💥Mains Ready By December. Smash Mains & Smash PYQ Admissions Open
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Subject: Governance

Important aspects of Society

  • PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Empowering Traditional Craftspeople

    vishwakarma

    Central Idea

    • The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched by the Centre on September 17, has received over 21 lakh applications in two and a half months, data from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) show.

    PM Vishwakarma Scheme

    • The PM Vishwakarma Scheme boasts an impressive allocation of Rs 13,000 crore, fully funded by the Central government.
    • It aims to benefit individuals predominantly from the OBC community engaged in traditional skills and crafts such as carpentry, gold-smithing, masonry, laundry services, and more.
    • The scheme derives its name from Vishwakarma, a revered figure in Hindu mythology known as the architect of the gods.
    • Vishwakarma was the divine carpenter and master craftsman responsible for crafting the gods’ weapons, building their cities and chariots.
    • He is considered the patron deity of workers, artisans, and artists.

    Eligibility for the Scheme

    • Supported Sectors: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme extends assistance to families associated with 18 diverse sectors, including carpentry, boat making, blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, and more.
    • Registration: Vishwakarma workers can register for free through Common Services Centres using the biometric-based PM Vishwakarma portal.

    Features of the Scheme

    • Recognition: Workers will receive recognition through the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
    • Skill Upgradation: The scheme offers basic and advanced training to enhance skills.
    • Toolkit Incentive: Artisans receive a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000.
    • Credit Support: Collateral-free credit support is provided up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%.
    • Digital Transactions: Incentives for digital transactions and marketing support are available.
    • Knowledge Enhancement: A toolkit booklet, available in 12 Indian languages with accompanying videos, helps workers stay updated on new technologies in their field.
    • Skill Training Stipend: Artisans can benefit from a stipend of Rs 500 for skill training and Rs 1,500 for purchasing modern tools.
    • Coverage: The scheme aims to cover five lakh families in the first year and 30 lakh families over five years.
    • Global Integration: It also seeks to integrate Vishwakarma into domestic and global value chains.

    Need for such scheme

    • Traditional craftsmen and skilled artisans, often taught these crafts by family elders, have encountered several hurdles.
    • These include a lack of professional training, access to modern tools, geographical remoteness from relevant markets, and limited capital for investment.

  • The future of healthcare is in our genes

    Gene Therapy Products: Separate Regulations? - BioProcess InternationalBioProcess International

    Central idea 

    The article underscores the transformative potential of gene and cell therapy in addressing India’s healthcare challenges, particularly genetic disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases. It emphasizes the imperative for a paradigm shift, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts, regulatory frameworks, and increased awareness to integrate these therapies into mainstream healthcare.

    Key Highlights:

    • Genetic Disorders in India: Over 40 million individuals in India suffer from genetic disorders, emphasizing the urgent need for advanced treatments like gene therapy.
    • Haemoglobinopathies: Conditions like Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia affect millions, and gene therapy offers a potential cure by addressing the root genetic mutations.
    • Cancer Treatment: With 1.16 million new cancer cases annually, gene and cell therapy, especially CAR-T therapy, present precision medicine solutions tailored to individual genetic profiles.
    • Infectious Diseases: Gene therapy shows promise in treating infectious diseases, including potential applications against viral threats like dengue, HIV/AIDS, and others.
    • Future Vision: Gene and cell therapies anticipate a future of precise and personalized treatments, reducing economic burdens associated with chronic conditions.

    Key Challenges:

    • Infrastructure Limitations: Integrating gene and cell therapy into mainstream healthcare faces challenges related to infrastructure readiness.
    • Ethical Considerations: The ethical implications of gene therapy, including issues of consent and long-term consequences, pose challenges to widespread adoption.
    • Awareness Gap: Limited awareness among healthcare professionals and the public about gene and cell therapy hinders successful integration.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Precision Medicine: Tailored medical approaches considering the unique genetic makeup of each patient.
    • Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T): Modifying a patient’s immune cells to target cancer cells, exemplifying precision medicine.
    • mRNA Vaccines: Groundbreaking gene-therapy products, as seen in Covid-19 vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
    • Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID): A genetic disorder potentially treatable with gene therapy to restore normal immune function.

    Key Quotes:

    • “Gene therapy is not just about managing symptoms — it is about rewriting the genetic code that underlies these conditions.”
    • “The imperative lies in investing in research and infrastructure to make these transformative therapies accessible to those who need them.”
    • “Gene and cell therapy are not just treatments; they are the future of healthcare.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • Haemoglobinopathies Impact: Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia affecting 40 million individuals in India.
    • Cancer Cases: Over 1.16 million new cancer cases annually, highlighting the demand for advanced treatments.
    • mRNA Vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines as groundbreaking gene-therapy products.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Demographic Impact: Genetic disorders affect millions in India, necessitating advanced treatments.
    • Cancer Statistics: Over 1.16 million new cancer cases reported annually in India.
    • Economic Burden: Gene therapy’s potential to reduce long-term healthcare costs for chronic genetic conditions.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Integration Challenges: Infrastructural and ethical challenges pose hurdles to the mainstream integration of gene and cell therapy.
    • Opportunities for Collaboration: Challenges present opportunities for collaborative efforts among scientific communities, industries, policymakers, and healthcare providers.
    • Need for Awareness: Limited awareness emphasizes the importance of enhancing awareness among healthcare professionals and the public for successful integration.

    Way Forward:

    • Collaborative Efforts: Encourage collaboration between scientific communities, industries, policymakers, and healthcare providers to overcome challenges.
    • Regulatory Frameworks: Develop regulatory frameworks balancing innovation with ethical considerations to guide gene therapy integration.
    • Research and Development: Invest in research and development to advance gene and cell therapy, addressing infrastructure limitations and ethical concerns.
    • Public Awareness: Foster awareness among healthcare professionals and the public to ensure successful integration into the broader healthcare landscape.

  • Advisory issued against drug ‘Meftal’

    Central Idea

    • Pharma standard body Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued a drug safety alert for commonly used painkiller mefenamic acid, popularly sold under the brand name Meftal.

    What is Meftal used for?

    • Meftal 500, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is usually prescribed in treatment for conditions like menstrual pain, headache, muscle, joint, or dental pain.
    • It has been advised to take the table with food.
    • The most common side effects of the medicine include mild vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, headache, and dizziness.

    What does the alert against Meftal say?

    • IPC stated that a preliminary analysis of adverse drug reactions from the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) database revealed drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome.
    • DRESS, also known as drug induced hypersensitivity syndrome, is an adverse drug reaction that can even be life threatening.
    • It may cause damage to several organs, especially to the kidneys, heart, lungs, and pancreas.
    • The mortality rate is high and is about 10 per cent.

    Back2Basics: Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)

    Details
    Establishment 1956,

    An autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
    Primary Objective To promote public health by setting and updating standards for drug quality in India.
    Key Publication Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), a legally recognized book of drug standards.
    Role in Drug Regulation Standards set in the IP are enforceable by law, crucial for India’s drug regulatory framework.
    International Recognition Collaborates with WHO and aligns with global drug standards.
    Pharmacovigilance Program Involved in monitoring and analyzing adverse drug reactions through the PvPI.
    Quality Control & Training Engages in drug quality control and provides training to regulatory bodies and the pharmaceutical industry.
    Publication Updates Periodically updates the IP to include new drugs and revise existing standards.
    Collaboration Works with the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and regulatory bodies.
    Global Harmonization Aims to harmonize the IP with international pharmacopoeias like the USP and BP.

  • Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and Its Implications

    Central Idea

    • The Odisha Government invoked its Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA) prohibiting strikes by paramedical staff, including nurses, pharmacists and technicians to ensure that medical services are not disrupted.

    About Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA)

    • Description: The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) is a significant piece of legislation enacted by the Parliament in 1968.
    • Constitutional Placement: It falls under list no. 33 in the 7th schedule under the concurrent list of the Indian Constitution.
    • Purpose: ESMA is primarily used by states to manage strikes by employees, especially in essential services.
    • Essential Services: The Act empowers the government to designate any economic activity or service as ‘essential’, where disruption would impact the normal life of people.

    Provisions and Powers under ESMA

    • Police Authority: The Act grants police the authority to arrest protestors without a warrant if they violate the provisions of ESMA.
    • State-Specific Provisions: Each Indian state has its unique version and provisions of the ESMA.

    Right to Strike in Context

    • Worker’s Basic Right: Striking is a fundamental means for workers to legitimately promote and defend their economic and social interests.
    • Legal Status: While the right to protest is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, the right to strike is a legal right with certain restrictions.
    • Industrial Dispute Act 1947: This act outlines the legal framework and restrictions for strikes, especially in public sectors and essential services.
    • Restrictions in Specific Sectors: Strikes are particularly restricted for public sector employees, banking, oil, metropolitan transport, and education sectors under state jurisdiction.

    International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Right to Strike

    • ILO’s Stance: The ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association has established principles regarding the right to strike.
    • Essential Services Definition: Essential services are those whose interruption could endanger the life, safety, or health of part or all of the population.
    • Examples of Essential Services: The committee identifies sectors like hospitals, electricity, water supply, telephone services, and air traffic control as essential services.
    • Restriction on Strikes: Employees in these essential services are generally not permitted to strike.

    Problems and Criticisms of ESMA

    • Irresponsible Use: The Act has been criticized for its sometimes irresponsible and unwise implementation.
    • Suppression of Democratic Rights: ESMA is seen as monopolizing power and suppressing the democratic rights of stakeholders, particularly the right to protest or strike.
    • Government’s Overpowering Role: Critics argue that ESMA dangerously skews the balance in industrial relations towards the government in the public sector.

    Conclusion

    • Debate on ESMA’s Role: The Essential Services Maintenance Act remains a contentious topic, balancing the need for uninterrupted essential services with the rights of workers to strike.
    • Need for Responsible Implementation: Responsible and democratic application of ESMA is crucial to maintain this balance.
    • Ongoing Discussions: The Act continues to spark debate about the extent of government power and the protection of workers’ rights in essential sectors.

  • India’s alarming ‘fixed dose combination’ problem

    Antimicrobial resistance is rising in India, says ICMR report | Mumbai News - Times of India

    Central idea 

    The study reveals a startling prevalence of unapproved and banned Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) of antibiotics in India, posing risks of antimicrobial resistance. The pharmaceutical industry’s exploitation of FDCs to evade regulations, coupled with regulatory inefficiencies, calls for urgent interventions to safeguard public health

    Key Highlights:

    • Alarming Prevalence: In 2020, 60.5% of antibiotics in India were unapproved FDCs, with an additional 9.9% banned, raising concerns about antimicrobial resistance.
    • Patient Compliance vs. Risks: FDCs, aimed at improving patient adherence, pose risks due to potential interactions between combined drugs, necessitating a stringent approval process.
    • Pharmaceutical Industry’s Strategy: Exploitation of FDCs allows the industry to evade drug price regulations, contributing to the proliferation of irrational combinations.

    Key Challenges:

    • Regulatory Framework Inefficiency: Continued sale of unapproved FDCs highlights regulatory inefficiency, allowing non-compliance despite existing legal provisions.
    • Reactive Regulatory Measures: Reliance on Section 26A orders reveals a reactive rather than proactive regulatory approach, indicating systemic challenges.

    Key Terms:

    • Fixed Dose Combination (FDC): Combinations of multiple drugs in a single dosage form, potentially affecting drug interactions and therapeutic efficacy.
    • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): The ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of medications, posing a global health threat.

    Key Phrases:

    • Pharmaceutical Industry’s Exploitation: The strategic use of FDCs to avoid regulatory scrutiny undermines the integrity of drug pricing and quality.
    • Ineffectiveness of Regulatory Measures: Despite legal provisions, the regulatory system relies on reactive prohibitions rather than proactive prevention.

    Key Quotes:

    • “Unapproved FDCs may contribute to the AMR problem in India.”
    • “The pharmaceutical industry gets to provide its own standards for government testing of FDCs.”

    Key Statements:

    • Extent of the Issue: The study underscores the alarming prevalence of unapproved and banned FDCs in India, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory intervention.
    • Industry Motives: The article critically examines the pharmaceutical industry’s profit-driven motives, exposing the imbalance between pseudo-innovation for profit and genuine drug development.
    • Regulatory Challenges: Scrutiny of regulatory challenges and legal inconsistencies indicates a systemic failure in ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Academic Study: Reference to the academic study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice (2023) highlighting the extent of unapproved FDCs.
    • Historical Context: Tracing the issue back to 1978 and subsequent regulatory amendments provides context to the ongoing challenges.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Industry Practices: The article critically examines the pharmaceutical industry’s motives, highlighting the imbalance between pseudo-innovation for profit and genuine drug development.
    • Regulatory Challenges: Scrutiny of regulatory challenges and legal inconsistencies indicates a systemic failure in ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.

    Way Forward:

    • Urgent Regulatory Actions: Emphasizes the need for regulatory actions to address the menace of unapproved and banned FDCs, preventing potential contributions to antimicrobial resistance.
    • Proactive Regulatory Framework: Calls for a proactive regulatory framework that prioritizes public health over industry interests and plugs existing legal loopholes.

  • [pib] Panchayat Development Index (PDI)

    Central Idea

    • The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is leading the effort to localize Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
    • A report on the Panchayat Development Index (PDI) has been released to evaluate the progress of grassroots institutions in achieving Localized SDGs (LSDGs).

    About Panchayat Development Index (PDI)

    • PDI is a comprehensive, multi-domain, and multi-sectoral index designed to assess the holistic development, performance, and progress of panchayats.
    • It incorporates various socio-economic indicators to measure the well-being and development status of local communities under a panchayat’s jurisdiction.
    • PDI is crucial for evaluating performance and tracking progress in the localization of Sustainable Development Goals in rural areas.
    • The Index is based on a framework of local indicators encompassing nine themes related to sustainable development in villages.

    Nine Themes of PDI

    1. Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihood in Village
    2. Healthy Village
    3. Child-Friendly Village
    4. Water-Sufficient Village
    5. Clean and Green Village
    6. Village with Self-Sufficient Infrastructure
    7. Socially Just and Secured Villages
    8. Village with Good Governance
    9. Women-Friendly Village

    Ranking and Grading System

    Panchayats are ranked based on their scores and categorized into four grades:

    1. Grade A+: Scores above 90%
    2. Grade A: Scores between 75-90%
    3. Grade B: Scores between 60-75%
    4. Grade C: Scores between 40-60%
    5. Grade D: Scores under 40%

    Significance of the Panchayat Development Index

    • Insightful Analysis: PDI provides critical insights into areas needing improvement in rural jurisdictions.
    • Identifying Disparities: It helps in pinpointing disparities and the achievement of development goals.
    • Policy Formulation: The Index aids in creating targeted policies and interventions to enhance the well-being and quality of life in rural communities.

  • SC approves extension of Delhi Chief Secretary: Why governments keep their favourite bureaucrats

     

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi

    Central idea 

    The Supreme Court’s approval of a six-month extension for Delhi’s Chief Secretary, Naresh Kumar, sparks debates on judicial intervention in administrative decisions. Amid corruption allegations and public scrutiny, the extension raises broader questions about retirement age and the need for transparent benchmarks in recognizing exemplary service.

    Key Highlights:

    • Supreme Court’s Approval: The Supreme Court sanctioned a six-month extension for Delhi’s Chief Secretary, Naresh Kumar, deeming it compliant with existing rules.
    • Common Practice: Granting extensions to top officers is not new and offers a sense of continuity and familiarity for the government.
    • Legislation and Justification: The All India Services Act permits exceptions for extensions, and the impending general elections in Delhi provide justification for the decision.
    • Legal Considerations: The legality of the 2023 amendment to the NCT Act, determining authority over services, remains under scrutiny by the Supreme Court.

    Key Challenges:

    • Corruption Allegations: Accusations of corruption against Naresh Kumar and his son have significantly impacted public perception and raised concerns about the extension.
    • Judicial Involvement Debate: The judiciary’s intervention in administrative matters has sparked debates about its role and authority in such decisions.
    • Broader Questions: The practice of granting extensions prompts broader discussions about retirement age and the need for transparent benchmarks for recognizing service.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • All India Services Act
    • NCT Act
    • Chief Secretary
    • All-India Services
    • Continuity and familiarity
    • Transparency and benchmarks
    • Retirement age

    Key Quotes:

    • “Why can’t the CM and LG resolve the issue together?” – Supreme Court
    • “An extension here or there? In the larger scheme, those who govern have more to gain by giving extensions than run the risk of disrupting carefully laid plans with newcomers.” – Author

    Critical Analysis:

    The extension of Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar’s term, while legally sound as per the Supreme Court, has ignited debates about the judiciary’s role in administrative matters. Corruption allegations and public perception challenges highlight the complexities of such decisions. The practice of extensions triggers broader discussions on retirement age and the necessity for transparent criteria to recognize exemplary service.

    Way Forward:

    • Reevaluation: Reassess the practice of extensions, considering transparent benchmarks and criteria for recognizing exceptional service.
    • Retirement Age Consideration: Explore the potential of pushing up the retirement age for All India Services.
    • Public Trust Maintenance: Address public concerns and strike a balance between administrative decisions and judicial scrutiny.

  • Rajya Sabha passes Post Office Bill  

    Central Idea

    • Rajya Sabha passed the Post Office Bill, which repeals and replaces the Post Office Act of 1898.
    • The 1898 Act has seen significant amendment proposals over the years, including the 1986 Bill for aligning interception grounds with constitutional restrictions, which was not assented to by the President.

    Post Office Bill, 2023: Key Features

    • Removal of Exclusive Privileges: The Bill removes the central government’s exclusive privilege over conveying letters, a significant shift from the 1898 Act.
    • Director General’s Role: The Director General of Postal Services, appointed to head India Post, will have regulatory powers, including setting tariffs and regulating postage stamps.
    • Interception Powers: The government may intercept postal articles for reasons like state security, public order, and emergency, among others.
    • Liability Exemptions: India Post is exempted from liability regarding its services, with specific liabilities to be prescribed through Rules.
    • No Specified Offences and Penalties: The Bill does not define specific offences and penalties related to postal services, following the removal of all offences under the 1898 Act by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023.

    Key Issues and Analysis

    • Procedural Safeguards for Interception: The Bill lacks procedural safeguards for intercepting postal articles, potentially infringing on freedom of speech and privacy rights.
    • ‘Emergency’ as a Ground for Interception: The inclusion of ’emergency’ as a ground for interception may exceed reasonable constitutional restrictions.
    • Conflict of Interest in Liability: The central government’s role in prescribing liabilities for India Post could lead to a conflict of interest, as it also administers India Post.
    • Absence of Offences and Penalties: The lack of defined consequences for unauthorized actions by postal officers, such as opening postal articles, raises concerns for consumer privacy.

    Comparative Analysis with Other Services

    • Differences with Private Courier Services: The Bill maintains distinct regulatory frameworks for public and private postal services, notably in interception provisions and consumer protection applicability.
    • Railway Claims Tribunal as a Contrast: Unlike the postal services, the Railway Claims Tribunal Act provides a clear mechanism for addressing grievances against the Indian Railways.

    Concerns and Recommendations

    • Need for Clarity and Safeguards: The Bill should ideally include clear procedural safeguards for interception and specify consequences for violations by postal officers to protect individual rights.
    • Balancing Consumer Protection: Ensuring adequate consumer protection rights for India Post’s services is crucial, potentially through an independent mechanism similar to the Railway Claims Tribunal.
    • Addressing Privacy and Security: The Bill should balance the need for security with the protection of individual privacy, particularly in the context of postal article interception and officer conduct.

    Conclusion

    • The Post Office Bill, 2023, represents a significant overhaul of India’s postal service regulation, aiming to modernize and adapt to contemporary needs.
    • However, it raises several critical issues, particularly concerning individual rights and the need for clear regulatory frameworks.
    • Addressing these concerns is essential to ensure that the Bill effectively serves its purpose while safeguarding fundamental rights and consumer interests.

  • How to read the NCRB 2022 Report on Crime in India?

    Central Idea

    Background of NCRB Reports

    • Origin: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) was established in January 1986 under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • Purpose: NCRB’s primary role is to compile and maintain national crime statistics, acting as a central repository for criminal data.
    • Scope: The reports encompass a wide range of criminal activities, including crimes against women, cybercrimes, economic offenses, and more.

    Data Compilation Process

    • Sources: Data is sourced from police forces of 36 states and Union Territories, and 53 cities with populations over 10 lakh as per the 2011 Census.
    • Validation: Information recorded at local police stations undergoes validation at district and state levels before final verification by the NCRB.

    Highlights from the 2022 NCRB Report

    • Overall Crimes: The report registered a total of 58,24,946 cognizable crimes, including 35,61,379 IPC crimes and 22,63,567 Special and Local Laws (SLL) crimes.
    • Crime Rate: A decline in crime rate from 445.9 in 2021 to 422.2 in 2022 per lakh population.
    • Crimes Against Women: There were 4,45,256 cases, marking a 4% increase from 2021.
    • Cyber Crimes: A significant increase of 24.4% from 2021, totaling 65,893 cases.
    • Suicides: An increase of 4.2% in suicides, totaling 1,70,924 cases in 2022.

    State-wise Data and Interpretation

    • Chargesheeting Rate: Highest in Kerala (96.0%), Puducherry (91.3%), and West Bengal (90.6%).
    • Interpretation: High chargesheet rates do not necessarily indicate higher crime rates but could reflect more efficient law enforcement.

    Challenges and Limitations of NCRB Data

    • Principal Offence Rule: This rule might lead to underreporting of certain types of crimes.
    • Data Accuracy: Local-level inefficiencies or gaps can affect the overall accuracy of the report.
    • Socio-Economic Factors: The report does not capture the deeper socio-economic reasons behind crimes.
    • Underreporting Issues: Fear of police response or societal stigma may lead to underreporting of crimes.

    Conclusion

    • Understanding the NCRB report requires recognizing its scope, methodology, and limitations.
    • While it provides crucial insights into crime trends in India, interpreting the data with an awareness of these factors is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the country’s crime dynamics.

  • Centre approves fourth phase roll-out of GIAN Scheme

    Central Idea

    • The Ministry of Education is preparing to restart the fourth phase of Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) scheme.

    Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN)

    • The GIAN was initiated in 2015.
    • It is a project under the Ministry of Education.
    • Coordinating Body: IIT Kharagpur
    • Purpose: To harness the expertise of international scientists and entrepreneurs, fostering their involvement with Indian higher education institutions.
    • This initiative aims to enhance India’s academic resources, speed up quality improvements, and raise India’s scientific and technological standards to a globally competitive level.

    Key Components of GIAN

    • Foreign experts receive an honorarium to cover their travel and other expenses.
    • These international experts/faculties conduct short-term courses in Indian institutions.
    • Initially aimed at fostering India-USA collaborations, the program later expanded its reach.
    • Course durations vary, ranging from a minimum of one week to a maximum of three weeks.
    • Foreign experts can receive a total payment of up to US$ 8000 (~ ₹7 lakh) for 12 to 14 hours of teaching and up to US$ 12000 (~ ₹12 lakh) for 20 to 28 hours, covering their travel and honorarium.