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Type: Explained

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Scientists back new Alzheimer’s drug: Benefits vs Risks

    Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: How Does Donanemab Work?

    Why in the News?

    Donanemab, a new Alzheimer’s disease therapy developed by Eli Lilly, has gained unanimous support from independent scientists advising the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), moving it closer to clinical use.

    What is Donanemab?

    • Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody, which means it is a laboratory-produced molecule designed to function like antibodies in the immune system.
    • It is specifically developed for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, including those with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia.

    How Does Donanemab Work?

    • It targets amyloid beta proteins in the brain. Amyloid beta plaques are one of the defining features of Alzheimer’s disease.
    • Mechanism of Action: The drug binds to amyloid beta plaques and promotes their removal from the brain. This action is intended to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by reducing the accumulation of these toxic plaques.

    How do the benefits of the drug stack up against its risks?

    • Target Population: The drug is intended for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia).
    • Benefits: Significant clinically meaningful slowing of the disease, allowing patients to retain their functions for a longer time. Phase 3 study shows a 35.1% slowdown in cognitive decline in early Alzheimer’s patients over 76 weeks.
    • Risks: Main adverse effects include brain swelling (24%) and brain bleeds (19.7%), with most cases being asymptomatic.Three treatment-related deaths reported.Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) like brain bleeds and seizures were mostly non-serious and resolved after discontinuation of therapy.
    • Risk Management: The key risks can be mitigated through appropriate labeling and clinical monitoring. Further risks will be characterized through post-authorization studies.

    Why is a breakthrough of this kind important?

    • Rising Burden of Alzheimer’s: The global population is ageing, leading to an increased burden of diseases like Alzheimer’s. In India, 5.3 million people are currently living with dementia, expected to rise to 14 million by 2050.
    • Lack of Effective Treatments: There are limited options for disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s. Innovations like donanemab are crucial for providing new hope and potential therapies.
    • Economic Considerations: While the drug is expensive, it offers the potential for several more years of quality life for patients.

    Why was the approval for the drug delayed?

    • Additional Data Requirements: The USFDA wanted to understand further the data relating to the therapy, especially regarding the limited dosing protocol used during trials.
    • Limited Dosing Protocol: During the trial, therapy was stopped in patients who achieved a certain level of amyloid beta plaque clearance, which is a distinguishing feature of donanemab compared to other therapies.
    • Previous Drug Approval Irregularities: Scrutiny increased after irregularities were found in the approval process of the first drug, aducanumab, which involved close collaboration between the regulator and the drugmaker and approval despite negative trial outcomes. The second drug, lecanemab, also had cautious optimism from doctors due to its demonstrated efficacy with fewer side effects.

    Conclusion: Ensure rigorous and transparent review processes for new Alzheimer’s treatments, incorporating comprehensive data analysis and post-authorization studies to monitor long-term safety and efficacy.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? (UPSC IAS/2017)

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  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    Why heatwaves have not been included as a notified disaster in the Disaster Management Act?

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Current Notified Disasters

    Mains level: Why Heatwaves Were Not Included as Notified Disasters?

    Why in the news?

    The current period of intense heat in several regions has once more sparked debates about the potential inclusion of heatwaves as officially recognized disasters under the Disaster Management (DM) Act of 2005.

    What are Notified Disasters?

    • According to the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005, a disaster is defined as a “catastrophe, mishap, calamity, or grave occurrence” arising from natural or man-made causes that result in substantial loss of life, destruction of property, or environmental damage and is beyond the coping capacity of the affected community.
    • Funds: The DM Act allows states to draw money from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for managing these disasters.
    • Current Notified Disasters: There are currently 12 categories of notified disasters: cyclones, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunamis, hailstorms, landslides, avalanches, cloudbursts, pest attacks, and frost and cold waves.

    Why Heatwaves Were Not Included as Notified Disasters?

    • Common Occurrence: Heatwaves were historically considered regular events during summer months in many parts of India. They were not seen as exceptional or unusual disasters warranting specific disaster management provisions under the DM Act, 2005.
    • Perception of Predictability: Unlike sudden-onset disasters such as earthquakes or cyclones, heatwaves were perceived as relatively predictable and part of seasonal weather patterns. This perception led to a belief that they could be managed through general public awareness and local interventions rather than formal disaster response mechanisms.
    • Not fit in definition of Disaster: When the DM Act was formulated, disasters were defined as events that caused substantial loss of life, property, or environmental damage beyond the coping capacity of the affected community. At that time, the impacts of heatwaves were typically viewed as localized health issues rather than widespread disasters.
    • Lack of Urgency: There was a lack of urgency in recognizing heatwaves as disasters requiring national-level response frameworks. The focus of disaster management efforts initially leaned towards more acute and visible calamities like cyclones, floods, and earthquakes.

    Why is the Centre Not Adding Heatwaves as a Notified Disaster Now?

    • Financial Concerns: One of the primary concerns is the potential financial burden of declaring heat waves as a notified disaster. Under the current provisions, the government is obligated to provide monetary compensation for lives lost during notified disasters, which is set at Rs 4 lakh per victim.
    • The reluctance of Finance Commissions: Despite requests from various states, the 15th Finance Commission has not recommended adding heatwaves to the list of notified disasters. They argue that the existing categories adequately cover disaster response needs, and they have provided provisions for states to utilize a portion of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for local disasters like heatwaves.

    Conclusion: Engage with the Finance Commission and other relevant bodies to reassess the inclusion of heatwaves as a notified disaster. Highlight the evolving nature of heat waves, their increasing frequency, and the need for dedicated funding and support mechanisms.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change?  (UPSC IAS/2017)

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Gender Gap Report 2024: Key Highlights

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2:

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: The Global Gender Gap Report 2024 (By World Economic Forum)

    Mains level: Key points related to India as Gender Gap Report 2024

    Why in the news?

    India’s new cabinet has only 2 women ministers, down from 10 previously. The Global Gender Gap Report 2024 (by the World Economic Forum)  ranks India third-lowest in South Asia, highlighting significant gender disparity in leadership and representation.

    Comparison of Indian Ranking with Other Countries:

    • Global Gender Gap Report 2024: India ranked 129th out of 146 economies in the overall gender gap index. Ranked third-lowest among South Asian economies, behind Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.

    Key points as Gender Gap Report 2024: 

    Economic Participation and Opportunity: 142nd, Health and Survival: 142nd, Educational Attainment: 112th, and Political Empowerment: Best rank (65th), but overall political representation remains low.

    • Political Empowerment: India performs relatively better on the head-of-state indicator (40.7%). However, women’s representation in ministerial positions (6.9%) and parliament (17.2%) is significantly lower. The region of South Asia shows high political disparity, with Nepal leading in ministerial representation (23.5%).
    • Educational Attainment: Despite high enrollment rates in primary, secondary, and tertiary education for women, the gap in literacy rate between men and women is significant (17.2 percentage points). India ranks 112th globally in this indicator.
    • Economic Participation: India has seen improvement in economic participation and opportunity, although it still ranks low (142nd). Challenges remain in bridging gender gaps in earned income, leadership roles, labour force participation, and technical professions.

    Major observations around the causes of the Gender Gap

    • Patriarchal Structures: Patriarchy influences decision-making processes and power dynamics, often marginalising women’s voices and restricting their participation in political, economic, and social spheres.
    • Gender Bias: Gender bias manifests in various forms, affecting women’s access to resources, healthcare, education, and career advancement opportunities compared to men.
    • Gender Pay Gap: Women in India typically earn less than men for similar work, reflecting systemic inequalities in pay and compensation.
    • Occupational Segregation: Women are often concentrated in lower-paying sectors and informal employment, facing barriers to accessing high-paying and leadership roles.
    • Political Underrepresentation: Low representation of women in decision-making bodies such as parliament and state assemblies hinders legislative reforms and policies that could promote gender equity and address systemic barriers.

    Way forward:

    • Gender Quotas: Implement and enforce quotas for women’s representation in parliament, state assemblies, and ministerial positions. This can be modelled after successful practices in other countries where gender quotas have significantly increased women’s political participation.
    • Equal Pay Initiatives: Enforce equal pay for equal work through rigorous monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Encourage transparency in salary structures and promote awareness among employers and employees.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples.(UPSC IAS/2021)

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  • The social sciences, a shelter for the ‘excluded’ student

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Causes of Exclusion in Higher Education

    Why in the news?

    Persistent exclusion results in some disciplines becoming a last resort for many students with social sciences increasingly becoming a significant reservoir of the excluded in India.

    Causes of Exclusion in Higher Education:

    • Excessive Competition: Premier institutions have stringent filtering mechanisms due to high demand, which results in significant exclusion of students.
    • Financial Factors: Private institutions often have high fees not regulated by statutory norms, and public institutions, facing reduced government funding, also increase fees, making education inaccessible for many.
    • Subject and Course Availability: There is a regional disparity in the availability of courses. Certain regions offer generic courses with outdated syllabi, limiting students’ choices and leading to exclusion.

    Surge of Empirical Orientation:

    • Employability Perception: Courses with empirical and practical applications, like economics, are perceived to offer better employment opportunities compared to more theoretical courses like anthropology or sociology.
    • Policy Intervention Skills: There is a growing expectation for social science students to develop problem-solving skills similar to those of engineering students, which narrows the focus within social sciences.
    • Private Universities: The emergence of private universities catering to the affluent has led to a demand for courses that are less popular in public institutions, creating a dichotomy in course preference and quality.

    Improving Quality of Higher Education:

    • Expand Quantity and Improve Quality: Increase the number of seats to accommodate excluded students and ensure concerted efforts towards enhancing the quality of education like entry based on competitive exams.
    • Enhance Teaching Quality: Prioritize the improvement of teaching methods and the content of courses to make education more relevant and effective for example reviewing and taking feedback on learning experiences from students.
    • Address Financial Exclusion: Implement measures to reduce financial barriers and prevent the widening of educational inequalities, ensuring that quality education is accessible to a broader demographic. For example, the Government can provide loans or scholarships.
    • Update Course Content: Regularly revise and update the syllabi to keep pace with societal changes and technological advancements, such as generative artificial intelligence.
    • Focus on Inclusivity: Ensure that policies and interventions in higher education focus on inclusivity, addressing the needs of diverse student populations and reducing regional disparities in course offerings.

    Steps taken by Government 

    • All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Initiatives: The AICTE has undertaken various initiatives to enhance the quality of technical education, such as the establishment of Deen Dayal Upadhyay KAUSHAL Kendras and the introduction of B.Voc degree programs.
    • University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations: The UGC has notified regulations to improve the quality of higher education, including those related to recognition, accreditation, minimum qualifications for teachers, curbing ragging, and grievance redressal.
    • Scholarship and Fellowship Schemes: The UGC has launched various scholarship and fellowship schemes, such as the PG Doctoral Fellowship for SC/ST students, to promote inclusion and equity in higher education.

    Conclusion: Efforts to enhance higher education, including expanding access, improving quality, and addressing financial barriers, are crucial for fostering inclusivity and equipping students for India’s future.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2015)

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  • Police Reforms – SC directives, NPC, other committees reports

    Arrest, agencies, and criminal courts

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Civil Service

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Grounds of Arrest

    Why in the news?

    In May 2024, the Supreme Court clearly stated its stance in two important rulings that affect the rights of individuals accused of crimes.

    About Supreme Court’s Decision on Detention:

    • Custody Not Necessary Before Charge Sheet: The Supreme Court ruled that the custody of an accused is not mandatory before filing a charge sheet in certain criminal cases.
    • Relief for Investigating Agencies: This decision, if adhered to by lower courts, could alleviate pressures on investigating agencies.

    Filing of Charge Sheet:Siddharth v. State of Uttar Pradesh and Another (2021)

    • Non-obligatory Arrest: Section 170 of the CrPC does not require investigating officers (IOs) to arrest every accused at the time of filing the charge sheet.
    • Acceptance of Charge Sheet: Courts cannot refuse to accept charge sheets solely because the accused is not in custody if the accused has been cooperating and is unlikely to abscond.
    • Practical Issues: Despite the ruling, IOs face challenges in filing charge sheets due to court practices and logistical constraints, such as the absence of all accused or arbitrary limits on the number of charge sheets accepted daily.

    Grounds of Arrest:

    1.  Pankaj Bansal v. Union of India and Others (2023):

    • Written Notification Required: Grounds of arrest must be provided in writing to the accused to comply with constitutional and statutory mandates, specifically under Section 19(1) of the PMLA.

    2. Prabir Purkayastha v. State (NCT of Delhi):

    • Application to UAPA: The requirement for written grounds of arrest under PMLA applies equally under UAPA.
    • Formal vs. Personal Grounds: Differentiates between formal reasons for arrest and personal grounds, necessitating detailed written reasons for arrest.

    3. Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC):

    • Section 50(1) Compliance: Requires that every police officer inform the arrested person of the full particulars of the offence and grounds of arrest.
    • Arrest Memo: While arrest memos detail charges and are signed by the IO and the accused, there is no legal requirement to provide a copy to the accused.
    • Recommendation for Amendment: To comply with constitutional rights, it is suggested to amend the law to provide a copy of the arrest memo to the accused, enhancing transparency and legal support.

    Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s decisions regarding the necessity of detention before charge sheet filing and the requirements for informing an accused of the grounds of arrest, highlight the implications for legal and procedural practices in India.

     

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Human right activists constantly highlight the fact that the Armed forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human right abuses by security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists. Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by Apex Court.  (UPSC IAS/2015)

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India – EU

    Expert Explains: What European Parliament election results signify, with the rise of right-wing parties?

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Impacts of election result

    Why in the News?

    The outcomes of the June 6-9 European Parliament elections, where approximately 51% of over 370 million eligible voters across 27 EU nations participated, indicated an increase in support for right-wing and far-right parties, resulting in losses for predominantly left-leaning and liberal parties.

    What is the European Parliament?

    • The European Parliament is one of the core institutions of the European Union (EU), where Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are directly elected by citizens of the 27 member states.
    • It provides democratic legitimacy to EU activities and consists of 720 seats allocated based on degressive proportionality, meaning smaller states elect more MEPs than their populations would warrant.

    Functions of the European Parliament:

    • The Parliament has three main functions: adopting and amending EU legislation along with the Council of the EU, supervising the functioning of other EU institutions (especially the European Commission), and sharing authority over the EU budget with the Council.
    • It also ratifies international agreements and plays a crucial role in shaping the EU’s direction on various issues such as climate change, migration, and international relations.

    Major Players in the New European Parliament:

    • MEPs are affiliated with Europe-wide political groups based on commonalities in ideology. Major groups include the European People’s Party (EPP), Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Renew Europe, Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA), European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), Identity and Democracy (ID), and the Left Group (GUE/NGL).
    • The EPP and S&D have traditionally been the two major groups, but the Parliament has become more fragmented over time, leading to issue-based coalitions.
    • In the latest elections, the EPP emerged as the largest group, but right-wing and far-right parties made significant gains.

    Impact on EU’s Position on Hot-Button Issues like Immigration:

    • The European Parliament reflects broader political trends across Europe, with right-wing parties gaining traction from issues such as increased immigration, national identity, and scepticism towards certain EU policies.
    • This shift towards the Right has pressured many centre-right parties to adopt harder positions on immigration, likely leading to increased support for tighter border controls and stricter immigration and asylum rules.

    Impacts of election result:

    • The election results may influence the EU’s direction on key issues like climate change, migration, and international relations.
    • The rise of right-wing and far-right parties could lead to shifts in policy priorities and a more conservative stance on certain issues.
    • In national politics, the results may impact the stability of governments and the position of leaders like Emmanuel Macron, who called for snap polls in response to his party’s poor performance in the European elections.

    Conclusion: The European Parliament election results signal a rise in right-wing parties, impacting EU policies on immigration and other key issues. National politics may also face repercussions, affecting leadership stability.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.(UPSC IAS/2022)

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  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    A push for more Climate Action

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)

    Mains level: New Elements in the ITLOS Advisory Opinion on Climate Change

    Why in the news?

    On May 21, 2024, ITLOS issued an advisory opinion for COSIS, clarifying UNCLOS obligations for climate change mitigation and marine pollution control.”

    About International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)

    • The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) is an independent judicial body established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to adjudicate disputes arising out of the interpretation and application of the Convention. 

    Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS)

    • It was established in 2021. COSIS was formed as an association of small island states, which are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. COSIS aims to address and mitigate the unique challenges that small island states face due to climate change.
    • It seeks to leverage international law to advocate for stronger climate action and protection measures.

    New Elements in the ITLOS Advisory Opinion on Climate Change

    • Broad Interpretation of Obligations: The ITLOS extended its interpretation of obligations under UNCLOS to include not just parties to the COSIS Agreement but all states, emphasizing that climate change mitigation responsibilities apply universally.
    • Recognition of GHG Emissions as Marine Pollution: The Tribunal explicitly recognized anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide, as a form of marine pollution under Article 194(1) of UNCLOS, necessitating measures to prevent, reduce, and control these emissions.
    • Adoption of the 1.5°C Temperature Goal: The Opinion aligned necessary climate actions with the more ambitious 1.5°C global temperature goal, reflecting the latest scientific consensus and international climate commitments, thus raising the standard for state obligations under UNCLOS.

    Legal Significance

    • Principle of Prevention and Collective Interest: The Opinion embraces the principle of prevention, typically applied bilaterally, in a collective context for addressing climate change.
    • Stringent Due Diligence Obligation: The ITLOS describes the obligation to take necessary measures to mitigate climate change as a due diligence obligation. However, the standard of conduct is stringent due to the high risks of serious and irreversible harm to the marine environment from GHG emissions.
    • General Obligation to Mitigate Climate Change: While the Opinion outlines a general obligation under Article 194(1) of the UNCLOS, it is somewhat general in nature, allowing for measures that gradually reduce GHG emissions over time. This underscores that states do not have unrestricted discretion in their climate actions.
    • Equity and State Capabilities: The Opinion incorporates the principle of equity, recognizing that the necessary measures for GHG reduction are subject to states’ means and capabilities. This acknowledges differences in states’ capacities to address climate change and ensures that obligations are realistic and fair.
    • Political Influence Despite Lack of Legal Force: Although the advisory opinion lacks binding legal force, it holds substantial political influence as an authoritative judicial pronouncement. This can guide future legal interpretations and state actions in international climate change law.

    Conclusion: ITLOS plays a critical role in the interpretation and application of the law of the sea, providing a judicial forum for resolving maritime disputes and offering authoritative guidance on emerging global issues like climate change. The recent advisory opinion underscores the Tribunal’s capacity to address complex and pressing environmental challenges, contributing to the evolving landscape of international environmental law.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC IAS/2021)

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  • Indian Navy Updates

    Why India needs a third aircraft carrier

    Explained | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Future Scope and Concerns associated with Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2)

    Why in the news?

    Recent reports from the media suggest that the Indian Navy’s persistent request for a third aircraft carrier is edging closer to reality, as Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) prepares to commence construction on an additional Vikrant-class platform weighing approximately 40,000 tonnes.

    About Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2)   

    • The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2) is a proposed second Indigenous aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy.
    • It is planned to be similar to the first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, but with some modifications.
    • The IAC-2 is expected to have a displacement of around 45,000 tonnes and will be equipped with STOBAR (short take-off but arrested recovery or short take-off, barrier-arrested recovery) technology.

    Future Scope 

    • Operational Versatility: IAC-2 will enhance the Indian Navy’s operational flexibility, enabling it to conduct a wide range of missions including power projection, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance. The carrier’s advanced capabilities and modern technologies will ensure its effectiveness in addressing evolving maritime challenges.
    • Strategic Deterrence: IAC-2 will serve as a key deterrent against potential adversaries, bolstering India’s maritime deterrence posture and signalling its commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests. Its presence will reinforce India’s position as a major maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region, contributing to regional stability and security.
    • Technological Advancement: The construction and operation of IAC-2 will drive technological innovation and advancement in India’s indigenous defence industry. It will stimulate research and development efforts, fostering self-reliance and technological sovereignty in naval defence capabilities.

    Concerns associated   

    • Budgetary issues: The estimated cost of constructing and operating IAC-2 is high, raising concerns about budgetary constraints and the allocation of resources amidst competing defence priorities.
    • Operational Vulnerabilities: IAC-2 may face challenges from evolving anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategies employed by potential adversaries such as China and Pakistan. The carrier’s large size and visibility make it susceptible to modern maritime warfare tactics, including advanced missile systems and submarine threats, potentially compromising its operational effectiveness.
    • Strategic Alignment: Questions may arise about the carrier’s role and relevance in addressing contemporary security threats and whether alternative defence investments would provide better national security and strategic deterrence returns.

    Upgrading Capabilities as a Solution

    • Enhanced Airborne Capabilities: The Indian Air Force (IAF) can project maritime power using aircraft like the SEPECAT Jaguar IM/IS and Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, which can carry advanced maritime strike weapons. The Su-30MKI squadron, equipped with BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missiles, enhances maritime strike capabilities.
    • Strengthening Island Defenses: Upgrading the military capabilities of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago could create an A2/AD maritime ‘exclusive zone’, deterring Chinese naval activities.
    • Balanced Force Development: Diversifying investments to upgrade existing surface combatants, submarines, and air assets can provide a balanced approach to enhancing naval capabilities. Ensuring adequate funding for other critical areas like mine counter-measures, maritime patrol aircraft, and naval utility helicopters is essential for comprehensive maritime security.

    Conclusion: While the IAC-2 represents a significant advancement in India’s naval capabilities, addressing financial constraints, strategic vulnerabilities, and diversifying investments in maritime and airborne assets are crucial for achieving a robust and balanced defence strategy.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime security. (UPSC IAS/2022)

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  • Special Category Status and States

    On Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Benchmark for the granting of SCS

    Mains level: Why is the demand for special status for Andhra Pradesh back in the political limelight?

    Why in the News?

    With the completion of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the demand for Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh is again gaining attention.

    Why is the demand for special status for Andhra Pradesh back in the political limelight?

    • Unfulfilled Promise: Despite assurances by the previous Prime Minister and BJP leaders, the Special Category Status (SCS) promised to Andhra Pradesh post bifurcation remained unfulfilled.
    • Economic Struggles: Andhra Pradesh faces revenue deficits and escalating debts post-bifurcation, hampering its development projects and infrastructure initiatives.
    • Dependency on Central Aid: With the need for funding for critical projects like Amaravati’s development and ongoing revenue deficits, Andhra Pradesh seeks central assistance for its economic stability and growth.

    Five factors stood as the qualifying benchmark for the granting of SCS

    • States that comprise a majority tribal population, low density of population, hilly States and close to international borders, have socio-economic and industrial backwardness and lack adequate State finances.
    • At present, the States that have the SCS include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, and Uttarakhand.

    Why did Chandrababu Naidu, back in 2018, settle for a special package?

    • Pressure from Opposition: Facing criticism and a strong opposition campaign over the unmet promise of SCS, Naidu, then allied with the NDA, agreed to a Special Package (SP) as an alternative.
    • Naidu’s decision to accept the SP was influenced by political considerations that included maintaining stability within the NDA alliance and counter-opposition attacks.

    Is the State qualified to be granted Special Status?

    • Debatable Qualification: Andhra Pradesh’s eligibility for SCS is contested, with some arguing it doesn’t meet the criteria outlined for special status, including socio-economic and geographical disadvantages.
    • Previous Annulment: The 14th Finance Commission equated SCS with general category status and annulled it for new states, citing increased tax devolution and revenue deficit grants as alternatives.

    What did the 14th Finance Commission state?

    • On Alternative Grants: Instead of SCS, the commission increased tax devolution to states and introduced revenue deficit grants to address fiscal disparities, providing Andhra Pradesh with financial assistance.
    • Scope for Review: While the 14th Finance Commission did not explicitly rule out SCS, it left the decision to the Union Government, suggesting a potential review by subsequent finance commissions and policy bodies.

    Way forward:

    • Comprehensive Economic Reform: Implement structural reforms to boost economic growth, reduce fiscal deficits, and attract investments, ensuring sustainable development beyond dependency on special status or central aid.
    • Targeted Development Projects: Prioritize funding for infrastructure projects based on critical needs and potential economic returns, focusing on sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology to drive growth and employment.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (UPSC IAS/2022)

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    IRDAI’s new health insurance rules   

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: IRDAI and its composition

    Mains level: The recent rules highlighted by IRDAI

    Why in the news?

    Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) introduced a set of reforms in the health insurance sector aimed at significantly enhancing service standards for policyholders.

    The recent rules highlighted by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) include:

    • Cashless processing: Insurers are mandated to accept or reject cashless claims immediately, within one hour, and settle such claims on discharge within three hours. Any delay beyond this period would result in the insurer bearing the additional costs, if any.
    • Claim settlement: Insurers cannot repudiate a claim without the approval of their claims review panel. Documents for claim settlement must be collected from hospitals or third-party administrators, not from the insured.
    • Policyholders with multiple health policies: They can select the policy under which they want to make a claim, with the primary insurer coordinating the settlement of the balance amount from other insurers.
    • Reward for No claims: Policyholders with no claims during the policy period may receive either an increased sum insured or discounted premium amounts.
    • Renewal policies: All individual health policies are renewable and cannot be denied based on previous claims, except in cases of fraud, non-disclosures, or misrepresentation. No fresh underwriting is required for renewal policies unless there is an increase in the sum insured.
    • Portability requests: Stricter timelines are imposed on portability requests via the Insurance Information Bureau of India portal.
    • Customer information sheet: Insurers are required to include a customer information sheet as part of the policy document, explaining all customer-facing details such as policy type, sum assured, coverage details, exclusions, deductibles, and waiting periods.

    Challenges related to health insurance in India 

    • Opaque Policy Details and Claim Processes: Policyholders often struggle to understand the intricacies of insurance contracts, leading to uncertainty about coverage entitlements and reimbursement procedures.
    • Claim Rejections: Policyholders frequently face claim rejections due to inadequate documentation and ambiguous claims processes.
    • Delays in Claim Settlement: Insurance companies often take a long time to process claims, causing inconvenience and financial stress for policyholders

    IRDAI and its composition:

    • The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is the regulatory body overseeing the insurance sector in India. It was constituted under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999.
    • The composition of IRDAI typically includes a Chairman and members appointed by the Government of India. The authority regulates various aspects of insurance, including licensing, pricing, and policyholder protection, to ensure the stability and growth of the insurance industry while safeguarding the interests of policyholders.

    Conclusion: IRDAI’s recent health insurance reforms aim to improve service standards by mandating timely cashless claim processing, transparent claim settlement, and policyholder rewards for no claims. These changes address challenges like opaque policies and claim rejections, enhancing customer trust. IRDAI plays a vital role in ensuring a fair and efficient insurance sector.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)

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