting up of a Digital Intelligence Unit at the central level.
    4. Centralized CNAP database: TSP retains a copy of a synchronized central database operated by a third party. It works this way: the call is facilitated as per the routine procedure, and since the receiver’s operator has access to both the centralized and their own database, the lookup is, therefore, internal.

    Issues involved

    • Latency: The regulator has said that latency in setting up the call must be ensured and CNAP must be inter-operable. The responsiveness might also suffer when moving from a faster wireless network (4G or 5G) to a comparatively slower one (2G or 3G), or vice-versa.
    • Privacy Issue: It is not clear how the CNAP mechanism would balance the caller’s right to remain anonymous, an essential component of the right to privacy. To put it into perspective, an individual may opt to remain anonymous for multiple reasons, for example, whistle-blowers or employees being harassed.
    • Gendered impact: The proposal may particularly harm women. The service will display a woman subscriber’s name and data, to every calling party whether or not she consents to it.
    • Data sharing without consent: We have to see it in parallel with The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (2022) which has a clause on deemed consent lacking adequate safeguards including sharing of data with third parties.
    • Implementation loopholes: Marketers have figured out newer ways to circumvent the existing framework. Previously, telemarketers were required to be registered as promotional numbers. Now they have started deploying people not necessarily part of the entity’s set-up, but rather “at-home workers”.

    Way forward

    • Innovative solution: TRAI must build an interface that is user-friendly and in turn, an effective mechanism.
    • Spam identification: Active participation from the subscribers would ensure that spammers are rightly identified and are unable to make further calls.
    • Digital literacy: The government must also invest in digital literacy, skilling citizen’s to navigate and use the tech better, ensuring they do not share their data indiscriminately and are informed about dangers such as financial fraud and spoofing.

     

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